Agenda and 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 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 late items.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor S McCormack.

In order to facilitate the Open Forum 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.  These will be read out under this agenda item and considered by the Community Committee.

In order to facilitate the Open Forum whilst Community Committees were being held remotely, the process had been adapted so that members of the public were able to submit written representations in advance of the meeting on any matter which fell within the Committee’s terms of reference.

The following submissions had been made:

Brandon Jones, First Bus:

First Bus are proud to have introduced the first electric bus route in West Yorkshire on route 5 serving Halton Moor.

Anti-social behaviour in Halton Moor by a minority of people has threatened the safety of passengers and staff.

The incidents have led to several journeys being diverted meaning at certain times the community has lost this important connection.

First Bus are working with the Police to try and identify the culprits.

What other actions can or is being done to reduce anti-social behaviour so people are safe and bus routes are not diverted?

In response it was reported that there had been a number of incident in Halton Moor and the council, police and other agencies had been working in partnership to tackle this.  Ward Members would welcome further discussion with First Bus regarding this as it had not previously been brought to their attention.

A further submission had been submitted regarding provision of bowling greens in the city.  As this was a citywide issue it would be fed into the citywide consultation process.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 10 March 2020

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 March 2020 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Stronger Communities.

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities presented 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.

Bali Birdi, Senior Localities Officer presented the report.

Issues highlighted included the following:

·  There was £33,786.37 should be £36,786.37 remaining in the Wellbeing Revenue Fund.  A breakdown of what was available on ward by ward basis was given.

·  The following projects for consideration:

o  1^st Micklefield Scouts - Outdoor Equipment.  £300 was requested.  It was reported that other funds required for this project had been sourced and Members were supportive of this application.

o  Christmas packs for vulnerable families – Meadowfield, Temple Newsam and Colton Children’s Centre - £560 was requested.  Members were supportive of this application.

o  Christmas packs for vulnerable families – Temple Newsam Community Partnership - £630 was requested.  Members were supportive of this application.

o  Christmas boxes for vulnerable families – Brigshaw Cluster - £250 was requested.  Members were supportive of this application.

·  Details of projects approved via delegated decision since the last meeting.

·  Projects that had been declined since the last meeting.

·  Youth Activities Fund position.  There was a remaining balance of £24,740.58

·  Small Grants Budget – remaining balance was £3.661.35

·  Skips Budget – remaining balance was £1,622.70

·  Position statement on projects funded by the Committee. The ACamps and Dance Fever projects would not be going ahead.  Monies from these would be returned to the budget.  All other projects would be kept on hold or delivered next year.

·  Capital Budget  -  there ws £89,274 remaining.

·  Community Infrastructure Levy – there was £205,697.35 available.

·  The Covid 19 Discretionary Fund.

Members were also informed of the agreement to ringfence a further £10,000 per ward to deal with issues relating to the pandemic.  Further information would be sent to all Members of the Council.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That details of the Wellbeing Budget position be noted.

(2)  That the following projects be approved:

o  1^st Micklefield Scouts - Outdoor Equipment.  £300 (Wellbeing Revenue Fund)

o  Christmas packs for vulnerable families – Meadowfield, Temple Newsam and Colton Children’s Centre - £560 (Youth Activity Fund)

o  Christmas packs for vulnerable families, Temple Newsam Community Partnership – £630 (Youth Activity Fund)

o  Christmas boxes for vulnerable families – Brigshaw Cluster - £250 (Youth Activity Fund)

(3)  That details of project approved via Delegated Decision be noted.

(4)  That details of the Youth Activities Fund (YAF) position be noted.

(5)  That details of the Small Grants Budget be noted.

(6)  That details of the Skips Budget be noted.

(7)  That details of the position statement on projects funded by the Committee that are currently running or on hold and how they have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic be noted.

(8)  That details of the Capital Budget be noted.

(9)  That details of the Community Infrastructure Levy Budget be noted.

(10)  That details of the Community Committees and the Communities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Board received an update from Kris Nenadic

The following was highlighted:

·  Parks had remained open and there had been an increase in visitors to parks. There had been provision of safety information and signage due to the pandemic

·  Multi Use Game Areas, skate parks, outdoor gyms and grass root sports had all been off during the November lockdown. These facilities and services were all now back.

·  Projects – Play Barn at Temple Newsam, City Park, Temple Newsam Golf Course reconfiguration which included provision of of cycle park and play area, playground upgrades across the area.

·  Consultation on Bowling Green provision would finish this week.

·  Tree planting – There would be 220,000 trees to be planted this year.  The see gathering exercise had been completed.  Ward members would be consulted regarding locations for tree planting.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Stronger Communities

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities brought Members’ attention to an update of the work which the Communities Team was 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.

Bali Birdi, Localities Officer presented the report.

The following was discussed:

·  Children & Families – Councillor Hayden thanked all those involved for the delivery of Christmas boxes.  The Youth Summit would be held in the New Year and young people involved in Youth Service activities would be invited to participate.  The Summit would be held remotely. The Kicks Programme in Halton Moor had re-commenced following the recent lockdown.

·  Richard Cracknell, Area Voice & Influence Co-ordinator gave an update on the forthcoming Youth Summit.  It would be held on 26 January 2021 and communication had been held with young people to participate or contribute to the event.

·  Heather Ashby, Anti-Social Behaviour Team Supervisor addressed the Committee and gave an update on the work of the Anti-Social Behaviour Team.  There had been an increase in cases around the Halloween/Bonfire period and the team continued to work in conjunction with the police and youth service.  With regard to a query regarding Leedswatch and a recent issue with CCTV cameras that had not been working, it was reported that a response would be provided following the meeting.

·  Employment, Skills and Welfare – basic key skills training and matching people to job vacancies were highlighted.

·  Health and Wellbeing – Covid testing details across the City and opportunities for new health facilities and the challenge to meet provision over the next ten to fifteen years were highlighted.  Members were also informed of the position with Stay Well Winter Grants.

·  Piers Donno-Fuller, Housing Manager updated the Committee on Housing Services.  Issues highlighted included the recommencement of work such as estate inspections, property viewing and doorstep rent collection.  There had been an increase in arrears and the appropriate support was being offered where needed.  There were still challenges with void properties and lettings.

·  Jo Horsfall of Crossgates Good Neighbours briefed the Committee on work carried out since the start of the pandemic.  This had included being a lead volunteer hub and had overseen tasks such as prescription collection, food collection, collection shopping, dog walking and befriending services.  The Committee was also informed of Christmas arrangements which would include the distribution of presents and provision of lunches and Christmas dinners to members.  Members expressed their thanks to Jo and all at Crossgates Good Neighbours for their work.  Thanks were also extended to other Neighbourhood Networks in the area.

·  Deeta Tren-Humphries and Denise Kempton updated the Committee on Youth Service activity in the area.  Teams had been out working in the area, carrying out welfare checks and engagement where possible. Mobile provision had not always been available due to restrictions.  Further issues discussed included responding to anti-social behaviour, delivery of Christmas activity packs and plans to resume provision when restrictions were lifted.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Stronger Communities

The report of the Head of Stronger Communities informed Members of work to develop Community Engagement Plans in Wards where the transmission rate significantly exceeded the city average, thereby supporting the city’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, keeping the community safe and protecting the NHS.

Liz Jarmin, Head of Stronger Communities addressed the Committee.  The following was highlighted:

·  Following concerns from Ward Councillors regarding transmission rates, a number of local engagement plans had been developed. To encourage people to observe guidelines and keep Ward Councillors involved.

·  Four areas of work had been identified:

o  Places – where people went to work, play etc.

o  Organistaions and groups – how to identify places of increased rates of infection

o  Services and Infrastructure – understanding measures already in place and use of other services such as GP practices.

o  Social media and other forms of engagement.

·  There had been some pleasing reductions over the previous three weeks in the Outer East and Members had played a key part in getting the important messages across.

Members thanked the Communities Team for their involvement.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

Tuesday, 9 March 2021 at 4.00 p.m.

Tuesday, 9 March 2021 at 4.00 pm.