Agenda and minutes

Jonathan Butler, Stephen McBarron, Steve Harris, Stephen Garvani, Andy Rontree

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 Chief Democratic Services Officer at least 24 hours before the meeting.)

There were no appeals against refusal of inspection of documents.

1 To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972, 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 the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 or Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as appropriate, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those 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 late items.

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

No declarations of interests were made at the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors C Gruen and F Venner. Catherine Hyde the co-opted member for Armley also sent her apologies.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd November 2023, for approval as a correct record.

RESOLVED – To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd November 2022, as a correct record.

Minute 30 Inner West Community Committee Update Report

Cllr Cunningham had requested further information in relation to the metal sheeting at the bin yard in Armley. Localities Officer to chase up on this information.

Minute 38 – Open Forum

Cllr Bithell updated the Community Committee in relation to inviting members of the Inner West Youth Forum and the New Wortley Youth Board to be part of the Community Committee. Discussions had taken place and she confirmed that two youth members would be part of the Inner West Community Committee and would be taking up roles as part of the Committee from September 2023. They would be able to join in discussions and present their views but would have no voting rights.

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 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.

A resident of Armley addressed the Community Committee and raised concerns in relation to some stone steps on Canal Road which required some form of handrails. Armley Members made note of the request and said it would be looked into.

To receive the report of the City Solicitor which requests Members to give consideration to agreeing the proposed Community Committee meeting schedule for the 2023/2024 municipal year.

The report of the City Solicitor requested Members to give consideration to agreeing the proposed Community Committee meeting schedule for the 2023/2024 municipal year.

Members were informed that Paragraph 5 of the report set out the proposed dates as follows:

·  Tuesday 4^th July 2023 at 6pm

·  Tuesday 5^th September 2023 at 6pm

·  Tuesday 21^st November 2023 at 6pm

·  Tuesday 12^th March 2024 at 6pm

RESOLVED – To agree the following dates and times for the Inner West Community Committee for municipal year 2023/2024:

·  Tuesday 4th July 2023 at 6pm

·  Tuesday 5th September 2023 at 6pm

·  Tuesday 21st November 2023 at 6pm

·  Tuesday 12th March 2024 at 6pm

It was also agreed that the Community Committee would continue to hold meetings at various locations within the three wards.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships 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 2022/23.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships provided 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 2022/23.

Members were provided with the following information:

·  The Wellbeing Fund has a remaining balance of £27,053.04. It was noted that the figure in the report at Paragraph 19 was incorrect. Table 1 of the submitted report showed a breakdown of projects.

·  Members were requested to consider the following projects:

·  It was noted that since the last meeting on 22^nd November 2022 the following projects had been approved by delegated decision notice:

o  New Wortley Christmas in the Community – £2,000 Armley Wellbeing Fund

o  Sandford Paly Area Refurbishment - £5,187.06 Kirkstall Capital Budget

o  Go-Karts - £2,209.20 All three wards Wellbeing Fund

o  Fairfield Lane Grit Bin - £177.22 Bramley & Stanningley Wellbeing Fund

o  St Anne’s Way Skip - £161.90 Kirkstall Wellbeing Fund

o  Upper Rodley Lane Grit Bin Refill - £80.62 Bramley & Stanningley Wellbeing Fund

·  No projects had been declined since the last meeting on 22^nd November 2022.

·  Monitoring information was provided at Paragraph 27 in relation to New Wortley Community Association – Christmas in the Community.

·  The Youth Activity Fund has a remaining balance of £45,089.42. A breakdown of projects funded was provided in Table 2 of the submitted report.

·  The Small Grants and Skips Budget has a remaining balance of £39.99. Table 3 and Table 4 detailed the projects approved.

·  The Capital Budget has ££464.02 available to spend and allocations were summarised in Table 5 of the report.

·  The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) budget currently has £68,582.42 available to spend. Table 6 showed the projects funded.

RESOLVED - To note:

a)  Details of the Wellbeing Budget position (Table 1)

b)  Wellbeing projects considered as below:

c)  Details of the projects approved via delegated decision notice (Paragraph 24)

d)  Monitoring information of its funded projects (Paragraph 26)

e)  Details of the Youth Activities Fund (Table 2)

f)  Details of the Small Grants and Skips Budget (Tables 3&4)

g)  Details of the Capital Budget (Table 5)

h)  Details of the Community Infrastructure Levey Budget (Table 6)

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships provides an update to the Community Committee on the work the Communities Team have been engaged in, based on the priorities identified by the Community Committee.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships presented an update of the work which the Communities Team was engaged in, based on the priorities identified by the Community Committee.

The Community Committee Champions provided updates by theme as follows:

Children and Families

·  Cllr Bithell had already provided an update in relation to the members of the youth committee as part of Matters Arising. It had been noted that two members would be joining the Community Committee from September 2023.

Environment

·  There was to be a city-wide meeting in relation to refuse and recycling with the Waste Strategy to be discussed. Members were informed that the Chief Officer for Environmental Services was due to attend the Environment Sub-Group.

·  It was noted that within the next few weeks there was to be a campaign to Keep Leeds Tidy which is part of the nationwide campaign Keep Britain Tidy. Litter picks were to be arranged. Councillors thanked those who are already part of the litter pick teams within the three wards.

Employment

·  It was noted that in previous years the Community Committee Champions had been invited to discuss issues in relation to employment at a city level meeting. However, this had not commenced after Covid. The Locality Officer offered to follow up on this with the Community Committee Team Manager.

·  Within the Update Report, figures had been provided in relation to unemployment and the uptake of Universal Credit in the Inner West area.

·  It was suggested that Employment and Skills be invited to attend a future meeting.

Community Safety

·  It was noted that there was to be a briefing in relation to the removal of Alley Gates due to new legislation. The Alley Gates had been installed to address the issues of anti-social behaviour. Members were still awaiting the briefing.

·  Police advice was to call 101 if members of the public see any suspicious activity. It was noted the Police do follow up on all calls, however, callers are not always informed of any actions taken or outcome.

·  It was suggested that links included within the Update Report be added to the Community Committee social media pages.

Health Wellbeing and Adult Social Care

·  Covid and Flu vaccinations are still available.

·  Public Health are promoting projects for families and children in relation to overeating. Projects by BARCA delivered in Armley and the Wythers are to continue.

LEEDS 2023 Neighbourhood Hosts

The Neighbourhood Hosts for Armley and Bramley and Stanningley attended the meeting to introduce themselves and provide some information as to what would be happening within the Inner West area for LEEDS 2023.

The following points were noted:

·  As part of Leeds 2023, events would be taking place in all 33 wards in the city as well as larger events in the city centre. LEEDS 2023 is due to go live on 31^st March.

·  The Armley Extravaganza would be taking place at the beginning of August. Once the date has been confirmed the event would be publicised. The community were encouraged to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

To receive the report of the Team Leader, Safe and Sustainable Travel which provides the Community Committee with an understanding of the recently adopted Vision Zero Strategy and its action plan and to gather input from Elected Members and residents

The report of the Team Leader (Safe and Sustainable Travel) introduced an update on the recently adopted Vision Zero Strategy and its action plan.

The following attended this item:

·  Rosie Revell, Team Leader, Road Safety

·  Rebecca Murray- Transport Planner, Influencing Travel Behaviour

Members were provided with a PowerPoint presentation that touched on the following key points:

·  Road accidents and safety statistics were compelling enough for a new approach and the need to bring in the Vision Zero Strategy. The Strategy and Action Plan was adopted in September 2022.

·  There is an ambition that by 2040 no one will be killed or suffer serious injuries on roads in Leeds.

·  The 4 guiding principles: road death and serious injury are not acceptable, humans make errors and are vulnerable to injury, safe system approach and everyone is responsible.

·  The 5 safe system pillars of actions: safe speeds, safe roads, safe vehicles, safe behaviours and people and post-collision learning and care.

·  The language used is to change to talking about victims and drivers (not vehicles).

·  Date driven interventions in terms of police operations targeted the fatal 5 (speed, mobile phone usage, not wearing a seatbelt, distraction and careless driving). The approach to change these would be through behaviour change campaigns, education, infrastructure, targeted communications, funding bids and reporting.

·  Highway Code updated 2022: hierarchy of road users - those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.

·  Changes to speed camera criteria introduced in February 2023. There is additional flexibility in siting criteria and warning signage will not always be present.

·  An overview of how Highways and Transportation aim to achieve Vision Zero: infrastructure changes, partnership with Leeds and West Yorkshire Safe Roads Partnership, awareness raising events and radio campaigning, Visual Messaging System (VMS) road safety messaging, school safety lessons, citywide targeted communications, Speed Indication Devices (SIDs), wheelie bin stickers, monitoring collision data and analysis and other data led interventions and trials.

·  Promotion of ‘Operation Snap’ where photographic evidence showing driving offences that can be submitted to West Yorkshire Police (WYP) online.

In response to questions from Members of the Committee and members of public in attendance, the Community Committee were informed of the following:

·  Information in relation to causation factors of accidents would be sent to Members with a breakdown by ward.

·  The Action Plan would review speed limits and would also look to promoting 20mph restrictions in residential areas.

·  It was noted that mobile phones were one of the major causes of distraction for drivers. However, the team acknowledge that there are other distractions such as children whilst they are passengers in a vehicle. The team would look at this as part of education to schools along with the use of E-Scooters. It was recognised that E-Scooters had become popular, and training was being included along with cycling for schools and the team were looking to build on this type  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

The report of the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation presents a proposal for the development of community committee area focused action plans that draw together key funding proposals for new local area transport investment. And provides an introduction to a new Leeds Healthier Streets, Spaces and Communities project for local sustainable mobility and the plans for a roll out to community committee areas.

The report of the Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation) introduced an update on a focused action plan that draws together funding proposals for new local area transport investment. The report also complements previous briefings on other aspects of the highways and transportation service by providing an update on funding and changes to the project pipeline for transport strategy focused schemes at a local level.

Appended to the submitted report included a briefing paper on Better Places: Leeds Healthier Streets, Spaces and Communities and prospective sites for “pilot” schemes, Healthier Streets, Spaces and Communities.

Attending for this item were:

·  Andrew Hall (Project Consultant)

·  Gwyn Owen Principal Transport Planner

The Community Committee were provided with a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following points:

·  The main sources of funding for sustainable local area transport are received through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the government’s City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and Active Travel England.

·  The proposed Local Area Transport Plans will be simple “informal” documents that set out key ambitions for mobility and transport investment for the wards in each community committee area.

·  The early development and scoping of the project has commenced to identify potential sites and priorities using the settlements listed in the Local Development Framework, with an initial focus on the larger towns and centres, with Kirkstall, Armley and Bramley highlighted as potential areas for the pilot schemes.

·  This is the initial stage of conversation, and it is intended that officers will attend additional Community Committee meetings to discuss in detail what will be incorporated into the Plan.

·  The introduction to a new Leeds Healthier Streets, Spaces and Communities project for local sustainable mobility and the plans for a roll out to community committee areas. Seeking to identify best use of the 6.2 million capital fund.

In response to questions from Members and members of the public the following information was provided:

·  Discussions will take place with Ward Members over the next few months to look at potential schemes for the area.

·  The ‘20 minute neighbourhood’ is a planning term used in relation to sustainable transport not requiring the use of a car, so looking at public transport, walking and cycling.

·  ‘Better Places’ relates to funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) who fund schemes in relation to mobility hubs and bike clubs.

·  It was acknowledged that Armley Town Street already fits within the 20 minute neighbourhood thinking as it has access to shops, library, leisure facilities, and public transport links. However, some of the issues facing Armley are the type of shops on Town Street and Town street is not mobility aid friendly as there are no dropped kerbs. It was noted that all town centres and district centres would be considered to see which areas would benefit the most from the funding.

·  It was acknowledged that Armley had missed out previously on funding to improve the shopping area. It was noted that the areas who would get funding need to show a good community support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

To note the date and time of the next meeting.

It was noted the next meeting of the Inner West Community Committee would be on 4^th July 2023 at 6pm.

The meeting concluded at 19:45