Agenda and minutes

Stephen Garvani, Stephen McBarron, Jonathan Butler and 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 the 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.)

With the agreement if the Chair a late item was added to the agenda in relation to the Co-opted Members Report. This was circulated to all Members for consideration prior to the meeting.

The Chair also agreed for supplementary information to be included in relation to Agenda Item 13 – Finance Report. This was for two Wellbeing applications which was circulated for Members consideration.

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

Cllr Cunningham declared an Other Registrable Interest in relation to Supplementary Information for Agenda Item 13 – Finance Report, as she is a Board Member of Friends of Armley and Gotts Park. 

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence had been received from two of the nominated co-optees:

·  Joanne Fiddes – Bramley and Stanningley nominee

·  Cat Hyde – Armley nominee

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.

On this occasion there were no members of the public present at the meeting.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th March 2022, for approval as a correct record.

Councillors Bithell and Ritchie joined the meeting at 18:10 during this item.

It was noted that there was a typo under minute 47 – Minutes in relation to Cllr Illingworth’s declaration of Other Registrable Interests. Instead of Kirkstall Valley Development Team it should have read Kirkstall Valley Development Trust.

RESOLVED – To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th March 2022 as a correct record.

Minute 47 – Minutes

Cllr McKenna raised the issue of supplementary information being submitted in relation to Wellbeing applications. It was his view that circulating supplementary information for Members to consider Wellbeing applications required more time to look at the applications thoroughly. It had been noted in the previous minutes that a workshop should be convened to look at applications and ensure all the relevant information was included from the organisations, so that full consideration could be given to all applications.

He suggested a paper be brought to the next meeting to consider the suggestion of workshops. It was acknowledged that Members of the Community Committee had given a clear steer at the previous meeting of the proposal for workshops to discuss future funding applications.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor inviting Members to give consideration to appointing co-optees to the Community Committee for the duration of the 2022/2023 municipal year.

The report of the City Solicitor invited Members to give consideration to appoint co-optees to the Community Committee for the duration of 2022/23 municipal year.

Paragraph 9 of the submitted report listed the nominations received as follows:

Bramley and Stanningley

·  Jonathan Butler

·  Joanne Fiddes

·  Stephen McBarron

Kirkstall

·  Stephen Garvani

·  Steve Harris

·  Andy Rontree

A nomination for Armley was also put forward at the meeting.

Armley

·  Cat Hyde

Armley Ward Members requested that a report also be brought to the September meeting after further discussions had taken place in relation to more nominations for Armley.

RESOLVED - To appoint the following Co-opted Members to the Inner West Community Committee for 2022/23 municipal year:

Bramley and Stanningley

·  Jonathan Butler

·  Joanne Fiddes

·  Stephen McBarron

Kirkstall

·  Stephen Garvani

·  Steve Harris

·  Andy Rontree

Armley

·  Cat Hyde

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Culture and Economy which, together with a presentation to be provided at the meeting seeks to update Members on the LEEDS 2023 programme and which also seeks to gather input and support from Elected Members and residents.

The Chief Officer Culture and Economy submitted a report to provide the Inner West Community Committee with an update on LEEDS 2023 and to gather input and support from elected members and residents.

Members were shown a presentation as an introduction to the LEEDS 2023 year of culture with a brief background which included the setting up of the Leeds Culture Trust with an independent chair, funding, scrutiny, partnership

working and promotion of the year of culture.

Members were informed of the following points:

·  It is the aim of LEEDS 2023 for 75% of Leeds residents to be involved in the events. Some of the events will be free and held in all 33 wards with schools being invited to get involved. The aim is to show the diverse heritage of the city.

·  Economic research has suggested that holding this type of event will attract investment to the city particularly through retail and hospitality.

·  My LEEDS 2023 aims to empower the local communities through partnership and community working. There will be 33 Neighbourhood Hosts with one host recruited from each ward, this will be a paid role as a member of the LEEDS 2023 Team. The role will be as a connector to local residents to access and make the most of the Year of Culture. They will also play a key role in an event called the Weekender.

·  The Weekender will take place for two days in August 2023 animating every ward with neighbourhood events. The aim is to bring together the communities through events such as street parties, cook outs and mini carnivals.

·  Currently the team are holding events in wards to promote the LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture.

·  The Team are looking to recruit at least 1,000 volunteers from all wards and all walks of life across Leeds. It is the hope that this will be the start of a legacy for volunteers to become involved in events across Leeds.

·  The Team requested support and assistance to spread the word of the host and volunteer roles and the events to the local groups and networks in the Inner West area.

·  Roadshows to promote LEEDS 2023 had already taken place in the Inner West area. However, it was noted that there was to be a Roadshow at Kirkstall Forge on 21^st July 2022. 

Member’s discussions included:

·  Members were pleased to see the impact of the projects already in Armley and wanted to ensure that back stories be provided as these had already proved popular in the local area in relation to the ‘Armley Horses’

·  Members acknowledged culture as an important way to raise income for the city, benefitting the economy especially in these difficult times. They recognised that culture was as important to the children of the city along with essentials such as beds and food and families should not have to make the choice between these things. The team offered to produce a useful Q&A for Members to use, to deflect negative comments in relation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation presenting details on the future layout and operation of the Stanningley Bottom scheme and what funding options may be available to contribute to requested maintenance and/or traffic improvements.

The Chief Officer Highways and Transportation submitted a report in relation to the road junction and layout at Stanningley Bottom.

The submitted report asked the Community Committee to note the current Highways and Transportation position regarding the highway at Stanningley Bottom and for their consideration to the future layout and operation of the Stanningley Bottom scheme and what funding options may be available to contribute to requested maintenance and /or improvements.

The Community Committee were provided with the following information:

·  CityConnect projects have been introduced across Leeds, aiming to provide segregated cycle and pedestrian infrastructure along key routes. The Leeds to Bradford cycle superhighway which runs along Bradford Road, Stanningley Road and Armley Road was the first scheme in Leeds.

·  At Stanningley Bottom there was insufficient space to provide cycle tracks, so a project was developed which introduced changes to the road environment including coloured materials and changes in kerblines. This project also includes two un-marked ‘roundel’ junctions and two zebra crossings.

·  It was noted that this scheme has successfully reduced traffic speeds and queues on the approaches to Stanningley Bottom.

·  In 2018 an enhancement scheme was undertaken to provide greater contrast between surface textures. It was noted that this has been successful in improving driver behaviour and understanding. However, there has been some deterioration of the surface and responsive repairs have been undertaken.

·  It was acknowledged that there have been concerns raised regarding road safety at the unmarked junctions, although the recorded injury data indicates that the junction is performing well. It was noted that there are ongoing requests for mini-roundabout markings to be provided although as most motorists use the junction safely these were not thought to be necessary.

Options had been provided for Member’s consideration which included:

·  Reactive maintenance of existing layout

·  Full resurfacing of the carriageway at Stanningley Bottom

·  Full resurfacing plus additional road markings and crossing enhancements

Member’s discussions included:

·  Members were supportive of the proposals with their preference noted as Option 3. However, they were of the view that a more sizable contribution should come from the Outer West Community Committee as most commuters using this route would come from the Outer West area.

·  Members acknowledged that only approximate costs could be provided at this time, until the preferred scheme was known and the materials to be used. It was noted that budgets for Road maintenance and road safety could not be mixed.

·  Members requested maps to show the location of the junction and the boundaries of the Outer West and Inner West areas.

·  Members requested that materials be sourced that would provide durability at this busy junction.

·  Members requested that the cycle route on this stretch of road be looked at as it was noted that the cycle lane lost continuity on the stretch of road close to the shopping centre. It was also suggested that the ‘Roundells’ be replaced as they were not good for cyclists.

·  Members were of the view that in general the scheme had proved to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To consider the report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which provides Members with an update on the Community Committee Champions role profile.

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships updated the Champions Role profile.

The role and responsibility of a Community Committee Champion was discussed and ratified at the Chairs Forum meeting held in February 2022. Members noted the intention for Champions to meet on a regular basis with the relevant Executive Board Member.

RESOLVED – To note the content of the report and the Champions Role profile, when making appointments to each of the themed champions.

To consider the report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which provides 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, and the Community Infrastructure Levy Budget for 2022/23.

Members were provided with the following information and requested to give consideration on the minimum conditions and applications:

·  Paragraph 14 – 16 presented the minimum conditions as previously approved by the Committee to reassure Members that all delegated decisions would be taken within an appropriate governance framework with appropriate member consultation.

·  Members were asked to note the Wellbeing Budget’s remaining balance of £101,389.38. Table 1 of the submitted report provided a breakdown of projects and balances for each ward. Officers were requested to provide the project organisations name in Table 1.

·  Members were requested to give consideration for the following Wellbeing Budget ring-fences:

o  Small Grants and Skips allocation - £6,000 with £2,000 per ward. Approved

o  Community Engagement allocation - £750 with £250 per ward. Approved

o  Inner West blue Grit Bins allocation - £2,418.60 allocations per ward:

§  Armley 10 blue bins - £806.20 – Approved

§  Bramley & Stanningley 13 blue bins - £1,048.06 – Approved

§  Kirkstall  7 blue bins - £564.34 – Approved

·  Inner West Youth Summit allocation £2,250 with equal split of £750.00 per ward – Approved.

·  CCTV Cameras allocation £6,000 with each ward having 2 cameras each at £2,000 – Approved.

·  Inner West Festive Lights allocation £10,612 to cover costs for festive motifs, plus Leeds Light staff to attend switch on events:

o  Armley £2,660 – Approved

o  Bramley & stanningley £2,396 – Approved

o  Kirkstall £5, 556 – Approved

·  The following Wellbeing and Capital projects were considered:

o  Bramley Park Ice-Cream Play Item – Parks & Countryside requested £10, 506.72 – Approved (Bramley & Stanningley Ward)

o  Bramley Open Arts Group Leeds 2023 – Fairfield Community Centre requested £4,600 – Approved. (Bramley & Stanningley Ward)

o  Operation Mineral – West Yorkshire Police Early Action requested £1,358 (£452.66 per ward) Approved

o  New Wortley Community Association 40^th Anniversary Celebrations – New Wortley Community Association requested £2,000 – Approved (Armley Ward) At this point in the meeting Cllr McKenna declared an Other Registrable Interest as his wife has an unpaid role as Chair of Trustees of New Wortley Community Association

·  Inner West Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Speeding Operations – West Yorkshire Police, West Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team requested £6,035.20 (£2011.73 per ward) Approved. Members requested a condition be added for the team to move around the roads in the wards on a half hourly basis to discourage ASB and speeding.

·  Speed Indicator Device (SID) for Kirkstall Ward – LCC Highways requested £3,500 – Approved (Kirkstall ward)  

·  Community Youth Project – The City of Leeds YMCA requested £5,265 – Approved (Kirkstall ward) Ward Members requested that the organisation look for match funding for future applications.

·  Bramley Christmas Tree - LCC Forestry requested £609.21 – Approved (Bramley ward) It was noted that LCC Forestry were looking to source a tree which could be planted.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor which notes the appointment of Councillor Smart as Chair of the Inner West Community Committee for 2022/23 as agreed at the recent Annual Council Meeting, and also invites the Committee to make appointments to those positions detailed in the report and its appendices.

The City Solicitor submitted a report to the Members of Inner West Community Committee asking Members to note the appointment of Cllr Alice Smart as Chair of the Inner West Community Committee for 2022/23, as agreed at the recent Annual Council Meeting. The report also invited Members to make appointments to those positions detailed in section 6 and the appendices.

It was noted that no appointments were required to any outside bodies this municipal year 2022/23. However, nominations were sought for:

·  Children and Families Cluster – Inner West (formerly ACES which has now merged with Farnley Cluster)

·  Children and Families Cluster – Bramley

·  Children and Families Cluster – Headingley / Kirkstall

·  Local Housing Advisory Panel

·  Local Care Partnerships

o  Armley

o  Bramley, Wortley and Middleton

o  Pudsey and Bramley

·  Champions

o  Children’s Service

o  Environment and Community Safety

o  Employment, Skills and Welfare

o  Health Wellbeing and Adult Social Care

·  Corporate Parenting Board

Members requested that invites for the Local Care Partnerships be sent to all Ward Councillors.

It was suggested that invites be sent to all Ward Councillors and co-opted members for Children’s Services Cluster meetings. It was noted that invites had been sent to co-opted members prior to the Pandemic.

Due to other commitments, it was agreed that Cllr Gruen would take the lead as Children’s Services Champion along with the Corporate Parenting Board role with Cllrs Heselwood and Bithell to assist. Invites to the Corporate Parenting Board to be sent to all 3 Members

RESOLVED – To note the appointment of Cllr Alice Smart as the Chair of the Inner West Community Committee for 2022/23 and to appoint as follows:

To consider the report of the Head of Locality Partnerships providing an overall update on the work that the Communities Team is engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee.

The submitted report of the Head of Locality Partnerships brought to the attention of Members an update on the work which the Communities Team has been engaged in, based on the priorities identified by the Community Committee.

As part of the report Members were also invited to appoint to each of the Sub-Groups of the Community Committee for 2022/23 and also make nominations for Chairs of the Armley and Bramley Community Forums for 2022/23.

Members requested that invites to the sub-groups be sent to all Councillors of the Inner West Community Committee.

Cllr Ritchie provided an update on the safety equipment to be installed along the Canal at the site of the locks. It was noted that equipment such as throwlines would be at locations in all three wards.

RESOLVED – To note the content of the report and to appoint to the following:

Children and Young People Sub-Group – Cllr C Gruen to Chair

Environment – Cllr Bithell to Chair

Invitations to the sub-groups to be sent to all Councillors of the Community Committee.

Armley Forum – Cllr J McKenna to Chair

Bramley & Stanningley Forum – Cllr J Heselwood to Chair

To consider the report of the Head of Locality Partnerships providing an update on the outcomes from the Youth Activity Fund consultation which has been undertaken with children and young people, and arising from the results of that consultation, details proposals for the priorities of the programme in 2022/23.

The Head of Locality Partnerships submitted a report which provided Members with background and context on the decision not to have a Youth Summit in 2021/22.

The report also provided the committee with an update on the Youth Activity Fund Consultation with children and young people which aimed to inform the committee’s Youth Activity Spend for 2022/23.

Member’s attention was drawn to Paragraph 18 of the report which showed the most popular activities which included:

1. Sports
2. Cooking
3. Arts and Crafts
4. Outdoor Adventures
5. Coding

Other activities mentioned were; Football, Boxing, Drawing, Netball, Swimming, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Tennis, Debating, Board Games, Science Days, Basketball, Badminton, Athletics, Cheerleading, Rugby, Gym, Climbing, Trampolining, Canoeing, Knitting, Chess, Photography, learning another language, Discussion and Support Groups.

It was noted the Youth Activity Fund spend would focus on the activities suggested.

Members did have concerns that the number of completed questionnaires was low and suggested that incentives might help to increase numbers of participants.

RESOLVED -  To note the content of the report.

RESOLVED - 

a) Reflections from the last 12 months during the pandemic (Paragraphs 10-13) to be noted

b) Details of the Youth Activity Fund consultation survey (Paragraphs 14-20) be noted

c)That the Youth Activity Fund survey informs the Community Committee’s Youth Activity Fund for 2022/23 to be noted

d)That any projects funded by the Community Committee from the Youth Activity Fund focus on the themes and activity priorities identified in the Youth Activity Fund Consultation Survey be noted

e) That options are explored for a physical Youth Summit in the next municipal year, 2022/23 to inform the Youth Activity Fund spend for 2023/24 be noted.

To note the next meeting will be on Tuesday 6^th September 2022 at 6pm. Venue to be confirmed.

To note the next meeting of the Inner West Community Committee will be on Tuesday 6^th September 2022, at 6pm. Venue to be confirmed.

The meeting concluded at 19:55