Agenda and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 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 15.2, 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 the refusal of the inspection of Documents.

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:

 No exempt items or information have been identified on the agenda

There were no items identified where it was considered necessary to exclude the press or public from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the business to be considered.

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

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

Although there were no formal late items the Chair accept the inclusion of supplementary information to the Wellbeing and Youth Activity Fund Budget which was omitted in error following the publication of the agenda (Minute No. 56 refers)

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R Procter and Councillor J Procter.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2000 and paragraphs 13 -18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.  Also to declare any other significant interests which the Member wishes to declare in the public interest, in accordance with paragraphs 19-20 of the Members’ Code of Conduct

There were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests.

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.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Community 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 Community Committee.

On this occasion, there were no matters raised under this item by Members of the Public.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th January 2015

(Copy attached)

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 26^th January 2015 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes (If any)

Wellbeing Funding Application – Farmwatch Landrovers (Minute No.38 refers) – With reference to the issue of sponsorship stickers and the suggestion that the City Council Print Unit may be able to assist in the production of stickers at a reasonable cost. The Chair requested to know if there had been any progress in obtaining the stickers?

In responding officers reported that the necessary information had been passed to Sergeant Mclachlan WYP who was dealing with the issue.

To consider a report by the City Solicitor which seeks Members approval to the proposed Community Committee meeting schedule for the 2015/2016 municipal year, whilst also considering whether any revisions to the current meeting and venue arrangements should be explored.

(Report attached)

The City Solicitor submitted a report which sought the Community Committee’s formal approval of a meeting schedule for the 2015/2016 Municipal year and to determine if there are any revisions to the current meeting and venue arrangements.

RESOLVED –

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

(ii)  That the proposed scheduled of meetings for 2015/16 be determined as follows:

·  Monday 15^th June 2015 at 6.00pm

·  Monday 7^th September 2015 at 5.30pm

·  Monday 14^th December 2015 at 5.30pm

·  Monday 25^th January 2016 at 5.30pm

·  Monday 7^th March 2016

·  May / June 2016 (Date to be confirmed) 

(iii)  That the meeting venues continue to alternate between the Civic 

     Hall during the winter months and at various venues held within   the three wards during the summer months. All meetings to   commence at 6.00pm (summer months) and 5.30pm (winter   months)

To consider a report by the City Solicitor which invites the Community Committee to consider an appointment to the Ancient Parish of Barwick in Elemet Trust as the current representative wishes to stand down.

(Report attached)

The City Solicitor submitted a report which provided notification from the Chair of the Ancient Parish of Barwick in Elemet Trust that one of the Trustees wished to stand down due to reasons of ill health. The report sought the approval of the Community Committee to appoint a new Member to the Trust.

Appended to the report was a copy of the following:

·  Correspondence from the Chair from the Chair of the Ancient Parish of Barwick in Elemet Trust (Appendix 1 Refers)

RESOLVED –

(i)  To accept the resignation of Mr Jack Anderson from the Trust with immediate affect

(ii)  That Miss Christine Hudson be appointed to the Ancient Parish of Barwick in Elemet Trust

To consider a report by the East North East Locality Manager which provides an update on how improvements will be made to a range of environmental services that are delivered locally.

(Report attached)

The East North East Locality Manager delivered a presentation on the work of Environmental Action Services and provided an update on the redesign of the operational work of the service.

John Woolmer, East North East Locality Manager, Environment and Housing delivered the presentation and responded to Members comments and queries.

The presentation covered the following issues:

·  The challenges for the Service in the Outer North East Area

·  What worked well in 2014/15

·  New responsibilities for 2015/16 to be in the Service Level Agreement, in particular the additional resources invested in Council Housing areas

·  Proposals to further improve local accountability and influence over the delivery of the service in 2015/16

·  How the service improvements would improve efficiency and productivity

·  An explanation of the proposed new zonal model for operational working which would include a team exclusively covering the three Outer North East wards.

The Chair thanked Mr Woolmer for his presentation and invited comments from Members.

Councillor Lamb reported that Boston Spa Parish Council had provided some really positive feedback about the Service. Councillor Lamb asked that his thanks and appreciation be passed on to the team.

Councillor Robinson also reported that he was very satisfied with the service in the Harewood area, however, issues around dog fouling, the cutting back of hedges on arterial routes and the continuing problem of fly tipping all required some attention.

In responding Mr Woolmer said the issue of dog fouling was a problem, he suggested increasing the fines may be a deterrent but knowing who to prosecute was the difficulty. The cutting back of hedges on arterial routes would be looked at again. Fly tipping continued to be a problem in rural areas, prosecutions could be made if evidence was provided.

Councillor Cohen ask if the following areas in the Alwoodley ward could be looked into: Possible litter collecting on Manor House Lane, the flower bed on Harrogate Road was covered in litter, Belvedere Avenue was also looking shabby, the Cranmer Parade had a number of overflowing bins, the Moor Allerton recycling area was looking untidy, the usual “grot spots” required some attention, there was an accumulation of rubbish on King Lane, close to Sainsbury’s and if possible could a number of new litter bins be located on Nursery Lane.

Mr Woolmer said the issues raised by Councillor Cohen would be investigated.

Councillor Buckley raised the issue of signs on telegraphs poles and asked if anything could be done to stop this practice.

In responding Mr Woolmer said it was an offence to place signs on the highway and anyone found to be erecting signs could be prosecuted.

Councillor Robinson said there was an area in his ward known locally as “Chippies Pond” could the possibility of a clean-up be looked into. 

Mr Woolmer said he would take a look at the area.

RESOLVED – To receive and welcome the presentation from the East North East Locality Manager

To consider a report by the Head of Housing Management, Housing Leeds, East and North East Leeds, which provides an update on the implementation of the new structure for the Housing Management Service for Council Housing for the whole city of Leeds, which was outlined in the report to this Committee in September 2014.

The report also draws to Members attention recent initiatives and projects in the Outer North East Area.

(Report attached)

The Head of Housing Management, Housing Leeds, East and North East Leeds submitted a report which provided an update on the implementation of the new structure for the Housing Management Service for Council Housing for the whole of Leeds, as outlined in a report to this Committee in September 2014.

The report also highlighted the recent initiatives and projects taking place in the Outer North East Area.

David Longthorpe, Head of Housing Management, Housing Leeds, East and North East Leeds presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report together with the appendices which included:

·  Recruitment/ appointment of Management Teams

·  Outstanding vacancies

·  Training of new and specialised staff

·  The standardisation of policies and procedures

·  The work of the Income Improvement Team

·  Tenancy Fraud

·  Engagement with Housing Advisory Panels (HAPs)

·  Community clean up

Responding to a question about how information was gathered around tenancy fraud. Mr Longthorpe said it was often neighbours who provided such information.

Councillor Buckley raised the issue of “door step scams & cold calling” and asked if it would be possible to establishing a cold calling zone

The Chair suggested that Beverley Yearwood may be a useful contact for providing information about cold calling zones.

In responding Mr Longthorpe said further enquires would be made.

Councillor Robinson asked if “estates walkabouts” still took place.

Mr Longthorpe confirmed estates walkabouts did still take place and they were usually pre-book throughout the year.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted 

To consider a report East North East Area Leader / Head of Projects and Programmes (Employment & Skills) which  introduces the (ENE) Employment and Skills Plan which sets out priorities for the ENE area as a whole and for the three specific Community Committee areas.

The report also explains the purpose and structure of the ENE Employment and Skills Board.

(Report attached)

The East North East Area Leader/ Head of Projects and Programmes (Employment and Skills) submitted a report which set out details of the development of a draft Employment & Skills Plan. The Plan sets out priority actions for 2014/15 covering all East North East areas and other actions specific the Community Committee areas.

Appended to the report was a copy of the East North East Employment and Skills Plan (Appendix 1)

Michelle Anderson, Head of Projects and Programmes together with Rosie Costello, Project Management Officer, City Development, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report which included:

·  Employment & Skills Plan Priorities for the Outer North East Area

·  Leeds Pathways

·  Head Start Programme

·  Leeds Apprenticeship Hub and Apprenticeship Training Agency

·  Community Learning

·  School / Employer Engagement

·  Intensive Support through Job Centre Plus Social Justice Team

Members were generally supportive of the report.

Commenting on School /Employer Engagement, Councillor Cohen requested to know if there had been any engagement with Leeds Grammar School.

In responding Ms Costello reported that on 22^nd April 2015 the school were to host an apprenticeship fair. A range of businesses were exhibiting, including Microsoft. The aim of the fair was to inform six form students of potential employment opportunities. Ward Members would be kept informed.

Councillor Lamb raised the issue of transport costs for students attending interviews and training.

Ms Costello said that students on the Head Start programme would receive transport costs for interviews and also for the first six weeks of work experience. Transport costs for other schemes were also available.

Councillor Robinson suggested there was a need to do more on transport issues for North Yorkshire Schools.

Officers confirmed they would investigate the matter.

Councillor Lamb referred to the issue of “in work support” suggesting more support was likely to be more available from a larger company than a smaller one.

In responding Ms Anderson said that students on a Head Start Programme would receive in work support for a period of six months.

Councillor Robinson suggested that people starting work for the first time should be prepared for work “Culture Capital” and they required confidence to do the job.

Councillors Buckley and Lamb supported Councillor Robinson’s comments suggesting people needed to turn up on time, dress appropriately and be confident in the interview.

The Chair thanked Ms Anderson and Ms Costello for their attendance and presentation.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  To receive further updates from the Employment and Skills Board

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens Communities) which provides an update of the Outer North East Community Committees’ budgets and sets out details of applications seeking Wellbeing Funding and Youth Activity Funding.

(Report attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which provided an update on the current position of the Outer North East Community Committee’s budgets and set out details of applications seeking Wellbeing Funding and Youth Activity Funding.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for information / comment of the meeting:

·  Outer North East Community Committee Wellbeing Budget 2014/15 (Appendix A refers)

·  Outer North East Community Committee Youth Activity Fund Budget 2014/15 (Appendix B refers)

Clare Wiggins, Area Improvement Manager, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report together with the appendices which included:

·  Available funding for the current financial year.

·  Clarification around some of the projects seeking financial assistance.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the spend to date and current balances for the 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years.

(ii)  To note that the following application that had been approved since the Community Committee on 26^th January 2015 under the delegated authority of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities)

(iii)  That the following project requesting Wellbeing Funding be determined as follows:

(iv)  To approved the revised Appendix A reflecting decommissioned projects in Alwoodley and Wetherby wards.

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which provides details  about the adoption of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in Leeds, and the associated governance and spending mechanisms. 

The report also aims to act as a starting point for further discussion by the Community Committee.

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which provided details about the adoption of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in Leeds and the associated governance and spending mechanisms.

It was suggested that the report would act as a starting point for further discussion by this Committee.

Lora Hughes, Senior Planner, City Development presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report together with the appendices which included:

·  Adopted on 12^th November 2014, new charging method starts 6^th April 2015.

·  Non-negotiable charge on many new buildings in £s per square metre on gross internal floor area.

·  Applied to all relevant permissions/ development after April, paid when development commences on site.

·  What kind of buildings had to pay

·   Application process

·  Spending  - The Regulation 123 List

·  Ongoing use of Section 106 Agreements

·  Instalments Policy

·  CIL Spending – Neighbourhood Fund

·  Neighbourhood Fund – Infrastructure Priorities

·  Neighbourhood Fund  - Links with Site Allocations and Neighbourhood Planning

·  Strategic Fund – Leeds City Council Spending

Seeking clarification, Councillor Robinson asked who would pay the CIL if the developer was to go out of business.

In responding Ms Hughes said in such circumstances a charge would be put on the land.

In offering comment Councillor Lamb said CIL receipts would generate a lot of  funding for Parish Councils, it was therefore very important that Parish Councils were made aware of their responsibilities to spend. It would be a concern if PCs did not spend.

Councillor Cohen suggested that early engagement with the PCs was required.

The Chair suggested that at a later date, it may be appropriate to consider appointing Co-opted Members to the Committee who represented the Parish Councils.

The Area Leader reported that a presentation was going to be provided to all  Parish & Town Councils at their Annual Liaison Meeting taking place on 23^rd April 2015. The presentation would include a general guidance note for PCs and their obligation to spend their CIL receipts. 

The Chair thanked Ms Hughes for her attendance and presentation

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That the Community Committee continues to develop its approach to CIL spending and further updates be brought back to future meetings of the Committee

To receive minutes of the Outer North East Parish and Town Council Forum held on 22^nd January 2015. The minutes are submitted for information/ discussion.

(Minutes attached)

The Minutes of the Outer North East Parish and Town Council Forum held on 22nd January 2015 were submitted for information/ discussion.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Outer North East Parish and Town Council be received and noted

Date and time of Next Meeting, to be confirmed at a later date.

RESOLVED – To note that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Monday 15^th June 2015 at 6.00pm