Agenda and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded).

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting.)

There were no appeals against the refusal of the Inspection of Documents

There were no items identified where it was considered necessary to exclude the press or public from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the business to be considered.

There were no formal late items of business submitted, however, the Chair did accept the inclusion of an additional application to the Wellbeing Fund; Boston Spa Youth Club, (Minute No.66 refers) and also correspondence from the Youth Offer Improvement Team which provided feedback on projects funded by the North East (Outer) Youth Activity Fund (Minute No. 66 refers)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R Procter and Councillor J Procter

There were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interest.

Councillor G Wilkinson did however, declare an interest in relation to a Wellbeing Funding application submitted on behalf of Groundwork Leeds, Councillor Wilkinson being a Member of the Board of Directors for Groundwork Leeds  (Minute No.66 refers)

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

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd December 2013

(Copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2^nd December 2013 were accepted as a true and correct record

Area Committee Business Plan Update – Appointment of a Fuel Poverty Champion (Minutes No.53 (iii) refers)

RESOLVED – That the appointment of a Fuel Poverty Champion be deferred to the next meeting of the Committee

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which sets out the draft priorities for the Outer North East Area Committee which form part of the Area Committee’s Business plan.

Inspector Matt Davison, West Yorkshire Police will provide an update on the Neighbourhood Policing teams

(Report attached)

The Chair introduced and welcomed to the meeting Chief Inspector Matt Davison, West Yorkshire Police.

Beverley Yearwood, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator was also in attendance.

Chief Inspector Davison explained his purpose in attending today’s meeting was to provide an update on the Police Programme of Change.

Chief Inspector Davison said the key driver to the programme was a 25% cut in police funding over the next three years. West Yorkshire Police were now beginning a restructuring exercise, reducing police numbers but maintaining front line policing and neighbourhood policing. New ways of working would be introduced as part of the programme of change.

Referring to neighbourhood policing, Chief Inspector Davison said the vision was for people to feel safe in the community. It was intended safety neighbourhood units would be created, establishing closer integration with other agencies and even occupying same premises. The immediate plan was now to meet with local partners to discuss the key objective; short, medium and long term.

Referring to operational areas Chief Inspector Davison said the District Headquarters would be based at Elland Road with reactive units based at: Pudsey, Stainbeck, Garforth and Wetherby

A discussion ensued around the transfer of Alwoodley over to the (Outer) North East Safer Neighbourhoods Team as part of the new policing arrangements. Chief Inspector Davison confirmed that staffing resources would transfer to the new team. 

Members expressed concerns around any reduction in front line resources and requested further information on present staffing numbers and proposals for the new team.

Chief Inspector Davison agreed to provide the requested information.

Councillor Buckley asked about support for isolated/ lonely elderly people in outlying villages.

In responding Chief Inspector Davison said households within the community would receive a survey, one of the questions asks if people would wish to be contacted on a regular basis, in this way elderly/vulnerable people may be monitored.

The Chair thanked Chief Inspector Davison for his attendance and presentation, commenting that it was informative and appreciated by the Area Committee.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which set out the draft priorities for the North East (Outer) Area Committee which formed part of the Area Committee Business Plan.

Appended to the report was a copy of the North East (Outer) Area Committee draft Business Plan priorities for 2014/15.

Carole Clark, Area Support Officer, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report together with the appendix which included:

·  The Area Committee Priorities for 2014/15

·  Community Centres

Referring to section 6.2 of the submitted report Carole Clark reported the receipt of a request from a contractor carrying out development on the site of the former children’s centre to have the use of 10 car parking spaces on the Tree Tops Community Centre car park for the duration of the development works (January 2014 to January 2015).

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the information on the Police Programme of Change

(ii)  To approve the Area Committee Business  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which provides an update on the current position of the Area Committee’s budgets and sets out details of applications seeking well-being funding and youth activity funding.

(Report attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which provided an update on the current position of the Area Committee’s budget and set out details of applications seeking Well-Being funding and Youth Activity funding.

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

(i)  The current revenue financial position (Appendix A)

(ii)  Details of the remaining balances for the small grants and skip pots, plus other pots of funding which were set aside for Treetops Community Centre and Community Engagement (Appendix B)

(iii)  Small grants approved in the 2013 -14 financial year  (Appendix C)

(iv)  The current balance on the Capital Budget (Appendix D)

Circulated at the meeting was an additional application to the Wellbeing Fund; Boston Spa Youth Club, and also correspondence from the Youth Offer Improvement Team which provided feedback on projects funded by the North East (Outer) Youth Activity Fund.

Carole Clark, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report together with the appendices which included:

·  Available funding for the current financial year

·  Clarification around some of the projects seeking financial assistance

Referring to the Boston Spa Youth Club Project and a previously awarded grant of £800 in 2012. Carole Clark reported that the allocated funding had not been claimed. It was reported that recent discussions had taken place with the applicant who had indicated that the Youth Club would still benefit from the funding.

The application was now being brought back to the Area Committee to determine if the funding could still be allocated.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the spend to date and current balances

(ii)  That the following projects (from the 2013/14 financial year) requesting Well-Being Funding be determined as follows:

(iii)  That previously agreed funding for Boston Spa Youth Club of £800 be re-affirmed and the funding be allocated

(iv)  That the following projects (from the 2014/15 financial year) requesting Well-Being Funding be determined as follows: (Subject to confirmation of the Well-Being budget 2014/15)

(v)  That the following Youth Activity Fund projects (from the 2013/14 financial year) requesting funding be determined as follows:

(vi)  That the feedback received from the Youth Offer Improvement Team be welcomed and noted

(vii)  To note that £10,000 previously allocated for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To consider a report of the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside which seeks to further develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the North East Outer Area Committee.

The report provides an overview of the service and sets out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives.  In addition it seeks to provide a positive way forward for delivering the extended role of the Area Committee and sets out at an area level the progress made in attaining Leeds Quality Park standard.  The report also explains the investment need to attain and sustain LQP standards.

(Report attached)

The Chief Officer Parks and Countryside submitted a report which sought to further develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside Service and the North East (Outer) Area Committee.

Joanne Clough, Trading and Operational Support, Parks and Countryside Service presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report which included:

·  The Area Profile of the Service

·  Leeds Quality Park Status

·  Green Flag Award Scheme

·  Improvements to Parks during 2013

Referring to the Green Flag Award scheme Joanne Clough reported that an assessment of each Community Park was now undertaken annually, previously such assessments had taken place every three years.

Commenting on the key parks and green space in the North East (Outer) Area, Councillor Cohen suggested that Adele Woods appeared to be missing from the submitted list.

In responding officers said this was a possible error, the situation would be clarified and rectified if appropriate.

Councillor Buckley sought clarification about “Local Business volunteers” in particular works in Eccup Whin.

Joanne Clough said this was a scheme “Corporate Volunteer Day” which allowed local companies to become involved in countryside projects under the supervision of Parks and Countryside staff.

Councillor Buckley asked if Ward Members could be notified of future dates involving corporate volunteers.

Councillor Castle said that previously she had been a Member of “Friends of Lotherton Hall” but was unsure if it was still in existence, and if not, could it be re-visited?

In responding Mrs Clough said the necessary enquiries would be made and Ward Members notified accordingly.

Councillor Robinson also referring to Lotherton Hall asked if Members could be provided with details about visitor numbers to the estate following the introduction of charging.

Officers confirmed that the requested information would be provided to Members.

Councillor Robinson requested an update on the operation of Whinmoor Grange Cemetery.

Officers confirmed the site had become operational in July 2013 and was classed as a multi-faith burial ground. A significant amount of landscaping work and replacement planting had taking place but a more detailed update would be circulated to Members.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That the requests for further information in respect of Corporate Volunteer days, Friends of Lotherton Hall, Visitor Numbers to Lotherton Hall and Whinmoor Grange Cemetery be provided to Members in due course

To consider a report by the Locality Manager, East North East area which provides an update on performance against the Service Level Agreement between the North East (Outer) Area Committee and the East North East Environmental Locality Team coving the period May to October 2013.

The report sets out information on a range of functions being delivered across the area against the priorities and commitments set out in the Service Level Agreement.

(Report attached)

The Locality Manager, East North East provided an update on performance against the Service Level Agreement between the North East (Outer) Area Committee and the East North East Environmental Locality Team covering the period May to October 2013. The report set out information on a range of functions being delivered across the area, against the priorities and commitments set out in the Service Level Agreement.

Appended to the report were the following documents:

·  Environmental Service Performance Update, May to October 2013 (Appendix A)

·  Outer North East Area – Sites of Concern (Appendix B)

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

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report together with the appendices which included:

·  Delivering the Service Activities

·  Service requests dealt with by the Locality Team

·  Completion rates for mechanical sweeping blocks

Commenting on section 17 of the submitted report John Woolmer highlighted the reduction in completion rates for mechanical sweeping blocks down from 94% (2012) to 81% (2013). In providing an explanation Mr Woolmer said a reduction in the overtime budget, sickness absences and staff vacancies accounted for the reduced rates.

Mr Woolmer suggested that the Environmental Sub Group may wish to consider this issue at a future meeting.

Councillor Buckley sought clarification around vehicles parked on grass verges (Council owned). Could enforcement action be taken and what penalties could be imposed?

Mr Woolmer offered to make the necessary enquiries and report back to Members.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That the Environmental Sub Group be requested to develop services which focus on particular needs of the community

(iii)  In accordance with the Area Committee priorities 2014/15 to link up with local businesses to encourage their support for local communities and

(iv)  To work in partnership with the local community to sustain a clean and tidy streetscape, and high quality public green spaces that the whole community could enjoy and take pride in.

To note that the next meeting will take place on Monday 17^th March 2014 at  6.00pm at Treetops Community Centre, Squirrel Way, Moortown, Leeds, LS17 8FQ

RESOLVED – To note that the next meeting will take place on Monday 17^th March 2014 at 6.00pm at Treetops Community Centre, Squirrel Way, Moortown, Leeds, LS17 8FQ.