Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, asked that their best wishes be sent to Councillor Weber during his recent illness.

Councillor Betton joined the meeting at 6.25 pm.

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Weber.

To receive declarations by councillors of any disclosable pecuniary interest, personal interests, other registrable interests or any other interests in respect of items on the agenda.

There were no disclosures of interest on this occasion.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda.

RESOLVED,   that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting for any items of business on the agenda.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 4 December 2023 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,   that the minutes of the meeting of the Community Panel held on 4 December 2023 be agreed as a correct record and thereupon signed by the Chair.

To consider a report by the Community Development Officer (copy enclosed).

Members received a report which set out the current position of the Neighbourhood Investment Fund allocation to the Petteril Community Panel as agreed by the Cumberland Council Executive, together with the draft Neighbourhood Investment Plan for consideration.

The Panel was presented with details of investment applications (referred to in appendices 3-8 of the report) for approval and considered each one individually. 

Members were informed that a decision would be made at a future meeting of full Council as to whether any residual investment funding from the Panel for 2023/24 could be carried over to 2024/25.

A detailed discussion took place regarding the ICan Wellbeing Group application and whilst members acknowledged the positive work undertaken by the Organisation agreed that the application be declined until further information regarding their projects was obtained.  Members suggested that the Group be invited to a future Panel Network event to provide members with a more detailed update including their sustainability, accessibility, projects undertaken, outreach work and data regarding the uptake of their services within the Petteril Community Panel footprint.

Members discussed the application from Carlisle Mencap and whilst acknowledging the importance of the project suggested that collaborative work be undertaken with other organisations who delivered similar services.  During the course of discussion it was also suggested that a ‘train the trainer’ type model be considered.  The Panel approved the recommended grant and asked that a further update be made to a future Panel Network event.

Members welcomed the investment application from Botcherby Community Centre to create a sustainable, manageable and accessible community garden, noting that it had established itself as a community hub within the Ward area and offered additional support and needs to residents.  During the course of discussion the Panel suggested that local schools be afforded the opportunity to be involved in the project as well as communications taking place with ‘The Rock Youth Project’ in the future.

The Panel considered the investment application from Spiral which was required to increase hours to cope with the demand of referrals to them for 12 months whilst they found other opportunities for funding streams for future years.  Members emphasised the importance of this vital service and agreed that the recommended investment grant be increased to £5,000 and that they be welcomed to a future Panel Network event to provide an update.

A detailed discussion took place regarding the application from Meals on Wheels to establish a pilot scheme to set up an emergency hardship response fund.  Following a lengthy debate it was agreed that the application be deferred until further criteria was sought and circulated to the Panel for further consideration.

Following consideration of the investment applications members suggested that representatives from all organisations applying for investments grants should be invited to future Panel Network events to provide relevant updates.

Members received the draft Neighbourhood Investment Plan for this Panel area noting it was an evolving document.  Whilst members appreciated this would be discussed in detail at a future Panel Network event or informal meeting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To consider a report by the Senior Manager – Community Services (copy enclosed).

The Panel considered a detailed report which updated members on the recent activity in the Community Panel area.

Members received information on a number of network events and activity which included Petteril Community Network Event, Carlisle Youth Festival, Harraby Cycle Track Working Group, Botcherby Ward Extended Services Meeting, Petteril Bank Extended Services, Show & Tell and Family Wellbeing Drop?In events.

The Panel received an update on the Carlisle Library Service and it was agreed further information would be available at a future Panel Network event.

A discussion took place regarding the consistency of display information for all community panels throughout the Authority.  Members suggested that schools within the Petteril Panel’s footprint be involved in a design competition.  Whilst officers welcomed the idea they highlighted the issues regarding resource and capacity.

During the course of discussion members highlighted the use of social media and local radio as a means to promote the work of the Panel.

A Member highlighted the litter?pick which was undertaken by the Focus Hub on a regular basis and it was agreed this would be investigated by officers with a view to the Panel members becoming involved in the future.

It was agreed that the Community Team would investigate new ways of promoting the panels consistently throughout the county in a more dynamic way with support from the Council’s Communication Team.

A discussion took place regarding future Panel Network events and it was suggested they could be themed around priorities.

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Team for the work they had undertaken to date.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Strategic Board held on 30 January 2024 (copy enclosed).

The Panel received the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Highways Board held on 30 January 2024.

The Cumberland Network Manager gave a general update on the meeting.  A discussion took place regarding the use of Speed Indicator Devices and it was agreed further information could be obtained separately from the Officer outside the meeting.

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, thanked the Cumberland Network Manager for the update.

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

To note that the date of the next meeting of the Panel is to be confirmed.

Members noted that future meeting dates of the Panel were still be agreed at the full Council meeting in April 2024.

It was agreed that the Senior Democratic Services Officer would circulate information regarding potential venues for future meetings.