Agenda item

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which sets out the draft priorities for the Outer North East Area Committee which form part of the Area Committee’s Business plan.

Inspector Matt Davison, West Yorkshire Police will provide an update on the Neighbourhood Policing teams

(Report attached)

The Chair introduced and welcomed to the meeting Chief Inspector Matt Davison, West Yorkshire Police.

Beverley Yearwood, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator was also in attendance.

Chief Inspector Davison explained his purpose in attending today’s meeting was to provide an update on the Police Programme of Change.

Chief Inspector Davison said the key driver to the programme was a 25% cut in police funding over the next three years. West Yorkshire Police were now beginning a restructuring exercise, reducing police numbers but maintaining front line policing and neighbourhood policing. New ways of working would be introduced as part of the programme of change.

Referring to neighbourhood policing, Chief Inspector Davison said the vision was for people to feel safe in the community. It was intended safety neighbourhood units would be created, establishing closer integration with other agencies and even occupying same premises. The immediate plan was now to meet with local partners to discuss the key objective; short, medium and long term.

Referring to operational areas Chief Inspector Davison said the District Headquarters would be based at Elland Road with reactive units based at: Pudsey, Stainbeck, Garforth and Wetherby

A discussion ensued around the transfer of Alwoodley over to the (Outer) North East Safer Neighbourhoods Team as part of the new policing arrangements. Chief Inspector Davison confirmed that staffing resources would transfer to the new team. 

Members expressed concerns around any reduction in front line resources and requested further information on present staffing numbers and proposals for the new team.

Chief Inspector Davison agreed to provide the requested information.

Councillor Buckley asked about support for isolated/ lonely elderly people in outlying villages.

In responding Chief Inspector Davison said households within the community would receive a survey, one of the questions asks if people would wish to be contacted on a regular basis, in this way elderly/vulnerable people may be monitored.

The Chair thanked Chief Inspector Davison for his attendance and presentation, commenting that it was informative and appreciated by the Area Committee.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which set out the draft priorities for the North East (Outer) Area Committee which formed part of the Area Committee Business Plan.

Appended to the report was a copy of the North East (Outer) Area Committee draft Business Plan priorities for 2014/15.

Carole Clark, Area Support Officer, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

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

·  The Area Committee Priorities for 2014/15

·  Community Centres

Referring to section 6.2 of the submitted report Carole Clark reported the receipt of a request from a contractor carrying out development on the site of the former children’s centre to have the use of 10 car parking spaces on the Tree Tops Community Centre car park for the duration of the development works (January 2014 to January 2015).

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the information on the Police Programme of Change

(ii)  To approve the Area Committee Business Plan priorities for 2014/15 as set out in Appendix 1 of the submitted report

(iii)  That the request by a contractor to have use of 10 car parking spaces at Treetops Community Centre for a 1 year period (January 2014 to January 2015) be refused