To: All Members of the Building Stronger Communities Policy Committee

Councillors: Chair – T Higgins Deputy Chair – W Hughes S Bland, M Biggin, A Dirir, K Gleave, A Heaver, J Richards S Roberts Co-opted Members: Mrs Maureen Banner Statutory Co-opted Members Roman Catholic Representative: Mr D Littlewood Church of England Representative: Mr S Harrison Parent Governor Representative: Vacancy Parent Governor Representative: Vacancy Building Stronger Communities Policy Committee

Date: Wednesday, 27 January 2016

Time: 18:30

Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1UH

Contact: Jennie Cordwell, Democratic & Member Services, Tel: 01925 442139,

Email: jcordwell@warrington.gov.uk

AGENDA

Part 1

Items during the consideration of which the meeting is expected to be open to members of the public (including the press) subject to any statutory right of exclusion. 1 Apologies

To record any apologies received.

2 Code of Conduct - Declarations of Interest

Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulation 2012 Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any

Professor Steven Broomhead Chief Executive

Town Hall Sankey Street

Warrington WA1 1UH

1

disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest which they have in any item of business on the agenda no later than when the item is reached.

3 Minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2015.

3 - 6

4 Community Parks / Friends Groups

Presentation by Parks and Woodlands Manager

5 Tree Policy - Executive Summary

Report of the Parks and Woodlands Manager

7 - 10

6 Work Programme

Report of the Chairman of the Building Stronger Communities Policy Committee.

11 - 20

Part 2

Items of a “confidential or other special nature” during which it is likely that the meeting will not be open to the public and press as there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972. Nil.

If you would like this information provided in another language or format,

including large print, Braille, audio or British Sign Language, please call 01925

443322 or ask at the reception desk in Contact Warrington, Horsemarket Street,

Warrington

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Agenda Item 3

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES POLICY COMMITTEE

11 November 2015

Present: Councillor T Higgins (Chairman) Councillors S Bland, A Dirir, A Heaver, M Biggin, J Richards and Co-opted

Member Mr Littlewood BSC 15 Apologies for Absence Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S Roberts and W Hughes and Co-opted Member, Mr Harrison. BSC 16 Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest received. BSC 17 Minutes Decision, That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record by the Chair. BSC 18 Background & Current Picture of the Third Sector in Warrington The Committee received a report from the Service Manager, Commissioning (Trusts) & Third Sector Partnership that provided details of the current picture of the Third Sector in Warrington and key findings from the ‘State of the Sector’ review which was undertaken in 2015. In 2007, the Council commissioned the first ever review into their relationship with the Third Sector in Warrington. The findings report made a number of recommendations to improve the relationship with / support to the Third Sector. One of these recommendations was the introduction of the Third Sector Partnership Team, an impartial team funded by Warrington Borough Council to support the development of the Third Sector. Members were informed that the team is the central point of contact for the Third Sector and responsible for developing a strong relationship and ongoing dialogue with the Third Sector. It was reported to the Committee that the Third Sector Partnership Team has led on the development of Warrington’s Volunteering Strategy which aims to develop a collaborative and co-ordinated approach, supporting, developing and promoting a strong volunteering culture across Warrington. A recently published a ‘State of the Sector’ report, the first since the 2007 review, provided a current picture of the Third Sector. This recent review found that Warrington’s Third Sector offers a wide range of activities across all areas within the town. There are approximately 1,200 Third Sector organisations operating in

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Agenda Item 3

Warrington with many more that are not registered; 427 of these are registered charities with the remainder being unincorporated. These organisations have a wealth of local knowledge, and organisations are able to engage with local people and reach those that the Council cannot. Key challenges that face the voluntary sector were discussed with the Committee, including the difficulties in securing new funding, along with maintaining current levels of funding. Succession planning had been identified as a skills gap for many organisations as very often organisations are dependent on one or two key individuals. The Committee were advised of current work that was underway to further improve the Council’s commissioning arrangements to enable them to continue to be transparent and accessible by the third sector. Decision, The Committee had a full discussion on the matter and noted the content of the report. BSC 19 Learning Skills & Employment – Back to Work Courses The Committee received a report from the Executive Director of Families and Wellbeing that provided details on the Council’s response to Government Policy to create more apprenticeships. The Committee were advised that the Council had also made a commitment to regenerating communities by supporting creative opportunities for apprenticeships with local business providers. Nationally a commitment has been made that by 2020 there would be 3 million apprenticeships available. To ensure this target is reached public sector bodies will be required to employ apprentices and set targets to increase apprenticeships. The term ‘Apprenticeship’ is also to be given the same legal treatment as degrees and will be protected by law, therefore preventing it from being misused. The Committee were informed that the Council already plays a role in improving the take-up and quality of apprenticeships in Warrington. Families and Wellbeing Directorate have an established action plan which includes strengthening links between schools and employers, promoting case studies and apprenticeship ambassadors, and analysing data to try to ensure that apprenticeship provision is better aligned to local labour market need and key growth sectors. The Careers for Young People Service within Families and Wellbeing provides information, advice and guidance to ensure an understanding of Apprenticeships as a valued route into a career, this is currently provided through a range of activities. The Committee were advised that work is being undertaken with Warrington & Co. to help encourage businesses to create apprenticeships. The above work has contributed to the proportion of 16 and 17 year olds participating in apprenticeships over the past 2 years in Warrington increasing from 3.6% to 7.5%and for 2015 is significantly better than the North West and National rates of

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Agenda Item 3

participation in Apprenticeships. Warrington is recognised by the Department of Education as a success story in terms of its increasing participation rates in education or training. Decision; The Committee had a full discussion on the matter and noted the report content. BSC 20 Neighbourhoods in Warrington Annual Report 2014/2015 The Committee received a report from the Executive Director Families & Wellbeing that highlighted the work undertaken by the Council’s Neighbourhood Teams and how they contribute both directly and through partnership working to deliver the Councils Strategies. The report presented the work of all the Area Boards and Teams which have helped to reduce inequality and improve lives of all residents in Warrington. The Committee were informed that the Council actively supports the partnerships that are vital to improving communities and its neighbourhoods. With local Councillors also involved with the Areas Boards, this ensures that continued support is provided to neighbourhood footprints that need help most. Key areas of work were highlighted to the Committee, along with challenges faced by all Area Boards and the priorities going forward. The Committee had a full discussion on the matter and expressed their appreciation for the work undertake by all Area Boards. Decision; That the Committee noted the report content. BSC 21 Litter & Fly Tipping Enforcement The Committee received a presentation from the Investigations & Enforcement Manager that provided an update for Members regarding environmental crime reports for the borough and work that was being undertaken to help reduce the number of reports being submitted to Warrington Borough Council. Information detailing current hot spots of side waste litter were circulated to Members and it was explained that data was currently being collated to see if any areas had repeat offenders. It was discussed that central wards tend to have more complaints of side waste and work was currently being undertaken with Neighbourhood Wardens who work in the local communities to provide information about alternative ways to dispose of waste. The Committee were informed that advice for landlords was due to be circulated which would advise them of where they can dispose of large goods items if undertaking renovations on vacant properties.

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Agenda Item 3

Decision; The Committee had a full discussion on the matter and noted the presentation content. BSC 22 Work Programme The Committee received a report from the Chairman, Councillor T Higgins. The purpose of the report was to inform the Committee of the proposed work programme for the remainder of the 2015 / 16 municipal year. Decision; That the Committee approved the Work Programme as detailed in Appendix A.

Signed…………………………..…….

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Agenda item 5

WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES POLICY COMMITTEE

27 January 2016

Report of the: Parks and Woodlands Manager

Report Author:

Contact Details: Email Address:

dcotterill@warrington.gov.uk

Telephone:

01925 442711

Ward Members:

All

TITLE OF REPORT: Warrington Borough Council Tree Policy

1. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

1.1 To provide the committee with details of the proposed Tree Policy for the management of Warrington Borough Council Trees.

2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

2.1 The policy sets out Warrington Borough Council’s (WBC) approach to the management of trees and woodlands on Council owned land. It is intended to act as a point of reference for the public, officers, elected members and professionals to ensure a clear, consistent and structured approach to the protection and management of Warrington’s trees.

3. CONFIDENTIAL OR EXEMPT

3.1 N/A

4. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 N/A

5. RISK ASSESSMENT

5.1 N/A

6. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY/EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

6.1 N/A

7. CONSULTATION

7.1 N/A

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Agenda item 5

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8. RECOMMENDATION

8.1 That Members endorse the implementation of the Tree Policy.

9.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

9.1 Warrington Borough Council Tree Policy – Executive Summary

9.2 Warrington Borough Council Tree Policy

Contacts for Background Papers:

Name E-mail Telephone

D Cotterill dcotterill@warrington.gov.uk 01925 442711

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Agenda item 5

Warrington Borough Council

Executive Summary

Tree Policy

This policy sets out Warrington Borough Council’s (WBC) approach to the

management of trees and woodlands on Council owned land. It is intended to act as a

point of reference for the public, officers, elected members and professionals to ensure

a clear, consistent and structured approach to the protection and management of

Warrington’s trees.

It does not deal with policies specific to Tree Preservation Orders or the management

of non-council-owned trees located within Conservation Areas.

The objectives of this policy document are:

1. To set out WBC’s approach to tree management, (including the management of

risk associated with trees), and to outline the legal obligations and requirements

imposed on the Council as a landowner.

2. To provide a cohesive and defensible framework to which WBC officers can work.

3. To encourage the implementation of best practice in the management of WBC’s

tree and woodland assets.

4. To promote the creation and/or maintenance of a high quality amenity landscape within the town, with a sustainable tree cover and the associated environmental benefits. The Tree Policy categorises enquiries relating to trees, advises what the policy or

relevant standards are in relation to each category, and provides guidance on the

timescale for a response.

Overall Policy

The Council will manage its tree stock to ensure that it meets it legal responsibilities,

e.g. duty of care, health and safety.

Section Headings:

The following subject headings constitute Warrington’s Tree Policy and give clear

unambiguous statements for officers to implement to ensure that the Council meets its

duty of care and legal and health and safety obligations whilst not exposing itself to

any undue liability.

1. Public Enquiries / Service Requests

2. Response Times

3. Tree Management Arrangements

4. Advice to residents

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Agenda Item 6 Work Programme

WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES POLICY COMMITTEE Wednesday 27 January 2016 Report of the: Chairman, Cllr T Higgins

Building Stronger Communities Policy Committee Report Author: Jennie Cordwell, Democratic Services Officer Contact Details: Email Address:

jcordwell@warrington.gov.uk Telephone: 01925 442139

Ward Members:

All Wards

TITLE OF REPORT: Work Programme & Monitoring of

Actions/Recommendations Building Stronger Communities Policy Committee 2015/2016

1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of the report is for the Committee to consider the work

programme for the 2015/2016 municipal year and monitor the actions and recommendations arising from the Committee and its Working Groups.

2. CONFIDENTIAL OR EXEMPT 2.1 Not applicable

3. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 3.1 The Work Programme for 2015/2016 was initially agreed by the

Committee at its meeting on 9 June 2015. 3.2 This report contains details of possible areas for investigation for

2015/16 and an update on those items from 2014/15 still under consideration. A revised draft work programme from June 2015 until April 2016 is attached as Appendix A for consideration by the Committee.

3.3 The Terms of Reference for the Committee is attached to help focus Members attention as Appendix B.

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Agenda Item 6 Work Programme

4. DEVELOPING THE DRAFT WORK PROGRAMME

4.1 The work programme has been compiled in line with the guidance document “how to develop and manage a work programme”. The aim of this document is to assist councillors in the development of their work programmes. The guidance is based on best practice from the Local Government Information Unit, the Centre for Public Scrutiny and leading local authorities.

4.2 The draft topics have been selected from the current work programmes and September cycles of meetings which have been identified by members. In addition a number of new items have been identified as a result of national policy developments.

4.3 All topics have been rationalised using the criteria identified in the “work programme guidance”. The terms of reference for the committee have been referred to when putting together the draft work programmes. The key question that has been asked during this exercise is “what difference can the policy committee make by undertaking this piece of work”.

4.4 To help the policy committee manage work effectively and ensure a consistent approach the work programme has been divided into themes. The themes have been identified from some of the key areas in the Policy Committee terms of reference.

5. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS 5.1 When carrying out activity Members are reminded of the general

financial climate and the Council’s commitment within the ‘One Team’ framework, “to be well run and efficient.”

6. RISK ASSESSMENT 6.1 The following potential risks have been identified: recommendations not

accepted by Executive Board, or not acted upon; partners unwilling to engage; insufficient capacity within Directorates to support activity following service redesign; selection of inappropriate topics, which have minimal impact or are undeliverable; capacity within the work programme to deal with matters arising.

6.2 Risks are regularly monitored and managed by the Policy Committee

Chairs Forum, with the advice and support of relevant officers. Links with Partnerships and Performance are being strengthened and the delivery of the Work Programme is routinely monitored.

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Agenda Item 6 Work Programme

7. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY/EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT 7.1 Democratic and Member Services has an up to date Equality Impact

Assessment for its policies and services. 7.2 Equalities issues relating to policies, services and other topics under

scrutiny are the responsibility of the individual Directorates concerned. However, the committee will monitor the compliance by Directorates on equality and diversity issues when carrying out its functions.

8. CONSULTATION 8.1 There has been no consultation on the report.

9. RECOMMENDATION 9.1 To approve the Work Programme for the remainder of the Municipal

Year - Appendix A 9.2 To note the Terms of Reference at Appendix B.

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Appendix A

Work Programme Items for 27 January 2016 Committee Meeting

Issue Methodology, Details, Purpose Lead Officer(s)

Progress Further Action(s)

Community Parks

Initial discussions for the feasibility of the creation and implementation of a policy to support volunteer groups / friends of parks groups.

Dave Cotterill / Dave Boyer

Tree Policy Review of draft policy. Dave Cotterill / Dave Boyer

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Appendix A

Building Stronger Communities Policy Committee Draft Work Programme – November 2015 - April 2016

Note: - Topics which link to new national government policies/initiatives are highlighted in italic text

Work Programme Topic

Purpose of the item

Type of Policy Development Work

Methodology

Role of Members Lead Officer

Date of Meeting

Theme - Communities FLAGSHIP POLICY Community Parks

To develop a community parks and play spaces policy. This would formalise and build on the success of friends of the parks initiative in St Elphins Park. This topic links to a new government policy to develop pocket parks in urban areas

Looking ahead - Look at what we currently do & make recommendations for improvements

Member/Officer Working Group

Policy development D Boyer January 2016

Tree Policy Review of draft policy prior to implementation

Looking ahead - Look at what we currently do & make recommendations for improvements

Report presentation to Committee

Policy review D Boyer January 2016

Theme - Place Litter and Fly tipping To scrutinise the level of fixed penalty

notices that are issued for littering. This topic will also look at how social housing landlords work with the council to tackle fly tipping. This item links to a new government policy to review higher fixed penalty notices for littering and tackle fly tipping through FP’s

Reviewing - Look at what we currently do & make recommendations for improvements

Scrutiny session – invite officers/RSL’s to attend mtg to give evidence

Submit recommendations to Executive Board. TBA

P Astley Discussions took place at September 2015 and November 2015 meetings. Further dates to be agreed

Theme – Community Safety

Theme – Health 15

Referrals to Committee

2015/2016 Referred from & Date

Minute Details

Motions Received from Members of the Council

Response/Comments Progress

None to date

Working Group Final Report Recommendations 2015/2016 Title of Working Group

Recommendation Referred to & Date

Response/Comments Progress

Review Date

None to date

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Completed Work Programme Items – 2015/2016

Issue Description Outcome

Bus Routes The committee were informed of how bus routes are developed and how they are incorporated into new housing developments.

Enhanced awareness

Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy

The committee were informed of details of the revised strategy and details of its implementation. Recommendations forwarded as part of consultation and enhanced awareness of work undertaken

Suicide Prevention

Strategy

The committee were provided with information about the new strategy, its key priorities and the emerging local needs.

Enhanced awareness and knowledge of the strategy

WBC Employer Supported

Volunteering Policy

Information presented to the committee regarding the proposed Council Employer Supported Volunteering Policy which is in line with a proposed new government policy that requires public sector employees to be entitled to 3 days volunteering per year.

Feedback and support given to the implementation of the policy, once approved by Trade Unions

Voluntary Sector – State of the Sector

Review

The Committee were presented with the findings from the ‘State of the Sector’ review with key priorities highlighted.

Enhanced awareness of support provided to Third Sector from WBC and Commissioned Services

Learning, Skills & Employment – Back to work

courses

Linked to the Government Policy to create 3 million more apprenticeships, the Committee were informed of the progress WBC had made with apprenticeships, the support offered to organisations with positions available and how positions were promoted.

Enhanced awareness

Regulation of Second Hand

Goods

Information provided to the Committee regarding the feasibility of the implementation of a by law to regulate second hand goods shops found that there was not enough evidence to support such a scheme in Warrington.

Enhanced knowledge

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Dates for 2015/2016 municipal year

Meeting Dates Final documentation to be provided no later than

27 January 2016 Monday 18 January 2016

9 March 2016 Monday 29 February 2016

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Appendix B

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES - Terms of Reference

This Policy Committee will assist the Council in the development of policies and delivery of services in accordance with its general responsibilities in relation to:-

The Council’s contribution to improving community safety

The delivery of neighbourhood services

Supporting the Police and Crime Panel in the scrutiny of matters relating to the Police and Crime Commissioner

Waste collection and disposal services

Reduction of the Council’s carbon footprint and the that of the Borough as a whole

Contact with Parish Councils

Without prejudice to the generality of its functions the Committee shall consider:-

How to focus support on those communities in greatest need, helping individuals and families to live as successful lives as possible

The provision of active leadership to all partners in working towards good health and well being for the people of Warrington and their communities

Means of working in partnership to develop more effective ways to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and to reduce the fear of crime

How to encourage educational achievement and promote access to learning skills and employment to improve skills and life chances, including working in partnership with all publicly funded schools and colleges within the borough

Means by which to support community action and the transfer of buildings and other assets to community ownership

Means of supporting an active voluntary sector and volunteering

Means of working with Parish Councils and other representative groups to make best use of resources

The Committee shall exercise the review and scrutiny functions as the Council’s Statutory Crime and Disorder Committee (CDC) for the purposes of s19 of the Police and Justice Act 2006.

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