Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor D Cohen wished all those who celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the New Year in Judaism, L'Shana Tovah tikatevu, a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year for all people around the world.

Councillor Cohen highlighted that the 7^th of October 2024 marked one year since the Hamas attacks in Israel. The Committee held a minute silence as a mark of respect, to remember all those who lost their lives.  

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 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 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 terms of reference of the Community Committee. This period was extended at the discretion of the Chair.

The following submission was made as part of the Open Forum:

Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism

Representatives of the Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism organisation addressed the Community Committee in relation to antisemitism in Leeds, highlighting that it was pertinent to address this Committee given that approximately 90% of the Jewish population within Leeds resided in the Outer North East area, and timely, given the anniversary of the 7^th October attacks. It was noted that this followed the organisation’s deputation to Full Council on 11^th September 2024

Key points raised by representatives of the Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism organisation included:

• It was noted that whilst it was felt that the Jewish community worked closely with West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and noting the proactive approach taken to keep the community safe, concerns were raised that the Jewish community felt vulnerable and unsupported, and it was felt that WYP were not acting upon many instances of antisemitism in Leeds. The regular marches organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) were highlighted as a specific concern, with a call being made to ban those marches. The implications arising from the perceived inaction was highlighted, with a further call being made for a more robust approach to be taken against antisemitism; and
• Concerns were raised with regard to the Green Party’s approach in relation to such matters, both locally and nationally, with a call to the Party to note and engage with relevant parties on the concerns which have been raised in relation to antisemitism and the safety of the Jewish community.

Chief Inspector Jonathan McNiff WYP responded to the concerns raised, outlining that he understood the perception of inaction to address antisemitic incidents and noted that the legislation regarding protests was complex. It was confirmed that WYP did not tolerate any hate offences and that any unlawful action witnessed or reported was recorded and dealt with accordingly, with it being acknowledged that in some cases, incidents were dealt with subsequently, using available evidence, and that approach should not be perceived as inaction against, or tolerance of illegal activity including hate crime offences. It was noted that there was a team of officers dedicated to taking action in this area.

Paul Money, the Chief Officer for Safer Stronger Communities thanked the representatives from Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism for their contributions. In further response to the concerns raised, the Chief Officer highlighted the provisions within the law concerning ECHR article 10 and 11 freedom of expression and assembly as well as the Public Order Act and the right to protest. When protests led to unlawful incidents committed by individuals involved in the protest then they would be accountable. However often there are tactical logistical issues with intervening  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

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:

 No exempt items or information have been identified on the agenda

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 formal late items.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor N Buckley and Councillor M Robinson.

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

No declarations of interest were made.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on the 15^th of July 2024.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on the 15^th of July 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

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

The following matters arising from the minutes were raised:

Minute 10 – Finance Report

Prior to the determination of the funding application submitted by WYP that were part agreed or deferred at the previous meeting it had been proposed that meetings with WYP were scheduled to discuss proposals and sustainability plans for funding. It was confirmed that the meeting with WYP had been arranged towards the end of October 2024 and one Elected Member from each Outer North East Ward was to attend, with the full contents of the agenda being arranged.

As the finance report referred to funds cannot be used to support an organisation’s regular business running costs, clarity regarding the position of funding WYP operations was sought. It was outlined that Community Committee funds were not to be applied to general business or organisation running costs but could be applied to fund specific projects. It was requested that greater clarity on this stipulation could be included within future Finance Report submissions.

Minute 11 – Update Report

Councillor P Stables noted she had not been invited to a meeting that had been held with the Housing department and Wetherby Ward Members to resolve a range of issues within the Ward, that was referenced in the minutes. In response it was noted that the invites were to be doubled checked with Housing and future relevant meetings were to be extended to Cllr Stables.

To receive and consider the report of the Head of Locality Partnerships providing an update on 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 Committee received a report which provided an update on the key activities being undertaken by the Localities Team based upon the priorities identified by the Community Committee. In presenting the report, it provided the Committee with an opportunity to discuss or seek further information on the range of actions currently being undertaken. 

The following points were discussed:

• The date for the next Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care subgroup meeting was under consideration in liaison with the relevant Executive Member.
• It was outlined that at previous Environment and Community Safety subgroup meetings, there had been issues with officer attendance and commitment. The first subgroup meeting of the municipal year had been disrupted by non-attendance and the second had been postponed, so an email to relevant directors and senior officers was to be sent out to implore the importance of the portfolio and to ensure meetings were attended properly.
• Employment, Skills and Welfare subgroup meetings had been running effectively prior to the election period over summer, however, issues of non-attendance had emerged. The importance of these meetings and the work conducted, including scrutiny of provision, were outlined.
• It was agreed that the specifics for the discussions taking place with services regarding funding options and delivery of the improvements to public bridleways referenced at point 8 of the report, on page 16 of the agenda, were to be followed up for more information and shared with Members.
• Details regarding attendance figures for Alwoodley Neighbourhood Policing Team contact point meetings, referenced at point 9 of the report, on page 18 of the agenda were sought, which was agreed to be followed up and provided back to Members.
• Further information regarding the location for plans being drafted for a new footpath to the Spofforth Hill housing development near to Wetherby and Milnthorpe Public Open Space in Bramham, referenced at point 8 of the report, on page 17 of the agenda, was requested and agreed to be provided back to Members.
• Point 12 of the report, on page 19 of the agenda referred to Estate Walkabouts, with Councillor P Stables noting she had not been in receipt on invites. It was noted that the route plots and invite schedules were delivered as one email each year from the Housing department and would be passed on. It was confirmed by Councillor A Lamb that the email had been sent to Councillor Stables in April 2024 containing details for the Estate Walkabouts.
• It was noted that the email address for the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team had changed, and it was confirmed they had been updated and were contained within the report.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report, along with Members comments, be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which provides an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund, Youth Activity Fund and Capital Budget for 2024/25. Financial decisions are taken to the Community Committee meetings to ensure transparency and that financial regulations are met.

The Head of Locality Partnerships submitted a report to update the Community Committee on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund, Youth Activity Fund and Capital Budget for 2024/25.

The Localities Officer highlighted the following information:

• The remaining wellbeing balance for the Committee was £70,566.94 with details contained in table 1.
• The remaining YAF balance was £29,342.43, with details contained in table 2.
• There had been no funding application approved by delegated decision since the last Committee meeting.
• Two small grant applications had been approved, with £266.00 for East Keswick Clean Moor Lane Sports Facility Skip Hire and £1,000 for
• Walton Village Hall Bonfire and Christmas Community Events.
• There had been one declined small grant application which was for Wetherby Arts Festival. Although funding criteria had been met, the festival had received funding from Wetherby Councillors MICE Funds.
• The Capital budget remaining balance was £26,886.05, which was detailed at table 3.
• There were no CIL funds available to the Committee as these funds were distributed by Town, Village and Parish Council’s.

The Committee discussed the following:

• As set out by the Subsidy Control Act 2022, detailed at point 9 of the report, on page 38 of the agenda, the process for requesting data, relating to assessments, from organisations applying for Committee funding was queried. In response it was noted that the application forms were under review, considering feedback from Members and a more comprehensive approach was in development, with relevant sections on subsidy control to be included.

Projects set out in the report were discussed, and agreed as follows:

 RESOLVED –

1.)  That the Wellbeing & Youth Activities Fund (YAF) applications be determined as set out above.

2.)  To note;

a. Minimum condition arrangements for 2024/25 (paragraph 14)

b. Details of the Wellbeing Budget position (Table 1)

c. Wellbeing/YAF proposals for consideration and approval (paragraph 27-31)

d. Details of the Youth Activities Fund (YAF) position (Table 2)

e. Details of the Capital Budget (Table 3)

The date and time of the next meeting is currently scheduled for the 16^th of December 2024 at 5:30pm. Due to a venue clash and the Chairs availability this item seeks Members consideration for alterative arrangements including:

-  Holding the meeting on the 16^th of December in the Chamber and to seek an alternative Chair.

-  Hold the meeting on either the 17^th or 18^th of December.

The date and time of the next meeting was scheduled for the 16^th of December 2024 at 5:30pm. Due to a venue clash and the Chairs availability the item sought Members consideration for alterative arrangements including:

- Holding the meeting on the 16th of December in the Chamber and to seek an alternative Chair.

- Hold the meeting on either the 17th or 18th of December.

As a PACT meeting was scheduled on the 18^th of December 2024 for Alwoodley Members, it was preferred that the Committee met on the 16^th of December 2024 in the Council Chamber, with a substitute Chair to be elected.

RESOVLED- That the date and time of the next meeting on 16^th of December 2024 at 5:30pm, with an alternate venue in the Council Chamber.