Meeting documents

To elect a Chair of the Local Committee for the ensuing year.

RESOLVED,     that Mr CF Weber be appointed Chair of the Local Committee for the ensuing year.

Mr Weber thereupon took the Chair.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Local Committee for the ensuing year.

RESOLVED,     that Mr J Mallinson be appointed Vice-Chair of the Local Committee for the ensuing year.

An apology for absence was received from Dr K Lockney.

There were no disclosures of interest on this occasion.

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

(1)       To receive a statement from Brian Wernham regarding traffic safety in the Stanwix Urban Division.

(2)       To receive a question from Tracey Harris?Williams regarding road safety in Stanwix.

(3)       There are no petitions to be considered at this meeting.

(a)       Mr B Wernham made the following statement to the Committee:-

            ‘Thank you to the Chair of this meeting and to the Committee for allowing me five minutes to make a brief statement about traffic safety in Stanwix Urban.  I had been planning to make this statement to this Committee for some time before the recent fatal traffic incident on Stanwix Bank.

            In the week before the recent local elections, Stanwix residents witnessed a terrible road incident which resulted in a driver being airlifted to intensive care in Newcastle.  Sadly, Cumbria Police confirmed that he died on May 12^th and I am sure that I can say that our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who witnessed the incident.

            It happened at the traffic lights in Stanwix just above the Eden Bridge.

            Eden Bridge forms the gateway from the City of Carlisle into the Stanwix Conservation Area.

            The Stanwix Conservation Area is a series of narrow thoroughfares designed for pedestrians and horses and carts.  This area cannot be much altered in terms of road layout because it is officially listed as a Conservation Area.

            The newspaper reported three vehicles were involved in the crash.  One of them demolished a traffic light post.

            In addition to the fatally injured driver, a Trinity school student could have been innocently walking along the footpath or quietly waiting to cross the road.  A parent could have been pushing a pram with baby.  Any Stanwix resident could also have been killed or terribly maimed in the matter of an instant. 

            Stanwix Bank is residential.  It stands opposite homes on Devonshire Terrace and Eden Mount – both residential.  Scotland Road homes start immediately after that.  Brampton Road buildings 1–17 are all homes to Stanwix residents, as is Miles Mcinnes Court.  That whole area is residential.

            I am proposing today that the Committee should ask County Council Officers to prepare a paper outlining the options for the Stanwix Conservation Area to be urgently put under a 20mph limit. 

            Many people think that 20mph zones are for small, quiet residential roads only but quiet residential roads are not where people get maimed and killed by traffic doing 30mph or just over or by drivers who are driving in a rushed, dangerous manner.

            I propose that the options paper should also include a buffer zone of 100m on approaches to allow space for traffic to slow naturally from 30mph before encountering the 27 traffic-danger hot-spots which pepper the Stanwix Conservation Area from North to South and from East to West.

            I will now list the 28 traffic-danger hot-spots:

            1.      The Stanwix Bank Traffic Lights.

            2.      The right-turn exit from Carlisle Cricket Ground.

            3.      The right-turn exit from Cavendish Terrace.

            4.      The Stanwix Bank traffic light junction.

            5.      The right-turn exit from St George’s Crescent.

            6.      The right-turn exit from Cromwell Crescent.

            7.      The blind left turning into Church Terrace.

            8.      That there is no pedestrian refuge or crossing across Scotland Road opposite the Church  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 9 March 2022 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 9 March 2022 be confirmed as circulated and thereupon signed by the Chair.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To receive a presentation from the Executive Director – People (copy enclosed).

Members received a detailed presentation on domestic abuse which provided an update on background, data and current activity.

The Committee was informed of the impact abuse had on children, noting the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 imposed a duty in relation to victims of domestic abuse which included children.

Members were informed that approximately 45% of Children’s Social Care open cases featured domestic abuse; an independent scrutineer was commissioned to evaluate and recommend improvements for Children’s Services responses to domestic abuse to develop and strengthen practice around this, with support social workers obtaining a better understanding around this matter.  Officers explained risk assessments were being reviewed with safety planning which linked in with the approach and exploration of patterns of abuse were part of the training undertaken.

The Committee noted that data for Carlisle showed domestic abuse in families where children were living had increased year on year and it was suggested that the increase over the last three years may be due to the pandemic.

Members were informed that referrals into the Safeguarding Hub for Domestic Abuse in Carlisle had declined which it was felt was due to children not being seen by schools and health settings on a daily basis.

A discussion took place regarding the data received for domestic abuse in each area highlighting the strong correlation with deprivation.

The Committee received an update on the other workstreams which included a review of personal, social, and health education support, CEASE Programme, review of Multi?Agency Risk Assessment Conferences, Operation Encompass and Therapeutic Support.

The local Member for Stanwix Urban thanked officers, Portfolio Holder and all agencies for their support during the pandemic to ensure children were kept safe; welcoming regular updates at future meetings of the Local Committee through the Children and Young People’s Working Group.

A discussion took place regarding the decision as to whether the victim or perpetrator should leave their home when the domestic abuse took place there.  Officers explained that a Perpetrator Strategy was due to be launched later in the year which would include the victim being afforded the choice to stay in the home.  Members were informed that currently social workers worked closely with families to keep victims and children in the home with support being provided to the perpetrator to find alternative accommodation.

A discussion took place regarding Government funding and officers confirmed this was to provide support in domestic abuse supported accommodation with work being undertaken with district councils to ensure appropriate and adequate accommodation was available.

The local Member for Belle Vue highlighted the community hub which was being established in her Division on Shadygrove Road and welcomed the opportunity to provide support.  Officers welcomed this and agreed to discuss the matter further.

The Committee discussed the removal of children from the family home and placed into the care of the local authority.  Officers explained that extensive interventions took place to keep families together unless the matter was deemed urgent.

A discussion took place regarding an increase in domestic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To receive a presentation from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

The Committee received a presentation on Carlisle becoming an age friendly city and noted the commitment to:-

Ø   put prevention first and ensure timely access to services and support when needed;

Ø   remove barriers and create more opportunities for older adults to contribute to society;

Ø   ensure good homes and communities;

Ø   narrow inequalities;

Ø   challenge ageist and negative language, culture and practices.

The Committee was informed there was a focus on inequalities in both the urban and rural areas. 

Members were informed of the issues raised regarding transport, noting this also included access to taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs and patient transport for medical appointments.  During the course of discussion concerns were raised regarding the lack of transport in rural areas and the effects this had on residents.

The Committee felt there should be an emphasis on planning prior to retirement and was informed that the healthy aging project would be taking into account people from the age of 55.

A discussion took place regarding social isolation acknowledging this was one of the biggest issues facing elderly people.  The Committee highlighted the issues which arose through early help for families and asked whether problems in the community should be looked at more holistically.

The Committee was informed that a Focus Group had taken place at The Lookout in Raffles and there was now a need to consider the next stage of the project.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Officer for the update.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

This report provides an update on its agreed activity, a financial statement in support of these activities and requests decisions on a range of issues.

Members received a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which provided members with recommendations and matters to note relating to budget commitments, grant allocations from the recommendations of its Strategic Grants Panel and other relevant matters relating to area planning.

The Committee noted the £200k which had allocated to each local committee to development schemes to enhance the local environment.  Members were encouraged to develop ideas within their own divisions (as discussed at a workshop in March).  Officers explained these had been assembled with indicative costings alongside additional schemes focused on improving the environment and were presented at Appendix 2 of the report.

Members’ attention was drawn to the Local Committee earmarking an amount last year towards the Carlisle Holiday Activities Partnership.  Officers explained this fund was well received and evaluated and significantly strengthened holiday provision, providing a universal offer for children and young people in Carlisle not currently in receipt of school meals. 

Members were informed that the Programme continued and children and young people would join their peers in a wide range of activities across the district.  Officers explained that to ensure continuity Local Committee was asked to earmark funds from its 0-19 allocation specifically to holiday activities and food related provision.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)          the commitments made and the remaining balances within delegated budgets (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report) be noted;

                          (2)          the schedule detailing the £200k Environment Fund for 2022/23 (as outlined in Appendix 2 of the report) be agreed;

                          (3)          the following nominations be made to vacant roles:-

                                        (i)        Carlisle Armed Forces Champion – Mrs EA Mallinson;

                                        (ii)       Carlisle Local Committee Strategic Grants Panel – Mr J Mallinson;

                                        (iii)      Children and Young People’s Working Group – Dr S Haraldsen;

                                        (iv)      Gillford Centre Pupil Referral Unit – Mrs C Bowditch;

                                        (v)       Carlisle Highways and Transport Working Group – Mr M Mitchelson;

                                        (vi)      Longtown Borderland Town Team – Mr R Dobson;

                          (4)          £30,000 of the Committee’s 0-19 Funding be earmarked towards Carlisle Holiday Activities Partnership (as detailed in the report).

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report presents the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the highways programme progress information, as detailed in the attached appendices.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which detailed the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the Highways Programme progress information.

Members were informed that the allocated Highways Revenue budget for 2022/23 was £1,691,332 (£1,438,010 plus an inflationary increase of £53,312) added to an additional £200,000 of pothole funding; the allocated Devolved Highways Capital budget for 2022/23 was £2,465,000 and the Non-Devolved Highways Capital budget for 2022/23 was £1,809,000.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton asked for further information regarding the statutory process for allocating budgets and it was agreed the Local Area Highways Network Manager would provide base information.

The local Member for Dalston and Burgh raised a concern regarding a collapsed culvert at the entrance to Grinsdale village.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed works were scheduled to be undertaken on 10 June.

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (1)          the various Highways Revenue budget allocations and headings (as shown in Appendix 1 of the report);

                          (2)          the various Highways Capital budget allocations and headings (detailed in Appendix 2 of the report);

                          (3)          the Highways programme progress information (as shown in Appendix 3 of the report).

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report provides details of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 12 April 2022 and presents recommendations for the Local Committee to consider.  

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which gave details of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 12 April 2022 and presented recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

(1)       Minutes

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

(2)       2021/22 Flood and Development Management Update

The local Member for Botcherby raised his concerns regarding the lack of response to his concern regarding the Cavaghan and Gray site.  It was agreed that the Senior Democratic Services Officer would investigate this matter and report back direct.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(3)       A69 Warwick Bridge and Corby Hill

The local Member for Corby and Hayton highlighted the correspondence with National Highways which referred to the potential de?trunking of the A69 by 2026 and emphasised to members that he felt resources should be focused on this and encouraged the Committee to support it.

The Leader highlighted the significant amount of work which had previously been undertaken on this matter and whilst agreeing this should be supported also suggested that the A689 be brought up to a suitable standard.

The Committee supported this and noted that a representative from National Highways had been invited to the next meeting of Carlisle Highways Working Group to discuss the matter further.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton then informed the Committee there were currently only two stretches of 30mph zones on the whole of the network and asked members to support that those areas be replaced with 20 mph limits before the end of their audit. 

Officers acknowledged the sense of urgency for this but explained the need to ensure they had the correct criteria to ensure this was feasible.  It was, therefore, agreed that the Traffic Management Manager would investigate this and report back as soon as possible.

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:

                          (a)          a report will be presented to the next meeting of the Working Group;

                          (b)          a representative from National Highways will be invited to the next meeting of the Working Group.

(4)       Implementing 20MPH Speed Limits or Zones

The local Member for Corby and Hayton, whilst recognising resource implications, highlighted the need to accelerate 20mph speed limits or zones being implemented in villages and areas surrounding schools.

Whilst the Committee agreed that this would be beneficial it was felt that data should be sought and suggested that Cumbria Association of Local Councils be approached with a view to them undertaking a consultation with parish councils on this matter.

During the course of discussion a suggestion was made that an exercise be undertaken to ascertain what would be involved to make an informed decision.  Officers highlighted that due to the length of process the implementation of any schemes would not take place before the new Cumberland Authority.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (a)          the following be noted:-

                                        (i)      the report and Service Procedure No 09/035 entitled Implementation of 20mph Speed Limit or Zones (as detailed in Appendix  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

This report focusses on the priorities of the Group for this final year of Cumbria County Council 2022-2023.

Members received a detailed positive report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which focussed on the priorities of the Children and Young People’s Working Group for the final year of Cumbria County Council 2022-2023.

The Committee were updated on:-

Ø   Supporting the work of the Looked After Children Champion;

Ø   Domestic Abuse – Supporting Children and Young People Impacted by Domestic Abuse;

Ø   Development of Play and Youth Provision in Urban and Rural Areas;

Ø   Support to Cumbria Holiday Activity Food Programme;

Ø   Carlisle Holiday Activity Partnership;

Ø   Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People;

Ø   Vulnerable Groups.

Mrs EA Mallinson, Chair of the Children and Young People’s Working Group thanked the Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Community Services together with officers for the work they had undertaken throughout the pandemic. 

The Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Community Services welcomed the focus of the Working Group being on important priorities and thanked all officers involved.

The local Member for Belle Vue welcomed the priority to look at ways to support and connect with vulnerable groups and organisations to ensure that every young person had opportunities and were able to voice their opinions and asked for an update in the future.

Members were informed that the Working Group would be investigating obesity in young children due its rise in primary school aged children.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

To receive verbal updates from Carlisle Member Champions as follows:-

(a)       Children in Care

(b)       Autism.

(a)       Children in Care

The Member Champion for Children in Care informed the Committee that a countywide meeting had recently taken place where positive discussions had taken place regarding actions undertaken during the pandemic which would continue to be built upon.

(b)       Autism

The Member Champion for Autism gave a verbal update to the Committee.  Members were informed that World Autism week had taken place on 28 March?3 April 2022 and extended to National Acceptance month.  It was explained that autistic people, adults, children and their parents or carers were calling upon the world to help create a society that worked for autistic people.

Members were informed that autism champions had been established in all districts and met regularly and included people with autism.  It was explained that work was currently being undertaken on an Autism Champion Charter which would be available on the County Council’s website.

The Member Champion was currently working with the Laal Theatre Company to look at the provision of a day of activities.

The Committee was informed that pre?schools had requested early diagnosis and support.  Members noted that the Champion was contacted by parents who sought a diagnosis, explaining that almost any diagnosis was given such as ODD or ADHD rather than autism.

Members were informed that schools were requesting specialist provision in a variety of appropriate situations and it was felt there was not enough specialist provision available in the Carlisle district.

The Member Champion felt it should be acknowledged that there had been an increasing acknowledgment and understanding of the condition over the last few years.  The County Council had worked to put together an Autism passport and establish a buddy system to support autistic people whom they employed.  It was noted that only 22% of autistic people were in employment.

Members were informed that the main issues which the Member Champion was contacted about were diagnosis and education and individual adult finance and outlined two case studies to the Committee.

The Chair thanked members for their updates.

The current Forward Plan of business for future meetings of the Local Committee was noted.

To note that the next meeting of Carlisle Local Committee will be held on Thursday 14 July 2022 at 10.00 am in Conference Room A/B, Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.

RESOLVED,    that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Thursday 14 July 2022 at 10.00 am in Conference Room A/B, Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.