Agenda, decisions and minutes

North West (Outer) Area Committee - Monday, 7th November, 2011 2.00 pm

Venue: St Margaret's Parish Centre, Church Lane/Hall Park Avenue, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5LA

Contact: Gerard Watson (0113) 39 52194  Email: gerard.watson@leeds.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

34.

Chair's Opening Remarks

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the meeting of the North West (Outer) Area Committee.

 

35.

Late 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.)

Minutes:

There were no late items as such, however, it was noted that supplementary

information had been circulated to Committee Members following the despatch of the agenda as follows:-

(a)  A further expression of interest for Wellbeing funding from the Youth Service, to be considered as part of the report entitled, ‘Wellbeing Fund Budget Report’ (Minute No. 43 refers).

 

(b)  Appendix 2 to the report entitled, ‘Outer North West Area Committee Business Plan’ (Minute No. 44 refers).

 

36.

Declaration of Interests

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.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest made during the meeting.

 

37.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence from the meeting had been received on behalf of Councillor J L Carter and Councillor Collins.

 

38.

Open Forum

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.

Minutes:

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

 

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

 

39.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 88 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26th September 2011.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on the 26th September 2011 be approved as a correct record.

 

40.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

Minutes:

Minute No. 24 – Consultation on Expression of Primary School Provision for September 2013

With regard to the potentially significant financial implications arising from the extension of PFI school buildings, the Committee noted that this matter had been highlighted at a recent public consultation meeting considering the expansion of Primary School provision. Members also made reference to the impact upon traffic management arising from such building extensions.

 

41.

Annual Report - for Parks and Countryside Service in North West (Outer) Area Committee pdf icon PDF 176 KB

To consider the report of the Head of Parks and Countryside providing an overview of the Parks and Countryside Service, and setting out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives. The report also seeks to provide a positive way forward for delivering the extended role of the Area Committee, and sets out progress made at an area level in attaining Leeds Quality Park (LQP) standard and investment needs to attain LQP standards and to retain them.

 

(Council Function)

Minutes:

The Head of Parks and Countryside submitted a report providing a profile of the key assets within the Outer North West area, whilst detailing information on park usage and observations from a customer perspective.  In addition, the report highlighted the progress currently being made towards Leeds Quality Park (LQP) status for community parks in the area and provided details regarding the capital improvements made to the facilities during the past 12 months. In addition, the report also detailed a breakdown of events and volunteering in the area and informed of the actions being taken in line with the Committee’s 2008-2011 Area Delivery Plan.

 

In presenting the report, Phil Staniforth, Senior Area Manager, Parks and Countryside, led the Committee through the key points of the report.

 

A discussion relating to the details contained within the report then ensued. The main points raised were as follows:-

  • Members highlighted the significant demand for playing pitch provision for junior football teams, specifically in the Guiseley and Menston area. In response, the Senior Area Manager, Parks and Countryside, invited Members to contact him on this matter should they continue to have related concerns.
  • Details were provided in respect of the newly established ‘Friends of Parkinson Park’ group.
  • Having received an update on the work being undertaken to ensure that community parks in the area attained Leeds Quality Park (LQP) status, Members made enquiries into the methods used to involve Ward Members in such matters. In response, the Committee noted that as part of the work undertaken to improve facilities, ongoing discussions continued with Ward Members. The Committee was then invited to contact Parks and Countryside, should they have any comments or concerns regarding community parks provision in the area.
  • The report detailed the levels of investment required to achieve LQP status in the remaining community parks in the area which to date had not achieved the necessary standard. In considering this data, Members sought, and were provided with details of both the internal and external funding streams which were pursued in order to finance parks’ improvement works.
  • Responding to enquiries, Members were provided with details regarding the classification of Springfield Park and also Golden Acre Park.
  • Members highlighted the requests which had been received for the provision of youth facilities, such as skate parks, in the Holt Park area. In response, the Senior Area Manager undertook to look into this matter.
  • The Committee paid tribute to and thanked all of those individuals and groups which continued to be involved in the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers within the Parks and Countryside service.
  • Members made reference to Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 17, which related to service users’ access levels to open space, sport and recreation facilities, and suggested that such matters were included within future reports.
  • The Committee highlighted the considerable time that certain public rights of way within the area had been on the waiting list to be formally identified upon the authority’s definitive map and requested that this issue be pursued. In response, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

42.

Annual Community Safety Report pdf icon PDF 106 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presenting the annual community safety report, providing Members with details of the community safety activity undertaken during the last 12 months.  The report also provides details of crime data, making comparisons with the previous year.

 

(Council Function)

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing details of the community safety activity undertaken within the area over the past twelve months. In addition, the report presented data relating to crime levels and provided comparisons with the previous year.

 

Following an introduction to the report from Inspector Coldwell of West Yorkshire Police, a question and answer session ensued. The key points raised during the debate were as follows:-

  • Responding to Members’ enquiries, the Committee were provided with details of the range of actions being taken to address those specific criminal offences in the Horsforth Ward which had experienced a recent increase.
  • Members noted that the North West Outer area was a leader in the field of the Community Action and Support Against Crime (CASAC) and the target hardening initiatives.
  • The Committee received an update from Nigel Atkins, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, on the initiatives being undertaken by the Service in respect of fire prevention and community safety.
  • Responding to Members’ enquiries, the Committee was provided with the definitions of different criminal offences.
  • The Committee received an update and clarification in respect of the home safety fire check provision and the installation of fire alarms service, specifically regarding the eligibility criteria for the initiatives and the extent to which they remained operational.
  • Members emphasised the need for a multi-agency approach to be taken towards addressing the increasingly common problem of fuel poverty. 
  • Specifically in relation to addressing the levels of burglary in the area, the Committee highlighted the value of lighting timers and received an update on the provision and distribution of such devices.

 

In conclusion, Inspector Coldwell provided an update on the changes to senior management within West Yorkshire Police which had recently occurred and invited Members to approach him, should they wish to receive further details on matters such as crime figures or service users’ satisfaction ratings.

 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report, and the comments made during the discussion, be noted.

 

43.

Well-Being Fund Budget Report pdf icon PDF 74 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) providing Members with an update on the current amount of revenue and capital funding committed and available via the Area Committee well-being budgets for wards in the Outer North West. The report also seeks approval for new projects and provides details of small grant applications received since the last Area Committee meeting.

 

(Executive Function)

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current position of the Wellbeing budget, as set out at sections 2 and 3 of the submitted report, be noted.

 

(b)  That the following be agreed in respect of those expressions of interest received for Wellbeing funding, as detailed within section 4 of the submitted report:-

 

Name of Project

Name of Delivery Organisation

Decision

Micklefield House Information Board

West North West Area Management

£1,150.00 agreed.

(Capital)

Driving Training

 

Youth Service

£2,460.00 (Revenue).

(£615.00 per ward).

Decision deferred until next meeting in order to enable further information to be sought and submitted to the Committee following consultation with operators of current minibus provision in the area, relevant Ward Members and the Youth Service.

 

(c)  That the small grant and skip approvals, as detailed within section 5 of the submitted report be noted, and that the remainder of Otley and Yeadon’s balance for the provision of skips be transferred to the Ward’s Small Grants budget.

 

Minutes:

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report outlining the current position statement for the Area Committee’s Wellbeing budget, detailing for determination those expressions of interest received for Wellbeing funding and presenting for information those small grant applications which had been received to date.

 

The Committee discussed the proposed costings detailed within the report for the erection of the Micklefield House Information Board.

 

Members requested that the remainder of Otley and Yeadon’s balance for the provision of skips was transferred to the Ward’s Small Grants budget.

 

The Committee highlighted the Small Grants funding which had been recently allocated towards the construction of a memorial dedicated to Mr. Phil Lecutier.  The Committee paid tribute to Mr Lecutier, who had been a teacher at Cookridge Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School for almost 25 years and who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident whilst cycling at Carlton Crossroads, Bramhope in November 2010. The Committee noted that the memorial was in the form of the planting of a mature tree.

 

A further expression of interest for Wellbeing funding from the Youth Service had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting for their consideration and determination. In considering this matter, the following points were raised:-

  • Members noted that this expression of interest had been submitted to the Committee, following initial consideration of the matter by the Children and Young People’s Sub Group. The Committee was provided with further details regarding the expression of interest and clarification on any restrictions in place relating to the transportation of young people via minibus.
  • The Committee highlighted that there was already minibus hire provision in the Horsforth area which was currently underused, and made enquiries into whether such provision could be utilised as an alternative to the request made by the Youth Service.
  • Members suggested that if approval was given to the application, then such approval should be accompanied by caveats which ensured that the funding provided a specified level of increased value to the service and which would also encourage those individuals trained to remain in the employ of the Council for a designated period of time. 
  • Clarification was provided regarding the impact upon service delivery during the designated training periods. 
  • Enquiries were made into whether this issue was specific to the Outer North West area or whether it was a wider problem, and discussed whether the Area Committee was the most appropriate funding source.
  • The Committee emphasised the value of further discussions taking place with all relevant agencies on this matter, prior to a decision being made.
  • Members highlighted the need for young people in the area to be afforded the opportunity to access activities in other parts of the city, which was often via minibus.
  • The Committee considered the current role and funding arrangements of the Youth Service and the current level of outcomes being achieved.

 

In conclusion, the Committee agreed that this matter should be deferred to the next scheduled meeting in order to enable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

44.

Outer North West Area Committee Business Plan pdf icon PDF 66 KB

To consider the report of the West North West Area Leader presenting an update on the work to date to develop an Area Committee Business Plan.

 

Please note that Appendix 2 to this report is not included in the agenda pack, and will be circulated as soon as it is available.

 

(Executive Function)

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

 

(b)  That the contents of the Business Plan, as detailed at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted.

 

(c)  That the draft Action Plan which accompanies the Business Plan, as detailed at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be noted.

 

(d)  That all Committee Members be invited to a Workshop at the end of November 2011 in order to consider the Business Plan in further detail.

 

(e)  That agreement be given to the Area Management Team continuing to develop the Business Plan.

 

(f)  That updates be received at future meetings of the Committee and that the Area Committee adopt a three year plan at the March 2012 meeting, which will be subject to an annual refresh.

 

Minutes:

The West North West Area Leader submitted a report presenting an update on the work which had been undertaken to develop the Area Committee’s Business Plan.

 

Appendix 2 to the submitted report, which detailed the draft Business Plan’s Priorities for Action, had been tabled at the meeting for Members’ consideration. 

 

In presenting the report, Jane Pattison, West North West Area Management, suggested that a workshop event for all Committee Members was scheduled for the end of November 2011, in order to consider the Business Plan in greater detail. In response, Members requested that a date and arrangements for the workshop were confirmed at the earliest opportunity.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

 

(b)  That the contents of the Business Plan, as detailed at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted.

 

(c)  That the draft Action Plan which accompanies the Business Plan, as detailed at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be noted.

 

(d)  That all Committee Members be invited to a Workshop at the end of November 2011 in order to consider the Business Plan in further detail.

 

(e)  That agreement be given to the Area Management Team continuing to develop the Business Plan.

 

(f)  That updates be received at future meetings of the Committee and that the Area Committee adopt a three year plan at the March 2012 meeting, which will be subject to an annual refresh.

 

45.

Area Update Report pdf icon PDF 72 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) providing Members with information on a range of Area Committee business, including key messages from forums and sub-groups, and project and service activity.

 

(Executive Function)

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

 

Minutes:

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report which brought together a range of information regarding Area Committee business. As such, the report provided details of the key messages from Area Committee Sub Groups and Forums, whilst also presenting an update in respect of projects and service provision.

 

The Committee received an update on the staffing restructure within Area Management which had recently occurred.

 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

 

46.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

Monday 12th December 2011 at 2.00pm.

 

(Venue to be confirmed)

Minutes:

Monday, 12th December 2011 at 2.00 p.m.

(Venue – Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

 

 

 

 

(The meeting concluded at 3.27 p.m.)