Agenda and minutes

There were no late items as such, however there was an additional project proposal for Wellbeing funding which had been circulated to Members.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest.  Councillors T Leadley, S Varley and J Elliott informed the meeting of their involvement with Morley Elderly Action in relation to the Garden Maintenance Service Evaluation report.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor B Gettings.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th January 2014 and as the meeting of the 27^th January was inquorate, the Committee is also asked to formally ratify those recommendations which were made at the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 January be confirmed as a correct record and the recommendations made at the meeting be formally ratified.

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 in attendance.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which provides a summary of key work which the Area Support Team are engaged in based on priorities identified by the Area Committee, that are not covered elsewhere on this agenda. This report provides opportunities for further questioning or the opportunity to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officer: Aretha Hanson)

The report of the Assistant Director (Citizens and Communities) presented an update on the key work taking place within the Outer South Leeds area not covered elsewhere on the report.

Aretha Hanson, Area Officer presented the report.

The following issues were highlighted and discussed:

·  Children & Young Peoples Working Group – terms of reference for the group were agreed.

·  Welfare Reform

·  Environment and Community Safety

·  Community Committees – Members were asked to consider and agree a new place-based name for the new community committee.

·  Community Centres – It was reported that the Morley North Children’s Centre had now re-located to Morley Town Hall.  Concerns were raised that there had been more confusion and double booking of rooms.

·  Potential establishment of an Older People’s Sub-Group.

·  The Area Committee Business Plan.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted

(2)  That the Business Plan Priorities & Actions for 2013/14 be signed off and new priorities for 2014/15 be included for further consideration at the first meeting of the new municipal year.

(3)  That the Community Committee be named the Ardsley, Morley and Rothwell Community Committee.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) detailing the current position of the Wellbeing and Small Grants budgets, providing an update on the revenue, capital and activities fund elements of the Wellbeing budget, presenting details of revenue funding for consideration and approval, and providing details of revenue projects agreed to date.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officer: Aretha Hanson)

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) provided Members with the following:

·  Details of the Wellbeing Budget position.

·  An update on both the revenue, capital and activities fund elements of the Wellbeing budget.

·  Details of revenue funding for consideration and approval.

·  Details of revenue projects agreed to date which link to the priorities and actions in the Area Committee Business Plan.

·  The current position of the Small Grants Budget.

Aretha Hanson, Area Officer presented the report.

Members’ attention was brought to revenue projects to be considered for approval includiong an additional proposal for a litter bin on Elland Road (Churwell) and ring-fenced spending for 2014/15.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the position of the Wellbeing, Capital and Activities Fund elements of the wellbeing budgets be noted.

(3)  That the revenue projects already agreed be noted.

(4)  That the following project proposals be approved:

o  Blue Plaque for Beryl Burton - £250.00

o  A Frames – Footpath No 105 - £1,521.75

o  Site Based Gardener – Outer South - £36,010.55

o  Outer South Garden maintenance Scheme - £33,000

o  Rothwell & District 2014/15 Events - £4,398

o  Litter bin on Elland Road (Churwell) - £300

(5)  That the current position of the Small Grants Budget be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Public Health outlining the action being taken to discharge the statutory responsibilities of Leeds City Council, to lead and deliver the public health agenda, raise awareness of the Area Lead member for Health and Wellbeing, provide information on the current position regarding public health work in the outer south area and set the scene for future progress.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officers: Bash Uppal and Victoria Eaton)  

The report of the Director of Public Health outlined the action being taken to discharge the statutory responsibilities of Leeds City Council, to lead and deliver the public health agenda, raise awareness of the Area Lead member for Health and Wellbeing, inform the Area committee of the current position regarding public health work in the outer south area and set the scene for future progress.

Bash Uppal, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager and Victoria Eaton, Public Health were in attendance for this item.

Issues highlighted from the report included the following:

·  Responsibilities of Leeds City Council to provide leadership for local health.

·  The Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) for Leeds.

·  Tackling health inequalities in the area.

·  Local activity work carried out.

·  Consultation and engagement.

·  Local issues including obesity and alcohol related illness.

In response to Members comments and questions, discussion included the following:

·  Statistics were provided on a GP practice basis but could be done on a postcode basis to include those who attended GPs out of the area.

·  Sale of alcohol – prevention of sale to young people and limiting sale of strong alcohol.

·  Health problems linked to the mining industry.

·  Provision of NHS Health Checks

·  Identifying local health priorities

·  Public health spending – this was determined by Executive Board

·  Mental health and wellbeing.

·  Data sharing between health partners.

·  Patient consultation and engagement.

RESOLVED – That the changes in terms of Leeds city Council’s responsibility around public health be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which provides an annual update from the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator on progress made in Outer South to deliver the priorities of the Safer Leeds Executive during 2012/13 and 2013/14.  Specifically, the report provides an overview of activity and performance information at a ward level to reduce crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in neighbourhoods and in relation to the delegated function of CCTV.  In addition, the report provides an overview of wellbeing funded activity that has taken place during 2013.

(Presentation: 10 Minutes/ Discussion: 10 Minutes)

(Presenting Officers: Gerry Shevlin and Nik Adams)

The report if the Director of Environment and Housing provided an annual update on progress made in Outer South Leeds to deliver the priorities of the Safer Leeds Executive during 2012/13 and 2013/14.  It provided an overview of activity and performance information at a ward level to reduce crome and anti-social behaviour and in relation to the delegated function of CCTV.  The report also provided an overview of wellbeing funded activity that had taken place during 2013.

Gerry Shevlin, Community Safety Co-ordinator, Chief Inspector Nick Adams and inspector Paul Sullivan were in attendance for this item.

Issues highlighted in relation to the report included the following:

·  An overview of the policing review and restructure for the city.

·  Opening of the new district HQ at Elland road.

·  Focus on partnership working.

In response to Membes comments and questions, discussion included the following:

·  Distribution of Police Officers across the city particularly at peak times.

·  Ward based managers – to improve local information and keep Members better informed.

·  PACT meetings would continue.

·  Support for Health and Wellbeing – work with mental health support staff.

·  Work with clusters – domestic violence, Families First programme.

·  Retention and distribution of PCSOs.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the South (Outer) Area Committee support the retention of 5 PCSOs per ward.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on the work undertaken within the Children’s Services area throughout Outer South Leeds.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officers: Sarah Sinclair and Martyn Stenton)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing members with a comprehensive set of children’s information. Common feedback is to build on this with more local context. 

Members noted that there are established city priorities in the Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP), especially the obsessions. 

The purpose of this cycle of reports was to understand if there were any local priorities that should also be regularly highlighted in these reports, for example a focus on a particular aspect of one of the obsessions.

It was recommended for this Committee that the local lead member for Children’s Services works with the area head of targeted services to identify local priorities for the committee’s approval.

Martyn Stenton, Area Head of Targeted Services, South East Leeds and Sarah Sinclair, Chief Officer, Strategy Commissioning and Performance were in attendance for this item.

Issues highlighted in relation to the report included the following:

·  Performance data in Outer South Leeds.

·  Identifying priorities – developing localised priorities with the Lead Member.

·  Increase in births and migration to the area.

In response to Members comments and questions, discussion included the following:

·  Uptake of free school meals – there was a higher than average increase in Outer South.  It was hoped to increase this further still.

·  Concern regarding available school places – reference was made to the planning process, housing growth and overall demand for places.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That where local priorities may be required in addition to the Children’s Services obsessions, these would be agreed between the local lead member for Children’s Services and the area head of targeted services.  These priorities may include a focus on a specific element of one of the obsessions.

(2)  That the basic need workshops be used to provide local intelligence for consideration in school place planning and to instruct officers on improved methods of member engagement in school place planning.

(3)  That the igen and the Leeds Pathways website to NEET young people and their families be promoted so that young people’s routes to employment and training is enhanced.

To consider the report of the Area Improvement Manager, South East Leeds, providing an update on, and evaluation of the Garden Maintenance Scheme delivered by Morley Elderly Action in 2013/14.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officers: Carole Law and Ann Minke)

The report of the Area Improvement Manager provided the Area Committee with an update and evaluation of the Garden Maintenance Scheme delivered by Morley Elderly Action in 2013/14.

The Area Committee had previously approved funding for the scheme for a further three years subject to Executive Board approval of finance budgets.

Aretha Hanson, Area Officer presented the report.  Carole Law and Ann Minke of Morley Elderly Action were in attendance to answer Members’ questions.

In response to Members comments and questions, discussion included the following:

·  The waiting list for services was carried out on a first come first served basis.

·  Management fees covered costs for letters, postage, phone calls, stationery, printing, photocopying, CRB checks and promotional information.

·  Members discussed potential ways of reducing the waiting list and providing more services.  It was reported that this may not be feasible due to increased administration costs and time.  Area Management would be reviewing the scheme and would investigate ways of how to potentially expand the scheme for more service users.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the scheme be continued in 2014/15.

(3)  That Area Management liaise with Morley Elderly Action to consider ways of expanding the scheme for more service users.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside which provides an overview of the service and sets out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives.  In addition, the report seeks to provide a positive way forward for delivering the extended role of the Area Committee. In particular, it sets out at an area level progress made in attaining Leeds Quality Park standard and also details the investment required to attain and sustain LQP standards.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officer: Bob Buckenham)

The report of the Chief Officer, Parks and Countryside sought to further develop the relationship between Parks and Countryside and the Area Committee.  It provided an overview of the service and set out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives. It also set out, at an area level, progress made in attaining Leeds Quality Park standard and investment needed to attain and sustain LQP standards.

Bob Buckenham, Parks and Countryside presented the report.

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

·  Bowling green provision.

·  Sponsorship for parks.

·  Assessments of Lewisham and Dartmouth parks were requested.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Locality Manager, South and Outer East Leeds which provides an update on the proposed changes to the operating model and structure of Environmental Action Service Locality Teams to deliver zonally based services. In addition, the report also outlines the reasons for these changes and the processes for agreeing them. Furthermore, the report describes the process for developing the Service Level Agreements with Area Committees for 2014/15.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officer: Tom Smith)

That The Locality Manager (South and Outer East Leeds) submitted a report which provided an update on proposed changes to the operating model and structure of Environmental Action Service Locality Teams to deliver zonally based services.  It outlined the reasons for these proposals and the process for agreeing them.  It also described the process for developing the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with Area Committees for 2014/15.

Tom Smith, Locality Manager (South and Outer East Leeds) presented the report.

Further issues highlighted from the report included the following:

·  The need to be more flexible to meet local demands.

·  New responsibilities including those transferred in with Housing Leeds and bulky waste collections.

·  The move to zonally based multi-tasking teams.

In response to Members comments and questions, discussion included using ward briefings to update Members, the development of new structures for working and working to meet demand.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the approach to consulting on proposals for changes to the Locality Team operating model, the priorities within the SLA for 2014/15 and proposals for future waste management arrangement be agreed.

To consider the report of the Area Leader, South East Leeds, providing an update on the work of the Neighbourhood Improvement Officer (NIO) since the last report in July 2013. In addition, the report provides the Committee with a review of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation statistics for the Outer South area, highlighting priority areas and themes that could form the basis of a proposed refocused NIO work programme.

(Presentation: 5 Mins/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officer: Ellie Rogers)

The report of the Area Leader, South East Leeds provided Members with an update on the work of the Neighbourhood Improvement Officer since the last report to Area Committee in July 2013.

It also provided a review of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation statistics for the Outer South Area, highlighting priority areas and themes that could form the basis of a proposed refocused Neighbourhood Improvement Officer programme.

Ellie Rogers, Neighbourhood Improvement Officer presented the report.

Further issues highlighted form the report included the following:

·  Support to priority neighbourhoods.

·  The South Leeds Foodbank

·  Welfare reform

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)   That the findings of the data review be noted and the direction of travel with regard to future work be agreed.

(3)  That Members meet the Neighbourhood Improvement Officer in a series of Ward Based Briefings to confirm priorities.

To consider the submitted report which invites Members to note the contents of the Area Leader’s report to the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) regarding a request from the Friends of Drighlington Library for Community Subsidised Accommodation. An update in respect of this matter will be provided at the Committee meeting.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officer Aretha Hanson)

The report of the Area Leader, South East Leeds referred to a request from the Friends of Drighlington Libraryto waive the notional community rental agreement (CRA) cost of £5,000 for space within Drighlington Meeting Hall and to agree subsidised occupation to the value of £1,860 to cover the service charges.

RESOLVED –

1.  That it is recommended that the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) approves a grant to the Friends of Drighlington Community Library to the value of £1,860 and waive the notional £5,000 rental income. This grant is to cover the service charges for a further 12 month period. It is recommended that this grant should be approved on the condition that the Friends of Drighlington Library sign the lease that has been drawn up.

2.  That this support be reviewed in 12 months to determine whether the arrangement should continue and to agree future conditions of use.

To consider the report of the Area Leader, South East Leeds, providing a review of the operation of St Gabriel’s Community Centre over the last 12 months. The report highlights the work of the Management Committee, Outer South Community Centre Sub Committee, South East Area Support Team and partners in supporting the operation of the centre.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officer: Aretha Hanson)

The report of the Area leader, South East Leeds provided a review of the operation of St Gabriel’s Community Centre over the last 12 months. It highlighted the work of the Management Committee, Outer South Community Centre Sub Committee, South East Area Support Team and partners in supporting the operation of the centre.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor which seeks the Committee’s formal approval of a meeting schedule for the 2014/2015 municipal year and also to agree a date for the Election of Chair Committee meeting prior to the Annual Council Meeting in June 2014. In addition, the report asks Members to give consideration as to whether they wish to continue with the Committee’s current meeting and venue arrangements or whether they would like to request any amendments to such arrangements.

(Presentation: 5 Minutes/ Discussion: 5 Minutes)

(Presenting Officer: Andy Booth)

The City Solicitor submitted a report which sought the Area Committee’s formal approval of a meeting schedule for the 2014/2015 municipal year and also to agree a date for the Election of Chair Committee meeting prior to the Annual Council Meeting in June 2014.

In addition, Members were requested to give consideration as to whether they wished to continue with the Committee’s current meeting and venue arrangements or whether they would like to request any amendments to such arrangements.

RESOLVED – That the proposed meeting schedule for 2014/15 be agreed as follows:

·  Wednesday, 4 June 2014 at 5.00 p.m. (Election of Chair meeting)

·  Monday, 7 July 2014 at 4.00 p.m.

·  Monday, 20 October 2014 at 4.00 p.m.

·  Monday, 2 February 2015 at 4.00 p.m.

·  Monday 23 March 2015 at 4.00 p.m.

Committee Members are invited to consider the proposed schedule of meetings, as suggested within the report entitled, ‘Dates, Times and Venues of Community Committee Meetings 2014/2015’ (Agenda Item 17 refers).