Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Farnley Hall, Hall Lane, LS12 5HA

Contact: Laura Ford (0113) 39 51712  Email: laura.ford@leeds.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

46.

Chair's Opening Remarks

Minutes:

On behalf of the Area Committee, the Chair presented local PCSO Martin Mallinson with a Certificate of Appreciation in acknowledgement of his hard work and dedication in serving the residents of the area. The Chair explained that PCSO Mallinson had initiated some excellent projects, including a Youth Football Project with Farsley AFC, which had helped to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

 

Inspector Richard Cawkwell thanked the Area Committee, and the Calverley and Farsley Ward Councillors in particular for their support.

 

The Chair also welcomed Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council, and Reverend Paul Ayers to the meeting.

 

47.

Appeals Against Refusal of Inspection of Documents

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 Chief Democratic Services Officer at least 24 hours before the meeting.)

Minutes:

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

 

48.

Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public

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:

Minutes:

There were no resolutions to exclude the public.

 

 

49.

Late Items

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

 

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

Minutes:

There were no late items submitted to the agenda, however because the Pudsey and Swinnow Forum minutes included in the agenda (Minute 55 refers) were not complete, the missing pages were made available at the meeting.

 

50.

Declaration of Interests

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.

Minutes:

No declarations of interest were made at this point in the meeting, however a declaration was made at agenda item 10 (Minute 56 refers) and at agenda item 11 (Minute 57 refers).

 

 

51.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Reverend Kingsley Dowling.

 

 

52.

Open Forum

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.

Minutes:

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.

 

53.

Attendance of Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council

To welcome Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council to the meeting.

Minutes:

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive informed Members that he had now visited all 33 wards which he found extremely valuable, particularly in relation to learning about the diversity of the city, and speaking to Members about their concerns. He also informed Members that he would be willing to re-visit any ward if required.

 

Other issues raised were the informal consultation on housing growth, the results of which would be reported to Executive Board on 2nd November, and the £90m budget reduction. He thanked officers and Members for the work undertaken so far to achieve this year’s budget, and informed Members that work had started on next year’s budget.

 

54.

Minutes - 9th September 2011 pdf icon PDF 77 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 9th September 2011.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 9th September 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

 

55.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

Minutes:

Further to Minute 33, it was reported that Reverend Paul Ayers had been invited by Councillor Coulson to observe the meeting, with a view to joining the Area Committee as a Co-optee.

 

Further to Minute 35, the Area Management Officer reported that Councillors David Blackburn and Jarosz and relevant officers had visited the ginnel next to the Farsley AFC stand. As it is a public right of way, it was not possible to close off the ginnel, however officers would continue to look for a solution.

 

The Calverley and Farsley Ward Councillors expressed their concern that they had only received very short notice of the visit, and therefore were not able to attend, which was not acceptable. The Area Manager undertook to discuss this with the officers involved, and feed back to the Councillors. Members were also informed that the debris had been cleared from the ginnel, and a litter pick would be arranged as a matter of urgency.

 

Further to Minute 40, the Area Management Officer informed Members that a site visit would take place at Pudsey Park on Monday 17th October, in order to assess whether a CCTV camera could be moved to cover the soft play area. Officers in Parks and Countryside had raised concerns that this would lead to a loss of trees, however the options would be discussed further at the meeting on Monday and reported back to the Area Committee.

 

Further to Minute 41, it was reported that Park Spring Primary School had been judged as ‘inadequate’, however it had now moved out of this category, and further to Minute 44, Members were informed that the Markets Update report would be submitted to the December meeting.

 

56.

Community Forum Minutes pdf icon PDF 250 KB

To receive for information purposes the following Community Forum minutes:

 

Tyersal Community Forum, 21st September 2011

Pudsey and Swinnow Forum, 29th June 2011

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members were asked to let the Area Management Officer or the Highways Department know of any highways issues, in order that they could be considered as part of next year’s budget.

 

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Tyersal Community Forum meeting held on 21st September 2011 and the Pudsey and Swinnow Forum held on 29th June 2011 be received and noted.

 

57.

ALMO Outer West Area Panel Minutes pdf icon PDF 166 KB

To receive for information purposes the attached minutes of the ALMO Outer West Area Panel meeting held on 8th June 2011.

Minutes:

Councillor John Hardy declared a personal interest in this item as a Director of West North West Homes Leeds.

 

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the ALMO Outer West Area Panel meeting held on 8th June 2011 be received and noted.

 

58.

Appointments to Outside Bodies pdf icon PDF 67 KB

To receive a report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services seeking formal ratification of Councillor Wood’s appointment to the Farsley Charity.

 

(Council Function)

Minutes:

The Governance Officer presented a report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services seeking formal ratification of Councillor Wood’s appointment to the Farsley Charity.

 

Councillor Wood declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item as it related to his position on the Farsley Charity. He left the room during this item and took no part in the discussion.

 

RESOLVED – That Councillor Wood’s appointment to the Farsley Charity be ratified, for an indefinite period.

 

59.

Update on Locality Cluster Developments in the Outer West pdf icon PDF 70 KB

To receive a report of the Director of Children’s Services updating Members on citywide and local developments on locality working including membership of partnership governance groups, and highlighting some of the current good practice in an outer west cluster.

 

(Council Function)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Alison Larkin, Extended Services Adviser, presented a report of the Director of Children’s Services updating Members on citywide and local developments on locality working, including membership of partnership governance groups, and highlighting some of the current good practice in an outer west cluster.

 

Allison Chin, Headteacher, Swinnow Primary School and Liz Hardaker, Extended Services Development Officer were also in attendance to assist in the presentation of the report and to respond to Members’ comments and questions.

 

Alison Larkin provided some information on the history of clusters, and the work that was being undertaken to improve their governance arrangements, including a report which would be submitted to Member Management Committee on 25th October 2011, seeking to appoint at least one Member to each cluster.  Data profiles for each cluster relating to the Outer West were appended to the report. A performance dashboard for all clusters was also provided to Members, which is prepared on a monthly basis.

 

Members expressed concern that Five Lanes Primary School is in the Farnley and Wortley ward, but in the Armley cluster. Members were informed that the clusters were established by schools, and that the level of funding would not be affected by this.

 

Liz Hardaker then explained the four local priorities (which are linked to the Children and Young People City Priority Plan), and how they are being met:

  • Children living in safe and supported families and communities;
  • Additional health needs, especially emotional health and wellbeing – for example the Targeted Adolescent Mental Health Project, which had levered in national funding;
  • Improving attendance – a multi-agency panel has been set up to deal with this, which children can be referred to;
  • Activity participation and healthy lifestyle – for example enabling the most vulnerable families to access activities.

 

A query was raised regarding how the clusters deal with children who live in a different area to their school, for example children who live in Leeds but go to school in Bradford. Members were informed that the cluster assesses individual children and matches the services to their needs, therefore if a child lived in Bradford, contact would be made with the relevant services in that area.

 

It was also reported that work is undertaken with children all year round, and activities are arranged during school holidays and targeted at the most vulnerable families. It was confirmed that this is not restricted to families who receive benefits, and the schools are asked to use their judgement to identify the most disadvantaged children. Further to a request, it was agreed that the disadvantaged subsidy reports which would be submitted to the Children and Families Scrutiny Board would be circulated to the Members of the Area Committee.

 

Members noted that the Pudsey cluster is working well, but there are some issues with the Farnley cluster. It was reported that the Farnley cluster now has a strong new Chair and Cluster Manager, and that issues are now being resolved.

 

On behalf of the Committee, Councillor Coulson congratulated Allison  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

60.

Well-Being Fund Budget Update pdf icon PDF 80 KB

To receive a report of the West North West Area Leader updating 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.

 

(Executive Function)

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

(a)  That the relatively small amount of revenue Well-Being budget available for 2011/12 be noted.

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

 

Revenue 2011/12

 

(i)  Friday Night Project at Pudsey Leisure Centre - £5,000 – Approved;

(ii)  Roof repairs to Hillside Hall - £1,450 – Approved; and

(iii)  Railings – Red Lane, Farsley - £1,500 – Approved.

 

(c)  That the approvals for small grants given since the last Area Committee be noted.

(d)  That the Well-Being budget monitoring information attached at Appendix 4 to the report be noted.

 

Minutes:

The Area Management Officer presented a report of the West North West Area Leader updating 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.

 

It was agreed that ideas for other projects which may require funding would be discussed at the Business Plan meeting, which was due to be held in November.

 

The Area Management Officer undertook to check whether a small grant application had been received in relation to the Diamond Jubilee, further to a query raised by Councillor Wood.

 

RESOLVED

(a)  That the relatively small amount of revenue Well-Being budget available for 2011/12 be noted.

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

 

Revenue 2011/12

 

(i)  Friday Night Project at Pudsey Leisure Centre - £5,000 – Approved;

(ii)  Roof repairs to Hillside Hall - £1,450 – Approved; and

(iii)  Railings – Red Lane, Farsley - £1,500 – Approved.

 

(c)  That the approvals for small grants given since the last Area Committee be noted.

(d)  That the Well-Being budget monitoring information attached at Appendix 4 to the report be noted.

 

(Councillor Carter left the meeting at 3.30pm, at the conclusion of this item.)

 

61.

Outer West Area Committee Business Plan pdf icon PDF 65 KB

To receive a report of the West North West Area Leader presenting an update on the work to date to develop an Area Committee Business Plan.

 

(Executive Function)

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

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

(b)  That the contents of the Business Plan (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) be noted;

(c)  That the draft Action Plan which accompanies the Business Plan (attached at Appendix 2 to the report) be noted;

(d)  That the Area Management Team continue to develop the Business Plan;

(e)  That updates be received at future meetings, and that a three year plan be adopted at the March 2012 meeting, which will be subject to an annual refresh.

 

Minutes:

The Area Management Officer presented a report of the West North West Area Leader presenting an update on the work completed to date, to develop an Area Committee Business Plan. A workshop would be held November, in order that Members could discuss the Plan.

 

It was reported that local people would be consulted on the Plan once a draft had been prepared, and that different methods of consultation would be used to suit each area. Members were asked to contact the Area Management Officer if there was anything further they wished to be included in the Plan.

 

RESOLVED

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

(b)  That the contents of the Business Plan (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) be noted;

(c)  That the draft Action Plan which accompanies the Business Plan (attached at Appendix 2 to the report) be noted;

(d)  That the Area Management Team continue to develop the Business Plan; and

(e)  That updates be received at future meetings, and that a four year plan be adopted at the March 2012 meeting, which will be subject to an annual refresh.

 

62.

Annual Report - for Parks and Countryside Service in West Outer Area Committee pdf icon PDF 182 KB

To receive a report of the Head of Parks and Countryside seeking to further develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the West (Outer) Area Committee. The report provides an overview of the service and sets out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives.

 

(Council Function)

Minutes:

Glen Gorner, Natural Environment Manager presented a report of the Head of Parks and Countryside seeking to further develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the West (Outer) Area Committee. The report provided an overview of the service and set out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives.

 

The Area Leader reported that in light of the Environmental Delegation recently agreed by the Committee, discussions would be held with officers in Parks and Countryside to assess where work could be undertaken together.

 

The value added by volunteers was discussed, and Members were assured that further training would be rolled out to site based staff who are responsible for working with volunteers.

 

The Chair requested that in future, further clarification be included in the report in relation to any improvements that have been carried out since the period covered by the park assessments quoted in the annual report.

 

RESOLVED – That the content of the report be noted.

 

 

63.

Consultation on Expansion of Primary School Provision for September 2013 pdf icon PDF 72 KB

To receive a report of the Director of Children’s Services seeking to ensure that Members are fully briefed on the proposals being brought forward in response to rising demand for reception places city wide and are able to comment on them.

 

(Council Function)

Minutes:

Lesley Savage, Senior Planning and Bids Manager presented a report of the Director of Children’s Services seeking to ensure that Members are fully briefed on the proposals being brought forward in response to rising demand for reception places citywide, and are able to comment on them.

 

The following issues were particularly discussed:

  • Concern that fewer than one in five of the additional places would be in West Leeds. It was reported that this should be adequate for 2013, however further proposals may be required for Yeadon and Rawdon, and Pudsey and Farsley are being monitored very closely. The area with the most requirement for places at the moment is Inner East Leeds.
  • The proposal to create a new school on the site of the former South Leeds Sports Centre, and concern that a school close to this site was shut down. It was reported that there will be a ten year gap from the school being closed down and the new one being built, and that this proposal had been introduced to deal with trends in the birth rate.
  • Whether planning and housing implications were taken into account in forming the proposals. Members were informed that they are taken into account, however the implications are not always easy to predict.
  • Concern that the contributions given by developers to education are not high enough to mitigate the impact, and that smaller developers have not provided any contributions, even though many small developments can also have an impact. It was reported that the Council is bound by s106 Regulations, however this will be replaced by Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations in due course.

 

The Senior Planning and Bids Manager offered to meet separately with the Pudsey and Calverley and Farsley Ward Members during November, in order that any issues could be discussed in more detail.

 

RESOLVED – That the report and consultation document be noted.

 

64.

Forward Plan pdf icon PDF 14 KB

Copy attached

 

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the Forward Plan be noted.

 

65.

Dates, Times and Venues of Future Meetings

Friday 16thDecember 2011 at 1.00pm, Safety Central

Friday 20thJanuary 2012 at 1.00pm, Farsley Community Church

Friday 23rdMarch 2012 at 1.00pm, Swinnow Community Centre

Friday 18thMay 2012 at 1.00pm, Venue tbc

Minutes:

Friday 16th December 2011 at 1.00pm, Safety Central

Friday 20th January 2012 at 1.00pm, Farsley Community Church

Friday 23rd March 2012 at 1.00pm, Swinnow Community Centre

Friday 18th May 2012 at 1.00pm, Venue tbc

 

The meeting concluded at 3.45pm.