Agenda item

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

issue.

Updates were provided by the Community Committee Champions:

Children and Families – Cllr Flynn had submitted a briefing note for the update report but had left the meeting prior to this item. Therefore, Cllr Lay advised the Community Committee that the sub-group had met earlier in the day to discuss Youth Activity Projects for 2022/23. He advised the Committee that the criteria for the Youth Activities Fund had changed. It was the view of the Committee that Youth Activity Fund was for universal projects, and they were concerned that projects that provided targeted work with vulnerable children could not apply. He suggested that the Chair may wished to raise a concern at the Community Chairs Forum that there was now a gap in provision for vulnerable children with funding aimed at targeted projects. It was also noted that the age range means that some organisations are unable to access Youth Activity Funding.

Members also discussed the need for monitoring of projects before more funding is provided to organisation who have requested funding previously. Members suggested that where a request for funding was over £5,000 that the organisation should meet in person to discuss proposed projects.

Environment and Community Safety – Cllr B Anderson advised the Committee that discussions had taken place with Parks and Countryside about budget changes and the promotion of the officer within that section. It was not known who would replace him. It was noted that the Council now seemed to be getting back to normal working.

Excellent information had been provided in relation to gullies in this area and the officer was aware of all issues.

He had met with the local Inspector to discuss community safety. A briefing was to be arranged with Leedswatch to provide information in relation to the work that they do.

Transport – Cllr Wadsworth informed the Community Committee that the Transport sub-group had met on 25^th February 2022, with WYCA in attendance. They had discussed at length the issue of public transport not only for the Outer North West area but on a city-wide scale. Concerns had been raised in relation to First Bus especially around funding.

The group had also discussed park and ride including proposals for the one at the airport.

Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care – Cllr Latty had nothing to report.

Employment and Skills – Cllr Downes, acknowledged that a lengthy update had been provided as part of the submitted report. It provided information in relation to Universal Credit, impact of covid on the hospitality and health and social care sectors. It was suggested that Cllr Downes call a meeting of the sub-group with one Member from each ward attending to discuss the update report.

Richard Marshall, Housing Manager for the Outer North West was in attendance at the meeting and invited to address the Committee. He informed the Committee that housing staff are now hybrid working, with rent collection a priority.

It was recognised that during the pandemic voids had increased due to repairs not being able to take place, this was now ongoing. Energy improvements works are being undertaken on housing stock including insulation and decarbonisation works.

It was noted that the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team had been to tidy communal areas around Regent Crescent and Regent Close. The Committee was advised that estate walkabouts had now resumed as normal with Members and the public allowed to attend, Members were also advised that the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team were invited to these.

Detailed updates had been received from Housing, Public Health and Safer Leeds in relation to CCTV. 

Members were requested to note the social media pages

RESOLVED – To note the content of the report.

Cllrs Shemilt and Taylor left the meeting at 15:55 during this item.