Agenda and minutes

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

There were no late items.  A revised appendix was circulated for Agenda Item 10, Aire Valley Homes Service Delivery Update.

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 on behalf of Councillors B Gettings and L Mulherin.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18 May 2012

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 18 May 2012 be approved as a correct record.

In response to a Members query concerning the ‘in principle’ agreement to divide remaining Wellbeing revenue funding equally between the four Wards, it was reported that this was subject to the development of suitable projects and funds could still be used for projects that covered more than one Ward.

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

The report of the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) informed the Committee of the appointment of Councillor Karen Bruce as Chair of the South (Outer) Area Committee at the meeting of Council on 212 May 2012.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Executive of Aire Valley Homes (Council Function)

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Chief Executive, Aire Valley Homes provided an update on areas of activity and performance.  It also highlighted areas of joint work that were currently ongoing between AVHL and other Council Services to deliver a comprehensive service that is responsive to the needs of individual local communities.

The Chair welcomed Simon Costigan, Chief Executive, Aire Valley Homes to present the report.

Issues highlighted in the report included the following:

• Financial input from AVHL and funding from the Area Panel.
• Environmental Clean Up Campaign.
• Joint work with the police and how AVHL could influence police activity – funding towards PCSOs and management of the Anti Social Behaviour Team
• Work with Children’s Services – stock provision for children’s homes and extensions for foster carers.
• Older People’s Services – there were nearly two thousand units for older people and the service had just received a 5A rating for sheltered housing which was in the top fifteen nationally.
• Commissioning of services from the Community Pay Back Scheme.
• Energy Efficiency – partnership programme with Eggborough Power Station and initiatives with energy providers for efficiency schemes.
• An improvement plan had begun in relation to the repairs and maintenance contract.
• Integration of the Anti Social Behaviour team.
• Resident engagaement – over 50% of AVHL stock was covered by tenants and residents groups.
• Local Ward Member engagement.
• Tenancy management – Members were informed of the estate walkabouts and engagement with customers.
• AVHL Capital Programme.

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

• Members congratulated AVHL on the achievement of the 5A rating for the Older People’s Supported Housing Service.
• Provision for foster carers in respect to housing allocation.  A project board had been established and there would be some discretion to take account of foster carers responsibilities.
• Plans to extend properties and the shortage of 4 bedroom properties for larger families in the Outer South area.  There were no plans at present but there would be a consideration of housing stock and the impact of welfare reform in relation to this.  Members were informed that converting two 2 bedroom properties into a 4 bedroom property had an impact on rent related issues and would probably become too expensive to let.
• There had been significant recent improvements with the maintenance contract but it was still felt there was room for more improvement and improved customer satisfaction levels.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods  (Executive Function)

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 10 Minutes

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presented a final version of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) through which the work of the Environment Locality team would be steered over the year.  The Area Committee was asked to approve the SLA.

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

The following issues were highlighted in relation to the Service Level Agreement:

• New service commitments included the following:
  • Ginnel clearing
  • Cleaning arterial routes
  • Litter bin replacement
  • Increased enforcement
• The new SLA would see improved performance reporting.
• Work with AVHL.
• Ward based workshops – draft SLA had been sent to Ward Members for consultation.

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

• A number of priority ginnels had been identified to be put on a rota for cleaning.  Those not on the rota would be dealt with on a reactive basis.  The rotas could be changed according to priorities.
• Community clean ups and the engagement of community groups.
• Gully clearing and problems where drains were blocked – it was reported that the scheduled service had recently been suspended to target areas where flooding had occurred.
• It was hoped to replace damaged litter bins over the next six months.  An audit was being carried out of litter bins and suggestions for re-location of bins would be welcomed.
• The streetscene team was thanked for their work on the Olympic Torch route.
• Town centre cleaning.
• Details of fixed penalty notices and enforcement action taken were requested.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted

(2)  That the Service Level Agreement be approved.

To receive and consider the attached report of the South East Area Leader. (Executive Function)

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Area Leader, South East Leeds provided the Area Committee with a six month update on the Priority Neighbourhood Worker (PNW) project and arrangements to recruit to the vacant PNW post following the previous post holder’s resignation in June 2012.  The report also outlined the development of a new programme of work which incorporated the health and community safety themes and asked Members to consider a proposal to address some of the ongoing issues by developing a new model of working in priority neighbourhoods.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Improvement Manager presented the report and introduced Aretha Hanson, Area Officer to the meeting.

Issues highlighted in relation to the report included the following:

• The final Neighbourhood Improvement plans had now been completed.
• Interviews for the vacant post would take place on 12 July.
• Opportunity for the new postholder to shape and influence the role in relation to the health and community safety themes.

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

• The opportunity to re-evaluate the role of the Priority Neighbourhood Worker.
• Members requested that their thanks to Nicky Greening be recorded for her work whilst in post.
• It was reported that the recommendation to fund for a further 3 years was subject to funding being received. 
• Concern that the funding should be used for other things.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That a further 3 year term for the Prioroty Neighbourhood Worker from March 2013 be approved.

(3)  That the development of the proposal outlined inn the report be agreed.

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

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) provided Members with the following:

• Confirmation of the 2012/13 revenue allocation.
• The current position of the Wellbeing Budget.
• Details of revenue projects agreed to date.
• Details of capital projects agreed to date.
• A summary of the revenue for 2011/12 and 2012/13 already approved and linked to the priorities and outcomes in the Area Committee Business Plan.
• The current position of the small grants budgert.

Aretha Hanson, Area Officer presented the report.  Members were informed of the expected costs of CCTV at Newlands Church and it was reported that there were no further projects for consideration.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the position of the Wellbeing Revenue Budget be noted.

(3)  That the revenue projects already agreed be noted.

(4)  That the capital projects already agreed be noted.

(5)  That the small grants be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the South East Area Leader (Executive Function)

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Area Leader – South East Leeds presented a summary of key work that had taken place within the Outer South Leeds area and was not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Improvement Manager presented the report.

Members attention was brought to the following:

• Appointments to Area Committee Sub-Groups
• Community First Panels.
• Peel Street Centre – proposals to make this Centre surplus to requirements and citywide arrangements for community centres and issues surrounding resources.
• Continuation of funding for off-road police bikes.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the following Members be appointed to Area Committee Sub-Groups:

Community Centres Sub Group

     Councillor R Gettings

    Councillor L Mulherin

    Councillor J Elliott

    Councillor D Nagle

  Environmental Sub-Group

    Councillor R Finnigan

Councillor S Varley

Councillor K Renshaw

Councillor K Bruce

(3)  That Peel Street Community Centre be confirmed as suprplus to requirements.

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

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The report of the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) outlined the procedures for Council appointments to outside bodies and the Committee was requested to consider and make appointments to the following outside bodies:

• Morley Town Centre Management Board
• Morley Literature Festival Committee
• Outer South ALMO Area Panel.

The appointments would be for the 2012/13 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – That the following appointments be made to outside bodies for the 2012/13 Municipal Year:

Morley Town Centre Management Board

Councillor Finnigan

Councillor N Dawson

Morley Literature Festival Committee

Councillor B Gettings

Councillor J Elliott

Councillor S Varley

Outer South ALMO Area Panel

Councillor J Dunn

Councillor K Renshaw

• Monday, 2nd July 2012      Large Banqueting Room,  Morley             Town Hall,  Morley

• Monday, 3rd September 2012    Civic Chamber - Rothwell One Stop           Centre, Rothwell

• Monday, 15th October 2012   Thorpe Primary School - Dolphin    Lane, Thorpe, Wakefield,  WF3 3DG

• Monday, 3rd December 2012   Drighlington Meeting Hall -            Drighlington Library,  Moorland              Road,  BD11 1J2

• Monday, 4th February 2013   Large Banqueting Room - Morley          Town Hall,  Morley

• Monday, 25th March 2013    Civic Chamber - Rothwell One Stop         Centre,  Rothwell

All meetings to commence at 4.00 p.m.

Monday, 3 September 2012 –Rothwell One Stop Centre

Monday, 15 October 2012 – Thorpe Primary School

Monday, 3 December 2012 – Drighlington Meeting Hall

Monday, 4 February 2013 – Morley Town Hall

Monday, 25 March 2013 – Rothwell One Stop Centre