Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the October meeting of East (Outer) Area Committee held at Primrose House, Church Close, Swillington and asked Members and Officers to introduce themselves..

On behalf of the Area Committee she personally thanked those members of the public who had kindly provided the refreshments and warm hospitality for today’s meeting.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.   Also to declare any other significant interests which the Member wishes to declare in the public interest, in accordance with paragraphs 19-20 of the Members’ Code of Conduct

There were no disclosable pecuniary and other interests declared at the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor S Armitage.

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. 

A local resident raised her concerns that the services provided by her local doctors surgery was not working very well.

Discussion ensued on the general issue of the withdrawal of NHS services in the area and the concerns raised that local surgeries were failing to deliver services as part of the promised NHS agenda.

In concluding discussions, the Area Committee requested the South East Leeds Area Leader to refer this issue to the Scrutiny Board (Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care) for consideration and to invite a representative from NHS Leeds to attend a future Area Committee.

To approve the minutes of the East Outer Area Committee meeting held on 11^th September 2012 and to formally ratify the decisions taken in minutes 25-28 inclusive

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and that this Committee formally ratifies the decisions taken at that meeting.

a)  Summary of Key Work (Minute 20 refers)

Councillor P Grahame referred to the above issue and stated that she had attended a recent meeting of the Cross Gates Good Neighbours Board and thanked the Area Committee for their involvement in this issue.

Martin Hackett, Area Improvement Manager, South East Leeds informed the meeting that the Cross Gates Good Neighbours Board were still looking for people to become members who had a cross selection of skills i.e. legal/accountancy etc.

Following discussions, Councillor J Cummins was nominated on to the Board representing the Temple Newsam ward.

b)  Thorpe Park (Minute 23 refers)

Councillor T Murray referred to the above issue and enquired on the availability of a copy of the high street impact survey for Members of the Area Committee.

Martin Hackett, Area Improvement Manager, South East Leeds responded and agreed to circulate copies to Members.

Councillor P Gruen informed the meeting that he had met with Mr P Crabtree, Chief Planning Officer to discuss the protocol of the need to inform all Members of Council of regular updates in relation to Thorpe Park.

In concluding discussions, Councillor K Wakefield proposed that this issue should be a standard item on the Area Committee agenda. This proposal was supported.

c)  Children’s Services – Update report to Area Committees – Outer East 

(Minute 26 refers)

Councillor T Murray referred to the above issue and raised his concerns about how school clusters were working, together with the budget implications.

The Chair reminded Members that an informal meeting of the East (Outer) Area Committee had been arranged for Thursday 8^th November 2012 between 10.30am-12 noon to be held in the Civic Hall to discuss school clusters and the budget implications. The informal meeting would be supported by the South East Leeds Area Leader and the Area Management team and Councillor J Blake and Mr K Morton, Head of Service, Young People and Skills had confirmed their attendance.

To consider a report of the South East Area Leader providing details of the Sport and Active Recreation Team, following recent changes, and to provide an opportunity for the Area Committee to discuss the new roles and their impact on the Outer East Area

The South East Area Leader submitted a report providing details of the Sport and Active Lifestyles Service Team, following recent changes, and to provide an opportunity for the Area Committee to discuss the new roles and their impact on the Outer East Area.

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

-  Charles Tatman, Active Sport Officer South, Central and Outer East, City Development

-  Sam Coupland, Active Lifestyles Officer South, Central and Outer East, City Development

An apology for absence had been received from Andrew Wilson, Club Development Officer, South Central and Outer East, City Development.

Prior to the short presentation by the above officers of their respective roles and responsibilities, the Committee noted that they were based at the John Charles Centre for Sport.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and presentation.

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

• The need for football, rugby and cricket clubs in the east outer area to receive support with details of funding streams; a requirement for Sports Centres to increase their usage and to consider promoting the area for off road cycling in readiness for the Tour de France

(The Active Sport Officer South responded and made reference to the capital improvements and revenue funding that was available. He gave a commitment to contact the football, rugby and cricket clubs in conjunction with Mr A Wilson, Club Development Officer. On a separate issue, both officers stressed the links with Leisure Centres and the remit of increasing footfall in Leeds City Council facilities. The team were also keen to see the development of more cycling in the area and would be pursuing opportunities on an ongoing basis)

• The concerns expressed regarding the recent closure of a sports centre in Temple Newsam and the restriction of opening hours at other sports centres in the area

(Both officers responded and acknowledged the difficult situation with East Leeds Leisure Centre and would ensure all work contributes towards strengthening the positions of existing facilities in the area)

• Clarification of the role of Youth Services within the Sport and Active Lifestyle Service
• Clarification of what facilities would be made at Temple Newsam
• The need to target those people who were using sports centres outside the area with the aim of trying to entice those people back to using their local facilities

(The Active Sport Officer South responded and agreed to revisit this issue)

• The need to look at more effective ways in running Leisure Centres in view of further budget cuts anticipated within the next five years and to involve Members and MP’s within the process

(The Active Lifestyles Officer South responded and acknowledged this view, together with addressing the important practice of linking into other Council services)

• The need for the Sport and Active Lifestyle Service to have an integrated role and to work with partnership groups in the area
• Clarification of which schools the Sport and Active Lifestyle Service had been working with in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To consider a report of the South East Area Leader updating Members on the Well Being Budget for Outer East in 2012/13; how the Area Committee decided to allocate the funds against specific work streams and seeking approval for new project work

The South East Area Leader submitted a report updating Members on the Well Being Budget for Outer East in 2012/13; how the Area Committee decided to allocate the funds against specific work streams and seeking approval for new project work.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘ Outer East small grants position as at 5^th October 2012’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Prior to considering the report, Martin Hackett, Area Improvement Manager, South East Leeds informed the meeting that arising from recent discussions with ward Members, the following three new projects had been identified for funding for consideration at today’s meeting:-

• Glebelands sports pitch Improvements - £1,600
• East Garforth Recreation ground security improvements - £1,750
• Traffic Signals on Osmonthorpe Lane - £16,000

The Committee agreed to consider the new projects and the Area Improvement Manager, South East Leeds confirmed he would produce supplementary information providing specific details on these projects after the meeting for publication on the Council’s internet site.

The Area Improvement Manager, South East Leeds presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

In his presentation he introduced the following officers who were in attendance to provide a brief presentation on their respective projects which at it’s May meeting, the Area Committee had agreed to set aside funding:-

• Angela Lewis - Dedicated Probation Services ‘Community Payback’
• James Nundy – Older Persons’ Event Week 2012

Discussion ensued on the contents of the presentations and the Chair thanked both officers for their attendance and contribution to the meeting.

In concluding discussions, the South East Area Leader commented on the wellbeing budget process agreed for 2013/14 which was noted by the Committee.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That the Small Grants approved to date be noted.

c)  That the following projects be dealt with as follows:-

d)  That at the request of the Committee, the Chair be requested to write a letter of thanks to those offenders involved with Dedicated Probation Services ‘Community Payback’ Team which could be also used as part of their curriculum vitae.

e)  That Mr J Nundy be thanked for his hard work in relation to the success of the Older Person’s Event week 2012 held from 1^st-5^th October 2012 and that this event be discussed at the next Area Chairs Forum.

f)  That in relation to promoting attendance at luncheon clubs held in villages within the area, further discussions be undertaken between officers and NET with a report back on progress at the next meting.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To consider a report of the South East Area Leader setting out the draft 2012/13 Area Committee annual Business Plan for Outer East Area Committee and setting out priorities; actions for the year; Area Committee Champions and a framework for community engagement

The South East Area Leader submitted a report setting out the draft 2012/13 Area Committee annual Business Plan for Outer East Area Committee and setting out priorities; actions for the year; Area Committee Champions and a framework for community engagement.

Martin Hackett, Area Improvement Manger, South East Area presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Outer East Area Committee Business Plan 2012/13’ for the information/comment of the meeting. The document focused on the Business Plan Priorities and Action; Area Committee Champions and the Community Engagement Framework for 2012/13.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and the part Neighbourhood Planning played in the community engagement framework section of the Business Plan.

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

• Aberford Parish Council had submitted an expression of interest in carrying out a Neighbourhood Plan but had included part of Garforth in the boundary
• Clarification of how the Business Plan would measure achievements in delivery eg community safety

(The Area Improvement Manger, South East Area responded and reported on the measures in place with the Police who conducted a Public Reassurance survey in this area. It was agreed to include an additional column in the plan showing how this was measured. In relation to Area Committee champions. It was also agreed that the plan would have a RAG (red, amber, green) system and that Area Committee champions would provide regular updates to Area Committee)

• Clarification of the viability of this plan and timescales in determining the number of houses to be built
• The work undertaken to date on Neighbourhood Plans by ward Members and the role of the Core Strategy within this process
• The need to start small in a defined area and to work together in rotation i.e. Area Committee/Neighbourhood Planning/Planning protocol
• The need for jobs and proper housing in the area and for a Government Minister to support this view
• The need a further report be submitted to the next meeting on firmer proposals for a Neighbourhood Priority Worker that included a role for supporting Neighbourhood Plans

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That approval be given to the Outer East Area Committee Business Plan for 2012/13 in accordance with the report now submitted.

c)  That a further report be submitted to the next meeting on firmer proposals for Neighbourhood Priority Worker.

d)  That the Business plan include a RAG system and an additional column highlighting indicators as a measure of success.

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

(Councillor M Dobson left the meeting at 5.45pm at the conclusion of the above item)

To consider a report of the South East Area Leader providing information on priority work carried out in the area over recent weeks and providing the minutes relating to partnership and sub-group meetings

The South East Area Leader submitted a report providing information on priority work carried out in the area over recent weeks and on the minutes relating to partnership and sub-group meetings.

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

• Kippax Traders Association – Minutes of a Meeting held on 22^nd August 2012 and19^th September 2012 (Appendix 1 and 1a refers)
• Area Chairs Forum – Minutes of a Meeting held on 13^th July 2012 (Appendix 2 refers)
• Outer East Environmental Sub-Group – Minutes of a Meeting held on 21^st September 2012 (Appendix 3 refers)
• East North East Divisional Community Safety Partnership – Minutes of a Meeting held on 6^th September 2012 (Appendix 4 refers)

Peter Mudge, South East Area Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

Tuesday 11^th December 2012 at 4.00pm

Tuesday 12^th February 2013 at 4.00pm

Tuesday 19^th March 2013 at 4.00pm

Monday 13^th May 2013 at 4.00pm

(venues to be confirmed)

RESOLVED – To note the following dates and times:-

Tuesday 11^th December 2012 at 4.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds

Tuesday 12^th February 2013 at 4.00pm to be held in the Cross Gates and Whinmoor ward (venue to be confirmed)

Tuesday 19^th March 2013 at 4.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

Monday 13^th May 2013 at 4.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

(The meeting concluded at 5.50pm)