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.)

The following late item was submitted:

·  Consultation on Expansion of Primary School Provision for September 2014

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.  Also to declare any other significant interests which the Member wishes to declare in the public interest, in accordance with paragraphs 19-20 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Councillors J Elliott, T Leadley and S Varley disclosed a pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 10, Garden Maintenance Service Evaluation 2011/12 as they were Members of Morley Elderly Action.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor R Gettings and S Golton.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd July 2012.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 July 2012 be confirmed as a correct record.

Minute No. 9 – Priority Neighbourhood Worker

Concern was raised regarding the resolution recorded and whether it reflected the decision taken at the meeting.  Following further discussion, it was agreed that the decision was correct and should stand as recorded.

Minute No. 11 – Summary of Key Work

Further to nominations made for membership of the Environmental Sub Group, the Area Committee was asked to nominate an Environmental Champion.  A full list of sub-groups and membership was also requested.

RESOLVED – That Councillor N Dawson be appointed as Environmental Champion for the South Outer Area Committee for the 2012/13 Municipal Year.

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. 

On this occasion, there were no matters raised under this item by members of the public.

The Chair introduced Andrew Wilson, Club Development Officer and Steve Coupland, Active Lifestyles Officer of Sport and Active Recreation, Development Department to the meeting.  They informed the Area Committee of their new roles and work with local organisations and clubs across the City.  This included the following:

·  Issues relating to funding

·  Coaching

·  Education

·  Child protection

·  Getting people involved and physically active

The Chair thanked Mr Wilson and Mr Coupland for their attendance and it was requested that further information on the services available be forwarded to Members.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services, which is the second of two reports for 2012 that provides the Area Committee with an update on developments within Children’s Services. 

Council Function

Presentation 5 minutes/Discussion 10 minutes

The report of the Director of Children’s Services provided the Area Committee with a performance update against priorities within the Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP).  It also provided a summary of performance at Area Committee Level with a broader summary at City level.  Local children’s cluster information was included in appendices to the report.

The Chair welcomed Steve Walker, Deputy Director, Children’s Services and Jim Hopkinson, Head of Targeted Services to the meeting for this item.

Issues highlighted from the report included the launch of the Child Friendly City Initiative, development of locality arrangements and the restructure to a single service which had helped to improve ways of working.  Members were also reminded of some of the priorities of the CYPP which included the following:

·  Reducing the number of looked after children

·  Reducing the number on Child Protection Plans

·  Improving school attendance

·  Reduction and prevention of those who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs)

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

·  Governance arrangements for clusters.  It was recognised that these were further developed in other areas and that there was a need to involve all partners.

·  Early intervention – a high proportion of children referred were of pre-school age.

·  Developing the provision of services around the needs of children and their families.

·  Performance indicators detailed in the report were government led.  Local indicators could be developed.

·  The role of Elected Members as School Governors and within the clusters.

·  Performance information relating to child obesity and take up of free school meals.

RESOLVED  - That the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services briefing and consulting upon proposals being brought forward in response to rising demand for reception places across the city.

The report of the Director of Children’s Services presented the Area Committee with an update on the work being undertaken across the City to ensure the authority met its statutory duty to ensure sufficiency of school places in the context of an increasing birth rate.  This included formal consultation on proposals for four schools for which members comments were sought and a more general update on issues directly affecting the outer south area.

Steve Walker, Deputy Director, Children’s Services presented the report.

It was reported that the proposals would see the expansion of Sharp Lane School, Middleton from 420 pupils to 630.  This would increase the annual admission limit from 60 pupils to 90.  Members welcomed this increase in light of the developments that had been undertaken in the area but raised concern regarding areas in outer south Leeds including Thorpe and East Ardsley.

The Chair thanked Steve Walker and Jim Hopkinson for their attendance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Head of Parks and Countryside providing the Area Committee with a review of the site based gardener’s scheme that is funded by the Area Committee Wellbeing Fund between May 1st – October 31st 2012.

Executive Function

5 minutes presentation/5 minutes discussion

The report of the Head of Parks and countryside advised the Area Committee of the work that was ongoing with the 3 site based gardeners that had been funded through Wellbeing Funds and provided a review of the Site Based Gardeners Scheme.

The Chair welcomed Paul Robinson, Parks and Countryside to the meeting to present the item.

Issues highlighted from the report included the following:

• National statistics and performance measures and the positive influence that Site Based Gardeners have on these.
• Details of parks and greenspaces that were maintained by Site Based Gardeners and what duties were carried out.
• A reduction on the number of enquiries and complaints.  Although it was not possible to extract information regarding what kinds of enquiries had been received it was hoped that the reduction reflected an increase in customer satisfaction.
• The improved horticultural and frequency of maintenance.

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

• Members indicated a willingness to continue to support the scheme and praised the improvements that had been created by the scheme.
• Concern was expressed that Ardsley and Robin Hood Ward did not get an equitable split as there were not as many parks but there were other greenspaces that could benefit from the scheme.  It was reported that the locations for the Site Based Gardeners had been nominated by Members and it was suggested that further suggestions could be discussed at the Environment Sub Group.
• Issues regarding recruitment of staff and apprenticeships.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Area Improvement Manager, South East Leeds providing an update and evaluation of the Garden Maintenance Scheme operated by Morley Elderly Action (MEA).

Executive Function

5 minutes presentation/5 minutes discussion

The report of the Area Improvement Manager, South East Leeds, provided an evaluation and update on the Outer South Garden Maintenance Service delivered by Morley Elderly Action (MEA).  The second year of the three year project had been completed.

Due to the interests declared earlier in the meeting By Councillors Elliott, Leadley and Varley, it was agreed to delegate the decision for Morley Elderly Action to retain an under-spend of £104 to officers to allow them to remain in the meeting and prevent it becoming inquorate. 

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

Members were given an overview of the scheme and attention was brought to information in the report which highlighted the customers who benefited from the scheme. 

The following issues were raised by Members:

• Concern regarding quotes that had been given to customers using the scheme.
• How MEA operated in other areas of Outer South Leeds.

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred to a future meeting of the South (Outer) Area Committee to allow a representative from MEA to attend.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an annual update from the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator on activity in Outer South in delivering the key outcomes for Safer and Stronger Communities.

Executive Function

5 minutes presentation/10 minutes discussion

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods provided information on crime trends and a range of community safety activity that had taken place during 2011/12.  It also updated Members on the key priorities for 2012/13 and summarised wellbeing spend on community safety issues.

The Chair welcomed the following to the meeting for this item:

Gerry Shevlin, Community Safety Co-ordinator

Inspector Y Hammill, West Yorkshire Police

Inspector P Sullivan, West Yorkshire Police

Chief Superintendent P Money, West Yorkshire Police

Gerry Shevlin presented the report and highlighted the following issues:

• Overall crime had reduced between April 2011 and March 2012.
• Establishment of the Leeds Anti Social Behaviour Team.
• Incorporation of the Out of Hours Noise Nuisance Team to the CCTV Service.
• Development of the South Leeds Community Safety Plan.
• Well being funded activity.

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

• Success of the CASAC initiative for the installation of secure locks to properties.
• Concern regarding the sale of alcohol to under age drinkers – it was reported that West Yorkshire Police had a rolling program with licensing and had a panel of young people to do test purchases.  Reference was also made to the South Leeds Alcholol Reduction Plan.
• Training of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) for assisting with dog control issues.
• Rise in drug crime – this was due to increased detection rates.
• Metal theft – work was ongoing regarding metal theft and there was communication with local scrap dealers. 

Members were also given an update on help desk closures and reduced opening hours at police stations across the City.  It was reported that Morley would be open from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.  It was previously open until 8.00 p.m. and also on a Saturday.  Feedback to consultation had shown some evening and weekend opening would be preferable.  Changes would not be implemented till June 2013 at the earliest.

It was agreed to convene a meeting to discuss Morley Police Station Counter Services.  Councillor Bruce to attend as Chair of the Area Committee along with Chief Inspector Money, Councillor Dawson, Councillor Leadley and a representative from Morley Town Council.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the approach outlined at 6.1.3 of the report to deliver Community Safety and Environmental agendas in Outer South Leeds during 2012/13 be approved.

To consider the joint report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) and the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) providing background to local Member representation upon Leeds Initiative Area Based Partnership Groups and also the Council’s Corporate Carers’ Group, and inviting the Committee to determine the Elected Member appointments to those groups detailed within the report.

Council Function

5 minutes presentation/5 minutes discussion

The joint report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) and the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) asked the Area Committee to appoint one representative/champion to each of the Leeds Initiative Area Based Partnership Groups and also to appoint a representative to the Council’s Corporate Carer Group.

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

It was conformed that the previous appointments had been made:

• Councillor R Gettings – Children’s Champion
• Councillor N Dawson – Environmental Champion

RESOLVED – That the following appointments be made:

• Area Committee representative to the Council’s Corporate Carers’ Group – Councillor S Golton
• Area Committee Champion to the South East Health and Wellbeing Partnership – Councillor S Varley
• Area Committee Champion to the South Leeds Crime and Grime Group – Councillor N Dawson

To consider the report of the Acting Chief Asset Management Officer providing an update on developments with the Community Right to Bid initiative and advising of the associated implementation date.

Executive Function

5 minutes presentation/5 minutes discussion

The report of the Acting Chief Asset Management Officer updated the Area Committee on developments with the Community Right to Bid and also advised of the implementation.

Jane Cash, Asset Management was in attendance to present the report.

Members were informed that Community Right to Bid had come about as part of the Localism Act 2011 and gave the community rights to nominate assets that could be of community value.  The Council then had a responsibility to keep a register of these assets.  The report listed the organisations that were eligible to nominate assets and those that could trigger the 6 month process that would give them opportunity to prepare a bid should one of these assets be made available for sale.

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

• It was not a right to buy and would only give certain organisations 6 moths to prepare a bid or raise necessary funds.
• Compensation would be available to landowners.
• The right to bid could be used on assets such as allotments or schools.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Area Leader, South East Leeds, which brings together a summary of key work which the Area Support Team are engaged in, based upon priorities identified by the Area Committee, that are not covered elsewhere on this agenda. This report provides opportunities for further questioning or the opportunity to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

Executive Function

5 minutes presentation/5 minutes discussion

The report of the Area Leader, South East Leeds presented an update on key work that had taken place within the Outer South Area since the last meeting of the Area Committee.  Recent minutes of the Area Chair’s Forum were also included in the report.

Aretha Hanson, Area Officer presented the report.  The following issues were highlighted:

• Equality Improvement Priorities 2011-15.
• Members were asked to nominate a Fuel Poverty Champion for the Area Committee.
• Ellie Rogers had been appointed to the position of Priority Neighbourhood Worker.
• The bottle bank trial at Church Avenue and concerns of residents.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That Councillor K Bruce be appointed as the Area Committee’s Fuel Poverty Champion.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) providing confirmation of the 2012/13 revenue allocation, an update on the current position of the Wellbeing Budget, detailing the revenue projects and capital projects agreed to date, outlining a summary of the revenue allocations for 2011/12 and 2012/13 already approved and highlighting the current position in respect of the Small Grants Budget.

Executive Function

5 minutes presentation/5 minutes discussion

The report of the Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) provided the Area Committee 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 Budget.

Aretha Hanson, Area Officer presented the report.  Members attention was brought to an application for funding towards CCTV at Newlands  Church.  It was reported that this would be a stand alone system and not incorporated into the Leedswatch scheme.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

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

(3)  That the application for Newlands CCTV for £1,155 (capital) be approved.

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

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

(6)  That the small grants position be noted.

• 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.

RESOLVED – That the following dates, times and venues of future meetings be noted:

• Monday, 15 October 2012 – Thorpe Primary School
• Monday, 3 December 2012 – Drighlington Meeting Hall
• Monday, 4 February 2013 – Morley Town Hall
• Monday, 25 March – Rothwell One Stop Centre

All meetings to commence at 4.00 p.m.