| PTF.705 | There were no declarations of interest. |
| PTF.707 | In respect of Minute PTF.487, Open Forum, relating to bus services, Councillor Bayley reported on revisions to the routes of the 92 and 93 services.
Councillor Simpson undertook to raise the issue of the graffiti at the Cancer Research shop with Councillor Black.
In respect of Minute PTF.486 (2) Councillor Campbell reported that an initial meeting of the Prestwich Regeneration Group had taken place. The Group will be a sub group of the Township Forum and will look at the whole of the Prestwich area in terms of regeneration, concentrating on both housing and business regeneration.
|
| PTF.708 | The Township Forum considered a verbal presentation from Superintendent Mark Granby, setting out the following information:
• Included within the Health and Social Care Act 2012, would be the introduction of a number of new health bodies, these would include the Health and Well Being Board, the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Healthwatch.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board would be made up of key leaders from the health and care sector. The Board would develop a strategy for the Bury Area, involve patients in decision making, influence and inform local commissioning of health services and involve local people in the development of the strategy for local health and social care services.
• The Clinical Commissioning Groups, would be responsible for commissioning (designing and purchasing) services and would be made up of all 33 GP Practices in Bury.
• Healthwatch would represent the needs and views of service users in the commissioning of health and social care services in Bury. The aim would be to give individuals and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and care services would be provided within their locality.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board would pledge to improve health through life; from ensuring a positive start to life for children, young people and families to supporting older people to be safe, independent and well.
With regard to Prestwich it was reported that the Prestwich Township area was worse than the Bury average for child obesity and smoking related illnesses. In terms of life expectancy, teenage conception rates, deprivation, alcohol related admissions and mortality rates it was reported that Prestwich fares better than the Bury average.
Questions and comments were invited and the following issues were raised:
• Councillor Simpson highlighted the associated resource implications of delivering effective joined up care. Concerns were also expressed about the amount of time taken out of General Practice whilst Doctors administer the new arrangements.
• Mr Jack Barrett supported the principle of the joint health and well being arrangements but stressed the need for extra finance to be in place.
• Councillor O’Hanlon expressed concerns in relation to Council cuts from the Health and Wellbeing budget and stressed the need to invest in this area.
• In response to issues around mental health, Superintendent Granby highlighted the importance of early identification and support mechanisms to prevent people ending up in the criminal justice system.
|
| PTF.709 | Mike Owen, Executive Director of Resources and Councillor Isherwood (Cabinet Member for Resources) attended the meeting to give a presentation on the Council’s Plan for Change. The meeting was updated on the Council’s anticipated financial settlement from central government and the proposals contained in the Plan for Change.
The Executive Director of Resources reported, that the new proposals for 2013/14 and 2014/15 would include; £350,000 savings from home to school transport; £360,000 savings review from how Bury employment and support services would be delivered; £250,000 reduced funding for children’s centres; £430,000 further savings from the parks and countryside review; £270,000 savings from the library review; and £140,000 from the reconfiguration of street cleaning team.
It was reported that consultation on the Plan for Change had officially ended on the 30th January 2013 but a commitment was given that comments and views expressed at the meeting would be reported.
Questions and comments were invited and the following issues were raised:
• In response to a claim from Dorothy Fletcher that the Longfield Suite could generate increased income if better managed, the Cabinet Member referred to the Civic Suites Review which was looking to maximise the use of all Civic venues.
• With regard to the issue of Council Tax, the Cabinet Member explained that no decisions had been taken. The Executive Director of Resources explained the Council tax freeze offer from Central Government and the rules relating to the need for a local referendum should the Council choose to increase Council Tax above 3.5%.
• Maria Hourigan commented on the excellent work undertaken by the Park Rangers and expressed concern about the effect on the health and wellbeing of the community if the service is to be cut.
• Naomi Shrecker requested that decision makers keep talking to the community and actively look at all suggestions to retain the Ranger Service.
• Michael Slater commented that volunteers were not insured to use woodland machinery and suggested that a reduced Ranger Service would be more preferable to the Service being removed altogether.
• Frank Adam highlighted the extra duties placed on the Council without extra finance from Central Government and suggested the extra demand pressures since 2010 be examined.
• Councillor O’Hanlon commented that recycling rates need to increase at a greater rate to avoid having to make some cuts to services. Councillor Campbell referred to the increase in recycling rates and the current initiatives and campaigns underway.
• In response to a question concerning rent levels, the Executive Director explained that the Housing Revenue Account was currently being compiled.
• Rob Trueblood questioned how the budget figures could be amended to take account of the views expressed as part of the public consultation in such a short space of time. The Executive Director explained that the report to Councillors on the Budget would incorporate details of the outcome from the consultations.
• Maria Hourigan suggested that the formation of “Friends” Groups could be a way of providing some income and saving some services in the short term.
|
| PTF.710 | Inspector Kenny provided an update in terms of the re-distribution of Police resources within the Bury Division, which are due to be implemented on 12 March 2013.
With regard to crime figures in Prestwich, it was reported that overall there had been an 8% reduction in all crime, although slight increases had been recorded since Christmas in burglary and vehicle crime.
|
| PTF.712 | The Chair, Mr David Stanley, invited questions, comments and representations from members of the public present at the meeting. Questions were asked and comments made on the issues detailed below. The Township Forum Co-ordinator undertook to obtain a reply to matters which could not be dealt with at the meeting.
• Tony Carter suggested that a central internet hub be developed to link all local community groups within Prestwich
• Rob Trueblood raised concern about the camber of the road at the crossing adjacent to Martins Bakery, which has resulted in large puddles forming.
• Jim Wood highlighted an increase in fly tipping in the Millwood Road/ Bury Old Road area.
• Kim Griffiths, Township Co-ordinator, referred to an ongoing consultation about the proposed closure of the Lakeside Café in Heaton Park. It was reported that a consultation event would be held in the Café on 12 February
|
| PTF.713 | Kim Griffiths, Township Co-ordinator, submitted a copy of an updated Prestwich Area Plan setting out progress against the agreed key outcomes.
During discussion of this item, Rob Trueblood highlighted the issues faced by volunteers with regard to potential litigation claims. The Chair, David Stanley, requested that the Council provide guidelines to volunteers with regard to this issue.
|
| PTF.714 | A report was submitted setting out details of funding applications and awards in the Holyrood, St Mary’s and Sedgely wards of Prestwich.
|
| PTF.715 | The next meeting of Prestwich Township Forum will be held on 13 March 2013 |