Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships brought Members attention to work in which the Communities Team was engaged in based on priorities identified by the Community Committee.

Kimberly Frangos, Localities Officer presented the report.

Discussion included the following:

Children & Families – There had been planning for youth events with young people and the next Youth Summit would be held on 7 February 2024.

Two young people from Outer South had been selected as candidates for the Leeds Children’s Mayor and had attended Civic Hall to present their manifestos.  Georgia of Drighlington Primary and Harrison of St Francis Catholic Primary, the selected candidates, were in attendance to present their manifestos.

Georgia’s focussed on mental health support for young people and Harrison’s focussed on inclusivity for those with special educational needs and disabilities.  Members of the Committee congratulated Georgia and Harrison for their excellent work and achievements.  It was proposed for them to present these at the Youth Summit and that the manifestos should be considered at the next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing sub-group and be shared with health partners.

Georgia Taylor of LASBAT updated the Committee on work done to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour across Outer South Leeds.  It was hoped to establish regular meetings with Ward Members.

Inspector Lund updated on policing in Outer South.  Discussion included the following:

·  Staffing – there had been an increase in the number of Police Constables and there would soon be some new PCSOs.

·  Use of electric scooters continued to be a problem.

·  Thanks were expressed for the work which had targeted use of quad bikes at Sugar Hill.

·  Details of the new NPT structures were requested.

·  Concern regarding the theft of mobility scooters at Siegen Close and a request for temporary CCTV.

·  Problems with businesses that had been targeted on Queen Street. There had been an arrest and there had also been arrests following the incident at Ramsdens.

·  There had been a rise in hate crime following the tensions in Israel/Gaza.

·  Problems with parking on pavements particularly around schools.  Members were asked to report specific problem areas.  PCSOs had enforcement powers to deal with this.

·  Work with LASBAT and Housing to tackle nuisance with quad bikes.

Employment, Skills & Welfare – The Committee received a presentation from Esther Bissell and Fiona Chapel of the Life Long Learning Centre.  Issues highlighted included the following:

·  Members were asked for help in connecting the centre to people and groups who could make benefit of the offers provided by the centre.

·  The centre focussed on providing opportunities for adults who maybe had not had the opportunity to study for a degree in the past.

·  The learning hub was based within the University of Leeds and provided support for adults with a focus on community outreach.

·  The centre worked with many different partners including colleges and local and voluntary organisations.

·  Information could be provided regarding pathways to education as well as the provision of guidance and advice including how to get financial support.

·  The centre provided regular open days and taster courses that were aimed specifically at adult learners.

·  In response to questions it was reported that the centre worked with organisations to identify those not in education, employment or training (NEETs) and other hard to reach groups.

Members thanked Esther and Fiona for their presentation.

Health and Wellbeing – there would be a sub-group meeting in January 2024.

Concern was raised regarding the proposed Community Asset Transfer of Rothwell Council Offices.  Negotiation had been halted without explanation and the building had been subject to an accelerated disposal process.  This had caused distress in the community and it was felt due regard and respect to other parties included NHS partners who had shown an interest in the building had not been given.  It was proposed that the Community Committee demonstrated their concern with regard to this.

Chris Gosling, City Development attended the meeting to give the Committee an update on the proposed works at Morley Town Hall that would be funded through the Town Deal program.  Key objectives included improvements to Alexandra Hall, improving accessibility to the building, a new café and interval bar.  In response to questions, the following was discussed:

·  There would be consultation with Town Hall users.  It was asked the the Community Centre Sub-Group be updated and involved.

·  Planning permission had not yet been sought.

·  It was proposed to locate the new accessible entrance to the left hand side at the front of the building.

·  The café would be located on the lower ground floor opposite Alexandra Hall. 

·  The upgrade of Alexandra Hall would enable the use for more events and concerts.

·  The current estimate of costs for the scheme were higher than originally estimated and proposals would be tailored to fit within budget.

David Tooley, Housing Manager provided an update on housing issues in Outer South.  Discussion included the following:

·  Void properties – further information was requested on void levels.

·  Lettings Policy Review – consultation would be held with Ward Members and tenants.  Local Lettings Policies would be an integral part of the review.

·  Due to funding changes Housing Advisory Panels would cease in March 2024.  There would still be funds available towards local environment projects and a small capital budget.  The tenant engagement role would still remain.  Members requested details of any proposed staffing changes.

·  Homelessness – there had been a rise partly due to a rise in no fault evictions.  Members requested figures for Outer South.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report noted.

(2)  That the Executive Member for Resources and the Director of City Development be informed of the Committee’s concerns regarding the disposal of Rothwell Council Offices.