Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair for the 2007/2008 municipal year.

(Council Function)

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report outlining the arrangements for the annual selection of the Chair of the Area Committee.

In accordance with the agreed procedure, the Chief Democratic Services Officer reported that a nomination for the Chair had been received on behalf of Councillor D Atkinson and those Elected Members present at the West Inner Area Committee meeting were asked to take a formal vote. 

RESOLVED -  That following an overall majority of votes cast by those Elected Members present at the meeting eligible to vote,  Councillor D Atkinson be elected as Chair of the West (Inner) Area Committee for the 2007/2008 Municipal Year.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the West Inner Area Committee for the 2007/2008 municipal year and expressed sincere thanks to the former Chair, Councillor Janet Harper for all her hard work during her year as Chair of the West Inner Area Committee.

An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor J McKenna.

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

Councillor Lowe declared a personal interest in Item 16, due to her position on the West North West ALMO Board.

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.

It is also intended to submit under this item for information/discussion purposes the minutes of the local community forum meetings.  The following sets of minutes are enclosed:

(a)  Armley Community Forum meetings held on 20^th March, 17^th April and

  15^th May 2007.

(b)  Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 29^th March 2007.

 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.  As there were no members of the public present, no issues were raised.

The minutes of the Armley Community Forum meetings held on 20^th March, 17^th April and 15^th May 2007 were submitted for information and noted.

The minutes of the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 29^th March 2007 were also submitted for information and noted.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 29^th March 2007.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 29^th March 2007 be confirmed as a correct record.

  Wyther Community Centre (Minute 83 refers)

Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager informed the meeting that the former sponsorsStellabrook Construction had now withdrawn their funding to  support the Twilight Twirlers upkeep for the use of the Wyther Community Centre.  Unfortunately, West Area Management have already put a great deal of work on the lease for their use of the building.  In conclusion, Members were informed that the Twilight Twirlers have now been offered a letting for one year at a cost of £1,500. 

Members from both Wards informed the meeting that they had recently received a request for MICE money from the Twilight Twirlers.

Footpaths and Ginnels Closures/Gating Orders (Minute 85 refers)

Paul Dishman, West Leeds Area Co-ordinator, informed the meeting that the work on the Nancroft Mount alleygating scheme was almost completed with full resident approval and Planning permission sought for installation in August and residents had thanked the Community Safety Co-ordinator for their work.  It was reported that Wellington Mount ginnel was the next area to focus on.

RESOLVED -  That the West Area Manager be instructed to monitor the lease for the Wyther Community Centre building very closely and keep Members informed.

To consider a report by the Chief Democratic Services Officer and to agree the nominations to those organisations which fall into the remit of this Area Committee.

(Council Function)

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report and appendices outlining the Committee’s role in relation to its Elected Member appointments to community and local engagement category appointments to outside bodies which had been delegated to the Area Committee to appoint.

It was reported at the meeting that the West Leeds Family Service Unit no longer existed and it was confirmed by the Chair that she had not been contacted by the organisation at all last year.  Therefore, it was decided that no appointment should be made to West Leeds Family Service Unit.

RESOLVED -  That Councillor J Harper be appointed to Bramley Sure Start for the 2007/08 municipal year.

Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager introduced Amanda Jackson, Locality Co-ordinator for Children and Equal Opportunities, Children’s Services for West Leeds.

Amanda Jackson addressed the meeting and informed Members that she hoped to be in regular attendance at West (Inner) Area Committee meetings but at the moment she is based at Merrion House and will soon be based around the West Leeds area.

The Chair welcomed Amanda Jackson to her first meeting with the West (Inner) Area Committee.

To consider a report on the appointment of Co-optees to the West Inner Area Committee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which sought approval for the annual appointment of co-opted Members to the West (Inner) Area Committee.

Members were reminded that the Area Committee could appoint up to 5

co-optees and that Hazel Boutle and Morgan Pugh were nominated by the Armley Community Forum and Jean Bedford and Peter Green by the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum.

RESOLVED –  That the following be formally appointed as Co-optees to the West (Inner) Area Committee:

Hazel Boutle – Armley Community Forum

Morgan Pugh – Armley Community Forum

Jean Bedford – Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum

Peter Green – Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods

giving an update on the Area Functions Schedule for 2007/2008, based on the functions delegated to the Area Committee at the present time.

(Executive Function)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the Area Functions Schedule 2007/08.  The report gave details on the updated Area Function Schedules and detailed the budgets available for delegated services for 2007/08.

The delegated functions to the Area Committee as at Appendix 1 attached to the report, included the following:

·  Youth Service

·  Community Centres

·  CCTV Cameras

·  Neighbourhood Wardens

·  Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)

·  Waste Management – Recycling Banks

·  Public Conveniences

·  Well-Being Budgets

Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager pointed out at the meeting that in addition to the Well-Being Fund figures, the Executive Board have agreed a £500,000 one off release of General Fund Reserves at its meeting in April 2007 to accommodate a further £50,000 allocation for each of the ten Area Committees on a non recurring basis and reiterated that this element of the Well-Being budget must be spent in the current financial year. 

It was also pointed out that this extra allocation which has been added to the revenue Well-Being budget and is to be earmarked by the Executive Board for two areas of strategic importance for the Council as a whole.  These are:

·  To carry out a conservation area review of conservation areas in their geographical area (this is a Best Value indicator for the Council and it is felt that it is best addressed at a local level) and, 

·  Introducing residents’ only parking/extra parking provision in particular areas of concern.

Members felt that they needed to know more about the General Fund Reserves and why there had been this surplus.  It was also felt that the extra 2% revenue well-being allocation was actually a cut in the well-being budget as it is below inflation.  Members also objected to being told how the money must be spent.

Members queried how much the ALMO had contributed towards the funding of a Neighbourhood Warden as this was not in their original budget.  Members also reported that they were being inundated with telephone calls from residents complaining that the renovations to their properties varied dramatically,  as some properties had been supplied with entirely new kitchens, bathrooms, new windows etc and other residents who may live on the opposite side of the street, have now been informed that there is a shortage of money to complete these renovations to the same standard, yet they are expected to pay the same amount of rent as those tenants who have had full renovation work completed.

In response, Steve Crocker informed the meeting that one of the Wardens for the West Inner area has been funded from money that comes from Central Government.  The cost per year for each Warden is £28,000.  A second Warden had been funded for Fairfield through the Safer and Stronger Communities funding.  Two more Wardens had been funded for New Wortley, one through the West Inner Area Committee budget and the other funded by West/North West Homes Leeds.  The crime figures are now down in this area and it is mainly due  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods introducing Inspector Steve Thomas from West Yorkshire Police who will give an update on the Community Safety Issues in Leeds for the past six weeks.

(Council Function)

Inspector Steve Thomas from West Yorkshire Police gave an update on Community Safety issues in the West Leeds  area for the past six weeks and informed the meeting that crime figures continue to reduce and that there are no significant peaks or troughs to report.  It was also reported that the Raynvilles and Broadleas continue to be the hot spot areas of crime and anti-social Behaviour.

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

-    The alleged indecency incident and the co-operation given to Police via   the schools involved to brief parents on the incident.

-  The recent arrests on the Fairfield estate which led to the closure of crack   houses.

-  The need to deal with the nuisance caused by youths on motorbikes.

-  The use of CCTV cameras in the Bramley Shopping Centre and whether   there are other areas in Bramley that may warrant CCTV cameras.

Members expressed their delight that crime figures in their Wards are down and their gratitude to Inspector Thomas for the recent Police visits in Bramley.  It was also reported that two really good operations had taken place on the Fairfield and Broadlea estates which also involved a local MP and the West Leeds Area Manager.  The operation involved Police Officers knocking on doors talking and listening to what people had to say about their area.  Residents were also informed about ‘Smart Water’ a UV based liquid for identifying property.

Members reported that an ideal spot for a CCTV camera would be at the elderly residents establishment at Ashlea Court as there had recently been a mugging just by the Globe Public House.  In response, Officers informed the meeting that a key issue is the cost of establishing CCTV schemes linked to Leedswatch and the associated revenue costs which have to be met that requires up to date statistical data to support the case.  Members requested that Inspector Thomas monitor crime levels in this area.

Inspector Thomas also gave a brief presentation on the Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) Armley application referred to in Appendix 1 of the Well-Being Budget application for funding (Minute 13 refers).

A lengthy discussion ensued and specific reference was made to the following issues:

-  Members referred to numerous assaults which occurred outside the   Kentucky Fried Chicken, the petrol station on Tong Road and various

  assaults and anti-social behaviour outside a number of licensed   premises   and fast food shops on Armley Town Street.

-  Members also expressed their concern at the increase in the number of   bookmakers on Armley Town Street.  It was reported that during the day   people seem to congretate outside the bookmaker premises drinking   alcohol. 

-  It was also felt that major violent crimes and murder should be resourced by the Police Authority as it is crime that should be a priority of the Police.

-  Members felt that the Police do not use the new Licensing Laws as they   feel that they have a lot of powers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To consider a report of the West Leeds Area Manager updating Members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding committed and available via the Area Committee Well-Being Budget for wards in the Inner West area.  The report also seeks approval for new projects commission by the West Leeds Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a detailed report providing details of the amount of Well-Being capital and revenue funding available for the 2007/08 financial year and the commitments already approved.

Rebecca Boon presented the report and Inspector Thomas gave a brief presentation regarding Appendix 1 – Designated Public Places Order application (Minute 12 refers).

Detailed discussion on the report and appendices followed.

RESOLVED -

(i)  That the report and information appended to the report, which includes   the available balance of the Area Committee’s revenue and capital Well-  Being Budgets, be noted.

(ii)  That approval be given to the funding for those projects approved in   previous years as outlined in paragraphs 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0 of the   submitted report.

(iii)  That the following decisions be made in relation to revenue projects as   detailed in the appendices attached to the submitted report:

  (i)  Designated Public Places Order  -  £12,090 - Approved

  (ii)  Back on Track Project  -   £1,600 – Approved

(iv)  That the Small Grants proposals, as detailed in paragraph 6.1, which   have been approved since the last meeting of the Area Committee be   noted.

(v)  That approval be given to allocate the sum of £3,000 for skips to allow   for the purchase of skips throughout the 2007/08 municipal year.

(vi)  That approval be given to allocate the sum of £2,000 per Ward for Small   Grant applications from Extended Schools Cluster as outlined in   paragraph 7.1 of the submitted report.

(vii)  That approval be given to allocate the sum of £5,000 for the cost of   contributing to community engagement and consultation events as   outlined in paragraph 8.1 of the submitted report.

(viii)  That the contents of the appended report from Listening Ear be received   and noted. 

To consider a report and presentation by the Chief Recreation Officer providing an update the work of the service generally and within the West Leeds area.

(Executive Function)

The Chief Recreation Officer submitted a report which informed the Area Committee of a presentation which would give an update on the following issues concerning Parks and Countryside.

-  The work of the service generally, including updates on quality  assessments, satisfaction survey etc

-  The work of the service within the area, including area specific updates   on projects, quality assessments, satisfaction survey etc and,

-  Plans and aspirations for the area.

Also appended to the report was a copy of the presentation.

The Chair welcomed Phil Staniforth to the meeting who gave the Area Committee an update on Parks and Countryside across Leeds and particularly in the West Inner area. 

Phil Staniforth informed the meeting that in line with the 79% score on the National Satisfaction Survey,  Leeds has now moved up two places on the

Chart.

RESOLVED -

(i)  That the contents of the report and presentation be received and noted.

(ii)  That the Chief Recreation Officer be requested to supply all Members of the

  West Inner Area Committee with details of the following:

-  a list of the amount  being spent in other Leeds parks compared with the parks in the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Wards

-  a list of the ten Leeds Quality parks and Green Flag parks

  -  a list of  Section 106 money being spent on parks in the Armley and   Bramley & Stanningley Ward.

To consider a report by the Strategic Landlord requesting the Area Committee to nominate two elected Members who are not part of the West/North West ALMO Board, to sit on the ALMO Area Panel for the area.

(Council Function)

The Strategic Landlord submitted a report which requested the nomination of Elected Members to the Area Panels of the West North West ALMO Board.  Members were reminded of the ALMO review which reduced the number of ALMOs and of the Area Panels that had been created and would cover the Inner West area.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Area Panel Terms of Reference.

RESOLVED -  That Councillors McKenna and Taggart be appointed to the ALMO Inner West Area Panel.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive of Leeds West North West Homes giving an outline of a presentation to be provided at the meeting by Claire Warren, Chief Executive on the Leeds West Homes review and the establishment of West North West Homes.

(Executive Function)

The Chair welcomed Claire Warren, Chief Executive of Leeds West/North West Homes who submitted a report which gave an outline of the  presentation.  The presentation included Leeds West Homes year end performance, transitional arrangements and formation of the new ALMO Company, current performance and future challenges and future working arrangements between the Area Committee and West/North West Homes Leeds. 

A discussion ensued and Claire Warren responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In summary, the main issues raised were as follows:

·  Formation of the new ALMO – to be given a full list of the memberships for the ALMO Board, its Sub Groups and the Area Panels and requested a full list be sent to all West Inner Area Committee Members.

·  Area Panels/Budget and responsibilities – Members requested information on the budget and responsibilities.

·  Current and Future Challenges/Customer Satisfaction Survey -  Members felt that 72% satisfaction was too low and that parity for decent homes was not being met especially on the recent home improvements issue.  It was felt that work already completed by the contractors needs to be rechecked for customer satisfaction.  It was also felt that there should be more consultation with tenants on choice.

RESOLVED -

(i)  That the contents of the report and presentation be received and noted.

(ii)  That the Chief Executive, West/North West Homes Leeds be instructed

  to supply Members of the Area Committee with a full list of memberships

  for the ALMO Board, its Sub Groups and the Area Panel.

(iii)  That the Chief Executive, West/North West Homes Leeds be instructed  

  to give details of  the budget and responsibilities to all Members of the

  Area Committee via email.   

(Note:  Councillor Hanley left the meeting at 7.10 p.m. during discussion of the above item) 

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager providing an update for the Area Committee on activities of Area Management in Inner West Leeds over the last few months.

(Executive Function)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report to inform Members of progress on a number of projects in West Leeds as follows:

-  The regeneration of  the West Leeds Gateway

-  The proposed improvements to Armley Town Street

-  The Leeds Bradford Corridor studies

-  The Fairfield Local Area Management plan

-  The Local Enterprise Growth Initiative proposals for West Leeds

-  The results of the recent survey of priority neighbourhoods in West Leeds

-  The analysis of how far the Area Committee are in narrowing the gap   between the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods 

Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager presented the reportand responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the progress to date on the West Leeds Gateway be noted.

(ii)  That the Area Committee endorses the need to establish project governance arrangements.

(iii)  That the Area Committee endorses the proposed programme of work for the West Leeds Gateway Regeneration Team 2007/08.

(iv)  That the progress on the plans for Armley Town Street and the Town Street heritage plans be noted.

(v)  That the Area Committee supports the continued joint working with

  Bradford MDC and METRO.

(vi)  That the Area Committee supports the application by the LEGI Programme Board to secure LEGI investment for West Leeds.

(vii)  That the results of the neighbourhood given in the most deprived areas be deferred to the September 2007 Area Committee meeting.

Please find below the dates, times and suggested venues for future

West Inner Area Committee meetings:-

Date        Time    Venue

20^th September 2007  9.00 a.m.  Bramley Community Centre

25^th October 2007    5.00 p.m.  Stanningley Rugby Club

6^th December 2007    9.00 a.m.  Armley One Stop Centre

7^th February 2007    5.00 p.m.  Bramley Community Centre

3 April 2007      9.00 a.m.  Stanningley Rugby Club

RESOLVED – That the following be approved:

Date   Time  Venue

20^th September 2007  9.00 a.m.  Fairfield Community Centre

25^th October 2007  5.00 p.m.  Stanningley Rugby Club

6^th December 2007  9.00 a.m.  Armley One Stop Shop

7^th February 2008  5.00 p.m.  Fairfield Community Centre

3^rd April 2008  9.00 a.m.  Stanningley Rugby Club