Agenda, decisions and minutes

At the invitation of the Chair, Members, officers, local residents and representatives introduced themselves.  The Chair welcomed everyone to the April meeting of the South (Inner) Area Committee.

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 J Blake declared a personal interest in relation to item 9, Gardening Service, and item 10, Area Committee Wellbeing Budget, due to being a Member of Middleton Elderly Aid.

Councillor G Driver declared a personal interest in relation to item 9, Gardening Service, and item 10, Area Committee Wellbeing Budget, due to being a Member of Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid.

Councillor A Ogilvie declared a personal interest in relation to item 8, Inner South Area Committee – The Youth Bus and Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker – Next Steps, and item 10, Area Committee Wellbeing Budget, due to being Chair of St Luke’s Cares.

Councillor A Gabriel declared a personal interest in item 10, Area Committee Wellbeing Budget, due to being a Member of Cottingley in Bloom.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors D Congreve and P Davey.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th February, 2008.

(5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th February, 2008 be confirmed as a correct record.

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.

(10 mins discussion)

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 local resident raised concern that it had recently become difficult to get in touch with local Police Community Support Officers.  It was reported that previously residents could leave an answerphone message to report any concerns and someone would ring them back.  It was advised that residents should contact their local Ward Councillor if the problem persists.

Another resident reported on highway works that had been undertaken on Lanshaw Road and the disruption caused to local residents.  The Committee was also provided with an update by one of the local Ward Members in relation to other highway works being undertaken in the area.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

(Executive Function)

(10 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Committee supports Option 1 -  The Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker post be extended as follows:

-  Continued as a full time post;

-  delivered by the same provider (South Leeds Health for All); and

-  implemented for a further 12 months (from August 08 to August 09) and covering the Inner South area, utilising well-being funding of £32,037.

(b)  That the Committee supports Option 1 -  The Youth Bus Scheme be extended as follows:

-   The scheme be delivered by the same provider (St Luke’s Cares);

-   implemented for a further 12 months (from July 08 to July 09), utilising well-being funding in accordance with proposal 1 of £43,098; and

-  it was agreed that St Luke’s, in consultation with the Area Management Team, Children’s Services and other key partners, pursued other potential funding sources whilst underwriting funding for year 3. 

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report, which provided a review of two projects commissioned by the Area Committee in order that Members could determine the next steps for both initiatives for 2008/09 and 2009/10.

Appended to the report was the following information:

-  Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker (PNDW) 12 month  (March 07 to March 08) Progress Report; and

-  The Youth Bus Progress Report 2007/08 and Proposal for Extension of Contract.

In relation to the PNDW post, Pat McGeever, Director of South Leeds Health for All and Richard Lancaster, Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker, attended the meeting to highlight the work undertaken and respond to Members questions.

A number of local residents attended the meeting and reported on the excellent work that had been undertaken by the PNDW in the Cottingley, Holbeck, Middleton and Manor Farms areas.  The Committee also considered assistance provided to groups such as, Cottingley in Bloom, Middleton in Bloom and the Voice of Holbeck.

In relation to the Youth Bus Proposal, Louise Megson and Faye Vollans attended the meeting and highlighted some of the general achievements.

The main points discussed were:

-  Faye Vollans updated the Committee with feedback in relation to the Youth Bus.  It was reported that the Youth Bus was good fun and kept young people off the streets.

-  It was suggested that representatives from the Youth Bus could meet with Ward Members to discuss the possibility of extending the service to other areas of Inner South Leeds.

-  A member of the public queried whether there was a listing programme available.  The Area Manager advised that the full programme featured in the ‘chill-out’ booklet, and all local school children received a copy.  It was suggested that circulation of the booklet could be extended so that local residents also received a copy.

-  A member of the public queried the exit strategy when working with community groups.

-  Ken Morton, Children’s Services, suggested that the Youth Bus could be considered as part of the commissioning for the Integrated Youth Support Service.

Representatives of the PNDW post and the Youth Bus then left the room during the Committee’s consideration of both proposals.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Committee supports Option 1 -  The Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker post be extended as follows:

-  Continued as a full time post;

-  delivered by the same provider (South Leeds Health for All); and

-  implemented for a further 12 months (from August 08 to August 09) and covering the Inner South area, utilising well-being funding of £32,037.

(b)  That the Committee supports Option 1 -  The Youth Bus Scheme be extended as follows:

-   The scheme be delivered by the same provider (St Luke’s Cares);

-   implemented for a further 12 months (from July 08 to July 09), utilising well-being funding in accordance with proposal 1 * of £43,098

* Proposal 1:  6 sessions per week (50 weeks, term time and school holidays as per original tender)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted;

(b)  the Area Committee favours Option B, which supports the existing services in the Middleton Park Ward and seeks to develop a service covering Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet, subject to further approval by the Area Committee in relation to specific schemes and costs; and

(c)  the Area Committee requests a further report in relation to issues raised at the meeting.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods, which provided options for Members to determine the development of gardening services for elderly people and people with disabilities.

In brief summary, the main points highlighted were:

• The Committee considered the different models of gardening service and other schemes already in operation.
• The Chair of Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid was in attendance at the meeting.  It was reported that Belle Isle currently provided a free gardening service, although a reduction in funding could result in a charge being imposed in the future. 
• It was felt that there was still a number of outstanding issues that would need to be resolved and further consultation with other gardening service providers was required.
• It was advised that contract gardeners would be vetted as part of any agreed funding arrangement.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted;

(b)  the Area Committee favours Option B, which supports the existing services in the Middleton Park Ward and seeks to develop a service covering Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet, subject to further approval by the Area Committee in relation to specific schemes and costs; and

(c)  the Area Committee requests a further report in relation to issues raised at the meeting.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods, which updates Members on both the revenue and capital elements of the Committee’s Wellbeing budget, provides a forecasted balance of the Wellbeing budget for 2007/08 and 2008/09, advises Members of the Small Grant applications approved since the last meeting and invites the Area Committee to determine the list of Wellbeing proposals, as detailed within the report.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report, which includes, the Committee’s remaining revenue and capital Wellbeing budgets for 2007/08, a forecasted Wellbeing revenue budget for 2007/08 to 2008/09, and an update on the small grant applications approved since the last meeting be noted;

(b)  the following decision be made in relation to the Small Grant application, which has been submitted for determination at this meeting:-

·  Mariners Resource Centre Involvement Group – Building Bridges - Community Cohesion - £1,480 (Total costs) - £1,000 (Total amount requested)  – The Committee part-approved this application.  Members declined £550 towards cultural dishes, refreshments and cutlery, but approved the remaining costs of £930;

(c)  The following decisions be made in relation to Wellbeing budget revenue proposals, which have been submitted for determination at this meeting:-

·  St Luke’s Cares – Youth Bus - £43,098 (2008/09 and 2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  South Leeds Health for All – Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker – £32,037 (2008/09 and 2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Area Management Team - Community Skips - £13,500 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Area Management Team – Small Grants - £27,000 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Area Management Team – Communications and Community Engagement - £6,000 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Area Management Team – Photocopier Upgrade - £2,500 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Cardinal Community Enterprise Project – Cardinal Community Enterprise Project (Project Manager) - £ 30,000 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Declined

·  Positive Activities for Young People – Friday Night Project - £4,000 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report, which updated Members on both the revenue and capital elements of the Committee's Wellbeing budget, provided a forecasted balance of the Wellbeing budget for 2007/08 and 2008/09, advised Members of the Small Grant applications approved since the last meeting and invited the Committee to determine various Wellbeing proposals, as detailed within the report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report, which includes, the Committee’s remaining revenue and capital Wellbeing budgets for 2007/08, a forecasted Wellbeing revenue budget for 2007/08 to 2008/09, and an update on the Small Grant applications approved since the last meeting be noted;

(b)  the following decision be made in relation to the Small Grant application, which has been submitted for determination at this meeting:-

·  Mariners Resource Centre Involvement Group – Building Bridges - Community Cohesion - £1,480 (Total Costs) - £1,000 (Total amount requested)  – The Committee part-approved this application.  Members declined £550 towards cultural dishes, refreshments and cutlery, but approved the remaining costs of £930; and

(c)  The following decisions be made in relation to Wellbeing budget revenue proposals, which have been submitted for determination at this meeting:-

·  St Luke’s Cares – Youth Bus - £43,098 (In accordance with proposal 1 * outlined below) (2008/09 and 2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved

* Proposal 1:  6 sessions per week (50 weeks, term time and school holidays as per original tender)

£35,298 (running costs) + £7,800 (lease) = £43,098

Approx £14,366 per Ward

·  South Leeds Health for All – Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker – £32,037 (2008/09 and 2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Area Management Team - Community Skips - £13,500 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Area Management Team – Small Grants - £27,000 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Area Management Team – Communications and Community Engagement - £6,000 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Area Management Team – Photocopier Upgrade - £2,500 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Cardinal Community Enterprise Project – Cardinal Community Enterprise Project (Project Manager) - £30,000 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Declined

·  Positive Activities for Young People – Friday Night Project - £4,000 (2008/09 Revenue Budget) – Approved.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbouroods, which updates Members on the work undertaken by the Area Management Team since the last meeting.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted;

(b)  the Area Committee agrees in principle (pending discussion with the relevant lead agency and partners) the order in which each of the thematic sub-partnerships would host a pre-Area Committee meeting public engagement event, as detailed in appendix 2 of the report;

(c)  provisionally nominates Elected Members for 2008/09 who would be willing to act as champion/key link on behalf of the Area Committee for the various thematic priorities/sub-partnerships and the associated Area Committee responsibilities, as detailed below:

• Thriving Neighbourhoods - Community Safety Partnership – Councillor J Blake;
• Thriving Neighbourhoods – District Housing Partnership – Councillor A Gabriel;
• Learning / Thriving Neigbourhoods (worklessness) – Employment, Education, Training Partnership – Councillor G Driver;
• Health and Wellbeing – Health and Wellbeing – Councillor D Coupar;
• Stronger Communities – Community Cohesion Partnership – Vacancy;
• Environment – Environment (for Inner South) – Councillor A Ogilvie;
• Enterprise and Economy – Holbeck Urban Village – Councillor P Davey
• Culture – Councillor M Iqbal;
• Transport – Councillor E Nash; and

(d) notes that the nominations would be provisional, subject to ratification and approval through normal council procedures and any constitutional amendments that may be made in May 2008, and as such will be confirmed at the first Area Committee meeting of the municipal year 2008/09.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods, which updated Members on the work of the Area Management Team since the last meeting.

The main highlighted points were:

·  In relation to Cleaner Neighbourhoods, one Member queried the process for requesting clean-ups.  It was advised that Area Management could be contacted to take up the issue with Environmental Services.

·  The Committee noted the different types of clean-up service that was provided.  Members raised concern that there were some areas of Inner South Leeds that had not been provided with the clean-up service.

·  One Member requested a report back in relation to outcomes arising from the Beeston Hill Operation Champion.  It was agreed that a full copy of the report would be provided.

·  The Committee discussed community engagement events.  Members emphasised the importance of ensuring that residents were provided with sufficient notice of events.

·  Members also considered thematic sub-partnerships, Area Committee responsibilities and Elected Member links. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted;

(b)  the Area Committee agrees in principle (pending discussion with the relevant lead agency and partners) the order in which each of the thematic sub-partnerships would host a pre-Area Committee meeting public engagement event, as detailed in appendix 2 of the report;

(c)  provisionally nominates Elected Members for 2008/09 who would be willing to act as champion/key link on behalf of the Area Committee for the various thematic priorities/sub-partnerships and the associated Area Committee responsibilities, as detailed below:

• Thriving Neighbourhoods - Community Safety Partnership – Councillor J Blake;
• Thriving Neighbourhoods – District Housing Partnership – Councillor A Gabriel;
• Learning / Thriving Neigbourhoods (worklessness) – Employment, Education, Training Partnership – Councillor G Driver;
• Health and Wellbeing – Health and Wellbeing – Councillor D Coupar;
• Stronger Communities – Community Cohesion Partnership – Vacancy;
• Environment – Environment (for Inner South) – Councillor A Ogilvie;
• Enterprise and Economy – Holbeck Urban Village – Councillor P Davey
• Culture – Councillor M Iqbal;
• Transport – Councillor E Nash; and

(d) notes that the nominations would be provisional, subject to ratification and approval through normal council procedures and any constitutional amendments that may be made in May 2008, and as such will be confirmed at the first Area Committee meeting of the municipal year 2008/09;

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted, including the proposed governance arrangements for the South Leeds Intensive Neighbourhood Management (INM) Scheme and its Steering Group to change from being accountable to the now disbanded District Partnership to being accountable to the Inner South Area Committee (subject to any constitutional amendments).

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report in relation to the proposed governance arrangements for the South Leeds Intensive Neighbourhoods Management (INM) Scheme and its Steering Group to change from being accountable to the now disbanded District Partnership to being accountable to the Inner South Area Committee (subject to any constitutional amendments).

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted, including the proposed governance arrangements for the South Leeds Intensive Neighbourhood Management (INM) Scheme and its Steering Group to change from being accountable to the now disbanded District Partnership to being accountable to the Inner South Area Committee (subject to any constitutional amendments).

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted, including the stage of development that the Area Delivery Plan (ADP) is at to date.

A report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods was submitted, which updated Members on the progress of the development of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP) 2008-2011.

The Area Co-ordinator referred to the community consultation exercise and the big issues postcard, which it was noted would feed in views from the local community.  It was reported that the views of Ward Members, delivery agencies and the community would be fed into the plan prior to formal ratification by the Committee in June.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted, including the stage of development that the Area Delivery Plan (ADP) is at to date.

To receive and consider a report from the Chief Democratic Services Officer.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report, which requested Members to give consideration to agreeing the dates, times and venues of their meetings for the 2008/09 municipal year, which commences in May 2008.

The Committee agreed the provisional meeting dates, as detailed in section 3 of the report, subject to amendments.  The amendments related to the meeting dates provisionally scheduled to take place on Monday 15^th December, 2008 and Monday 9^th February, 2009.  It was suggested that these particular meetings took place on a Wednesday instead.  It was also suggested that the Committee meeting in December met at Leeds Civic Hall. 

RESOLVED – That the meetings dates and times for the South (Inner) Area Committee for the 2008/09 municipal year are as follows:

• Tuesday 24^th June, 2008, 6.30 pm, venue t.b.c.
• Thursday 18^th September, 2008, 6.30 pm, venue t.b.c.
• Tuesday 4^th November, 2008, 6.30 pm, venue t.b.c
• Wednesday 17^th December, 2009, 6.30 pm, Civic Hall, Leeds
• Wednesday 11^th February, 2009, 6.30 pm, venue t.b.c
• Thursday 2^nd April, 2009, 6.30 pm, venue t.b.c.

(The meeting concluded at 8.40 pm.)