Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the October meeting of the North East (Inner) Area Committee.

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 declarations of interest were made:-

• Councillor G Hussain in view of him owning property located on Chapeltown Road (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 40  refers)
• Councillor S Hamilton in her capacity as a Member on the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority (Agenda Item 14) (Minute 44  refers)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors J Dowson, M Harris and C Macniven.

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 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 to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee. 

On this occasion, there were no matters raised under this item by members of the public.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September 2011.

RESOLVED -That the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

a)  Area Chairs Forum Minutes (Minute 24 refers)

The Chair enquired if Members of the Committee had been supplied with a copy of key contacts for each of the wards for their use pending the implementation of the restructure.

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Management responded and confirmed that the restructuring exercise was ongoing. She reminded the meeting that she was the key contact for day to day issues and that Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader would deal with any managerial issues.

b)  Delegation of Environmental Services – Service Level Agreement

  (Minute 27 refers)

The Chair informed the meeting that a letter of thanks would be going out today, on behalf of the Area Committee, commending the team who were responsible for the excellent clean up operation resulting from a recent burnt out car and disturbances in Chapeltown.

He apologised for the late submission of this correspondence.

  c)  Area Management Performance Reporting (Minute 28 refers)

  Councillor M Lobley referred to the decline of children’s pregnancies

and for the record he stated that, in truth, rates were falling as opposed to declining which represented a more accurate reflection of the current situation.

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader on the draft Area Committee Business Plan for 2011/12 for the Area Committee to consider, plus information made on progress made in relation to the priorities in the Community Charter.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That, subject to the receipt of any further comments from Members of the Area Committee prior to the final deadline of 24^th October 2011, approval be given to the Area Committee business plan for 2011/12 in accordance with the report now submitted.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report on the draft Area Committee Business Plan for 2011/12 for the Area Committee to consider, plus information on progress made in relation to the priorities in the Community Charter.

Appended to the report was a copy of the ‘Inner North East Area Committee Business Plan 2011-12 for Chapel Allerton, Moortown and Roundhay’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

In addition to the above document, a copy of a glossy leaflet entitled ‘ Your Community Charter Priorities Action 2011/2012’ was circulated for Members’ retention.

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

The Committee noted that the deadline for Members’ comments on the business plan was 24^th October 2011, following which a full marketing exercise would follow, together with the issue of a press release.

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

• to acknowledge that the rankings outlined in the plan would be useful for comparison in future years
• the need for Members to check the in-complete details of the Appointments to Outside Bodies information
• clarification of the process in relation to setting and monitoring targets and priority areas
• the need for the glossy leaflet to be made widely available with the aim of making the public more aware of the democratic process in relation to this Area Committee, in particular the deputation process and to give the public a freedom of choice should they wish to get involved

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader welcomed the production of the business plan which was user friendly and in line with the Council’s core values. He emphasised the need to publicise the document within the public domain which would be also beneficial for the Area Committee’s partners.

In concluding, the East North East Area Leader made reference to the importance of community engagement and of the need to make this real for the people on the streets via the Citizens Panel process.

It was noted that further discussions would ensue between the Chair and the East North East Area Leader on this issue which would be revisited at future Area Committee meetings.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That, subject to the receipt of any further comments from Members of the Area Committee prior to the final deadline of 24^th October 2011, approval be given to the Area Committee business plan for 2011/12 in accordance with the report now submitted.

 (Councillor S Hamilton joined the meeting at 4.15pm during discussions of the above item)

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader providing Members with an update on the current position of the Revenue Well Being Funding for the Area Committee and sets out applications made for consideration by the Area Committee.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the following applications for funding be dealt with as follows:-

Project  Decision

Talbot Fold   Approved  £1,220

(LCC Parks and Countryside)

Community Engagement  Approved  £1,000

c)  That approval be given, in principle, to an application from the Isis

(Black Health Initiative) for £5,000 and that this decision be delegated to the East North East Area Leader for further discussion at the Well-being Working Group in relation to determining the number of beneficiaries.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing Members with an update on the current position of the Revenue Well Being Funding for the Area Committee and also setting out applications made for consideration by the Area Committee.

Sharon Hughes, East North East Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Inner North East Area Committee Well-Being Budget 2011-12 (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Inner North East Small Grants (Appendix 2 refers)

The Committee noted that due to time restraints, the Well-being Working Group did not have the opportunity of considering the projects, in detail, prior to them being presented to the Area Committee for consideration.

Specific reference was made to the Isis Project (Black Health Initiative) and Members sought clarification of the composition of the project as outlined in 3.2.3 of the report.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the following applications for funding be dealt with as follows:-

Project  Decision

Talbot Fold  Approved  £1,220

(LCC Parks and Countryside)

Community Engagement  Approved  £1,000

c)  That approval be given, in principle, to an application from the Isis (Black Health Initiative) for £5,000 and that this decision be delegated to the East North East Area Leader for further discussion at the Well-being Working Group in relation to determining the number of beneficiaries.

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader updating the Area Committee on progress and projects taking place within the priority neighbourhoods in Inner North East and the work that is taking place.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report updating the Area Committee on progress and projects taking place within the priority neighbourhoods in Inner North East and the work that was taking place.

The report also aimed to provide a refreshed Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP’s) for the priority neighbourhoods and allow the Area Committee to comment and examine these plans.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• Chapeltown and Scotthalls Priority Neighbourhood Improvement Priorities 2011/12 (Appendix 1 refers)
• Meanwood Priority Neighbourhood Improvement Priorities 2011/12  (Appendix 2 refers)
• Moor Allerton Partnership (MAP) Neighbourhood Improvement Plan Priorities 2011/12 (Appendix 3 refers)

Steve Lake, Neighbourhood Manager, Inner East North presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• to acknowledge and welcome the findings within the report and to convey a vote of thanks to officers and partners for their hard work in this area of work, especially within the Chapel Allerton ward
• clarification of the progress in relation to improving access to services within Meanwood

(The Neighbourhood Manager responded and confirmed that work was still ongoing. He agreed to update Members in due course)

• clarification if funding could be directed into those wards where it was needed in order to help people get back into work

(The East North East Area Leader responded and confirmed that the Employment and Skills Team in Environment and Neighbourhoods led by Susan Wynne were leading on this issue. The Neighbourhood Manager agreed to liaise with Ms Wynne on this issue)

• the need to engage more people in Chapeltown around the area of conflict resolution and whether there was any scope in linking funding through the appropriate channels within the Harehills area

(The East North East Area Leader responded and confirmed that the Community Leadership Team in Environment and Neighbourhoods led by Carol Clarke were leading on this issue. The Neighbourhood Manager agreed to liaise with Ms Clarke on this issue)

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee notes and welcomes the updated Neighbourhood Improvement Priorities as outlined in the appendices.

c)  That the East North East Area Leader be requested to look at the links and work across the North East Inner boundaries with a view to bringing back a report to a future meeting for discussion.

To consider a report of the Head of Parks and Countryside updating the Area Committee on the yearly review of the Parks and Countryside Service in the North East Inner area.

The Head of Parks and Countryside submitted a report updating the Area Committee on the yearly review of the Parks and Countryside Service in the North East Inner area.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document detailing residents survey information for the comment of the meeting.

Simon Frosdick, Business Development Manager, Parks and Countryside, City Development presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• clarification of outstanding funding (S106) in relation to Meanwood Park

(The Business Development Manager responded and agreed to look into this issue with a report back to Members via East North East Area Management)

• clarification if funding reflected the number of visitors attending Meanwood Park and if wear and tear was taken into consideration

(The Business Development Manager responded that visitor numbers themselves did not directly define site funding but heavily used sites by their nature attracted investment due to the infrastructure maintenance and replacement needs)

• clarification of progress in relation to a skate park at Roundhay Park and the need for progress through the co-ordination of agreed strategies

(The Business Development Manager responded and agreed to look into this issue with a report back to Members via East North East Area Management)

• clarification of the protocol used in obtaining the attendance numbers/figures in parks and the strategy for recruiting more volunteers, especially in Potternewton Park

(The Business Development Manager responded by explaining that the visitation rate was calculated from the information supplied by respondents to the visitor survey. It was a product of the number of people visiting multiplied by the frequency of their visits. In addition he agreed to report back to Members via East North East Area Management on activities to attract volunteers in relation to Potternewton Park)

• clarification if walking groups were included within the consultation process

(The Business Development Manager responded and confirmed that walking groups were consulted and included within the consultation process)

• clarification if there was another survey due to be undertaken in 2012

(The Business Development Manager responded and confirmed that discussions were continuing with a view to conducting future surveys through Citizens Panels in order to reduce costs)

In concluding, Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader stated that voluntary effort was crucial in this area. He made specific reference to the success of the new playground in Reginald Terrace and congratulated everyone concerned.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That in relation to identifying priorities for investment in community parks, playing pitches and fixed play facilities in light of the issues raised, this issue be discussed at Ward Member meetings with a representative from Parks and Countryside in attendance.

To consider a report of the Director of Technical Services, East North Homes Leeds on progress on how the capital programme is formulated; progress made on each scheme and spending to date.

The Director of Technical Services, East North East Homes Leeds submitted a report on progress on how the capital programme was formulated; progress made on each scheme and spend to date.

Appended to the report was a copy of document highlighting the Capital Programme areas for the information/comment of the meeting.

Mandy Askham, Head of Adaptations and Improvements, East North East Homes Leeds presented the report on behalf of Tony Butler and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

• clarification of the ward locations of bathrooms referred to in the appendix

(The Head of Adaptations and Improvements stated that the appendix that had been circulated with the agenda papers was not the latest version. She apologised and confirmed that she would send the updated version to Sharon Hughes)

• clarification if there was plan for improvements in relation to lifts in tower blocks and the protocol for reporting faults

(The Head of Adaptations and Improvements stated  that LCC Property maintenance section prioritise the blocks of flats that need replacing. Only lifts that were no longer serviceable will be prioritised for replacement)

• clarification of the preventive measures in place for window replacements

(The Head of Adaptations and Improvements stated that there was a window replacement programme due to take place this year. The contract had just been awarded therefore a programme of work had not yet been issued)

• clarification if Button Hilll residents would be receiving new windows and doors

(The Head of Adaptations and Improvements responded and agreed to look into whether or not the windows/doors had been programmed in to be replaced)

• clarification on whether or not the appendices was a forward plan for delivery or work completed to date

(The Head of Adaptations and Improvements stated that it was a forward plan of what had been programmed as of September 2011 with some of the work having been completed. Issues were raised with regards to Members’ enquiries not being answered, and it was noted that general enquires should go though the Members’ enquiry line, but  the Head of Adaptations and Improvements stated that she would be happy to answer any isolated cases)

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of he report be noted.

b)  That a report on a forward plan of maintenance be considered at future Area Committee meetings.

To consider a report of the Director of Housing Services, East North East Homes Leeds informing the Area Committee of the work carried out by East North East Homes Leeds and the residents Area Panel.

The Director of Housing Services, East North East Homes Leeds submitted a report informing the Area Committee of the work carried out by East North East Homes Leeds and the residents Area Panel.

David Longthorpe, East North East Homes Leeds presented the report on behalf of Jill Wildman and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That the issue of joint working be continued and encouraged.

To consider a report of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on fire cover proposals within the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A report of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on fire cover proposals within the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was submitted.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• Moortown Fire Station Business Case (Appendix 1 refers)
• Gipton and Stanks Fire Station Business Case (Appendix 2 refers)

I addition to the above documents, a copy of the ‘Moortown proposal’ was circulated which focused on the facts and outcomes of the introduction of a Fire Response Unit and Resilience Pump at Moortown to replace the second fire appliance and the removal of 10 posts by way of planned retirements.

The Committee noted that the consultation was ongoing until mid December 2011.

Tony Head, Station Commander (Gipton), West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

Ian Thomson from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was also in attendance to comment on the Moortown proposal.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

• clarification of the role of the fire response unit
• clarification if the public would be more at risk under these proposals
• to note and welcome that there had been a 35% reduction in fires in Moortown in the five year period between 204/5 and 2009/10

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

Monday 12th December 2011 at 4.00pm at the Reginald Centre, 263 Chapletown Road, Leeds LS7 3EX.

Monday 12^th December 2011 at 4.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

(The meeting concluded at 6.10pm)