Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from the Chair, Councillor Melia.

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

There were no interests declared at the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2023 as a correct record.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business to be considered as a matter of urgency.

There were no additional items of business to consider as a matter of urgency.

To consider a nomination to confer the title of Honorary Alderwoman.

The Local Government Act 1972 gave authority to the Council to confer the honour of Honorary Aldermen/ Alderwomen of the Borough on elected members who had given eminent service to the Borough.

In accordance with the Council’s scheme, a nomination had been received from Councillor Hughes in respect of former councillor Elaine Costigan who had served on the Council for 20 years, sitting on a number of Committees, most notably serving as Cabinet Member for Health and Protection and as Town Lead for Wednesbury, as well as being an active volunteer in the community having served on community and friends groups.

To consider the Annual Report 2022/ 23 of the Leonard Andrews Poole Trust.

The Committee was informed that the Leonard Andrews Poole Trust was established in 1980 and was registered with the Charities Commission.

The Trust held shares on deposit with COIF Charities Investment Fund managed by the CCLA and interest accumulated from the investment could be utilised for the benefit of care homes managed by Sandwell Council.

No financial expenditure had been incurred during municipal year 2022/23.

The Committee considered the financial position and recommended that options be provided to a future meeting to ensure that the investment was providing the best return for the charity following recent changes to interest rates.

To consider the request for Leonard Andrews Poole Trust funds for garden furniture at Harvest View Health & Social Care Centre

Sandwell’s new flagship social care and health facility,      Harvest View, opened to residents in November 2022 and offered specialist support from both social care and health staff all under one roof, with 80 en-suite rooms and friendly communal areas as well as lovely outdoor spaces.

The facility enabled people to get back home after a hospital visit and also those who needed some structured support to avoid a hospital stay altogether. Harvest View replicated the home environment, where residents could be encouraged back to their normal health in familiar surroundings. The focus was on maintaining and improving independent living rather than specifically treating the medical condition. 

The outdoor areas consisted of lawned areas, flat winding pathways to encourage mobility and raised beds for gardening and growing vegetables. There was a large area that was designed as a communal space to encourage interaction between residents, with a view that this would house tables and chairs for a relaxed outdoor space for residents to enjoy. This could be a place for rest, relaxation, communication or visits from family/friends or an outdoor dining space.

Unfortunately, there were not sufficient funds nor contracts available at the time of the build of Harvest View to source tables and chairs for this outdoor area and an application was now submitted seeking funds. The request aligned with the priorities for the Leonard Andrews Poole Trust funding and would have a great impact on the quality of service provided at Harvest View.

                  The request for funding was approved, however, going forward, the Committee would welcome wish lists from the two homes who could request funding from the Trust to ensure that the Committee could prioritise spending of funds.

Resolvedthat a procurement exercise be authorised to source garden furniture to meet the needs of the residents at Harvest View Health and Social Care Centre with funding approved at an estimated cost of £5,000.