Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the September meeting of the West (Inner) Area Committee held at the Strawberry Lane Community Centre, Strawberry Lane, Leeds 12. She particularly welcomed Roland Cross, Co-opted Member, Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum to his first meeting.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:-

Agenda item 11 – Appendix 3 of Community Centres Report – Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3) – information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED -

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

a)  Appendix 3 to the report referred to in Minute 31 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the information contained therein relates to the financial and business affairs of a particular person (including the authority holding that information). It was considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information as the market valuation of office space within its community centres was confidential between Leeds City Council and the client user.

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.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To receive and apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor D Atkinson and J Mc Kenna.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd June 2010.

RESOLVED-

a) That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd June 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

b) That in respect of Minute numbers 6, 8, and 9, the recommendations be ratified.

a)  Chair’s Opening Remarks (Minute 2 refers)

Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer, informed the meeting that a letter of good wishes had been sent to Councillor D Atkinson.

b)  Children’s Services – Area Committee Performance Report (Minute 7b refers)

Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer, informed the meeting that she had written to two Head teachers of local schools inviting them to attend the October Area Committee meeting and was currently awaiting a reply.

Following discussions with Amanda Jackson, Children’s Services, who was present at today’s meeting, it was decided to defer the head teachers attendance until the December Area Committee meeting by which time the results of the attainment analysis should be known.

  c)  Minutes – Community Forum Meetings (Minute 8 refers)

  Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer, informed the meeting that a 

  letter had been sent to Stephen Longley and Morgan Pugh thanking

  them for their past services as Co-optees on the Area Committee.

 d)  Wellbeing Fund 2010/11 (Minute 10 refers)

  Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer, informed the meeting that in

  relation to the CCTV – Broadlees Roundabout project, a more detailed

  report on this issue would be submitted to the October meeting.

She also informed the meeting that two small grant applications had now been paid to Armley Fun Day and Armley Common Rights Trust

  Hanging Baskets. Hazel Boutle confirmed that this payment had been

  received.

  Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager took the

  opportunity of bringing the Area Committee up to date on the recent

  Council’s changes to the revenue and capital allocations, together with

  details of the Wellbeing monies. He agreed to e mail the specific

  details to the Area Committee for their retention/information.

  It was confirmed that Executive Board had approved a change in the

rationale for the allocation of Wellbeing funding from 25/75% (deprivation/population) to 50/50 with immediate effect. The Area Committee, however, should be mindful that the approval was not unanimous and may therefore be subject to further challenge at full Council on 15^th September 2010.

e)  Appointments to Outside Bodies 2010/11 (Minute 16 refers)

Stuart Robinson informed the meeting that Bramley Sure Start had now been officially wound up as an organisation and would be removed from the appointments to outside bodies schedule.

Councillor T Hanley referred to the ALMO appointments and took the opportunity of raising his concerns with regards to a West North West ALMO Board meeting he had attended on 3^rd September 2010 where discussions had taken place in relation to a 2.1 million overpayment which had occurred within the ALMO’S capital structure.

At the request of the Chair, Councillor A Lowe in her capacity as a Director of West North West Homes ALMO, up dated the meeting on progress and it was noted that the Council’s Asset Management team were currently in discussions with the Chief Executive of West North West Homes.

  f)  Dog Control Orders (Minute 18 refers)

Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer, informed the meeting that Dog Control Wardens had attended  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To receive for information purposes the minutes of the following Community Forum meetings:

• Armley Community Forum – 15^th June and 20^th July 2010
• Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum – 29^th July 2010.

A copy of the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meetings held on 15^th June 2010 and 20^th July 2010, together with the minutes of the Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 29^th July 2010 were also attached for Members’ information.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meetings held on 15^th  June 2010 and 20^th July 2010, together with the minutes of the Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 29^th July 2010 be received and noted.

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

The Chair gave notice that in accordance with the Area Committee Procedure Rules, there was provision for an Open Forum session of up to 10 minutes at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee in order to allow members of the public an opportunity to ask questions or to make representations on any matter which fell within the remit of the Area Committee.

There were no issues raised on this occasion.

To receive a report from the Acting West / North West Area Manager providing an update on community safety issues and crime trends in Inner West Leeds since the Area Committee meeting in June 2010.

The West North West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report on Community Safety issues in Inner West Leeds.

Police Inspector Sue Disley presented the report and provided the meeting with an update on Community Safety issues and crime trends in Inner West Leeds since the last Area Committee meeting. In general, crime had reduced in the Inner West area over the last 4 week period compared with the same period in 2009.  Last week there was a successful activation of the capture house equipment which resulted in 3 arrest for burglary in the Armley area.

The Police and Anti-social Behaviour Unit are pursuing four anti-social behaviour orders through the courts for nominal’s causing problems in the dispersal area of Little Scotland area in Armley. A funding bid from the Proceeds of Crime Funding had been submitted for £2,500 to work in partnership with Christ Church Youth project to develop targeted diversionary activities. 

A community engagement event had been arranged for Saturday 18^th September 2010 at Armley Mosque 11.00 -1500 to raise awareness of services available to the local community. There are also on going operations.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Operation Champion – 29^th to 30^th July 2010 – Wythers Evaluation of Activities’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

In addition to the presentation, Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, Environment and Neighbourhoods also gave an update on current issues.

Arising from discussions, it was noted that the Area Committee would be receiving more detailed figures in relation to Operation ADULATE at the next meeting in October 2010.

The on-going problem of eastern European people drinking on Armley Town Street was referred to and the Area Committee were keen to resolve this issue by the possible introduction of a viable project between the Council and West Yorkshire Police. In addition, the increase of eastern European families living with in Armley was causing some tensions due to culture and lifestyle differences. The police and partner agencies were working with existing residents and the Slovakian communities to resolve these.

The Acting West North West Area Manager responded and agreed to follow up this suggestion with a report back on progress at the next meeting in October 2010.

The Chair thanked Inspector Sue Disley and Gill Hunter for their attendance.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report and the update provided by the West Yorkshire Police be noted and welcomed.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods updating Members on progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Inner West Area Delivery Plan.

RESOLVED -That the contents of the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan on a number of projects in the West Inner Leeds area, as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager and Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

In addition to the report and at the request of the Chair, Bill Graham, the new Business Facilities and Social Enterprise Manager attended the meeting and introduced himself to the Area Committee. It was noted that the Area Committee would receive a more detailed presentation on the Business Facilities and Social Enterprise Manager plan to make the social enterprises at the community centres increase sales, turnover and run more efficiently at the next meeting in October 2010.

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

• the concerns expressed about the cuts in Council funding and the job losses at the Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau
• clarification of the specific details in relation to the treatment of Japanese Knotweed on Armley Moor

(Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer responded and agreed to look into this issue further with a report back on progress to the Area Committee prior to the 20^th October 2010 deadline)

• to welcome the proposal to have a Community Centre Open Day in October half term week in partnership with Aramark and the LAMP Partnership
• a request for a breakdown of Wellbeing spend by ward for 2010/11

(Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager responded and agreed to follow up this issue for consideration at the October meeting)

• a request to send Roland Cross details of Area Committee

roles/co-optee roles

(Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer responded and agreed to follow up this issue)

RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing a summary of the progress made in delivering a programme of community engagement in the inner west area.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the scope and content of the West North West Area Management Team’s Community Engagement Programme.

c)  That this Committee welcomes the use of the Citizens Panel as part of a wider tool for community engagement.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing a summary of the progress made in delivering a programme of community engagement in the inner west area.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Specific reference was made to the Area Web pages referred to in Section 3.3 of the report and the omission of the Area Committee’s Co-opted Members details on the website. The Acting West North West Area Manager responded and agreed to rectify this omission.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the scope and content of the West North West Area Management Team’s Community Engagement Programme.

c)  That this Committee welcomes the use of the Citizens Panel as part of a wider tool for community engagement.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing information in relation to the management of Community Centres in the inner west area.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the proposals relating to Community Centres within the West Inner portfolio be approved in accordance with the report now submitted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing information in relation to the management of Community Centres in the inner west area.

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

• Budget v actual = income for each centre in Inner West

(Appendix 1 refers)

• Breakdown of the controllable budgets delegated to each centre in the Committee’s portfolio (Appendix 2 refers)
• Inner West Market Rental Assessment information – Exempt under 10.4 (3) (Appendix 3 refers)

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

It was noted that following the publication of the agenda, the Executive Summary had been revised by the report author. The Acting West North West Area Manager agreed to e mail the revised wording to the Area Committee for their information/retention.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and the appendices. The Area Committee noted that an action plan on Community Centres would be brought back to a future meeting for consideration.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the proposals relating to Community Centres within the West Inner portfolio be approved in accordance with the report now submitted.

To receive a report from the LEGI Programme Manager providing information on the costs and achievements of the West Leeds Enterprise Centre project as part of the Sharing the Success programme.

The LEGI Programme Manager submitted a report providing information on the costs and achievements of the West Leeds Enterprise Centre project as part of the Sharing the Success programme.

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

• West Leeds Enterprise Centre Clients (Appendix 1 refers)
• West Leeds Enterprise Centre Client Case Studies (Appendix 2 refers)

Simon Brereton, Programme Manager LEGI, City Development presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Specific reference was made to the following issues;-

• clarification as to whether or not the project had been successful in West Leeds
• to welcome the fact that the project had given people who lived in a deprived area an opportunity of starting a new business
• clarification as to whether or not a cost benefit analysis had been undertaken in relation to the nineteen new businesses
• the need to focus more on BME communities with the aim of introducing one to one contact and supporting the challenges of those communities who work in isolation

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report and appendices be noted and welcomed.

To receive and consider a report from the Health and Improvement Manager providing background information about health and wellbeing partnerships and how initial priorities have been developed.

The Health and Improvement Manager submitted a report providing background information about health and wellbeing partnerships and how initial priorities have been developed.

Appended to the report was a copy of the West North West Partnership Plan for the information/comment of the meeting.

Tim Taylor, Health and Improvement Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

The Committee noted and welcomed that Mr Taylor had completed a mapping exercise of statutory and voluntary health provision in Inner West.

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

·  the need to focus on mental health issues within Inner West and acknowledge that it was a major problem in that area

·  the need to work together on major cross-cutting health issues and introduce an MOT health check for all

·  the need to reflect on the importance of employment/wealth issues within the report

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report and appendices be noted and welcomed.

To receive and consider a report from the Interim Director of Children’s Services providing the Area Committee with various Children’s Services performance data disaggregated at Area Committee or Ward level.

The Interim Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing the Area Committee with various Children’s Services performance data disaggregated at Area Committee or Ward level.

Amanda Jackson, Locality Enabler and Mike Brown, Children’s Services presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• to acknowledge that Children’s Services were making progress in making Leeds a safe place for children
• clarification over the reasons for an increase in the seven day period for initial assessments
• the need for a Member of the Area Committee to meet with a Pregnancy Co-ordinator in Bramley

(Councillor N Taggart responded and agreed to fulfil this role on behalf of the Committee)

Amanda Jackson made specific reference to the results of the attainment analysis which should be known later in the year. As reported earlier, she confirmed that it would be wise to defer the attendance of two Head teachers until the December Area Committee.

RESOLVED-That the contents of the report and appendices be noted and welcomed.

Wednesday, 20^th October 2010, at 5.00 pm

(Stanningley Rugby Club)

Wednesday 15^th December 2010, at 4.00 pm

(Strawberry Lane Community Centre)

Wednesday 16^th February 2011, at 5.00 pm

(Stanningley Rugby Club)

Tuesday 6^th April 2011, at 5.30 pm

(Strawberry Lane Community Centre)

That the following arrangements be noted:-

Wednesday 20^th October 2010, 17.00, Stanningley Rugby Club

Wednesday 15^th December 2010, 16.00, Strawberry Lane Community Centre

Wednesday 16^th February 2011, 17.00, Stanningley Rugby Club

Tuesday 5^th April 2011, 17.30, Strawberry Lane Community Centre

(The meeting concluded at 7.05pm)