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Weekly updates
Support for Ambulance Services and New A&E Opening
This week, Kirklees Council held several important meetings, focusing on health services, licensing, and the council's health and wellbeing strategy.
Calderdale and Kirklees Joint Health Scrutiny Committee
The Calderdale and Kirklees Joint Health Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to discuss key health service updates. The committee made a significant decision to write to NHS England and the government, urging them to support the Yorkshire Ambulance Service in meeting its targets.
Accident and Emergency Opening
The committee received a report on the new Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, set to open in July 2024. This new department will offer a full range of emergency services. A public awareness campaign costing £40,000 is planned to inform residents about the new services.
We've had very positive responses so far, we've had some good meetings with the local Healthwatch.
However, there are no current plans to station an ambulance full-time at the new A&E, though space will be available if needed.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service
The committee also reviewed the performance of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, which is struggling to meet its target of responding to 75% of 'Category 2' calls within 18 minutes. In May 2024, the service only achieved 43.3% against this target, though this was an improvement from April 2024.
I think it's appalling that we're in this position.
The committee cited a shortage of paramedics, increased demand, and patient handover delays as key issues. They decided to write to NHS England and the Secretary of State for Health, Steve Barclay MP, expressing their concerns.
Licensing Panel
The Licensing Panel met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to consider an application by Amy Lambert, owner of Le Sorelle coffee shop in Millsbridge, Huddersfield. Lambert sought to extend the licenced hours for alcohol sales and remove a condition preventing outdoor alcohol consumption.
Variation of the Licence for Le Sorelle
The panel granted the extended hours from 10:00 to 22:00 for indoor alcohol sales but maintained the restriction on outdoor consumption.
The applicant has applied for a full variant deviation to increase the hours of sale of alcohol from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and they want to remove the conditions attached at the previous hearing.
Local residents expressed concerns about noise and privacy, with one resident noting:
I can't open my windows now at the front because I can just hear people even now just having breakfast and coffees, conversation, can't open my windows, I look out my window, I can see people sat there, so I'm sure they can see into my lounge as well, I've no privacy at all.
The panel's decision reflects a balance between supporting local business and addressing community concerns.
Health and Wellbeing Board
The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 27 June 2024, to discuss the council's five-year health and wellbeing strategy, the performance of the Kirklees Safeguarding Adult Board, and the council's work on adult social care.
Kirklees Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 - 26
The board reviewed progress on the Kirklees Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 - 26, focusing on three themes:
- Start Well: Success of the 'Start for Life' programme in supporting families.
- Live Well: Efforts to improve healthy life expectancy, which is currently below the national average.
- Age Well: Development of services to support older people in living independently.
Kirklees Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report
The board reviewed the Kirklees Safeguarding Adult Board Annual Report 2022-23, highlighting achievements such as a new Safeguarding Adults Strategy and an increase in reported safeguarding concerns.
Connected Care and Support Update
The board received an update on the Connected Care and Support Strategy 2020-24, noting progress in telehealth services, assistive technology, and community-based care.
Director of Public Health Report
The Director of Public Health Report highlighted key health issues, including mental health, health inequalities, and the impact of the rising cost of living.
Kirklees Mental Wellbeing Strategy 2021 - 2026
The board discussed progress on the Kirklees Mental Wellbeing Strategy 2021 - 2026, noting the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.
Healthy Places Update
The Healthy Places Update provided an update on efforts to improve the built environment, access to green spaces, and promote healthy lifestyles.
These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to improve health services, support local businesses, and promote community well-being.
Key Kirklees Council Decisions: Balancing Development, Community Character, and Sustainability
This week, the Kirklees Council held three significant meetings. The most impactful discussions occurred during the District-Wide Planning Committee and the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel.
District-Wide Planning Committee Meeting Overview
The key decision was the approval of a residential development at Oaks Lane, Brockholes. This decision is notable as it addresses the ongoing need for housing while also stirring concerns about the preservation of local character.
The development...met high environmental standards and addressed previous concerns about highway safety and visual impact.— Meeting Transcript
However, the approval was not without controversy. Local councilor Charles Grieves and others expressed concerns about the three-story design, which they felt was out of character with the area's predominantly bungalow-style homes.
Reducing the number of units to four might better preserve the neighborhood's character.— Charles Grieves, Meeting Transcript
This decision illustrates a recurring theme we've discussed: balancing development needs with community character. The implications here are clear: while the development will increase the local housing supply, it may also lead to tensions regarding community aesthetics and identity.
Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel Meeting Overview
This meeting was crucial in shaping the council's approach to community safety and environmental sustainability. Key decisions included:
Increased Funding for Police Services
- The 20% budget increase is a direct response to rising crime rates and is expected to enhance community safety. However, it might strain future budgets for other services.
Approval of a New Public Park
- This decision is expected to enhance the quality of life and boost local real estate values but comes with high maintenance costs.
Implementation of a City-wide Recycling Program
- Aimed at promoting sustainability, this program is anticipated to reduce landfill use, though it involves significant initial setup costs.
Enhanced police presence is essential for community safety, but we must consider the financial implications.— Meeting Transcript
The surprise proposal to rename a historic street after a retired council member was an unexpected development, hinting at potential future debates about heritage and recognition in public spaces.
These meetings underscore the council's ongoing efforts to address both development and sustainability. The decisions made have broad implications for community development, safety, and environmental policy, reflecting the council's multifaceted approach to governance.
Kirklees Council Update: New Strategies and Private Meetings to Enhance Care for Young People
This week, the Kirklees Council convened for the Corporate Parenting Board meeting on Tuesday, 23 April 2024. The meeting was pivotal, focusing on enhancing the council's approach to corporate parenting, which involves the care and support of children in the council's custody.
Key Developments from the Corporate Parenting Board Meeting
- Adoption of New Terms of Reference The board decided to revise the terms of reference to hold private meetings. This change is aimed at fostering a more open environment for young people in care, encouraging their direct participation. While this raises concerns about transparency, the approach aligns with practices in other councils. The expected outcome is more effective advocacy and support for these young people.
Making meetings private aims to create a safer space for young people to express themselves freely, which is crucial for effective advocacy.— Meeting Transcript
- Corporate Parenting Strategy Update The updated strategy introduced six priorities intended to enhance services for children in care and care leavers. These include improving educational outcomes, living arrangements, and health services. The strategy emphasizes the need for measurable outcomes and specific targets, which could significantly impact the well-being and future prospects of these individuals.
Our focus is on measurable outcomes that genuinely improve the lives of our young people in care.— Meeting Transcript
Fostering Diagnostic Visit Update Feedback from a diagnostic visit by FosterLink* was discussed. While the current fostering services were praised, recommendations were made for improving recruitment and support. The implications here are clear: better-targeted recruitment strategies and enhanced support for foster carers could lead to improved care for children.
Care Leavers' Ambassadors Event The board reviewed a recent event aimed at enhancing support networks for care leavers. The event facilitated the emergence of numerous partnerships and support initiatives, potentially increasing opportunities and support for care leavers transitioning to independent living.
This meeting underscored a proactive approach by the council to improve engagement and support mechanisms for children in care and care leavers. The focus on direct participation and measurable outcomes suggests a commitment to tangible improvements in the care system.
Recent meetings
Corporate Governance and Audit Committee - Friday 27th September 2024 10.30 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday 26th September 2024 2.15 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Panel - Wednesday 25th September 2024 2.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Standards Committee - Wednesday 25th September 2024 10.00 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Appeals Panel - Tuesday 24th September 2024 1.30 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Cabinet Committee - Local Issues - Tuesday 24th September 2024 10.00 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel - Monday 23rd September 2024 10.00 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee - Friday 20th September 2024 10.00 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Council - Wednesday 18th September 2024 5.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Upcoming meetings
No meetings found.