Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the December meeting of the South (Outer) 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 13 of the Members Code of Conduct

The following declarations of interest were made at this point in the meeting:-

Agenda Item 8 – Building Schools for the Future – Phase 1 – Rodillian High School – (Minute No. 47 refers)

With regard to agenda item 8, Councillors McArdle and Wilson indicated that they were members of Plans Panel (East) and could possibly be considering this matter at a later date in that capacity.

Both Councillors McArdle and Wilson stated that in view of this, and in order to avoid any perception of pre-determination when the matter came before Plans Panel, they would not discuss any planning matters relating to this issue. They also stated that they would not be bound by any discussions or decisions taken at today’s meeting when this matter came before the Plans Panel, but would consider all representations and viewpoints presented at the planning meeting before reaching a conclusion based on the merits of the case.

Councillor Leadley declared a personal interest in relation to this item, due to being a member of Plans Panel (West).

Agenda Item 11 – Executive Summary of Morley Literature Festival - Suggestions for Development – (Minute No. 50 refers)

Councillors Elliott, McArdle and Finnigan all declared personal interests in relation to this item, due to their respective positions on the Management Committee of the Morley Literature Festival.

Agenda Item 15 – Area Manager’s Report – (Minute No. 54 refers)

Councillor Leadley declared a personal interest in relation to this item, due to his position on the Neighbourhood Improvement Plan Working Group.

Agenda Item 16 – Outer South Area Committee Wellbeing Budget Report – (Minute No. 55 refers)

Councillor McArdle declared a personal interest in relation to this item due to being a member of Gildersome Action Group, Lewisham Park Management Committee, Morley Entertainments Committee and Board Member of Newlands Get Together Club.

Councillor Elliott declared a personal interest in relation to this item due to her position on the Board of the Newlands Get Together Club.

Councillor Grayshon declared a personal interest in relation to this item due to his respective positions on Lewisham Park Gala Committee and Management Committee and Morley Entertainments Committee.

Councillor Finnigan declared a personal interest in relation to this item due to being a member of Gildersome Action Group.

Agenda Item 17 – Outer South Community Centres Sub Committee – (Minute No. 56 refers)

Councillors McArdle and Grayshon declared personal interests in relation to this item due to their respective positions on the Outer South Community Centres Sub Committee.

Further declarations of interest were made throughout the meeting. (Minute Nos 47, 48, 51 and 55 refer).

To receive any apologies for absence from the meeting

Apologies for absence from the meeting were received on behalf of Councillors Dunn, Mulherin and Smith.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the previous meeting held on 6^th November 2006

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 6^th November 2006 be approved as a correct record.

Cleaner Cities (Minute No 37 refers)

Members noted that it was intended for representatives of the City Services Enforcement Team to be invited to a future meeting of the Area Committee, so that their attendance could coincide with the submission of a report regarding Streetscene Services.

Area Manager’s Report (Minute No 38 refers)

The Committee was advised that a report relating to the Neighbourhood Improvement Plans (NIPs) in the area was scheduled to be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee and that such a report would focus upon any ‘Narrowing the Gap’ issues which had arisen in Outer South Leeds.

Further to concerns raised at previous meetings regarding the clarification of statistics provided by the Youth Service, Members noted that it was intended for the Youth Service to provide such clarification at a future meeting of the Area Committee.

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

(10 mins discussion)

In accordance with paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to ten 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 no issues were raised.

To consider a report from the Acting Chief Planning and Services Development Officer which provides information on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme and how this relates specifically to Rodillian High School

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation/10 mins discussion)

A report was submitted on behalf of  the Acting Chief Planning and Development Services Officer which provided Members with information on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme specifically in relation to Rodillian High School.

Having received a brief presentation on the proposals from representatives of Education Leeds and the E4L Consortium, a discussion then ensued. The main areas of debate were as follows:-

·  Members questioned when the application relating to Rodillian High School would be submitted to the relevant Plans Panel for determination and raised concerns over the tight deadlines within the planning process which often accompanied such an application;

·  The actions taken to ensure that both the positive and negative aspects of previous PFI schemes had been taken into consideration when drawing up the current plans for Rodillian High School;

·  Members emphasised the need to ensure that applications from all sources were determined in a consistent manner;

·  The extent to which the parents of pupils from Rodillian High School had been consulted on the proposals and whether any major concerns had arisen from such consultation;

·  Whether the resources allocated to the development at Rodillian High School would restrict the levels of funding available to other schools in  the area.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

(At the conclusion of this item, Councillor Wilson declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 16, entitled ‘Outer South Area Committee Wellbeing Budget Report’ due to his attendance at meetings of the Rothwell in Bloom organisation. Minute No. 55 refers)

To receive a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which seeks to provide Members with an overview of the issues relating to affordable warmth in the area and to advise the Committee of the actions which need to be taken in order to address the situation

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

A report was submitted on behalf of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which provided Members with an overview of the issues relating to affordable warmth in the area and which advised the Committee of the actions needed to be taken in order to address the situation.

Following a brief summary of the main issues within the report by the Fuelsavers Manager, Neighbourhoods and Housing, a question and answer session followed. The main areas of debate were:-

·  Members raised concern over the prevalence of fuel poverty and ‘winter’ deaths in the area and emphasised the need for the issue to be urgently addressed;

·  The problems which had arisen from the rise in fuel prices, the reliance on overseas fuel reserves and the need to consider alternative sources of energy in a bid to address such problems;

·  The low take up rate of the financial support available to those suffering from fuel poverty in the area and the actions which could be taken, including the involvement of external agencies, to ensure that the take up rates of such benefits were maximised;

·  The methods which had been used to compile the statistics within the report;

·  The ways in which the community was being educated about the dangers associated with energy usage, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and how such education campaigns could be developed;

·  The possibility of Members identifying specific areas within each of their respective Wards where they believed fuel poverty could be most prevalent, in order to allow a more focussed and effective approach to be taken when addressing the issue;

·  The extent to which information relating to those services concerned with the reduction of fuel poverty was available to the local community and where such information could be found.

In conclusion, the Committee proposed that a selection of the information available on the subject could be forwarded to Members for information and distribution.

RESOLVED – 

(a). That the report and information appended to the report be noted;

(b). That the Area Committee supports the integration of affordable warmth aims and objectives into District Plans;

(c). That the Area Committee gives in principle support to local initiatives aimed at addressing fuel poverty reduction and eradication.

(Councillor Golton declared a personal interest in relation to this item due to being an employee of British Gas)

To consider a report from the Making Leeds Better Programme Team which updates Members on the progress of the initiative, advises the Committee on the resolution of the NHS Boards from September 19^th 2006 and invites Members to raise any questions, concerns or ideas that can be fed into plans for Making Leeds Better

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

Members received a report from the Making Leeds Better Programme Team which updated the Committee on the progress which had been made in relation to the initiative.

The Committee questioned the extent to which the issue of accessibility, transportation links and the development of appropriate infrastructure had been considered when drawing up the proposals. Member then emphasised the need to ensure that such matters were prioritised when considering future developments and discussed the impact that the introduction of new planning legislation would have on such issues.

RESOLVED –

(a). That the contents of the report, including the resolution of the NHS Boards from 19^th September 2006, be noted;

(b). That Members’ comments relating to the Making Leeds Better Progress Report be forwarded to the Making Leeds Better Team for consideration.

To receive a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which outlines the suggestions made to develop the Morley Literature Festival in the future and highlights the key areas which need to be considered to enable the festival to build on the success of last years event

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

A report was submitted by the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which outlined the options for the future organisation of the Morley Literature Festival and highlighted the key areas for consideration in order to enable the festival to build on the success of the inaugural event.

Following a brief overview of the report, a question and answer session ensued. The main areas of debate were:-

·  The possible representation of local schools on the festival’s organisation committee;

·  The likelihood of the festival becoming self sufficient in the near future and the prospect of the festival benefiting from external funding. Members then suggested that the festival could be eligible to receive funding from initiatives which supported the promotion of adult literacy;

·  Members then discussed the range of authors and activities which they deemed appropriate for inclusion within the festival’s future programme of events.

RESOLVED –

(a). That the report and information appended to the report be noted;

(b). That the constitutional arrangements, as appended to the report, be noted;

(c). That the composition of the Morley Literature Festival Organising Committee, as detailed within the report, be supported;

(d). That the Area Committee gives in principle approval to the ringfencing of £5,000.00 Wellbeing funding to support the Festival Director post, subject to a suitable delivery body being identified;

(e). That the Area Committee gives in principle approval to the ringfencing of £5,000.00 Wellbeing funding to support the general costs of the Morley Literature Festival.

To consider a report from the Director of Children’s Services which advises Members on the progress made with regard to the implementation of the Children Act and summarises the children’s trust arrangements that are being adopted in Leeds

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

The Committee received a report from the Director of Children’s Services which advised Members of the progress made in relation to the implementation of the Children Act and summarised the children’s trust arrangements which were being adopted in Leeds.

Having received a brief overview of the issues detailed within the report from the Change Manager, Children’s Services, a discussion ensued. The main areas of debate were as follows:-

·  Having requested further information on the Member seminars which had been scheduled on this issue, the Change Manager undertook to provide Members with further details on the arrangements for such seminars;

·  The ways in which any duplication of work undertaken in this field could be minimised;

·  The importance of the services which would be provided by the clusters in Outer South Leeds and the actions which could be taken to ensure that such clusters were aligned with local schools in the area.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

(Councillor Elliott declared a personal interest in relation to this item having been assigned as a Corporate Carer)

To receive a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development which invites the Area Committee to discuss where community health development projects have made a difference in their local area and provides an opportunity for the Area Committee to help the Scrutiny Board identify and address potential barriers and gaps in delivering effective community health development work in Leeds

(Council Function)

(2.5 mins presentation/2.5 mins discussion)

The Committee received a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development which invited the Area Committee to discuss where community health development projects had made a difference in their local area and provided an opportunity for Members to help the Scrutiny Board identify and address potential barriers in the delivery of effective community health development work in Leeds.

Following a brief summary of the report, a discussion relating to the sustainability of community health development projects in the area took place.

RESOLVED –

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

(b). That Members submit any comments arising from the report to the Area Manager who will in turn forward them to the Scrutiny Board (Health and Adult Social Care) for consideration. 

To consider a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which seeks the approval of the main headings and key thematic priorities for the 2007/8 Area Delivery Plan (ADP). The report also invites Members to comment on the framework from which local projects and service improvements will be negotiated through the 2007/2008 corporate planning/budget process and Area Wellbeing Budget

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

A report was submitted on behalf of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which invited Members to approve the main headings and key thematic priorities of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for 2007/08, invited any proposals for service delivery enhancements or variations which Members wished to be considered as part of the corporate/departmental planning and budget setting process and sought any suggestions for schemes that the Committee wished to be commissioned from the 2007/08 Wellbeing budget.

Having noted that it was intended to submit a more detailed report concerning the ADP to the next meeting of the Area Committee for Members’ approval, a brief discussion relating to the key themes and priorities of the Plan ensued.

RESOLVED –

(a). That the contents of the report, including the timetable for consultation and completion of the 2007/2008 ADP be noted;

(b). That the proposed ADP content, as detailed within the report, be approved;

(c). That the area-wide thematic priorities for the 2007/08 ADP, as outlined within the report, be approved;

(d). That Members submit to the Area Management Team well in advance of the February 2007 meeting any proposals for service delivery enhancements/variations that they wish to be considered as part of the corporate/departmental planning and budget setting process for 2007/08;

(e). That Members submit to the Area Management Team well in advance of the February 2007 meeting any proposals for schemes that they wish to be commissioned from the Area Committee’s Wellbeing budget in 2007/08.

To receive a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which provides Members with details of the range of activities currently taking place within the Outer South area of Leeds

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

The Committee received a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which provided Members with details of the range of activities currently taking place within the Outer South area of Leeds.

With regard to services for young people, Members were advised that having requested further clarification of statistics previously submitted to the Committee, it was noted that the Youth Service was intending to provide Members with a breakdown of financial data, disaggregated by wedge, which would be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

Having received an update on the Gardening Scheme, Members requested additional information on the areas within Lofthouse where the scheme was not being utilised and made enquiries about the methods used to publicise the initiative. In response, the Area Manager undertook to provide the Member in question with further details.

Regarding the Oakwell and Fairfaxe NIP, Members noted that it had been proposed for £1,350.00 Wellbeing revenue funding from the sum initially ringfenced to the NIP, to be used to commission a piece of work which would establish the anticipated cost of developing a local community facility in the area.

RESOLVED –

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

(b). That £1,350.00 Wellbeing revenue funding, from the amount ringfenced to the Oakwell and Fairfax NIP, be used to commission a piece of work to establish the anticipated costs of a local community facility in the area.

To consider a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which updates Members on both the revenue and capital elements of the Area Committee’s Wellbeing budget, advises Members of the current position of the Small Grants budget and invites the Committee to determine the proposal which has been submitted for consideration

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

A report was submitted on behalf of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which updated Members on the current position of the Committee’s Wellbeing budget and Small Grants budget, gave a progress report on both the revenue and capital projects agreed to date and invited Members to determine the proposal which had been submitted.

RESOLVED –

(a). That the report and information appended to the report, which includes the current position statement of the Area Committee’s Wellbeing budget, a progress report on the Small Grants budget and the details of both the revenue and capital projects agreed to date, be noted;

(b). That the proposal entitled, ‘Gillet Lane Environmental Improvements’ from Rothwell in Bloom for £3,033.00 Wellbeing Revenue funding be approved.

(Councillors Beverley and Elliott declared personal interests in relation to this item due to being members of the Royal Society of St George and Councillor Leadley declared a personal interest in relation to this item due to being a member of Gildersome Action Group)

To receive a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which  provides details of the Community Centres Sub Committee including purpose, scope and membership, and requests the Area Committee to approve the terms of reference which are appended to the report

(Executive Function)

(2.5 mins presentation/2.5 mins discussion)

Members received a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which provided details of the Outer South Community Centres Sub Committee and which sought Members’ approval of the Sub Committee’s draft terms of reference.

The Committee noted that it was intended to submit further reports updating Members on the progress of the Sub Committee to future meetings of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

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

(b). That the draft Terms of Reference for the Community Centres Sub Committee, as appended to the report, be approved;

(c). That further reports updating Members on the work of the Sub Committee be submitted to future meetings of the Area Committee.

To consider a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which updates Members on the progress made by the ReCreate project

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report updating Members on the progress of the ‘ReCreate’ scheme which was being undertaken by Groundwork Leeds.

Having noted that the project was due to commence in the new year, a question and answer session relating to the work to be undertaken as part of the initiative then took place.

In response to Members’ questions which related to the monitoring of water voles in the Rothwell area, the Committee was advised that having sought further information on this issue, Parks and Countryside intended to submit a detailed response to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

Monday, 26^th February 2007 at 4.00 p.m.

(Venue – Civic Chamber, Rothwell One Stop Centre, Marsh Street, Rothwell, LS26 0AD (TBC))

Monday, 26^th February 2007 at 4.00 p.m. at the Civic Chamber, Rothwell One Stop Centre, Marsh Street, Rothwell LS26 0AD (TBC).

(The meeting concluded at 6.05 p.m.)