Agenda, decisions and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 25 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 25, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Chief Democratic Services Officer at least 24 hours before the meeting)

The Chair announced the recent sad and sudden death of Councillor Kabeer Hussain, Hyde Park and Woodhouse.  He paid tribute to the work undertaken by Councillor Hussain in his capacity as a Ward member for Hyde Park and Woodhouse and also as a member on the North West (Inner) Area Committee. 

A moment’s reflection was observed by Members, officers and members of the public.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the January meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

He apologised for starting the meeting at 4.15pm which was due to the meeting being inquorate.

He reaffirmed that future meetings of the Area Committee would be held within the North West Inner wards commencing at the usual time of 7.00pm and as this was an additional meeting to consider primarily a number of items carried over from the December meeting, it was considered that at an early start would be beneficial to Members on this occasion.

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

The following personal interests were declared:-

•     Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as an employee at the

  University of Leeds (Agenda Item 14) (Minute 69 refers)

•     Councillor P Ewens in her capacity as a School Governor at the City 

of Leeds High School; a Member of the Open X Committee which consists of the Headteachers and a governor from the six schools in the cluster and also as Children’s Champion (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 71 refers)

•   Councillor B Chastney in his capacity as a Board Member on West 

  North West Homes ALMO Board (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 75 

  refers)

An apology for absence were received on behalf of Councillor L Yeadon. A number of apologies received from members of the public were also conveyed at the meeting.

To receive the following deputation:-

a)  From Adele Beeson, a local resident, regarding the care and education of children, including international pupils, in those schools located within the Hyde Park, Little London and Woodhouse ward.

(Please note that in accordance with paragraph 6.19 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the deputation must not exceed 5 minutes in duration)

The Committee received a deputation from Adele Beeson, a local resident, regarding the care and education of children, including international pupils, in those schools located within the Hyde Park, Little London and Woodhouse ward.

Specific reference was made to the following schools:-

• City of Leeds High School
• Royal Park School

In concluding, she put forward two proposals for the Area Committee to consider, namely:-

-  that Royal Park School should be reopened and that community use should be a priority for after school and weekends

-  that City of Leeds High School should not close in view of its unique status and accreditability within the ward

A brief discussion ensued on the contents of the deputation.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the deputation be received and noted.

b)  That the specific issues raised be discussed further in conjunction with Item 9 on the agenda (Minute 71 refers) relating to the future of Primrose, City of Leeds, Parklands Girls’ High Schools and of Girls Only Secondary Education in Leeds.

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 paragraph 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee:-

a)  Council’s Policy regarding gritting on pavements

David Salinger, a local resident referred to the recent adverse weather conditions and enquired on the Council’s policy regarding gritting on pavements in view of the dangers to the public, especially for those with specific mobility problems.

The Chair responded and confirmed that it was Council policy to grit primary road networks in the first instance.

Councillor B Atha referred a recent article in the Yorkshire Evening Post which reported that a specific road/pavement in Yeadon had been treated by the Council.

Councillor J Monaghan reminded the meeting that residents had a right to request the provision of a grit bin in problem areas.

In concluding, it was agreed to request the Acting West North West Area Manager to seek clarification from Highways and to respond directly to Mr Salinger on the issues raised.

  b)    Protected Playing Pitches at the Leeds Girls High School

Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association enquired on the latest position with regards to the Council purchasing the protected playing pitches at the Leeds Girls High School.

Discussion ensued on the options available for purchase. The Committee noted that despite the application having been recently withdrawn, there was still a need for further discussions to be undertaken by Members and relevant officers on issues relating to the playing pitches and sports centre.

  c)  Holes dug on Woodhouse Moor

Mercia Southon, North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association raised her concerns as to why workmen were digging test holes on the Monument Moor section of Woodhouse Moor and enquired if the Council were aware of any works being undertaken in the area.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to investigate this matter further with Parks and Countryside and report back the outcome to Ms Southon.

d)  Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum

A local resident enquired why the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum had not met since July 2009.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and confirmed that ultimately it was the discretion of ward members to decide when forum meetings would be held, as and when needed, and what should be included on the agenda.

Councillor P Ewens requested West North West Area Management to schedule a Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum with the theme of the agenda being the environment i.e. greenspace issues.

e)  The Council’s Protocol in relation to tarmacing paths

Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association enquired on the Council’s protocol in relation to tarmacing paths and whether Parks and Countryside consulted residents on the proposed work.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to consult Parks and Countryside on this issue with a report back to Ms Buckle on the protocol.

(Councillor J Illingworth joined the meeting at 4.25pm during  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10^th December 2009.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10^th December 2009 be approved as a correct record.

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

a)  Deputation – Proposed Waste Transfer development on Evanston 

Avenue (Minute 49 refers)

Councillor B Atha referred to the above issue and requested an update on the Waste Transfer site to come to the next Area Committee in February or April.

He specifically referred to a website that referred to a waste transfer site in another local authority, with identical equipment, where site workers had been affected by dangerous fumes. He agreed to forward the links to the website for the attention of West North West Area Management.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager responded and outlined the current developments. He agreed to schedule a progress report on this issue to either the February or April meeting.

.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the meeting with an outline citywide programme of activities that have already been proposed through consultation with Executive Members, Directorates, VCFS organisations and some key partners. The report also identifies the programme of activities from this Area Committee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the meeting with an outline citywide programme of activities that have already been proposed through consultation with Executive Members, Directorates, VCFS organisations and some key partners. The report also identified the programme of activities from this Area Committee.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Outline Calendar 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Steve Crocker, Leeds Year of Volunteering 2010 Co-ordinator, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

He made specific reference to the success and cross party support of the official launch of the programme held on 13^th January 2010 and of the helpful support received, to date, from Councillor L Yeadon in her role as a member of the Leeds Year of Volunteering Steering Group.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of whom will record and monitor the operation side of the programme for 2010 – Year of Volunteering

(The Leeds Year of Volunteering 2010 Co-ordinator responded and outlined the evaluation process with specific reference to a central register being developed and recording of volunteer inputs through both the Place and Resident survey)

·    the problems associated with getting the correct input of student

  volunteering to meet local community needs

(The Leeds Year of Volunteering 2010 Co-ordinator responded mentioning two specific cases where student volunteering met local needs exactly – the ‘Leeds for Life’ volunteering programme at the University of Leeds where students helped mentor young people at schools and Green Streets which aimed to reduce the amount of re-usable items going to landfill as a result of student change-over in Leeds)

·   the need to focus on and improve the quality of existing volunteering 

  opportunities and experiences offered within the city and it’s 

  neighbourhoods e.g. by Resident Associations etc

RESOLVED –

a)  That the content of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That this Committee endorses and supports the proposal, mission and aims for 2010 being the Year of Volunteering in Leeds in accordance with the report now submitted.

c)  That, in conjunction with the Acting West North West Area Manager, this Committee supports the development of 2010 Year of Volunteering through the programme of at least two Area Committee events, as identified in Section 4 of the report.

d)  That, within practical parameters, this Committee welcomes participation in the programme as identified in the report.

e)  That this Committee nominates Councillor L Yeadon  as ‘Area Committee Year of the Volunteer Champion’ and that West North West Area Management be requested to confirm with Councillor L Yeadon what this specific role entails.

f)  That, in conjunction with the Area Committee Year of the Volunteer Champion, the Acting West North West Area Manager be requested to investigate sponsoring and encourage additional activities with other partners, the VCFS sector and others.

To consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods  providing the Area Committee with details regarding Community Safety activity during the last 12 months and looking at crime trends between April 2004 and March 2009.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That Members of the Committee be requested to convey their initial comments to the Acting West North West Manager by the 20^th January 2010 in relation to the Home Office objectives referred to in the report and that the Chair be requested to write to the Chief Constable, West Yorkshire Police, conveying the collective comments made.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the Area Committee with details regarding Community Safety activity during the last 12 months and looking at crime trends between April 2004 and March 2009.

Zahid Butt, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, West North West Area Management, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Also at the invitation of the Chair, Inspector Simon Jessop, West Yorkshire Police was in attendance and provided the meeting with relevant background information on the crime trends and key actions.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of the current arrangements in relation to separate Police and Community Together meetings (PACT) and the need to combine these meetings with those of other service providers to reduce the overall number of meetings for residents to attend

(Inspector Simon Jessop responded and acknowledged the concerns expressed by Members in this area, but confirmed that this was corporate policy. In conclusion, the Chair requested Members to convey their initial comments on this issue to the Acting West North West Area Manager by 20^th January 2010 and he also agreed to write to the Chief Constable, West Yorkshire Police conveying the collective comments made)

·   reference to low public participation in respect of the Crime 

  Opportunity Profiling of Streets (COPs) Project and the steps that can 

  be taken to resolve such problems

(The Area Community Safety Co-ordinator responded and outlined the challenges facing the department with specific reference to personal contact through door knocking; looking at participation through established groups; neighbourhood watches and mailing lists; addressing barriers to participation such as transport for elderly people)

·   the success of Action Days in Hyde Park and Woodhouse and the need 

  for Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators to become more involved

(Inspector Simon Jessop responded and confirmed that he would like to see an increase in the number of Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators employed within North West Inner)

·   the concerns expressed about the issues faced in areas such as 

  Burley which seemed to get very little attention

(The Area Community Safety Co-ordinator responded and stated that the last ‘Operation Champion’ held in Inner North West was in Burley and was held in that area for the purpose of targeting such issues)

·    the need for the Committee to convey the message that, generally, the

statistics over the past five years have been positive and to ascertain where we are now in relation to reducing crime

(Inspector Simon Jessop responded and commented on the base line figures and targets, with specific reference to ‘Capture Car’ and ‘Capture House’ initiatives which had been well received)

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That Members of the Committee be requested to convey their  comments regarding the frequency and partnership arrangements of PACT meetings to the Acting West North West Manager by the 20^th January 2010 as a result of Home Office objectives referred to in the report and that the Chair be requested  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

To consider a report from the Chief Executive, Education Leeds on the future of Primrose, City of Leeds, Parklands Girls’ High Schools and of Girls Only Secondary Education in Leeds.

The Chief Executive, Education Leeds submitted a report on the future of Primrose, City Of Leeds, Parklands Girls High Schools and of Girls Only Secondary Education in Leeds.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds – Executive Board – 6^th January 2010 – The Future of Primrose, City of Leeds, Parklands Girls’ High Schools, and of Girls Only Secondary Education in Leeds’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

The following officers were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments:-

Pat Toner, Director of Organisational Improvement, Education Leeds

Richard Smith, Head of Service, Education Leeds

The Director of Organisational Improvement provided the meeting with the relevant background information and reminded Members that the main purpose of this report was to enable the Area Committee to:-

• comment upon the proposal to close City of Leeds High School and the future use of the site for educational purposes;

• consider commenting upon the remainder of the proposals being consulted upon within the 6^th January 2010 Executive Board report

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of how Elected Members can comment on the proposals

(The Director of Organisational Improvement responded outlining the following courses of action available:-

- Elected Members to register their views

- write in with a specific response to the proposals

- via minutes of the Area Committee meeting)

·    reference to a recent Yorkshire Evening Post article listing the

  performance of a number of schools within the NW Inner ward

(The Director of Organisational Improvement responded and made specific reference to the poor performance at the City of Leeds High School)

·   clarification on how closing the City of Leeds High School

and moving these pupils to a another nearby school would generate better achievement and results in the long term

·   the need for the Area Committee to see evidence ‘for and against’

  regarding the reorganisation proposals

(The Director of Organisational Improvement noted the specific points made by the Area Committee)

·   the need for a full review of the proposals to be undertaken at the City

  of Leeds High School with a specific focus on BME and exam results

(The Director of Organisational Improvement responded and outlined the departments views around achievement and improved learning outcomes. He stated that unlike other schools in the area, the City of Leeds High School had not significantly improved it’s performance over an eight year period as other schools in Leeds had done)

·   clarification of how Education Leeds had addressed the reasons why 

  pupils had not achieved at the City Of Leeds High School, including

  extra-curricular pursuits

·   clarification on how moving these pupils would impact the nearby

  schools of Lawnswood and Carr Manor

  (The Area Committee noted the response given)

·   clarification of the number of pupils from the Headingley area who

  attend the City of Leeds High School and details of the feeder schools

  should the City of Leeds High School result in closure.

  (The Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in Inner North Leeds West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11 and the Leeds Strategic Plan.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the Acting West North West Area Manager be requested to circulate a copy of the Kirkstall Vision report to Members of the Committee and that this Committee provides a statement of support for inclusion of this document within the final draft action plans as now reported.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in Inner North Leeds West Leeds, as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11 and the Leeds Strategic Plan.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

The Committee made specific reference to the Kirkstall Vision report as identified in 3.1 of the report . They supported and welcomed the work of the Kirkstall Vision group on this initiative and requested a copy to be circulated to all Members of the Committee for their information/retention.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the Acting West North West Area Manager be requested to circulate a copy of the Kirkstall Vision report to Members of the Committee and that this Committee provides a statement of support for inclusion of this document within the final draft action plans as now reported.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update and summary on progress made at the Area Committee sub groups and ward forums that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with an update and summary on progress made at the Area Committee sub groups and ward forums that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  a forthcoming meeting with Highway officers regarding telepoles which would be reported at the next Transport Sub Group

·  clarification of how key messages from the forums were conveyed by West North West Area Management

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report be noted.

(Councillor J Chapman left the meeting at 5.40pm during discussions of the above item)

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an overview of the production of a Health & Environmental Action Services (HEAS) report to Area Committees.  The aim of the report was to provide information about the scope and activities of the this service, in particular, areas of the City aligned to strategic outcomes and seeks feedback on the value, level of detail and format of information presented in the report.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an overview of the production of a Health & Environmental Action Services (HEAS) report to Area Committees. 

The aim of the report was to provide information about the scope and activities of the this service, in particular, areas of the City aligned to strategic outcomes and requested Members’ feedback on the value, level of detail and format of information presented in the report.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘HEAS Activity report to the Area Committees – Q2 2009-2010 Cumulative’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Mark Dolman, Service Support Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  the need for a six monthly report to come to the Area Committee on this issue

·  to welcome the report and the detail contained within, with specific reference to the mapping exercise

·  clarification as to why different databases were used within Health and Environmental Action Services and the implications for data collection and presentation in reports such as this

·  recognition that Inner North West had the highest numbers of service requests regarding waste and noise and assurances were sought that Health and Environmental Action Services resources were allocated to reflect this

(The Service Support Manager responded and agreed to refer this issue to the Chief Officer (Health and Environmental Action Services) for comment via the Acting West North West Area Manager)

·  clarification of the charging and treatment policy in relation to rodents

·  the need to review the ratio of enforcement actions to noise service requests as the Committee felt this was unduly low. Whilst the Service Support Manager responded, the Chair felt that this issue should be referred to the Environmental Sub Group for consideration.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the content of the report and appendices be noted and welcomed.

b)  That future reports providing an overview of the production of a Health and Environmental Action Services be submitted to the Area Committee on a six monthly basis and that this be co-ordinated through the Environment Sub Group.

To consider a report of the Head of Tenancy Management and Customer Services providing the Area Committee with an update of performance, organisational and service improvement initiatives within the Tenancy Management and Customer Services Directorate of West North West Homes Leeds. Specifically the report updates Members on performance against core indicators, management restructure, access to services, local lettings review, sheltered review, caretaking review, ASB Audits, capital programme, Area Panels and new initiatives.

The Head of Tenancy Management and Customer Services submitted a report providing the Area Committee with an update of performance, organisational and service improvement initiatives within the Tenancy Management and Customer Services Directorate of West North West Homes Leeds.

Specifically the report updated Members on performance against core indicators, management restructure, access to services, local lettings review, sheltered review, caretaking review, ASB Audits, capital programme, Area Panels and new initiatives.

Arising from discussions of the report, clarification was sought on how mobile office provisions would be communicated with tenants.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to feed back this information to Members.

RESOLVED – That the content of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods updating Members on the current Well-being fund allocation and presenting one large and two small grant applications for consideration by the Area Committee.

RESOLVED-

  a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

  b)  That this Committee notes the current budget position and small grants and skips approved since the last Well-being monitoring report.

c)  That the progress of the Area Committee funded project 'Merry Go Round' delivered by Older Active People be noted.

d)  That the following new Well-being projects be dealt with as follows:-

·  2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering (£1,000) (Refused)

·  Community Health Team Peer Education Project

(£1,340) (Agreed, subject to initial feedback on the success of the project in ten weeks time and to a further progress report in six months time)

·  Pilot Baby Weaning Project (Small Grant) (£500) (Refused)

e)  That approval be given to a deadline of 19^th March 2010 for all funding 

  applications to be submitted for consideration at the 22^nd April 2010

  Area Committee.

Referring to Minute 55 of the meeting held on 8^th December 2009, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitting a report updating Members on the current Well-being fund allocation and presenting two large and one small grant applications for consideration by the Area Committee.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

The Committee noted that the actual current Well-being budget position for 2009/10 was £9,585 and not £16,000 as identified in 2.1 in the report.

RESOLVED-

  a)   That the contents of the report be noted.

  b)  That this Committee notes the current budget position and small   

        grants and skips approved since the last Well-being monitoring report.

c)   That the progress of the Area Committee funded project 'Merry Go

      Round' delivered by Older Active People be noted.

d)   That the following new Well-being projects be dealt with as follows:-

·  2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering (£1,000) (Refused)

·  Community Health Team Peer Education Project

(£1,340) (Agreed, subject to initial feedback on the success of the project in ten weeks time and to a further progress report in six months time)

·  Pilot Baby Weaning Project (Small Grant) (£500) (Refused)

e)   That approval be given to a deadline of 19^th March 2010 for all funding  applications to be submitted for consideration at the 22^nd April 2010 Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking to inform the Area Committee of the WNW Community Engagement Programme and the two pilots the team propose to undertake Citizens Panels and Online Services.  The report also concludes that both pilots represent a valuable opportunity to strengthen the team’s approach to community engagement and recommends that the Area Committee takes note of these pilots and provide any comments.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report be noted and welcomed.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report seeking to inform the Area Committee of the WNW Community Engagement Programme and on the two pilots the team propose to undertake in relation to Citizens Panels and Online Services. 

The report also concluded that both pilots represent a valuable opportunity to strengthen the team’s approach to community engagement and recommended that the Area Committee takes note of these pilots and provide any comments.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Arising from discussions, Members welcomed the implementation of the West North West community engagement pilots and noted the following web address:- http://www.leeds.gov.uk/wnwareamanagement

RESOLVED-That the content of the report be noted and welcomed.

Thursday 25^th February 2010 at 7.00pm at Iveson Primary School, Iveson Rise, Leeds LS16 6LW (Provisional booking - venue to be confirmed)

Thursday 25^th February 2010 at 7.00pm at Iveson Primary School, Iveson Rise, Leeds, LS16 6LW

(The meeting concluded at 6.15pm)