Agenda and minutes

The Chair admitted the following late item to the Agenda:

·  Welfare Reform Impact on Council Tenants

There were no declarations of interest.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor A Carter.

The agenda made reference to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure Rules for an Open Forum Session at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee, for members of the public to ask questions or to make representations on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.

Kevin Bruce of West North West Homes addressed the meeting. He informed Members of a recent report to Executive Board outlining options for the future of the ALMO to either merge the ALMOs into a single organisation or revert to direct council management.  A two month consultation period would commence from 28 January 2013 and there would be drop in sessions for Elected Members.  Members highlighted the need for Area Committee involvement and local implications and requested an update at the March meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2014

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2012 be conformed as a correct record.

Further to reports of missed sweeping rounds, this had been discussed at the Environmental Sub Group.  There had been no pattern to the missed rounds and these had occurred due to a variety of reasons mainly involving staff absence.

It was reported that the ‘Making the Grade’ project would be holding an event on 22 March at Pudsey Council Chamber which would involve holding a mock trial.  Members were invited along to the event which would be held prior to the next meeting of the Area Committee.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance)

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) provided the Area Committee with an update on the work of the Community Development Worker (Swinnow and Heights & Gambles) run by the Healthy Living Network.

The Chair welcomed Carol Clarkson, Community Development Worker to the meeting for this item.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the report included the following:

·  Work had previously focussed solely in Swinnow but had now been expanded to include Gambles and the Heights.

·  There had been difficulty finding suitable and accessible venues in Gambles and the Heights.

·  Work was being carried out to establish the kind of activities people would be interested in.

·  It was agreed for Carol Clarkson to meet with Farnley and Wortley Ward Members to discuss options in further detail.

·  Skills exchange with Armley Juniors.

·  Work in Swinnow – links with Swinnow Primary, events carried out, community clean up day, volunteer produced newsletter.

Further discussion focussed on the use of Community Centres and other venues that could be of use.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance)

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) updated Members on the current amount of revenue funding committed and available via the Area Committee well-being budget for wards in the Outer West area.

Harpreet Singh, Area Management Officer presented the report.

Members were informed of the remaining balance for wellbeing revenue spending and that there would be a review on capital expenditure since 2004.  There would be workshop meetings and it was reported that there may be some funds available from underpsending.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance)

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) informed the Area Committee of progress against the Area Support Team work programme for Outer West Leeds and local contributions to Council priorities.

Harpreet Singh, Area Management Officer presented the report.

The following issues were highlighted:

·  Farsley Town and District Centre Scheme – Works were due to be completed by the end of February 2013.

·  CCTV at Farfield Avenue – this was due to be completed by the end of January 2013.

·  Farsley and Pudsey Lights – both these were successful well attended events.

·  Seniors Network Support in Calverley – funding was available for a scheme to be run with Leeds Libraries and Adults Social Care.  There would be further consultation and a briefing was offered to Members.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance)

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) provided information on processes adopted by other Area Committees for commissioning Wellbeing projects.  The report also asked the Committee to consider Wellbeing priorities for 2013/14.

Harpreet Singh, Area Management Officer presented the report.

Issues highlighted included the following:

·  The process used for commissioning Wellbeing projects in the North West Area Committees.

·  Consultation regarding the commissioning process.

·  Identifying different themes and priorities for wellbeing funds.

·  Proposed workshops and consultation with Members.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The joint report of the Chief Officer (Revenues and Benefits) informed the Area Committee on Welfare Reform changes that impact on council tenants and are due to be implemented in April 2013.  It also summarised work that was currently being undertaken to prepare tenants for those changes and for future changes that will impact later in the year.

Jane Maxwell, West North West Area Leader presented the report.

The following issues were highlighted:

·  Changes to social sector size criteria, reduction in Council Tax Support and changes to the Social Fund.

·  The ALMOs, BITMO and Housing Associations would be speaking to tenants affected by the reform proposals.

·  Changes to discretionary housing payments – Leeds would be getting additional funding from Government to accommodate challenges around social size criteria and benefit caps.

·  Consultation – a further report would be brought to the Area Committee and there would be roadshows at one stop centres.

·  Impact on employers as benefit changes may affect the number of hours people want to work.

·  Providing support for training and job opportunities.

·  Private sector tenants – work would be carried out through voluntary sector partners to provide guidance and support.

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

·  Housing exchange schemes and financial incentives.

·  Limited supply of housing and cost of letting vacant properties.

·  Concern that people will face eviction due to financial reasons and children being housed in high rise blocks.

·  Potential pressure on ALMO budgets due to increased turnover of housing.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Friday, 22 March 2013 at 1.00 p.m.

Friday, 22 March 2013 at 1.00 p.m.