Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting which was being held at Fairfield Community Centre, Fairfield Terrace, Leeds 13.

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

There were no declarations of interest reported at this point in the meeting.  (Refer to Minute No. 54 ).

An apology for absence from the meeting was received on behalf of Councillor Denise Atkinson.

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.

Members were also asked to note the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meetings held on 19^th September and 17^th October 2006 and the Bramley Community Forum meeting held on 28^th September 2006.

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.  On this occasion, no matters were raised under this item by those members of the public who were in attendance.

A copy of the Armley Community Forum minutes of the meetings held on 19^th September and 17^th October 2006 and the Bramley Community Forum minutes of the 28^th September 2006 were submitted and noted.

Referring to Minute 8.01, of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 17^th October 2006, Members of the West Inner Area Committee noted that the first meeting of the Armley Leisure Centre Working Group was held on the evening of 6^th December 2006.  Members once again thanked the volunteers for nominating themselves for being a member of the Working Group.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the previous meeting held on 19^th October 2006.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19^th October  2006, be approved as a correct record.

 Leeds Family Learning Centre (Minute 40 refers)

It was reported that £15,000 had been awarded to Leeds Family Learning Centre from Neighbourhood Renewal funding.  This would help support the proposal for a Catalyst Centre in West Leeds.  Members expressed the view that this was good news for the people in West Leeds as it helped secure the Centre’s future.

Area Delivery Plan 2006/07 Update (Minute 43 resolution (c) refers)

It was reported that a recent meeting had taken place between the Twilight Twirler Group, Councillor McKenna - Armley Ward, Steve Crocker, West Area Manager and Hollybush School representatives to discuss plans to assist the Group in relocating to a more viable venue such as Hollybush School, as the ceiling height at this venue was adequate for their purposes. 

A discussion ensued and it was decided that it was no longer financially viable to keep the Wyther Community Centre open.

Councillor McKenna also reported that a charity had recently awarded the Twilight Twirler Group £5,000 towards expenses for taking a group of girls to America as they had been invited to compete in a major twirling competition in Florida.  The group needed to raise another £5,000 of match funding for this project and Councillor McKenna gave assurances that Armley Ward Councillors would help them in any way they could.  

Steve Crocker, West Area Manager informed the meeting that the Twilight Twirler Group were informing them that the Centre would close on 12^th January 2007 and that the City Council offer for the group to relocate to Hollybush would remain open to the group.

Armley Ward Councillors thanked Steve Crocker and other representatives

for their help and support in this matter. 

RESOLVED -  That approval be given for the closure of Wyther Community Centre from 12^th January 2007.

To note a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing introducing Steve Thomas from West Yorkshire Police who will give an update on Community Safety issues in Leeds for the past six weeks.

(Executive Function)   -   5 Mins

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report from West Yorkshire Police giving an update on community safety issues in Leeds for the past six weeks.

The Chair welcomed Police Constable Chris Maynard and Sergeant John Glennon, Pudsey Neighbourhood Police Team, who addressed the meeting  and responded to Members’ questions and comments. 

A long discussion ensued and, in brief, the main issues raised were:-

·  The ‘Autumn Initiative’ which lasted for two days and targeted the hotspot areas such as the Fairfields, Rossefield, Town Street and Broadlea estates which were renowned for burglaries, anti social behaviour and criminal damage.  It was reported that Police Officers from other Divisions came to assist in the two day initiative.

·  A Community Engagement Survey had recently been carried out and the Police Officers explained that it was a new initiative which involved visiting individual households.  It was reported that the survey had produced a number of issues the Police had not been aware of.

·  Reduction in property crime in the West Leeds area and the fact that burglaries in the area had reduced in the last six months, although criminal damage in the West Leeds area had stayed the same.  It was reported that the budget for PCSO’s had been increased so that extra man hours were available to tackle the problem of criminal damage in the area, especially leading up to Christmas Eve.

·  ‘Light Up Campaign’ – it was reported that N.Power had allocated West Yorkshire Police with a stock of low energy light bulbs which they intend to allocate to the elderly over the Christmas and New Year period.

·  Slashed Car Tyres – it was reported that there had been 90 offences  of car tyres being slashed in the region and 20 of those offences occurred in the Pudsey vicinity.  Police Officers informed the meeting that they are using their stop and search powers in order to combat this problem.

·  Broadlea Estate – over the last few weeks there have been problems with certain individuals regarding anti social behaviour.  Proceedings are on going with these individuals and the final hearing will be held on 19^th December 2006.

·  PCSO’s – it was reported that three new PCSO’s have been appointed, one will be situated within the vicinity of West Leeds High School and the other two within the vicinity of Intake High School and the Moorside estate. 

The Chair thanked both Officers for their attendance.

RESOLVED -  That the report and update be noted.

To note a report by the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing introducing Mark Metcalf the recently appointed Youth Development Worker for Inner and Outer West Leeds.

(Executive Function)   -    5 Mins

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report introducing Mark Metcalf the recently appointed Youth Development Worker for Inner and Outer West Leeds.

Mark Metcalf addressed the meeting and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A brief discussion ensued on the update provided by the Youth Development Worker and Members pointed out that the proposed work programme referred to areas within West Outer Area Committee, although they agreed with the concept of the work he wishes to accomplish with the 9-13 year age group. 

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the appointment of Mark Metcalf, Youth Development Worker to  

  work with 9-13 age group in the Inner and  Outer West Leeds areas, be welcomed and noted.

(b)  That the Youth Worker be instructed to contact  each Ward Member

  individually  to ascertain the hotspot areas where work is needed to

  develop provision of services for young people in the West Inner area.

To consider a report of the West Leeds Area Manager seeking approval for new projects in the Inner West area.

(Executive Function)   -   5 Mins

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report to update Members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding available for Wards in the Inner West area for the financial year 2006/07 and the commitments already approved.  The report and appendices also sought approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Committee.

Carole Clark, Area Management Officer, presented the report and, together with the West Leeds Area Manager, responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the amount of Well-Being Budget remaining for the Inner West Area Committee be noted.

(b)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of new projects and   requests for funding from the Well-Being Budget contained in   appendices to the submitted report:-

(i)  ERDF Consultant – Approved £1,000 (Revenue)

(ii)  Tea Dance Project in West Leeds – Approved £6,420 (Revenue), subject to the funding agreement for the project being approved by the Area Management Team to ascertain best value use of resources.

(iii)  BARCA Youth Bank – Approved £5,250 (Revenue), subject to a progress report being submitted to the 29^th March 2007 meeting.

  (iv)  Fencing to Hall Lane/Tong Road Cemetery – Approved £858   (Capital)

(c)  That the applications for Small Grants and Skips as outlined in paragraphs 3.2 of the report be approved.

(Councillor McKenna requested that it be recorded that he voted against the Tea Dance Project in West Leeds application for funding application.  Councillor Lowe declared a personal interest in the BARCA Youth Bank application for funding as it was established during the applicant’s presentation that part of the project was linked to Intake High School Arts College where she is an LEA School Governor).

To note a report by the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development in order for the Area Committee to share their views as part of a Scrutiny Action Learning Project on Community Development in Health and Wellbeing.

(Council Function)   -   I0 Mins

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report regarding the Scrutiny Action Learning Project around Community Development in Health and Wellbeing.  Leeds City Council had been one of only nine local authorities to receive £20,000 funding to carry out an action learning project around Community Development in Health and Wellbeing and Area Committees were being consulted to ensure awareness was raised City wide.

Councillor B Lancaster, Chair of Scrutiny Board (Health and Adult Social Care) presented the report which asked for the views of the Area Committee on the following issues:

·  Recognition of Community Development in health

·  Impact of Community Development in health

·  Barriers and gaps in delivering effective community health development work

Appended to the report was a copy of the Terms of Reference for the Scrutiny Board (Health and Adult Social Care) inquiry into Community Development in Health and Wellbeing for Members’ information.

Members informed Councillor Lancaster that there are three partnership groups in the West Inner area namely, (FIG) Fairfield Improvement Group, (BIG) Broadlea Improvement Group and (WIG) Wyther Improvement Group.  These Groups include health, Leeds West Homes tenants and Area Management to improve the life opportunities of these communities.  These groups have action plans which focus on reducing poverty and debt, improving the environment and access to education/employment amongst other things.

Other groups are:-

·  Armley Helping Hands and Bramley Elderly Action are further examples

  of how Community Development impact on health.

·  Local Schools are participating in five a day and healthy schools initiatives.

·  A City wide example of Community Development is Minority Ethnic Mental Health Opportunities (MENHO), Health Living Centre (HLC), part of Touchstone which capacity builds small BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) organisations across Leeds to improve health and wellbeing.

Members expressed their concern that there were threats to the current seven HLC’s in Leeds whose funding ends next year.  There was a new lottery bid for all seven HLC’s as well as a regional bid for the 23 HLC’s across Yorkshire and Humberside.

Members felt that there were five main barriers to delivering Community Development outcomes.  The Government and Department of Health requires Statutory Bodies to monitor against several strategic health objectives which could only be achieved by the seven HLC’s.

If the HLC’s go, Government funding would be cut because the targets which were linked to this funding would not be met.  The voluntary sector also experiences barriers in the form of different treatments from statutory funders, especially Social Services for example, the Day Service Review requires voluntary sector agencies to bid for new contracts but Social Services work and staff will be protected.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the Area Management Team co-ordinate Members’ responses and   provide feedback to Scrutiny Board (Health and Adult Social Care).

To note a report by the West Leeds Area Manager providing updates and progress in implementing the Area Delivery Plan during the third quarter of the financial year 2006/07 and linking them to the corporate priorities of the City Council.  The report also identifies progress through the support of partner organisations on the West Leeds District Partnership.

(Executive Function)    -   5 Mins

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a detailed report providing an update on the progress made in implementing the Area Delivery Plan during the third quarter of the financial year 2006/07 and linking these to the corporate priorities of the City Council.  The report also identified the progress being made through the support of the partner organisations on the West Leeds District Partnership.

Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager, presented the report and, together with the Carole Clark, Area Management Officer, responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussions ensued on the content of the report and the following matters were raised:- 

·  That a Civic Pride Award of £500 has been awarded to the Wyther Partnership Group. 

·  That improvements to the corner of Broad Lane and Newlay Lane are welcomed by local residents.

·  That negotiations had recently taken place with the owner of the spare land behind Armley Town Street which is part of the West Leeds Gateway, has been offered for use as a free car park for the next three years.

RESOLVED -  That the report be noted.

To note a report by the West Leeds Area Manager on progress to date with the Town and District Centre improvements and the success of the Stage 1 Heritage Lottery application.

(Executive Function)   -   5 Mins

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing an update on progress on two improvement programmes for Armley Town Street, namely Town and District Centre Improvements and Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Carole Clark, Area Management Officer, presented the report and, together with the West Leeds Area Manager, responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the progress to date on the Town and District Centre   improvements,

  and the success of Stage 1 Heritage Lottery application be noted.

(b)  That this Area Committee supports the use of the Town and District Centre

  Funding as match for the Heritage Lottery funding.

To note a report from Listening Ear Community Counselling Service to give  an update on the work of Listening Ear provided by Womens Health Matters.

(Council Function)    -   10 Mins

Members noted a report submitted by the Listening Ear Community   Counselling Service to update the Area Committee on the work they have   carried out over the last year.

  Victoria Sinclair, Listening Ear, presented the report and responded to   Members’ questions and comments.

  Discussions ensued on the content of the report and Members felt that   Listening Ear Community Counselling Service were providing an invaluable   service.  There was a shortfall of such a service around the area for men as   there are big issues relating to drugs and mental health in the area.

  RESOLVED -  That the report be noted.

To note a report and presentation submitted by the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing advising Members of the progress of the review of ALMOs in Leeds.

(Executive Function)   -   10 Mins

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report to advise Members of the progress of the review of the ALMOs in Leeds, the transitional arrangements and, to advise Officers on the nature of any future briefings. 

John Statham, Neighbourhoods and Housing Department, gave a presentation and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A copy of the presentation was attached to the submitted report for Members information.

Members felt that a briefing was required regarding the creation of Area Panels, which are to report to the Boards on local issues, and what roles Panels can play in support of that link should be made to West Inner Area Committee at a later date.

Members also expressed their concerns that the newly appointed Chief Executive would have twice the area to cover and it was feared that she would not be able to continue the good work which had already been carried out by West Leeds Homes.  Members were also anxious to know the political composition of the newly appointed Boards and how membership on those Boards was to be appointed.  Concern was also expressed about the political membership on the new Boards.  Members expressed their concerns that the membership on the new Boards will not recognise the role of local businessmen and local tenants who take on the role and gave up their spare time for training to be part of the ALMO Boards on a voluntary basis.  It was felt that the experience gained by those Board Members should be recognised.

Members also felt that there was still a need to build more affordable housing in the City and this should be continued by the new Boards.

The Chair thanked John Statham for his presentation.

RESOLVED -  That the report be noted and that any future briefings on the ALMO Review be submitted to the 29^th March 2007 meeting.

To note a report by the Director of Children’s Services on the progress in implementing the Children Act and to summarise the Children’s Trust arrangements that are being adopted in Leeds.

(Council Function)   -   10 Mins

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on the progress in implementing the Children Act and to summarise the Children’s Trust arrangements that were being adopted in Leeds.  The report was intended to help the Area Committees to consider its role in improving the lives of children and young people at a local level.

Jane Bell, Change Manager, Children’s Services, presented the report and responded to Member’s questions and comments.

It was also reported that the Executive Board had formally agreed proposals for Children’s Trust Arrangements to provide a framework to improve the lives of children and young people within Leeds.  There would be a review of the Children and Young People’s Plan and local influence was required to identify priorities and actions, and to help deliver the desired outcomes. 

Reference was made to the following six main elements of Children’s Trust Arrangements:

·  Integrated Strategic Commissioning Board

·  Children Leeds Partnership (a themed Board of the Leeds Initiative)

·  Locality Arrangements (which included consulting the Area Committees).

·  Local Safeguarding Children Board (covering a range of protection issues for children and young people).

·  Open Forum

·  Director of Children’s Services Unit and its Strategic Management Team.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To note a progress report by the Making Leeds Better Programme and the resolution of the National Health Service (NHS) Boards held on 19^th September 2006.

(Council Function)   -   10 Mins

The Making Leeds Better Programme submitted a progress report on Making Leeds Better, a strategic programme for improving health and social care services in the City.

Carole Clark, West Management Officer, introduced the report and informed the meeting that a more detailed report depicting the West Inner area would be submitted to a future meeting of this Area Committee.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the progress on Making Leeds Better, be noted.

(b)  That the resolution of the National Health Service Board meeting held on 19^th September 2006,  as outlined in   the appendices attached to   the report, be noted.

Thursday, 8^th February 2006 at 9.00 a.m. (venue to be arranged).

MAP OF TODAY’S VENUE

Attached is the location map for Fairfield Community Centre,

Waterloo Lane, Leeds LS13 2BJ.

Thursday, 8th February 2007 at 9.00 a.m. at the Moorside Community Centre,

81 St Catherine’s Drive, Bramley, Leeds LS13 2JY.