**A pre meeting for Members to prepare for the Panel will take place 45 minutes before the meeting**
The Press and Public are welcome to attend for the consideration of any items which are public.
Councillor Paton (Chair), Councillors Mrs Finlayson (Vice-Chair), Glover, Mrs McKerrell, Shepherd, Sunter, Mrs Tarbitt, Miss Whalen.
Substitutes:
Alcroft, Atkinson, Bainbridge, Birks, Mrs Bowman, Brown, Collier, Ms Ellis-Williams, Mrs Glendinning, Lishman, Meller, Mrs Mitchell, Mitchelson, Morton, Ms Patrick, Robson, Miss Sherriff, Southward, Dr Tickner, and Tinnion.
To consider any matter which has been the subject of call-in.
The Deputy Chief Executive submitted an update on the planned programme of capital investment into the Council's active spaces stock for 2022/23 along with the longer-term strategic direction for making improvements beyond 2022/23 (CS.04/22). The Deputy Chief Executive reported on the facilities available within the City, the funding for the improvements and maintenance and the strategic approach taken to maximise the funding that was available.
In considering the report Members raised the following comment and questions:
- A Member commented that it was difficult for small districts and villages to receive Section 106 monies. - The Panel thanked the Green Spaces team for their excellent work in keeping the green spaces operational in such difficult circumstances when residents really relied on them. - The green spaces within Carlisle had proved invaluable during the pandemic. Was it possible to update and refresh the interpretation boards and information that was placed around the green spaces to enhance the education offer and the leisure experience. The Deputy Chief Executive agreed to engage with local groups and discuss an audit of the interpretation boards with officers to undertake an audit of the condition of the information available in green spaces. RESOLVED - That the Active Spaces - Update on Plan (CS.02/22) was noted.
The Deputy Chief Executive presented a report regarding Social Prescribing (CS.03/22). The Deputy Chief Executive reported that Social Prescribing was an approach being developed by the NHS and its partners to help address health and wellbeing issues across England. The report provided brief details of the approach, what was already happening in Carlisle and how the City Council could support future development, working with partners and stakeholders across the District.
In considering the report Members raised the following comments and questions: - How would the hard to reach groups be engaged in the work, especially those that struggled with social situations or were isolated.
The Deputy Chief Executive responded that it was difficult to engage everyone who would benefit from Social Prescribing. Social Prescribing was an holistic approach to people's health and wellbeing through collaborative working with partners including the NHS and GPs. It did rely on people engaging in the offer however a wide range of agencies were involved in referring to Social Prescribing as well as the ability to self refer. He suggested that some work be carried out in preparing an advocacy pack for Members and local communities which provided information in a quick clear way. - How would the Local Government Reorganisation impact the role of local authorities in Social Prescribing? The Deputy Chief Executive reported that the initial focus for the Reorganisation was the safe and legal perspective. To continue the Social Prescribing in the new authority there would need to be some joined up partnership work across the new area. There may be opportunities in the new authority to attract funding and make resources go further across a wider footprint. - How was Social Prescribing promoted? The Deputy Chief Executive explained that the promotion of Social Prescribing was a difficult matter. There was a limited amount of services and resources available to meet needs. Consideration needed to be given to how the programme could be expanded.
- The Chair highlighted the current issues regarding the availability of NHS dentists and asked if this was a matter that could be addressed through the Healthy Cities? The Deputy Chief Executive reminded the Panel that the City Council had no power in terms of access to dentists however the Healthy Cities Forum could use their advocacy to get a response to the issue. The Communities, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder explained that the matter had already been raised and would be added to a future Healthy Cities agenda for discussion. The Portfolio Holder commended officers, in particular the Healthy City Team Manager, for their involvement in the success of Social Prescribing in the area. RESOLVED - The Panel noted the contents of the Social Prescribing report (CS.03/22).
-NIL- Enquiries, requests for reports, background papers etc to: committeeservices@carlisle.gov.uk
Also Present: Councillor J Mallinson, Leader Councillor Ellis, Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder Councillor Mrs Mallinson, Communities, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder Councillor Higgs, Culture, Heritage and Leisure Portfolio Holder Officers: Deputy Chief Executive Overview and Scrutiny Officer