Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Housing in relation to the above.

The Chair welcomed representatives from the Môn Communities First Ltd., to the meeting.

Submitted – the report of the Head of Housing on the Môn Communities First Delivery 2016/17 and Future Plans post Communities First Funding.

The Portfolio Holder (Housing & Social Services said that the Communities First Programme has three key themes : Prosperous Communities; Learning Communities and Healthy Communities.  The main focus of the delivery in Anglesey was under the Prosperous and Learning themes with a range of activities concentrating on improving skills and moving those furthest away from the labour market back into work.  However, in February 2017 the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children announced that the Communities First Programme would be phased out by March 2018. Welsh Government will be introducing a Legacy Fund from April 2018 to enable some of the Communities First’s most effective projects to continue.   She noted that the Council as the Lead Delivery Board (LDB) has a close association with the Communities First Programme and regular monitoring will need to be undertaken to assure support to Communities First and that the  programme continues to deliver it vision for the future.

The Head of Housing reported that funding of £662,200 was secured for Communities First activities in 2016/17.  This has been fully utilised providing the following range of activities :-

·      Core Employment Support

·      Social Enterprise Support

·      Enterprise Support

·      Financial Inclusion

·      Digital Inclusion

·      Youth Provision

·      Basic Skills Provision

·      Community Vocational Academy

She said that whilst the Communities First Programme will be phased out by March 2018 the Welsh Government will be introducing a Legacy Fund of £6m a year from April 2018; this will operate for a period of 4 years.  The funding will no longer be targeted to geographical clusters but will allow other communities on Anglesey to benefit from the Employment Support Services offered by Môn Communities First.  Môn Communities First has been successful over a number of years in securing additional external funding as shown within Appendix 3 of the report.

The Head of Housing referred to a range of services afforded to the deprived areas of Anglesey and specifically to the first key development of a Youth Pod located at Market Street, Holyhead.  The Pod was set up to support young people with a range of facilities during the evenings and school holidays and is used as a drop-in for community consultation and other events during the day time.

She suggested that it would be advantageous for members of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee to visit Môn Communities First at Holyhead to have an insight of the activities afforded by the company.

The Head of Service further said that as the Council is a Lead Delivery Board there is a requirement to submit a detailed plan by 31 May, 2017 to Welsh Government on the Môn Communities First Programme.  There will also be a requirement on the Council to identify alternative models for sustaining the structure for grant funded schemes should Môn CF Ltd., be unable to continue in their current form.  If Môn Communities Forward is able to attract external funding from other sources and demonstrate future sustainability, the organisation will be well placed to continue working in partnership with the County Council.  The partnership will be subject to the new Partnership Toolkit which was approved for adoption by this Committee.  She suggested that an update report be submitted to this Committee in October to monitor the 6 month performance against targets and a copy of the partnership review toolkit to demonstrate the robustness and sustainability of Môn Communities Forward to deliver the two remaining employability related grants, post March 2018.

The Chair of the Board of Directors, Mr. Jimmy Lee MBE gave a brief summary of the restructuring that has taken place due to the funding cut of 30% by Welsh Government.  In order to retain the established brand, Môn Communities First Ltd., have changed their trading name to Môn Communities Forward Ltd.

The Personnel Director (CF), Mr. Keith Thomas, said Môn Communities Forward Ltd., has a vision to continue its services for the benefit of the people of the Island.  He noted that a programme has been set out for the next 4 – 5 years and will strive to seek employment and to enhance skills for people across the Island.

The Committee considered the report and raised the following main issues :-

·           Questions raised as to whether Môn Communities Forward Ltd., are able to sustain the 30% cut to their budget as noted within the report.  The Cluster Manager responded that significant changes have been undertaken within Môn CF to accommodate the 30% cut.  Môn CF have strived to retain as much service delivery as possible.  The company have been able to secure grant funding from other sources as was highlighted within the report.  She noted that all the target services identified within the work programme of Môn Communities First has been delivered in 2016/17.

·           Questions raised as to whether activities are afforded by Môn CF for the elderly.  The Cluster Manager responded that some funding is available for Môn CF staff to attend events such as the Luncheon Club and consult on what their needs are and to share information about the services available from the company to the local community.

It was RESOLVED to congratulate the work and success of the Môn Communities First and that the Council’s support be given to Môn Communities First Ltd., to expand and continue its good work.

ACTION : As noted above.