Agenda, decisions and minutes

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

In accordance with his powers under Section 100(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1971, the Chair admitted to the agenda a late item, Well Being Report, which had been omitted from the agenda in error. (Minute No. 80 refers).

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Harris.

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.

The agenda made reference to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure rules for an Open Forum Session at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee, for members of the public to ask questions or to make representations on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee. 

The Chair welcomed Deborah Long of Leeds Schools Together to the meeting.  It was informed that Leeds School Together had the following general concerns regarding the proposals to replace high schools with academies as detailed in Agenda Item 10, The Future of Primrose, City of Leeds and Parklands Girls’ High Schools, and of Girls Only Secondary Education in Leeds.  The concerns included the following areas:

• No clear evidence that Academies raised standards
• Academies excluded higher numbers of pupils.
• The Governing Bodies were run by private sponsors.
• Academies were outside the local community of schools.
• Academies had their own admission policies regardless of local parent’s wishes.

In response to these concerns, it was reported that the academies in Leeds would be signing up to a ‘memorandum of understanding’ in Leeds.  Although not directly under the control of the Local Education Authority, they would be part of the Leeds family of schools with regards to admission and exclusion.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2009

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2009, be confirmed as a correct record.

Minute No. 63 - Youth Services in Inner North East Leeds

Minutes of the Youth Sub Group had been circulated to Members.

Minute No. 64 – Developing Local Arrangements for Children’s Services Performance Management

It was reported that a further report would be brought to the March meeting of the Area Committee.

Minute No. 68 – Year of the Volunteer

The Area Committee was requested to nominate a Champion for the Year of the Volunteer.  Councillor Lancaster was subsequently selected as the champion for the Committee.

Minute No. 49 – PFI Round 6 Update Report

It was reported that this still awaited a decision by Executive Board and an update would be given to the Area Committee in March.

Minute No. 65 – Safeguarding and Integrated Working

A further report would be going to Executive Board in March and would be able to help inform local priorities.  There would be further reporting to the Area Committee in due course.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods.

Time – 15 mins (Council Function)

The report of the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods provided information about the scope and activities of the Health & Environmental Action Service and particular areas of the City aligned to strategic outcomes.  It sought Members feedback on the value, level of detail and information presented in the report.  An appendix to the report gave detailed information on HEAS activity and included details on service requests, enforcement and fixed penalty notices.

The Chair welcomed Phil Gamble, Health & Environmental Action Services to the meeting.

The Committee’s attention was brought to  the appendix to the report which outlined the activity carried out by the Health & Environmental Action Service (HEAS).  Main issues which affected Inner North East were highlighted.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• Empty properties.  There were 836 across Inner North East and main issues included ensuring they were secure and kept free of refuse.  The Council did have powers to instigate compulsory purchase orders, but this was a lengthy and expensive process.  Other issues included problems with overgrown vegetative and tracking absent owners.  Works carried out for by HEAS were charged for and non-payment was pursued through the courts.
• Fixed penalty notices and the role of Neighbourhood Wardens.
• Noise pollution.
• Issues relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation.
• Fly Tipping
• Warden activity.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted

(b)  That future reporting be done through quarterly meetings with the   environment Champion and 6 monthly attendance at ward member   meetings.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods

Time – 15 mins (Executive Function)

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The joint report of the Chief Regeneration Officer and Chief Health and Environmental Action Services Officer referred to the decision to end the existing neighbourhood warden staff structure and to create new Community Environment Officer (CEO) and Community Environment Support Officer (CESO) posts in Environmental Services.  The report detailed the initial allocation of posts to the Area Committee.  The allocation was based on a pro-rata reduction of the former warden establishment based on their deployment in neighbourhoods.

In brief summary, the following issues were discussed:

• Deployment of wardens – there was a role for Members to influence this.
• Other available resources – use of Environmental Action Teams
• Targeting problem areas – Members were asked to contact Phil Gamble with information.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds

Time – 15 mins (Executive Function)

The report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds referred to the following recommendations made by the Executive Board at its January meeting:

• Move to formal consultation on a proposal to close Primrose High School in August 2011, and that a new 11-18 Academy, sponsored by the Co-operative Group with Leeds City College as education partner, open on the site in September 2011.

• Move to formal consultation on a proposal to close City of Leeds High School and the future use of the site for educational provision.

• Move to formal consultation on a proposal to close Parklands Girls High School in August 2011, and that a new co-educational 11-18 Academy, sponsored by the Edutrust Academies Charitable Trust (EACT), open on the site in September 2011.

• Undertake a city wide consultation on the future of girls only secondary education in Leeds.

The Committee was informed that a further report would be submitted to Executive Board in April 2010 with the outcomes of the consultation and this would include any representations made by the Area Committee.

The Chair welcomed Pat Toner, Education Leeds to the meeting.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• 60% of students in Inner North East Leeds were affected.
• Concern that the consultation planned didn’t address those with younger children.  It was reported that this would be addressed.
• Meetings and consultations with religious groups, particularly regarding girls only education.
• The improvement of educational outcomes was a priority behind the proposals.
• How to consult with the relevant groups with regard to provision for girls only education and whether there was a citywide demand for this.
• Members expressed a view that more local consultation was needed.
• Concern regarding the imp[act of the uncertainty at Parklands School – reduced pupil numbers and staff futures.  It was reported that the success of other local schools and academies had been a factor.
• Members were informed that any further input could be forwarded to Pat Toner.

RESOLVED – That the report and discussion be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report relating to the pricing letting amendments.

Time – 15 mins (Executive Function)

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the revised discounts schedule be approved for implementation.

The report of the East North East Area Manager outlined strands of community centre work carried out in the area which required consideration by the Area Committee.  The report gave an update on the review of the Pricing & Letting Policy for Inner North East Leeds and sought approval for implementation of the revised Discount Schedule.

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Management reported that the discount schedules had been reconsidered due to identified detrimental affects on some user groups.  Members attention was brought to Appendix A of the report which detailed the discount schedules which were bespoke to the area.

In brief summary, the following issues were discussed:

• Some profit making groups would be charged full rate.
• Block bookings by organisations that do not then make use of the centres – it was reported that usage was being surveyed.
• Operating costs were covered by the charges.
• The possibility of bills showing the remittance that organisations had received and organisations who applied for wellbeing funds being made aware of the support they are already receiving through discounted use of community centres.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the revised discounts schedule be approved for implementation.

(Councillor Rafique left the meeting at 5.40 p.m. during the discussion on this item).

To receive and consider the attached report of the North East Area Manager

Time – 10 mins (Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted

(b)  That the intention to report on the evaluation of the charter at the March Area Committee be noted.

The report of the East North East Area Manager provided Members with information on progress against the 34 promises outlined in the Inner North East Community Charter and an update on actions and achievements of the Area Management Team relating to priorities and work of the Area Committee since the last meeting in December 2009.  The report also provided a draft of the promises to be included in the 2010/2011 Community Charter for consideration.

Members attention was brought to Appendix 3 of the report which detailed the draft 2010/11 Charter Promises and issues discussed included community engagement, street lighting and grass cutting.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted

(b)  That the intention to report on the evaluation of the charter at the March Area Committee be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the East North East Area Manager

Time 10 Mins – Executive Function

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That £3,000 revenue (Health & Wellbeing) be approved for Chapel Allerton Good Neighbours should this funding not be available from Adult Social Care.

(c)  That the remainder of the Environmental Pot, £2,104.57, be allocated to the skip budget with additional funding from the stronger communities pot to a total of £2,500.

(d)  That issues relating to the delivery of the THI training programme be noted and it be agreed that the project timescales extend beyond March 2010 and for the marketing to include Moortown, Roundhay and the whole of the Chapel Allerton ward.  A further briefing report to be provided to Members.

(e)  That it be approved that the area management team workl with local groups and organisations to commission bids to help fulfil the 34 promises.  Ward Members to make area management aware of any schemes that they would like progressing.

The report of the East North East Area Manager contained details proposed projects/activities to deliver local actions relating to agreed themes and outcomes of the Area Delivery Plan.  The projects had been discussed at a meeting of ther Area Committee’s Member Well-Being Group and their recommendations had been included for noting and/or approving.

The latest financial position of the Wellbeing (revenue and capital) budget were also included at appendices A and B of the report.

With respect to the application from Chapel Allerton Good Neighbours, it was reported that there was a possibility of funding being available from Adult Social Care.  Members also asked for further funding to be made available for the provision of skips.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That £3,000 revenue (Health & Wellbeing) be approved for Chapel Allerton Good Neighbours should this funding not be available from Adult Social Care.

(c)  That the remainder of the Environmental Pot, £2,104.57, be allocated to the skip budget with additional funding of £1,500 from the stronger communities pot.

(d)  That issues relating to the delivery of the THI training programme be noted and it be agreed that the project timescales extend beyond March 2010 and for the marketing to include Moortown, Roundhay and the whole of the Chapel Allerton ward.  A further briefing report to be provided to Members.

(e)  That it be approved that the area management team work with local groups and organisations to commission bids to help fulfil the 34 promises.  Ward Members to make area management aware of any schemes that they would like progressing.

Monday, 15 March 2010 at 4.00 p.m.

Monday, 15 March 2010 at 4.00 p.m.  Meeting to be held at Leeds Media Centre.

The meeting concluded at 6.10 p.m.