Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration which provides an update of the partnership working within the evening and nigh time economy and the work underway to reduce crime and ante social behaviour, in particular within those areas identified by as red zones within the city Centre Cumulative Impact Policy.

(Report attached)

The Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration submitted a report which provided an update of the partnership working within the evening and night time economy and the work underway to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, in particular within those areas identified by as red zones within the City Centre Cumulative Impact Policy.

The Chair introduced and welcomed to the meeting Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive, Leeds Business Improvement District (Leeds BID); Karen Butler, (Leeds BID); Sean Walker, BACIL Manager; Clair McCall, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, Environments and Housing Directorate; Chief Inspector Chris Matthews, Inspector Andy Berriman and Sergeant David Shaw from West Yorkshire Police.

Prior to discussion of the report Members viewed the Leeds BID team video “Welcome to Leeds”

In addressing the report the Chief Executive, (Leeds BID) reported that Leeds had been successful in achieving Purple Flag status for excellence in managing its evening and night time economy. He said Purple Flag was a nationally recognised accreditation and illustrated the safe, well managed and diverse offer of Leeds during the early evening and night time economy.

The Chief Executive, Leeds BID said success had been achieved through effective, collaborative working and strong partnerships and this was reflected in the feedback received from the Assessor.

Referring to the “next steps”, the following actions were identified:

·  Driving positive improvements within the evening and night time economy

·  Key issues include transport, resident engagement, customer information, curation of a sustainable customer service/ welcome for ENTE, a purple manual for businesses

·  Opportunity to engage a wider and new customer base

·  Consumer Campaign – First Phase Spring 2017

Members then heard from representatives from partner agencies, including; West Yorkshire Police, BACIL, LCC City Centre Management and Community Safety, who provided an overview and update of the work underway.

Commenting on Operation Capital and the Members joining Police on night time patrols of the city centre. Members were of the view that the visits had been beneficial in highlighting strengths and weaknesses associated with the night time economy.

Reference was made to possible problems of late night dispersal and issues around plying for hire.

In responding the Chief Executive (Leeds BID) said that ideally he would like to see more Taxi Marshall’s operating in the city centre but this would have to be done in conjunction with the Police. Engagement with the Taxi and Private Hire Trade and Members of the public via the Communication Plan may also assist in getting a message out.

Members congratulated the Leeds BID Team and their partners on achieving the Purple Flag accreditation for the City.

Members welcomed the wider marketing/ collaboration opportunities, particularly for national chains operating in the Purple Flag area, following the awarding of the accreditation.

A number of Members referred to the issue of transport, commenting that public transport to and from the city centre was poor after 6.00pm. Buses to Otley, for example, only ran hourly. Shops were now open until 8.00pm, thousands of workers were employed throughout the night time economy, many of these customers/ workers required public transport to get home but it could be difficult.

It was suggested that Leeds was bidding to become European Capital of Culture 2023 and a good transport network would be required if the bid was to be successful. It was suggested that the Leeds BID Team and European Capital of Culture 2023 Bid Team work together with a view to bringing forward proposals for improving the transport network.

In responding the Chief Executive (Leeds BID) said that public transport

(buses and trains) had been identified as a weakness, the challenge was now to seek improvement and working with the European Capital of Culture 2023 bid team would be explored.

The Chair thanked the Leeds BID Team and representatives from the partner agencies for their attendance and contributions.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To receive and note the information from Partner Agencies

(ii)  That the key issues of transport and resident engagement be pursued as a priority with proposals coming forward

(iii)  That a further report be brought back to the September meeting of this Committee which provides an update on the key issues, in particular discussions with the European Capital of Culture 2023 Bid Team around proposals for improving the transport network.