REPORT OF DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES, HOUSING & CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENDA ITEM: 3 PORTFOLIO: COMMUNITIES, HOUSING AND NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL

Transcription

1 CARDIFF COUNCIL CYNGOR CAERDYDD CABINET MEETING:16 JANUARY 2014 COMMUNITY PROVISION PENTWYN REPORT OF DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES, HOUSING & CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENDA ITEM: 3 PORTFOLIO: COMMUNITIES, HOUSING AND NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL Reason for this Report 1. To note the need for a joined up approach to service delivery in the Pentwyn area and to agree to the proposals outlined for future service provision in the area. 2. To obtain authority to carry out community consultation on the proposals contained within the outline business case. 3. To give authority to the Director of Communities, Housing and Customer Service in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal, to take forward the proposals, informed by the outcome of the consultation and an updated business case. Background 4. In the Corporate Plan and contributing to the Cabinet s key commitment to work smarter and better the Council has signed up to the objective Develop a new approach to customer management that improves Council services, makes them more accessible, convenient and easier to engage. In supporting this objective the Cabinet has commissioned a project to improve and extend face to face services in Cardiff through the development of Community Hubs at a time when local services are under threat in many councils. 5. The Hub project proposes to achieve this by joining up services within community Hubs - sharing resources and reducing costs. The future aim is to provide services through a series of Hubs situated within the neighbourhood areas plus one Hub in the City Centre. A core of generic Council services would be available at each Hub with options for the delivery of specialist Council and partner services as required by the neighbourhood. The key to future hub provision is to improve the local service offer by integrating and decentralising those services that meet Page 1 of 6

2 local need whilst reducing costs by disposing of buildings and sharing facilities. Pentwyn ward 6. Pentwyn and Llanedeyrn is an area of significant need with above average levels of deprivation across a range of indicators. Seven out of the ten areas in the ward rank in the lower half of the index of multiple deprivation. 7. The population of Pentwyn is 15,634 and follows the Cardiff average for ethnicity. The population for 0-4 year olds is higher at 8.5% compared to Cardiff as a whole at 6.5%. 8. A larger than average proportion of the population does not have any qualifications at 25.8% compared with 20.7% for Cardiff. Pentwyn has significantly less of the population with qualifications up to level 4 at 20.9% compared to 32.3% of Cardiff as a whole. 9. A map of Cardiff showing relative deprivation using Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) data can found at Appendix 1. Current Buildings and Services 10. The Dome offers Neighbourhood Learning courses, the Disability Advisory and Resource Team (DART) offer specialist courses designed for adults with: learning disabilities, mental health problems, physical disabilities and acquired brain injuries. While this service currently operates in the Dome transport is provided and so is not location specific. The building opens Wednesday to Friday 9am-3.30pm. During this time Youth Services currently run a small provision from the building one day a week. Usage of the building is low. The building is small at 721square metres and the layout restricts its usage. Maintenance requirements for the building are estimated at 200,000. The location is not ideally situated as it is up a steep hill and is not located on a main road or near a district centre. 11. The Powerhouse is a large building at approximately 1187 square metres with scope for additional use. It is used regularly for learning with an arts centre inside, offering courses such as drawing and painting classes, digital camera basics, along with courses such as IT applications and British sign language. There is a regular service provided in the building by Youth Services. The building opens Monday- Friday 9am-5pm with a late opening on a Monday for learning and a further three days for Youth services. The Powerhouse is situated in the heart of the community. Flying Start are due to provide a service from the building in 2014 and Housing and Benefit advice are currently providing their service from there. Currently the heating to the community hall is broken and the building is in need of some refurbishment. Page 2 of 6

3 12. Pentwyn leisure centre has a leisure pool with a pool side cafe, badminton courts, multi use sports hall, activity area used for classes such as spin, two squash courts, fitness suite and a community suite. The building currently opens Monday to Friday 7.30am till 9.30pm and the weekends 7.30am till 5.30pm. The location is well situated with bus routes through the local area. The building and pool have significant maintenance backlogs. 13. The planned Maelfa development will provide a new community Hub. The services will incorporate the current library service which is located in the Maelfa shopping centre, a range of advice services from Council and partner organisations and a police office. The Council appointed a preferred development partner for the scheme in April Advanced demolition work is due to start in April 2014 and site commencement in late 2014 for a period of two years. Issues 14. Running costs for the existing buildings are high and there are significant maintenance backlogs. 15. All the property management costs for the Dome and the Powerhouse, totalling (2012/13) 179,687 per annum, are currently funded through the Neighbourhood Learning grant. The Welsh Government has made it clear that the Neighbourhood Learning service needs to refocus its activities; use of the funding needs to be refocused on delivering learning outcomes. It will therefore not be possible for the grant to fund both buildings in the future. Due to current financial pressures it is not possible to make up this shortfall through the General Fund and a more sustainable way forward needs to be found for these buildings. Proposals 16. Buildings need to be fit for purpose, properly maintained, sustainable and fully utilised to meet the service user requirements and make best use of resources. 17. It is proposed that the Dome with its limited usage, difficult layout and location should be offered for sale. It is estimated that this would achieve a capital receipt through sale of the building on the open market. 18. The Powerhouse will be refurbished and will provide a major centre for learning and youth services in the area. An extension to the building is already planned to allow Flying Start to provide services from the building. The café will be offered as an opportunity for third sector or educational organisations to secure the service provision and to add community benefits such as training and volunteering opportunities. The refurbishment of the building will cost approximately 320, Subject to capital receipt, funds will also be available to carry out essential maintenance of the Pentwyn Leisure Centre and there are opportunities to extend the use of the building to include Neighbourhood Page 3 of 6

4 Learning provision. Flying Start also propose to use space within the Leisure Centre as office accommodation. 20. The Maelfa will be staffed by multi-skilled staff that can provide advice about a wide range of council services; other advice services will be provided by both the Council and partners organizations. The police will be co-located within the same building and there will be community space providing services to the elderly. 21. The Hub and the Powerhouse will be jointly managed which will reduce operational costs and provide a more joined up approach to service provision in the area. 22. Learning services currently provided in the Dome will be provided in the Powerhouse and Pentwyn Leisure Centre. DART services will be relocated to a suitable venue; a trial of this has taken place at the Leisure Centre without any adverse effect on the service. Consultation 23. Initial ward member consultation has taken place. The Members understood the pressures on the council but expressed some concern about services currently provided in the Dome and would like to be kept informed about the proposed future of these and about the detail of the consultation process. 24. Following approval of this Cabinet report public consultation would take place about the proposals and this would be used to shape future services in the area. Consultation would include community drop-in sessions, surveys, focus-groups and stakeholder meetings. Reasons for Recommendations 25. To provide sustainable services and buildings within the Pentwyn ward through the extended use of the Powerhouse and Pentwyn Leisure centre and the sale of the Dome. Legal Implications 26. The Council has to satisfy its public sector duties under the Equalities Act 2010 (including specific Welsh public sector duties). Pursuant to these legal duties Councils must in making decisions have due regard to the need to (1) eliminate unlawful discrimination, (2) advance equality of opportunity and (3) foster good relations on the basis of protected characteristics Protected characteristics are: Age Gender reassignment Sex Race including ethnic or national origin, colour or nationality Disability Page 4 of 6

5 Pregnancy and maternity Marriage and civil partnership Sexual orientation Religion or belief including lack of belief 27. As such the final decision on whether to implement the proposals which are intended to form the subject matter of the recommended consultation will have to be made in the context of the Council s equality act public sector duties. 28. An initial has been undertaken in respect of adoption of a new scheme and is appended at appendix 2 and will be reviewed as part of the consultation process. 29. The will have to be completed following the consultation and due regard must be given to it prior to making the decision whether and how to implement the proposals referred to in the report (as may be adjusted to take account of such consultation) to ensure that any decision is proportionate and rational having regard to any impacts identified. Financial Implications 30. The proposal in this report assumes the closure of service provision at the Dome in Pentwyn and reprovision of these services in other buildings to ensure more effective property utilisation. The proposal, subject to consultation, will result in a reduction of property management and operating costs, which are currently funded by Neighbourhood learning grant, allowing any savings to be focussed on delivering learning outcomes. 31. The open market sale of the Dome building is expected to generate a capital receipt in order to increase the affordability of the Council's capital programme and allow some investment to address priority works identified at the Powerhouse building and Pentwyn Leisure Centre subject to the amount of any Capital receipts. No commitments should be made until there is certainty around the value and timing of such receipts. The report indicates that works required to the Powerhouse will be approximately 320,000. Any works will need to be the subject of detailed surveys and tender. 32. The level of savings and costs of additional investment will be dependant on the outcome of the consultation and will be required to inform a detailed financial business case in consultation with the Council's Section 151 Officer, prior to taking forward any proposal. 33. Any costs of public consultation will be met from within existing service area revenue budgets Page 5 of 6

6 HR Implications 34. Initial consultations have taken place with Trade Unions and staff and these will continue during the community consultation and to implementation. Staff will be accommodated in the revised buildings or through voluntary severance. Equality Implications 35. An initial of these proposals has been carried out. No significant issues have been identified however; it will be reviewed and updated as part of the consultation process. RECOMMENDATIONS The Cabinet is recommended to: 1. agree in principle to the proposals outlined for future service provision in the Pentwyn ward, including the closure and sale of the Dome and refurbishment of the Powerhouse. 2. agree to community consultation taking place on the proposals. 3. delegate authority to the Director of Communities, Housing and Customer Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal and the Council s Section 151 officer, to take forward the proposals above, informed by the results of the consultation and an updated business case. SARAH MCGILL Director 10 January 2014 The following Appendices are attached: Appendix 1: 2011 Welsh Indicator of Multiple Deprivation Map Appendix 2: Pentwyn Community Buildings Page 6 of 6

7 Appendix Welsh Indicator of Multiple Deprivation Map

8 CARDIFF COUNCIL Appendix 2 Policy/ Service Title: Community Provision Pentwyn Who is responsible for developing and implementing the Policy / Strategy / Project / Procedure / Service / Function? Name: Job Title: Sarah McGill DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITIES, HOUSING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE Service Team: Service Area: COMMUNITIES, HOUSING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE Assessment Date: November What are the objectives of the project? A review of Council buildings has taken place for the area, the objectives of the review are to ensure that buildings are: fit for purpose maintained sustainable open to meet the service user requirements Existing Services: The Dome: Offers Neighbourhood Learning and DART courses, along with Youth who run a small provision one day a week. DART courses are not location bound due to transport being provided. The building opens Wednesday to Friday 9am-3.30pm. Maintenance requirements for the building are estimated at 200,000. The location is not ideally situated up a steep hill It is not on a main road or near a district centre therefore access via bus is awkward Parking is available The Powerhouse: Used regularly for learning and Youth services, with an arts centre inside. The building opens Monday-Friday 9am-5pm with a late opening on a Monday for learning and a further four days for Youth services. Situated in the heart of the community near other facilities such as Health Centre, Library, and shops Good bus routes locally and parking available for car users Flying Start is due to provide a service from the building in 2014 Housing and Benefit advice are currently providing their service from the building. CAB offers gateway sessions in the centre. Replacement heating for the Hall is required and a general refurbishment Pentwyn leisure centre: leisure pool and multi sports facility 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 1

9 CARDIFF COUNCIL Open 7 days a week with some late opening The location is well situated with bus routes through the local area Parking available for car users The building has scope for an extension Maintenance backlogs Proposals: Sale of the Dome will release money for reinvestment. The Powerhouse will be fully refurbished and provide a major centre for learning, youth services and flying start. The café will be run by a charity. Subject to capital receipt, funds will also be available to carry out essential maintenance of the Pentwyn Leisure Centre and there are opportunities to extend the use of the building to include Neighbourhood Learning provision. Flying Start also propose to use space within the Leisure Centre as office accommodation. 2. Please provide background information on the Policy / Strategy / Project / Procedure / Service / Function and any research done [e.g. service users data against demographic statistics, similar EIAs done etc.] Background: Demographic make up of Pentwyn Ward: Pentwyn and Llanderyn is an area of significant need with above average levels of deprivation across a range of indicators. It is particularly evident when lower super output areas PWN03 and PWN05 are reviewed independently. They rank 18th and 30th respectively out of 203 on the index of multiple deprivations. Seven out of the ten areas also rank in the lower half of the index. The population of Pentwyn is 15,634 and follows the Cardiff average for ethnicity. The population for 0-4 year olds is 6.5% for Cardiff. In Pentwyn as a whole they account for 8.5% and the PWN03 area 12%. 22% of the population in the PWN03 area are under 10 years old. A larger than average proportion of the population does not have any qualifications at 25.8% compared with 20.7% for Cardiff. The percentages of the population that do not have qualifications in the PWN03 and PWN05 areas are 38.9% and 35.2% respectively. PWN03 is 4th out of 203 on the index of multiple deprivations. Pentwyn also has significantly less of the population with qualifications up to level 4 at 20.9% and only 9.9% of PWN03 have a qualification up to this level compared to 32.3% of Cardiff as a whole. Budgets The aim is to develop a new approach to customer management that improves Council services, makes them more accessible, convenient and easier to engage. Joining up services to share resources and reduce costs. Face to face services are to be channelled 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 2

10 through Hubs wherever possible. CARDIFF COUNCIL Neighbourhood Learning has historically delivered Adult Learning in a number of established Council buildings where the cost of running these has been charged to the Neighbourhood Learning budget. It has been recognised that these buildings are used by a variety of Council services and partner organisations where there has often been no financial contribution, leaving the current financial position unsustainable for Neighbourhood Learning. Proposals within this review will reinvest in buildings, make them fit for purpose and sustainable for the future by providing more services in one accessible location. Future Planned Development The Maelfa Centre currently provides a variety of services for local residents including shopping facilities, a day centre, library, family centre, play area, and health centre. The centre was built in the 1970s but no longer meets the needs of the local community. A mixed-use redevelopment scheme involving the construction of a new community shopping centre, new community facility (to accommodate a library, community hub, and police office) and a mix of affordable and private housing is planned along with new streets, parking areas and public realm. The Council appointed a preferred development partner for the scheme in April Advanced demolition work is due to start in April 2014 and site commencement in late 2014 for a period of two years. The proposed new Community Hub within the development will provide a fresh and vibrant library, multi agency advice services (based on local need) and be staffed by multi skilled officers who will provide consistent standards of service. The Hub will be jointly managed with the Powerhouse which will reduce building running costs 3. Assess Impact on the Protected Characteristics 3.1 Age impact [positive] on younger / older people? Up to 18 years years Over 65 years Please give details/consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting Providing the required Flying Start services in the Powerhouse and a further location in the area will have a positive impact on those parents requiring the service. The service offers positive outcomes for children and their families by providing free quality, part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds, an enhanced Health Visiting service, access to parenting programme and 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 3

11 early language development. CARDIFF COUNCIL Closure of the Dome will require those who used the building, to access services at a different location in the area therefore travel may be further. Location of the Dome is not ideally situated up a steep hill and therefore walking to the facility is hard and current usage is low. Bus routes do not stop near to the building. The opening hours of the building are limited. Considerations around the closure of the building have been made and services moved close by where possible. The Powerhouse will be opened throughout non term time, along with the proposals for the new Community hub. (Historically the Powerhouse has closed during school holidays) More services in one facility and with the planned Maelfa centre opposite the Powerhouse will make accessing Council and Partner services in the area easier. Ensuring the café and small garden area in the Powerhouse remains open positively impacts on all ages. Offering out the café to be run by a third sector organisation will sustain the service and enable the potential to increase opening hours. The café will also offer the opportunity for volunteering or work experience. The Powerhouse will be refurbished and become more sustainable due to more services being provided under one roof. The new Maelfa development will be fresh and vibrant, replacing a very tired and worn out area of the community. Consultation with the local community may identify additional requirements that will be taken into account. 3.2 Disability impact [positive / negative] on disabled people? Hearing Impairment Physical Impairment Visual Impairment Learning Disability- Trained advice workers Long-Standing Illness or Health Condition Mental Health Substance Misuse Other Please give details/consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting Overall the impact on all groups will be positive. All services are to remain or in some cases 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 4

12 CARDIFF COUNCIL access will increase. The Powerhouse will remain open throughout non term time, along with the proposals for the new Community hub. Closure of the Dome will require those who used the building, to access services at a different location in the area therefore travel may be further. Services for the area are to be maintained and access to public transport has been considered. The Powerhouse will have maintenance and refurbishments carried out with considerations for those with disabilities made with any necessary improvements installed. There is an existing lift in the centre. DART service can be provided at any fit for purpose location (those with suitable disabled facilities) as the service also includes transport. Officers involved in the move will remain sensitive to the needs of its users. Measures will be taken ensure the transfer of the service is as smooth as possible. A trial if the relocation has taken place at Pentwyn Leisure centre without any adverse effect on the service. The buildings have wheelchair accessible car park and have Disabled Parking bays closer to the entrance. The proposed new Maelfa development will be modern and vibrant, with accessible toilets and the layout will be designed to allow full accessibility by wheelchair users. Steps will be taken to make the buildings as accessible as possible. Which will include: Full preparation made for the transfer of the DART service Reception desk to be DDA compliant in the new Maelfa development Hub Induction hearing loops installed and appropriate signage displayed Research any computer equipment to enable use of public PC s for disabled customers in the new Hub Office layout & private interview rooms suitable for wheelchair access will be available in the new Hub and Powerhouse Staff PEEPS ( personal emergency evacuation plan) in place Signs near the existing main entrance guiding users to ensure that the users maintain a clear sense of direction and independent use of the building facilities also key information such as orientation signs, maps and plans visual and tactile form where low enough to be touched. The Access Officer and Accessible Communication Officer will be consulted during the development of the Hub and an access audit will be conducted by Cardiff County Councils access officer. Staff will be fully trained in helping vulnerable people. Consultation with disability groups to take place about accessibility. Regular monitoring and audits will take place in line with the Council policies, which will help identify any access or communication needs. 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 5

13 CARDIFF COUNCIL 3.3 Gender Reassignment impact [positive] on transgender people? Transgender People (People who are proposing to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone a process [or part of a process] to reassign their sex by changing physiological or other attributes of sex) Please give details / consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting No differential impact has been identified. Quiet rooms are available upon request to ensure privacy if required. Equality Awareness training will be provided for all council staff, to ensure we treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their gender. Partner agencies will be advised to provide training for their own staff too to ensure equality of opportunity Marriage and Civil Partnership impact [positive / negative] on marriage and civil partnership? Marriage Civil Partnership Please give details / consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting No differential impact has been identified. Cardiff Council staff will be trained in Equality Awareness and Customer Care alike and therefore they will be able to provide advice in a sensitive manner. Partner Agencies will be advised to provide similar training to staff or put other measures in place to make sure that staff are able to respond appropriately to issues specific to this group that may arise. 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 6

14 CARDIFF COUNCIL 3.5 Pregnancy and Maternity impact [positive / negative] on pregnancy and maternity? Pregnancy Maternity Please give details / consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting No differential impact has been identified. Closure of the Dome will require those who used the building, to access services at a different location in the area therefore travel may be further. Location of the Dome is not ideally situated up a steep hill and therefore walking to the facility is hard. Bus routes do not stop near to the building. The opening hours of the building are limited. Considerations around the closure of the building have been made and services moved close by where possible. Parking is available at both the Powerhouse and Pentwyn Leisure Centre. There are good Bus routes to both locations. Any facilities provided in the new Maelfa Hub will allow for the feeding of infants and changing facilities for children Council s Access Officer will be consulted about accessibility within the buildings and grounds, including access for those with pushchairs. 3.6 Race impact [positive] on the following groups? White Mixed / Multiple Ethnic Groups Asian / Asian British Black / African / Caribbean / Black British Other Ethnic Groups Please give details / consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting No differential impact has been identified. Equality Awareness training will be available to staff, to ensure better understanding of the different communities who reside in the city. This will mean service users being treated with respect and dignity regardless of ethnicity or background. 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 7

15 CARDIFF COUNCIL Staff will be trained in: Equality Awareness training Customer Care Training Any Partner Agencies will be advised to provide similar training to staff or put other measures in place to make sure that staff is able to respond appropriately to issues specific to this group that may arise. 3.7 Religion, Belief or Non-Belief impact [positive] on people with different religions, beliefs or non-beliefs? Buddhist Christian Hindu Humanist Jewish Muslim Sikh Other Please give details / consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting Quiet rooms can be provided for prayers and contemplation which would have a positive impact on the community users. Quiet rooms are available upon request to ensure privacy if required. Use of a religious calendar will help avoid holding events on particular Holy Days to ensure wider inclusion. 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 8

16 CARDIFF COUNCIL 3.8 Sex impact [positive] on men and/or women? Men Women Please give details / consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting No differential impact on grounds of gender identity. Cardiff Council staff will be trained in Equal Opportunities and Customer Services alike and therefore they will be able to provide advice in a sensitive manner. Partner Agencies will be advised to provide similar training to staff or put other measures in place to make sure that staff are able to respond appropriately to issues specific to this group that may arise. 3.9 Sexual Orientation impact [positive / negative] on the following groups? Bisexual Gay Men Gay Women / Lesbians Heterosexual / Straight Please give details / consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting No differential impact has been identified. Cardiff Council staff has been trained in Equal Opportunities and Customer Services alike and therefore they will be able to provide advice in a sensitive manner. Partner Agencies will be advised to provide similar training to staff or put other measures in place to make sure that staff is able to respond appropriately to issues specific to this group that may arise. 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 9

17 CARDIFF COUNCIL 3.10 Welsh Language impact [positive / negative] on Welsh Language? Welsh Language Please give details / consequences of the differential impact, and provide supporting Bilingual information will be consistently available in services provided across the buildings. Partner Agencies will be advised to put similar measures in place. 4. Consultation and Engagement What arrangements have been made to consult/engage with the various Equalities Groups? will be sent to Equality Networks for feedback 5. Summary of Actions [Listed in the Sections above] Groups Actions Age Consultation with the local community may identify additional requirements that will be taken into account. Disability Full preparation made for the transfer of the DART service Reception desk to be DDA compliant Induction hearing loops installed and appropriate signage displayed Research any computer equipment to enable use of public PC s for disabled customers Office layout & private interview rooms suitable for wheelchair access Staff PEEPS ( personal emergency evacuation plan) in place Signs near the existing main entrance guiding users to ensure that the users maintain a clear sense of direction and independent use of the building facilities also key information such as orientation signs, maps and plans visual and tactile form where low enough to be touched. The Access Officer and Accessible Communication Officer will be consulted during the development of the Hub and an access audit will be conducted by Cardiff County Councils access officer. 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 10

18 Gender Reassignment Marriage & Civil Partnership Pregnancy & Maternity Race Religion/Belief Sex Sexual Orientation Welsh Language Generic Over-Arching [applicable to all the above groups] CARDIFF COUNCIL Staff will be fully trained in helping vulnerable people. Consultation with disability groups to take place about accessibility. See below See below See above for issues relating to accessibility. See below See below See below See below See below All staff will be fully trained in Equal Opportunities and Customer Services. Partner Agencies will be advised to put similar measures in place Risk Assessments & H&S inspections conducted & reviewed annually. Partner agencies will be advised to ensure that EO/Customer service training is provided to their staff Regular monitoring and audits will take place in line with Council policies to ensure the service meets the requirements of the customer. 6. Further Action Any recommendations for action that you plan to take as a result of this Equality Impact Assessment (listed in Summary of Actions) should be included as part of your Service Area s Business Plan to be monitored on a regular basis. 7. Authorisation The Template should be completed by the Lead Officer of the identified Policy / Strategy / Project / Function and approved by the appropriate Manager in each Service Area. Completed By : Dawn Harries Date: Designation: Project Manager Approved By: Jane Thomas Designation: Assistant Director Housing and Communities Service Area: Communities, Housing and Customer Service 7.1 On completion of this Assessment, please ensure that the Form is posted on your Directorate s Page on CIS - Council Wide / Management Systems / Equality Impact Assessments - so that there is a record of all assessments undertaken in the Council. For further information or assistance, please contact the Citizen Focus Team on or citizenfocus@cardiff.gov.uk 4.C.400 Issue 1 Nov 11 Process Owner: Rachel Jones Authorised: Rachel Jones Page 11