To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Advisory Committee held on 6 October 2020, as a correct record.

Resolved: That the Minutes of the People & Places Advisory Committee held on 6 October 2020, be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Any interest not already registered.

Cllr Dyball declared for reasons of transparency that she had been appointed a Trustee of Concreate Wave Charity which was a topic that would be covered under the Public Realm Commissioner’s update.

The action was noted.

The Portfolio Holder reported that there would be a more detailed update regarding Silver Sunday 2020, however over 400 celebratory packs had been delivered to older people in the District and she expressed her thanks to officers and the Sevenoaks District Senior Action Forum for their involvement in Silver Sunday. The Youth Conference had been well attended, being compered by the young people and providing an interesting debate. 

Members were advised that Care for the Community had continued through the second Lockdown, and would continue as the district moved into tier 3. The scheme was currently receiving around 9 new requests for help per week and all areas in the district was covered. The District’s Voluntary Sector Forum met virtually once a month with guest speakers.

It was also reported that plans were being developed to improve Orchard’s Academy sports hall, Swanley including a new sprung floor and updates to the changing rooms and lockers. The Council was supporting the school to secure additional funding to complete the works.

The Portfolio Holder reported that there was a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the district following a busy summer.  

There were none.

The Community Safety Partnership Manager presented the report summarising the impact of Covid-19 on the projects and works supported by the Community Grants awarded for the year 2020/21, which included the work intended to be delivered with any changes made or planned so that residents could continue to benefit.

Member were advised that out of the £54,800 awarded so far only one payment had been received back to the Council as the project was unable to be held.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: that the impact of Covid-19 on the projects and works supported by the Community Grants awarded for year 2020/21 and the work undertaken to mitigate, adapt and adjust such that residents continue to benefit, be noted.

The Chairman welcomed, Cllr Hogarth to the meeting who updated Members on the work of the Commissioner including the setting up of a team of ten voluntary members to help deliver the aims identified. He explained there was no budget attached to the projects. They assisted the Commissioner in the work towards the creation and retention of good quality public space in district. So far 12 projects were underway or had been completed.

Key projects were highlighted, including proposals to refurbish Swanley Skate Park and the Concrete Wave Charity which had been set up to raise money to improve the Skate Park. The Commission had also been working with the Enterprise Co-ordinator for West Kent Partnership and Knole Academy for students studying film to provide an opportunity to hear the perspectives of young people on the public realm. There were also developments for Sevenoaks Town including restoring artwork in the Shambles and development of an artist commission for the M&S site at Blighs.

Members took the opportunity to ask questions of the projects and future projects.

Resolved: That the work of the Public Realm Commissioner be noted.

The Community Safety Partnership Manager presented the report which informed Members how the Council took part in Silver Sunday 2020. Projects included the distribution of 400 Silver Sunday Packs containing an activity book, information from Public Health England regarding physical activity and keeping active at home and community safety relevant promotional material and advice. Local primary schools in the district were invited to make special Silver Sunday cards for the packs.

A mobility exercise video programme for older people which was made in Partnership with Age UK Sevenoaks & Tonbridge with a gentle exercise targeted for older people and those with limited mobility to stay active and well at home. The projects encouraged a joint up approach had forged partnership links with Age UK, Sevenoaks District Senior Action Forum supporting older residents in the district.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: that the report be noted.

The following changes were made to the work plan.

2 March 2021

Sevenoaks District Community Safety Strategy & Action Plan 2021-22

Establishing a Community Lottery

Supported Internship programme

Voluntary Sector Forum – a year on

Summer 2021

Economic Development Strategy refresh update

Annual Community Safety report