Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

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 a late item of business in relation to the minutes of the Area Chairs Forum meeting held on 13^th January 2012 (Minute 99 refers).

The document was not available at the time of the agenda despatch, but subsequently made available to the public on the Council’s website.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors D Cohen and R Procter.

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 declarations of interest were made at the meeting:-

• Councillor A Lamb in his capacity as a Member of the Children's Trust Board; Member of the Area Children's Partnership and a provider of school meals (Agenda Item 14)(Minute 90 refers)

• Councillor M Robinson in his capacity as a LEA Governor at Shadwell and Bramham Federated Governing Body and a Member of the Leeds School Sports Federation (Agenda Item 14)(Minute 90 refers)

• Mr S Robinson, Governance Services in his capacity as trustee and Programme Controller of Wetherby Community Radio Ltd (tempo fm)

(Agenda Item 9) (Minute 96 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)  Well being Budget – Open House Project (Agenda Item 9 refers)

Ian Greenberg and Lorraine Townsend, Lingfield Firtree TRA attended the meeting to make a small presentation in support of the Open House project.

At the request of the Chair, Councillor R Feldman also addressed the meeting in support of the project.

The Chair thanked Mr Greenburg and Ms Townsend for attending the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 6^th February 2012.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 6^th February 2012 be confirmed as a correct record.

a)  School Demographic Update Report (Minute 75 c) refers)

Carole Clark, East North East Area Management informed the meeting that officers had now met with Wetherby and Harewood Ward Members to address concerns.

b)  Well Being Fund Capital and Revenue Budgets (Minute 76 refers)

The Chair informed the meeting that the Boston Spa Youth Group did receive match funding from the East North East Homes Outer North East Panel.

c)  Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and Area Profiles (Minute 79 

  refers)

Carole Clark, East North East Area Management informed the meeting that a large zip file had been circulated to Members covering a number of outstanding issues raised at the last meeting.

Councillor J Procter responded and informed the meeting that having read the documentation, he was still concerned about the length of time officers were spending on the data and questioned the rationale behind the background information. In concluding, he requested the meeting to refer this matter to the Scrutiny Board (Health and Well-being and Adult Social Care).

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader responded and informed Members that that he would be meeting with Lucy Jackson, Consultant in Public Health soon to discuss this issue in more detail. In view of the comments made at today’s meeting, he agreed to invite Dr Ian Cameron and Nigel Richardson, Director of Children’s Services to the same meeting.

In concluding, the East North East Area Leader agreed to report back the outcome of discussions at a future meeting.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services providing Members with an update on Children’s Services developments including progress against the priorities of the Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan, where possible a local area level.  It builds on previous reports presented to Area Committees in 2010 and 2011.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing Members with an update on Children’s Services developments including progress against the priorities of the Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan, where possible a local area level.  The report also built on previous reports presented to Area Committees in 2010 and 2011. 

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

Nigel Richardson, Director of Children’s Services

Stephen Walker, Deputy Director – Safeguarding, Specialist and Targeted Services

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

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

• clarification behind an increase in children subject to a Child Protection Plan in the Wetherby ward from June to December 2011

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and stated that this was due to three large families entering the system during that period)

• the importance of showing in future reports the actual number of children (as opposed to percentages) who reached national expectations at the end of Key Stage 2 reaching Level 4 in both English and Maths to assist Members with their deliberations

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and agreed to comply with this request)

• the need to acknowledge that funding was a major concern in relation to children’s services cluster developments and to request a review in this area as a matter of urgency

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and informed the meeting that the department were still addressing the formula in consultation with the Schools Forum. It was hoped that the review would be undertaken by December 2012)

• clarification if the statistics within the report included the private sector

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and confirmed that depending on the category, it did include some private schools)

• clarification if the school would know about the referrals to social care by area and ward

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and outlined the current referral process involving education, police and health representatives)

• the concerns expressed that many children living in the Wetherby ward were missing out in view of the current funding allocation criteria
• clarification if Elected Members had the authority to recommend to schools not to release their capital in view of the bias that existed in some circumstances

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and agreed to inform the Chair when a decision had been made on the funding formula)

• clarification of the Key Stage 2 English and Maths figures in the Harewood ward in 2009/10 and 2010/11

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and agreed to come back to the Harewood Ward Members on this issue)

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That further discussions be undertaken between the East North East Area Leader and Director of Children’s Services with a view to following up the issues discussed at today’s meeting.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development on the LDF Core Strategy – Publication Document.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the LDF Core Strategy – Publication Document.

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

• Core Strategy – Development Plan Document – Publication Draft – Comments Form
• Core Strategy Key Diagram – Incorporating the Area Committee Boundaries

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

Robin Coghlan, Team Leader, Policy, City Development

Lyla Peter, Team Leader, Forward Planning and Implementation, City Development

Prior to discussions, the Committee noted that the deadline for comments on the Core Strategy was 12^th April 2012.

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

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

• the need to focus on the retail element of the Core Strategy
• clarification of how the Core Strategy would support the current supermarket war in Wetherby and help bolster the situation within the public domain

(The Team Leader, Policy responded and outlined the national guidance on retail development, especially with regards to those shops who were vulnerable. It was noted that the current guidance could see a possible change in direction prior to the Elections)

• the need for the Core Strategy to focus on the Cumulative Impact element when addressing the Supermarket war scenario
• the need for officers to remove the proposed park and ride site in Alwoodley from the Core Strategy in view of it’s poor location and size issues

(The Team Leader, Policy responded and agreed to pass on these comments to the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation)

• clarification of the criteria for the allocation of Gypsy and Traveller Sites in relation to the site allocation plan

(The Team Leader, Policy responded and outlined the interim proposals which would be submitted to Executive Board in the very near future. It was noted that City Development would be working very closely with Environment and Neighbourhoods on this issue)

• clarification if there had been any guidance published in relation to trigger points when the number of shops becomes a problem and the need for the Core Strategy to focus on the Community infrastructure levy with agreed timescales in place

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That Members of the Committee be encouraged to forward any further comments on the LDF Core Strategy using the official response form to the Head of Forward Planning and Implementation, City Development by the 12^th April 2012.

To consider a report of the Director of Adult Social Services providing Members with details of the work going on in Leeds to improve the effectiveness of health and social care services and on the approach of using demonstrator sites to test out and develop aspects of the model of service.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report providing Members with details of the work going on in Leeds to improve the effectiveness of health and social care services and on the approach of using demonstrator sites to test out and develop aspects of the model of service.

John Lennon, Chief Officer, Access and Inclusion, Adult Social Services 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:-

• the concerns raised about the feasibility of having integrated health and social care teams in place across the city by March 2013 and the importance of working towards a ‘one’ organisation in order for it to work effectively

(The Chief Officer, Access and Inclusion responded and informed the meeting that it was important to work through the options within the next 18 months with a view to a report being submitted to Executive Board for consideration)

• the need to review the process of treating people at home, together with the financial implications
• the concerns expressed about devolving all services to the NHS with a need for the City Council taking on some of these roles and clarification of the robust conversations that had taken place to date regarding alternative models

(The Chief Officer, Access and Inclusion responded and informed the meeting that the models were there to encourage a local dialogue and also the drivers for change would see GP’s as providers of services in this regard)

• clarification of the public scrutiny and accountability with regards to the direction of travel to improve the effectiveness of health and social care services

(The Chief Officer, Access and Inclusion responded and outlined the current dialogue undertaken to date at the Scrutiny Board (Health and Well-being and Adult Social Care))

  RESOLVED –

  a) That the contents of the report be noted.

  b) That regular updates on the progress of the demonstrator sites

  over the next twelve months be submitted to this Committee for

  consideration.

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader providing Members with an update of the work undertaken in the east north east to support the work of the citywide welfare reforms strategy.

The report also sets out the actions developed focussing on the east north east ensuring that customers, service providers and stakeholders are prepared for, and are able to respond to, the issues and requirements arising from the welfare reforms programme.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing Members with an update of the work undertaken in the east north east to support the work of the citywide welfare reforms strategy.

The report also highlighted the actions developed focussing on the east north east ensuring that customers, service providers and stakeholders were prepared for, and are able to respond to, the issues and requirements arising from the welfare reforms programme.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Welform Reform Strategy – Report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources – Executive Board – 10^th February 2012’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

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

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made in the local area to develop an action plan to mitigate the impact of the welfare reform changes to come into force in April 2013.

c)  That this Committee supports the development of communication strategy to underpin the work of the city wide strategy and focuses on the needs of residents within the east north east.

d)  That this Committee notes the action taken to support customers since

  the welfare reform changes which came into effect in January 2012.

 To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update on services previously managed at a city wide level that are to be delegated to the Area Committee to oversee and managed through the Locality Team.

 The report also confirms the local priorities, operational principles and service improvements to be included in the 2012/13 Service Level Agreement (SLA) to be agreed between the new service and the Outer NE Area Committee at the July meeting.

RESOLVED-

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

     b)  That this Committee notes the addition of further services to the delegation and the required amendment to the Street Cleansing & Environmental Enforcement Services section of the Area Committee Function Schedule as approved by Executive Board on 10^th February 2012

c)  That approval be given to the development of the new SLA for 2012/13 to be brought to the July meeting for approval based on:

  i.  the inclusion of the additional services

  ii.  the inclusion of the specific service commitments on issues that improved capacity achieved through more efficient working and a flexible local management of resources/budget now allows

  iii.  the inclusion of local service responses to challenges presented by the hosting of Olympic teams, visits to the city by the Olympic torch (and other local Olympic related events) and local events associated with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations (e.g. street parties)

  iv.  the ENE Locality Team’s responses to addressing the Area Committee Member’s local priorities

  v.  the ENE Locality Team’s responses to expectations for further improvements raised by Elected Members across the city as presented through Executive Board in February

  vi.  the refreshed service principles

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with an update on services previously managed at a city wide level that were to be delegated to the Area Committee to oversee and managed through the Locality Team.

The report also confirmed the local priorities, operational principles and service improvements to be included in the 2012/13 Service Level Agreement (SLA) to be agreed between the new service and the Outer NE Area Committee at the July meeting.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Area Committee Function Schedules’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

John Woolmer, Manager of Street Cleansing and Enforcement (ENE Locality), Environment and Neighbourhoods presented to the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

•  clarification if other areas had received the same resources

(The Manager of Street Cleansing and Enforcement (ENE Locality) responded and confirmed that resources had been distributed equally across all wards. He agreed to supply Members with the relevant data in due course)

• clarification of grass cutting procedure on articular routes
• clarification of current provisions of the grass cutting contract

(The Manager of Street Cleansing and Enforcement (ENE Locality) responded and informed the meeting that the contractor would be attending forthcoming Parish Council meetings to explain the new arrangements and that Members would have the opportunity of questioning representatives at that meeting)

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee notes the addition of further services to the

delegation and the required amendment to the Street Cleansing & Environmental Enforcement Services section of the Area Committee Function Schedule as approved by Executive Board on 10^th February 2012.

c)  That approval be given to the development of the new SLA for 2012/13 to be brought to the July meeting for approval based on:

  i.  the inclusion of the additional services

  ii.  the inclusion of the specific service commitments on issues that improved capacity achieved through more efficient working and a flexible local management of resources/budget now allows

  iii.  the inclusion of local service responses to challenges presented by the hosting of Olympic teams, visits to the city by the Olympic torch (and other local Olympic related events) and local events associated with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations (e.g. street parties)

  iv.  the ENE Locality Team’s responses to addressing the Area Committee Member’s local priorities

  v.  the ENE Locality Team’s responses to expectations for further improvements raised by Elected Members across the city as presented through Executive Board in February

  vi.  the refreshed service principles

To consider a report of the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) on a request for Members to give consideration to agreeing the dates and times of their Area Committee meetings for the 2012/13 municipal year.

The Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) submitted a report on a request for Members to give consideration to agreeing the dates and times of their Area Committee meetings for the 2012/13 municipal year.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That approval be given to the following dates as outlined in Section 3.1 of the report:-

·  2^nd July 2012

·  10^th September 2012

·  22^nd October 2012

·  3^rd December 2012

·  4^th February 2013

·  18^th March 2013

·  14^th May 2013 (Tuesday)

N.B. All meetings to commence at 6.00pm (summer months) and 5.30pm (winter months)

c)  That the meeting continues to meet at various venues between the three wards in the summer months and at the Civic Hall, Leeds during the winter months.

d)  That, subject to availability, consideration be given to convening meetings in Walton Village Hall, Scholes Village Hall and Wetherby One Stop Centre.

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 Outer North East, together with applications made for funding.

RESOLVED -

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

b)  That this Committee notes the spend to date and current

  balances for the 2011/12 financial year.

c)  That this Committee notes the Well-being allocation for 2012/13

   and approves the proposed spending plan in accordance with

  the report now submitted.

d)  That the following project proposals be dealt with as follows:-

e)  That in relation to the £1,000 2012/13 skips allocation within the three wards, this issue be discussed further at the Ward Member meetings.

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

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

• Outer North East Area Committee Well-Being Budget 2011-12 (Appendix 1 refers)

• Outer North East wellbeing revenue budget pending plan with projections 2012/13 (Appendix 2 refers)

• Outer North East Area Management Capital Budget Information (Appendix 3 refers)

Carole Clark, 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.

RESOLVED -

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

b)  That this Committee notes the spend to date and current

  balances for the 2011/12 financial year.

c)  That this Committee notes the Well-being allocation for 2012/13

  and approves the proposed spending plan in accordance with

  the report now submitted.

d)  That the following project proposals be dealt with as follows:-

e)  That in relation to the £1,000 2012/13 skips allocation within the three wards, this issue be discussed further at the Ward Member meetings.

To consider a report from the EAST North East Area Leader providing a draft refreshed Business Plan for the Outer North East Area Committee for 2012/13 which sets out the priorities and ways of working for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That approval be give to the Outer North East Area Business Plan for 2012/13 in accordance with the report now submitted.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing the meeting with a draft refreshed Business Plan for the Outer North East Area for 2012/13 which highlighted the priorities and ways of working for the forthcoming year.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Outer North East Area Committee Business Plan 2012/13 (Draft)’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Carole Clark, East North East Area Officer 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 give to the Outer North East Area Business Plan for 2012/13 in accordance with the report now submitted.

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader providing an update on the progress and action being undertaken in the Moor Allerton Priority Neighbourhood.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report with the aim of  discussing the priority neighbourhood of Moor Allerton and provided context to the 2011 Neighbourhood Index information supporting the contents of the draft Neighbourhood Improvement Plan.

.

The report also provided a refreshed Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP’s) for the priority neighbourhood and allowed the Committee to comment and examine this plan.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Moor Allerton Partnership (MAP) Neighbourhood Improvement Plan 2011-12 for the information/comment of the meeting.

Carole Clark, East North East Area Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee notes and welcomes the updated Neighbourhood Improvement Plan as now outlined.

c)  That approval be given to the neighbourhood improvement priorities 

  within the Neighbourhood Improvement Plan for the next twelve

  months.

A copy of the Area Chairs Forum minutes of a meeting held on 13th January 2012 were submitted for the information/comment of the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the minutes be received and noted.

As this was the last meeting within the current Municipal year, the Chair thanked Members and officers for their contributions and support during the past year.

He wished those Members well who were seeking re-election and also Councillor A Castle, Lord Major elect.

This being Councillor R Feldman’s last Area Committee meeting prior to retirement as a Leeds City Councillor, on behalf of the Committee, the Chair paid tribute to him, thanked him for all his hard work and wished him a long and happy retirement.

A presentation gift was made to Councillor Feldman at the conclusion of the meeting.

Monday 21^st May 2012 at 3.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

(N.B. Please note the proposed revised date and time of the meeting)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Treetops Community Centre, Squirrel Way, Moortown, Leeds LS17 6DP.

Monday 21^st May 2012 at 3.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

(The meeting concluded at 8.30pm)