The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “AH”) which gives an update on the progress of People Can with information on projects and key outcomes on issues identified by our communities using a wider linkage to council and partners information and communication channels.

Recommended –

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee acknowledges and supports the work undertaking under the People Can programme.

(Ian Day – 01274 437399)

The Strategic Director for Place submitted a report, (Document “AH”), which provided an update to members relating to the progress of People Can, together with information on projects and key outcomes on issues identified by our communities, using a wider linkage to Council and partners information and communication channels.

Members heard that “People Can” is an open invitation to our communities, neighbourhoods, villages, towns, individuals and organisations that make up the District to work together to do things differently, discover how we can all make a difference to our lives and the places we live in.  It is a District wide approach that succeeds through collaborating with the Community Voluntary Sector, (VCS), the business community and citizens.

Members were very keen to explore the activities that have been undertaken by People Can  and whether Bradford Council could not have undertaken these activities, as this was not included in the report.  Furthermore, members felt that People Can was a brand under which activities were being placed. 

Members felt that this was a list of activities that Council was doing,  which were activities that were core Council function.

In response officers highlighted that People Can was a facilitator, in developing and supporting communities to undertake such activities.  The aim here was to trying to seek a more volunteering effort across the Bradford District.  Despite this, officers did acknowledge that that some of the activities undertaken through People Can had already happened.

Members also stressed that they had previously requested to officers that the added value and social value be included in a future report, but it had not been included in this report.

Furthermore, members indicated that there was already a lot of similar work happening across the District, with neighbours voluntarily assisting each other.

In addition to this, a member also indicated that People Can had undertaken activities in their ward and it did help the communities in that area and value had been added.  It was also suggested that this particular approach could be used across the Bradford District.

There was considerable discussion amongst members as to whether Bradford Council should continue to fund People Can or other similar programme. Members felt that there was a plethora of branding, with no mention of Bradford Council, along with People Can programme being able to demonstrate added value.

Resolved –

This Committee requests that a detailed report be presented, specifically focusing on the added value of the People Can Programme across the District.

ACTION:  Strategic Director of Place