1. No category

CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008
PUBLIC FORUM BUSINESS
A.
PUBLIC FORUM REPRESENTATIONS NOT RELATING TO AGENDA ITEMS
None received by the deadline.
B.
QUESTIONS FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS
None received by the deadline.
C.
PUBLIC FORUM REPRESENTATIONS RELATING TO AGENDA ITEMS
Item 5 - Report on the Abolition 200 activities in 2007
1.
Cllr Richard Eddy - written statement.
Item 6 - Home care project
2.
Cllr Brian Price and Cllr Jackie Norman - written statement.
3.
Cllr Jon Rogers - written statement.
Item 7 - Parks and green space strategy
4.
Cllr Gary Hopkins - written statement.
5.
Alison Bromilow, Fraser Bridgeford, Hugh Holden, - written statement.
6.
Cllr Tim Kent - written statement.
7.
Steve Grainger - written statement.
Item 8 - Arnos Vale Cemetery - approval to let contract for main
restoration works
8.
Richard Smith - statement - note: this will be based on the statement set
out at appendix B of the Cabinet report.
Item 9 - Commissioning adult social care services from the voluntary
and community sector
9.
Jeff Walker - written statement.
10. Pauline Markovits - written statement.
Item 10 - Voluntary and community sector investment budget allocation of funding 2008/09
11. Pauline Allen - written statement.
12. Catrin Richards - written statement.
13. Sheila Phillips - written statement.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
Cllr Lesley Alexander - written statement.
Lorraine Horgan - written statement.
Andrew Betteridge - written statement.
Royston Pedwell - written statement.
Cllr Tim Kent - written statement.
Cathie Burton - written statement - note: this statement was originally
presented to the Care and Communities Scrutiny Commission on 8
January 2008.
Janet Booth and Andrew Booth - written statement.
Mr S Martin - written statement.
Paul N Jenking - written statement.
Mrs P Cutter - written statement.
Ann Nash - written statement.
Kathe Jacob - written statement.
Raymond Pedwell - written statement.
Item 11 - Proposals to increase primary capacity - Ashley /
Bishopston wards
27. Simon Davis - written statement.
28. Cllr Bev Knott - written statement.
D.
QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS
None received by the deadline.
STATEMENT C1
Statement from Councillor Richard Eddy to Cabinet, for its meeting of Thursday, 10th
January 2008
Agenda Item 5 - Report on the Abolition 200 activities in 2007
Leader and Cabinet
The report on Abolition 200 activities on your agenda today highlights much of the good
work which has been achieved in 2007, the bi-centenary of the abolition of the transatlantic
slave trade.
As someone who passionately feels that the history of our nation is too often neglected
and ignored, I understand and support the Steering Group's desire that their efforts should
directly inform mainstream work in the fields of education, community cohesion and
cultural services.
Nevertheless, the Conservative Group has real concern that the positive good which has
come out of the Abolition 200 commemorations could be undermined if certain initiatives
are seen as divisive, narrowly-focused and even, dare one say, self-indulgent.
Excellent work such as the programmes to improve BME academic performance and
extend the opportunities available to young people from the minority communities are to be
commended. These must be built upon. I also welcome that greater attention will be
given to pre-20th Century history.
Sadly, last year very little attention seems to have been given to the work of the
abolitionists themselves and, in particular, the tremendous contribution of the Royal Navy
and the British Empire in suppressing slavery throughout the world. I hope that this
significant omission will be corrected in the suggested educational programmes and
materials proposed for Bristol's schools.
Bristol has more recently faced up to,and recognised, the impact of its involvement in the
slave trade and permanent memorials such as Pero's Bridge and the celebrated grave of
Scipio Africanus at Henbury Parish Church has rightly emerged from relative obscurity.
However, I am surprised to read of further proposals to rename Bristol streets and provide
some other form of permanent memorial which could distract attention.
At a time of straightened financial circumstances for both this Authority and its citizens, we
need to look very carefully at the justification for additional expenditure and, particularly,
any on-going commitment as envisaged in the proposed £250,000 funding of the proposed
Legacy Commission.
Moreover, when Bristol City Council is rightly seeking to build community cohesion, I am
concerned that initiatives such as street-renaming may prove harmful to this objective. I
hope the proposed Legacy Commission will bear these points in mind.
COUNCILLOR RICHARD EDDY
LEADER, CONSERVATIVE GROUP
Cllr Richard Eddy
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Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Councillor Eddy
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 5
- REPORT ON THE ABOLITION 200 ACTIVITIES IN 2007
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
As you know, Cllr Hammond responded to the comments set out in your statement,
prior to the Cabinet taking their decision. For your information, this can be viewed
via the webcast of the meeting, available on the Council's website
http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C2
Statement to Executive Member Adult Community Care, Cllr Peter Hammond
regarding his report, Cabinet, Item 6, Home Care Project, on Jan. 10th 2008.
As the Liberal Democrat members of the Adult Community Care Select
Committee set up to investigate the Value for Money aspects of Home and
Residential Care, we ask you in your presentation of this report to give answers
to the outstanding questions raise by the Select Committee and please make clear
your intentions regarding the following:
Para 2.
Could you please indicate to whom and when most of the 10,000 hours increase
in contact time will be delivered?
Para 9. Optimum Efficiency.
Para 13 states the optimum target for the HCBU is 180 FTE. HCA’s i.e. 6,660
CONTRACT hours, delivering 4,400 CONTACT hrs per week, an efficiency of
66%
Referring to Appendix 2, Page 15, Point 4: This states that after creating STAR
there will be approximately 300 staff in the HCBU; these should ultimately be
delivering 6500 hours with non-contact time (travel, sickness, meetings) set at
15% i.e. 85% efficiency. Would you please explain how this can be achieved as I
had to given up when trying to match this with 180 FTE or 193 FTE based on
conversion of staff to FTE’s used in Para.13 and taking into account holidays
and waiting time.
Referring to Appendix 1: Why do you not include the 17 FTE OOH HCA and the 15
SHCA as delivering contact time?
Para 10. Why is the agreement with the trade Unions not included in the
appendices of the report?
Regarding Sickness and Downtime, the Select Committee has been trying to get
monthly data over a couple of years since we were set up in July 2006. Is it
available to us now?
Para. 11. Are the Home Care Assistants of the STARS to do the Assessments and
Reviews?
Para 12. It refers to using the same ratio of staff to hours delivered. Taking this
to be the same as in Para 13, 80 FTE, 2,960 Contract hrs, would deliver 1,955
contact hours, an efficiency of 66%.
Referring to Appendix 1, Task Group 3, Para 2: This agrees that 1900 hrs of
Contact time is required for STAR but it can be delivered by 70 FTE, 2,600
Contract time, an efficiency of 73%.
This difference results in a 14% difference in the number of staff required and
is independent of the rate of referrals.
Which is the agreed Optimum Efficiency?
Para 18 Referring to appendix 3
Is it correct for 7% and 3.4% to be applied to everything, even what has been
paid for, when calculating the overheads and FRS 17 adjustment for pensions?
Are the hours quoted under STAR team meant to be Contract or Contact Hrs?
Referring to Appendix 4.
How are the 07/08 overheads calculated since they are neither the 7%
(overheads only) nor 10.4% (overheads + FRS 17 adjustment) as indicated in
Appendix 3.
Noting that the HCBU/Independent Sector split of Contact Time is quoted in the
top table for:
06/07 as 7794 / 8873 contact hrs. i.e. 46.8% / 53.2%
07/08 as 6032 /11410 contact hrs. i.e 34.6% / 65.4%
The report indicates the latest split to be 28% / 72% split, based on HCBU
providing 6,500 contact hrs of the 23,000 total.
By requiring the maximum number of HCA employed being set at 180 FTE
(Para. 18); Do you agree that based on delivering total of 33,000 contact hrs,
with HCBU reaching optimum of 4,400 and STAR increased to 3000 hrs per
week (say 50 new referrals each week) you will achieve a split of:
7,400 / 25600 contact hrs i.e 23% In House & 77%. Independent Sector.
Para 29. Is there a possibility that the self-funders will be able to buy from the
Local Authority?
Para. 32. Where are the clear milestones and indicators identified?
When do you anticipate the STAR and LTCS will be established ?
Para 43. What is the turnover of Service User in Home Care?
Para. 48. Have you been able to quantify the pay enhancement and other terms
and conditions of in-house staff compared to the independent sector so that they
could be allowed for in any comparison.
Appendix 2 appendix 1
Aim of WG
Para 2 g) Why no linkages to key services?
Why was link with Very Sheltered Housing ruled out?
Methodology
4 What was the outcome of the consideration of establishing a special
‘Workforce Efficiency Sub Group’
Key Issue 2
Unfortunately the projected outcome for the HCBU is less home care hours and
the same unit cost as at 2006.
Cllr’s Jackie Norman & Brian Price
Cllr Brian Price &
Cllr Jackie Norman
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Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Councillors Price and Norman
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 6
- HOME CARE PROJECT
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
In responding to your statement at the meeting, Cllr Hammond suggested that it
would be appropriate for you to liaise direct with the Adult Community Care
department in relation to the various questions set out.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C3
I would be grateful for the opportunity to raise a number of concerns at the Cabinet
meeting tomorrow. Unfortunately, as previously stated, starting the meeting at 4pm
causes problems for people in full time occupations.
First it is vital that we develop and expand the Home Care Service in the city. We do not
currently provide sufficent Home Care service in the city, and a substantial expansion in
number of hours supplied is needed.
Second, the very high (and rising) cost of in-house service is highlighted in Appendix 4
In 2006/7 it was 25.46 for in house services and 14.25 for independent
sector
In 2007/8 it had risen to 31.00 for each hour of care in the in-house service whilst the
independent sector cost per hour had dropped to 14.12.
When quizzed on this trend at Care and Community Scrutiny Commission on Tuesday this
week, Cllr Jeff Lovell, Asst Cabinet member for Adult Community Care who had chaired
the home care stakeholder working party suggested we "crossed our fingers" to hope for
reduced costs for the in-house service. He did point out that there had been an agreement
with the Trade Unions to deliver efficiency savings, new flexible contracts, better
management of sickness, etc, but there is clearly a big gap in costs, and no clear
assurance that that gap will narrow. Despite requests, we have not seen the agreement
struck with Trade Unions, although that clearly has a major material bearing on the
service.
Third, we are unclear why the costs are so high for the in house service. We have
repeatedly asked for a breakdown. It has been offered, most recently to me on Friday, but
has not yet materialised.
Finally we need to know what monitoring will take place on service levels and cost of
service, and what action is being taken to address the costs. It is not clear where the extra
money is coming from to pay the high costs of this service, but one might speculate it is
coming from the closure of all 13 council residential care homes?
Cllr Jon Rogers
Cllr Jon Rogers
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Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Councillor Rogers
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 6
- HOME CARE PROJECT
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
As you know, Cllr Hammond responded to the comments set out in your statement,
prior to the Cabinet taking their decision. For your information, this can be viewed
via the webcast of the meeting, available on the Council's website
http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
Statement to Cabinet, 10 January 2008
STATEMENT C4
Parks and Open Spaces Strategy
I should by now be used to this administration twisting, turning and deceiving, but the
Parks and Open Spaces Strategy really takes the biscuit. All parties agree that there
needs to be investment in Bristol parks and a secure source of funding to pay for not only
the capital improvements, but also quality upkeep.
It was also very positive that the Bristol Parks Forum agreed, however reluctantly given
that their members fight to preserve open space, to the principle of some lower quality
open land being sold off to pay for the improvements. They though, along with everyone
else, were mislead. I was present when on 15 September a clear undertaking on funding
was given by the Executive Member, Rosalie Walker, to a well attended meeting of the
Parks Forum. The pledge, that 80% of land sales money would return to parks was clear
and was minuted. This pledge had not been removed when the matter came in front of
Environment Scrutiny in October. Detailed figures were given to park user groups and
their acquiescence was bought with these promises.
This Cabinet must now remove this report, apologise to the Parks Forum and the Bristol
public, and if they do indeed propose the £102,000,000 sell off then they need to be
honest, re-consult and be clear about the effect this will have upon our City.
Councillor Gary Hopkins
Cllr Gary Hopkins
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Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Councillor Hopkins
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 7
- PARKS AND GREEN SPACE STRATEGY
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, I am writing to formally confirm that the Cabinet deferred taking a decision
on this item.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C5
This is a public forum representation statement for the cabinet meeting agenda item 7
Parks and Green Spaces Strategy.
I wish to speak at the cabinet meeting.
Alison Bromilow
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------We welcome the adoption of this Strategy that will support the much needed improvement
of Bristol's Parks and Green Spaces.
However we are very concerned about the failure to comply with the Executive Member's
commitment to Bristol Parks Forum members to ring fence 80% of the capital raised from
disposals.
We do not consider the financial aspects of the strategy, the Section 106 contributions
and the proposal for ring fencing only 50% minimum of disposal income, are sufficiently
robust to avoid legal challenge from developers about the level of Section 106
contributions.
The result of the reduced reinvestment from disposals and the reduction of Section 106
income will necessitate a far greater level of land disposals . We consider that the implied
100% increase in the level of land disposal is unacceptable.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Capital investment.
Whilst we welcome the commitment to ring fence capital from disposals of open space, it
is clear that the level of investment proposed will not be sufficient to fund the Strategy
without disposal of much greater areas of existing open space than will be compatible with
the city's core aims of a high quality environment, with Bristol to be a green capital in
Europe, sustainable development and meeting the needs of the residents of Bristol now
and in the future.
[Bristol's Core Strategy]
The draft strategy that was the subject of the recent consultation, envisaged £30m
contribution from developers and £36m from sale of green space towards the £87m capital
investment required.
We regret to note that, despite concerns raised about disposal of green space, the report
to Cabinet now envisages only £15m from Developers Contributions, with a corresponding
increase to £51m from land sales. If the percentage contribution from land sales
decreases from 80% to 50% and the contribution increases from £36m to £50m then value
of land that will need to be sold off will be increased from £45,000,000 to £100,000,000
over DOUBLE the original proposal. This is a very significant change to the original
proposal. A full report on the feasibility of this level of land disposal is needed before the
cabinet can approve the financial provisions of the strategy.
In addition the report also envisages the £4.2m pa of life cycle costs being funded from
capital contributions. This would require contributions from the land sales to the value
£2.4m pa, which would necessitate further disposals. This is not acceptable.
If the council justifies the sale of public open space to raise funds to improve the quality
and facilities of the remaining public open space, then the full income [with a small
administration cost deduction] should be reinvested into that public open space until the
strategy standards are attained. If less than the full amount is invested directly into public
open space improvements the council is indicating that this is all that is needed to meet
the need for improvement. This could be used by developers to argue against the S106
contributions, further reducing the available funding for public open space improvements.
Section 106
The revised figures for Section 106 contribution rate have reduced the developers
contributions from around £1300/ person to £928/ person, so there is a reduction of about
1/3 from planning obligations income.
In addition, the contribution rate has been set at 50% of the actual cost of providing the
minimum standard of recreational facilities.
Circular 05/2005 sets out the requirements for Section 106 contributions from developers.
There is provision in the circular for asking for a financial contribution or for asking for land
to be allocated to provide open space for the development. One of the four tests sets out
the requirement for a direct correlation between the amount of contribution required and
the impact of the development. There is no provision within the circular for asking for less
than the full cost.
At present a contribution of 50% of the cost of open space is requested from developers.
The levels were set from the National Playing Field Association standards. The 50% figure
was arrived at because it was considered that developer contributions would not be for
new facilities but for the improvement of existing facilities, in addition it was felt that the full
cost was above contribution levels from comparable local authorities and may be
challenged.
Now the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy has been written, fully worked out costings
have been arrived at and can be justified. The Bristol Standard costs are approximately
2/3 of the present NPFA level of full cost.
The figures used to calculate the S106 contributions use the minimum quantity standard in
isolation. They do not take account of the distance standard or other constraints that mean
that greater areas per capita have to be provided in practice to meet this standard. In
addition, the figures are based on the provision of the minimum not the optimum quantity
of open space.
The method of calculation should be reviewed to take account of these factors. To offer a
reduction of 50% is no longer justifiable. The contribution should be the full cost as set out
in Circular 05/2005 because there is no provision within the circular for asking for less than
the full cost.
As public open space can only be sold off once, the council owes a duty to the citizens of
Bristol to ensure that this income is invested in accordance with the aims of the strategy
and that the legislation concerning developer contributions is used to its best effect.
We ask that the Executive Member's commitment to re-invest 80% of disposal income is
reinstated by the Cabinet and that the Section 106 provisions and the capital ring fencing
provisions are redrafted to reflect the council's aspirations embodied in the Parks and
Green Spaces Strategy.
Fraser Bridgeford, Chairman, Hugh Holden, Vice Chairman,
Alison Bromilow, Bristol Parks Forum
Alison Bromilow, Fraser Bridgeford &
Hugh Holden
Bristol Parks Forum
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Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Bromilow, Mr Bridgeford & Mr Holden
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 7
- PARKS AND GREEN SPACE STRATEGY
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, I am writing to confirm that the Cabinet deferred taking a decision on this
item.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
Cllr Tim Kent, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Whitchurch Park Ward
106 Hengrove Lane, Bristol. BS14 9DQ
0117 300 5645 trkent@btinternet.com
Statement to Council Executive
Re: Parks Strategy
Dear Executive Members,
I am very disappointed at the changes that you have made to the financial aspects regarding the use of
money from disposal of sale of land.
The changes you propose will mean to finance the programme in this strategy will involve disposing of
over £100 million of parkland; double to what had previously been proposed. The question has to be
asked how much parkland will be left after your massive sell off of our parks?
As ward Councillor for Whitchurch Park I fear for the future of green spaces in my ward. These areas
desperately need improvement and investment but this strategy seems to deliver a far more bleak future of selling it off for more housing.
Bristol’s jewel in its crown is its green open spaces. The amount that we have needs to be treasured. It
does need investment but this cannot be at the total sacrifice of what we are trying to protect.
I am greatly concerned that the online report that I and the public rely on to read your plans is missing
Appendix 7 which includes all of the maps of your future plans. Where is this land you plan to sell off?
What is your proposals for local parks, green spaces and play areas for our city? These plans seem to
be shadowed in secrecy and people deserve to know if you intend selling off their local park or closing
their children’s play area.
Yours,
Cllr Tim Kent
Lib Dem – Whitchurch Park Ward.
Printed by Azimuth Print Ltd, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol. Published and Promoted by Tim Kent, 106 Hengrove Lane, Bristol. BS14 9DQ.
Cllr Tim Kent
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Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Councillor Kent
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 7
- PARKS AND GREEN SPACE STRATEGY
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, I am writing to confirm that the Cabinet deferred taking a decision on this
item.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C7
Dear Ian,
I'd be grateful if you could put forward the Wildlife Trust's views on the above item as a
Public Forum item at tomorrow's meeting.
'we fully support the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy but we are also concerned at the
failure of the Strategy to comply with the Executive Member's commitment to Bristol Parks
Forum members to ring fence 80% of the capital raised from disposals.
We do not consider the financial aspects of the strategy, the Section 106 contributions
and the proposal for ring fencing only 50% minimum of disposal income, are sufficiently
robust to avoid legal challenge from developers about the level of Section 106
contributions'.
We recommend that the Cabinet support the views of the Parks Forum as set out in their
separate statement'.
Steve Grainger, Chief Executive
Avon Wildlife Trust
Steve Grainger
Chief Executive
Avon Wildlife Trust
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Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mr Grainger
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 7
- PARKS AND GREEN SPACE STRATEGY
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, I am writing to confirm that the Cabinet deferred taking a decision on this
item.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 9
Dear Ian,
I am Chair of the Southmead and North Bristol Service User Network, which is
having its Adult Community Care Grant aid ended from March 2009. As a
resident of Bristol, living at 98 Gordon Road, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7DP, I
would like to raise the following at the public forum part of the Cabinet
Meeting to be held on 10th Jan 2008.
Could you please confirm receipt of this email.
I would like to question the process by which the Adult Care Department have
used in deciding which voluntary sector organisations should face cuts or
cessation to their funding from the City Council
In particular I would like to question the decision to send out notices on
24th December, after the last posting date before Christmas and at the
commencement of a long holiday period before people will be returning to
work, leaving only days for groups affected to offer a response.
I would also like to question the rationale that cuts are being made to
grant aided groups as the council is moving towards Commissioned only work.
This factually incorrect as the the council is at this moment negotiating
new grant aided schemes with voluntary sector organisations.
I would further argue that a move towards commissioning will wholly
disadvantage front line user groups as we do not have the infrastructure or
staffing resources to compete against larger organisations. In essence we
are not playing on a 'level playing field'.
This whole process has left self help groups who are solely reliant upon
grant aid from the City Council in a state of confusion and distress.
Yours sincerely,
Jeff Walker
Chair,
Southmead and North Bristol Service User Network
Jeff Walker
Chair, Southmead and North Bristol
Service User Network
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Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mr Walker
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 9
- COMMISSIONING ADULT SOCIAL CARE SERVICES FROM THE VOLUNTARY
AND COMMUNITY SECTOR
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C10
Statement to Bristol City Council Cabinet 10.1.08
Re Commissioning adult social care services from the voluntary & community sector
From Pauline Markovits,Treasurer, Bristol Survivors Network
I am writing to query the proposal of Adult Community Care to concentrate only on
commissioned services. Like similar groups in Bristol, we provide trusted support to
vulnerable people for a very small amount of money (approx. £2,000). We would urge you
to set aside a proportion of funding to groups such as ours
We have only known for a few days, through reading cabinet papers, that BSN has been
evaluated as being in the red zone and so caught up in the proposed £300,000 of cuts
from '07 to '09. As I currently deal with post to our mailbox, I have unfortunately been
unable to consult with many members.
Wendy Fabro's letter to me, received on 5th January, points out that as we are a User
Group of people who have used mental health services that self-(peer) advocacy, user
involvement and education do not fit their strategic priorities.
The fact that we work towards improving mental health services and provide information
on both voluntary and statutory Services in our monthly newsletter and on our website,
means that individuals who may otherwise be isolated can feel supported and informed.
We also are involved in promoting good practice in Care planning, through individual
members involved in training; in informing members of initiatives which may help to
improve their quality of life. Next month we are running a workshop together with Bristol
Mind and the Two Way Street to help people write their own Advance Statements.
At one time we were funded through Mental Illness Specific Grant alongside the move to
community care. It has now been suggested that officers work with us to find alternative
funding, possibly from Community Development, even though no solely mental health
groups are currently funded by them.
In supporting groups such as ours, you would be specifically promoting the White Paper
outcomes in improving health, emotional wellbeing and the quality of life of mental health
service users.
Pauline Markovits
Treasurer
Bristol Survivors Network
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Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Markovits
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM 9
- COMMISSIONING ADULT SOCIAL CARE SERVICES FROM THE VOLUNTARY
AND COMMUNITY SECTOR
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 11
Dear Cabinet Members
I am contacting you in my capacity as Treasurer of Colston’s Afterschool Playscheme
(CAPS). We provide afterschool care for 66 children from 55 different families (~14%
of the pupils at Colston’s Primary School).
I understand that the Council Cabinet is meeting on 10 January 2008, to discuss the
Community Development Investment Budget (Policy, Performance and Equalities
Division) for FY 08/09.
I was shocked to learn that Council Officers are recommending that the funding to
Bristol Association for Neighbourhood Daycare (BAND) be cut from £90K to £0.
As a group that has received support from BAND in the past, we are concerned
about the implications of this decision for the service we offer, and for other similar
service providers across the city.
CAPS has received support from BAND since 1986 (when CAPS was set up). This
takes various forms:
• our insurance is arranged through BAND
• CRB checks for our staff are arranged through BAND
• training for our Playworkers
• training for our Management Committee
• help with policies
• help with fundraising
to name but a few.
Please consider reinstating funding to BAND. Failure to do so could threaten the
services offered by groups such as CAPS, which play a vital role in the local
community.
Yours sincerely,
Pauline Allen
(Honorary Treasurer, CAPS)
Pauline Allen
Honorary Treasurer
Colston's Afterschool Playscheme
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Allen
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 12
Dear Councillors,
I am writing to you in respect of the recommendation before you today from your
Community Development officers, to cut funding to BAND Ltd for the year 2008-09 to £0.
The effect of such a cut would be severe for the organisation and for the more than 200
groups who currently access the services BAND offers.
The funding currently part funds 5 posts (2.4 FTE): Co-ordinator, Administrator,
Fundraising & Marketing, Support & Development. These posts are essential for the work
undertaken for Community Development and for enabling us to tender for and undertake
other work, supporting the development of the sector.
This other work includes:
-
Supporting the development and sustainability of childcare places created at private,
voluntary, independent and maintained sector settings.
The continued rollout and service development of the Extended Schools and Children’s
Centres initiatives.
The delivery of a comprehensive training programme.
A CRB check service for paid and voluntary staff.
Further development of long-term contract procurement.
I ask that given the above points, you consider re-instating Community Development
funding to BAND for 2008-09. If this is not possible, I would like you to give due
consideration to a 3 month rollover of funding which would allow the organisation to
prepare a strategy of service and staff cuts if necessary.
Yours sincerely
Catrin Richards
Chairperson
Bristol Association of Neighbourhood Daycare Ltd (BAND Ltd)
Catrin Richards
Chairperson
Bristol Association for
Neighbourhood Daycare
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Richards
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
OLDBURY COURT OUT OF SCHOOL CLUBS OLDBURY COURT YOUTH CENTRE DELABERE AVENUE FISHPONDS BRISTOL BS16 2ND TEL: 0774 7650 611 9th January 2008
STATEMENT C 13
STATEMENT TO THE CABINET – 10TH JANUARY 2008
I am writing regarding the recent decision re: Community Development Investment
Budget (Policy, Performance and Equalities Division) concerning funding awards for
2008 -09, which the Council Cabinet meets to consider on January 10th.
I was shocked to learn that the officers’ recommendation is to cut funding to BAND
from approximately £90,000 to £0 and that the appeal against this decision has been
rejected. As a group that has received a lot of support from BAND in the past we are
extremely concerned about the implications of this decision for the service we offer
and for other similar service providers across the city.
BAND has supported us for 19 years since our scheme opened in 1989, they have
given us much valued support with applying for grants, with issues arising with
Health and Safety, help with finding suitable Insurance companies and with legal
issues, our staff participate in regular training programmes . BAND also provides help
with our OFSTED inspection, CRB checks and are always a wealth of information
and endless support in all situations regarding childcare.
Our scheme is one of the oldest and largest in Bristol we have a 64 place After School
Club, a 24 place Breakfast Club and a 40 place Holiday Club, as well as a 24 place
Nursery and we are extending our services even more with a Baby unit which will
open in April ’08, are schemes are very well attended and we have only been able to
expand with the help BAND we provide quality, low cost childcare for over 200
families within our local community. We are a non profit making Community Group
and the impact on our group should you not reinstate BAND’s funding and therefore
increase charges are made for their facilities, would be catastrophic.
Therefore I strongly urge you to review the officers’ recommendation and consider
reinstating funding to BAND. Failure to do so could seriously threaten services
delivered by local groups across the city, which having been supported by BAND for
up to 30 years play a vital role in community cohesion and development.
Yours sincerely
Sheila Phillips
Co-Ordinator
Oldbury Court Out Of School Club
Oldbury Court Out Of School Clubs Registered address: Oldbury Court Youth Centre, Delabere Ave, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2ND Registered in England & Wales, Company Number 05337412, Charity No. 1112646 Sheila Phillips
Co-ordinator
Oldbury Court Out of School Club
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Phillips
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 14
Statement for Cabinet 10 January 2008
Community Development Investment Budget funding awards
2008/9
I was very disappointed to learn that it is the Officers
recommendation that the support to Band should be cut from
£90,000 to nil.
Band is very supportive of groups that are providing a child care
service to the community by helping with Ofsted inspections,
funding, health and safety, policy and many other services.
They have helped many organisations in my ward and in
particular have been a lifeline for the Oldbury Court Out of
School Clubs. This group provide an after school club,
breakfast club, holiday club, nursery and are shortly to add a
baby unit to the list, all very necessary services in this pocket of
deprivation.
If the funding is cut then Band would have to increase their
charges which would have a knock on effect on the
organisations that work so hard to provide much needed help to
deprived areas.
I therefore ask that you overturn the Officers recommendation to
remove the funding to this excellent organisation which does so
much to support local and vital groups across the city.
Lesley Alexander
Ward Councillor – Frome Vale
Cllr Lesley Alexander
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Cllr Alexander
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C15
The cut to the farms grant will cause severe consequences, it will
reduce the hours the farm will be open to the public, and the community,
also it will impact on the partnership with organisations that was
agreed to move the farm forward . An appeal has been made against this
decision, as ward councillors, members of the farm steering group I hope
you will support the farm in this process .
Lorraine Horgan
Vice Chair
Lorraine Horgan
Vice-Chair
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Horgan
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C16
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
Dear Executive Member,
It will be a severe blow to the community, school users and colleges
plus students who use the farm for education.
Cutting the farms grant will mean a cut back on the amount of days the
farm will be able to open . With the amount being offered three days will
be what we will be able to offer to the community , schools and colleges.
Andrew Betteridge
Director
Andrew Betteridge
Director
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mr Betteridge
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C17
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
Dear Executive Member
As a director of Hartcliffe Farm I urge you the Executive Members
to support our Project to drive the farm forward not backwards.
A grant of 27,000 will allow the farm to open to the public seven days a week,
20,000 will only allow us to open three days , a part time farm
Royston Pedwell
Director
Royston Pedwell
Director
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mr Pedwell
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
Cllr Tim Kent, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Whitchurch Park Ward
106 Hengrove Lane, Bristol. BS14 9DQ
0117 300 5645 trkent@btinternet.com
Statement to Council Executive
Re: Agenda Item 10
Dear Executive Members,
As the ward councillor for Whitchurch Park I am concerned about the considerable cut in the grant for
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm which sits in the heart of my ward.
I have worked closely with the farm, partners and council officers over the last couple of years and we
are now at the stage where the farm is showing real improvements. They exceeded visitor targets set
last year and continue to attract young people to volunteer at the farm. The Soil Association, a major
partner of the Farm, has written to the Council opposing this cut.
The report clearly shows that Hartcliffe Farm has significantly improved its position from last year.
Yet it is the only Farm facing a 1/3 cut in its budget.
The report states that the farm is in a semi rural location. It is on the edge of the city. But within 300
yards are 5 Council tower blocks. A city farm is not about fields but about challenging practical experiences for young people and education of where our food comes from and what is healthy food. Hartcliffe Community Park Farm serves the most deprived community of all the farms and is a vital
resource into reaching out to young people and bringing them together with older members of the community. The only other reason for the cut given is that it had a low score - this is correct but it has significantly improved over the last year and has only scored 7 points below the other 2 city farms that are
being offered £15,000 more. The farm has continually outperformed targets set for it and currently has
over 1000 visitors each month. It will not be able to continue this improvement if this cut is carried out.
These are the only two reasons that have been produced to justify this radical reduction in funding.
This reduction seriously endangers the viability of the farm. It is currently open to the public 7 days a
week but the grant reduction would force the farm board to reduce their one full time post to part time
meaning the farm could open for no more than 3 or 4 days a week at most. This would be a terrible
blow to the community and those children that currently volunteer at the farm in constructive activities.
I ask the Executive to agree that the grant for Hartcliffe is at least equalised with that of the lowest other funded farm at £27,000 (a reason given for cutting two other farm projects in the report). This would
be an equitable solution allowing the farm to remain open full time.
Yours,
Cllr Tim Kent
Lib Dem – Whitchurch Park Ward.
Printed by Azimuth Print Ltd, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol. Published and Promoted by Tim Kent, 106 Hengrove Lane, Bristol. BS14 9DQ.
Cllr Tim Kent
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Cllr Kent
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
Kathie Burton
Operations & Resources Director
Soil Association
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Burton
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 20
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm. Lampton Avenue, Hartcliffe, Bristol
Dear Sirs/Madam,
Re: Funding Application
I am writing on behalf of Hartcliffe Community Park Farm to appeal against
the decision to cut the amount of funding granted to the project for the
year 2008 - 2009
At this particular time the funding requested it is of the utmost importance
to support the farm in this crucial stage of its development.
We are now in the position and in full agreement to elect partner
organisations to the board of directors, this will be happening today
(9th January 2008). For certain partners it is vital that we are in the
position to ensure that for the immediate future the farm is a viable project
and will be supported through the early stages of a developing program with
them.
We are also in the position of having an approved project with the Big
Lottery Fund, although we lost out in the final vote for the Peoples Millions
we have been assured that the project will be supported through other
funds, the process of re-applying is in process. This funding will be
jeopardised if the amount of matched funding is reduced and the function
of the farm and its services restricted.
A reduction of funding would immediately restrict the opening hours of the
farm, this will immediately affect user groups and the use of the facility. It
could particularly affect our relationship with the Colleges, schools and
special groups, as they also have schedules and timetables to accommodate.
We are also developing a program of free play sessions and family
workshops.
The reduction in funding would also put at risk the installation and work
with the small animal unit from The Park in Knowle and the plans for the
unit to come on site along with the user groups that they work with.
We have reached a turning point in our approach to the way the farm is to
be developed through the next year and the shaping of its future as a vital
community asset.
We are also developing a program of free play sessions and family
workshops.
I sincerely hope that your committee will reconsider its decision to restrict
funding for the year 2007 – 2008 and commit to the Farm, its new partners
and the community in supporting a new and fresh start.
Yours faithfully
Janet Booth
Andrew Booth
Voluntary Director
Voluntary Director
Janet Booth & Andrew Booth
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Janet Booth & Andrew Booth
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 21
As a Director of Hartcliffe Community Park Farm, I feel that if we
don't get the funding it would mean cutbacks in the farms opening
times, and a valuable Community Resource would be lost.
The Farms visitor numbers have more than doubled this year, as a
resort of better feedback through more events and more birthday
parties.
We will also be bring new Partners on Board this coming year, and
hope it will be for the best.
Mr S Martin
Director
Mr S Martin
Director
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mr Martin
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 22
Dear Mr Hird,
We are writing to you on the advice of Councillor Chris Jackson, who we have made
representation to regarding the level of funding for our organisation - the Mede Community
and Learning Centre.
1.
Our original application for funding was adjusted downwards by the Council on the
basis that in it we did not adequately express the range of work undertaken by the
Mede. We were informed on Friday 7th December that our application for full
funding had failed.
2.
We tried to contact Helen Ball’s office as to why our request for funding was
adjusted, and spent the whole of 11th, 12th, and 13th December trying to speak
with someone at BCC. When we initially tried to contact Helen Ball we were told to
phone Gillian Douglas – but she was unavailable. We were then referred to phone
Jane Houden – but she was off sick for the entire week. Therefore we couldn’t
speak to anyone until her job-share partner Hewell Caddy came in on Thursday
afternoon on the 13th. We followed this ‘telephone trail’ over three days in an
attempt to get further information to enable us to make an accurate appeal. In
desperation we emailed Hewell Caddy on 13th December requesting information of
the area within our application where we had failed to convince the Council of our
need, and which was of utmost importance to our appeal.
3.
He eventually phoned us on the afternoon of 13th December informing us that the
only grounds that we could appeal on were that the Council had misunderstood ‘a
significant part of our application’; there might have been other grounds but we were
unable to ascertain this, and felt limited by the official form. So our appeal had to be
submitted without important facts and with us being in the dark as to what was
required by council officers.
4.
We submitted our appeal on 17th December, (the day before the deadline) with as
much additional information as we could supply, but as far as we can ascertain, this
appeal has failed to get us increased funding sufficient to enable to Mede to remain
open. The Council should be aware of the fact that the Mede Centre is umbilically
joined to Holy Cross Parish Church and any closure will have a direct impact on the
church’s continuance.
Therefore we would like the opportunity to address the next Cabinet meeting, which we
believe to be on Thursday 10th January, to try to convince them of our need for additional
time to make a cogent application.
To this end can you please advise us at what time the meeting takes
place and where.
Sincerely,
Paul N Jenking
Chair of the Mede Management Committee.
Paul N Jenking
Chair
Mede Management Committee
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mr Jenking
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 23
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
I think that if we don't get the funding for the Farm, a Community
Resource could be lost, cutback will need to be made, forcing us to a 3
day week. this would mean a reduction in visitor numbers, which have
been doubled this year.
Also with partners coming on Board the Farm needs to move forward not
back, and hope it will be for the best.
Mrs P Cutter
Mrs P Cutter
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mrs Cutter
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C24
I was dismayed to hear the news about the proposed cut in funding to
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm, and wish to bring to your attention what
a valuable local resource I consider it to be. I have been visiting the
farm for almost 7 years and feel that at present it is at its most
buoyant. There have been lots of improvements, repairs,
repainting,reorganising etc happening recently and this activity has
created an air of 'moving forward in a very positive way' They were
unfortunate to be pipped to the post in their bid for funding from 'The
peoples millions' so it is a crushing blow to now have the local
authority threatening to reduce their funding also.
As a work experience placement officer, who specialises in the
seeking and negotiation of suitable work placement for students, of all
ages, with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, I view the
Hartcliffe Community Farm as an essential resource as it provides my
students with a unique opportunity to have a taste of animal care in a
supportive setting.
The Farm Manager, Rocky Pearce, is always willing to provide a valuable
opening for a disabled student to do some worthwhile jobs around the
farm, such as, cleaning and clearing out the rabbit's, guinea pig's,
hen's, chicken's, duck's and pig's living quarters and the well stocked
aviary. He also kindly provides the necessary support and encouragement
to help them to get the most from their experience. Over the years he
has provided numerous such opportunities for my students from the
Bedminster, Hartcliffe, Brunel and Lawrence Weston sites of the
college.
At present I have a local student who attends every Wednesday morning
and derives an enormous benefit from doing outdoor work. He takes
medication for ADHD and has great difficulty fitting into the busy,
noisy college environment, but really looks forward to the tranquillity
of the farm. His enjoyment is such, that he has been attending for a
whole year in term time, he works really hard and has rarely missed a
day. He has helped with a whole variety of jobs e.g. cleaning out ponds,
hutches and pens, assisting with painting and repairing fencing and
bottle feeding lambs. I have recently reviewed his progress and he has
declared that he wants to continue as he really feels that he is
learning new things all the time. He is accompanied by a college
support worker so that the farm manager does not need to be responsible
for him.
I am happy to lend my support to any process that ensures continuing
funding for this valuable local community resource. I hope that this
Email contributes in some small way to the overwhelming and obvious need
to keep the Farm financially viable and open to the community
Ann Nash
Work Experience Placement Officer
City of Bristol College, Foundation Education Faculty
Ann Nash
Work Experience Placement Officer
City of Bristol College
Foundation Education Faculty
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Nash
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C25
STATEMENT TO CABINET: KNOWLE WEST COMMUNITY SAFETY TEAM
I am Kathe Jacob, manager from Knowle Safe, a grass roots community
safety organisation in Filwood, South Bristol.
Last month we went through a local prioritisation process to guide future
spend of Neighbourhood Management funds and local partnership budgets.
Local residents voted us as a top priority for continued funding.
This week we heard that our funding from the Council would end on March
31st. The list of those projects which received funding did not accurately reflect
the needs and wishes of our community who believed they had a say in these
decisions.
Furthermore, the list of successful projects was not accompanied by the
rationale or criteria on which the decisions about funding were based.
Knowle Safe is a part of Knowle West Development Trust. Although we
receive core support, we are an independent deliverer of high quality services,
and we seek funding for all our project work in our own right.
The loss of our services means the loss of many valuable outcomes for the
area.
We work in an innovative way, using community development approaches to
tackle anti social behaviour, resolve resident tensions, address local issues
and improve facilities. We are NOT just another Council community safety
team.
For example, we have coordinated and led the following actions with
residents:
120 households benefited from the clearance of waste and gating of back
lanes in Novers Park.
8 residents have now been trained in restorative justice and are preparing to
tackle low level ASB incidents
2 mediations have taken place in the last 3 months and resulted in amicable
agreement and no police involvement
19 youngsters have worked at the Revvs Young Mechanics Club in the last 3
months, and learned to repair and build motorbikes
8 street parties took place this year and this involved an average of 30 people
at each party along with countless children. They promoted community pride
and harmony, and lessened friction between neighbours wherever they took
place.
110 children attended an area wide football tournament in the summer.
A full colour community directory has been compiled for the area listing all
groups, facilities and services
Our upcoming work includes tackling the notorious “Black Path” of Inns Court,
and enabling our community justice work to reach fruition. Our work provides
a unique community development approach to tackling communtiy safety and
crime issues.
The loss of our funding jeopardises all our work and the strong relationships
built up with a network of residents. Our work is complementary to the
staturotry sector and agencies we work with. This work was achieved with
only 2 full time workers and part time admin support.
We ask the Cabinet to reconsider the decision not to fund Knowle Safe. We
believe that the outlying estates of Bristol must receive proper attention in line
with the scale of need.
Kathe Jacob
Knowle West Community Safety Team
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Ms Jacob
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C26
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
Dear Executive Member.
As the director of the farm it is the funding that helps keep this farm
open to the public, if the funding is cut we will have to close to the public
four days a week that leaves only three for public use. the schools and
colleges that use the farm for education purposes and NVQ2 qualifications
will only be able to use the farm three days a week. this will put pressure
upon us and the board of directors to keep the farm afloat. we are trying hard with
partners such as the soil association to move the farm forward, common
sense will say to give the grant and to keep the farm moving forward.
Raymond Pedwell
Director
Raymond Pedwell
Director
Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mr Pedwell
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
10 - VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INVESTMENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF FUNDING 2008/09
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 27
This is addressed to:
Mr Ian Hird (Council)Mrs Janet Bremner (Chair of Governors at Sefton Park School)Mr Jon
Rogers (Councillor)My wife was given a newsletter whilst picking up our daughter from
Sefton Park School nursery this afternoon and I am concerned.
It mentions on the reverse side of the A4 newsletter that the council will be discussing
increasing the capacity of Sefton Park school campus.
Details can be found under item 11 of the full cabinet agenda http://www.bristol.gov.uk/committee/2008/ua/ua000/0110_11.pdf
My primary concerns are:
(1) Parents of Sefton Park children were informed of these plans 3 days before cabinet are
going to meet to discuss it. This does not allow for any meaningful analysis by local
parents of the proposals or an opportunity to feedback comments. I understand that the
details of the agenda were posted on the council website on the 2nd January and in the
Evening Post on the same day - this is not a satisfactory method of communication and
consultation.
(2) It is clear that these plans and options have been discussed and investigated over the
last x months, but there has been no communication with local people.
I would also like to have confirmation that the new classrooms and other new build pupil
facilities:
(1) will comply with the BB93 (acoustics) regulations.
(2) will be used by all years and not just one year or set of years. This would allow all
children with levels of hearing impairment to benefit from better acoustic classrooms and
other facilities.
I would also challenge the following areas of the report being submitted:
(1) There is mention that amalgamating Elmfield Primary school into Sefton Park would be
too costly. It is my understanding that the primary barrier was the lack of onsite classroom
space and drop off space for taxis bringing hearing impaired children to the school. If the
campus is expanded could amalgamation still be a viable option?
(2) How did the housing developments on the Brunel site get the go ahead if the proposed
new school site appears not be suitable for the needs of the local community? How can
such a decision be prevented from happening again.
(3) If Storegap do not appeal or are unsuccessful in their appeal to build a Sainsburys
store in the local area what will happen to this large area of land? If planning permission is
sought to build yet more houses/flats then the schooling issue will grow yet again. Surely
this is an excellent site for a new school and the close proximity to Ashley Down should
not really be an issue.
Could my questions be answered and my concerns raised at cabinet; within the council
planning and education departments and with the school governors.
Many thanks
Simon Davis
Simon Davis
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Mr Davis
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
11 - PROPOSALS TO INCREASE PRIMARY CAPACITY - ASHLEY /
BISHOPSTON WARDS
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1
STATEMENT C 28
Statement to Cabinet, 10 January 2008
Primary Provision in Bishopston
There should have been increased Primary provision in the Bishopston area long since.
Families with young children have had to put up with uncertainty and delay, and have too
often been offered places unacceptably far from home.
Now we have two solutions, one which was decided by Cabinet the year before last and
one that has surfaced in the last four weeks. This last, the Sefton Park proposal, has
come immediately for a decision without any chance for evaluation apart from those who
propose it. The need is urgent and as the Primary Review says 'immediate action is
required'. If the new scheme is to meet the need, concerns must be addressed:
1. Is there a firm decision for the Youth Centre to move to another site? If so, is the site
available in the time frame, where will the cost fall?
2. If the Elmfield Primary is no longer to be sited within the Sefton Park site but
somewhere in the Fairfield School catchment area, has a firm site been identified or is
there a risk that the Sefton Park site may still be needed?
3. It has been said that the Sefton Park extension can be managed by September 2009.
How firm and manageable is this? The need for places has been increasingly evident for
years but it is only fairly recently that actual solutions have been proposed, and a decision
must be expedited with confidence that it can be delivered.
4. It is not clear from the report why the Sefton Park proposals are more expensive than
the Brunel scheme, or where the extra funds are to come from.
5. An adequate management structure, taking into account received best practice and
bearing in mind the needs of innovative federation structure, must be designed and
afforded.
6.What is the position concerning the Brunel playing field and if it is not to be used, will it
revert to the college for them to make use of it. What in fact are Cabinet's future plans for
this land?
What it boils down to is this - which scheme will be the best and most practicable way to
solve the problems which will alleviate the concerns of local parents. We have had no
time to examine the issues and can only hope that the Sefton Park proposals do stack up,
if they are decided upon.
Councillor Bev Knott
Cllr Bev Knott
ask for
tel
fax
e-mail
Date
Ian Hird
(0117) 92 22384
(0117) 92 23842
ian.hird@
bristol.gov.uk
15 January 2008
Dear Cllr Knott
CABINET - 10 JANUARY 2008 - PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENT - AGENDA ITEM
11 - PROPOSALS TO INCREASE PRIMARY CAPACITY - ASHLEY /
BISHOPSTON WARDS
Further to the public forum statement which you submitted to the 10 January
Cabinet, please find attached, for your information, a copy of the relevant Cabinet
decision record.
For your information, the webcast of the meeting is available on the Council's
website http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/site/
Yours sincerely
Ian Hird
Democratic Services Team Leader
1