Agenda and minutes

Jonathan Butler, Stephen Garvani, Steve Harris, Stephen McBarron, 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 were made at the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies.

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.

Young People from the Inner West Youth Forum and New Wortley Youth Board were present at the meeting and spoke to the Members of the Community Committee about the projects and volunteer work they had been involved in over the summer.

The young people explained that through the school they had been given the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Leeds and this had opened up further opportunities to become involved in volunteering projects around the Inner West area and take part in projects funded by the Inner West Community Committee.

The projects they had been involved in included painting of the Armley Mural, assisting with the cleaning of the canal, bush crafting, archery and attended the gaming arcade club in Kirkstall and attended activities at Yeadon Tarn.

The young people explained that the opportunity of being part of the Youth Forum and Youth Board was a good experience, where they had made friends, learnt new skills and this could be added to their CV’s. As part of the Youth Forum and Youth Board they had also been asked their views on what they would like to see in the area and what would make their area a good place to live. They had helped with ideas for the new equipment at Armley Park and welcomed the experience of working on projects with local councillors and other organisations.

It was the view that engaging with young people was best through the schools, social media, online surveys with Tik Tok and Instagram being their preferred ways of communicating. They said that they just wanted to be listened to and for their ideas to be considered as they were interested in what happened in their area and for their future.

The Councillors thanked the young people for attending and speaking with enthusiasm. They were pleased that funded projects and volunteering work had opened up opportunities for them and asked to be invited to attend other projects and volunteering work.

The Community Committee said that they would welcome more young people to attend and speak about their experience of being part of the Youth Forum and Youth Board. The Members showed their appreciation of their attendance with a round of applause.

The young people decided to stay for the next item to offer their views on the Local Plan Consultation.

Councillors Heselwood and Venner joined the meeting at 18:15 during this item.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 6^th September 2022, to approve as a correct record.

RESOLVED – To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 6^th September 2022, as a correct record.

Minute 27 – Highways Annual Improvement Consultation

Cllr Bithell wished it to be noted that the Highways Officer who had attended the last meeting had been helpful in assisting with items not on the list and wanted to thank him for his efficient response.

Minute 29 – Inner West Community Committee Finance Update Report

It was noted that dates were needed for the workshops to discuss funding applications.

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.

The report of the Policy and Plans Group Manager provides the Inner West Community Committee with a brief synopsis of the Local Plan Update public consultation, for general promotion and to gather input from Elected Members and residents on any further engagement we can do in communities, to raise awareness and encourage participation in the consultation.

The report of the Policy and Plans Group Manager provided the Community Committee with a brief synopsis of the Local Plan Update Public Consultation, for general promotion and to gather input from the Elected Members and residents on any further engagement in the communities, to raise awareness and encourage participation in the consultation.

The officers attending the meeting were grateful that the young people from the Youth Forum and Youth Board had stayed for this item, as they wished to know their views on the consultation process and encourage them to be involved in the process.

It was acknowledged that the language in the Local Plan was ‘dry’. However, the Council needs to determine what happens in the city and acts on policies of the city and the Government. It was the view that these policies were not strong enough and there was a need for this consultation on a wide range of issues. People were being asked to either support the ambitious changes for the city or object to the proposals.

There are a number of ways to engage in the process which included online, mobiles and Youtube video explaining what the Council is trying to change and achieve. It was also noted there was a separate survey aimed at younger people looking for input on important issues for them such as climate change and development. It was noted that there were 5 £10 shopping vouchers for younger people who complete the survey.

The Committee were advised that from consultation so far it showed that young people were concerned on climate change and housing. It was recognised that policies which had been adopted addressed issues such as zero carbon, housing, flood risk, and highlighted the need for blue and green infrastructure on new developments. The Council was also working on place making which looked for better designs, proximity to amenities and local facilities within walking distance to developments.

The public consultation aim was to involve areas and find out what the priorities are for the area. It was noted that the consultation period would finish on 19^th December 2022. The officers said that they would be happy to arrange a workshop in relation to climate change. There was still opportunity to make changes and suggest different things or object to certain parts of the plan.

Member’s discussions included:

·  The Local Plan is important to the city, and there is also a need for smaller plans to link to it, such as neighbourhood plans. It was noted that neighbourhood plans looked at houses, streets and footpaths. It was acknowledged that most neighbourhood plans only went up to the ward boundary. It was suggested that links should be made with other neighbouring wards and linked into the Local Plan.

·  Members were of the view that should be safe access to green spaces, and this differed across the city.

·  Members who had tried to access the consultation thought it was a lengthy process requiring at least 10 clicks to get onto  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

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.

The Locality Officer presented the report and provided the following information:

·  There is currently a remaining balance of £37,269.30. A full breakdown of the projects is listed in Table 1

·  Members were requested to consider the following applications

·  Paragraph 24 of the report listed the projects which had been approved through Delegated Decision since the last meeting.

·  It was noted that no application had been declined.

·  Members were advised monitoring information would be provided for the next Community Committee Finance Report.

·  The Community Committee was asked to note that so far, a total of £27,148.50 has been allocated to projects, as listed in Table 2. The Community Committee is also asked to note that there is a remaining balance of £50,129.42 in the Youth Activity Fund.

·  Small Grants & Skips Budget of currently a remaining balance of £1,418.02. Approved projects are detailed in Table 3 & Table 4

·  The Inner West Community Committee has a capital budget of £3,851.08 available to spend. Members were asked to note the capital allocation summarised in Table 5.

·  The Community Committee is asked to note that there is £68,582.42 currently available to spend in the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) 2022/23 and projects funded were listed in Table 6.

Responding to questions from Members, the Community Committee were provided with the following information:

·  As far as officers are aware at this point any funding left unspent from the Youth Activities Fund could be carried forward to next financial year.

·  Officers had consulted with the Breeze Team in relation to the Saturday Night Project which had previously been held at Armley Leisure Centre. Unfortunately, they did not have the staff to run a project at this time. The Locality Officer suggested that they look at other organisations and projects and bring these back for Member’s consideration.

·  Councillors discussed the use of different skip companies for estate action days and the different experiences they had received. Members had suggested that one company should be agreed on by the Committee. Members were advised of a new process for the Small Grants and Skips Funds being presented to Cllr Harland. Officers said they would report back on the outcome of this.

·  Members queried the amount remaining in the Capital Budget and the CIL Budget. Officers to check and report back.

·  Members requested that information be provided to them in relation to spend by ward of Capital and CIL budgets for the past 5 years.

RESOLVED – To note:

a. Details of the Wellbeing Budget position  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships 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.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships brought to members’ attention an update of the work which the Communities Team is engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee.

The Community Committee Champions provided the following updates:

Children and Families

·  Cllr Gruen said that she was pleased that the Youth Summit was back to the format it had been before Covid. She said that the day had gone well, and she had received good feedback from the schools that had attended. She said that the mix of young people had been the best so far and all had engaged with the day.

·  Members acknowledged that some parts of the day from their perspective could have gone better. It was suggested that before the next Youth Summit, Members should meet and discuss what could be improved on.

Environment

·  The next meeting of the sub-group was scheduled for January, and it was proposed that the Cleaner Neighbourhoods team would attend. Cllr Ritchie said that it had been noted there had been a slow response in relation to leaf clearing in some areas and this could be discussed at the sub-group.

Employment, Skills and Welfare

·  It was noted that regular updates are provided to the Committee in relation to employment and Universal Credit, and these would be provided at the next meeting.

·  Cllr McKenna said that he was disappointed that as Community Champion he had not had an opportunity to be involved in cross council sub-groups which had operated previously. He was of the view that if the Community Champion Roles were to work properly these cross council sub-groups needed to be reinstated. The Locality Officer offered to check on this and report back.

Community Safety

·  Cllr Ritchie raised his concerns in relation to the proposed removal of alley-gates. It was his view that the use of alley-gates had been effective in reducing anti-social behaviour and that there would be cost implications in removing them, which would have a financial impact on the council’s budget. He suggested that this be discussed at the next meeting of the sub-group.

·  Members did query the accuracy of the numbers of anti-social behaviour especially in relation to Armley. Members were advised that this had been discussed at the recent Housing Advisor Panel and the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment was aware of the concerns and was to check the numbers and do work in this area.

Member’s discussions also included:

·  Cost of Living Engagement Events

·  Bonfire Night Diversionary Activities and Planning. It was noted that Members had been disappointed in how the £2,000 had been used and requested more information.

·  Members commented on the content of the report saying that the information provided was very informative.

RESOLVED – To not the content of the report

To note the next meeting of the Inner West Community Committee is scheduled for 14^th March 2023 at 6pm.

To note the next meeting of the Inner West Community Committee will be on 14^th March 2023 at 6pm. It was suggested that the meeting should be held in Kirkstall.

The meeting concluded at 19:30