Agenda, decisions and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 25 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded).

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 25, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting.)

There were no appeals against refusal of inspection of documents in accordance with Procedure Rule 25 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:

There were no resolutions to exclude the public.

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, however Appendix 8 to agenda item 16 (Minute 16 refers) had been provided after the publication of the agenda, as it was not available at the time of the agenda dispatch.

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 declarations of interest were made in relation to Agenda item 16 (Minute 16 refers) – Outer West Area Committee Well-Being Budget:

• Councillor A Blackburn – personal interest in respect of the application from Wortley Football Club, in her capacity as a Director of Wades Charity;
• Councillor D Blackburn – personal interest in respect of the application from Pudsey and Bramley Athletics Club, in his capacity as Chair of Green Leeds;
• Councillor Coulson – personal interest in respect of the application from Pudsey and Bramley Athletics Club, as he has worked closely with the officers responsible for the sporting provision at Priesthorpe School;
• Councillor Hardy – personal interest in respect of the application from Armley Juniors Project for Young People, as he uses the Armley Juniors site for ward surgeries; and
• Councillor Wood – personal interest in respect of the approved small grant applications, in his capacity as a member of the Rotary Club of Calverley.

A further declaration of interest was made at a later point in the meeting (Minute 16 refers).

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R Lewis and A Carter.

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.

Reference was made to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure Rules for an Open Forum session to take place at every ordinary meeting of an Area Committee, whereby members of the public could ask questions or make representations on any matter which fell within the remit of the Area Committee. On this occasion, no such matters were raised.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th March 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th March 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

• West Leeds Visitor Centre – Disabled Access (Minute 90(a) refers): The Area Management Officer reported that disabled access was now available, but that further work was required and would be completed as soon as possible within the current financial year.

• Delegation of Environmental Services (Minute 90(c) refers): The Area Management Officer reported that there would be an opportunity for further discussion of any issues at agenda item 20, and at the workshop meeting which will be held on Friday 15^th July.

• Area Leader’s Report (Minute 94 refers): The Area Management Officer reported that the issue of stray horses at Tyersal Park had been resolved, and continued to be monitored. One small section of fence still requires repair, however Councillor Coulson had been informed that it would not be possible to use s106 monies to fund this.

• Dates, Times and Venues of Meetings 2011/12: The Chair reported that the venue for the Area Committee meeting to be held on 20^th January 2012 would be Farsley Community Church rather than St John’s Parish Church.

To receive a report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services notifying Members of the appointment of Councillor D Blackburn to the position of West (Outer) Area Committee Chair for the 2011/12 municipal year, and explaining amendments made to Area Committee Procedure Rules 5 and 6.7, as approved at the Annual Meeting of Council.

(Council Function)

The Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services submitted a report notifying Members of the appointment of Councillor D Blackburn to the position of West (Outer) Area Committee Chair for the 2011/12 municipal year, and explaining amendments made to Area Committee Procedure Rules 5 and 6.7, as approved at the Annual Meeting of Council.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the appointment of Councillor D Blackburn as Chair of the West (Outer) Area Committee for the duration of the 2011/12 municipal year by Council at its Annual Meeting on 26^th May 2011 be noted;

(b)  That the revised arrangements for the annual election of Area Committee Chairs, as approved by Council on 26^th May 2011 and as reflected within the amended Area Committee Procedure Rules, be noted;

(c)  That the revision to Area Committee Procedure Rule 6.7, as approved by Council on 26^th May 2011, which now requires the minutes from the Area Chairs’ meetings to be formally considered by Area Committees, be noted; and

(d)  That Councillor Jarosz be appointed as Deputy Chair of the West (Outer) Area Committee for the duration of the 2011/12 municipal year.

To receive for information purposes the following Community Forum minutes –

Tyersal Community Forum, 25^th May 2011

Pudsey and Swinnow Forum, 12^th April 2011

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Tyersal Community Forum meeting held on 25^th May 2011 and the Pudsey and Swinnow Forum held on 12^th April 2011 be received and noted.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Tyersal Community Forum meeting held on 25^th May 2011 and the Pudsey and Swinnow Forum held on 12^th April 2011 be received and noted.

To receive for information purposes the attached minutes of the ALMO Outer West Area Panel meeting held on 9^th February 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the ALMO Outer West Area Panel meeting held on 9^th February 2011 be received and noted.

To receive for information purposes the attached minutes of the ALMO Outer West Area Panel meeting held on 13^th April 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the ALMO Outer West Area Panel meeting held on 13^th April 2011 be received and noted.

To receive a report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services outlining proposals for the appointment of co-optees onto the Outer West Area Committee.

(Council Function)

The Area Management Officer presented a report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services outlining proposals for the appointment of co-optees to the West (Outer) Area Committee.

Concerns were raised in relation to the low attendance of Liz Navin-Jones at Area Committee meetings. Some Members suggested that Reverend Paul Ayers could be appointed to the Committee to represent the faith sector and the wider Pudsey community. It was therefore suggested that further consideration be given to the appropriate co-optee to represent the Pudsey ward, and that this appointment be brought back to the Area Committee for approval at its next meeting. Members were reminded that they could appoint up to 5 co-optees.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Reverend Kingsley Dowling (Faith Representative) and Howard Bradley (Youth Representative) be appointed as co-optees to the West (Outer) Area Committee for the duration of the 2011/12 municipal year; and

(b)  That further consideration be given to the appropriate co-optee to represent the Pudsey ward, and that this appointment be brought back to the Area Committee for approval at its next meeting (Friday 9^th September 2011).

To receive a report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services outlining the Area Committee’s role in relation to Elected Member appointments to outside bodies and asking the Committee to agree nominations to those organisations which fall to the Committee to make an appointment to.

(Council Function)

The Governance Officer presented a report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services outlining the Area Committee’s role in relation to Elected Member appointments to outside bodies and asking the Committee to agree nominations to those organisations which fall to the Committee to make an appointment to.

The Chair requested that further information be provided in relation to the Area Employment, Enterprise and Training Partnership, as he had never been invited to a meeting. The Area Management Officer had requested some information, however this had not yet been received.

RESOLVED – That the following appointments to outside bodies be made for the 2010/11 municipal year:

• ALMO West Outer Area Panel – Councillors R Lewis and R Wood.

• Joseph Lepton’s Charity – Councillor M Coulson.

• Divisional Community Safety Partnership - Councillor J Jarosz.

• Area Children’s Partnership – Councillor M Coulson.

• Area Health and Social Care Partnership - Councillor A Blackburn.

• Area Employment, Enterprise and Training Partnership – Councillor D Blackburn.

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) providing the Area Committee with a summary of the Area Functions and Priority Advisory Functions for 2011/12.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED – That the summary of approved Area Functions and designated Priority Advisory Functions for 2011/12, as appended to the report, be noted.

The Area Leader presented a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) providing the Area Committee with a summary of the Area Functions and Priority Advisory Functions for 2011/12.

RESOLVED – That the summary of approved Area Functions and designated Priority Advisory Functions for 2011/12, as appended to the report, be noted.

(Councillor Marjoram arrived at 1.30pm, at the conclusion of this item.)

To receive a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update on the current amount of capital and revenue funding available via the Area Committee Well-Being budget for wards in the Outer West area, and seeking approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That capital funding of £3,700 be re-allocated from the leaf-blower project and added to the Area Committee’s contribution to the Pudsey toilets scheme referred to in paragraph 2.2 of the report, resulting in a contribution of £16,551 for Pudsey toilets to be combined with Ward Based Initiative funding;

(b)  That the following ‘in principle’ funding decisions be confirmed:

Revenue 2011/12

(i)  I Love West Leeds - £18,000;

(ii)  Pudsey in Bloom - £4,000;

(iii)  Calverley in Bloom - £3,000;

(iv)  Farsley in Bloom - £3,000;

(v)  Site based gardeners - £23,301;

(vi)  Farsley festival - £3,500;

(vii)  CCTV maintenance and monitoring - £30,000; and

(viii)  Woodhall Road barrier - £1,572.

(c)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the applications before the Committee today for consideration:

Revenue 2011/12

(i)  Armley Juniors Project for Young People - £15,000 – Approved on the condition that the Volunteer Co-ordinator reports on progress to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis, that work is undertaken with other agencies (including the Youth Service) in order to maximise the project’s benefits, and that alternative funding sources are found in future years;

(ii)  Farsley Christmas lights event - £5,000 – Approved;

(iii)  Pudsey Christmas lights event - £8,000 – Approved;

(iv)  Outer West Youth Service - £9,350 – Approved;

(v)  Wortley Football Club - £3,575 – Approved;

(vi)  Track and Jumps Facilities for Pudsey & Bramley Athletics Club - £20,000 – Approved.

Capital 2011/12

(i)  Calverley heritage lighting - £1,816 – Approved;

(ii)  Additional litter bins for Outer West - £2,400 – Approved.

(d)  That the sub-budgets for small grants and skips be confirmed as follows:

Revenue 2011/12

(i)  Small grants budget - £9,000; and

(ii)  Skips budget - £1,500.

(e)  That the small grant approvals set out in Table 3 of the report be noted.

The Area Management Officer presented a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update on the current amount of capital and revenue funding available via the Area Committee Well-Being budget for wards in the outer west area, and seeking approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

The Area Committee was reminded that it approved £3,700 capital funding at its September 2011 meeting for a leaf blowing machine to be deployed across the outer west area. Due to staffing issues and because the leaf blower would not be effective in wet weather, it was unlikely that it would be used. The Committee therefore agreed that the £3,700 should instead be added to the Area Committee’s contribution to the Pudsey toilets scheme. It was confirmed that it would be possible to reallocate the funding even though it related to the previous financial year.

The report asked the Committee to reconsider well-being funding approvals for the Site Based Gardeners Scheme for 2010/11 and 2011/12, as no funding had been drawn down to support the project. However, the Area Management Officer reported that Parks and Countryside had since informed her that the funding would be drawn down, therefore the Committee agreed to confirm its ‘in principle’ decision to provide £23, 301 to the Site Based Gardeners Scheme.

The Committee then considered the applications for well-being funding which had been submitted for their consideration. Representatives of Armley Juniors Project for Young People, Wortley Football Club, Pudsey and Bramley Athletics Club and the Youth Service attended the meeting and responded to Members’ queries and comments regarding their respective applications.

(At this point in the meeting, Councillor Marjoram declared a personal interest as he had been approached by members of Pudsey and Bramley Athletics Club regarding their application.)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That capital funding of £3,700 be re-allocated from the leaf-blower project and added to the Area Committee’s contribution to the Pudsey toilets scheme referred to in paragraph 2.2 of the report, resulting in a contribution of £16,551 for Pudsey toilets to be combined with Ward Based Initiative funding;

(b)  That the following ‘in principle’ funding decisions be confirmed:

Revenue 2011/12

(i)  I Love West Leeds - £18,000;

(ii)  Pudsey in Bloom - £4,000;

(iii)  Calverley in Bloom - £3,000;

(iv)  Farsley in Bloom - £3,000;

(v)  Site based gardeners - £23,301;

(vi)  Farsley festival - £3,500;

(vii)  CCTV maintenance and monitoring - £30,000; and

(viii)  Woodhall Road barrier - £1,572.

(c)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the applications before the Committee today for consideration:

Revenue 2011/12

(i)  Armley Juniors Project for Young People - £15,000 – Approved on the condition that the Volunteer Co-ordinator reports on progress to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis, that work is undertaken with other agencies (including the Youth Service) in order to maximise the project’s benefits, and that alternative funding sources are found in future years;

(ii)  Farsley Christmas lights event - £5,000 – Approved;

(iii)  Pudsey  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To receive a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update on progress towards the establishment of a new locality based Environmental Service and its delegation to Area Committees.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED  -

(a)  That progress towards the establishment of a new locality based Environmental Service be noted;

(b)  That progress towards the delegation to Area Committees including outline resource, and information to support the development of the first Service Level Agreement (SLA) be noted;

(c)  That the principles on which to base the operational and service delivery proposals to be included in the SLA (as set out in paragraph 35 of the report) be approved, and the proposal that this will form the basis for the July workshops, with the final SLA being presented at the September meeting for approval, be agreed;

(d)  That the role and membership of the Member Environment Sub-Group for the Outer West Area Committee, to manage the detailed oversight of the delegated services with officer support, be agreed.

The Locality Manager presented a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update on progress towards the establishment of a new locality based Environmental Service and its delegation to Area Committees.

The Chair urged all Members of the Area Committee to attend the workshop which would be held on Friday 15^th July. On behalf of the three Pudsey Ward Councillors, Councillor Coulson thanked the Locality Manager for the excellent responses he had provided, and his grasp of the issues raised at Environment Sub-Group meetings. Members were advised to raise any Environmental Service related issues with the Locality Manager in the first instance.

RESOLVED  -

(a)  That progress towards the establishment of a new locality based Environmental Service be noted;

(b)  That progress towards the delegation to Area Committees including outline resource, and information to support the development of the first Service Level Agreement (SLA) be noted;

(c)  That the principles on which to base the operational and service delivery proposals to be included in the SLA (as set out in paragraph 35 of the report) be approved, and the proposal that this will form the basis for the July workshops, with the final SLA being presented at the September meeting for approval, be agreed; and

(d)  That the role and membership of the Member Environment Sub-Group for the Outer West Area Committee, to manage the detailed oversight of the delegated services with officer support, be agreed.

To receive a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with details of the solar photovoltaic (PV) panel initiative.

(Council Function)

George Munson, the Senior Climate Change Officer presented a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with details of the solar photovoltaic (PV) panel scheme.

It was reported that tenant consultation would commence at the end of July, and that a Frequently Asked Questions document had been produced to assist with this.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted, and the implementation of the project be supported.

To receive a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of progress against the Area Management work programme for Outer West Leeds and local contributions to Council priorities.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report be noted; and

(b)  That Councillor M Coulson be nominated as the Area Committee’s representative to the Corporate Carers Group.

The Area Management Officer presented a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of progress against the Area Management work programme for Outer West Leeds and local contributions to Council priorities.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report be noted; and

(b)  That Councillor M Coulson be nominated as the Area Committee’s representative to the Corporate Carers Group.

To receive a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods giving an update on Crime and Community Safety Issues in Outer West Leeds since the previous Area Committee on 25^th March 2011.

(Council Function)

Inspector Richard Cawkwell and Gill Hunter, Divisional Community Safety Co-ordinator, presented a report giving an update on crime and community safety issues in Outer West Leeds since the previous Area Committee meeting which was held on 25^th March 2011.

It was reported that overall, crime levels had reduced in the Outer West area, and that the target hardening scheme, (to which the Area Committee had provided funding) had been successful. Inspector Cawkwell undertook to provide some further information on this scheme to the Area Committee. It was also agreed that the action plan from multi-agency meetings would be circulated to all Members in future, however it was highlighted that the information in this document was sensitive and should not be passed on by Members.

RESOLVED – That the update from West Yorkshire Police be noted.

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) introducing Simon Betts, Relationship Manager at Jobcentre Plus, who will attend the Outer West Area Committee to update Members on Jobcentre Plus provision.

(Council Function)

Simon Betts, Relationship Manager at Jobcentre Plus provided an update on Jobcentre Plus provision and responded to Members’ queries.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and presentations be noted.

To receive a report of West North West Homes outlining the purpose of West North West Homes Leeds involvement in Area Committees, and exploring ways of making that involvement as meaningful and productive as possible.

(Council Function)

Kevin Bruce, representing West North West Homes Leeds, presented a report outlining the purpose of West North West Homes Leeds’ involvement in Area Committees, and exploring ways of making that involvement as meaningful and productive as possible.

A concern was raised, as issues reported by Members to West North West Homes Leeds are not always followed up and reported back to the Member concerned. It was reported that West North West Homes Leeds is developing its recording and monitoring structure, and that any difficulties encountered in receiving a response should be reported to Kevin Bruce.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted; and

(b)  That West North West Homes Leeds provide a six monthly update to the Area Committee regarding progress on areas of mutual interest, with the first report being presented to the Committee’s next meeting (9^th September 2011).

To receive a report of the Director of Children’s Services providing updated information on performance and action taken towards the reduction of teenage conceptions.

(Council Function)

The Sexual Health Development Officer presented a report of the Director of Children’s Services providing updated information on performance and action taken towards the reduction of teenage conceptions.

It was agreed that all Members would be invited to cluster partnership meetings in future. In response to Members’ queries, it was reported that the joining up of services across inner and outer west Leeds had been a key factor in improving rates of teenage pregnancy. The link between school attendance rates and teenage pregnancy was also discussed.

RESOLVED  -

(a)  That the current picture in relation to teenage conceptions be noted;

(b)  That the proposed initiatives be endorsed;

(c)  That partners receiving funding from the Area Committee be encouraged to support and evidence their engagement with vulnerable groups such as Looked After Children and offer a no cost provision where possible;

(d)  That a structured, regular reporting system for teenage pregnancy updates via cluster partnerships, west leadership team meetings and annual reports to Inner and Outer West Area Committees be agreed; and

(e)  That all Members be invited to cluster partnership meetings in order that they can attend and increase strategic support for teenage pregnancy.

Copy attached.

RESOLVED – That the Forward Plan be noted.

Friday 9^th September 2011 at 1.00pm, Pudsey Leisure Centre

Friday 14^th October 2011 at 1.00pm, Farnley Hall

Friday 16^th December 2011 at 1.00pm, Safety Central

Friday 20^th January 2011 at 1.00pm, Farsley Community Church

Friday 23^rd March 2011 at 1.00pm, Swinnow Community Centre

Friday 18^th May 2011 at 1.00pm, Venue tbc

Friday 9^th September 2011 at 1.00pm, Pudsey Leisure Centre

Friday 14^th October 2011 at 1.00pm, Farnley Hall

Friday 16^th December 2011 at 1.00pm, Safety Central

Friday 20^th January 2011 at 1.00pm, Farsley Community Church

Friday 23^rd March 2011 at 1.00pm, Swinnow Community Centre

Friday 18^th May 2011 at 1.00pm, Venue tbc

The meeting concluded at 4.00pm.