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.

Councillor T Leadley declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 12, LDF Core Strategy due to his positions as a Member of The Development Plan Panel and Chair of Morley Town Council Planning Committee.  He also declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 17, Summary of Key Work in relation to Conservation Audits and his position as Chair of the Morley Town Council Planning Committee.

Councillor Finnigan declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 12, LDF Core Strategy due to his position as a Member of Plans Panel (East)

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2012

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2012 be confirmed as a correct record subject to the following amendment:

With reference to Minute 51 – Minutes of 5 December 2011,  the following be recorded:

Agenda Item 8, Morley Literature Festival, Evaluation Report:

It was noted that there had been difficulties with room bookings due to the unreliability of the City Council Central Letting System, which seemed to be not fit for purpose.  Such problems were said to be widespread and longstanding.  The experience of the Morley Literature Festival organisers had not been unusual.

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. 

A member of the public present informed the Area Committee that he would be attending a meeting regarding the proposals for a new incinerator in Leeds and raised concerns as to why there needed to be three in the City.  He was informed that at this stage there were only applications for planning permission for two of these which would deal separately with commercial and domestic waste.  Further reference was made for the need for different methods of waste treatment and the penalties the Council faced from landfill tax.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Deputy Principal – Students and South Leeds

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Council Function

The report of the Deputy Principal (Students and South Leeds) provided the Area Committee with an update of the merger of Joseph Priestly College into the Leeds City College.

The Chair welcomed Sally Blunt, Deputy Principal (Students and South Leeds, Leeds City College to the meeting.

The following issues were highlighted:

• Proposals for the Printworks site were going forward and this would hopefully provide a major centre for vocational training in South Leeds.
• As part of the curriculum offer, there was a commitment to use buildings in Rothwell and Morley.
• It was hoped to ensure full time provision for 16 to 18 years olds in Outer South Leeds.
• It was hoped that sports training would be provided at the new Morley Sports Centre.
• It was felt important to maintain provision for Adults with physical and learning difficulties in South Leeds.
• Provision for NEETs at the South Leeds Hub.

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

• Communication with local schools regarding opportunities within Leeds City College
• Admissions to the South Leeds parts of the Leeds City College.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Council Function

The report of the Director of Adult Social Services gave the Committee details of work going on in Leeds to improve the effectiveness of health and social care services.  It described the approach of using demonstrator sites to test out and develop aspects of the model of service.

The Chair welcomed John Lennon, Chief Officer – Access and Inclusion, Adult Social Services to the meeting.

Members were informed of the following pressures on the system:

• Demography – people were living longer and not necessarily in good health.
• Financial constraints on both the Council and Health Service.

Members attention was also brought to the role of the shadow Clinical Commissioning Group and the need for significant change to the delivery of health and social care.  Further issues highlighted included the following:

• Prevention of secondary care admissions.
• Creation of multi-disciplinary teams around GP practice populations.
• The role of Neighbourhood Networks.
• Health and Well Being Boards – joint working between the Council and Health Partners
• How Elected Members can overview and account for the spending of public money.
• Delivery of statutory responsibilities.
• Governance arrangements.

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

• How Area Committees and local representatives could interact on a local level.
• Accountability and scrutiny.
• Involvement of Neighbourhood Networks and other community organisations.
• Role of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and regular updates on the progress of the demonstrator sites over the next 12 months be rquested.

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

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Executive Function

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the addition of further services to the delegation and the required amendment to the Street Cleansing & Environmental Enforcement Services section of the Area Committee Function Schedule as approved by Executive Board on 10 February 2012 be noted.

(2)  That the development of the new SLA for 2012/13 be brought to the June meeting for approval based on:

(i)  the inclusion of the additional services

(ii)  the inclusion of the specific service commitments on issues that improved capacity achieved through more efficient working and a flexible local management of resources/budget now allows

(iii)  the inclusion of local service responses to challenges presented by the hosting of Olympic teams, visits to the city by the Olympic torch (and other local Olympic related events) and local events associated with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations (e.g. street parties)

(iv)  the SSE Locality Team’s responses to addressing the Area Committee Member’s local priorities

(v)  the SSE Locality Team’s responses to expectations for further improvements raised by Elected Members across the city as presented through Executive Board in February

(vi)  the refreshed service principles

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods provided Members with information about services that are to be added to the Locality Team’s portfolio and therefore included in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for 2012/13. The report consulted on updated priorities that the Area Committee would like to see addressed in the new SLA which would be presented at the June meeting cycle.

The Chair welcomed Tom Smith, Locality Manager (South and Outer East Leeds) to the meeting.

It was reported that the next SLA would commence in June/July and Members were informed of the following additional services that would be included:

• Gully Cleaning
• Graffiti Reomoval
• Needle Removal
• Ginnel Clearance
• Dog Wardens (included in the 2011/12 SLA but now to be managed in the locality teams).

Members attention was also brought to the cleaning of arterial routes, replacement of litter bins, enforcement and arrangements for the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Torch.

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

• Ensuring better use of resources through reducing travel and slack time and through re-design of services.
• Monitoring of services and performance management.
• Dog fouling – deployment of Wardens and enforcement issues.
• Mapping of ginnels – work was under way with Aire Valley Homes and Parks and Countryside.
• Community involvement and responsibility – engagement through the Citizen’s Panel.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the addition of further services to the delegation and the required amendment to the Street Cleansing & Environmental Enforcement Services section of the Area Committee Function Schedule as approved by Executive Board on 10 February 2012 be noted.

(2)  That the development of the new SLA for 2012/13 be brought to the June meeting for approval based on:

(i)  the inclusion of the additional services

(ii)  the inclusion of the specific service commitments on issues that improved capacity achieved through more efficient working and a flexible local management of resources/budget now allows

(iii)  the inclusion of local service responses to challenges presented by the hosting of Olympic teams, visits to the city by the Olympic torch (and other local Olympic related events) and local events associated with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations (e.g. street parties)

(iv)  the SSE Locality Team’s responses to addressing the Area Committee Member’s local priorities

(v)  the SSE Locality Team’s responses to expectations for further improvements raised by Elected Members across the city as presented through Executive Board in February

(vi)  the refreshed service principles

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Children’s Services

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Council Function

The report of the Director of Children’s Services provided Members with an update on Children’s Services developments including progress against the priorities of the Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan, where possible at a local area level.  It also built on previous reports presented to the Area Committee in 2010 and 2011.

Members attention was to the following key developments in Children’s Services:

• Child Friendly City
• Developing an Integrated Children’s Service
• Leeds Education Challenge
• Locality working – Children’s Services Cluster Developments

Reference was also made to partnership working, the re-organisation of Children’s Services to reflect this and the involvement of Elected Members.

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

• Child protection issues and the Common Assessment Framework.
• Referrals to Social Care.
• Looked after children.
• Focus on children from deprived areas.
• Statistical information detailed in the appendices to the report.
• Links with health.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of City Development

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Council Function

The report of the Director of City Development informed the Panel that following consideration by the Executive Board, the City Council’s Local Development Framework (Publication Draft) had been approved for public consultation.  The consultation period was 28 February to 12 April 2012 (5.00 p.m.) and the purpose of the report was to make Members aware of the consultation and broad scope and content of the document.

The Chair welcomed David Feeney and Robin Coghlan, Strategy and Policy, City Development, to the meeting for this item.

It was reported that the Core Strategy formed part of the Local Development Framework as proposed by the Council and set the strategic context for long term growth in the city for site allocation, development planning and neighbourhood planning.  Members attention was also brought to issues detailed within the report including Spatial Policies and housing allocations.

Further issues highlighted with regard to the strategy included the following:

·  It was projected that there would be a need for a further 74,000 properties across the City and land needed to be identified for 66,000 of these.

·  The strategy would have links to other issues such as transport, flood risk, sustainable construction and renewable energy.

·  Members were informed that at this stage objections could only be made on the soundness of the plan.

·  Following the end of the current consultation period, the Strategy would be referred back to Development Plans Panel and Executive Board.

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

• Forecast housing growth for the Outer South area and potential loss of green belt land.  It was queried whether forecasts were realistic in light of revised predicted population figures for Leeds as predicted by the Office of National Statistics.  It was reported that the fundamental approach was to use brownfield land and that there was a need to follow national guidance.
• Sustainability issues – pressures on schools, transport networks, provision of health services and employment opportunities.
• Keeping towns and villages across the area separate.
• Issues affecting sites that could be used – flood risk, transport issues, landscape quality.
• Provision of water services – meetings had been held with Yorkshire Water for an infrastructure delivery plan.
• Work with neighbouring local authorities.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Parks and Countryside

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Executive Function

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That funding for Site Based Gardeners be deferred until the Well being Budget Report.

The report of the Head of Parks and Countryside advised the Area Committee of work that had been going on with the Site Based Gardeners over the past 12 months and also sought continual support for the scheme through the provision of funding from the Area Committee.

Phil Staniforth, Senior Area Manager, Parks and Countryside presented the report.

Issues highlighted included the following:

• There had been a decline in complaints
• Assesment against Quality Park Standards.
• The role of Site Based Gardeners and their part in maintaing standards and the request for further funding.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That funding for Site Based Gardeners be deferred until the Well being Budget Report.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Area Leader – South East Leeds

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Executive Function

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

The report of the Area Leader, South East Leeds provided Members  with a review of the operation of St Gabriel’s Community Centre over the last 12 months. It also highlighted the work of the Management Committee, Area Support Team and partners in supporting the operation of the centre.

Tom O’Donovan, South East Area Management presented the report.

Members were informed that this was the third annual review of St Gabriel’s Community Centre and attention was brought costs as outlined in the report.  Members were also briefed on the management of the centre and future support and funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

(Councillor K Renshaw declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item due to her position on the St Gabriel’s Management Committee and left the meeting during the discussion).

To receive and consider the attached report of the Area Leader – South East

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Executive Function

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the contents of the Business Plan be noted and the Priorities and Actions set out in Section 6 be agreed.

(2)  That it be agreed to receive updates at future meetings and for the Area Committee to adopt a three year plan that will be subject to refresh annually.

The report of the South East Area Leader presented the final version of the Area Committee Business Plan 2012/15 and requested that the Area Committee approved a 3 year plan to be refreshed annually.

Tom O’Donovan South East Area Management presented the report.

The Business Plan replaced the Area Delivery Plan and provided a more simplified document.  Members were asked to comment on Ward Profiles detailed in the plan.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the contents of the Business Plan be noted and the Priorities and Actions set out in Section 6 be agreed.

(2)  That it be agreed to receive updates at future meetings and for the Area Committee to adopt a three year plan that will be subject to refresh annually.

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

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Executive Function

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the position of the Well being budget be noted.

(3)  That the ring fencing arrangements as proposed in 3.3.2 be approved including ring fenced funding for Site Based Gardeners.

(4)  That the Well being revenue projects already agreed be noted.

(5)  That the following project proposal be approved:

·  Drighlington War Memorial - £4,000 Capital

(6)  That the small grants situation be noted.

The report of the South East Area Leader provided Members with the following:

• Confirmation of the 2012/13 revenue allocation
• The current position of the Well Being Budget
• Details of Capital Funding for consideration and approval.
• Details of Revenue projects agreed to date.
• Details of Capital Projects agreed to date.
• A summary of the revenue for 2011/12 already approved and linked to the priorities and outcomes in the Area Delivery Plan (ADP)
• A summary of projected and possible revenue allocations for 2012/13.
• The current position of the Small grants Budget.

Tom O’Donovan South East Area Management presented the report and provided further information on grant applications.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the position of the Well being budget be noted.

(3)  That the ring fencing arrangements as proposed in 3.3.2 be approved including ring fenced funding for Site Based Gardeners.

(4)  That the Well being revenue projects already agreed be noted.

(5)  That the following project proposal be approved:

·  Drighlington War Memorial - £4,000 Capital

(6)  That the small grants situation be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Area Leader – South East Leeds

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Executive Function

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

The report of the South East Area Leader presented a summary of key work that had taken place in the Outer South Leeds Area since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

Tom O’Donovan, South East Area Management presented the report.

The Chair welcomed Neil Goldup of CASAC to the meeting who gave Members a demonstration of euro profile locks.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services)

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Council Function

The report of the Chief Officer (Central And Democratic Services) presented provisional meeting dates for the South (Outer) Area Committee for the 2012/13 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – That the South (Outer) Area Committee be held on the following dates during the 2012/13 Municipal Year:

• Monday, 2 July 2012
• Monday, 3 September 2012
• Monday, 15 October 2012
• Monday, 3 December 2012
• Monday, 11 February 2013
• Monday, 25 March 2013

All meetings to commence at 4.00 p.m.  Venues to be confirmed.

Monday, 21 May 2012 at 4.00 p.m.

To be confirmed.