Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the March meeting of the South (Inner) Area Committee.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:-

Agenda item 15, Leeds City Credit Union Branch Network – Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)).

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:

The Leeds City Credit Union Branch appendix referred to in Minute No. 76 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

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 Gabriel declared an interest in agenda item 12, Inner South Well-Being Budget, in her capacity as Chair of Beeston Festival.  On the basis that the interest was prejudicial, she withdrew from the meeting during the discussion of the item and did not vote.  (Minute No. 73 refers)

Councillor Ogilvie declared an interest in agenda item 12, Inner South Well-Being Budget, in his capacity as Member of Beeston Festival.  On the basis that the interest was prejudicial, he withdrew from the meeting during the discussion of the item and did not vote.  (Minute No. 73 refers)

Councillors Blake, Congreve, Driver, Gabriel and Ogilvie declared a personal interest in agenda item 15, Leeds City Credit Union Branch Network, in their capacity as Members of Leeds City Credit Union. (Minute No. 76 refers)

Further declarations of interest were made at later points in the meeting. (Minute Nos. 73 and 76 refer)

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Iqbal.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th February 2010.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th February 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

Minute No. 55 – New Generation Transport (NGT) Scheme – Current Position and Public Consultation Results

It was reported that funding had been agreed for development of the New Generation Transport (NGT) Scheme.

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 Chairman 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 about vehicles parked on grass verges at Holbeck Lane and the negative impact of this on Holbeck in Bloom. 

There was a request to re-install the gates at Tilbury Mount to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour.  Area Management agreed to look into both these issues.

It was reported that South Leeds Community Radio was now broadcasting over the internet.  For further information visit www.southleedscommunityradio.org.uk

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Environmental Services updating the Area Committee on proposals for improvements within Streetscene Services.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report on proposals for improvements within Streetscene Services.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Steven Smith, Parks and Countryside, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the key areas of discussion were:

·  The need for greater detail in the report about progress made against achieving targets.

·  Concern about some of the language used in the report, particularly taking into account the recent industrial action.

·  The need for Members to be kept informed about how the service was developing.

·  Localised working and engagement activity with local residents, e.g. Local Environmental Survey.

·  There was a request for breakdown of litter pickers on ward by ward basis.  It was agreed to provide Members with this information. 

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Area Committee receives a further update report at the Area Committee meeting in June 2010.

To receive and consider a report from the Environmental Action Team Service Manager seeking agreement on where the new Community Environment Officer (CEO) and Community Environment Support Officer (CESO) posts should work within the boundaries of the area committee.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

The Environmental Action Team Service Manager submitted a report on deployment of Community Environment Officers and Support Officers within the inner south area of Leeds.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Paul Spandler, Acting Service Manager, Environmental Services, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the main areas of discussion were:

·  Confirmation that Community Environment Officers (CEO’s) were being trained to serve fixed penalty notices for dog fouling.

·  Clarification whether income from fixed penalty notices was being re-distributed for community use.  It was agreed to raise this matter with Gerry Shevlin, Community Safety Co-ordinator.

·  Confirmation that CEO’s were being introduced to Ward Members.  In the meantime, any queries to be directed to Paul Spandler.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager presenting a refresh of the Area Delivery Plan 2008-11 for Members’ approval.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the annual refresh of the Area Delivery Plan 2008-11 be approved; and

(c)  That appointment of Member champions to specific themes of the Area Delivery Plan be agreed as part of the annual consideration of Local Authority Appointments to Outside Bodies at the Area Committee meeting in June.

The South East Area Manager submitted a report which presented the Area Delivery Plan 2008-11 for Members’ approval.

Sheila Fletcher, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the key areas of discussion were:

• Acknowledgement of the role of Member Champions.
• Reporting arrangements of ward based issues to the Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the annual refresh of the Area Delivery Plan 2008-11 be approved; and

(c)  That appointment of Member champions to specific themes of the Area Delivery Plan be agreed as part of the annual consideration of Local Authority Appointments to Outside Bodies at the Area Committee meeting in June.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on progress relating to the future management of priority neighbourhoods.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred to the Area Committee meeting in June, subject to the continuation of re’new’s support to the Middleton Regeneration Partnership for 3 months from 1^st April 2010 and the  continuation of the Mobile Youth Provision for a period of 3 months.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on progress relating to the future management of priority neighbourhoods. 

Appended to the report was a copy of the job description and employee specification for the post of Neighbourhood Manager.

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred to the Area Committee meeting in June, subject to the continuation of re’new’s support to the Middleton Regeneration Partnership for 3 months from 1^st April 2010 and the continuation of the Mobile Youth Provision for a period of 3 months.

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 report and information appended to the report, be noted;

(b)  That the Area Committee approves continuation of the youth bus service for a period of 3 months from 1^st July 2010 pending the outcome of the evaluation of the service;

(c)  That funding for the post of Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker ceases on 1^st July 2010;

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

• Beeston Festival 2010 – £3,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved
• Holbeck Gala 2010 – £2,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved
• Hunslet Moor sign – £780 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved
• Feasibility Study for South Leeds Sports Centre – £8,225 (£4,112.50 from Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet Wards) (2009/10 Revenue 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).

Sheila Fletcher, Area Management Officer, presented the report.

In the absence of the Chair, Councillor Gabriel, who declared a prejudicial interest and withdrew from the meeting, Councillor Congreve assumed the Chair for the well-being funding applications relating to Beeston Festival 2010 and Holbeck Gala 2010.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Area Committee approves continuation of the youth bus service for a period of 3 months from 1^st July 2010 pending the outcome of the evaluation of the service;

(c)  That funding for the post of Priority Neighbourhood Development Worker ceases on 1^st July 2010;

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

• Beeston Festival 2010 – £3,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved
• Holbeck Gala 2010 – £2,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved
• Hunslet Moor sign – £780 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved
• Feasibility Study for South Leeds Sports Centre – £8,225 (£4,112.50 from Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet Wards) (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved.

(Councillor Gabriel declared an interest in this item in her capacity as Member of Holbeck Gala 2010.  On the basis that the interest was prejudicial, she withdrew from the meeting during the discussion of the item and did not vote.)

(Councillor Ogilvie declared interests in this item in his capacity as Member of Holbeck Gala 2010 and also in his capacity as Director of Tiger 11.  On the basis that both interests were prejudicial, he withdrew from the meeting during the discussion of the items and did not vote.)

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)

(2.5 mins presentation / 2.5 mins discussion)

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

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.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Minutes of the South Leeds Employment, Enterprise and Training Partnership (SLEET) meeting held on 3^rd March 2010

-  Minutes of the Children Leeds South Leadership Team meetings held on 18^th November 2009 and 19^th January 2010

-  Minutes of the South Leeds Community Safety Partnership – Core Group meeting held on 29^th January 2010

-  Middleton Regeneration Board update.

Keith Lander, Acting Area Manager, presented the report and provided a brief update on activities that had taken place in the inner south area since the last Area Committee meeting.

On behalf of the Area Committee, the Chair wished to place on record her thanks to Councillor Coupar for her hard work and positive contribution to the Area Committee’s work.  It was noted that Councillor Coupar was standing down as Ward Member for Middleton Park at the forthcoming local elections. 

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

To receive and consider a report from the Chief Democratic Services Officer requesting Members to give consideration to agreeing the dates, times and venues of their meetings for the 2010/11 municipal year.

(Council Function)

(2.5 mins presentation / 2.5 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 2010/11 municipal year.

RESOLVED – That subject to confirmation of the proposed meeting date in December 2010, the following dates be approved in the 2010/11 municipal year to take place at various venues across the inner south area of Leeds at 6.30pm.

Tuesday, 22^nd June 2010, Wednesday, 22^nd September 2010, Thursday, 4^th November 2010, Wednesday, 9^th February 2011, Thursday, 24^th March 2011

To receive and consider a report from the Director of City Development on Credit Union branches within the Committee’s area.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Area Committees notes and supports the ongoing work being undertaken by the Council in relation to Leeds City Credit Union; and

(b)  That the request for funding from the Area Committee’s Well-Being Budget be approved with an allocation of £10,000 (£5,000 each from Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet Wards) and up to £5,000 from Middleton Park Ward, subject to consultation with Belle Isle Tenant’s Management Organisation.

The Chief Customer Services Officer and Director of City Development submitted a joint report which provided details on the services provided by Leeds City Credit Union Branch Network to enable the Area Committee to engage in an informed debate about the future of Credit Union branches within their area.

The appendix to the report was designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

The following representatives attended the meeting to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments:

-  David Roberts, Senior Policy and Information Officer, City Development; and

-  Neil Rhodes, Vice-President of Leeds City Credit Union.

Members emphasised the need to establish Elected Member representation on the Credit Union Board. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Area Committees notes and supports the ongoing work being undertaken by the Council in relation to Leeds City Credit Union; and

(b)  That the request for funding from the Area Committee’s Well-Being Budget be approved and reconfirmed for Dewsbury Road Credit Union with an allocation of £10,000 (£5,000 each from Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet Wards) and up to £5,000 for Credit Union in Belle Isle from Middleton Park Ward, subject to consultation with Belle Isle Tenant’s Management Organisation and other partners.

(Councillor Blake declared a personal interest in this item in her capacity as Board Member of the Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation.)

(The meeting concluded at 8.36 pm.)