Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the November South (Inner) Area Committee meeting and everybody introduced themselves.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

In accordance with her powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair admitted to the agenda a late item on proposals for the expansion of 17 primary schools in Leeds and additional provision for children with special educational needs at 2 primary schools.  The report was not available at the time of agenda despatch and needed to be considered at this Area Committee meeting, as the next meeting was scheduled to take place after the consultation period had ended (Minute No. 46 refers).

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 Ogilvie declared personal interests in:

·  agenda item 8 ‘Community Centres Report’ in his capacity as Chair of St Matthew’s Community Centre Management Committee (Minute No. 37 refers)

·  agenda item 10 ‘Streetscene Grounds Maintenance Future Procurement Strategy – Procurement Strategy Update Report’ in his capacity as a Member of the ALMO Inner South Area Panel (Minute No. 39 refers), and

·  agenda item 13 ‘ I Love South Leeds Festival 2009 – Evaluation Report’ in his capacity as a Director of South Leeds Community Radio (Minute No. 42 refers).

Councillor Ogilvie also declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item 15 ‘Inner South Well-Being Budget’ in his capacity as a Member of the ALMO Inner South Area Panel and withdrew from the meeting during the discussion of this item and did not vote (Minute No. 44 refers).

Councillor Coupar declared a personal interest in agenda item 10 ‘Streetscene Grounds Maintenance Future Procurement Strategy – Procurement Strategy Update Report’ in her capacity as a Member of Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) (Minute No. 39 refers).

Councillor Blake declared personal interests in:

·  agenda item 10 ‘Streetscene Grounds Maintenance Future Procurement Strategy – Procurement Strategy Update Report’ in her capacity as a Member of Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) (Minute No. 39 refers), and

·  agenda item 11 ‘Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust Consultation on becoming a Foundation Trust’ in her capacity as Non Executive Director of Leeds PCT (Minute No. 40 refers).

Councillor Driver declared a personal interest in agenda item 10 ‘Streetscene Grounds Maintenance Future Procurement Strategy – Procurement Strategy Update Report’ in his capacity as a member of the Board of Aire Valley Homes ALMO (Minute No. 39 refers). 

Councillor Driver also declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item 15 ‘Inner South Well-Being Budget’ in his capacity as a member of the Board of Aire Valley Homes ALMO and withdrew from the meeting during the discussion of this item and did not vote (Minute No. 44 refers).

Councillor Gabriel declared personal interests in:

·  agenda item 8 ‘Community Centres Report’ in her capacity as a Member of the Watsonia Community Centre (Minute No. 37 refers), and

·  agenda item 11 ‘Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust Consultation on becoming a Foundation Trust’ in her capacity as an employee of NHS – Partnership Foundation Trust (Minute No. 40 refers).

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors Iqbal and Congreve.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd September 2009.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd September 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

Minute No. 25 – Consultation on Day Services for Older People

The Chair advised that the Director of Adult Social Services had not been invited to attend this Area Committee meeting as the Executive Board had already taken the decision to close the Holbeck Day Centre.  The Executive Board had however acknowledged the void in older people’s services in Holbeck and had agreed to set up a sub group to review locally based services in the area.  The Chair also advised that, as a member of the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board, she had brought up all the concerns voiced by this Area Committee at the recent meeting of the Scrutiny Board.  

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.

There was one issue raised by a member of the public on the amount of rubbish and litter accumulating as a result of the refuse workers’ strike.  Roger Foyle, the Area Development Manager, Environmental Services, gave an update on the strike situation and outlined what services were being offered.  He also made an offer to look at any specific areas that people had concerns over.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining the role of Area Committees in relation to the management of community centres.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED – That the report and information appended to the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which outlined the role of Area Committees in relation to the management of community centres.

Appended to the report was the following information:

-  Delegated functions for the Council’s Community Centres;

-  Community Centres budget for South (Inner) Area Committee 2009/10;

-  Corporate Property Management – Community Centre Building Maintenance Expenditure / Status Briefing; and

-  Schedule of current backlog maintenance for Community Centres in Inner South area.

The following representatives from Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments:

- Liz Jarmin, Acting Neighbourhood Services Manager; and

- TrudieCanavan, Community Issues Officer.

Members questioned officers on the resources available for Inner South community centres – that they appeared low in comparison to the rest of the city and this would result in a lack of flexibility.  Members were keen that the Inner South area had sufficient funding now, even if they had not had it historically.  Members also sought clarification on certain aspects of the budget.

Officers explained that accounting procedures had led to the figures being skewed and in fact the South Inner area was relatively cash rich.  Officers however agreed to clarify the financial position for Members, including providing details of the budgets for other areas.  Members were also requested to forward any specific issues to the South Leeds Project Officer and were invited to put forward maintenance and investment priorities for consideration.

RESOLVED – That the report and information appended to the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Chief Regeneration Officer updating the Area Committee on the principles of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Round 6 Lifetime Neighbourhoods for Leeds (LNL) project in advance of the formal consultation between November and December 2009.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

The Chief Regeneration Officer submitted a report which updated the Area Committee on the principles of the Private Finance Initiative Round 6 Lifetime Neighbourhoods for Leeds project.

RESOLVED – That this item be deferred.

To receive and consider a report from the Chief Environmental Services Officer updating the Area Committee on the procurement process for the provision of Grounds Maintenance from 1^st March 2011.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Chief Environmental Services Officer submitted a report which updated Members on the procurement process for the provision of Grounds Maintenance from 1^st March 2011.

The Acting Area Manager, Keith Lander, advised the Committee that grounds maintenance was one of the delegated enhanced roles that Area Committees now had the opportunity to influence.

The following officers presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments:

-  Roger Foyle, Area Development Manager, Environmental Services, and

-  Sue Spellman, Service Development Manager, Aire Valley Homes

The Area Development Manager distributed maps for each of the Wards which indicated the areas for which Parks & Countryside, ALMOs and Highways had responsibility for in red, orange and blue respectively.

In brief summary the following issues were raised:

·  Categories – uncertainty as to which category some areas of grass would be classified under, which would affect how often it would be cut.

·  Litter – that this should be cleared prior to cutting.

·  Grass left on pavements – that this should be cleared after cutting and that this was a particular danger near to sheltered accommodation.

·  The need for the above two points to be monitored and penalties to be imposed if the work was not carried out properly.

·  That issues raised should be resolved on a permanent basis.

·  That the service should be brought back in-house and that the current contractor should not be allowed to submit a bid.

·  That the quality of the service should be as important as the quantity.

Officers noted Members’ concerns and comments and advised:

·  That putting the mapping on the Internet was being investigated.

·  That there were monitoring standards already in place.

·  If Members or members of the public had a complaint, then officers would be happy to deal with it.

·  That a system of penalties and discounts was being written into the new specifications.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That Members’ comments be noted.

To receive and consider a report from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust seeking Members’ views on Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s application to become an NHS Foundation Trust.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals submitted a report seeking Members’ views as part of the consultation being undertaken by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) about its application to become an NHS Foundation Trust.  Appended to the report was a copy of ‘Your hospitals your say – Foundation Trust consultation document’.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Clare Linley, Deputy Chief Nurse, LTHT, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.  The Deputy Chief Nurse advised that the LTHT’s formal public consultation would run from 1^st October until December 2009.

In response to Members’ queries and concerns, the Deputy Chief Nurse advised in brief summary:

·  Benefits to becoming a Foundation Trust – the people of Leeds would have an opportunity to influence the direction of the organisation and the services that were provided.  The benefits to the people of south Leeds would be the same as for the rest of the people in Leeds.

·  Debts - LTHT had to clear its debts before it could progress its application to become a Foundation Trust.

·  The cost of the consultation – consultation was a legal requirement and costs were therefore inevitable.  The Deputy Chief Nurse offered to provide information on the costs to the Chair.

·  Governors – there would be elected governors and appointed governors, the latter of which were prescribed.  It was proposed that there would be 18 public governors from the 9 constituencies, representing Leeds’ residents and patients.  Governors would be drawn from the membership.  The Leeds City Council representative would be an officer but Members’ comments that the representative should be an Elected Member, preferably one from the ruling group and one from the opposition, were noted.  The opinion that one representative from the voluntary sector was insufficient was also noted.

·  Constituencies – Members’ concerns that there should be representation from the people of south Leeds were noted.  Members’ comments on the way the constituencies had been drawn up were also noted, along with the suggestion that it would be better to divide the city using the Area Committee structure.

·  Elections for Governors – this would be overseen by an independent body.

Proof reading errors to the feedback form were also noted.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Deputy Chief Nurse feedback the Area Committee’s concerns and comments on the proposals as outlined above.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager presenting an evaluation of the first year of the 2008-11 Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP) programme.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted;

(b)  That the Area Committee allocates £20,000 towards the Phase 2 programme of NIPs;

(c)  That the Area Committee approves recommendations for immediate action to support NIP community groups; and

(d)  That detailed proposals for the future management of priority neighbourhoods be submitted to the January 2010 meeting of the Area Committee.

The South East Area Manager submitted a report which provided Members with an evaluation of the first year of the 2008-11 Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP) programme.  The report also outlined the priority neighbourhoods which would be addressed in the next phase of the NIP programme commencing in January 2010.

The Acting Area Manager, Keith Lander, introduced the report and Sheila Fletcher, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Members expressed their support for the future plans of the programme, particularly around resident involvement and expressed their approval that immediate action was proposed.

Officers confirmed that it was planned to present more detailed proposals to the January 2010 meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED –

(a)    That the contents of the report be noted;

(b)    That the Area Committee allocates £20,000 towards the Phase 2 programme of NIPs;

(c)    That the Area Committee approves recommendations for immediate action to support NIP community groups; and

(d)    That detailed proposals for the future management of priority neighbourhoods be submitted to the January 2010 meeting of the Area Committee.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager presenting an evaluation of the I Love South Leeds Festival 2009 and outlining a framework to consider for the future organisation of this event in 2010.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted;

(b)  That the Area Committee approves that co-ordination of the 2010 I Love South Leeds Festival be undertaken by the South East Area Management Team; and

(c)  That the Area Committee allocates £44,000 (in principle) from the 2010/11 South (Inner) Area Well-Being Budget, to support the future management of the festival.

The South East Area Manager submitted a report which provided Members with an evaluation of the I Love South Leeds Festival 2009 and provided a framework to consider for the future organisation of the event in 2010.

Sarah May, South Leeds Project Officer, presented the report. She drew attention in particular to the fact that this was the first year in which the South East Area Management had directly overseen the event.  She also advised that, after a full evaluation of expenditure, it was agreed that in future more funds would be allocated to the actual activities rather than on the launch and celebration event. 

Members expressed their support for this Festival and suggested various activities that could be included in next year’s programme such as skateboarding and BMX biking.  The involvement of the Youth Service in the planning of the programme and as part of the Steering Group was also welcomed.

The Committee expressed their thanks to the South Leeds Project Officer for all her hard work.

RESOLVED –

(a)    That the contents of the report be noted;

(b)    That the Area Committee approves that co-ordination of the 2010 I Love South Leeds Festival be undertaken by the South East Area Management Team; and

(c)    That the Area Committee allocates £44,000 (in principle) from the 2010/11 South (Inner) Area Well-Being Budget, to support the future management of the festival.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager explaining the proposals to make 2010 – A Year of Volunteering in Leeds and seeking Members’ approval for participation in the programme of activities.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The South East Area Manager submitted a report which presented proposals to make 2010 – A Year of Volunteering in Leeds and outlined progress in relation to developing a programme of activities and arrangements for running and resourcing the programme.  Appended to the report for Members’ information was an outline calendar of events for 2010.

Sheila Fletcher, Area Management Officer, presented the report and advised that although this report was being submitted to all the Area Committees it included a summary of existing activities in the Inner South and ideas on how the Inner South could specifically support the Year of the Volunteer.

Members made reference to the excellent work that volunteers achieved and endorsed the recommendations outlined in the report.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)    That the Area Committee endorses and supports the proposal, mission and aims for 2010 being the Year of Volunteering in Leeds;

(c)    That the Area Committee supports the development of 2010 Year of Volunteering by holding up to 2 events in 2010;

(d)  That the Area Committee agrees to provide financial support from the Community Engagement funding stream of the Well Being Budget;

(e)   That the Area Committee investigates sponsoring and encouraging additional activities with other partners.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager presenting details of proposed projects and activities to deliver local actions relating to the agreed themes and outcomes of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP).

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a) That the contents of the report be noted; and

(b) That the following decisions be made in relation to grant applications for well-being funds:

• Leeds Christian Community Trust – Love Hunslet – £705 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved
• Aire Valley Homes Inner South Area Panel – Sissons Road, Middleton Alleygating Project – £710 (2009/10 Capital Budget) – Approved.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which

contained details of proposed projects and activities to deliver local actions relating to the agreed themes and outcomes of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP).

The Area Management Officer, Sheila Fletcher, presented the report.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That the contents of the report be noted; and

(b)   That the following decisions be made in relation to grant applications for well-being funds: 

·  Leeds Christian Community Trust – Love Hunslet – £705 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved

·  Aire Valley Homes Inner South Area Panel – Sissons Road, Middleton Alleygating Project – £710 (2009/10 Capital Budget) – Approved.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager updating Members on actions and achievements around the Area Delivery Plan since the last Area Committee meeting.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted; and

(b)  That the allocation of Stronger Safer Communities Funding (SSCF) carry forward funds, as outlined in paragraphs 11-12 of the report, be approved.

The Area Committee considered a report from the South East Area Manager which updated Members on the actions and achievements of the Area Management Team since the last meeting.

Keith Lander, Acting Area Manager, presented the report and advised on the success of the autumn events.

In answer to a Member’s query on the Neighbourhood Warden reorganisation proposals, the Acting Area Manager advised that consultations between management and the Unions were still on-going.  It was anticipated that negotiations would be completed by January and assured that existing wardens would be kept informed of developments.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That the contents of the report be noted; and

(b)    That the allocation of Stronger Safer Communities Funding (SSCF) carry forward funds, as outlined in paragraphs 11-12 of the report, be approved.

This report was admitted as a late item.  The report presents the Area Committee with the consultation document on proposals for the expansion of 17 primary schools and additional provision for children with special educational needs at 2 primary schools.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

The Chief Executive, Education Leeds, submitted a report which presented the Area Committee with the consultation document on proposals for the expansion of 17 primary schools in Leeds and additional provision for children with special educational needs at 2 primary schools.

Viv Buckland, Head of Service Admissions and Transport, Education Leeds, attended the meeting to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

The Head of Service advised that there were proposals to increase net capacity in 5 of the Inner South Area primary schools in September 2010.  Members were also advised that a public consultation event was being held that evening in Holbeck.

Members expressed their deep concern and frustration about these proposals, particularly with regard to the lack of foresight and planning for an increase in school numbers.  The proposals appeared to be emergency measures.  Schools had recently been closed in the area despite warnings from local people and Elected Members that numbers were increasing.  It would again be the children that would suffer, from disruption to their education and having to work in temporary accommodation.

Members also criticised the consultation process and in particular that a consultation event had been arranged the same evening as this Area Committee meeting, which had effectively excluded local Ward Members.

The Head of Service advised that the unforeseen increase in numbers was due to the growth of the city through people moving into Leeds.  Education Leeds had been under Government pressure to remove over capacity previously.  These were exceptional circumstances and could not be planned for.

Members also raised, in brief summary, the following particular concerns:

·  That Beeston, Beeston Hill and Holbeck were clearly defined separate communities with no adequate bus service linking them, whereas the proposals treated Leeds 11 as one area.

·  That consultation events should be held in Beeston and Beeston Hill as well as in Holbeck.

·  That planning for an increase in high school numbers should already be under way.

·  The type of accommodation the increased numbers would be accommodated in and what the difference was between a Portakabin and modular accommodation.

·  What impact having to work in temporary accommodation would have on the safety and well being of the children and staff at the schools affected.

·  That children in south Leeds should receive the education they deserved and the same as elsewhere in the city.

·  That Elected Members had not been asked for their views prior to the main consultation.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and consultation document be noted.

(b)  That Members’ grave concerns and comments be noted by Education Leeds.

Thursday 7^th January, 2010

(Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Wednesday 10^th February, 2010

(St Matthew’s Community Centre, St Matthew’s Street, LS11 9NR)

Thursday 25^th March, 2010.

(Tenant’s Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX)

(All meetings to commence at 6.30 pm).

Thursday 7^th January, 2010

(Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Wednesday 10^th February, 2010

(St Matthew’s Community Centre, St Matthew’s Street, LS11 9NR)

Thursday 25^th March, 2010.

(Tenant’s Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX)

All meetings to commence at 6.30 pm.

(The meeting concluded at 9.00pm.)