Agenda and draft 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.

Apologies were received on behalf of Councillors S Hamilton, Z Hussain and E Taylor.

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.

A resident explained that his child is a pupil at Bracken Edge Primary School, and he is also part of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) group for that school. The resident sought advice on raising funds for gifts for Christmas, for kids who attend that school. Cllr Dowson confirmed that she, as a Governor at Bracken Edge Primary School will raise it at the next meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held Monday, 16^th September 2024.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16^th September 2024, be approved as an accurate record.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which introduces an update on the work of Healthwatch, Leeds and the challenges it is facing from members of the public about primary care delivery. 

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships introduced an update to be provided to the Inner North Community Committee, from Healthwatch Leeds and the challenges it is facing from members of the public regarding primary care delivery.

The Communications Manager (Healthwatch Leeds) presented a PowerPoint presentation which introduced the service and what they can do in terms of using feedback gathered as part of research to inform services and make recommendations to providers. An overview was provided on its latest projects and findings, the following was highlighted:

Dentistry

·  From July to September 2024, 25 enquiries were received regarding dentistry and 800 people visited the website about NHS dentists.

·  The Youth Watch Group ran a big project on oral health and accessing information.

·  The West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has 6.5 million funding to improve access.

·  Leeds City Council has funded 100k to community programmes to improve education around oral health.

·  More patients are being taken on, particularly children and young people.

Enquires

·  Specsavers subcontract ending leaving 20k patients across Leeds not having access to hearing aid tests and consumables. A briefing paper has been produced on the substantial changes in the city. From July to September 2024, 280 people contacted the service about where to go for Audiology. It is recognised that communications around the change is not being passed on to people. Westcliffe Health Innovations to continue to improve the service.

·  There is a difficulty with booking GP appointments, clarity and responsiveness, quality of care, staff attitudes, waiting times and compassion.

·  Lack of mental health support in the community.

·  Positive feedback from Chapel Allerton Hospital.

·  Positive feedback about police in Roundhay.

Repeat prescriptions

·  Almost half of the people ordered their repeat prescriptions online but fewer people from ethnic minority backgrounds, older age groups and low-income areas were using digital options. It is recognised that GP surgeries must offer ways to order without using a computer or app.

·  Many people found digital systems confusing or didn’t have the skills needed, as well as inconsistent communication from GP surgeries and pharmacies making it unclear how to order.

·  It’s important for surgeries and pharmacies to make people aware of electronic repeat dispensing and provide support.

·  The importance of exploring new ways to keep people informed.

·  Graphs were referred to in respect of digital confidence by multiple characteristics for the Inner North East Leeds area.

Committee Members discussed the following matters:

·  Difficulties obtaining a GP appointment and commented that consistency is required across GP surgeries on how people book appointments.

·  Concern regarding pharmacies stopping home delivery services and inconsistencies with pharmacies offering that service.

·  A comment was made that fluoride is added to water in other cities, and Leeds should follow the same approach to promote better health.

·  Communications around changes to Audiology must be stronger, to ensure that residents know where to go and clarity on how they get a referral. It was confirmed that people must contact Westcliffe Innovations number or email address and ask for an appointment at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which introduces an update regarding the work of the Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods and partners.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships introduced an update on the work of the Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods and partners regarding the first ever closure of Gledhow Valley Road for a Green Fair.

The following attended the meeting:

·  David Myles, Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods

·  Pat Hunter, Canplan

·  David Lumb, Independent Urbanist

·  Nick Wayne, World Music & Food Festival

·  Helen Hobson, CA Spaces

David Myles provided the update on the successes of the Green Fair and provided the following information:

·  The aim of the event was for people to experience Gledhow Valley Woods without traffic running through the woods and to take up active travel in the area, as well as raising awareness of local environmental issues such as air and water quality, global warming and climate change.

·  89% of the people who attended the event walked. 3k people attended the event.

·  5k funding was secured from Climate Action Leeds to facilitate the event and local ward councillors were thanked for their advice in running the event.

·  A number of partners were involved in bringing the event together.

·  80 additional volunteers were secured on the day of the event, and from that, 40 people came forward to say they were inspired to volunteer moving forward.

·  There were approximately 30 stalls.

·  96% of people who visited the event confirmed they were supportive of the road being closed more often. 86% of people thought the woods felt more peaceful without traffic, 68% of people felt that the air was cleaner and people felt more connected to the neighbourhood and meeting other people. It was also confirmed that people wanted to see improvements to Gledhow Beck and Gledhow Lake, as well as improvements to footpaths and cycle paths.

David Myles then requested that:

1)  Local residents have formed a citizens science group to monitor water on a monthly basis and want the opportunity to attend a future meeting to report on the findings.

2)  Clarity on the possibility of the group being successful on an application to gain monies from the Inner North East Community Committee to hold another event in 2025.

3)  People who attended the event commented on the need to improve the footpath and implementation of a cycle lane along Gledhow Valley Road and clarity on any opportunities to do that.

Members comments followed. In summary they related to:

·  The event being a success and well attended.

·  In terms of a future event, Committee Members shared a consensus that subject to financial implications in the future, it may not all, but in part, provide monies for a future event.

·  The Community Committee shared a consensus on the possibility of a road closure on an annual basis.

·  A suggestion for the Citizens Science Group to liaise with the relevant council department on the water quality report and/or findings.

·  Cycle lanes are dependent on funding from Government and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

·  A comment that the opening of the Bath House is a good idea.

·  The Leeds Streets For All  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

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

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

The following key issues were highlighted:

·  An update on the various provision provided by Leeds City Council Youth Service and in particular raising awareness for vulnerable children to access such events.

·  Stop Loan Sharks and the work that has been commissioned at a national level.

·  Vaccination programme has started for flu and covid-19 jabs.

·  Events regarding the White Ribbon campaign.

·  Issues associated with de-leafing on Harrogate Road and Chapel Allerton not being carried out.

·  Success of events regarding the Yorkshire Air Ambulance opening and Remembrance Sunday events.

·  It was noted that next year is the 80^th anniversary of VE and VJ Day and it will be the last big anniversary where veterans can attend. Numerous events will be taking place, and it was requested that residents are engaged with to take part in interviews etc.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report and updates provided during the meeting.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which provides an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund, Youth Activity Fund as well as the CRIS and Community Infrastructure Levy Budget for 2024/25.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships provided an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund, Youth Activity Fund as well as the CRIS and Community Infrastructure Levy Budget for 2024/25.

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

·  Summer Bands in Leeds Parks 2024 - £1,800 (Wellbeing 2025/26) – Approved.

The Localities Officer highlighted the following information:

·  The Wellbeing Budget Position 2024/25. The remaining available balance is £36,740.99.

·  Since the last Community Committee meeting held on the 16^th September 2024, Gledhow Valley Play Area – Lidgett Lane has been approved via DDN for £20,000 (CIL).

·  A breakdown of the Ward Pots Budget 2024/25. The overall remaining balance is £37,276.53. a breakdown per ward was provided as per Table 2 of the submitted report.

·  The Youth Activities Fund 2024/25 position. The remaining available balance is £3,340.14.

·  The Capital Budget 2024/25 position. The remaining available balance is £16,848.

·  The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Budget 2024/25 position. The overall remaining available balance is £29,134.43. A breakdown per ward was provided as per Table 5 of the submitted report.

RESOLVED – To:

a)  Note details of the Wellbeing Budget position (as set out in Table 1 of the submitted report).

b)  Consider the application as outlined above.

c)  Note details of projects approved by Delegated Decision.

d)  Note details of projects declined.

e)  Note details of Skips & Ward Pots (as set out in Table 2 of the submitted report).

f)  Note details of the Youth Activities Fund (YAF) position (as set out in Table 3 of the submitted report).

g)  Note details of the Capital Budget (as set out in Table 4 of the submitted report).

h)  Note details of the Community Infrastructure Levy Budget (as set out in Table 5 of the submitted report).

To note the date and time of the next formal meeting as Monday, 17^th February 2025.

RESOLVED – To note the date and time of the next meeting as Monday, 17^th March 2025. Venue TBC*.

*It was noted that alternative options are being looked at in terms of the venue for the next meeting, subject to cost implications.

The meeting concluded at 18:50.