Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting which was held at Elite Forwarders in Wortley Moor Road, Leeds 12 and thanked the company for the use of their Board Room following the very productive and extremely interesting Public Open Forum meeting on Business, Enterprise, Economy and Worklessness held prior to this meeting.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of the Lord Mayor, Councillor F Robinson and Councillor Josephine Jarosz.  Members congratulated Councillor Jarosz on the birth of her new grandchild.  It was also reported that Councillor Andrew Carter had been detained due to a Cabinet Meeting and may be arriving late to the meeting. 

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

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

Councillor R Lewis declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Panel Member of West North West ALMO (Area Manager’s Report - Agenda Item 12 refers) and a personal and prejudicial interest in his capacity as a Member on West Yorkshire Joint Authority – West Outer Area Committee

Well-Being Fund Update – Agenda Item 13 (Appendix 6 refers).

Councillor J Marjoram declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Panel Member of West North West ALMO (Area Manager’s Report - Agenda Item 12 refers).

Councillor M Coulson declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Member of West Yorkshire Fire Service Joint Authority (Area Manager’s Report - Agenda Item 12 refers).

Councillor A Blackburn declared a personal interest in her capacity as a Director of West North West ALMO and a Director of Groundwork Leeds (Area Manager’s Report - Agenda Item 12 refers).

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

The Chair made reference to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure Rules for an Open Forum session of up to 10 minutes at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee to allow members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the remit of the Area Committee.  On this occasion, no members of the public were present.

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

7^th November 2008 and any matters arising from those minutes.

(Minutes attached)

Minute 36(a) – Outer West Well-Being Budget Update – Parking on Grassed Land on Surrey Grove 

It was reported that temporary wooden bollards had been installed and that a local resident had complained about the bollards.  The bollards have since been vandalised and ripped out.  Members requested that the bollards be reinstated as soon as possible.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd October 2008 be approved as a correct record.

To consider a report by the North West Divisional Community Safety Partnership which provides an overview of the performance of the partnership and the ward based Neighbourhood Policing Team.  The report also includes details of initiatives that have been delivered in local communities to reduce crime and disorder for the period 1^st July 2007 to 30^th September 2008.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED -   

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That any outstanding issues referred to above be dealt with by those   officers identified within the minutes and reported back to Ward   Members.

The North West Divisional Community Safety Partnership submitted a detailed report and Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) Inspector Tom Horner gave an extensive update on the following:

(a)  Multi-agency ward based sub groups and activities; 

(b)  Performance of the North West Police Division and Ward crime   statistics;

(c )  An update on Neighbourhood Wardens and Police Community Support   Officers (PCSOs) activity and;

(d)  the Police Operations from 1^st July 2007 to 30^th September 2008.

Appended to the report was an extensive document on the Performance Framework Strategic Plan for 2008/2011 for Members information and comment.

Inspector Horner gave an extensive overview to Members regarding community safety initiatives in the West Outer area relating to:

·  the improvement on figures for the area in relation to theft from vehicles and criminal damage which have gone down.  It was felt that these improvements were achieved mainly through partnership initiatives such as Operation Champion action days, going out consulting and talking to local people and getting them involved more with issues going on in their neighbourhood.

·  the only area for concern in West Outer was the Farnley and Wortley area and the need to tackle well known nominals living in the area in order to make any improvements in this area.  It was reported that the next Operation Champion would take place on the Greenthorpe and Gambles

estates at the end of January 2009.

·  the success of the Drug Action Day.

·  tackling domestic violence in the area and the partnership working with Health, Women’s Aid, Early Years, Domestic Violence Unit and the work done in schools to break the cycle on domestic violence. 

·  the successful work of the Neighbourhood Teams and partnership working in tackling anti social behaviour in the West Outer area.

·  the three main key issues for Police priorities for the Calverley area which were raised by Ward Members, local residents at public meetings and the local neighbourhood watch were, speeding on Woodhall Road, house burglaries and anti social behaviour in the local park.

·  the Inspector requested that Area Committee Members let him know what the three key issues in their Wards were and he will make arrangements for them to be dealt with either directly by the NPT or through the partnership network.

·  a city-wide initiative on tackling burglaries/intruders was to be operated from the Killingbeck Police Station over the Christmas period. 

The Inspector went on to inform the meeting of the recent visit in the Calverley area made by the Rt Hon Jackie Smith MP in the West Outer area to roll out the new ‘Policing Pledge’ and to see first hand the work of the Neighbourhood Policing Team and its partnership work in the area.  The Inspector was very proud and privileged that the West Outer NPT had been picked as an example for their partnership working on fighting Crime and Grime in the West Yorkshire Area. 

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that West North West Area Management were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

To note the minutes of the West North West Homes Area Panel meeting held on 29^th October 2008.

(Minutes attached)

RESOLVED  -  That the minutes of the West North West Homes Leeds Area Panel Meeting held on 29^th October 2008 be received and noted.

To consider reports of the Director of Children’s Services on the arrangements for more effective locality working with families.

(Council Function)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report and appendices for consideration on the ‘Revised Children's Services Arrangements for More Effective Locality Working with Families.

The following Appendix 1 were attached to the report for Members’ information:

Appendix 1 – Generic diagram of the Leeds Children’s Trust Arrangements when they were set up in April 2007.

Appendix 2 – A copy of the report to Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee on the Leadership Challenge. 

Appendix 3 – A diagram to show how the developing local picture links to Area Committees and ensures engagement beyond Children’s Services.

Appendix 4 – A list of the codes of corporate governance and how the revised arrangements will be met.

Amanda Jackson, Children’s Services - Locality Enabler for West Leeds presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  To note that Councillor M Coulson , the Champion for Learning and   Young People would be working with the Locality Enabler and the Area   Manager on behalf of the Area Committee to take the developments   forward and,

(c )  To note that Councillor M Coulson, the Champion for Learning and   Young People would also represent the Area Committee on the West   Children Leeds Partnership, subject to Member Management   Committee approval.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining proposals for community engagement in Outer West Leeds and describes how the Area Committee could engage and involve local residents, enabling them to help shape future Area Committee priorities.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the calendar of communications and engagement activities for   Outer West Leeds in 2009 be approved.

(b)  That approval be given to earmark up to £20,000 for Participatory   Budgeting, initially on the Swinnow estate during 2009/2010 and   potentially the Gamble Hill and Heights area during 2010/2011, subject   to appropriate funds being available.

Consideration was given to a report submitted by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking Members approval for a timetable of events which will enable the Area Committee, with the support of the Area Management Team, to implement a calendar of wide-ranging communication and engagement activities throughout 2009.

Clare Wiggins, West Outer Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

The main area of concern raised by Members was that the groups that  shouted loudest may be the only ones heard. 

The West Outer Area Management Officer informed the meeting that the disc is available should any Members wish to view the presentation on the Participatory Budget Scheme for the South Outer Area Management. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the calendar of communications and engagement activities for   Outer West Leeds in 2009 be approved.

(b)  That approval be given to earmark up to £20,000 for Participatory   Budgeting, initially on the Swinnow estate during 2009/2010 and   potentially the Gamble Hill and Heights area during 2010/2011, subject   to appropriate funds being available.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of progress on a number of projects in Inner West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2008/2011, which is in turn governed by the Area Committee’s functions and roles as agreed by Executive Board in July 2008.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That any outstanding issues referred to above be dealt with by the   officer now identified within the minutes and reported back to the Area   Committee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report to inform Members of the progress on a number of projects in Outer West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2008/2011, which is in turn governed by the Area Committees functions and roles as agreed by Executive Board in July 2008.

Clare Wiggins, West Outer Area Management presented the report and gave a brief overview of the main issues in relation to Community Centres, Neighbourhood Wardens and the ongoing work in relation to CCTV in the West Outer area. 

The Area Manager introduced Nigel Conder, Town Centre Manager who gave a brief overview and assured the meeting that he intends to move forward with future initiatives and to get Pudsey Town Centre on the map. 

In brief, the main issues raised by the Town Centre Manager were:

·  discussion have already taken place with a number of large retailers who may be interested in taking over the large unit previously occupied by Woolworths.  It is anticipated that the unit will be occupied very quickly.

·  Pudsey market stall holders had requested Police patrols on market days.

The Town Centre Manager informed the meeting that he intends to raise this issue with PCSO’s to see if they can try and patrol the market.  Inspector Tom Horner informed the meeting that he would make arrangements for the PCSO’s to work with the Town Centre Manager on the issues raised by market stall holders.

·  the establishment of a Local Business Forum where local businesses can raise their concerns such as rent reductions to try and fill empty units etc.

Inspector Horner invited the Town Centre Manager to get involved with the local Pub Watch in the Pudsey area and Clare Wiggins agreed to invite Pudsey Ward Members to the Town Centre Manager Steering Group meeting.

Members expressed the need to get local business in the area and the Chair

referred to the interesting Open Forum meeting held prior to this Area Committee meeting.  It was felt that local industry should be encouraged to

work in the area which will bring jobs for the local community.

A discussion ensued regarding the Bradford Local Development Framework

(600 new properties between Tong Village and Holme Wood).  Members requested information on what consultation had taken place and what was this authority’s response to this scheme.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That any outstanding issues referred to above be dealt with by the   officer now identified within the minutes and reported back to the Area   Committee.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods to update Members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding committed and available via the Area Committee Well-Being Budget for wards in the Outer West area.  The report also seeks approval for new and continuing projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

 (a)  That the current amount of Revenue Well-Being funding available to   the Committee in 2008/09 is £18,023 and Capital Well-Being fund is   £32,640.12 and the budget pressures set out in Paragraph 5 of the   report, be noted.

(b)  That the list of Small Grant and Skips made since the last meeting as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report, be noted.

(c)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the applications for   funding:

Revenue

(i)  I Love West Leeds Festival – Approved £1,000 (Revenue –

  2008/2009) and £24,000 (Revenue - 2009/2010), subject to   appropriate funds being available.

(ii)  Cottingley Springs – Travellers Funhouse – Deferred to the next

  meeting in order that the applicants can attend to respond to   Members’ questions.

(iii)  Laurels & Oakroyds parking improvements – Approved

  £13,500 (Capital).

(iv)  Tyersal Park – Approved £20,000 (Capital).

(v)  Summer bands in Leeds Parks 2009 – Approved £3,000 – Subject to

  appropriate funds being available.

(vi)  Police – Reduction of Burglaries and Vehicle Crime – Approved

  £4,589.76 (Revenue).

(vii)  Participatory Budgeting – Approved £20,000- Subject to appropriate

  funds being available. 

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating Members on the latest situation regarding the Committee’s revenue and capital Well-Being Budget for 2008/2009, including identified pressures on the budget, small grants and skips made since the last meeting and details of applications for funding.

Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

The Chair asked Members for the consensus of their opinion with regard to the two small grant applications that Members had recently been consulted on.  Members felt that they could not support the small grant application for Irish History Month but would support the Pudsey Christmas Dinner Dance application.

Whilst consider the application for funding in relation to the Laurels & Oakroyds parking improvements (resolution (iii) refers), Councillor Lewis

requested that local residents be consulted on the highways scheme.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current amount of Revenue Well-Being funding available to   the   Committee in 2008/09 is £18,023 and Capital Well-Being fund is   £32,640.12 and the budget pressures set out in Paragraph 5 of the   report, be noted.

(b)  That the list of Small Grant and Skips made since the last meeting   as   set out in Paragraph 4 of the report, be noted.

(c)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the following  applications for funding:

  Revenue

(i)  I Love West Leeds Festival – Approved £1,000 (Revenue –

  2008/2009) and £24,000 (Revenue - 2009/2010), subject to   appropriate funds being available.

(ii)  Cottingley Springs – Travellers Funhouse – Deferred to the

  next meeting in order that the applicants can attend to respond to   Members’ questions.

(iii)  Laurels & Oakroyds parking improvements – Approved

  £13,500 (Capital).

(iv)  Tyersal Park – Approved £20,000 (Capital).

(v)  Summer bands in Leeds Parks 2009 – Approved £3,000,

  subject to appropriate funds being available.

(vi)  Police – Reduction of Burglaries and Vehicle Crime –

  Approved £4,589.76 (Revenue).

(vii)  Participatory Budgeting – Approved £20,000, subject to

  appropriate funds being available. 

(Note:  Councillor R Lewis declared a personal and prejudicial interest in (vi) above and left the room while this item was being considered).

To determine a list of items for consideration at the next West Outer Area Committee meeting to be held on 6^th February 2008.

The West North West Area Manager submitted a list of suggested agenda items for the next West Outer Area Committee.

Councillor A Blackburn requested that an item on the Youth Service be submitted to a future Area Committee meeting.

RESOLVED – That the following items be submitted on to the agenda of the next West Outer Area Committee meeting.

(a)  Minutes of meeting held 19^th December 2008.

(b )  Fuelsavers

(c)  West North West ALMO – Area Panel Review

(d)  Streetscene and Parks & Countryside - Enhanced Roles for Area   Committees (two reports).

(e)  Well-Being Budget Update

(f)  Forward Plan for April 2009.

Friday, 6^th February 2009 at 2.00 p.m. (Venue to be considered)

MAP OF VENUE FOR TODAY’S MEETING

(Map of Venue for ‘Elite Forwarders’ attached)  

Friday, 6^th February 2009 at 2.00 p.m. (Themed Forum Meeting and possible venue at Stanningley Fire Station to be arranged and confirmed with Members).