Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed all to the Inner West Community Committee.

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded).

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Chief Democratic Services Officer at least 24 hours before the meeting.)

There were no appeals against refusal of inspection of documents.

1 To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2 To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3 If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 or Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as appropriate, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:-‘

There were no exempt items.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

There were no formal late items. However, supplementary information in relation to Item 12 Community Safety Report and been circulated to all Members of the Committee.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

However, the Co-optee for Armley, Hazel Boutle declared an interest in item 13 Wellbeing Fund Update in relation to Free Lets as she attends Armley Helping Hands one of the groups who has use of a free let at Strawberry Lane Centre.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. McKenna and Smart, Co-optees Mick Park and Sam Meadley.

The Chair informed the Committee that the Co-optee from Kirkstall, Erica Mitchell had resigned from the Committee as she had moved from the area to live in Huddersfield. It was noted that the Chair had written to Erica thanking her for her support at the Inner West Community Committee. The Chair formally thanked Erica for her support over the years and wished her well in her new home.

In accordance with Paragraphs 4.16 and 4.17 of the Community Committee Procedure Rules, at the discretion of the Chair a period of up to 10 minutes may be allocated at each ordinary meeting for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Community Committee.  This period of time may be extended at the discretion of the Chair.  No member of the public shall speak for more than three minutes in the Open Forum, except by permission of the Chair.

No members of the public attended the Open Forum.

 The report of the North West Locality Safety Partnership provides Members of the Inner West Community Committee with an overview of the performance of the West North West Locality Community Safety Partnership. The full report which will be circulated prior to Committee focuses upon the period 1st November 2015 - 31st October 2016.

(Cover report attached)

The report of the North West Locality Partnership provided Members of the Inner West Community Committee with an overview of the performance of the North West Locality Community Safety Partnership. The report focused upon the period 1^st November 2015 - 31^st October 2016.

The report was presented by Inspector Jessup of West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator.

Inspector Jessup provided Members with an update on staffing informing them that recruitment was again taking place.

He informed Members that the crime was on an upwards trend, he was of the view that this was due to low staffing in the area. He explained that WYP were looking at working with the private sector and the third sector to look at and resolve issues in the Inner West area.

The Inspector told Members that lessons had been learnt in Armley and these would be transferred through to Bramley and Kirkstall.

Members noted that General Tasking meetings were taking place to address the main issues and were specifically looking at action plans for Hawksworth Wood Estate. The action plans would set out joint working with other agencies and Housing to identify and target problem families and individuals in the area.

The Inspector spoke of a number of projects and support work that was taking place in the Inner West these included:

·  Basket Ball Project in Armley with Police and Young People

·  Leeds United Football Foundation working with young people to alleviate crime issues

·  Looking at consortium businesses across the area to support apprenticeships and other projects in the Inner West area

Cllr. Lowe said that she was unhappy that Armley was listed 2^nd in the City for burglary. She was disturbed that poor people were stealing from poor people and that this issue needed to be addressed especially in light of benefit changes which could see some claimants worse off. 

She also spoke of the Cumulative Impact Policy which has now been gained by Armley to stop more licensed premises opening on Armley Town Street. She spoke of her efforts to address an issue of a local shopkeeper who is suspected of trading in illegal tobacco and alcohol. Cllr. Lowe asked if Trading Standards and the Police could attend a hearing at the Magistrates Court.

Discussion took place about quad bikes and it was reported by the police that more cases are being reported but that more evidence is required and a warning issued before removing the vehicles.

Members noted that a new sergeant had been recruited to prevent and address the issue of crime in the area.

Members were advised that anti-social behaviour in the Armley and Bramley was high and that there was a need to tackle specific groups known to be causing fear to residents before they become gangs. The Inspector said that more resources were required through partnership working to keep the police informed of incidents.

Cllr. Heselwood raised the issue of incidents relating to taxis being targeted in the area  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th October 2016 and approve as a correct record.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2016 be approved as a correct record.

The Chair advised Members that he had addressed the issue of Members not attending sub groups and said that the work commitments of Members needed to be taken into account. However, Members did need to formally apologise when not attending meetings.

Cllr. Yeadon joined the meeting at the end of this item.

To receive the report of the Director of Children’s Services to update Members of the Committee on provisional attainment and progress results for Key Stage 4 for 2016.

(Report attached)

The Performance Programme Manager, Children’s Services submitted a report to update Members on provisional attainment and progress results for Key Stage 4 for 2016.

It was noted that the three schools which fall within the Inner West area are Abbey Grange, Leeds West, and Swallow Hill all of which are academies.

Members were informed there had been major reforms to accountability arrangements for secondary schools that relate to 2016 Key Stage 4 results. The new measures include Attainment 8, Progress 8 and Attainment in English and Maths known as ‘The Basics’. Members were provided with an explanation of what the measures are and how they would be assessed.

Provisional outcomes for the three schools in the Inner West area was set out at point 4 of the submitted report.

Members were advised that Abbey Grange was continuing to produce good results and Ofsted reports. However, it was noted that the equality gap at this school needed to be narrowed.

Cllr Yeadon made the point that most of the children who live in the Kirkstall Ward did not attend Abbey Grange as most of the children did not qualify under the strict criteria used for entry to the school. She asked for information on how many children travelled to the school and how far they travelled. She said that the socially selective intake of the school and the educational attainment mirrored income. Cllr. Yeadon went on to say that most children in the Kirkstall ward attended Lawnswood. Information on Lawnswood School was not provided in the submitted report.

Members were informed that Leeds West Academy was currently below national average in a number of subjects. However, the last Ofsted report had said that the school had outstanding leadership. Members were advised that the school had a new Principal and that the White Rose Trust had gone into partnership with the Gorse Academy Trust. It was noted that the Gorse Academy Trust have had success at New Farnley and Cockburn and it was hoped that this partnership alongside a change in leadership would provide improvement at Leeds West.

Members were informed that Swallow Hill was below national average for Key stage 4 results. Members were told that the local authority struggled to engage with this school and although the school has had numerous inspections the local authority could not effectively support the school to improve the standards.

Members were advised that the Regional Schools Commissioner had been asked to address the issues at Swallow Hill.

The Committee discussed in detail all the issues presented including:

·  Members sitting on schools governing bodies

·  Impact of leadership

·  Funding streams

·  Need for and how to keep quality teachers

Kirkstall Members requested data for Lawnswood School.

RESOLVED – That the Community Committee note the contents of the submitted report and note that confirmed Key Stage 4 data will be published by the DfE in late January 2017.

To receive the report of the Chief Officer (Welfare and Benefits) to update the Community Committee on Universal Credit, other Government Welfare Reforms and the impact on the people across the city. Information is also provided on how the council has prepared for implementation of the new benefit and what support is in place for customers.

(Report attached)

The Chief Officer, Welfare and Benefits presented his report which provided Members with an update on Universal Credit, other Government Welfare Reforms and the impact on the people across the city. Information was also provided on how the council has prepared for implementation of the new benefit and what support was in place for customers.

The Chief Officer explained Universal Credit what it entails and what changes would mean to recipients.

Key features were listed as:

·  On line claims

·  5-6 weeks delay in payments

·  Paid monthly in arrears

·  Payment will only be to one person in the household

Members were informed of the main issues as follows:

·  First phase went live in February 2016, this was for new single, job seeking claimants without children and living at home with parents

·  July 2018 will see those claiming benefit for the first time and would include not just  those out of work but also those in low paid jobs

·  All claimants need an email address

·  Housing Leeds and other social landlords will receive payments direct to accounts

·  Housing Leeds have taken on more staff to assist with the changes and to provide ongoing support

·  Migration to Universal Credit is currently due to complete by 2022. However, this date may change.

·  Universal Credit will not be delivered by Local Authority but by Department of Work and Pensions this was noted as being significant as Elected Members would not be able to hold Officers to account but would have to engage with MP’s and Select Committees

·  It is still undecided how Passport Credits such as free school meals would be dealt with.

·  Local Authority would not have access to the system for Universal Credit.

·  Where Members act on behalf of tenants or individuals they would be required to prove this.

·  Discretionary Housing Payments would still be available

·  Nothing has yet be confirmed as to how charities, temporary accommodation or hostels would receive payment

The Community Committee discussed this item in depth asking for the following to be addressed:

·  To be prepared to know who would need support when Universal Credit happens

·  Set up  a briefing for local MP’s

·  Employment and Skills sub group to look at courses for budgeting

·  A communication plan to be developed and put in place nearer the time

The Members of the Community Committee thanked the staff of Welfare Rights and Benefits for their help and advice.

RESOLVED – That the Committee note the information provided about Universal Credit and other Welfare Reforms, the impact for people and the work that is being undertaken across the city to support people to make and manage a Universal Credit claim.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Environmental Action Services for the continuation of the current Service Level Agreement (SLA).

(Report attached)

The Head of Service, Environmental Service presented a report to the Community Committee to confirm the continuation of the current Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Committee and the Environmental Action Service, as overseen on its behalf by the Environmental Sub Group.

Members noted that this was the first year of using the zonal approach, it was also the first year that the Locality Team had delivered street cleaning, and litter removal both mechanical and manual, bulky items collection and removal of graffiti.

Members raised the issue of gulley clearance as some areas including Kirkstall Hill had experienced localised flooding. It was noted that this function had become part of the city wide functions The Head of Service said that this area could be added to the list so that gulley cleaning was prioritised.

Cllr. Yeadon as Executive Member for Environment informed the Committee that more gullies had been cleaned this year than in previous year. She also told the Committee that a new piece of machinery was to be purchased to assist with this issue.

It was noted that there was a need to improve zonal working to co-ordinate some functions including litter clearance and grass cutting.

The Committee thanked Keely Bannister, a regular attendee at the Community Committee for her voluntary work in Environmental Services. 

RESOLVED – That the Community Committee:

a)  Approve the continuation of the existing Service Agreement;

b)  Consider any changes to the current priorities that it would like the service to consider this year;

c)  Consider if there are any changes it would like to see in the SLA for 2017/18, in order to give the service time to consider and respond through the sub group.

To receive the report of the Area Leader, West North West to update Members on the projects funded through the Inner West Wellbeing Fund and Youth Activities Fund budgets. It presents projects approved by delegated decision since the last meeting.

(Report attached)

The West North West Area Leader submitted a report which updated the members on the projects funded through the Inner West Wellbeing Fund and Youth Activity Fund budgets.

Members were asked to note the remaining balances at point 2 of the submitted report.

Members were asked to consider 7 new applications set out at points 4 to 11 of the submitted report.

Members were advised of the current capital wellbeing balance of £28,400 which included a recent injection of £6,440

Members were informed of the youth Activities Fund budget of £55, 941 for 2016/17. Projects that had been funded were listed at appendix 2 of the submitted report.

Members were advised that the funding round for 2017/18 had now opened and that officers from the Communities Team had attended a busy funding workshop event at New Wortley with a range of other funders.

Members had received and noted the S106 monies allocated to each Ward.

RESOLVED – That Members

a)  Note the balance of the Wellbeing budget for 2016/17

b)  Consider the 2016/17 projects as follows:

c)  Note the balance of the Capital Fund at point 14 of the submitted report

d)  Note the balance of the Youth Activities Fund at point 16 of the submitted report

To receive the report of the West North West Area Leader (Citizens and Communities) to update the Community Committee on the work of the sub groups of the Committee.

(Report attached)

The West North West Area Leader (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report to update the Community Committee on the work of the sub groups of the Committee: Children and Young People and Environment.

The report also updated the Committee on community events, local projects and partnership working that had taken place in the area since the last meeting.

Members attention was drawn to point 13 of the submitted report which provided information on one of the delegated functions of the Community Committee to consider requests for free lets for the 2 managed community centres in the area namely Strawberry Lane Centre in Armley and Bramley Community Centre.

The submitted report provided a table which showed the values of paid and free lettings between 1^st April2016 and 30^th November 2016.

It was noted that there were no free lets in the Kirkstall Ward.

The Chair informed the Members that a discussion had taken place at the Chairs Forum in relation to free lets and that it was considering a move away from free lettings and that in the future groups would need to build the cost of room hire into any funding applications.

The Committee discussed this issue.

RESOLVED – That the Community Committee note the report including the key outcomes from the sub groups.

The next meeting of the Inner West Community Committee will be held on 22^nd March 2017 at 6pm

The next Inner West Community Committee meeting will be on Wednesday 22^nd March 2017 at 6pm.