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 against the refusal of the inspection of documents.

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:

 No exempt items or information have been identified on the agenda

There were no items identified where it was considered necessary to exclude the press or public from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the business to be considered.

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 of business

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R Procter and M Robinson..

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2000 and paragraphs 13-18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.  Also to declare any other significant interests which the Member wishes to declare in the public interest, in accordance with paragraphs 19-20 of the Members’ Code of Conduct

Although there were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests. Councillors Wilkinson ,J Procter and Lamb required it to be recorded that they had an interest in Agenda Item No.12 “Outer North East Wellbeing and Youth Activity Budgets” in respect of an application submitted by Wetherby Town Council (Wetherby Christmas Lights) all three Councillors being Members of Wetherby Town Council (Minute No 29 refers)

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area 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 Area 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 Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Community Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to 10 minutes for Members of the Public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Community Committee.

On this occasion, there were no matters raised under this item by Members of the Public.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th June 2015.

(Copy attached)

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th June 2015 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes (If any)

Derelict and Nuisance Sites Programme Update (Minutes No.14 refers) – With reference to Resolution (iii) and the decision to request Planning Officers to investigate a property in a state of disrepair at Almshouse Hill, The Square, Bramham with a view to possible enforcement action. The Area Officer reported that following inquiries with the Council’s Compliance Team, enforcement action would not been pursued. It was understood the owner of the property was in financial difficulties. Officers reported that hoarding had been erected to lessen the impact of the site.

Responding to a question as to whether the property could be added to the derelict and nuisance sites programme? Officers reported that enquires had been made, it was the view of the Asset Management and Regeneration team that the property did not meet the defined criteria.

Councillor Buckley referred to a site at Quarry Gardens suggesting this site was a similar situation to the above, lack of financial provision to undertake necessary works. In this instance guidance had been requested from the Planning Compliance Manager.

Referring to the list of derelict and nuisance sites, Members requested if the petrol station site in Harewood village and the Lyndhust Road site in Scholes could be considered for inclusion on the list.

RESOLVED – That enquires be made, with a view to adding  the petrol station site in Harewood village and the Lyndhust Road site in Scholes to the list of derelict and nuisance sites

To consider a report by the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator which provides an overview of the performance of the North East Locality Safety Partnership. The report also focuses on the period between 1^st April 2014 to 31st^t March 2015 and includes crime statistics, public confidence and user satisfaction information

(Report attached)

The Area Community Safety Co-ordinator submitted a report which provided an overview of the performance of the North East Locality Safety Partnership.

The report focused on the period between 1^st April 2014 to 31^st March 2015 and included crime statistics, public confidence and user satisfaction information.

Beverley Yearwood, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report which included:

Alwoodley Ward  - 6.2% increase in overall crime. A total of 769 offences were recorded in 2014/15 compared to 724 offences recorded the previous year (2013/14). 

·  Burglary Offences - 83 offences recorded (reduction of 1 offence)

·  Burglary Other - 34 offences recorded (increase of 2 offences)

·  Criminal Damage - 123 offences recorded (increase of 3 offences)

·  Drugs - 27 offences recorded (increase of 2 offences)

·  Shoplifting - 64 offences recorded (reduction of 44 offences)

·  Theft - 128 offences recorded (reduction of 8 offences)

·  Robbery - 6 offences recorded (reduction of 9 offences)

·  Theft from Motor vehicle - 62 offences recorded (reduction of 10 offences)

·  Theft of Motor Vehicle - 13 offences recorded (increase of 5 offences)

·  Violent Crime - 170 offences (increase of 88 offences)

Harewood Ward - 23.1% reduction in overall crime. A total of 508 offences were recorded in 2014/15 compared to 661 offences recorded the previous year (2013/14).

·  Burglary offences - 87 offences recorded (reduction of 6 offences)

·  Burglary Other - 101 offences recorded (increase of 5 offences)

·  Criminal Damage - 57 offences recorded (reduction of 21 offences)

·  Drugs - 10 offences recorded (reduction of 31 offences)

·  Shoplifting- 2 offences recorded (reduction of 3 offences)

·  Theft - 107 offences recorded (reduction of 96 offences)

·  Robbery - 5 offences recorded (increase of 3 offences)

·  Theft from Motor Vehicles - 57 offences recorded (increase of 1 offence)

·  Theft of Motor Vehicles - 7 offences recorded (reduction of 1 offence)

·  Violent Crime - 54 offences recorded (reduction of 4 offences) 

Wetherby Ward - 23.4% increase in total crime. In 2014/15, 970 offences were recorded compared with 786 from the previous year (2013/14).

·  Burglary Offences - 40 offences recorded (reduction of 44 offences)

·  Burglary Other- 142 offences recorded (increase of 47 offences)

·  Criminal Damage - 112 offences recorded (reduction of 8 offences)

·  Drug - 56 offences recorded (increase of 23 offences)

·  Shoplifting - 38 offences recorded (reduction of 24 offences)

·  Theft - 267 offences recorded (reduction of 67 offences)

·  Robbery - 3 offences recorded (increase of 1 offence)

·  Theft from Motor Vehicle - 83 offences recorded (increase of 25 offences)

·  Theft of Motor Vehicle - 11 offences recorded (increase of 2 offences)

·  Violent Crime - 140 offences recorded (increase of 59 offences)

It was reported that burglary remained a key priority in relation to allocation of resources, both staffing and financial. Tackling burglary dwelling remained the key priority across the whole of Leeds.

The Chair expressed concern at the increase in violent crime, querying whether this was a consequence of the new reporting processes. 

In responding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

To consider a report by the Senior Communities Librarian, North East Area which provides an update on the work libraries are doing in the Outer North East Area, and highlights in particular the work done in Boston Spa, Moor Allerton, Scholes, and Wetherby libraries.

(Report attached)

The Senior Communities Librarian, North East Area submitted a report which provided an update on the work libraries were doing in the Outer North East area of the city. The report highlighted in particular, the work undertaken in Boston Spa, Moor Allerton, Scholes and Wetherby Libraries.

Julie Wood, Senior Communities Librarian, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report which included:

·  Working with West Oaks School to deliver an enterprise initiative facilitated by Boston Spa Library

·  Summer reading project initiated by Moor Allerton Library

·  Annual summer reading challenge promoted by scholes Library

·  The Librarian at Wetherby Library delivered a number of training sessions to members of W.I.S.E and the Laptop Loungers on how to use tablet devices

In offering comment the Chair welcomed the initiatives being undertaken by  Libraries in the Outer North East area of the city.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  To welcome the work being undertaken by Libraries in the Outer North East area of the city.

To consider a report by the East North East Area Leader which provides a brief update on the work programme of Outer North East Community Committee.

(Report attached)

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report which provided an update on the Work Programme for the Outer North East Community Committee.

The following document was appended to the report for information/ comment of the meeting:

·  The minutes of the Moor Allerton Partnership (MAP) Meeting held on Thursday 23^rd July 2015

Andrew Birkbeck, Area Officer, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report together with the appendices which included:

·  The ongoing engagement with Parish and Town Council’s on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and their involvement in helping shape a guidance note on the CIL

·  Site Allocations process – Consultation on the SAP was due to commence in late September and run for two months

·  Greater use of social media (Facebook, Twitter) as a means as engaging with local groups and residents

Referring to the feedback provided at the Community Infrastructure Levy workshops, Councillor Buckley said if there was an intention to produce a Guidance Note on the subject of the CIL, it would be a really useful aid to Parish and Town Councillors.

Referring to the Alwoodley Ward Member Meeting held on 28^th July 2015, Councillor Cohen spoke about proposals for an inter-school drama project for Alwoodley Ward. He said the aim was utilise a number of different skills including: front of house, back stage, marketing and financial costing’s. He suggested this was a worthwhile project and a real example of good practice.

Commenting on the use of social media, the Area Officer said a number of Community Committees’, particularly in the inner areas of the city had a strong social media presence, which was not currently being replicated in Outer North East Leeds. It was suggested that “Facebook” would be a useful media to publicise issues of local interest such as Site Allocations Process especially given the large number of sites in the north east area.

In offering comment the Area Leader said that publishing details about the Youth Activity Fund on Facebook could lead to further engagement with young people and providers.

Councillor Procter said he understood the City Council were not actively publicising the Site Allocation Process. He suggested that this Committee may wish to consider how the issue should be publicised.

Councillor Procter raised the issue of Neighbourhood Plans. He suggested there was a role for the Community Committee to become involved, but at present there was no mechanism to allow Members to comment. Recently Linton Parish Council had submitted a Neighbourhood Plan with no involvement from the Community Committee.

In offering comment the Chair said it was essential Members became involved in the Neighbourhood Plan process as per the principle agreed by the Council’s Executive Board in a report on this subject in June 2012.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That Councillors: Cohen, Lamb and Robinson be consulted with a view to enhancing this Committee’s social media presence

(iii)  That in consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which provides an update of the Outer North East Community Committees’ budgets, and sets out details of applications seeking Wellbeing Funding and Youth Activity Funding.

(Report attached)

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report which provided an update on the current position of the Outer North East Community Committee’s budgets and set out details of applications seeking Wellbeing Funding and Youth Activity Funding.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for information / comment of the meeting:

·  Outer North East Community Committee Wellbeing Budget 2015/16 (Appendix A refers)

·  Outer North East Community Committee Youth Activity Fund Budget 2015/16 (Appendix B refers)

Andrew Birkbeck, Area Officer, presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report together with the appendices which included:

·  Available funding for the current financial year.

·  Clarification around some of the projects seeking financial assistance.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the spend to date and current balances for the 2015/16 financial year.

(ii)  That the following project requesting Wellbeing Funding be determined as follows:

(iii)  That the following project requesting Youth Activity Funding be determined as follows:

(iv)  To note that the following application had been approved since the Community Committee on 15^th June 2015 under the delegated authority of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities)

To receive minutes of the Outer North East Parish and Town Council Forum held on 4^th June 2015 2015. The minutes are submitted for information/ discussion.

(Report /Minutes attached)

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report which set out the main issues discussed at the latest meeting of the Outer North East Parish and Town Council Forum held on 4^th June 2015. The minutes were submitted for information /discussion.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the report and minutes from the Outer North East Parish and Town Council Forum held on 4^th June 2015, be noted

(ii)  That where appropriate to support Outer North East Parish and Town Council Forum in resolving any issues raised

To note that future meetings will be arranged as follows:

·  Monday 14^th December 2015 at 5.30pm (Civic Hall, Leeds)

·  Monday 25^th January 2016 at 5.30pm (Civic Hall, Leeds)

·  Monday 7^th March 2016 (Civic Hall, Leeds)

·  May / June 2016 (Date/ venue to be confirmed) 

RESOLVED – To note that future meetings will be arranged as follows:

·  Monday 14^th December 2015 at 5.30pm (Civic Hall, Leeds)

·  Monday 25^th January 2016 at 5.30pm (Civic Hall, Leeds)

·  Monday 7^th March 2016 at 5.30pm (Civic Hall, Leeds)

·  May/June 2016 (Date /venue to be confirmed)