Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from:

·       Mark Tucker, Director ICT

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 21 November 2024.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented.

In relation to minute no. 51, the Board was asked whether it had received the remaining figure for the Salisbury Transportation Strategy budget as set out as an action. The Chairman confirmed that the remaining budget figure was not included as part of the update provided. The Board agreed to request this again (also recorded under Chairman’s updates and the LHFIG item).

It was;

Resolved:

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations.

The Chairman will give an update on outcomes and actions arising from previous meetings of the Area Board, including:

·       Salisbury Transport Strategy: Locally Prioritised Schemes (table attached as Appendix 1 to LHFIG)

Chief Constable – Catherine Roper

The Chief Constable was welcomed to the meeting and she reiterated her offer to attend any of the future Area Board meetings.

Questions and Comments:

• Ms Tidmarsh Hackett – What were the Police doing to keep people safe with regards to County Lines?

Answer: Across Wiltshire and Swindon, we have an operation called Operation Seseli where we are reviewing criminal grooming of young people.

Salisbury Transport Strategy Update

Locally Prioritised Schemes (table attached as Appendix 1 to LHFIG)

The Chairman had received confirmation that the Green RAG rated schemes within the Salisbury LHFIG list submitted for Salisbury Transport Strategy funding were being progressed through the LHFIG mechanism. When detailed proposals and indicative delivery plans were available, this would be shared with the Area Board and the engagement strategy with local stakeholders would be confirmed.  

The Amber RAG rated schemes were not actively being worked on, as these would be considered as part of the wider Salisbury Transport Strategy proposals which were being reviewed in the context of the Central Area Framework and draft LTP4 which was programmed for adoption in Spring 2025.

An update from National Highways on their proposals was awaited and would be shared when available.

There was no confirmation on the remaining Salisbury Transportation Strategy (STS) budget. The Board agreed that the request be pursued and feed back to the next meeting, with STS schemes featuring as a running Item for further monitoring and updates.

Comments:

Margaret Wilmott - £67k was about 1% of the S106 budget, we need a response on this, as it was hugely important for Salisbury to have a say on how the other 99% of the money was to be spent.

Action: Request a STS budget breakdown of remaining funds.

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

·       Community First

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Cost of Living Update Jan 2025

o   School Appeal Panel Member Recruitment

o   Wiltshire Local Elections 2025

o   Devolution to Wessex

o   Family & Community Learning Impact

The Board noted the Information Items as set out in the agenda pack, these were:

·       Community First

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Cost of Living Update Jan 2025

o   School Appeal Panel Member Recruitment

o   Wiltshire Local Elections 2025

o   Devolution to Wessex

o   Family & Community Learning Impact

The Chairman noted that since the publication of the agenda papers there had been an announcement from central government, confirming that Wessex had not been accepted into the first round of the devolution programme. A briefing note was circulated at the meeting and uploaded to the agenda as supplement 2.

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Street Lighting Audits – Liz Batten

·       Underpasses working group update – Cllr Hocking

·       Environment Action Group –Cllr Hocking

Note: Speakers are reminded that they each have a 3 minute slot, unless they have previously discussed alternative arrangements with the Chairman

Written Updates

The Board is asked to note the following written and online updates attached to the agenda:

·       Neighbourhood Policing Team

·       Wiltshire Police - Spot the signs campaign & the VAWG Quarterly Update

·       Fire & Rescue – Update

·       Salisbury BID – website link

The Board noted the written updates attached to the agenda and received the following verbal updates:

Street Lighting Audits – Liz Batten (Salisbury Soroptimists)

Liz drew attention to the report which had been published as supplement 1 to the agenda. Thanks were given to all of the volunteers who took part in the street light audits in January which highlighted which of the cities streetlights were in need of attention.

The Chairman thanked Liz and all of the volunteers for their continued efforts on this initiative, which was raising awareness to the community.

The Board noted that the next stage in the mechanism for progress in repair works after the audit would be for consideration by the Highways Engineer.

Karlene agreed to liaise with the relevant officer to move the work along and update at a future meeting.

Following some recent graffiti on the underpass artwork, Cllr Hocking had met with the lead local artist for the project to arranged some touching up and more research around preventative cleaning agents that works with the anti-graffiti coat.

In relation to the Art Centre Lights which were not working, conversations with Wiltshire Creative and Wiltshire Council to establish responsibility.

Marc Read of SCC agreed to establish what was possible in terms of conservation restrictions and assist with improvements where he could.

Liz was asked whether the work of the group would expand slightly beyond the city, possibly to Bemerton Heath. Liz agreed to take the request back to the Salisbury Soroptimists for consideration.  

Underpasses working group update – Cllr Hocking

·       The Group met on 30 January 2025.

·       Since the 3 years the group had been established, it had been the intention that a reference document would be produced, which would contain useful contacts to use in cases of emergency.  Discussions with National Highways on their input continued with little progress.

·       COGGS was considering a further art project in another underpass; however the project was delayed due to the need for substrate works.

Environment Action Group –Cllr Hocking

·       The Group met on 15 January 2025.

·       Air quality monitoring work continued.

·       Elaine from Salisbury Transition City provided some context to the data from the readings over the years for the WC diffusion tubes that were in the city’s air quality monitoring areas.

·       The Group was also discussing the Local Cycling and Infrastructure Plan, which it was hoped would be available online as a live document in the next few weeks.

·       Flooding – still working on the Food Plan, with a focus on Cathedral Close and downstream from there. Negotiating with the Environment Agency on consultations they had requested, with a preference to work more towards landscaping.

·       Work to understand the water movement and rainfall was underway, in regard to areas of flooding on the floodplain at the bottom end of the city. There were a series of hatches and sluices which the Group was hoping to find a way to manage better to improve capacity of the flood plain.

·       The Group would approach the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

An update from Paul Pritchard, Head of Development.

The Board received an update from Paul Pritchard, Head of Development.

·       Assessment of potential tenants completed.

·       January 2025 - Cabinet approved process could be progressed with preferred tenant and £300,000 funding to make improvements to the external fabric of the building.

·       Head of Terms agreed, and lease discussions now being progressed.

·       Once the lease is signed by both parties, we will be able to formally announce the preferred tenant and provide an indicative timeline for reopening.

Questions and comments:

·       Was there a timeline of when acts would start performing again?

Answer: Unable to provide anything formal until the lease is signed with preferred tenant. Information would be shared as soon as the tenant was ready to provide confirmed details.

·       We all support the new operator, particularly the Friends of City Hall Group and it was hoped that the activities were supported by the residents.

·       The date of the initial contact with the preferred operator was queried and discussed by members, with a query around the disclosure of the preferred operators name in local media.

Answer: The process was open from June 2024, with initial offers received from all interested parties before 1 October 2024. It became apparent that investment would be needed in the building and interested parties were notified and given the opportunity to confirm or revise their offers. Final offers from all parties received in October 2024.  In addition, the Council was not able to release the preferred operators name publicly, the information in the media had not come from Wiltshire Council.

·       In response to statements around the closure date of city hall, it was clarified that the building originally closed in March 2020 on government advice due to the Covid Pandemic. City Hall staff were subsequently made redundant in December 2020 and were not sacked.

A presentation from Marc Read, Head of Environmental Services, on behalf of  Salisbury City Council.

The Board received an update from Marc Read, Head of Environmental Services, on behalf of Salisbury City Council.

Overall

With an emphasis on improving the council’s financial situation, it had been a year of giving the leaders of the city council the tools to make evidence-based decisions.

New Responsible Finance Officer

Rectified legacy issues relating to VAT and satisfied HMRC’s examination.

Reported underspend of over half a million pounds as of month 8 of the financial year.

Budget Setting

The process had started much earlier on the previous year with two parallel budgets being prepared by the administration and the opposition.

Improved resources to Health & Safety, learning & development, Cyber Security and enhanced maintenance budgets for SCC assets.

3 new operative positions in grounds and 2 in Streetscene.

Business Services:

SWR & Salisbury shop mobility scheme began in January 2025.

Sunday Car boot sales starting in February.

Cost reduction exercise underway

CAD technology programme purchased to better plot use of market and Guildhall square for events

HR:

22 new staff

HR team completed actions identified by external health check for payroll

Corporate Services:
Overseen key civic events such as Remembrance and Armistice, Charter Sunday

Reviewed governance documentation, phone and IT contracts to achieve costs saving efficiencies.

Planning for elections, 1^st May

Community Services:

A busy Christmas with 12 events.

Wiltshire creative Panto Ticket Scheme for 80 local people on low incomes

Bring a Tin to Work with local businesses and volunteers

The Great Salisbury Toy Appeal distributing over 300 toys to local children

Winter clothing event

Holocaust Memorial Day annual event.

Environmental Services:

Streetscene team had a new gum gun

Installation of 20 new double recycling bins

Working in collaboration with Wiltshire Council to combat fly tipping

340 trees planted with 60 new cherry trees in Churchill Gardens in the new landscaped area

Washroom/shower facilities upgrade - Camping & Caravan Club (a major income generator for the council)

Work starting at the end of February on a landscape project at Rowbarrow in Harnham using s106 funds.

CCTV

Training 4 new CCTV Volunteer Operators

Crematorium

Leaking roof replaced.

Questions and comments:

Could you update on the closure of the public toilets in Market square?

Answer: The toilets had to be closed after the pump motor burnt out due to someone discarding underwear inside it. Quote to repair the pumps had been sought and an order for parts placed. No timescale yet for when the toilets would be operational again.

The Board praised the comprehensive update report and welcomed further updates at future meetings.

Had SCC accounts been audited?

Answer: Moving forward SCC would be audited as a principal authority, the same level of detail and scrutiny as Wiltshire Council would be subjected to. SCC was also seeking to appoint an external auditor.

What process did SCC follow when purchasing new vehicles?

Answer: The default preference was to buy electric vehicles. The only time we would buy a diesel would be if no suitable alternative was available.

How much would it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

An update on any areas of work from the Lead Councillors and Engagement & Partnership Lead Officer:

·       Youth engagement, employment and positive activity opportunities - Cllr Ricky Rogers

·       Addressing climate change - Cllr Sven Hocking

·       Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing - Cllr Caroline Corbin

·       Supporting under represented groups - Cllr Caroline Corbin

·       Improving transport and access - Cllr Sven Hocking

Karlene Jammeh, the Engagement & Partnership Lead Officer and Lead members, provided updates on the Area Board Priorities.

Youth engagement, employment and positive activity opportunities - Cllr Ricky Rogers

•        The ‘YOU’ network - Connecting all the safe spaces, people and places available for young people in and around our city to increase and improve the number of inclusive and welcoming spaces

•        YOU Network Membership is open to youth organisations, churches, charities and clubs

•        Youth clubs, activities, events and youth work projects for young people ages 11 to 19, and up to 25 for people with SEND

•        Access to sign posting information, guidance on minimum standards, access to peer support from across the network and to look for ways to address training needs

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing – Cllr Caroline Corbin

·       Cakes, Care and Connection - A one stop shop for advice and information for all living with a disability

·       Over 25 local disability organisations will be attending

·       Find out more about the Disability Interest Group Salisbury - There will be lots of cake!

A look at the funding awards and the projects supported by the Area Board over the last 4 years.

Officer: Karlene Jammeh, Engagement and Partnership Lead Officer

Karlene Jammeh, Engagement and Partnership Lead Officer gave a summary of Area Board Funding and project support over the last 4 years. A video detailing some of the projects achieved with the support of the Area Board was shown.

·       £276,389 of total Aea Board investment

·       £1,670,340 total project cost

·       140 projects

The Board gave thanks to Karlene Jammeh, the Engagement and Partnership Lead and all involved in facilitating the work across the community area.

To note the remaining budgets and to consider any applications for funding, as detailed in the attached Grants report and summarised below.

Older & Vulnerable and Youth Grants reports, with recommendations are also attached.

Remaining Budgets:

Area Board Initiatives:

Community Area Grants:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

Young People Grants:

Delegated Funding

There have been no funding awards made under the Delegated Funding Process, by the Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager, between meetings due to matters of urgency.

Further information on the Area Board Grant system can be found here.

The Board noted the budgets remaining for allocation at the meeting and heard from representatives in attendance who gave a brief overview of their project followed by any questions by the Board.

Budgets available at this meeting:

Community Area Grants: £1,137.90

Older & Vulnerable Adults: 1,377.00

Youth: £5,422.00

Community Area Grants:

Salisbury Street Pastors, Mobile AED, requested £500

The Applicant Brian Percey spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Sam Charleston moved the motion to award in full

This was seconded by Cllr Caroline Carbin.

Decision

Salisbury Street Pastors was awarded £500 towards the mobile AED project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25.

Older & Vulnerable Adults Grants:

SASS Showcase, Mental Wellbeing with focus on Men’s Health, requested £500. The Applicant Anne Trevett spoke in support of the project.

Questions:

You mentioned the Guild Hall was no longer available as a venue, moving forward, how did you see your relationship with SCC diversifying and moving away from the Communities’ team?

Answer: SASS was looking all the time for alternative funding and would be initiating work with other supporters and was already sponsored by independent providers for projects such as the ‘come on in’ booklet.

Cllr Sven Hocking moved the motion to award in full

This was seconded by Cllr Charles McGrath.

Decision

SASS Showcase was awarded £500 towards the Mental Wellbeing with focus on Men’s Health project .

Reason – The application met the Older and Vulnerable Adults Grants Criteria 2024/25.

Area Board Initiatives (Older & Vulnerable budget):

Carers and Past Carers Afternoon Tea and Portrait Photography event, requested £500. Helen Dowse, Area Board Carers Champion, spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Sam Charleston moved the motion to award the recommended amount of £500. This was seconded by Cllr Brian Dalton.

Decision

The Area Board Initiative for a Carers and Past Carers Afternoon Tea and Portrait Photography event was awarded £500.

Reason – The application met the Older and Vulnerable Adults Grants Criteria 2024/25.

Digital Inclusion project for older people and vulnerable adults to improve access to healthcare, requested £500. Karlene Jammeh spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Sam Charleston moved the motion to award the recommended amount of £377. This was seconded by Cllr Sven Hocking.

Decision

The Area Board Initiative for a Digital Inclusion project for older people and vulnerable adults to improve access to healthcare was awarded £377.

Reason – The application met the Older and Vulnerable Adults Grants Criteria 2024/25.

Youth Grants:

Salisbury Community Circus - Activities Roadshow Rig Safety Extension and Equipment, requested £3,000. The Applicant Jonathan Russell spoke in support of the project.

The Board thanked the applicant for all his group had done locally to provide youth activities over the years.

Cllr Ricky Rogers moved the motion to award the recommended amount of £3,000 (£2,362.10 from the Youth Budget and £637.90 from the Community Area Grants capital budget). This was seconded by Cllr Paul Sample.

Decision

Salisbury Community Circus -was awarded £3000 (£2,362.10 from the Youth Budget and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 22 January 2025, as set out in the attached report.

Items requiring a funding decision are:

·       4b – Harnham 20mph Speed Limit – £7,000

·       4c – Relocation of Loading Bay in Estcourt Road - £500

·       4d – Ayleswade Road HGV Signing Improvements - £500

·       4f – Jewell Close Additional Lighting Column – £1,000

·       4h – Amendments to the Southern Wiltshire Off-street Parking Order - £1,000

·       4j – Lower Bemerton Advisory Footway - £2089.50

Milford Mill Road Update

The Board will receive an update from Cllr McGrath.

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

The Board considered the report and funding recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 22 January 2025.

It was;

Resolved:

To approve the LHFIG funding recommendations to the following schemes:

• 4b – Harnham 20mph Speed Limit – £7,000

• 4c – Relocation of Loading Bay in Estcourt Road - £500

• 4d – Ayleswade Road HGV Signing Improvements - £500

• 4f – Jewell Close Additional Lighting Column – £1,000

• 4h – Amendments to the Southern Wiltshire Off-street Parking Order - £1,000

• 4j – Lower Bemerton Advisory Footway - £2089.50

Milford Mill Road Update

Cllr Charles McGrath noted his disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress and his hope that some action would have been possible before the elections in May, but that it seemed unlikely that this would be achieved.

A traffic survey request had been submitted; however he noted that the previous survey carried out over two years previously had identified problems with volume and speed of traffic. The speed had since been addressed with a 20mph zone. He hoped the newly elected councillor for the area would take the issue forward to seek a solution for the residents.