Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the March meeting of North East (Outer) Area Committee held at Treetops Community Centre, Squirrel Way, Moortown, Leeds 17.

There were no formal late items of business to consider, however the Chair agreed to accept the following as supplementary information:-

·  Minutes of the North East (Outer) Area Committee Special Meeting held on 6^th December 2013 (Agenda Item 7a)) (Minute 85 refers)

·  Wellbeing fund – late application for funding from the Paradise Way project, Leeds City Council (Agenda Item 11)(Minute 90 refers)

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

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

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 disclosable pecuniary and other interests declared at the meeting.

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. 

On this occasion, there were no matters raised under this item by members of the public.

a)  To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the following meetings:-

·  3^rd December 2012

·  6^th March 2013 (copy to follow)

b)  To confirm as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on 4^th  February 2013 and to formally ratify the recommendations made thereon

RESOLVED –

a)  That the minutes of the meetings held on 3^rd December 2013 and 6^th March 2013 be confirmed as a correct record.

b)  That the notes of the meeting held on 4^th February 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and that this Committee formally ratifies the recommendations taken at that meeting.

a)  East North East Homes Leeds Grounds Maintenance report (Minute 54 refers)

The East North East Area Officer informed the meeting that outstanding information in relation to this issue had been e mailed to Members of the Committee at the end of January 2013.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services providing the meeting with an update on Children’s Services developments.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report updating the meeting on Children’s Services developments.

The report provided a summary of performance at Area Committee level with a broader summary of city level performance and built on previous reports with additional local context and tracking of local indicators.

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

-  Nigel Richardson, Director of Children’s Services

-  Gillian Mayfield, Targeted Services Area Lead (ENE), Children’s Services

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

·  Performance Data for Outer North East Area Committee (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Individual School Foundation Stage and Key Stage results 2012 (Appendix 2 refers)

·  Individual School Key Stage 4 Results 2012 (Appendix 3 refers)

·  Clusters – Member Leads; Cluster Chairs; Cluster Managers; LAPs

  (Appendix 4 refers)

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices

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

·  Clarification as to why the forward plan with regards to cluster funding was published immediately after the Special Area Committee meeting on 6^th March 2014

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and outlined the reasons why the forward plan was published late. He apologised for the late publication of this document)

·  Clarification of the implications of cluster funding

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and outlined the procedures in relation to producing a financial case prior to releasing the monies)

·  The concerns were raised in relation to the funding for the targeted aspect of the Youth Service review and the disparity this would bring across the Area Committees

·  Clarification of how the Wetherby (EPOSS) cluster was performing and also within the North East Outer ward

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and outlined the measures in place. He stated that more could be done with regards to sharing of best practice between clusters and this work was being developed. Reference was also made to the positive work being undertaken by the newly appointed post of Targeted Leader whose role was in part to ensure improving communications across the clusters)

·  Clarification of the future of Eastmoor and why the private sector schools such as  Gateways were not included in the data

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and confirmed that Eastmoor would be undergoing a period of refurbishment works following a recent funding injection. He agreed to supply the Area Committee with more details on this issue via the East North East Area Leader. In relation to Gateways, he agreed that best practice could be found in all sectors of education provision in the city)

·  Clarification of the current position in relation to the Firtrees School site

(The Director of Children’s Services responded and agreed to supply the Area Committee with more details on this issue via the East North East Area Leader)

·  The concerns expressed about the questions and challenges facing cluster funding and NEETS within the new financial year

·  The need to address the increased family case work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive Customer Access and Performance developing initial proposals to Area Committees for their input, shaping and feedback with a view to introducing the revised Area Lead roles in the new municipal year.

The Assistant Chief Executive Customer Access and Performance submitted a report developing initial proposals to Area Committees for their input, shaping and feedback with a view to introducing the revised Area Lead roles in the new municipal year.

Heather Pinches, Executive Officer, Performance Management, Customer Access and Performance was in attendance and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

Members were asked to comment on the following specific points:-

·  was the area lead role as described right – what changes / additions / amendments might be needed?  What might need to go into the more detailed job description?

·  was the list of core functional areas that each area committee should appoint to right?

·  do the broad elements of training/support make sense or were there gaps – what role was there for peer support?

·  any other comments / suggestions particular around the key issues highlighted?

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

·  Clarification of the merits in establishing a local lead on health and wellbeing and the impact in different wards

(The East North East Area Leader responded and referred to the past difficulties around the role of the ‘Health Champion’. He informed the meeting that the new proposals would address these difficulties by introducing a closer relationship between the Area Lead role, relevant officers and the Executive Board. He confirmed that that the needs of Members local areas would be now represented and would establish an ongoing lead in future)

·  The view expressed that the word ‘Champion’ was inappropriate and to welcome the phrase ‘Area Lead’

·  To raise concerns that there was no informal mechanism in the past for Members to feedback comments and that there was a need for a combined support and challenge role in this area

·  To raise concerns that the proposals would create additional responsibilities for Members with little benefit and concerns that it may blur roles between officers and Members

·  To acknowledge that Health and Social Care was not a separate service, but a combined service

·  To raise concerns that the phase ‘reducing health inequalities’ was inappropriate and to acknowledge the fact that it was about improving the life of those people who were living in deprivation

·  To raise concerns that Members were required to sit on so many committees which impacted their day to day work within the wards

·  To acknowledge the fact that the Area Committee had an option of appointing Co-optees and that they could consider appointing a retired GP to take up this role

In concluding discussions, the North East Area Leader acknowledged that Members were extremely busy and agreed to take the above comments back within the consultation process. He confirmed again that the new proposals would work and stated that the new democratic process was an excellent platform in making Members voices better heard.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the ENE Locality Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods on consultation measures in relation to the 2013/14 Service Level Agreement which will be presented for approval at the June meeting cycle.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on consultation measures in relation to the 2013/14 Service Level Agreement which would be presented for approval at the July meeting cycle following further discussions at local ward Member and Environmental Sub Group meetings.

The purpose of the report was to:-

-  agree the main service principles for 2013/14 as set out in section 20

-  identify the continuing existing priorities and any new service issues it would like to see a focus on, within existing levels of resource;

-  identify issues that it would like to see enhanced services delivered through the buying in additional local resources;

-  agree the development of the new SLA for 2013/14 to be brought to the July meeting for approval based on refreshed Elected Member and Area Committee local priorities; 

-  note the intention for the new SLA to be complemented by improved locality focused performance reports from the Waste Management Service, with a particular focus on supporting local improvements to recycling rates and reduction in land-fill

-  note the work ongoing with other complementary services such as Environmental Health and Highways to use the SLA mechanism to improve local influence and accountability on issues affecting the environmental condition and cleanliness of neighbourhoods

Appended to the report was a copy of the Area Committee Function

Schedules (Appendix A refers) for the information/comment of the meeting.

John Woolmer, East North East Locality Manager, Environment

and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’

questions and comments.

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

·  To congratulate the staff in the Environmental Services team for delivering a first class service within the North East Outer ward since the introduction of the Service Level Agreement two years ago

(The East North East Locality Manager responded and thanked Members for their kind comments. He agreed to convey these comments to staff)

·  To consider organising a special ‘thank you’ event for staff in the Environmental Services team

(The East North East Locality Manager responded and welcomed this suggestion. He agreed to liaise with the East North East Area Leader)

·  Clarification of abandoned and nuisance vehicles and the enforcement measures in place within Environmental Services

(The East North East Locality Manager responded and agreed to provide Members with a list of the enforcement powers that were in operation for their information/retention)

·  Clarification if any extra measures would be undertaken within the Moor Allerton area (including Lingfields and Fir Trees)

(The East North East Locality Manager responded and confirmed that this would be addressed within the Moor Allerton Priority Neighbourhood)

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That approval be given to the main service principles for 2013/14 as set out in section 20 of the report.

c)  That this Committee supports the continuing existing priorities and any new service issues it would like to see a focus on, within existing levels of resource.

d)  That this Committee supports the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader providing Members with an update on the current position of the wellbeing capital and revenue budget for the Outer North East area and setting out applications made for consideration by the Area Committee.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing Members with an update on the current position of the capital and revenue well being budget for the Area Committee and highlighting the 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 2012-13 (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Outer North East Area Committee Well-being Budget 2013-14 – Estimated Projections (Appendix 2 refers)

·  Outer North East Area Committee Well-being Budget 2012-13 (Appendix 3 refers)

In addition to the above documents, a late wellbeing application was circulated in relation to the Paradise Way project, Leeds City Council.

Carole Clark, East North East Area Officer 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 2012/13 financial year in accordance with the report now submitted.

c)  That the following grant which was agreed at the February Area Committee which was inquorate be ratified:-

Alwoodley Tennis Club – New Tennis Court - £7,000

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

e)  That approval be given to funding the Paradise Way project, Leeds City Council for £1,700 in accordance with the report now submitted.

f)  That in relation to the small grant application for the Heritage of the Jewish Community, approval be given to granting £600 towards the recent Jewish Arts Exhibition (i.e. £300 Alwoodley ward/£150 Harewood ward and £150 Wetherby Ward).

g)  That the budget allocation for 2013/14 be noted, and the sums set aside for small grants, skips and community engagement be approved in accordance with the report now submitted.

(Councillor P Harrand left the meeting at 7.45pm following consideration of those projects within the Alwoodley ward)

To consider a report of East North East Area Leader providing a summary of key activities and projects in the Outer North East area which support the  Area Committee business plan priorities.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing a summary of key activities and projects in the Outer North East area which support the Area Committee business plan priorities.

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

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

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

·  Clarification as to why the latest census figures were not included within the business plan

(The East North East Area Officer responded and confirmed that the latest census figures would be incorporated within the business plan)

·  To note that there was no longer a farmers market held by Alwoodley Parish Council

(The East North East Area Officer responded and agreed to revise the business plan)

·  To place on record the Committee’s thanks to Mr A Birkbeck, Localism Officer for the work undertaken in the North East Outer ward

(The East North East Area Leader responded and agreed to convey this comment to Mr Birkbeck)

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That, subject to the minor revisions above, approval be given to the arrangements for preparation of the business plan priorities for 2013/14 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 providing an update on the progress and action being undertaken in the Moor Allerton Priority Neighbourhood.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Moor Allerton Partnership Neighbourhood Improvement Plan 2013/14’ 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 the updated Neighbourhood Improvement Plan as outlined in Appendix of the report.

c)  That approval be given to the neighbourhood improvement priorities within the Neighbourhood Improvement Plan for the next twelve months.

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader providing the Area Committee with the minutes from the meeting of the Wetherby and Harewood Town and Parish Council Forum a held on 24^th January 2013.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing the Area Committee with the minutes from the meeting of the Wetherby and Harewood Town and Parish Council Forum a held on 24^th January 2013.

Appended to the report was a copy of the minutes of the Harewood and Wetherby Town and Parish Council Forum held on 24^th January 2013 for the information/comment of the meeting.

The Chair referred to minute 10.02 ‘Area Committee business plan priorities’ and requested that the word ‘could’ should be deleted and replaced by ‘would’ to read as follows:-

‘In response to a comment that the priorities were not tackling day to day issues such as highway work, Councillor Wilkinson responded that the Area Committee would not take on highway issues without any transfer of budgets to the committee’

The East North East Area Officer responded and agreed to revise the minutes.

RESOLVED -

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

b)  That the issues raised be noted and through this Area Committee, the Parish Council Forum be supported in resolving those issues.

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) on the Area Chairs Forum minutes held on 9^th January 2013.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report on the Area Chairs Forum minutes held on 9^th January 2013.

Appended to the report was a copy of the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th January 2013 for the information/comment of the meeting.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee notes the contents of the Area Chairs Forum minutes held on 9^th January 2013.

To consider a report of the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central

Services) seeking the Area Committee’s formal approval of a meeting

schedule for the 2013/2014 municipal year.

In addition, Members are requested to give consideration as to whether they

wish to continue with the Committee’s current meeting venue arrangements

or whether they would like to request any amendments to such

arrangements.

The Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) submitted a report

seeking the Area Committee’s formal approval of a meeting schedule for the

2013/2014 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:-

·  8^th July  2013

·  16^th September 2013

·  21^st October 2013

·  2^nd December 2013

·  3^rd February 2014

·  17^th March 2014

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

c)   That the meeting venues continue to alternate between the Civic 

  Hall during the winter months and at various venues held within the

  three wards during the summer months.

Tuesday 14^th May 2013 at 6.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

Map of Today’s Meeting

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

Tuesday 14^th May 2013 at 5.30pm (was previously 6.00pm) in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

(The meeting concluded at 8.10pm)