Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the March 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 Groves declared an interest in agenda item 9, Inner South Wellbeing Budget, in her capacity as a Member of Middleton Elderly Aid.  On the basis that the interest was prejudicial, she withdrew from the meeting during the consideration of the item and did not vote.  (Minute No. 80 refers)

Councillor Ogilvie declared a personal interest in agenda item 9, Inner South Wellbeing Budget, in his capacity as a Director of South Leeds Community Radio.  (Minute No. 80 refers)

Councillors Blake and Gabriel declared a personal interest in agenda item 9, Inner South Wellbeing Budget, in their capacity as Members of Health for All.  (Minute No. 80 refers)

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors Congreve, Driver and Iqbal.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th February 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th February 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

Minute No. 36 – Proposed Merger for Joseph Priestley College

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Sally Blunt, Principal of Joseph Priestley College, and Peter Roberts, Principal of Leeds City College, to provide a brief update on recent developments in relation to the proposed merger involving Joseph Priestley College and Leeds City College.

Members were advised that today was the final day of the consultation process.  The colleges had undertaken joint working which included a decision to retain the 3 sites at Beeston, Morley and Rothwell.  It was reported that discussions had taken place with South Leeds Youth Hub to discuss support for young people in the area.  Reference was made to the current financial climate and the need to explore other sources of funding.  The Principal of Joseph Priestley College reported that she was hopeful that the merger would be finalised on 1^st August 2011.  The Area Committee requested further updates, particularly in relation to the skills agenda and partnership working.

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.

The Area Committee was informed that the waiting restrictions at New Princess Street, Holbeck, had now been completed.

It was reported that discussions with Tesco’s to develop a site in Holbeck, were still ongoing.

Local residents expressed concern about disabled access at today’s venue, South Leeds Youth Hub, and the need for improved signage.  One local resident felt there was a need for the Youth Hub to acknowledge the contribution of, Merlyn Rees, a former Member of Parliament for Leeds South.

Al Garthwaite informed the Area Committee about the website, South Leeds Life, which provided local residents with information about news and events in Holbeck, Beeston, Cottingley, Hunslet, Belle Isle and Middleton.  For further information please visit www.southleedslife.wordpress.com 

To introduce Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council.

The Chair reported that, unfortunately, due to other commitments, Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council, was unable to attend this evening’s meeting of the South (Inner) Area Committee.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager presenting details of work underway to reduce the high levels of lung cancer deaths within the inner south area of Leeds.

(10 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The South East Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager submitted a report which presented details of work underway to reduce the high levels of lung cancer deaths within the inner south area of Leeds.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Dr Matt Callister, Consultant Respiratory Physician at St James’s University Hospital, and Bash Uppal, South East Health and Improvement Manager, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

Further information and guidance in relation to early lung cancer detection in Leeds was circulated to the Area Committee.  Members were informed that information had been forwarded to gp’s surgeries and health centres.  The Area Committee was encouraged to distribute the information to local community groups and organisations.

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

To receive and consider a report from the Bus Development Team at Metro providing the Area Committee with proposals for a Quality Bus Contract Scheme for West Yorkshire and the associated public consultation process.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

A report of the Bus Development Team at Metro was submitted which provided the Area Committee with proposals for a Quality Bus Contract Scheme for West Yorkshire and the associated public consultation process.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting Louise Porter and Neale Wallace, West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the key points of discussion were:

• Confirmation that, subject to no legal challenge, phased implementation of the Quality Bus Contract Scheme could take place in 2013.
• Concern that Metro had promised a bus service from Dewsbury Road to Belle Isle, around the time that the John Charles Centre for Sport was built, and this had not been delivered.  It was agreed that Metro would provide a response to the Area Committee on this issue.
• Members highlighted the need for improved services connecting local communities, particularly between Beeston / Middleton to Belle Isle.
• Concern about anti-social behaviour on some bus services.  It was reported that under the Bus Quality Contract Scheme, there would be a more co-ordinated response to these types of issues.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Area Committee supports proposals to introduce a Bus Quality Contract Scheme.

To receive and consider a report from the Sport and Active Recreation Service outlining the role of the Sport Development Team in supporting voluntary sector sports clubs in the inner south area.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

A report of the Sport and Recreation Service was submitted which outlined the role of the Sport Development Team in supporting voluntary sector sports clubs in the inner south area.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  A summary of the new Sportivate scheme

-  List of sports providers in the inner south area.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Sue Doherty, Senior Community Sports Officer, Learning and Leisure, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

The Area Committee discussed the need to be provided with further information in relation to links with extended services clusters and targeted outreach work. 

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That Ward Member meetings be arranged to consider the issues identified above.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on proposals to introduce further Dog Control Orders in the City.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on proposals to introduce further Dog Control Orders in the City.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Simon Frosdick, Business Development Manager, Parks and Countryside Service, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the key points of discussion were:

• There was a suggestion that friends of groups be added to the list of groups to be consulted.  One Member suggested that the consultation list be forwarded to Ward Members.
• Concern about the lack of Dog Enforcement Officers, particularly in terms of tackling the issue of dog fouling.  It was advised that Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) had powers to issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling. 
• There was a need for improved signage at Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) – The Business Development Manager reported that this issue was being addressed.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

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

(15 mins presentation / 15 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the following decisions be made in relation to applications for wellbeing funding:

• St Luke’s Cares – youth activities

Beeston and Holbeck Ward: £17,940 approved

City and Hunslet Ward: £19,552 approved

Middleton Park Ward: £15,756 approved

• Youth Service – youth activities

Beeston and Holbeck Ward: £7,047 approved

City and Hunslet Ward: £5,467 approved

(Subject to funding only being allocated towards locally based trips and activities.)

• Re’new – work in Middleton Park Ward: £26,950 approved
• Middleton Elderly Aid – outreach worker – £5,000 approved from Middleton Park Ward
• West Yorkshire Police – off road bikes – £2,964 approved (£988 split equally from each of the three Inner South Wards), subject to receiving further information in relation to a similar scheme which it was believed had been funded by the Area Committee, particularly around usage of the bikes.)
• Cottingley Health and Wellbeing Group – Make a Difference – £3,013 approved from Beeston and Holbeck Ward
• Leeds Ahead – job search support / capacity building for community groups / environmental improvement days – £4,500 approved (£3,000 from Beeston and Holbeck Ward and £1,500 from City and Hunslet Ward)
• Aspire to succeed: investment ready partnership – £3,400 approved from the Enterprise and Economy pot (£1,133 from each of the three Inner South Wards), to include representation from a Ward Member, Councillor Groves.
• Radio Asian Fever – £5,000 approved from the City and Hunslet Ward
• Aire Valley Homes – Manor Farms (Newhall Road garages site) – £9,333 declined
• KidzKlub – Kidz Ckub in LS11 – £5,677 approved (£2,839 split equally from Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet Wards)
• South Environmental Action Team – tape recording equipment – £1,661 declined (£554 split equally from each of the three Inner South Wards).

(c)  That £8,200 be allocated to Holbeck street nameplates rather than £8,000 incorrectly referred to in the Wellbeing Budget Report at the February Area Committee meeting.

The South East Area Leader 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).

Keith Lander, Deputy Area Manager, presented the report.

In brief summary, the main highlighted points were:

• The Area Committee emphasised the importance of greater Member involvement in projects, particularly in view of the current financial climate and demands on the Council’s budget.
• The Area Leader discussed conducting a review of the process for allocating wellbeing funding to groups and organisations.
• The Chair thanked, Steve Ross, South Leeds Area Management, for his hard work, particularly in terms of recent work undertaken in tackling the unusually high volume of wellbeing applications that had been submitted.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the following decisions be made in relation to applications for wellbeing funding:

• St Luke’s Cares – youth activities

Beeston and Holbeck Ward: £17,940 approved

City and Hunslet Ward: £19,552 approved

Middleton Park Ward: £15,756 approved

• Youth Service – youth activities

Beeston and Holbeck Ward: £7,047 approved

City and Hunslet Ward: £5,467 approved

(Subject to funding only being allocated towards locally based trips and activities.)

• Re’new – work in Middleton Park Ward: £26,950 approved
• Middleton Elderly Aid – outreach worker – £5,000 approved from Middleton Park Ward
• West Yorkshire Police – off road bikes – £2,964 approved (£988 split equally from each of the three Inner South Wards), subject to receiving further information in relation to a similar scheme which it was believed had been funded by the Area Committee, particularly around usage of the bikes.)
• Cottingley Health and Wellbeing Group – Make a Difference – £3,013 approved from Beeston and Holbeck Ward
• Leeds Ahead – job search support / capacity building for community groups / environmental improvement days – £4,500 approved (£3,000 from Beeston and Holbeck Ward and £1,500 from City and Hunslet Ward)
• Aspire to succeed: investment ready partnership – £3,400 approved from the Enterprise and Economy pot (£1,133 from each of the three Inner South Wards), to include representation from a Ward Member, Councillor Groves.
• Radio Asian Fever – £5,000 approved from the City and Hunslet Ward
• Aire Valley Homes – Manor Farms (Newhall Road garages site) – £9,333 declined
• KidzKlub – Kidz Ckub in LS11 – £5,677 approved (£2,839 split equally from Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet Wards)
• South Environmental Action Team – tape recording equipment – £1,661 declined (£554 split equally from each of the three Inner South Wards).

(c)  That £8,200 be allocated to Holbeck street nameplates rather than £8,000 incorrectly referred to in the Wellbeing Budget Report at the February Area Committee meeting.

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

(5 mins presentation / 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 Leader which updated Members on the actions and achievements of the Area Management Team since the Area Committee meeting in January 2011.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Minutes of South Leeds Children Leadership Team held on 26^th January 2011

-  Minutes of South East Health and Wellbeing Partnership held on 27^th January 2011

-  Briefing paper for Elected Members on 2011 Census.

Keith Lander, Deputy Area Manager, presented the report.

In brief summary, the key highlighted points were:

• The Chair reminded the Area Committee that census day was on 27^th March 2011.  Specific support and guidance sessions were planned for residents of south Leeds if they needed help filling in the census form.  The Area Leader emphasised the importance of completing the form, particularly in terms of the impact on Government funding for the area.
• The Chair thanked Keith Lander for his valued contribution to the work of the Area Committee and support to Members.  It was reported that Keith would no longer be regularly attending future meetings of the Area Committee in his new role.
• The Area Leader provided a brief update regarding ongoing work to develop Cross Flatts Forum.

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 2011/12 municipal year.

(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 2011/12 municipal year.

One Member raised concern that the report was weighted in favour of meetings taking place at various venues across the inner south area, as opposed to the Civic Hall, Leeds, which it was felt was more accessible for Members and the public.

RESOLVED – That the following meeting dates be approved for 2011/12 to take place at to take place at various venues across the inner south area of Leeds at 6.30pm.

Tuesday 21^st June 2011, Wednesday 21^st September 2011, Tuesday 8^th November 2011, Wednesday 11^th January 2012, Tuesday 7^th February 2012 and Wednesday 21^st March 2012

(The meeting concluded at 8.35 pm.)