Agenda and minutes

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

No declarations of interest were made.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report regarding the procedural aspects of the Call-In process.

The options available to OSC in respect of this particular called-in decision were:

Option 1- Release the decision for implementation. Having reviewed the decision, OSC could decide simply to release it for implementation.  If this option was chosen, the decision would be released for immediate implementation, and the decision could not be called - in again.

Option 2- Recommend that the decision be reconsidered. Having reviewed the decision, OSC could recommend that the decision be reconsidered.  In this instance, where the Area Committee had requested the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods to consider making a decision under his delegated powers, after receiving a report and consulting with Ward Members and the Area Committee Chair, this option would in effect result in a referral back to the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted, and the procedures outlined in the report be adopted for this meeting.

In accordance with the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, to review the decision of the East (Inner) Area Committee to support, in principle, the request for £25,000 funding (from the Gipton and Harehills Ward capital pot) to Radio Asian Fever.

Enclosed are:-

·  Cover report from Head of Scrutiny and Member Development

·  Copy of Call-in request form

·  Copy of Decision Schedule for the East (Inner) Area Committee meeting held on 13^th June 2007

·  Copy of Design and Cost report from East Leeds Area Management

considered on 11th October 2006. 

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report, together with relevant background papers, relating to the following decision of the East Inner Area Committee taken at its meeting on 13^th June 2007:-

Minute No 14 – Wellbeing (Capital) Budget: Scheme Proposals

‘That support for the request for £25,000 funding (from the Gipton and Harehills Ward capital pot) to Radio Asian Fever be given in principle,subject to a report being prepared by the Acting Area Manager outlining the purpose for which the funding is being sought and the outputs against which the use of the funding can be monitored.

The Committee noted the apparent urgency in which a decision regarding these funds is required, in order to secure ERDF funding, and agreed that the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods be asked to formally take the decision after consideration of the report referred to above, and following consultation with the Gipton and Harehills Ward Members and the Chair.’

This decision had been called-in for review by OSC by Councillors Gettings and Pryke on the following grounds:-

‘Insufficient supporting information given to Area Committee Members and support officers which makes the potential grant of more than 50% of the Ward’s Wellbeing Budget disproportionate.  Further information needed first.’

The following people were present at the meeting, presented evidence and responded to Members’ queries and comments:-

Councillor Selby – Chair – East Inner Area Committee

Stephen Boyle – Chief Regeneration Officer

John Woolmer – Acting East Area Manager

Anna Turner – Area Officer

In accordance with the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, to consider the Committee’s formal conclusions and recommendation(s) arising from the consideration of the Called-In decision.

Following the receipt and consideration of evidence presented to them, and the options available to them, the Committee resolved as follows:

RESOLVED – That the decision of the Area Committee (to ask the Director to consider making a decision) be reconsidered in favour of the Area Committee receiving the appropriate and detailed reports on the scheme and them (the Area Committee) making the final decision.