Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in response to several matters raised during a recent presentation on social isolation on the City’s housing estates.  The report provided an update on the various projects currently underway and sought to provide reassurance that the areas of concern identified in the presentation were either being addressed, or due to be addressed soon, within existing budgets.  Members noted that the Housing Revenue Account was outside of the City Corporation’s Fundamental Review and acknowledged how social cohesion projects saved money in the longer term. 

In response to questions about the condition of some of the City estate playgrounds, Members noted that it was sometimes necessary to close  playgrounds for short periods if several items of equipment required repair.  Where this had been done; i.e. – at Windsor House and Avondale, alternative facilities were available close by.  The Assistant Director advised that a project was underway to bring all playgrounds up to standard, replacing equipment that might be up to 50 years old with more modern and inclusive designs.  Members were reassured that the estate teams inspected equipment daily and reported faults. It was also a legal requirement for all playgrounds to be independently Inspected once a year.  Officers  agreed to consider expanding the offer to external gym equipment, which was already provided by some Local Authorities.

In response to a further question about the Golden Lane Community Centre, Members noted that this was starting to generate income and, as of the last monthly monitoring report, the cost to the HRA this year had been £40,000.  Members noted that the Advisory Board monitored the budget and had recently reviewed charges. Officers were confident that it would break even and be cost neutral to the HRA by the end of this financial year. 

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.