Agenda and minutes

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 late items.

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.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillor C Townsley, Councillor P Wadsworth and Councillor P Davey.  Notification was received that Councillor S Bentley was substituting for Councillor C Townsley, Councillor N Walshaw for Councillor P Davey and Councillor G Wilkinson for Councillor P Wadsworth.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2015.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2015, be approved as a correct record.

To receive reports from the Director of City Development and the Chief Information Officer presenting information as part of the Scrutiny Board’s Inquiry into Digital Inclusion.

The Director of City Development and the Chief Information officer submitted a report which provided the Scrutiny Board with the information required to undertake the second session of the inquiry into digital inclusion.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Update on Age Friendly Leeds Smart Cities Project

-  Get online in Leeds (June 2014)

-  West Yorkshire Superfast Broadband maps

-  Commons Select Committee – Terms of Reference, 27 July 2015

-  WYCA response – Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Superfast Broadband Inquiry Submission

-  List of free public wi-fi available in buildings owned and maintained by Leeds City Council.

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments:

-  Councillor James Lewis, Executive Member (Resources and Strategy)

-  Dylan Roberts, Chief Information Officer

-  Katie Dunlevey, WYCA – Previously Senior Economic Development Officer (Leeds City Council)

-  Phil Cole , Head of Funding Programme and Business Support

-  Dr Adam Beaumont, Managing Director of AQL

The key areas of discussion were:

·  The evolution, context and focus of Smart Cities and the Smart Cities Steering Group.

·  The consortium bid for funding from Innovate UK involving Leeds Bradford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge, which is focusing on housing, assisted living, transport and air quality with Leeds focusing on health and well-being.

·   All those managing breakthrough projects and required to consider Smart Cities requirements.

·  Concern that there is no allocated funding for Smart Cities development.

·  The challenge of reaching those who are digitally excluded, particularly the elderly.

·  The value of working collaboratively and engaging with different groups including technologists to develop technical solutions that will be practical and will be of benefit.

·  The fear faced by some people and the importance of investing time and effort to support people to use basic technology which is becoming essential in everyday life.

·  The funding challenges facing the NHS, the view of using technology to self-manage conditions and concern about self-diagnosis.

·  Internet provision across the city and acknowledgement that some residents will have problems accessing a wide range of providers and in some cases obtaining any access.

·  Open market review, the difficulty in obtaining a clear infrastructure picture for Leeds and the need for more collaborative relationships with Internet Services Providers and the Council to facilitate infrastructure provision particularly free wi-fi in areas of high density usage.

·  The challenges that service providers experience with Ofcom in gaining access to BT infrastructure.

·  The possibility of multipoint services to provide wi-fi access to social housing estates.

RESOLVED – The report was noted and the evidence considered as part of the inquiry.

To receive a report from the Chief Officer (Sport and Culture) updating the Scrutiny Board on the development of inclusive, accessible and sustainable cultural provision in Leeds. The Board will also receive an overview on European Capital of Culture progress.

The Chief Officer (Sport and Culture) provided an update on the development of inclusive, accessible and sustainable cultural provision in Leeds. The Board also received an overview on European Capital of Culture progress.

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments:

-  Cluny MacPherson, Chief Officer, Culture and Sport

-  John Roles, Head of Service, Museums and Galleries

-  Matthew Sims,  Head of Arts and Events

The key areas of discussion were:

·  The success of the involvement of Opera North in Windmill and how this could be rolled out across the City. This was acknowledged by the Chief Officer, Culture and Sport who confirmed that a further conversation will be had. The Board were also advised that there will be further development based on singing and choir work rather than instrument due to the cost of providing instruments.

·  Options to maximise the use of the screen in Millennium Square. This is to be managed by Leeds Beckett University. The content is being developed.

·  Concern regarding the cancellation of ‘jewel in the crown’ events without interrogating sponsorship opportunities or internal funding. In response the Board was advised that there is the possibility of partnerships in the future. Work is about to start on a major events strategy and there is scope to re-invent schemes. Big participation events are significant for shared experience.

·  Complimentary comments about the Carriageworks and light night and the need to ensure that cultural activities remain accessible and affordable.

·  Maximising corporate investment. Sponsorship is raised for arts events mainly from trusts and foundations less so from the commercial side. It was acknowledged that work needed to be done to establish contacts within business communities and an ‘invest to save’ approach could be beneficial in terms of fund raising.

·  Marketing events and the use of the Leeds Inspired website and social media.

·  The membership of the European Capital of Culture steering group.

·  Ongoing ECoC work reflecting on research and assessing current areas for development and building a strategy.

RESOLVED –

a)  The report was noted.

b)  That an update on the European Capital of Culture be brought to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Board.

To agree the Board’s work schedule for the remainder of the municipal year.

A report was submitted by the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development which detailed the Scrutiny Board’s draft work schedule for the current municipal year.

RESOLVED – That the work schedule, as amended, be noted.

Wednesday, 16 December 2015 at 10.00am (pre-meeting for all Board Members at 9.30am)

Wednesday, 16 December 2015 at 10.00am (pre meeting for all Board Members at 9.30am)

(The meeting concluded at 12.15pm)