Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the December meeting of the North West (Outer) Area Committee held in the new Parish Centre at St Margaret’s Church, Church Lane/Hall Park Avenue, Leeds 18.

The Chair agreed to include the following items as supplementary information which were not available at the time of the agenda despatch:-

• Northwest Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways Initiative – Item 9 refers – Appendix 3 – Job Description of the Northwest Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways  Officer post
• Repoprting Health and Environmental Action Service activities to the Area Committees – Item 11 refers – Briefing Report

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

The following personal interests were declared:-

• Councillor S Andrew in his capacity as a Member on  the WYPTA Local Transport Plan Steering Group (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 57 refers)
• Councillor C Campbell in his capacity as a Member on the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 57 refers)
• Councillor R Downes in his capacity as Chair of the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 58 refers)
• Councillor C Fox in his capacity as a Member on the WYPTA Passenger Transport Consultative Committee (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 58 refers) as an Area Panel Member on West North West Homes (Agenda Item 12) (Minute 59 refers)

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors B Anderson, A Barker, C Campbell, G Kirkland and G Latty.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9^th November 2009.

RESOLVED-That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9^th November 2009 be approved as a correct record.

a)

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services regarding the key priorities of the Leeds Children and Young People Plan to advance at pace integrated working and the strengthening of safeguarding arrangements, and on an outline of the proposed children’s services performance management arrangements for Area Committees.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report regarding the key priorities of the Leeds Children and Young People Plan to advance at pace integrated working and the strengthening of safeguarding arrangements, and on an outline of the proposed children’s services performance management arrangements for Area Committees.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• Presentation slides in relation to improving Safeguarding and Integrated Working (Appendix A refers)
• A report of the Director of Children’s Services entitled ‘Area Committee Performance Management reporting for Children’s Services’ (Appendix B refers)

Jane Maxwell, Change Manager, Children’s Services was in attendance and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

Members received a presentation in relation to improving Safeguarding and Integrated Working and were ask to comment on multi-agency service development and to advise on how the authority should take this work forward with the Area Committee and the Children’s Champion.

In addition to the presentation, Councillor J Bale outlined his role as Children’s Champion.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• Governance arrangements.
• The role of Elected Members.
• Social Care referrals.
• New threshold guidance.
• The Common Assessment Framework.
• The role of the Children’s Champion and links to the Area Committee.
• How to obtain local information for the Area Committee – it was hoped that performance information would be available in February 2010.
• How to identify good practice – to be shared citywide.
• Large Social Worker caseloads.
• The need to improve record systems.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report, presentation and appendices be noted.

b)  That the priorities and emerging actions identified in the report be noted.

c)  That the proposed format for local Children’s Service performance 

Reporting be approved in accordance with the report now submitted.

d)  That a full performance report be submitted to the Area Committee 

  meeting on 8^th February 2010 and for future reporting to be in

  January and July of each year.

To consider a report of Parks and Countryside providing information on how the Northwest Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways (NWLCP & GG) can be developed and the revenue implications.

RESOLVED -  That a further report be brought to the Area Committee providing full details of capital costs.

A report of Parks and Countryside was submitted providing information on how the North West Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways Initiative (NWLCP & GC) could be developed and on the revenue implications involved with such a scheme.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• A map showing a potential route that could be adopted for the purposes of the initiative (Appendix 1 refers)
• Various Strategies, Portfolios, Plans and Visions that support the North Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways Initiative (Appendix 2 refers)

Phil Staniforth, Senior Parks Area Manager, Parks and Countryside, City Development presented the report and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.  Issues highlighted included the following:

• Targeting local businesses for support and sponsorship and the related benefits they could attain.
• Costs for the post of a Northwest Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways Officer.
• Purchase and installation of interpretation boards abd information.
• Community engagement.

RESOLVED -  That a further report be brought to the Area Committee providing full details of capital costs.

To consider a report of the New Generation Transport Team (City Development) outlining progress on the development of the New Generation Transport scheme and providing the Area Committee with feedback from the summer consultation process and recent Major Business Scheme.

A report of the New Generation Transport Team (City Development) was submitted outlining progress on the development of the New Generation Transport scheme and providing the Area Committee with feedback from the summer consultation process and recent Major Business Scheme.

Francis Linley, New Generation Transport Co-ordinator and Louise Stewart, Transport Planner, City Development were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

•  The extension of the scheme to Holt Park
• The consultation process – it was reported that there would be a 2/3 day exhibition at Holt Park
• A major scheme business case had been submitted to the Department of Transport in October 2009.  A response was expected by the end of January 2010.
• There was likely to be a public inquiry into the scheme.
• It was estimated that construction would take place on any successful scheme between 2013 and 2015.
• Members expressed concern regarding the potential impact on current services – it was reported that this had not yet been considered but would be fully evaluated during further stages of consultation.

RESOLVED - That the contents of the report, and in particular the forthcoming Request for Information process, be noted.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area 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 Area 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

In accordance with paragraph 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed members of the public a period of up to 10 minutes to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.

A member of the public addressed the meeting and informed Members of the positive outcomes of work carried out with the Guiseley Conservation Area.  The Committee was thanked for the support they had given to this and it was hoped that support would also be forthcoming for the Rawdon and Yeadon Conservation Areas.  In response to this, it was reported that these Conservation Areas would be considered under Agenda Item 17, Well-being Budget Report.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an overview of the production of a Heath and Environmental Action Service report to Area Committees and seeking feedback on the content of the document,

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an overview of the production of a Health & Environmental Action Services (HEAS) report to Area Committees.  The aim of the report was to provide information about the scope and activities of the service in particular areas of the City aligned to strategic outcomes. It sought feedback on the value, level of detail and format of information presented in the report. Area Committees can influence the work of the Environmental Action teams and were asked to accept the work of the rest of HEAS.

Mark Dolman, Service Support Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

•  Timescales for reporting to the Area Committee.
• Noise pollution and issues surrounding Leeds Bradford Airport – Area Management to provide further information.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted and be referred to the Area Committee’s Streetscene and Environment Sub Group.

To consider a report of the Head of Tenancy Management and Customer Services providing the Area Committee with an update of performance, organisational and service improvement initiatives within the Tenancy Management and Customer Services Directorate of West North West Homes Leeds.

The Head of Tenancy Management and Customer Services submitted a report providing the Area Committee with an update of performance, organisational and service improvement initiatives within the Tenancy Management and Customer Services Directorate of West North West Homes Leeds.

RESOLVED - That this report be deferred to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with a current position statement on the well-being budget, details of proposed projects and small grant applications received to date.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the current position of the Well-being budget as detailed in Sections 2.0 and 3.0 of the report.

c)  That the following projects outlined in Section 4.0 of the report be dealt with as follows:-

d)  That the small grant application as detailed in Section 5.2 of the report be noted.

e)  That this Committee notes that the small grant of £500 approved for the Extended Services project at the last Area Committee meeting in November 2009 was now going ahead.

Referring to Minute44 of the meeting held on 9^th November 2009, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the Area Committee with a current position statement on the well-being budget, details of proposed projects and small grant applications received to date.

Jane Pattison, West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the current position of the Well-being budget as detailed in Sections 2.0 and 3.0 of the report.

c)  That the following projects outlined in Section 4.0 of the report be dealt with as follows:-

d)  That the small grant application as detailed in Section 5.2 of the report be noted.

e)  That this Committee notes that the small grant of £500 approved for the Extended Services project at the last Area Committee meeting in November 2009 was not going ahead.

To consider a report of the West North West Area Manager seeking Area Committee approval for participation in the programme for 2010-Year of Volunteering.

The Acting West North West Area Manager submitted a report seeking Area Committee approval for participation in the programme for 2010-Year of Volunteering.

Appended to the report was a copy of an outline calendar in relation to 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering for the information/comment of the meeting (Appendix 1 refers).

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

•  The Area Committee programme for the Year of the Volunteer
• Programme of volunteering activities across North West Leeds.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That this Committee endorses and supports the proposal, mission and aims for 2010 being the Year of Volunteering in Leeds.

c)  That this Committee supports the development of 2010 Year of Volunteering  through the programme of Area Committee events as identified in Section 4 of the report.

d)  That approval be given to the small grant application which was currently being circulated to Members

e)  That authority be given to Investigate sponsoring and encouraging additional activities with other partners, the VCFS sector and others.

f)  That a more detailed plan to be submitted to the February Area Committee meeting.

g)  That Councillor Downes be identified as Members Champion for the year of volunteering.

(Councillor S Andrew left the meeting at 3.50 p.m. following the conclusion of this item,  the meeting thereafter was inquorate.)

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with an update on the Community Safety Annual Report during the period 2004 to March 2009.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the Area Committee with an update on the Community Safety Annual Report during the period 2004 to March 2009.

Zahid Butt, West North West Area Management and Inspector Richard Coldwell presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• Attention was brought to statistical information and areas of improvement and concern were highlighted.
• Concern regarding closures on the A660 following road traffic accidents.  It was reported that lengthy delays had occurred due to the necessity for all vital evidence to be gathered.
• Use of CCTV in the area.
• Success of Neighbourhood Policing Teams in reducing criminal damage and other anti-social behaviour.
• PaCT meetings – Members to be issued with a clandar of these meetings.

RECOMMENDED - That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in Inner North Leeds West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11 and the Leeds Strategic Plan.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in Inner North Leeds West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11 and the Leeds Strategic Plan.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager and Jane Pattison, West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• Town and District Centre Regeneration
• Otley Civic Centre
• Use of the old Horsforth Library building

RECOMMENDED - That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with a summary of the West North West Area Management Team’s Community Engagement Programme.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the Area Committee with a summary of the West North West Area Management Team’s Community Engagement Programme.

Jane Pattison, West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

•  The Citizen’s Panel
• Development of on-line services
• Area Delivery Plan

RECOMMENDED - That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update and summary on progress made at the Area Committee sub groups and ward forums that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with an update and summary on progress made at the Area Committee sub groups and ward forums that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

Jane Pattison, West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• Meetings of the Committee’s Sub Groups
• PaCT meetings

RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted.

Monday 8^th February 2010 at 2.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

St Margaret’s Church, Church Lane/Hall Park Avenue, Horsforth, Leeds 18

Monday  8^th February 2010 at 2.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

(The meeting concluded at  4.25 pm)