Agenda and minutes

OFFICERS:

Sandie Keene – Director of Adult Social Care

Ken Morton, Children’s Services

Chief Inspector Matt Davison – West Yorkshire Police

Station Commander Ben Bush – West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Beverley Yearwood – Safer Leeds

John Woolmer – ENE Locality Manager, Environment & Neighbourhoods

Laura Eagle - Environment & Neighbourhoods

Rory Barke – East North East Area Leader

Carole Clark – East North East Area Support Tem

John Grieve – Governance Services

IN ATTENDANCE:

8 Local residents representing the Save Primrose Hill Action Group

Although there were no formal late items, the Area Committee was in receipt of additional correspondence received in respect of the proposed decommissioning of Primrose Hill Care Home and the latest available minutes from the Area Chairs Forum dated 3^rd May 2013.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors: N Buckley, A Lamb and R Procter

Councillors J Procter and G Wilkinson declared an interest in relation to a Wellbeing Funding application submitted on behalf of Wetherby Town Council the Town Council being the event organisers, Councillor J Procter and Wilkinson being Members on the Town Council  (Minute No.13 refers)

Better Lives for the people of Leeds-Residential Care for Older People  - Members received a presentation from Councillor Tim Baker (Boston Spa Parish Council) on behalf of the Primrose Hill Action Group  who expressed concerns at the proposed closure of Primrose Hill Care Home.

Councillor Baker set out the reasons for the opposition to the proposed closure of Primrose Hill Care Home.

The Chair thanked Councillor Baker for his attendance and presentation commenting that the matter would be discussed later on in the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meetings held on 18^th March and 14^th May 2013

(Copies attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meetings held on 18^th March and 14^th May 2013 were accepted as a true and correct record

To consider a report of the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) which outlines the procedures for Council appointments to outside bodies, and requests the Area Committee to determine the appointments to those organisations listed in the Appendix of the submitted report

(Copy attached)

The Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) submitted a report which outlined the area committee’s role in relation to elected member appointments to outside bodies and requested the meeting to determine the appointments to those organisations which fall to the Committee to make in accordance with the submitted schedule.

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

• Area Committee Appointments to Outside Bodies Schedule (North East Inner) (Appendix 1 refers)

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That approval be given to the following annual appointments for 2013/14:-

Outside Body  Appointee

East North East ALMO  Councillor N Buckley

  Area Panel  Councillor G Wilkinson

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Customers and Communities) which requests the Area Committee to make appointments to Area Lead Member roles, Clusters and Corporate Carers Group for the next Municipal year 2013 -14.

(Report attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customers and Communities) submitted a report which requested the Area Committee to make appointments for Area Lead Member roles, Clusters and the Corporate Carers Group for the 2013/14 municipal year.

The report provided background information and commentary on each of the categories to be appointed.

RESOLVED – That appointments be made as follows:

Area Lead Member Roles

·  Environment & Community Safety – Councillor G Wilkinson

·  Children’s Services – Councillor A Lamb

·  Employment, Skills and Welfare - Councillor  M Robinson

·  Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care – Councillor N Buckley

Corporate Carers Group

·  Councillor A Lamb

Children’s Services Cluster Partnership Representative

·  Alwoodley  - Councillor D Cohen

·  EPOSS (Elmet partnership of schools and services) –  Councillor A Lamb (Wetherby) – Councillor M Robinson (Harewood)

Environment Sub Group

·  Councillor G Wilkinson

·  Councillor M Robinson

·  Councillor N Buckley

To consider a report by the Director of Adult Social Services which  outlines the Better Lives vision, in which a review of the Council owned care homes and day centres had been completed and proposals developed that revise the current service model and, if implemented would lead to the decommission of one facility within the north east (outer) area. 

(Report attached)

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report which outlined the Better Lives Vision, in which a review of the Council owned Care Homes and Day Centres had been completed and proposals developed that revise the current service and model and, if implemented would lead to the decommission of one facility within the Outer North East Area Area

The report identified that Primrose Hill was the facility most likely to be decommissioned with residents being transferred to services of their choice already available in the area

Sandie Keen, Director of Adult Social Care, presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report

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

·  Had adequate consultation been undertaken?

·  Approximately 1000 surplus beds were available throughout the city but there was a lack of provision in the Wetherby area

·  Alternative options for residents of Primrose Hill were not forthcoming

·  Wetherby Manor currently had no vacancies

·  22 people were in residence at Primrose Hill

·  Should the decision be taken to close Primrose Hill Care Home, it would be decommissioned over a period of time, to allow residents to find alternative options.

·  Previous briefing meetings suggested that Wetherby Manor could accommodate Primrose Hill residents but this now appears not to be the case, because there is no availability in the area

·  Options around choice in the local area are not possible at this time but residents may wish to explore other options: - such as moving out of the area for example.

·  The definition of “The Area” lacks clarity

In drawing the discussion to a conclusion the Chair said that consultation was carried out on the basis that places would be available in Wetherby Manor that appears to be not the case, resulting in a lack of provision in the Wetherby area.

It was the opinion of the Area Committee that the consultation undertaken about the proposed decommissioning of Primrose Hill Care Home is required to be re-visited.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the consultation process to implement the recommendations of the Executive Board held on 15^th February 2013

(ii)  That the matter be referred back to the Executive Board with a request for the consultation around the proposed decommissioning of Primrose Hill Care Home is re-visited.

To consider a report by the North East Divisional Community Safety Partnership which provides an overview of the performance of the North East Divisional Community Safety Partnership and ward based Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

The report also includes details of the key initiatives that have been delivered in local communities to reduce crime and disorder covering the period 1^st April 2012 to 31^st March 2013.

(Report attached)

The North East Divisional Community Safety Partnership submitted a report which provided an overview of the performance of the North East Divisional Community Safety Partnership and Ward based Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

The report also included details of the key initiatives that had been delivered in local communities to reduce crime and disorder covering the period 1^st April 2012 to 31^st March 2013.

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

• Structure chart for the North East Divisional Community Safety Partnership (Appendix A refers)
• Summary of POCA projects funded in the Outer North East area (Appendix B refers)

Beverley Yearwood, East North East Divisional Community Safety Partnership, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Inspector Chief Inspector Matt Davies, West Yorkshire Police was also in attendance and provided the meeting with background details.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices. Specific reference was made to the increase of overall crime in the Alwoodley Ward and the increase of theft from supermarkets. Chief Inspector Davision explained that the police were currently working with retail outlets on redesign and security issues.

Commenting on the other theft category, Councillor Wilkinson requested  some feedback regarding the detection rates for theft.

RESOLVED –

(i)  Thant the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  To continue to support the Divisional Safety Partnership in prioritising the new Safer Leeds Priorities and tackling burglary dwelling during 2013/14 through partnership work at neighbourhood level

To consider a report by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service which  provide information on the emergency response activity in the Outer North East Area  1/4/12 – 31/3/13 and the changes to the Local Area Risk Reduction Team (LARRT) within the East Leeds area.

(Report attached)

The West Yorkshire and Rescue Service submitted a report which provided information on the emergency response activity in the Outer North East area covering the period 1^st April 2012 to 31^st March 2013 and the changes to the Local Area Risk Reduction Team (LARRT) within the East Leeds area

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

• Home fire safety checks for the Alwoodley, Harewood and Wetherby wards for 2012/13

Ben Bush, Station Commander, Wetherby and Moortown, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service 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 analysis contained in the appendix which set out the huge reductions in incidents

·  Encouraging fire crews to become more involved in risk and reduction by visiting premises commercial and private to offer help and advice which would reduce the risk of fire

·  Firefly project, safety marker system used to highlight the location of vulnerable members of the community in their homes to fire fighters in the event of a fire, to date 185 dwellings had this system

·  False alarms from schools

·  Resources available at the Moortown station

Commenting on the false alarms from schools, Commander Bush said these were not malicious incidents; it was usually a fault with the system

In response to concerns about the impact of past closures of stations Commander Bush reassured the area committee that in emergency situations, additional pumps would be brought from other areas.

Responding to Councillor Cohen’s query about the resources available at Moortown Station, Commander Bush said currently there was one pump located at the station.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted

To consider a report by the East North East Locality Manager, Environment & Neighbourhoods Directorate which provides information relating to the performance of the Service in delivering commitments made in the 2012/13 Service Level Agreement and to seeks approval of the SLA for 2013/14

(Report attached)

The East North East Locality Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods Directorate submitted a report  which provided information relating to the performance of the service in delivering commitments made in the 2012/13 Service Level Agreement. The report also requested Members to consider and approve the SLA for 2013/14.

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

·  SLA Performance Report 2012/ 13 (Appendix A)

·  Draft Service Level Agreement 2013/14 – Delegation of Environmental Services (Appendix B)

·  Trial Mobile Cleansing Service – Proposal (Appendix B)

·  Menu of Additional Local Services Available (Appendix B)

John Woolmer, East North East Locality Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods Directorate presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

·  2012/13 SLA – End of year review

·  Enforcement – Customer responsive activity

·  Street Cleansing – Programmed activity

·  Outcomes of activities summarising how the service had performed over the year

·  Management of resources, in particular sickness levels across the service.

·  Proposals for a trial mobile cleansing service

In response to Members comments and questions the following issues were discussed:

·  Clarification around dog fouling – (Statistics to be brought back to the Environmental Sub Group)

·  The return of the ALMO’s back into Council control which would have a  significant impact on the Environmental Service

·  No reduction in flytipping

·  Clarification around dead animal removal, usually road kill

·  Clarification on verminous properties

·  In managing resources, Members noted that the team had achieved the required budgetary efficiencies and requested confirmation that the other teams had also achieved their targeted efficiencies.

Commenting on Planning Enforcement issues Councillor J Procter said that it was important that planning enforcement issues be pursued and could this function be delegated to the Area Committee to influence.

Members of the Area Committee were supportive of Councillor Procter’s suggestion 

RESOLVED-

(i)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted and welcomed.

(ii)  To note the end of year Performance Report for the Service Level Agreement covering the period 2012/13

(iii)To approve the Service Level Agreement for the period 2013/14 Municipal year as summarised in sections 39-41 and Appendix B of the submitted report.

(iv)To approve the contribution of a maximum of £10K towards the establishment of a trial mobile cleansing resource to service the Alwoodley ward and the outer villages not covered by existing street attendants or “lengthsmen”. The contribution and resource to be split:40% Alwoodley, 40% Harewood, 20% Wetherby. The contribution to be made on the basis that should the trial be successful , the service will look to mainstream the activity.

(v)  To formally request that the Planning Enforcement function be delegated to the Area Committee.

To consider a report by the Director of Children’s Services which provides an update on the recommendations agreed at the Executive Board13th March 2013; Investing in Young People: Future Direction for Youth Services in Leeds

The report informs and updates the Area Committee of their delegated responsibilities for Youth activity funding and includes how they commission, monitor, evaluate local play, arts, sports and cultural activity for young people age 8 -17 years with the involvement and participation of children and young people throughout the process.

(Report attached)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which provided an update on the recommendations agreed at the Executive Board held on 13^th March 2013; Investing in Young People: Future Direction for Youth Services in Leeds.

The report informed and updated the Area Committee on its delegated responsibilities for Youth activity funding and included how they should commission, monitor, evaluate local play, arts, sports and cultural activity for young people age 8 – 17 years with the involvement and participation of children and young people throughout the process.

Ken Morton, Department of Children’s Services 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:

·  Members attention was brought to the funding available for Outer North East Leeds for universal activities for young people.

·  More development of the Breeze Card brand.

·  Do something different in terms of commissioning out activities.

·  Aspiration for a voucher system to fund activities (The voucher going directly to the child)

·  Changes to the level of staffing

·  More devolvement of the budget

·  The basis of the formula for distributing target youth work resource of £2.53m

·  Depravation in the City

·  Asset transfer

In passing comment Councillor J Procter suggested that the future direction of Youth Services and the involvement of Area Committees appeared to be the establishment of Service level Agreements (SLA) whereby the Area Committee would have influence over the deployment of staff. Councillor Procter suggested there was further clarification required around the budget for the service and who has the “overview”?

In responding Mr Morton said it was intended that a report would go to the Executive Board in July 2013 which would supply further details about funding and in particular the formula which would be used to distribute the £2.53m of targeted youth work resource.

Mr Morton said the Area Committee would be able to provide local influence through a baseline SLA:

·  Activities currently taking place

·  Other priorities

·  Better alignment of resources using local knowledge

·  Managing resources in a different way

·  Discussions on how to take matters forward

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the area committee consider how the activity funding will be delivered in each area, building on the Breeze brand.

(ii)  That the area committee consider linking the universal funding with other possible funding streams

(iii)  That children and young people will be involved throughout the planning, decision making and evaluation of the activity funding, possibly through cluster arrangements.

(iv)  The Chair, (Councillor Wilkinson) and the Area Lead for Children’s (Councillor A Lamb) work with the Executive Member Children’s Services about how to best enable spend on targeted youth work across local areas in Leeds

To consider a report by the East North East Area Leader which provides an update on the current position of the revenue Well-being Funding and sets out applications made for consideration by the Area Committee.

(Report attached)

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report which provided an update on the current position of the revenue wellbeing funding and set out details of application seeking wellbeing funding.

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

• Outer North East Area Committee Wellbeing Budget 2013-14 (Appendix A refers)
• Wellbeing Budget 2013-14 ward breakdown (Appendix B refers)
• Wellbeing Fund Monitoring Report (Appendix C 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.

Councillors J Procter and G Wilkinson declared disclosable pecuniary and other interests in relation to a Wellbeing Funding application submitted on behalf of Wetherby Town Council the Town Council being the event organisers

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 2013/14 financial year in accordance with the report now submitted

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

d)  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.

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) which highlights some of the main findings from the 2011 Census, which may have implications for the Outer North East area.

(Report attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report which highlighted some of the main findings from the 2011 Census, which may have implications for the Outer North East area

In particular:

·  A higher than average proportion of older people (aged 65+)

·  An increasing diversity within the population

·  A higher than average proportion of pensioners only households, and of lone pensioner households

·  An increase in the number of people reporting a claiming –long-term illness

·  A higher than average proportion of people who are providers of unpaid care

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report by the East North East Area Leader which provides an introduction to the minutes of the Wetherby & Harewood Town and Parish Council Forum on held 25^th April 2013.

(Report/ Minutes attached)

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report which provided an introduction to the minutes of the Wetherby & Harewood Town and Parish Council Forum held on 25^th April 2013.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the minutes be noted.

(ii)  That, where appropriate, to support the Parish Council Forum in resolving any issues raised.

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning Policy and Improvement) which formally notifies Members that the minutes of Area Chairs Forum meetings will be brought to Area Committee meetings as a regular agenda item. The report also provides a brief overview of the Area Chairs Forum meetings.

(Report/ Minutes attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning Policy and Improvement) submitted a report notifying Members that the minutes of the Area Chairs Forum meetings would be brought to Area Committee meetings as a regular agenda item. The report also provided a brief overview of the Area Chairs Forum Meetings

The minutes of the Area Chairs Forum dated 3^rd May 2013 were circulated at the commencement of the meeting as supplementary information

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)  That the minutes of the Area Chairs Forum held on 1^st March and 3^rd May 2013 be received and noted.

To note that the next Meeting will take place on Monday 16^th September 2013 at 6.00pm at Grange Park Sports Club, Wetherby, LS22 5NB

RESOLVED - To note that the next meeting will take place on Monday 16^th September 2013 at 6.00pm at Grange Park Sports Club, Wetherby,

LS22 5NB