Agenda and minutes

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

The Chair reported one late item of urgent business regarding the initial proposals on the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places for the Parliamentary Constituencies within the local authority’s area under Section 16 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006.

In accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair indicated that she agreed to accept this report as a late item of urgent business due to the fact that this was the only West Inner Area Committee meeting to be held before the closing date for submissions on 7^th November 2007.  (Minute 39 refers).

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

The following personal interests were declared at the meeting:

·  Councillor A Lowe in her capacity as a Director of West/North West Homes and a Member of Children Leeds Partnership (Agenda Items 9 & 13 - Minutes refer  42 & 46 refers).

·  Councillor N Taggart in his capacity as a Panel Member of West/North West Homes (Agenda Item 9 – Minute 42 refers).

·  Councillor T Hanley in his capacity as a Director of Aagaard Hanley Limited and Plasterworkshop Limited (Agenda Item 17 – Minute 50 refers).

During consideration of the items indicated below, the following Members declared a personal & prejudicial interest and left the room and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon:

·  Councillor A Lowe in her capacity as a Director of Leeds MIND

  (Agenda Item 11 – Minute 44 Resolution (iii) refers)).

·  Councillor N Taggart in his capacity as a Director of Theatre in Education

  (Agenda Item 11 – Minute 44 Resolution (iii) refers)).

·  Mr M Pugh – Co-optee for Armley Forum in his capacity as Chair of Armley Helping Hands (Agenda Item - 11 Minute 44, Resolution (ii) refers)).

·  Mrs J Bedford and Mr P Green – Co-optees for Bramley & Stanningley Forum in their capacity as Members of Fairfield Community Partnership (Agenda Item 11 – Minute 44, Resolution  Capital (i) refers)).

An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor McKenna who was away on honeymoon.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Harper back to the meeting after her recent illness.  Councillor Harper thanked the Area Committee for their best wishes and for the beautiful flowers that she had received. 

The Chair also welcomed Anwar Mohammed the new North West Leeds Area  Inspector for West Yorkshire Police to the meeting.

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)  Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum – 26^th July and 27^th   September 2007.

(b)  Armley Community Forum – 18^th September 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.  On this occasion, no matters were raised under this item by those members of the public who were in attendance.

The minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 18^th September 2007 were submitted for information and noted.

The minutes of the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meetings held on 26^th July and 27^th September 2007 were also submitted for information and noted.

Members considered the Initial Proposals for the review of Polling Districts and Polling Places as outlined in the submitted report by the Returning Officer. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given the existing arrangements for the Polling   Districts and Polling Stations for the Armley and Bramley &   Stanningley Wards as detailed in Appendix 1 of the submitted report.

(b)  That the submissions for those Polling Districts proposed for merger as   detailed in Appendix 2 for the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley   Wards be submitted as follows:

·  Not to support the merger of (Appendix 2 refers) –

  40 AMI with 41 AMJ – Portable Building on land adjacent to Poplar   Mount/Way to poll at Venerable Bede Parish Centre, Stanningley   Road.

    43 AML with 42 AMK – Portable Building car park near junction of   Spring Valley Crescent/Walk to poll at Bramley WMC, 68 Elder   Road.

  44 AMM with 45 AMO -  Bramley Christian Church, 29 Snowdon   Crescent to poll at Raynville Primary School, Cross Aston Grove.

   62 BSD with 68 BSJ – Portable Building parking area at junction of   Rossefield Approach/Grove to poll at Bramley Branch Library.

(c )  That approval be given for the transfer of the following new Polling Station location in the Bramley and Stanningley Ward (Appendix 3   refers):

  63 BSE – Portable Building at Junction of Fairfield Street/Grove to   transfer to the Community Centre, Fairfield Street.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the last meeting held on 20^th September 2007 and to discuss any matters arising from the minutes.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th September 2007 be confirmed as a correct record.

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager on the community safety issues in Inner West Leeds for the past six weeks.

(Executive Function)     10 Mins

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report and Inspector Anwar Mohammed, together with Gill Hunter, Community Safety Officer gave a brief update on community safety Issues in the West Leeds area.

The Chair congratulated Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Officer (West/City Centre) on her recent award from the West Yorkshire Police Authority in recognition for the partnership work on various Police Operations that she had co-ordinated .

Inspector Mohammed reported on the following areas over the last three months:

·  A decrease in the amount of Criminal damage. 

·  A reduction in reported anti social behaviour  over the summer months.

·  Reduction in burglaries during the same period which could be due to the increase in the number of PCSO patrols.

·  Due to the forthcoming dark nights the Inspector announced that he is making application for extra funding from the Police Authority for more Police Constables and staff to combat burglaries etc. 

·  Low energy light bulbs – Light Up Campaign.

In summary the main issues raised were:-

·  The recent  arson and burglary incidents at two local  schools in the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Wards.

·  The Area Committee’s objections to the application for a Massage Parlour/Steam Sauna and 24 hour drinking Licence at premises on Eyres Avenue, Armley, Leeds 12.

·  The application for a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) for Armley.

·  There were some issues still outstanding on the Broadlea estate and Members were asked to feed back any information they had received in order that it could be investigated during the next Operation. 

·  An incident of racism occurring on Fairfield Hill where two people had

  been arrested.

·  Concern was expressed to the Inspector that no sooner do PCSOs

  familiarise themselves with the people and the area they then seem to   move to another area.  In response the Inspector informed the   meeting   that it was his intention to get Officers to stay in the area they   know but   in January 2008 there would be massive changes in the   organisation of Police services across West Yorkshire.

The Chair thanked Inspector Mohammed for his attendance at the meeting.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and Inspector Anwar  Mohammed’s

  comments be received and noted.

(b)  That the Inspector be requested to keep Ward Members informed

  following Police investigations into the recent  arson and burglary

  incidents at two local  schools in the Armley and Bramley &   Stanningley

  Wards. 

(c )  That the West Leeds Area Manager convey this Area Committee’s   objections to the Licensing Committee when consideration be given to   the application for a Massage Parlour/Steam Sauna and 24 hour   drinking Licence at premises on Eyres Avenue, Armley, Leeds 12.

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager on the progress on the Inner West Area Committee Area Delivery Plan (ADP) 2007/08 and to inform

Members of the proposed content and format of the ADP for 2008/09.

(Executive Function)     10 Mins

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a detailed report providing Members with an update on progress on the Inner West Area Committee

Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for 2007/08.

Rebecca Boon, West Leeds Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief, the main issues raised were:

·  Members paid tribute to the voluntary sector, such as the Interplay Group, the “Armley Tea Dance” etc., who with their help and support had driven these plans forward.

·  Concern was expressed that the Sheltered Housing Complex at Ashlea Court still, after a year of campaigning, had not had anyCCTV cameras installed. 

·  Members also expressed their concern that alcohol was still being sold to the under aged young people in the Armley area and yet there had been an application for another Off Licence on Armley Town Street. 

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the progress and actions contained in the Area Delivery Plan be  

  noted.

(b)  That the Chair and the West Leeds Area Manager be instructed to  

  Investigate with West North West Homes the delay in the installation

  of  CCTV cameras at Ashlea Court.

To consider a report and presentation by the Assistant Chief Executive

(Planning Policy and Improvement) introducing the Strategic Plan 2008/2011

and to consider the draft strategic outcomes and improvement priorities which will shape the content of this plan.

(Council Function)          20 Mins

The Committee received a report and a tabled printout of the presentation regarding recent changes to the Council’s corporate planning framework, involving the merger of the Council’s Corporate Plan and the Local Area Agreement to form a Leeds Strategic Plan, also bringing together the themes contained in the existing Vision for Leeds and Regeneration Plan.

The document set out the draft strategic outcomes and proposed improvement priorities for the period 2008/2011, and what the Council itself intended to do, in partnership with others, to deliver the priorities.  All Area Committees were being asked to contribute to the process in terms of commenting in broad terms on whether the outcomes and priorities reflected the experience and needs of their local areas.  There would be further opportunity to comment later in the process on targets and performance indicators, and to also consider how local priorities, delivered via the Area Delivery Plans, could contribute to achieving the overall strategic aims of the Council, but at this stage officers were seeking confirmation that the aspirations outlined in the Plan were the right ones.

Sandie Keene, Director of Adult Social Services, Jane Stageman, and Dylan Griffiths, Chief Executive’s Department, attended the meeting and responded to Members’ queries and comments. 

In addition, a questionnaire was tabled at the meeting on developing the improvement priorities for the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Area Committee were urged to submit their comments/completed questionnaire within the next two weeks. 

In brief, the main issues discussed were:-

·  The view was expressed that the Strategic Plan should address the philosophy that people living in the inner city wards had a life expectancy of 15 years less than those living in the outer areas. 

·  Members also expressed their view that there is a need for more emphasis  to be put on those children who come from a working class background who often leave school with no educational qualifications or training who  turn to crime as they often felt excluded from society.

·  The need for more social housing and capital to build houses.  The Council needs to look at how much spare land there is to build those houses desperately needed by single parent families who are having to live with parents due to shortage of housing.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That Members be encouraged to complete and return the   questionnaire setting out their individual comments on the Strategic   Plan 2008/2011.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods to update 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 and to seek approval for new and continuing projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)     10 Mins

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

Detailed discussions on the report and appendices followed.

RESOLVED -  

(a)  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.

(b)  That the following decisions be made in relation to  revenue and capital

  Projects as detailed in the appendices attached to the submitted report:

  Revenue

(i)  New Wortley Community Development Worker/Centre Manager

  –  £26,187  – Approved.

(ii)  Armley Helping Hands - £18,598.87  – Members expressed concern about whether this was funding the core business of this organisation and whether this scheme fits into the Area Delivery Plan.  The application was therefore deferred for further information.

(iii)  West Leeds Domestic Violence - £5,000 – Approved.

(iv)  I Love West Leeds - £25,000 – Approved.

  Capital

(i)  Fairfield/Groundwork Environmental Project - £15,000  - Approved.

(c)  That the Small Grants and Skips proposals outlined in paragraph

  4.1 which have been approved since the last meeting be noted. 

Note: 

(a)  Mr M Pugh declared a personal and prejudicial interest as Chair of Armley Helping Hands left the room during consideration of the above item.  (b)  Councillors Lowe and Taggart declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the application West Leeds Domestic Violence as a Member of Leeds MIND and as a Director of Theatre in Education, they left the room during consideration of the above item.

(c)  Mrs J Bedford and Mr P Green declared a personal and prejudicial

interest in the application for the Fairfields Estate Environmental Improvements Scheme and left the room during consideration of the above item as both are Members of Fairfield Community Partnership.

To note a report by the Chief Recreation Officer on progress made with the West Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways project since the last

WLCP Forum meeting held on 11^th June 2007.

(Council Function)        10 Mins

 The Chief Recreation Officer submitted a report on the progress made with the West Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways project since the last WLCP Forum meeting held on 11^th June 2007.

Elaine Hill, West Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

Members expressed their concern that no signs had still been erected in Bramley Park prohibiting the use of motorcycles.

The Chair thanked Elaine Hill for all the good work done in the West Leeds area and for her attendance at the meeting.

RESOLVED –  To note that developments are currently being made with the West Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways project, in terms of progress of the management plan and its broad objectives; ongoing provision of

interpretive material; development of Community Green Gateways and the general liaison with and support of community and user groups

To note a report and presentation by the Director of Children’s Services on the Joint Area Review (JAR) Leeds.

(Council Function)      15 Mins

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report and presentation describing the Joint Area Review (JAR) process and outlined the timetable of activities in Leeds so that Members are informed of developments and offers an opportunity to engage with the JAR at Area Committee.

Amanda Jackson, Children’s Services presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

Councillor Lowe informed the meeting that as Chair of Scrutiny Board (Health)

that there had been a lengthy inquiry on CAMS (Child and Mental Health Services) in 2004 and advised Amanda Jackson to revisit the documents which had evidence for the partnership and it is hoped that the Council acted on the recommendations the Scrutiny Board had arrived at. 

The Chair thanked Amanda Jackson for her informative presentation

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report and presentation be noted.

(Councillor A Lowe declared a personal interest in the above item as a Member of Children Leeds Partnership).

To note a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods to update Members on joint work taking place between partners of Leeds City Council and Bradford MDC on the Leeds Bradford Corridor.

(Executive Decision)      10 Mins

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating Members on the joint work taking place between partners of Leeds City Council and Bradford Metropolitan District Council on the Leeds Bradford Corridor.

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

In brief, the main issues raised were:

·  The view was expressed that there were only two Councillor representatives on the Leeds Bradford Corridor Forum.

·  Members also expressed concern that the affordable housing to be built in West Leeds will be for sale rather than for rent and as the majority of people in West Leeds are in the lower income bracket these properties would be out of their price range. 

In response, Councillor Lowe reported that affordable housing had been discussed at a Board meeting of West North West Homes and assured the Area Committee that the biggest majority of properties to be built for rental rather than for sale.

The Chair thanked Stuart Byrne for his attendance. 

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Area Committee supports the continued joint working with  

  Bradford MDC.

To note a report by the West Leeds Area Manager informing Members of the latest progress on projects which are part of the regeneration of Armley Town Centre.

(Executive Function)     10 Mins

The West Leeds Area Manager presented his report which provided Members with an update on regeneration projects for Armley Town Centre including the Townscape Heritage Initiative, Town and District Centre Improvements, and Armley Moor. 

RESOLVED –  That the West Inner Area Committee continues to support the regeneration of Armley District Centre and notes the progress of the projects.

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager informing the Area Committee of the current opportunities that exist to bid for European Funding to assist jobs, enterprise and skill levels in West Leeds.

(Executive Function)   10 Mins

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a detailed report on the current opportunities that exist to bed for European Funding to assist jobs, enterprise and skill levels in West Leeds.

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

A lengthy discussion ensued on the overall approach to tackle the needs of local people and businesses.  Members felt encouraged that funding was to be sought from a significant number of new funding opportunities that are to become available in West Leeds.

The Chair thanked Steve Crocker for his very informative presentation.

RESOLVED –

(a)  To note the proposed bids to go forward to the relevant funding  

  organisations for economic development and worklessness in West  

  Leeds.

(b)  That the results of any successful bidding be reported back to a future   Area Committee meeting.

To note a report by the LEGI Programme Manager on the progress of the Leeds LEGI programme.

(Council Function)        10 Mins

The Local Enterprise Growth Initiative Manager submitted an update report  on the progress of the Leeds LEGI programme which aims to tackle worklessness in the most deprived areas by encouraging residents to consider starting their own business.

Simon Brereton, LEGI Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments on the following specific projects for West Leeds:

·  Development Trust – BARCA Leeds have been offered development funding of £15,000 to investigate the feasibility of establishing an enterprise focused development trust in West Leeds.

·  Catalyst Centres – Give organisations have been invited to submit proposals to operate a West Leeds Catalyst Centre.

In summary, the main issues raised were:

·  The need to encourage businesses to offer more apprenticeship schemes.

·  The need to establish a development trust involving a wide range of local businesses such as BARCA, Farnells etc

·  The need to encourage businesses to employ people with mental health and disabilities problems. 

The West Leeds Area Manager informed the meeting that there were proposals going forward to build the West Leeds Catalyst Centre on Stanningley Road near the Fairfields.  Local businesses are to be encouraged to work together in partnership and hopefully once the Centre is built these people will come along and mentor the unemployed.

The Chair thanked Simon Brereton for his attendance.

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report be noted.

(Councillor Hanley declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Director of Aagaard Hanley Limited and the Plasterworkshop Limited both local

businessman in the West Leeds area).

Thursday, 6^th December 2007 at 9.00 a.m. Armley One Stop Centre, Armley Town Street, Leeds 12.

Thursday, 6^th December 2007 at 9.00 a.m. at the Armley One Stop Centre, Armley Town Street, Leeds 12.