Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests, however Councillors Leadley, Varley and Elliott brought to the Committee’s attention that they were all members of Morley Elderly Action

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors B Gettings and R Finnigan.

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 no members of the public in attendance.

The Chair introduced Neil Evans, Director of Housing and Environment to the meeting.  Mr Evans gave the Committee an overview of his responsibilities and informed the Area Committee of the recent transfer of housing functions to the Council from the ALMOs.

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

• Investment in new social housing – this would be a city wide programme and not concentrated on any specific areas.  Along with new building, there would be other incentives such as right to buy schemes.
• Estate management and tenant participation – there was a need to demonstrate transparency and accountability and there would be a need to demonstrate how decisions were taken.  Tenant participation remained essential as part of the way housing was managed and there would be an ongoing role for the Area Panels.
• Future delegation of parks to Area Committees – the major tourist parks would not be included in any delegation but smaller community parks could be.
• Alternative weekly collection – Members indicated that this had commenced reasonably well.  It was suggested that there could be more co-ordination for street cleansing following refuse collections.  This had been raised at Environmental Sub Group meetings.
• It was intended that the ALMO Estate Caretaker Services become part of the Environmental Action Teams.
• Performance management information – involvement of tenants and community groups.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2013 and to formally ratify the decisions made at that meeting.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September be confirmed as a correct record and decisions taken at the meeting be formally ratified.

To receive and consider the attached joint report of the South East Area Leader and Chief Officer of Voluntary Action Leeds

Presenting Officer: David Smith, Vountary Action Leeds

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

The joint report of the South East Area Leader and Chief Officer of Voluntary Action Leeds updated the Area Committee about recent developments regarding work with the third sector.  The report sought Members support for the direction of travel outlined and presented key initiatives for discussion.

David Smith of Voluntary Action Leeds, presented the report.

Members’ attention was brought to the pilot initiative that was underway to bring the third sector together in the South East area and the Third Sector Goes Local Event that was held in July. Members were also informed of third sector work with local partners including the Council and Health Service providers.  Further issues highlighted from the report included initiatives to strengthen the relationship between the Area Committee and Third Sector.

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

·  Work was ongoing to provide a database of third sector providers.  It was a key challenge to be able to provide more data about the sector.

·  Involvement of Elected Members in future events.

·  Involvement of Area Lead Members with third sector providers of corresponding services.

·  The use of Wellbeing Funds for Third Sector activity.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)   

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

Presenting Officer: Martyn Stenton

Presentation 10 Minutes/Discussion 10 Minutes

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

Presenting Officer: Aretha Hanson

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

To receive and consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities)

Presenting Officer: Aretha Hanson

Presentation 5 Minutes/Discussion 5 Minutes

Monday, 2 December 2013 at 4.00 p.m.