Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on two outreach initiatives that were instigated in 2023, namely Council in the Community and SK Funding Workshops. This report provides an overview of both initiatives, their impact and outlines future plans for such community engagement.

The Community Engagement Manager presented the report which was provided as an update on two outreach initiatives undertaken during 2023/24.

The first ‘Council in the Community’ was developed on request as a way to support those residents who struggled to attend Council offices to deal with queries. It was noted that, there was no actual evidence to support this. 

None the less, 2 pilot events were arranged, one in an urban setting, and one in a rural setting.

As part of the planning, service areas of high demand were looked into:

·       Council Tax

·       Benefits

·       Housing (social and private sector)

·       Antisocial Behaviour

·       Cost of Living support. 

Details around the events were outlined:

·       A team of 8 officers was put together to cover the topics.

·       The first event took place in Bourne.  The event was held in the Corn Exchange on a market day as it was felt there would be greater potential for footfall.

·       The events were advertised via the Council’s recognised social media channels and also with flyers. 

·       During the event in Bourne, attendees sought support from housing colleagues and from community engagement (community funding)

·       No queries were presented relating to cost of living, ASB or benefits.  The event attracted 21 visitors including 8 elected Members.

·       The second event took place in Belvoir Ward at the request of one of its elected Members.

·       For the Belvoir Ward event, a team of nine officers attended this event representing: Community Engagement, Neighbourhoods (ASB), Homelessness, Tenancy Support and Engagement, Cost of Living, Private Sector Housing, and Revenues and Benefits.

·       Publicity for the Belvoir Ward event also went out to all residents of the Ward in the parish newsletter.

Both elected Members from the Belvoir Ward attended the event. Disappointingly, no members of the public attended this event.

However, having piloted events in both a rural and an urban setting with little evidence of need identified, it is considered that an alternative method of engaging with residents should be explored.

There was a proposal for officers to attend pre-existing community events (festivals, carnivals, fun days etc) with an information stand to allow for less formal engagement with the public but still with the absolute intention of being able to offer support and information to anyone who needs it.

The second initiative to update Members on was the funding workshops which had been delivered by the Community Engagement Team along with colleagues managing the UKSPF.

The workshops had been provided in support of the charity, voluntary and community sector across the District and have, to date, taken place in the evening.

The workshops covered information on the SK Community Fund, Lottery SK, UKSPF and a pre-recorded presentation from colleagues at the National Lottery.

Attendees to these workshops were asked to book a place through Eventbrite.  Although free to attend, the workshops were held in community venues, so places were limited.  Events had been held in Deepings, Stamford and Grantham.

Collectively, the workshops had attracted 107 participants representing 83 voluntary and community groups across the district.

Members praised and recommended the workshops that had taken place.

One Member suggested that the events taken place in Bourne and Belvoir Ward may be more successful taking place elsewhere within the District.

Face-to-face contact with residents was encouraged via workshops. It was noted that the necessity to book ahead of events may turn away prospective attendees. 

One Memberstated that there had been confusion amongstresidents in their ward on the purpose of the events and that further clarity could lead to greater turnout. 

It was suggested that markets be targeted for the workshops with elected Member attendance in order to maximize reach without necessitating the presence of as many officers.

That the Committee:

Note the contents of the report and that further updates on six monthly basis be provided as part of reporting against the Community Engagement and Development Strategy Action Plan.