Agenda item

Inner West Community Committee - Update Report

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities brings to members’ attention an update of the work which the Communities Team is engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. It also provides opportunities for further questioning, or to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

 

This report also provides regular updates on some of the key activities between Community Committee meetings and functions delegated to Community Committees, Community Champions roles, community engagement, partnership and locality working.

 

(Report attached)

 

Minutes:

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities brings to members’ attention an update of the work which the Communities Team is engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. It also provided opportunities for further questioning, or to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

 

This report also provided updates on some of the key activities between Community Committee meetings and functions delegated to Community Committees, Community Champions roles, community engagement, partnership and locality working. 

 

Members’ attention was drawn to Paragraph 8 of the report which informed the Committee that the Inner West Youth Summit had been cancelled due to the national lockdown, in its place, an online survey had been sent out to all local schools and Youth Groups. The survey will enable and encourage all children and young people to influence how youth activity funding is allocated in the Inner West area. It was noted that the survey will be available until 30th April 2021. The information will be collated to recognise the top 5 priorities which will then be shared with local councillors, and this will influence how they allocate their Youth Activity Funding budget for 2021/22.

 

It was noted that Sunday 21st March was Census Day. The Chair had invited Elaine Thornton, a Census Engagement Officer to attend the meeting to explain how to complete the form and provide different options for those who are unable to complete online forms.

 

Elaine informed the Committee of the following points with a focus on elderly people:

·  Paper copies of the form are available, from the Contact Centre on 0800 1412021. A family member, trusted friend or carer can also phone up on behalf of someone. This is an automated service, available 24/7. The ten digit number found on the RHS of the Census letter, is required. It was noted that paper copies can take up to 5 working days to arrive;

·  Paper copies can also be requested in large print;  

·  There is a dedicated Census helpline 0800 876 6276. Phone lines are open :-

o  Mon to Fri 8am - 8pm

o  Sat 8am - 1pm, except on Sat 20th March 8am - 8pm

o  Sun closed ,except on Sun 21st March 8am - 8pm;

·  Guidance was provided on completing the paper Census.

o  This can be completed with the assistance of a family member, trusted friend or carer

o  The person can phone the Contact Centre and choose option 3, speak to an adviser who will arrange to phone them back to complete it with them or for them. They will arrange an appointment at a convenient time to do this; or

o  They can contact a Census Support Centre:

o  Swarthmore  Education Centre  (LS3 1AD) - Telephone support and open for Covid safe appointments. 0113 2432210

o  Leeds Library - Telephone support by appointment. 0113 3785005

o  Armley Community Hub - Telephone support by appointment. 0113 3785005

·  There is Text relay service to assist people with hearing or speech impairments. Dial 18001 followed by the phone number.

·  Household field support officers will be wearing a purple and yellow hi-vis vest and a census ID badge on a lanyard, thet will not enter anyone's home. They have been trained in Covid safety. They are not assisting in doorstep completion of the form, they are only able to signpost to the help available to complete the census.

 

It was noted that although Sunday 21st March is Census Day this is the day that information is required for as to who is residing at the property on that date. The closing date for the Census form to be returned is 4th May 2021, reminders will be sent out.

 

It was also noted that the Census form does have the new LGBT plus questions. Anyone who has concerns filling in these questions could go onto the Inner West Community Committee Social Media pages where information in relation to completing these questions confidentially can be found.

 

The Chair thanked Elaine for her attendance at the meeting and for the advice that she had provided.

 

RESOLVED -  To not the content of the report.

 

 

 

Supporting documents: