Agenda and minutes

No formal late items of business were added to the agenda however the following supplementary documents had been made available prior to the meeting:

Agenda item 9 – Childrens Services Update – a case study in respect of improving school attendance (minute 85 refers)

Agenda item 10 – Neighbourhood Improvement Plans – Further detail in respect of the Gipton NIP (minute 87 refers)

Agenda item 13 – Sustainable Communities – A3 versions of the A4 plans contained within the report and an additional covering report were tabled for ease of reference (minute 89 refers)

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 interest

Apologies for absence were received from Mr I Khan, Harehills Forum

No matters were raised under the Open Forum

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th February 2013

(copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held 7^th February 2013 be agreed as a correct record

To note any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting

Minute 71- Welfare Reform – Councillor R Grahame indicated his concern that greater prominence should be given to the impact of the Welfare Reform changes on the provision of social services

Minute 75 – Area Update – EIAC noted that the final version of the Business Plan, which was approved in draft form at the previous meeting was now available. Hard copies of the document were available at the meeting.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing information on local outcomes for children and young people within the EIAC locality, setting the information in context with a broad summary of city level performance

(Report attached) (Time – 10 minutes)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing information on local outcomes for children and young people within the EIAC locality, setting the information in context with a broad summary of city level performance.

Mr P Brennan, Deputy Director, Children’s Services and Mrs G Mayfield, Targeted Services Area Lead (ENE), Children’s Services attended the meeting and introduced the report by highlighting the challenges faced in the EIAC locality as being attendance; school improvement and the high number of vulnerable families and the need to ensure the area receives appropriate share of resources.

Members discussed the following key issues:

·  The impact of child poverty on the long term prospects for children and measures taken by the Department to support vulnerable families, noting the comment that this issue should be tackled through a range of services

·  The importance of the partnerships required with other service providers/clusters to create a package of support for the most vulnerable young people

·  The measures employed to encourage attendance, deal with unauthorised absences and the support offered by the Department to School Governors dealing with attendance cases. A case study was tabled to illustrate the holistic approach to service provision for vulnerable families. Members requested a breakdown of figures for non-attendance by ward and by school and information on improving attendance targets for individual clusters, along with contact details for relevant attendance officers.

·  The review and rating for a Childrens Home within the EIAC area. It was agreed that details of the matter should be sent directly to the relevant ward members

·  The need to continue to encourage large city centre developments to make use of the local employment market, noting the model utilised throughout the Trinity Development

·  Measures to identify and encourage practical learning modules and whether there were the resources available to develop that model of learning which could encourage pupils to develop respect between themselves and improve attendance

Officers noted a request to provide statistics on a ward by ward basis in respect of the numbers of looked after children and the number of NEETs on a regular basis. Members felt having detail would assist in determining when and how the additional resources being supplied were having an impact and improving

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the content of the report.

b)  That the feedback and comments made by Members on the contents of the report be noted

c)  That having considered the report, EIAC confirmed support for any future funding request intended to provide financial support to young people wanting to access the National Citizen Service programme who are unable to self-fund.

d)  That the following data be supplied directly to EIAC members within 14 days:

a.  a breakdown of figures for non-attendance by ward and by school

b.  details of the improving attendance targets for the individual clusters, the action being taken with local schools to tackle non-attendance and the contact details for the relevant attendance officers

e)  That the following information be supplied to ward members:

a.  details of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

To consider the report of the ENE Locality Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods setting out the proposed local priorities, operational principles and service improvements to be included in the 2013/14 Service Level Agreement (SLA) to be agreed between the ENE Locality Team and the Inner East Area Committee at the June meeting; and seeking consideration of several other directly related issues including any enhanced services the Area Committee would like to buy-in for 2013/14 and see added to the SLA; £40k funding to support the establishment of a proposed “hit-squad” team; proposals to develop performance information relating to Waste Management Services provided in the area to complement the SLA; consultation on what information would be useful to Members in helping to support local increases in recycling rates and reductions in land-fill and the ongoing partnership with other complementary services such as Environmental Health and Highways to use the SLA mechanism to improve local influence and reporting.

(Report attached) (Time - 10 minutes)

EIAC considered the report of the ENE Locality Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented in order to consult Members on which existing and new priorities the Area Committee would like to see addressed in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for 2013/14, the intention being to present the refreshed SLA to the June meeting for approval.

John Woolmer, ENE Locality Manager, attended the meeting and highlighted the progress made with the new responsibilities included in the 2012/13 SLA.

The scope for enhanced local provision and the environmental issues which could be addressed with additional local resource had been considered by the EIAC Environmental Sub Group. The Sub Group suggested the Team focus on streets/land where estate design caused problems through a more multi-faceted approach. A share of £250k Housing Revenue Account funding had now been identified which would support the enhanced provision, however to ensure meaningful additional provision, the Area Committee should consider match funding the HRA. Members noted that the HRA monies were intended for use in predominantly council owned housing areas – which would exclude Harehills. The Sub Group had therefore proposed that any EIAC match funding would ensure all six of the identified problematic neighbourhoods within the EIAC area were included. Further work was required to develop a bid for EIAC to consider in the future, but Members were supportive of the initiative and the request to support it in principle to a maximum of £40k. The Locality Manager agreed to develop the proposals at risk so that implementation would not be unnecessarily delayed.

The report also set out proposals to develop supplementary reporting mechanisms, arising from joint working to tackle the environmental condition of neighbourhoods with Waste Management Services, Parks & Countryside and Highways. The additional reporting would enable Members to influence the targeting of resources and understand better the opportunities to support and improve issues such as local recycling rates. Their views on the type of performance information they required to help understand and influence these issues were sought.

Members expressed their thanks to the Team, noting the improvements identified within the respective localities. Members then went onto discuss the impact of highways works on refuse/bin collections and the need for liaison between the departments to ensure collections were not missed in order to prevent fly-tipping. The Locality Manager reported that the sharing of information between services on issues such as road closures was much improved, but that closures do not always happen as planned. EIAC identified the following matters to be referred to the Environmental Sub Group for detailed consideration:

·  The number, nature and outcome of the legal notices served in the Sandhurst locality

·  The design and types of refuse lorries used in back streets and the reasons why litter seems to be being deposited on the ground when bins are tipped in to the back and often left.

Members also raised specific concerns including litter picking in the Bancroft’s area, gulley cleansing on the A64, green bin collections in the Cross Green area, littering around Beckett  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

To consider the report of the ENE Area Leader providing an overview of the work undertaken  in the Inner East priority neighbourhoods by the Area Support Team and providing an update on the latest Neighbourhood Index profiles and the emerging priorities for 2013/14

(Report attached) (Time – 10 minutes)

The ENE Area Leader submitted a report providing an overview of the work undertaken in the Inner East priority neighbourhoods during the last 12 months by the Area Support Team for Burmantofts & Richmond Hill, Harehills, Seacroft and Gipton. The report also provided an update on the latest Neighbourhood Index profiles and presented the emerging priorities to be tackled through the Neighbourhood Improvement Plans for 2013/14 for approval.

The Neighbourhood Improvement Plans for each of the localities were included within the report

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report and the comments made by the Committee be noted

b)  That the Neighbourhood Improvement Plans for 2013/14 be endorsed by East Inner Area Committee for implementation

(Councillor Maqsood re-joined the meeting at this point)

To consider the report of the ENE Area Leader providing a summary of the range of tasks undertaken by the Probation Service during 2012/13 and seeking consideration of whether or not the Area Committee wishes to allocate Wellbeing funding in order to continue to support the work of the Probation Service within the Inner East area

(Report attached) (Time – 5 minutes)

The ENE Area Leader submitted a report providing a summary of the range of tasks undertaken by the Probation Service during 2012/13 and seeking consideration of whether or not the Area Committee wished to allocate Well-being funding to continue to support the work of the Probation Service within the Inner East area.

EIAC Environmental Sub Group had considered the contract, which supports a range of tasks to enhance the work of the Area Support Team and its partners, however costs had increased from 2012/13 and the current level of funding would equate to 52 days per year at a cost of £9,762. The report also contained alternative options for service provision.

EIAC considered carefully considered both options, noting that the alternative options would need to be further developed if they were to be pursued. Members discussed the following:

-  The ability of the Probation Service to continue to provide the “Community Payback” scheme, should similar increased funding requests be submitted to, and refused by, other organisations and the impact this would have on those participating in the scheme. Members agreed that their concern should be referred to the Police Community Safety Partnership.

-  The services which could be provided by other sources, specifically the Environmental Locality Team,

-  The service that could be provided by the Probation Service should funding be refused

RESOLVED -

a)  That the request for funding of £9,762 to provide a 52 day a year Probation Service Community Payback resource be refused

b)  That officers be requested to further develop alternative options for service provision.

c)  That officers be requested to raise the concerns expressed by Members in respect of the future delivery of the Community Payback Service be referred to the Police Community Safety Partnership 

(Councillor Harington joined the meeting at this point)

To note the contents of the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which was presented to the Executive Board on 15^th February 29013 which provides an outline of the programme of investment for the Cross Green and Neville’s neighbourhoods

(Report attached) (Time – 5 minutes)

The Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods presented a report for information on a recent decision by Executive Board to support funding for a programme to deliver energy efficiency works to homes and environmental improvements in the neighbourhoods of Cross Green and the Nevilles. The report also set out the rationale for delivery in these neighbourhoods, the proposed projects, outline costs, and timescales for delivery.

Mrs C Smith attended the meeting and highlighted the works proposed through the £6.2m investment programme. EIAC expressed support for the scheme and noted the intention to seek Members comments on the public consultation documents and to report back to the Committee once the procurement process had been completed.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) on the outcome of the review of area working and setting out initial proposals to revise and strengthen through partnership the local “Champion role” for the Area Committee to consider with a view to re-launching the revised roles in the new municipal year

(Report attached)(Time – 10 minutes)

The Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance, submitted a report on the review of area working which was completed in December 2012 resulting in a number of recommendations being agreed by Executive Board. One key recommendation was to develop and strengthen the existing local “Champion role” and re-launch this as an Area Lead role the aim being to strengthen links with the Executive Member and Council services, improve training and support and encourage both formal and informal links to relevant partners.

EIAC broadly welcomed the initial proposals and noted the suggestion that Area Leads should be provided with a schedule of projects and initiatives undertaken within their portfolio in order to provide them with a basis to monitor, review and challenge the projects.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted

b)  That the comments expressed by Members be noted in order to inform the revisions to the Area Lead role prior to its introduction in the new municipal year

To consider the report of the ENE Area Leader providing an overview of the spending to date and presenting a number of funding requests for new projects seeking support

(Report attached) (Time – 5 minutes)

The ENE Area Leader submitted a report providing an overview of spending to date and seeking consideration of a number of new projects requesting funding.

The report also included a suggested budget plan for the 2013/14 Municipal Year for Members approval. It was noted that, subject to all approved schemes taking up funding prior to the end of this financial year, EIAC would have £2,340.49 remaining in the Wellbeing budget to be carried forward into 2013/14. The report contained certain assumptions for next years allocation, subject to the approval of the Council budget, which suggested that the Wellbeing fund for 2013/14 would be £265,327.67.

The report included proposals to ring-fence the following:

Further to that and taking into account the agreement in principle to fund £40k for Environmental Services made earlier at the meeting, the total amount available for each ward would be £37,348k for 2013/14.

RESOLVED –

a)  That having considered the project proposals, approval be given to the following grants:

b)  That the suggested budget plan for 2013/14 as set out in the submitted report be approved

To note the contents of the minutes of the Area Chairs Forum meeting held 9^th January 2013

(copy attached)

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the minutes of the Area Chairs Forum meeting held 9^th January 2013

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services setting out a proposed timetable of dates and venues for meetings of the Area Committee during the 2013/14 Municipal Year

(Report attached) (Time – 5 minutes)

The Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) submitted report setting out a proposed schedule of meetings for EIAC for the forthcoming Municipal Year for Members consideration. The report indicated that venues for each of the meetings would be confirmed in due course, furthermore, the May 2014 meeting would be confirmed once the date for Annual Council 2014 had been finalised having regard to the date of the 2014 Local Elections.

Members considered whether they wished to continue with the Committee’s current meeting and venue arrangements and

RESOLVED –

a)  To agree the following schedule of meetings and venues:

Thursday 20^th June 2013 - Venue to be confirmed

TUESDAY 3rd September 2013 – Venue to be confirmed

Thursday 17th October 2013 – Civic Hall Leeds

Thursday 5th December 2013 – Civic Hall Leeds

Thursday 6th February 2014 - Civic Hall Leeds

Thursday 20th March 2014 – Venue to be confirmed

May/June 2014 - Civic Hall

b)  That approval be given for the Chair, in consultation with Area Management Officers, to agree the arrangements for the May 2014 meeting (the main purpose for which is to elect a Chair for the forthcoming municipal year), with all Committee Members. Relevant parties will be informed of the arrangements for the meeting at the earliest opportunity, once the date of the Annual Council Meeting for 2014 has been finalised.

To note that the date and time of the next meeting has been changed to  Thursday 16^th May 2013 at 5.30 pm. This meeting will be held in the Civic Hall Leeds

RESOLVED – To note that the date of the next meeting has been changed to Thursday 16^th May 2013 at 5.30 pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds

Lincoln Green Open Day – EIAC noted the invitation to attend the opening of the ICT Suite at Lincoln Green Community Centre on 26^th March 2013 at 1.00pm