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 was no exempt information on the agenda.

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’.

There were no declarations.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors S Field and S McCormack.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2023.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

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 remit of the Community Committee.

On this occasion no members of the public wished to speak.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerhips.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships informed the Committee of a presentation from the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Fiona Chapel and Esther Bissell of the Lifelong Leaning Centre were in attendance to give the Committee a presentation.

In introducing the presentation, it was reported hat the Lifelong Learning Centre was based within the University of Leeds and supported mature students who may not previously have had the opportunity to study at degree level.

Further issues highlighted from the presentation 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.

·  The role of student volunteers.

RESOLVED – That the report and presentation be noted.

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

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships invited Members to discuss current community safety concerns in Outer East Leeds.

Georgia Taylor of the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour team addressed the Committee.  Lates figures for anti-social behaviour were highlighted.  There had not been any emerging trends or issues across Outer East and reference was made to the planning in the lead up to the bonfire period and the diversionary activities provided by the Youth Service.  Members were made of the drop-in sessions that had started at the Garforth Hub and it was asked that similar sessions be provided elsewhere.

Members thanked Georgia for her update and highlighted the success of the diversionary work during the bonfire period and how this demonstrated the success of partnership working.

Sergeant Tom Goringe updated the committee on policing issues in the area.  There was an overall decrease in the amount of serious and acquisitive crime in Outer East Leeds although there had been a slight increase in Garforth & Swillington.  There was positive news with regards to anti-social behaviour and there had been success with Operation Dieselcrest in tackling nuisance with off road bikes.  There had been the seizure of three bikes and one arrest during the past week.  People were encouraged to keep reporting any further incidents.  Further issues highlighted included the following:

-  Use of the trojan bus which had plain clothes officers spotting crime and anti-social behaviour.

-  Issuing of warnings to young people and their parents with regards to anti-social behaviour.

-  Anti-social vehicle use – partnership work with North Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council and use of the new Public Spaces Protection Order.

-  Tackling serious organised crime and urban street gangs,

-  There was now a dedicated officer working with the youth service and schools to support diversionary work.

Members thank Sergeant Goringe for the update.

RESOLVED – That the report and discussion be noted.

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

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 2023/24.

Charlotte Fletcher,  Localities Officer presented the report.

The following was discussed:

•  There was £15,779.82 remaining in the Wellbeing Revenue budget.  A ward by ward breakdown was given.

•  Wellbeing projects for consideration. 

•  Monitoring information of applications funded by the Committee

•  Delegated Decisions taken since the last meeting.  Members expressed thanks for the work on the restoration of the Kippax War Memorial.

•  Remaining balances in the Youth Activities Fund; Small Grants, Skips, Tasking, Capital, and Community Infrastructure Levy budgets.

RESOLVED – 

(1)  That the minimum conditions for delegated decisions as outlined in the report be noted.

(2)  That details of the change regarding the administration of Small Grants be noted.

(3)  That details of the Wellbeing budget position be noted.

(4)  That the following projects be approved:

-  Community Youth & Play Together - £2,450.00

-  GDGNS Money Buddies Service - £3,000.00

-  Pendas Noticeboard - £2,500.00

-  Barley Hill Public Space CCTV - £2,400.00

(5)  That monitoring information be noted.

(6)  That details of projects approved via delegated decision be noted.

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

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

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

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

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships brought Member’s attention to work which the Communities Team was involved in based on priorities identified by the Community Committee.  It also provided opportunities for questioning or to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

Charlotte Fletcher, Localities Officer presented the report.

The following was discussed:

-  Children & Families – Councillor Millar informed the Committee that the recent meeting of the Corporate Parenting Board had seen the agenda set by local looked after children.  The findings of the My Health My School survey had been discussed and it was highlighted that there were disproportionate issues in relation to the use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes for looked after children.  There had also been the preparation of a good tips guide for social work with children in care.

-  Community Safety – Councillor Harland made reference to the good partnership work across the area and the success of the Operation Dieselcrest.  PACT meetings had not attracted many members of the public.

-  Youth Service provision in the area – there had been a wide range of engagement in Youth Clubs and with the Youth Matters Groups.  Activities had included a drama workshop with the University, trips to Flamingo Land and to see Oliver at the Playhouse.  Diversionary work for bonfire night had included a visit to York Road Fire Station.  Youth clubs remained well attended and further work included young people engaging with the police.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Tuesday, 5 March 2024 at 6.00 p.m.

Tuesday, 5 March 2024 at 6.00 p.m.