Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everybody to the remote meeting of the Inner East Community Committee. The Chair explained that internet connectivity may be an issue for some participants and suggested it may be appropriate to appoint a Vice Chair who could assume the Chair should the Chair lose connectivity. The Chair proposed that Councillor Salma Arif be nominated as the Vice Chair, the proposal was seconded, upon being put to the vote the motion was passed.

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 was no exempt information.

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. Supplementary information had been received in relation to Agenda Item 10, Domestic Violence and Abuse Update and Agenda Item 12, Finance Report. These had been published and distributed prior to the meeting.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

To receive any apologies for absence

There had been no apologies for absence.

In order to facilitate the Open Forum item whilst Community Committee meetings are being held remotely, the process has been adapted slightly, so that members of the public are invited to make written submissions in advance of the meeting on any matter which falls within the Community Committee’s terms of reference. These will be read out by the Clerk under this agenda item and considered by the Community Committee.

In order to facilitate the Open Forum item whilst Community Committee meetings are being held remotely, the process has been adapted slightly, so that members of the public are invited to make written submissions in advance of the meeting on any matter which falls within the Committee’s terms of reference.

On this occasion, no submissions had been received.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held 5^th December 2019.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 5^th December 2019, be approved as an accurate record.

Matters Arising

Minute 44, Poole estate development – a member from the Killingbeck and Seacroft ward, explained there had been meetings with developers (Strata and Keepmoat) to identify greenspace developments in the area. It was confirmed that proposals are being considered in terms of the Seacroft hospital site, with plans for a play area and to restrict motorbike access.

To receive a verbal update on the flooding and green space improvements being made along the Wyke Beck.

Jonathan Moxon, Flood Risk Manager was in attendance and provided the Community Committee with an update and presentation on the measures in place in the city to reduce flood risk, and in particular an overview of the Wyke Beck Valley Programme.

The Wyke Beck Valley Programme is a £4.7million package of works consisting of 3 projects in Leeds; Arthurs Rein, Killingbeck Meadows and Halton Moor. The programme aims to reduce flood risk to existing properties, support housing and economic growth, create new habitat and provide environmental improvements and improve amenity and quality of place. An overview was provided to members on why the Programme was needed, particularly for those residents in areas prone to flooding, such as the Dunhills.

An update on the 3 projects, were highlighted as follows:

·  Arthurs Rein – the scheme involved transforming an underground storm drain into an open channel to help improve capacity and water flow. This scheme had many benefits including creating new habitat, to help connect residents to greenspace and wildlife and opportunities for housing developments;

·  Killingbeck Fields – the scheme included a new flooding control structure and flood storage at Killingbeck Fields Local Nature Reserve. The scheme was designed to hold back and store flood water within the site. The scheme also included new ponds and seasonal wetlands, wildflower and wetland planting, improved paths and seating and interpretation boards.

·  Halton Moor – work on this scheme included new trees, plants, seats and wildflowers as well as improved footpaths and interpretation panels to offer enhanced access and visitor experience. Funding was secured by working in liaison with partners such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Environmental Agency, in order to provide multiple benefits to the local area.

The Flood Risk Manager concluded by highlighted the positive benefits of each of the schemes in relation to the creation of jobs as a result of the programme, the number of new trees that will be planted across the catchment area and the addition of housing and additional green infrastructure.

Members’ discussions included the following:

·  Responsibility for maintenance of the Wyke Beck – it was noted that the overall responsibility of the Beck maintenance is the Environment Agency. However, in terms of the new flood risk assets, the council had attracted funding as part of the deal for maintenance moving forward and would last approximately 10 years. Parks and Countryside were already working in conjunction with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for all three sites;

·  Concern that the schemes will attract anti-social behaviour – it was confirmed that the sites had already seen issues in terms of ASB, particularly from children. Each of the sites have been assessed and the appropriate measures have been put in place and will be monitored regularly in terms of the sites structure;

·  Clarity on whether the jobs and apprenticeships had been created locally – There is ongoing work to strengthen requirements around recruitment, specifically in relation to local labour needing to be a preference. In terms of the wider  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To receive a verbal update and presentation on domestic violence and abuse in the Inner East Community Committee area.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report that introduced a verbal update and presentation on domestic violence and abuse in the Inner East Community Committee Area.

Sunita Jhamat, Domestic Violence Programme Officer was in attendance and delivered a PowerPoint presentation which provided an overview of:

·  Key data related to reported domestic violence in the Inner East area, and the rest of the city. Data included Police Reports, Inner East comparisons by month, Incident Types, Leeds MARAC and Domestic Homicides in Leeds;

·  The impact of Covid-19 on reports of domestic violence, with initial decline in reports due to access barriers for front door teams – resulting in limited support available to victims and perpetrators;

·  A snapshot of current projects and interventions in the Inner East area to address issues including delivery of the Quality Mark, work of the Local Care Partnerships (LCP), support through local GPs and the Early Help Hub;

·  The implications of the Domestic Violence Bill due to be introduced in 2021 and the new governance arrangements in Leeds as a result of that;

·  Moving forward, opportunities for Community Committee engagement and raising awareness in the Inner East area.

Members’ discussion included the following:

·  Members noted the good work of the Seacroft LCP in decreasing reported domestic violence in the Inner East area. The importance of replicating good practise across the other LCPs in the area was highlighted. In response, it was noted that the Seacroft LCP had chosen domestic violence as their theme to work on, and that work to replicate this would be looked at;

·  In response to a query regarding the number of homicides related to the Inner East area, it was confirmed that the number would be provided to Members in due course;

·  In recognising communities with language barriers, Members sought clarity on the mechanisms in place to support the Gypsy Roma Traveller community. In responding, it was acknowledged that there was high prevalence in the Inner East area, particularly in the Clifton and Nowells area and Harehills. It was confirmed that the Gypsy and Roma Traveller Team for that area had been working towards their Quality Mark, and some staff had received training on how to identify signs of domestic violence. Whilst the training had stopped due to Covid-19 and staff management issues, the Domestic Violence Programme Officer would seek to ensure training would be re-started;

·  Members highlighted the importance of Identifying organisations to apply for the Quality Mark, to help better support victims of domestic violence across the Inner East area.

The Head of Stronger Communities reassured members that work with Safer Leeds included identifying local businesses to apply for the Quality Mark. Additional areas of work included, working with younger children who may have been affected by domestic violence and replicating good practice across LCPs in the Inner East area.

The Chair thanked Sunita for her attendance, work and information shared with Members.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report and verbal update.

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities 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.

(Report attached)

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities updated Members on the work which the Communities Team are engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. It also provided opportunities for further questioning, or to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

This report also provided 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 were in attendance for this item:

o  Ruth Tiernan, Localities Officer

o  Ian Kenning, Localities Manager

o  Suzanne Hardy, Service Manager Environmental Services

o  Darren De Souza, Community Health Development Manager, Mentally Healthy Leeds

The Service Manager (Environmental Services) provided a summary of the work undertaken by the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team. It was noted that data set out at point 11 of the submitted report had now been updated, although the trends remained the same. The following information had been highlighted:

·  Fly tipping reporting across all of the Inner East areas had decreased;

·  Bulky collections reporting had increased slightly;

·  Enforcement Officers have been particularly working in Harehills on the waste in gardens;

·  Courts have resumed services, and there has been many prosecutions;

·  Clean up events in the Burmantofts and Richmond Hill ward;

·  The majority of services are running as usual;

·  Close liaison with Highways on gritting streets, with focus on Covid-19 vaccination centres.

Members had requested the following information:

·  Clear and comparative data showing key areas for reporting and referrals over the last 3 months;

·  The location and overall number of grit bins. It was requested that the Head of Stronger Communities liaise with the Highways Department to receive this information.

The Community Health Development Manager provided members with an update on the Touchstone Loves Food project, and data in relation to food distribution and supply. Members heard that 160,000 meals had been delivered city wide. In relation to the Inner East Committee Area, 50,000 had been delivered to Burmantofts and Richmond Hill, 21,600 to Gipton and Harehills and 2,800 to Killingbeck and Seacroft – 36% of the work had been based in Inner East Leeds. Mental health support has also been provided, with approximately 200 hours of intensive telephone support to residents.

The Chair thanked Darren and his organisation, with particular mention to the support provided to people across the communities who need it the most.

The Localities Manager in attendance, provided an update on a new funding package funding by Government, in relation to the Community Care Volunteering Hubs. It was confirmed that funding will sustain the hubs up until 30 June 2021, and the Inner East Committee Area in particular would receive £30,000 per hub, and additional funding for food. In addition to this, Voluntary Action Leeds are looking at doing a piece of work around coordinating the hubs to provide respite care and food coordination.

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the contents of the report and information provided at the meeting;

b)  Requested that information in relation to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities 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 2020/21.

(Report attached)

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities 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 2020/21.

Members were informed of the following points:

·  Paragraphs 17 – 19 provided an update on the Wellbeing Fund. A full breakdown of projects was provided at Table 1. The total revenue funding available to the Community Committee for 2020/21 is £215,393.93, with a remaining balance of £43,251.69;

·  Members were requested to consider Wellbeing applications in relation to Lincoln green planters, 2 Way Street, Denbeigh Trees, Virtual Hubs, Temporary CCTV at Haselwood Drive, Premier League KICKS and Project Development Officer. Members were in agreement to approve these applications – a member requested details of the job post for the Project Development Officer. It was confirmed that this be circulated to all Community Committee members;

·  Since the last consultative meeting on the 28^th September 2020, the following projects had been approved by DDN:

Ø  Community Food Share Project

Ø  Nowell Mount Hub Furniture & Equipment

Ø  Life Connections After School Club

Ø  Zoom for Fun, Packages for One

·  Since the last consultative meeting on the 28^th September 2020, the following project had been deferred:

Ø  Streetworks Soccer – Ebor Gardens Football £4,900 (Wellbeing)

·  An update was provided on Burmantofts Men’s Wellbeing and Social Group;

·  Youth Activities Fund updates were provided at paragraphs 33 – 35. Balances and projects were set out at Table 2 of the report;

·  Paragraph 39, Table 4 of the report outlined projects that have been approved through the 20k ward based Wellbeing budget set aside to support the local community through the Covid-19 pandemic. It was noted that an injection of £30,000 had been received from Government, and would be reflected at the upcoming March meeting;

·  Members were requested to consider projects from the Capital allocation, in relation to Seacroft Gardens Playground and Cycling Opportunities. Members were in agreement to approve these applications;

·  The CIL balance was £71,961.19 with the CIL allocation outlined in Table 6.

·  Table 7 and 8 of the report detailed projects not yet started due to the pandemic.

RESOLVED – To note details of the following:

a)  Wellbeing Budget position (Table 1)

b)  Youth Activities Fund (Table 2)

c)  Small Grants & Skips Budget (Table 3)

d)  Covid-19 ward based Budget (Table 4)

e)  Capital Budget (Table 5)

f)  Community Infrastructure Levy Budget (Table 6)

g)  Wellbeing projects funded by the Community Committee that have not yet started (Table 7)

h)  Youth Activities Fund projects funded by the Community Committee that have not yet started (Table 8)

The Community Committee approved the following applications:

·  Lincoln Green Planters (Wellbeing) - £1,390.09

·  2 Way Street (Wellbeing) - £1,528.67

·  Denbeigh Trees (Wellbeing) - £1,034

·  Virtual Hubs (Wellbeing) – £2,800.00

·  Temporary CCTV at Haselwood Drive (Wellbeing) - £1,488

·  Premier League Kicks (Wellbeing) - £10,000

·  Project Development Officer (Wellbeing) - £30,000

·  Seacroft Gardens Playground (Capital) - £6,000

·  Cycling Opportunities (Capital) -  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To note the date and time of the next formal meeting as 17^th March 2021, at 6 pm.

RESOLVED – To note the date and time of the next meeting as 17^th March 2021, at pm.

(The meeting concluded at 20:00)