Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

In particular, he also welcomed Councillor P Wadsworth to the meeting following his election to the Council as a representative for the Guiseley and Rawdon ward.

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

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

The Chair agreed to accept the following document as a late item of business:-

• Transformation of Learning Disability Day Services (Minute 44 refers)

The document in question was late because of the need to provide local Ward Members with relevant background information regarding the plan to modernise learning disability day care in North West (Outer) Leeds.

It also informed them of the local consultation exercise that had and continues to take place in the electoral wards for which they were responsible and to provide an opportunity to comment on the plans or the consultation process.

In addition to the above late item, a copy of a report entitled ‘Transforming day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities’ previously submitted to the Executive Board meeting held on 3^rd November 2010 was circulated at the meeting as supplementary information.

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.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors A Barker, R Downes and C Townsley.

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

On this occasion, no such matters were raised.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th September 2010.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27^th September 2010 be approved as a correct record.

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.

Referring to Minute 28 of the meeting held on 27^th September 2010, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members 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 with specific reference to the CASAC Burglary Reduction project.

At the request of the Chair, the following representatives were in attendance to provide the meeting with the relevant background detail behind the project:-

Inspector R Coldwell, West Yorkshire Police

Neil Golder, Chief Executive, CASAC

Zahid Butt, West North West Area Management

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report 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 grants as detailed in Section 5.2 of the report be noted.

e)  That the project monitoring information as detailed in Section 6.0 of the report be noted. 

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of progress on a number of projects in Outer North West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2010.

RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in Outer 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 presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• that the Environment and Streetscene Sub Group had suggested a simplified application process for the Carbon Reduction Small Grant scheme and that officers were continuing discussions with procurement with regards to introducing a more simplified scheme similar to that undertaken for skips
• the forthcoming attendance of Ward Members at the Volunteer Celebration event for the North West Outer area to be held at the Civic Hall on 9^th November 2010

RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing a summary of ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

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 Meeting.

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

In addition to the report, Councillor B Anderson, in his capacity as Chair of the Environment and Streetscene Sub Group read out a key message arising from a meeting of the Environment and Streetscene Sub Group held on 3^rd November 2010 in relation to the proposed delegation of elements of the Streetscene Service.

It was noted that the key message made a number of recommendations for the Area Committee to consider and following a brief discussion, Members agreed to discuss these recommendations when considering the briefing note on a proposed delegation of elements of the Streetscene Service (Agenda Item 12) (Minute 46 refers).

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

The Director of Adult Social Care submitted a report on the transformation of Learning Disability Day Services.

The purpose of the report was to provide local Ward Members with relevant background information regarding the plan to modernise learning disability day care in North West (Outer) Leeds.

It also informed them of the local consultation exercise that had and continues to take place in the electoral wards for which they were responsible and to provide an opportunity to comment on the plans or the consultation process.

In addition to the above document, a copy of a report entitled ‘Transforming day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities’ previously submitted to the Executive Board meeting held on 3^rd November 2010 was circulated at the meeting as supplementary information.

Michele Tynan, Chief Officer, Learning Disabilities, Adult Social Care and Andy Rawnsley, Head of Service, Learning Disability Community Support Service, Adult Social Care presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• the concerns expressed that the Area Committee were not informed of the Executive Board’s proposals in relation to the Horsforth Fulfilling Lives building
• the need to ensure that the family carers/residents needs were catered for arising from such proposals
• clarification of the statement which suggested that the current system was ‘inappropriate’ and the procedures in place for those residents who were not suitable to attend a day centre
• clarification of the savings to be generated behind these proposals
• clarification of the transportation arrangements and how they would be implemented
• clarification of the numbers of residents who had mobility issues and the problems that would be associated with accessing the White House Education Room on Otley Chevin in the winter months
• the concerns expressed that the existing replacement centres were in a poor condition and required significant revenue to address these problems
• the concerns expressed about the potential loss of the car park and the views expressed that the Area Committee should be reimbursed as it was now designated within Adult Social Care
• the need for the Heath and Well-being Sub Group to monitor this issue on behalf of the Area Committee

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee expresses it’s concern over the lack of consultation in relation to the Executive Board’s recommendation for the replacement of the current Horsforth Fulfilling Lives building with a number of smaller building bases, yet to be confirmed, which would be located in existing community facilities.

c)  That the Acting West North West Area Manager be requested to write to the Director of Adult Social Services seeking the reassurances that this Committee be kept fully informed of any future proposals in relation to the Horsforth Fulfilling Lives building and associated car park.

d)  That the Health and Well-being Sub Group be requested to monitor this issue.

 (Councillor Anderson left the meeting at 3.30pm during discussions of the above item)

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing details of community safety activity during the last 12 months and to highlight crime statistics during the period April 2005 and March 2010.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing details of community safety activity during the last 12 months and to highlight crime statistics during the period April 2005 and March 2010.

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

The Chair also invited Inspector Richard Coldwell, West Yorkshire Police to comment on the detail contained within the report.

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

• clarification of the future role of ‘Operation Champions’
• clarification as to whether or not SID’s (Speed Inspection Devices) were still having an impact and the need to introduce static devices which show the actual speed of the vehicle
• clarification of criminal damage in relation to graffiti and whether or not any offenders had been prosecuted within the last twelve months
• clarification as to why criminal damage had increased in three wards in Outer North West, but had gone down in the Otley and Yeadon ward
• clarification of the police’s involvement and role with regards to “cut through routes”
• the need to welcome the fact that crime within the Guiseley and Rawdon Ward had reduced significantly over the last five years and to congratulate the police and Area Community Safety Co-ordinator on this achievement
• clarification of whether or not the criminal figures would rise should the numbers of PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) be reduced as a result of budget pressures  

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report and appendices be noted and welcomed.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the potential to increase the delegation for a range of Streetscene services to Area Committees, which would in turn make them more accountable and responsive to the needs of localities and the aspirations of local people and local Elected Members.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the potential to increase the delegation for a range of Streetscene services to Area Committees, which would in turn make them more accountable and responsive to the needs of localities and the aspirations of local people and local Elected Members.

In addition to the report, Members also considered the detail and recommendations contained in a key message in relation to this issue arising from a meeting of the Environment and Streetscene Sub Group held on 3^rd November 2010.

The Committee noted that the Environment and Streetscene Sub Group had requested more information on how the delegation would work in practice, including robust data to support the allocation of resources and a clear understanding of what was meant by ‘needs led’ with an equitable way of assessing ‘need’.

It was further noted that the key message also requested the Area Committee to have a clear understanding of what they required from the service and confirmation on whether there was a possibility to extend the services to include agencies such as Parks & Countryside.

RESOLVED -

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That approval be given to the following recommendations as contained 

in a key message arising from a meeting of the Environment and Streetscene Sub Group held on 3^rd November 2010:-

·  that the scope of services to be delegated included those set out at paragraph 1.3 and excluded refuse and recycling collection services

·  that further information on service and resource levels on an Area Committee basis be brought to the Outer North West Environment and Streetscene Sub Group once it was compiled

·  that the process of producing DLEQS monitoring data as a tool

  for assessing service performance be commenced

To consider a report of he Chief Environment Officer advising the Members of the progress to date with the procurement of a new grounds maintenance contract.

The Chief Environmental Services Officer submitted a report advising the meeting of the progress to date with the procurement of a new grounds maintenance contract.

Peter McGouran, Principal Engineer, Highways Service Planning, City Development attended the meeting and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• clarification of the current extension contract arrangements with Glendales and whether not the OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) notice had been issued last March

(The Principal Engineer responded and outlined the current arrangements. He agreed to supply the Committee with details of the OJEU notice via the Acting West North West Area Manager)

• clarification as to whether or not there would be an impact on the end of season cutting arrangements arising from the introduction of a new contractor in August 2011
• clarification of how Parish and Town Councils would be given the option to tender for work within their areas and whether or not they would be able to undertake any additional work
• reference to the fact that if the Town and Parish Councils, or the Area Committee wanted an enhanced service, could this be sourced through the new Contract in the knowledge that any enhancement would have to be accompanied by it’s own funding

RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted.

(Councillor Carter left the meeting at 4.00pm at the conclusion of this item)

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing information for Members on the demand for services provided by the Health and Environmental Action Service (HEAS) with particular focus on the enforcement activities undertaken by the Environmental Action Team (EAT) and the Highways and Environmental Enforcement  (HEE) team.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing information for Members on the demand for services provided by the Health and Environmental Action Service (HEAS) with particular focus on the enforcement activities undertaken by the Environmental Action Team (EAT) and the Highways and Environmental Enforcement  (HEE) team.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Health and Environmental Action Service Activity report – West North West Management Area (Outer North West) April 2010-September 2010’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Alison Gilliland, Service Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods attended the meeting and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

Specific reference was made to intruder alarms and the enforcement procedures in place in relation to alarms which were causing a noise nuisance.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee specifically notes the work of the Environmental

  Action Team whose staff include the newly appointed Community

  Environment Officers and Community Support Officers.

Monday 13^th December 2010 at 2.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

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

Monday 13^th December 2010 at 2.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

(The meeting concluded at 4.25pm)