Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the December meeting of North East (Inner) Area Committee.

In particular he also welcomed James Rogers, Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance who was attending all Area Committee meetings as an observer.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor R Charlwood, Councillor M Harris and Councillor M Lobley.

Notification of apologies was also received from Tony Head, Station Commander, Gipton Fire Station.

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

Councillor E Taylor declared a personal interest in her capacity as Lead Member for Environmental Services (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 53 refers).

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 to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee. 

a) Old Central Hebrew Congregation Synagogue – Back Sholebroke Avenue,   

    Leeds 7

  Sally Duggan, Deirdre Quill and Mike Davies, Newton Park Residents

  Association raised their serious concerns about the impact of future

  development of an area land in relation to the Old Central Hebrew

  Congregation Synagogue, Back Sholebroke Avenue, Leeds 7.

  They requested the Area Committee:-

-  to support the proactive efforts between the Sikh Council and the City Council in relation to the afore mentioned area of land

-  to ask the planning authority to address the issue of increased traffic flow should this site be developed

-  to take recognition of the serious impact this development would have to the Conservation area and also those properties located at 2, 4, 6 Oak Road

-  to undertake an independent impact assessment on the site, costs and community benefits

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader responded and informed the meeting that he would pick up the issues raised and instruct the Area Support Team to ascertain what responses the Area Committee could get towards these issues. He also agreed to keep the Newton Park Residents Association informed of any future developments.

In concluding, Councillor E Taylor informed the meeting that she would be meeting with the owners of the building in the next day or so and would also brief the Newton Park Residents Association accordingly.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on 17^th October 2011.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th October 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

a)  Area Committee Business Plan 2011/12 (Minute 38 refers)

Councillor S Hamilton referred to the above issue and reaffirmed the  importance of attracting more public or communities to the Open Forum and engaging with the work of the Area Committee.

The Chair informed the meeting that he had recently discussed this issue with the East North East Area Leader and that proposals on community engagement would be presented to the Area Committee early in the New Year.

In concluding, Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader responded and confirmed that a report would be presented to the Area Committee early in the New Year outlining a number of choices and options for Members to consider with regards to engaging with the public.

b)  Well-being Fund Capital and Revenue Budgets (Minute 39 refers)

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Improvement Manager informed the meeting that the application from the Isis (Black Health Initiative) for £5,000 had now been approved as a delegated decision.

  c)  Priority Neighbourhood Update Report (Minute 40 refers)

The Chair referred to the above issue and enquired if any progress 

had been made with regards to looking at the links and work across 

the North East Inner boundaries.

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Improvement Manager   

informed the meeting that this issue would be highlighted in the Priority  

Neighbourhoods report due to be considered at the next meeting on

30^th January 2012.

d)  Annual Report for Parks and Countryside Service in North East Inner 

Committee (Minute 41 refers)

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Improvement Manager  informed the meeting that she would follow up the outstanding issues relating to Meanwood Park with the Business Development Manager, Parks and Countryside with a report back to Members in due course.

It was noted that the skate park at Roundhay Park was discussed at a Ward Members meeting last week.

e)  East North East Homes Leeds Capital Programme Update

(Minute 42 refers)

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Improvement Manager  informed the meeting that the updated appendix relating to capital programme areas had now been distributed to Members for their retention/information.

(Councillor M Rafique joined the meeting at 4.15pm during discussions of the item relating to the Area Committee Business Plan 2011/12)

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader providing Members with an update on the current position of the capital and revenue budget for the Inner North East, together with applications made for funding.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That approval be given to the North Leeds Cricket Club Fencing scheme of £4,200 to be administered by LCC Parks and Countryside.

c)  That, subject to the applicants applying for POCA funding during the month of December, approval be given to the Deen Enterprises Ozbox project of £1,235.

d)  That consideration of the Parivhar Luncheon Club Sambhavon project be deferred and referred to the Well-being Member Working Group for consideration.

e)  That this Committee notes the East North East Homes Leeds funding for the Scot Hall Hedges scheme as outlined in the report now submitted.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report on an update on the current position of the capital and revenue budget for the Inner North East  and setting out applications made for consideration by the Area Committee.

Appended to the report was a copy of the following document for the information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Inner North East Area Committee Well-Being Budget 2011-12 (Appendix 1 refers)

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Improvement Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That approval be given to the North Leeds Cricket Club Fencing scheme of £4,200 to be administered by LCC Parks and Countryside.

c)  That, subject to the applicants applying for POCA funding during the month of December, approval be given to the Deen Enterprises Ozbox project of £1,235.

d)  That consideration of the Parivhar Luncheon Club Sambhavon project be deferred and referred to the Well-being Member Working Group for consideration.

e)  That this Committee notes the East North East Homes Leeds funding for the Scot Hall Hedges scheme as outlined in the report now submitted.

To consider a report of the Locality Manager (East North East) providing an update on performance against the Service Level Agreement between Inner North East Area Committee and the East North East Locality Team.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That the Locality Officer (Environmental Services, East North East) and the Support Team be congratulated on the work undertaken to date within the East North East area. 

The Locality Manager (Environmental Services, East North East) submitted a report providing an update on performance against the Service Level Agreement between Inner North East Area Committee and the East North East Locality Team.

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

• Delegation of Environmental Services - Inner North East Area Committee – Service Level Agreement 2011/12 – Half Year Performance Update (September – November 2011) (Appendix A refers)
• ENE Enforcement Statistics – 1^st September – 15^th November 2011 (Appendix B refers)

John Woolmer, Locality Manager (Environmental Services, East North East) presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

The Locality Manager drew Members’ attention to the information provided on actions delivered by the enforcement staff in the Locality Team during the reporting period.

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

• clarification behind the removal of a litter bin on Scott Hall Road

(The Locality Manager (Environmental Services, East North East) responded and agreed to look into this issue with the aim of replacing the bin in consultation with Councillor S Hamilton)

• the need to congratulate the Locality Manager (Environmental Services, East North East) and his staff following the very successful de-leafing programme in the Roundhay ward

(The Locality Manager (Environmental Services, East North East) responded and agreed to feed this back to the team)

• to welcome the positive feedback from a resident on Shaftesbury Avenue who wrote a letter praising the locality team’s de-leafing staff in their work and attitude towards the public
• to request that further consideration be given to tackling the problems caused when cleaning the highway whilst parked cars providing an obstacle

(The Locality Manager (Environmental Services, East North East) responded and agreed to look at what could be done where the problems are the greatest, but cautioned that efforts to provide notice to residents to move cars is not always effective, would be resource intensive and may set the service up to fail as cleaning could never be absolutely guaranteed on a certain day – for example due to sickness or bad weather)

• the need to praise the Locality Manager (Environmental Services, East North East) and his staff for their efforts in tackling an extensive leaf problem nearby to St James Hospital

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That the Locality Officer (Environmental Services, East North East) and the Support Team be congratulated on the work undertaken to date within the East North East area. 

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader updating the meeting on progress made in relation to priorities set out in the area committee business plan, together with an update on community engagement plans to feed into the priority setting for the 2012/13 area committee business plan.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report updating the meeting on progress made in relation to priorities set out in the area committee business plan, together with an update on community engagement plans to feed into the priority setting for the 2012/13 area committee business plan.

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

• Area Committee Community Charter – Priorities for Action (Appendix 1 refers)
• Community Engagement Autumn 2011(Appendix 2 refers)

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Improvement Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices. A specific request was made to relax or reduce the fee for individual applications for street parties for the Queens Jubilee in June 2012 in favour of a one street closure application for everyone residing in that street.

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader responded and agreed to investigate this issue further with a report back to a future meeting.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made to deliver the priorities set out in the Community Charter in accordance with the report now submitted.

c)  That this Committee notes that the community engagement activity plan would feed into the Area Committee Business Plan.

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader on Welfare Reform.

The Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance submitted a report on Welfare Reform.

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

• Welfare Reform timetable (Appendix 1 refers)
• Reports on Welfare Reform submitted to the Area Committee Chairs Forum meeting held on 3^rd November 2011 (Appendix 2 and 3 refers)
• Welfare Reforms: Cross ALMO/BITO Action Plan 2011/12 (Appendix 4 refers)
• Copy of a letter from the Leader of Council on  a response to localisation of Council Tax Support addressed to the Council Tax Benefit Reform Team (Appendix 5 refers)

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader and Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

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

• to congratulate the report author on a well written report
• to express concerns that the new proposals may require extra resources for the Credit Union
• the need to address the role of BITMO rent collectors

(The East North East Area Leader responded and confirmed that at present there was no more detail available on this issue. At the request of the Chair, the East North East Area Improvement Manager agreed to circulate to Members of the Committee a copy of a report that was presented to a recent ALMO Board meeting on this specific issue)

• to encourage more people to conduct their business affairs online, wherever possible
• the need to look at spreading the work around the clusters with increased monthly mobile library provision

(The East North East Area Improvement Manager responded and confirmed that discussions had taken place regarding clusters in Inner North Leeds with increased mobile library provision confirmed)

• the need for plan of action to be drawn up on welfare reform

(The Committee agreed to this proposal)

• the need to improve local publicity in relation to inter-agency work and for a report back to the Area Committee following consideration by the Area Leadership Team on this issue
• the need for Elected Members to be kept informed of current developments in order for them to brief their residents

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) notifying Members of the minutes of Area Chairs Forum meeting held on 5th September 2011 and to give a brief overview of the issues raised at the Area Chairs Forum.

The Assistant Chief Executive, Planning, Policy and Improvement submitted a report notifying Members of the minutes of Area Chairs Forum meeting held on 5th September 2011 and to give a brief overview of the issues raised at the Area Chairs Forum.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Area Chairs Forum minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September 2011 for the information/comment of the meeting.

Members commented again on the non-availability of the latest Area Chairs Forum minutes for consideration and discussion.

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader responded and reminded the Area Committee that the minutes of the previous Area Chairs Forum were approved and released at each Forum meeting which would result in a delay in them being released to the Area Committee.

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

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance providing a high level summary of the main elements of the Localism Act that will be of direct relevance to Area Committees and to provide an opportunity to debate and influence the way the Council implements the legislation.

The Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance submitted a report providing a high level summary of the main elements of the Localism Act that would be of direct relevance to Area Committees and to provide an opportunity to debate and influence the way the Council implements the legislation.

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries. He informed the meeting that this was a complex matter with a number of important issues for the Area Committee to consider.

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

• the need to establish a small, time limited working group comprising of one Member from each ward to address the complex proposals
• clarification of the process and whether or not some groups within the Council could make a challenge on a service delivered by the Council

(The Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance responded and explained the procurement process regarding the community right to challenge)

• clarification of how the authority would cost schemes that were not Council led
• the need for a proper business case to be established in relation to asset transfers providing it met the Government’s criteria
• the need for evidence to be collated on how the Area Committee could engage more with the local community

(The East North East Area Leader responded and informed the meeting that community engagement was a major piece of work which required all agencies and partners to work together)

• the need to work in tandem with the Police/Health authorities and the ALMO in order to make progress in this area

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee supports the continuing developments around localism and the contents of Act in view of the important element for areas to begin to think about what localism means for them and what they see as the main opportunities, challenges and risks taking into consideration the role they wished to play in future in engaging with their communities on this issue.

c)  That in order to support the above developments, a small, time limited working group be established comprising of the following Members from each ward to address the complex proposals:-

Councillor G Hussain

Councillor S Hamilton

Councillor M Rafique

d)  That the East North East Area Leader be requested to convey the above views, ideas, suggestions and concerns to officers in order to inform a further report to go to Executive Board on the implications of the Act and more detailed reports/sessions on Planning, Assets of Community Value and Right to Challenge as agreed by area chairs.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an overview of progress to develop more joined-up working within locality based City Council services and Neighbourhood Police Teams/PCSOs.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with an overview of progress to develop more joined-up working within locality based City Council services and Neighbourhood Police Teams/PCSOs.

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

• Key Contacts/Duties in North East and other areas (Appendix 1 refers)
• Safer Leeds Executive – Protocol to Support Local Working between Leeds City Council Environmental Services and Police Community Support Officers (Appendix 2 refers)

Beverley Yearwood, Area Community Safety Officer, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

• clarification of previous funding in relation to alcohol and the current status of Operation Buzzer

(The Area Community Safety Officer responded and informed the meeting that a full evaluation was submitted regarding Operation Buzzer)

• the need for more regular feedback on those schemes previously funded by the Area Committee
• opportunities for ward Councillors to influence priority setting via the task framework

In concluding, the East North East Area Leader informed the meeting that he welcomed the expanded role of PCSOs and that the Area Committee should be focusing on their tremendous value within the Inner North East area.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made to develop more joined up working within localities between LCC services and Neighbourhood Police Teams/PCSOs.

c)  That the above areas of closer working on local environmental priorities be fed back to local tasking arrangements to progress.

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance highlighting the Capital Receipt Incentive Scheme that received approval at the Executive Board meeting on 12^th October 2011.

The Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance submitted a report highlighting the Capital Receipt Incentive Scheme that received approval at the Executive Board meeting on 12^th October 2011.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Executive Board report on Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme considered at the meeting held on 12^th October 2011 for the information/comment of the meeting.

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

• to acknowledge that this Committee supports the proposal that 20% of receipts generated would be retained locally up to a maximum of £100k per capital receipt with 15% retained by the Ward and 5% pooled as a bottom line figure across the Council and distributed to Wards on the basis of need
• clarification of the protocol for disposing of properties within the new scheme

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance outlining the progress being made to create and manage a new and enlarged Leeds Citizens’ Panel that will form an important tool for the Council and partners’ consultation activity

The Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance submitted a report outlining the progress being made to create and manage a new and enlarged Leeds Citizens’ Panel that would form an important tool for the Council and partners’ consultation activity.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Leeds Citizens’ Panel progress update, October 27^th 2011’ (Appendix 1 refers) for the information/comment of the meeting.

Chris Dickinson, Area Management Officer, Planning, Policy and Improvement presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

• clarification of the recruitment process for Panel Members and why University students had been selected in view of their non-resident Leeds status

(The Area Management Officer responded and informed the meeting that no decision had been made at present with regards to recruiting students on the Citizens Panel. It was noted that at this stage in the proceedings, the process was solely aimed at registering their interest)

• clarification of why the criteria for Panel Members was aimed at 18+ in view of the fact that the Youth Council had active younger people available

(The Area Management Officer responded and agreed to feed back these comments)

• clarification why NHS Trusts were selected within the process

(The Assistant Chief Executive, Customer Access and Performance responded and outlined the demographic process for the Citizens Panel and of the fact that interested parties could apply)

• clarification of the composition of the Citizens Panel

(The Area Management Officer responded and confirmed that more work was required in this area)

• the need to include schools within the recruitment process which would ensure that the proposals would be then disseminated down to families

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee notes the development of a new Citizen’s Panel in Leeds as outlined in the report.

c)  That this Committee supports the use of the new Leeds Citizens’ Panel 

  and to take up its use as part of the Committee’s community 

  engagement activities in support of Wellbeing fund priority setting and

  in the development of the Area Business Plans.

d)  That Members of the Committee be requested to feed any further views

  on this issue to Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Improvement 

  Manager.

Monday 30^th January 2012 at 4.00pm at the Reginald Centre, 263 Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 3EX.

Monday 30^th January 2012 at 4.00pm at the Reginald Centre, 263 Chapeltown, Leeds LS7 3EX.

(The meeting concluded at 6.00pm)