Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the September meeting of the South (Inner) Area Committee and invited everyone present to introduce themselves.

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.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors Davey and Nash.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st June 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st June 2011 be approved as a correct record.

Minute No. 5 – Matters arising from the Minutes

It was agreed to write to South Leeds Youth Hub to request that they commemorate the work and contribution of Merlyn Rees.

Minute No. 6 – Open Forum

It was reported that Kris Nenadic, LCC Parks and Countryside, was pursuing the issue of steps in need of repair at Cross Flatts Park.

In relation to concerns raised about an empty property on Stratford Terrace, Beeston, it was reported that enforcement action against the owner was taking place.

Tom Smith, Locality Manager (South and Outer East Leeds), agreed to pursue issues in relation to empty housing in Hillside, litter in gardens, houses boarded up, etc.

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.

It was reported that Holbeck had recently won a silver award and Leeds a gold award, as part of the Yorkshire in Bloom competition, which took place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.  Members expressed concern that Leeds City Council (LCC) was not represented at the event.

A local resident thanked South Leeds Area Management Team for their help and support in developing Beeston Hill Residents Voice.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Children’s Services providing key performance information at a local area level, in relation to Children’s Services.

(5 mins presentation/ 10 mins discussion)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which presented key Children’s Services performance information at a local area level.

The following documents were appended to the report for Members’ comments / information:

Appendix 1 – Proposed Schedule of Information for Area Committee

Reporting for 2011/12

Appendix 2 – Note of the Leeds Children’s Services Meeting with the DfE:

20^th May 2011

Appendix 3 – LAC, CPP, New Referrals, and CAF Data by Area

Appendix 4 – Primary & Secondary School Attendance data by Area and

Ward

Appendix 5 – NEET and Not Known data by Area and Ward

Appendix 6 – School Inspection Data by Area.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Nigel Richardson, Director of Children’s Services, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the key points of discussion were:

• Adopting a city-wide approach to clusters and ensuring a consistent approach.
• The need to improve outcomes for vulnerable families.
• The role of Elected Members.
• The potential benefits of joined up working with Leisure Services.
• Further information requested by Members on the Leeds Education Challenge.
• The impact of national policy and risks associated with the fragmentation of schools.

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

To receive and consider a report from the Director of City Development informing Members of the three planning workshops to be held in relation to the production of a new supplementary planning document (SPD) addressing the growth and management of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) concentrations.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

The Director of City Development submitted a report which informed the Area Committee of the three planning workshops to be held in relation to the production of a new supplementary planning document (SPD) addressing the growth and management of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) concentrations.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Sarah Welsh, City Development, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the main highlighted points were:

• Confirmation that the South Leeds workshop was taking place on Thursday, 29^th September in Hillside, Beeston from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.  Ward Members and local community group representatives were encouraged to attend the event.
• Concerns associated with some private sector housing provision. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted

(b)  That Ward Members and local community group representatives be encouraged to attend the South Leeds workshop in Hillside, Beeston on 29^th September 2011.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Children’s Services on proposals being brought forward in response to rising demand for reception places city wide.

(5 mins presentation/ 10 mins discussion)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which presented the Area Committee with proposals being brought forward in response to rising demand for reception places city wide.  In particular, the report drew Members’ attention to a proposal for a new school in Beeston and Holbeck on the site of the former South Leeds Sports Centre to open September 2014.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Viv Buckland, Head of Service, Children’s Services, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an update on crime levels in inner south Leeds.

(5 mins presentation/ 10 mins discussion)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided an update on crime trends and a range of community safety activity throughout 2010/11.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Gerry Shevlin, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator and Neighbourhood Inspector Damien Miller, West Yorkshire Police, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the key areas of discussion were:

• Concern about the increase in drug offences.  It was advised that this was largely due to an increase in neighbourhood policing team activity and community intelligence.
• Concerns about the increase in domestic violence linked to alcohol dependency.  Greater resources were now in place to tackle this through development of a multi-agency approach.
• Greater emphasis needed tackling prostitution in Holbeck, and developing a city wide response.
• Recognition and support of Neighbourhood Policing Teams and their positive contribution in communities.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presenting a final version of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) through which the work of the Environmental Locality team will be steered over the next six months.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted

(b)  That the Service Level Agreement be approved.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which presented the final version of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the delivery of environmental services in the inner south area of Leeds.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Tom Smith, Locality Manager (South and Outer East Leeds), to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the main areas of discussion were:

• Ensuring a consistent approach to locality working.
• The role of local community and residents groups.
• Developing greater capacity across directorates, tasking teams and schools.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted

(b)  That the Service Level Agreement be approved.

To receive and consider a joint report from the South East Area Leader and Aire Valley Homes Leeds Chief Executive outlining Aire Valley Homes Leeds (AVLH) current involvement with the Area Committee and exploring ways of making that involvement as meaningful and productive as possible.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

A joint report was submitted from the South East Area Leader and Chief Executive of Aire Valley Homes Leeds which outlined Aire Valley Homes Leeds (AVHL) current involvement with the Area Committee and explored ways of making that involvement as meaningful and productive as possible.

In the absence of a representative from AVHL attending the meeting, Shaid Mahmood, South East Area Leader, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

One Member requested a breakdown of statistics provided by Aire Valley Homes.  It was agreed to include this breakdown as part of the six monthly updates to be provided to the Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted

(b)  That Aire Valley Homes Leeds provides the Area Committee with six monthly updates on progress with areas of mutual interest.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Leader presenting the major benefits and added value of capital well being funding in South East Leeds.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

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

The South East Area Leader submitted a report which presented the major benefits and added value of capital Well being funding in South East Leeds.

Appended to the report was a copy of the capital budget for the 6 years between 2004 and end financial year 2010/11.

Shaid Mahmood, South East Area Leader, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

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

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Management Team outlining a proposal to establish the Middleton Park Strategic Advisory Group.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted

(b)  That the Middleton Park Strategic Advisory Group be established as a shadow board of the Area Committee and monitored accordingly

(c)  That Councillor ??? be appointed to serve on the Middleton Park Strategic Advisory Group.

The South East Area Leader submitted a report which outlined a proposal to establish the Middleton Park Strategic Advisory Group.

Gavin Forster, Area Project Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

Members briefly discussed overcoming local perceptions about Middleton Park, ensuring the park was safe to visit, especially in the evening.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted

(b)  That the Middleton Park Strategic Advisory Group be established and monitored accordingly

(c)  That a Member from each Inner South Ward be appointed to serve on the Middleton Park Strategic Advisory Group.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Leader presenting an update on the work to date to develop an Area Committee Business Plan.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted

(b)  That the Area Management Team continues to develop the Business Plan and a public facing version of the plan

(c)  That the Area Management Team organises an Outcome Based Accountability (OBA) workshop to brief Members on the principles of OBA and provide an opportunity to contribute to populating the priorities and actions table

(d)  That the Area Committee receives updates at future meetings and adopts a three year plan at the March 2012 meeting that will be subject to a refresh annually.

The South East Area Leader submitted a report which presented an update on the work to date to develop an Area Committee Business Plan.

The following documents were appended to the report for Members’ comments / information:

-  Area Committee Business Plan (draft)

-  Inner South Area Committee Forward Plan 2011/12

-  Draft priorities and action table.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted

(b)  That the Area Management Team continues to develop the Business Plan and a public facing version of the plan

(c)  That the Area Management Team organises an Outcome Based Accountability (OBA) workshop to brief Members on the principles of OBA and provide an opportunity to contribute to populating the priorities and actions table

(d)  That the Area Committee receives updates at future meetings and adopts a three year plan at the March 2012 meeting that will be subject to a refresh annually.

To receive and consider a report from the South Area Leader presenting a proposal for the Outer South Priority Neighbourhood Worker to become a shared resource with Inner South Area Committee focusing on the Cottingley estate.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the proposal for the Priority Neighbourhood Worker to become a shared resource with the Outer South Area Committee be approved

(c)  That funding be approved from the Beeston and Holbeck ward revenue allocation to support the proposal.

The South East Area Leader submitted a report which presented a proposal for the Outer South Priority Neighbourhood Worker to become a shared resource with Inner South Area Committee, particularly focusing on the Cottingley estate.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the proposal for the Priority Neighbourhood Worker to become a shared resource with the Outer South Area Committee be approved

(c)  That funding be approved from the Beeston and Holbeck ward revenue allocation to support the proposal.

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).

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report, which includes the available balance of the Area Committee’s revenue and capital well being budgets, be noted

(b)  That the following decisions be made in relation to the wellbeing funding proposals which had been submitted for determination at the meeting:

• West Yorkshire Police – Victims of Crime fund – £2,500 from Beeston & Holbeck, City & Hunslet and Middleton Park wards – Approved
• Streetscene Services – Litterbin – Cherry Row, Leeds, LS9 – £400 from City & Hunslet ward – Approved
• Leeds Lights – Belle Isle Christmas Lights – £1,830 from Middleton Park ward – Approved
• West Yorkshire Police – Middleton & Belle Isle Smartwater Project – £1,845 from the Community Safety pot – Approved
• West Yorkshire Police – Middleton Shed breaks – £3,150 from the Community Safety pot – Approved
• West Yorkshire Police – Operation Dark – £5,000 from the Community Safety pot – Approved.

The South East Area Leader submitted a report which updated Members on both the capital and revenue elements of the Committee’s Wellbeing budget, advised the Area Committee of the Small Grants approved since the last meeting and invited Members to determine the capital and revenue proposals, as detailed within the report.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report, which includes the available balance of the Area Committee’s revenue and capital well being budgets, be noted

(b)  That the following decisions be made in relation to the wellbeing funding proposals which had been submitted for determination at the meeting:

• West Yorkshire Police – Victims of Crime fund – £2,500 from Beeston & Holbeck, City & Hunslet and Middleton Park wards – Approved
• Streetscene Services – Litterbin – Cherry Row, Leeds, LS9 – £400 from City & Hunslet ward – Approved
• Leeds Lights – Belle Isle Christmas Lights – £1,830 from Middleton Park ward – Approved
• West Yorkshire Police – Middleton & Belle Isle Smartwater Project – £1,845 from the Community Safety pot – Deferred to receive further information and consultation with Ward Members
• West Yorkshire Police – Middleton Shed breaks – £3,150 from the Community Safety pot – Deferred to receive further information and consultation with Ward Members.
• West Yorkshire Police – Operation Dark – £5,000 from the Community Safety pot – Approved.

To receive and consider a report from Metro (Development Team) providing an update on the development of a new pedestrian entrance to the south of Leeds railway station.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

The Metro Development Team submitted a report which updated the Area Committee on development of a new pedestrian entrance to the south of Leeds railway station.

In the absence of a representative from Metro attending the meeting, Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report.

One Member questioned the general benefits of the scheme beyond commuters.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted and future updates be provided to the Area Committee.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Leader detailing work by the Area Management Team on key priorities in the inner south area of Leeds since the last Area Committee meeting.

(5 mins presentation/ 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That funding of the sports camp, outlined in 5.2 to the report, in October half term, be approved.

The South East Area Leader submitted a report which detailed work by the Area Management Team on key priorities in the inner south area of Leeds since the last Area Committee meeting.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Minutes of the Area Chair’s Forum held on 17^th June 2011

-  Minutes of the Community Centres Sub Committee held on 18^th July 2011

-  Minutes of the Inner South Environmental Sub Group held on12^th August 2011

-  Minutes of the South East Health and Well being Partnership held on 26^th May and 28^th July 2011.

-  Update on the Recreations Binyards Project

-  Minutes of the Cottingley Multi-agency steering group held on 10^th August 2011

-  Manor Farms Project Evaluation Report

Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That funding of the sports camp, outlined in 5.2 to the report, in October half term, be approved.

Tuesday, 8^th November 2011

(Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Wednesday, 11^th January 2012

(Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Tuesday, 7^th February 2012

(To be confirmed)

Wednesday, 21^st March 2012

(To be confirmed)

(All meetings to commence at 6.30 pm.)

Tuesday, 8^th November 2011

(Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Wednesday, 11^th January 2012

(Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Tuesday, 7^th February 2012

(To be confirmed)

Wednesday, 21^st March 2012

(To be confirmed)

(All meetings to commence at 6.30pm.)

(The meeting concluded at 8.55pm.)