The Strategic Director, Place will submit Document “AD” which outlines the work of the Community Development Workers on behalf of the three commissioned organisations during the period October 2016 to February 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2016-17.

Recommended-

That the work of the Community Development Workers on behalf of the three commissioned organisations during the period October 2016 to February 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2016-17 be noted.

                                                            (Jonathan Hayes – 01535 618008)

Resolved –

(1)  That the work of the Community Development Workers on behalf of the three commissioned organisations during the period October 2016 to February 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2016-17 be noted.

(2)  That the Area Co-ordinator be requested to submit a report in 12 months time on the impact on the Area Co-ordinator’s Office following the termination of the Community Development grants on 31 March 2017.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

                                                            (Jonathan Hayes – 01535 618008)

The Strategic Director, Place submitted Document “AD” which outlined the work of the Community Development Workers on behalf of the three commissioned organisations during the period October 2016 to February 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2016-17.

The Keighley Area Co-ordinator presented the report, stating that this was the final report as Council funding for Community Development Workers would cease on 31 March 2017.  He tabled Appendix B to the report which  provided information about community development work undertaken by Hainworth Wood Community Centre, October 2016 – March 2017.

The Community Development Workers were thanked for their hard work and commitment.

A Member expressed his disquiet at the Council’s decision to stop funding Community Development Workers.

A Member requested a report in 12 months outlining the impact on the Area Co-ordinator’s Office following the loss of Community Development Workers in order to see the additional pressures on that team and how community relations were being managed.  He was particularly concerned about the loss of knowledge and experience.  In response it was reported that Keighley Town Council had set aside some funding for community development work which was likely to be allocated in May 2017 and may take pressure off the Area Co-ordinator’s Office.  The Area Co-ordinator’s Office would work with whoever was commissioned to undertake the work.

Resolved –

(1)  That the work of the Community Development Workers on behalf of the three commissioned organisations during the period October 2016 to February 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2016-17 be noted.

(2)  That the Area Co-ordinator be requested to submit a report in 12 months time on the impact on the Area Co-ordinator’s Office following the termination of the Community Development grants on 31 March 2017.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

Action: Strategic Director, Place