Agenda, decisions and minutes

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.

Councillors Finnigan and Leadley declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 14, Outer South Area Committee Well Being Budget Report, due to an application from Gildersome Action Group of which they were both Members.  They left the room during the discussion and consideration of this application.  (Minute No 61 refers).

Councillors Elliott, Finnigan, Gettings, Grayshon, Leadley and Varley declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 15 Area Manager’s Report. due to their positions on Morley Town Council.  (Minute No 62 refers).

Councillors Elliott, Gettings and Varley declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 15, Area Manager’s Report, due to their respective positions on the Morley Literature Festival Committee.  (Minute No 62 refers)

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Counillors K renshaw and S Smith

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)

The agenda made reference to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure rules for an Open Forum Session at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee, for members of the public to ask questions or to make representations on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  On this occasion, no matters were raised under this item by those members of the public who were in attendance.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 29 November 2010

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 29 November 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Health & Wellbeing Improvement Manager – South East

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 10 Minutes

The report of the Health & Wellbeing Improvement Manager – South East outlined the significant changes taking place locally following the publication of a recent Government White Paper and guidance which highlighted implications for the work of the Local Area Partnerships.  The paper also provided Members with a brief summary update on the work of the South East Health and Wellbeing Partnership, the key health inequality challenges for the city and work taking place to address this by officers, member champions and local services.

The Chair welcomed Bash Uppal, Health & Wellbeing Improvement Manager to the meeting.

The following issues were highlighted:

• The transfer of statutory responsibilities for public health to local authorities and subsequent issues for the Council such as responsibilities for Elected Members and budget issues.
• Establishment of a shadow Health and Wellbeing Board.
• The development of GPs consortia across the city
• The appointment of a Joint Director of Public Health for the Council and NHS
• Involvement of local people and the development of a Citizen’s Panel approach.
• How to get more people to access preventative services.
• Improvement of pathways and the development of relationships between health providers and commissioners.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• It was reported that the proposals would not necessarily mean that more services would be provided but would strengthen existing services.
• Clustering of services across a wider area such as Leeds/Bradford or West Yorkshire would be considered.
• Concern of Elected Members accountability when people would be accessing services that were provided outside of the City.
• The ability for Elected Members to have more influence in the commissioning of services through partnership working.

RESOLVED – That the report and discussion be noted.

(Councillor Golton joined the meeting at 4.20 p.m. during the discussion on this item)

To receive and consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement)

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) informed the Area Committee on the progress of recent work on locality working through a Locality working Pathfinder in the south east wedge of the city.  The report invited Members to comment and support the initial proposals arising from the Pathfinder.

Keith Lander, Deputy Area Manager and Shaid Mahmood, Area Leader presented the report to the Committee.  Key issues highlighted included the following:

• More integrated ways of working
• The integration of the Children’s Locality Enabler into an Area Management role
• Members attention was brought to the draft design principles as appended to the report
• The development of the Locality Working Pathfinder
• Support for delegation of services at a local level – delegation of Environmental Services cited as an example
• How to develop ways of working so that resources could be best used to meet local needs.

Further to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• Issues surrounding accountability for Members and Officers.
• Development of Service Level Agreements.
• The need to demonstrate improvements to residents.
• Concern regarding litter across the area, particularly around Tingley Roundabout and towards the City Centre and the poor perception it gave to visitors – related issues discussed included education and enforcement measures.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the progress on the Locality Working Pathfinder to date be noted.

(2)  That the approach of a ‘One Council’ Area Leader to lead the integration of services locally be supported.

(3)  That the set of design principles (appendix 1) to form the basis of what was sought to achieve through locality working in Leeds be supported.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Officer Learning Disability, Adult Social Care.

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 minutes

The report of the Chief Officer, Learning Disability, Adult Social Care provided the Area Committee with relevant background information regarding the plan to modernise learning disability day care in South (Outer) Leeds.  It also informed of the local consultation exercise that would provide opportunity to comment on the plans or consultation process.

The Chair welcomed Andy Rawnsley, Learning Disability Community Support Services to the meeting.

It was reported that the Executive Board had considered a report on the provision of learning disability day services in January 2009 and, subsequent to this, the Moor End Day Centre in Hunslet had been declared surplus to requirements and approval had been given to replace the West Ardsley Centre in 2011.  Members were also made aware of the move to provide more individualised services, the development of services with voluntary sector organisations, future use of Council owned assets and provision at Rothwell.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• Transport issues for service users – this would be provided where people had an eligible transport need.  Placements close to peoples homes were always sought.
• Use of other council facilities such as John Charles Centre and Gildersome Community Centre and facilities for carers.
• Providing support to those with more complex needs.
• Members requested a breakdown of service users in the Outer South area.
• The involvement of voluntary organisations.

RESOLVED – That the following be noted

a) The requirement to deliver a more personalised approach to day opportunities for people with a learning disability to meet the aspirations of customers, carers and other stakeholders and reflect national policy guidance.

b)  The success of the re-provision of Moorend Centre and the range of new opportunities and choices this has created for adults with learning disabilities in South Leeds.

c)   The intention to transform the service through disinvestment in traditional services and large segregated buildings to the utilisation of community based locations and the increased involvement of, and investment into, voluntary, community and faith sector providers. 

d)  In the South (Outer) area of the city this will involve the replacement of the current West Ardsley Fulfilling Lives building with a number of smaller buildings bases, yet to be confirmed, which will be located in existing community facilities. It will also result in the upgrading of the facilities at Rothwell Fulfilling Lives centre.

e)  The project has a communication strategy which will ensure ongoing stakeholder consultation and involvement throughout the process.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Adult Social Services

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Director of Adult Social Services presented the Area Committee with information relating to the future options for long term residential and day care services for older people and outlined the consultation process to progress and implement the recommendations of the Executive Board agreed on 15 December 2010.

Members of the Area Committee were invited to suggest specific local issues that would help plan for the future needs of older people and make a response as part of the consultation process as agreed by the Executive Board.

The Chair welcomed Michelle Tynan, Chief Officer – Learning Disabilities to the meeting,

The following issues were brought to Members attention:

• There were 4 residential care homes and 2 day centres across the Outer South area.
• Consultation had started around the existing services and would be followed by an options appraisal for each individual centre.
• Consultation would included all stakeholders including local community groups and Members were asked to identify any groups that may not have already being involved in the consultation process.
• Future issues included the following:

o  Use of existing equipment and facilities

o  Suggestions of a move to more specialised services

o  The possibility of merging existing services/provision

o  The role and use of independent sector provision

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• Occupancy of care homes in the area was currently between 90 and 95% which was higher than that of day centres which was approximately 60%.  These figures varied from time to time.
• There were no current proposals to close any centres.
• Provision of respite care.
• Alternative care provision would be made available and discussions would be ongoing with the private and voluntary sectors regarding this.
• Care Quality Commission reports had awarded the existing homes in the Outer South Area with excellent ratings.
• Members would be kept fully informed of progress with the consultation and any future proposals.

RESOLVED – That the report and discussion be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Outer South Area Manager

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Outer South Area manager referred to collaborative working between Area Committees and the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) and how the Area Committee could help WYFRS achieve its ambition to make West Yorkshire safer.

The Chair welcomed Dave Smith, Station Commander, Morley and Rothwell to the meeting.

It was reported that WYFRS had been considering different approaches to ways in which they operated and that promotion of fire safety in West Yorkshire was a priority.  The service carried out approximately 60,000 checks per year, offering fire safety advice and fitting smoke detectors, but recognised that there were still many vulnerable individuals and groups who were hard to reach.  Members were asked to identify any of these hard to reach individuals/groups across Outer South Leeds.

Further issues discussed included the following:

• WYFRS provided fire safety advice for public premises as well as private homes.
• There were target areas that historically showed higher risk which included areas of deprivation.
• WYFRS had worked with residents groups including those for the elderly.
• The use of community events such as galas to promote services.
• Interaction with Social Services and Housing.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted

(2)  That information on any hard to reach individuals/groups that could benefit from WYFRS be fed to Area Management for action.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods provided the Area Committee with an update on the progress towards achieving delegation of certain environmental services for the next Municipal Year.  It also presented proposals for the involvement of Members throughout the preparatory stage.

Keith Lander, Deputy Area Manager introduced the report to the Committee.  Issues highlighted included the scope of delegation, the development of a Service Level Agreement and a progress update.  A report was due to be submitted to the March meeting if the Executive Board and the importance of deciding priorities was stressed.  Further attention was brought to the delivery structure and the involvement of Officers and Members.

The following issues were discussed:

• Refuse collection, re-cycling and city centre street cleansing were outside the scope of the delegation.
• A suggestion that a system similar to that of the Police and Community Teams be developed to tackle changing priorities on a month by month basis.
• Recognition that there would not be sufficient resources to provide all the desired outcomes.
• Litter picking – concern that Oulton and Woodlesford had not been included.
• Education and enforcement issues.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted, specifically the programme of Member involvement

(2)  That a further progress report be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the position of the Well-being Budget as set out at paragraph 3.0 be noted.

(3)  That the ring fence revenue amounts for 2010/11 as outlined in Appendix 1 be noted.

(4)  That the Wellbeing capital projects already agreed as listed in Appendix 2 be noted.

(5)  That £414.28 capital be approved for Blue Grit Bins – Gildersome.

(6)  That the small grants situation as outlined in paragraph 5.1 be noted.

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods provided the Area Committee with the following:

·  An update on both the revenue and capital elements of the Area Committee’s budget.

·  Details of projects that require approval.

·  A summary of all revenue and capital projects agreed to date.

·  A summary of the revenue allocation for 2010/11 Well being Revenue Budget already approved and linked to the priorities and outcomes identified in the approved Area Delivery Plan (ADP).

·  An update on the Small Grants budget

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the position of the Well-being Budget as set out at paragraph 3.0 be noted.

(3)  That the ring fence revenue amounts for 2010/11 as outlined in Appendix 1 be noted.

(4)  That the Wellbeing capital projects already agreed as listed in Appendix 2 be noted.

(5)  That £414.28 capital be approved for Blue Grit Bins – Gildersome.

(6)  That the small grants situation as outlined in paragraph 5.1 be noted.

(Councillors Finnigan and Leadley left the meeting during the discussion and consideration of the application for funding for Blue Grit Bins.  Councillor Gettings assumed the Chair for this item)

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted

(2)  That the terms of reference for the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Community Centres Sub Groups as outlined in appendices 6 and 7 respectively be approved.

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods detailed a range of activities taking place within the Outer South Leeds Area and provided Members with an update on actions and achievements of the Area Management Team relating to priorities and work of the Area Committee since the previous meeting in November 2010.

Tom O’Donovan, South East Area Management presented the report and highlighted the following issues:

• Ginnel mapping – This had been completed in Morley North and would be followed by Morley South and Ardsley & Robin Hood
• Anti Littering Workshops – these would be taking place in selected schools.
• Area Committee Sub Groups – revised terms of reference had been drafted and were appended to the report.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• Concern with lettings for Community Centres – there had been problems with implementing the new system for lettings and there had been a backlog of requests to deal with. Progress was now being made and issues due to the complexities of the letting system were also discussed.
• Cleaner Neighbourhoods Sub Group and implications of the delegation of Environmental Services – it was reported that governance arrangements would have to be reconsidered.
• Town Centre Management arrangements.
• Morley Literature Festival – there had been difficulties in securing venue bookings for next years festival.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted

(2)  That the terms of reference for the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Community Centres Sub Groups as outlined in appendices 6 and 7 respectively be approved.

Monday, 14 March 2011 at 4.00 p.m. – Rothwell One Stop Centre – Civic Chamber

Monday, 14 March 2011 at 4.00 p.m., Civic Chamber, Rothwell One Stop Centre.