Agenda item

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing an update on the current position of the revenue & Capital Wellbeing funding for the Area Committee and the expected budget allocation for 2014/15. The report also contains recommendations on budget setting and includes applications for consideration by the Area Committee.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report providing an update on the current position of the Revenue & Capital Wellbeing funding for the Area Committee (AC) and the expected budget allocation for 2014/15 of £161,649.35, including recommendations on budget setting. The report included details of applications for consideration by the AC which had previously been discussed by the Wellbeing sub group.

The report highlighted the following key matters:

• The ring-fenced youth activities budget of £51,670 for 2014/15
• £48,606.45 remained in the NEIAC budget for carry forward to 2014/15. This included underspends in the various 2013/14 pots put aside by the AC
• A 20% city wide reduction in the Area Committees budget allocation for 2014/15 was anticipated and in readiness, the report suggested the AC plan for a budget allocation of £129,448 for 2014/15. This would create a total budget of £161,649.35 for 2014/15

·  The request that £10,000 of the youth activities budget be delegated to the Wellbeing working group. This would allow projects to be commissioned outside of full Committee meetings and provide an on-going and reactive programme of youth activities. All projects approved will be reported to the next full Area Committee meeting.

The AC noted and considered the proposals for NEIAC budget allocations based on 2013/14 priorities as set out in paragraph 3.6.6 of the report:

Festive Lights – The AC considered whether there was scope for local business sponsorship/support for the festive lights in each locality and it was agreed that this should be pursued. The allocations for Moortown and Roundhay wards were agreed by ward councillors with the proposed allocation for Chapel Allerton being deferred to allow more time for consideration by ward councillors

Youth Activities – The AC discussed the future administration of the budget and the suggestion that a mapping exercise be undertaken to identify gaps and/or overlaps in provision. Additionally, it was noted that work was ongoing to ensure the Youth Panel was truly representative of the youth demographic of the locality and able to participate in future consultation/drafting of commissioning plans. The AC agreed to the suggestion that a meeting should be arranged between the responsible officer, the Area Lead for Childrens Services and the NEIAC Chair to discuss the issue.

Wellbeing sub group /Youth activities fund – The AC did not support the proposal to delegate a £10k pot of youth activities funding to the Wellbeing sub group

RESOLVED –

a)  That the proposal to commission the spend of the 2014/15 budget as laid out at paragraph 3.6.6 of the submitted report be approved – with the exception of the following

i)  Chapel Allerton Festive lights – deferred for further consideration

b)  That, having considered the project proposals contained within the report and the comments of the Wellbeing sub group, the following funding be agreed:

• £2,500 - MAEcare project to Promote Partnership and Reduce Social Isolation in older people.
• £7,920 - to create a further Business & Administration Apprenticeship in Inner North East Leeds.
• £2,500 - to the Irish Arts Community participatory programme.

c)  Not to support the proposal to delegate the sum of £10,000 from the 2014/15 youth activity budget to the Wellbeing working group. 

d)  To note the current budget position.