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.

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:

There were no exempt items.

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

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

There were no formal late items.

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

No interests were raised.

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies were received.

In accordance with Paragraphs 4.16 and 4.17 of the Community 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 Community 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 the Community Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to 10 minutes for members of the public to make representations or ask questions within the terms of reference of the Community Committee.

No matters were raised.

To confirm as an accurate record, the minutes of the previous meeting held Monday, 4^th September 2023.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held Monday, 4^th September 2023 be approved as an accurate record.

Matters Arising

Minute No. 21 – LeedsWatch cameras. A number of incidents were referred to in the Farnley and Wortley ward regarding anti-social behaviour associated with bins being set on fire. Concerns were raised regarding cameras being monitored and the relevant parties not being informed of such incidents. Members expressed the importance of incidents being reported to the police and ward members being kept informed. A suggestion was made that the Outer West Community Committee write to the Safer Leeds partnership. A suggestion was also made that there is a possibility for incidents to be reported at PACT meetings.

Minute No.22 – Outer West Community Committee – Finance Report. It was noted that information has not been fully received regarding the organisation The Music Box regarding their applications they have submitted.

Minute No.25 – Missed Collections Update. Further to a suggestion made at the previous meeting regarding recovery data being added to missed bin reports, it was noted that no update has been received regarding this.

Minute No.26 – Leeds Safe Roads Vision Zero Update. A member commented on the number of incidents that have occurred in the Calverley ward and suggested that a workshop be arranged to tackle issues associated with speeding, in conjunction with West Yorkshire Police, Highways and elected members.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which provides the Community Committee with an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund, Youth Activity Fund, Capital Budget, as well as the Community Infrastructure Levy Budget for 2023/24.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships presented a report that provided the Community Committee with an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund, Youth Activity Fund (YAF), Capital Budget, as well as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Budget for 2023/24.

Projects as outlined in the submitted report were discussed and agreed as

follows:

The following was highlighted:

·  Wellbeing Budget 2023/24. It was noted there is a remaining balance of £26,961.78.

·  No applications have been declined since the previous Community Committee meeting on 4^th September 2023.

·  YAF Fund Position 2023/24. It was noted there is a remaining balance of £6,865.70.

·  A YAF application for consideration, Outer West area activity programme for 2023/24 has been withdrawn and no longer for consideration.

·  Small Grants & Skips Budget 2023/24. There is a remaining balance of £-97.48.

·  Capital Budget 2023/24. There is an overall remaining balance of £17,463.69. A breakdown per ward was provided.

·  CIL Budget 2023/24. There is a remaining overall balance of £193,828.10. A breakdown per ward was provided.

The following was discussed:

·  Further to applications submitted from the organisation The Music Box, members requested that clarity is received with the organisation regarding their applications and finances. Concerns were raised regarding the amount of money requested from the organisation over a number of application, and further information is required before a decision can be taken. The Chair acknowledged different mechanisms for applying for grants.

·  Regarding the withdrawal of the project for Outer West area activity programme for 2023/24, it was suggested that further work be done with the Youth Service to identify a number of young people to engage in activities where this is a gap in provision. Particularly in terms of lower cost and accessible activities.

·  It was agreed that finances relating to the Environmental Improvements at Owlcotes Road project will be split between Pudsey and Calverley and Farsley wards.

·  Further to a request from Councillor Sewards regarding the project for 15 additional/replacement bins in Pudsey, Pudsey Ward Members agreed to not buy an additional 3 bins so that Farnley and Wortley Ward Members can submit locations for new bins in the Farnley and Wortley ward.

·  Farnley and Wortley Ward Members commented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which brings to members’ attention an update of the work which the Communities Team is engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. It also provides opportunities for further questioning, or to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

The report also provides regular updates on some of the key activities between Community Committee meetings and functions delegated to Community Committees, Community Champions roles, community engagement, partnership and locality working.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships provided the Community Committee with an update of the work which the Communities Team is engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. It also provides an opportunity for further questioning, or to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

The report also provides regular updates on some of the key activities between Community Committee meetings, and functions delegated to Community Committees, Community Champion roles, community engagement, partnership and locality working.

The following was discussed:

·  Cleaner Neighbourhood Team are working to clear Flooding Hotspots.

·  Further to recent anti-social behaviour associated issues at Farnley, and bins being set on fire, it was noted that individuals have been identified and it will be up to the police to act. Members praised the cleansing department in responding to the issues. Further to a comment regarding stronger action being taken in terms of intervention work with Leeds Anti Social Behaviour Team (LASBT), it was requested that the Outer West Community Committee write to Safer Leeds and request such intervention work in an attempt to tackle the issues.

·  In terms of reporting issues, a member commented that not many people report issues due to the lengthy waits by calling 101 and suggested that the website to report issues be promoted.

·  To receive an update on the number of empty properties in the Outer West Community Committee area, as well as the properties removed from the rent roll.

·  A member commented on the length of time taken for funds to be released for the new playground at Western Flats. It is anticipated that completion will take 12 weeks, and the importance of this being completed in a timely fashion was noted. A comment was made regarding conditions at the planning application stage needing to be stricter in terms of the release of S106 monies.

·  In terms of the Youth Sumit, it was noted that the take-up of children is not high, and members were asked to provide details of any schools / children wanting to partake. It is confirmed that there is currently a decrease in numbers from the previous event.

·  The Chair discussed the review of Champion roles and commented on the expansion of such a role.

RESOLVED – To note the update and comments made during discussion of this item.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Lifelong Learning Centre which introduces a verbal update about Lifelong Learning services and where possible information specific to the Outer West Wards.

Esther Bissell and Fiona Chapel (Leeds University Community and Partnerships Team) attended the meeting, and provided the Outer West Community Committee with a PowerPoint presentation including the following information:

• What the centre offer and the learning opportunities available to adults to undertake courses and a degree, particularly those who haven’t been provided with similar opportunities in their life.
• The centre run their own degrees and courses, as well as providing pre-entry support.
• Esther and Fiona work in the Community and Partnership Team and provide useful advice to adults around the university and what it can offer. Community engagement aims to widens opportunities for adults to be able to access higher education.
• Key messages are shared in relation to adults being able to attend university at any stage in their life, and there is no ‘standard’ route for adults to access higher education. Myth busting has been undertaken around entry requirements, such as not needing a lot of A-Levels and GCSEs.
• The centre is keen to continue working with community groups to get them onboard and provide relevant taster sessions, as well as webinars to help people more informed decisions about higher education opportunities. It was noted that taster sessions are tailored to groups and individuals.
• The centre has two accredited advice and guidance workers that have a good knowledge of what is going on in the city regarding education and can provide 1:1 advice.
• An overview of full-time foundation years and part-time foundation years.
• There is a student volunteering hub at the university.
• The Jumpstart taster session lasts 8 weeks for people to ‘try out’ university. It was noted that anybody with GCSE’s as highest qualification can attend this course. The centre will also provide people with transport tickets and food to help as much as possible.
• The centre also works with sixth form and schools.

The Committee discussed the following:

·  The professional studies degree is popular amongst people. However, there is a wide range of courses for people to choose from and once people understand their choices, they’re able to access anything they want to. The centre will guide people towards anything they want to and try and overcome any ‘myths’ and barriers people may think they have.

·  The centre engages through community groups and different networks across the city. The centre is keen to explore further contacts and asked members to provide any contact details for groups and individuals.

·  It is anticipated that there will be changes to lifelong learning entitlement in 2025. However, it was confirmed that funding for adults works in the same way as it does teenagers. Leeds has specific funding options that people may qualify and apply for in terms of childcare etc.

·  Members can get involved by sharing messages on social media and any community groups they are in contact with. This is particularly important for people to be aware that the centre exists and provides people with options they may not know exist.

·  The centre work closely with employment departments in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

The date and time of the next meeting is scheduled as Wednesday, 14^th February 2023 at 1pm. Venue TBC.

The Chair requested that another meeting be scheduled shortly after the February Community Committee meeting to discuss budgets for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED – To:

a)  Note the date and time of the next meeting as Wednesday, 14^th February 2024 at 1pm. Venue TBC.

b)  Request that a meeting be scheduled following the February 2024 meeting to discuss budgets for the Outer West Community Committee 2024/25 municipal year.

The meeting ended at 14:30.