Agenda, decisions 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)

There were no late items as such, however there were two late appendices which had been omitted from the agenda.  Appendices as follows:

• Agenda Item 10 – Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector Work in Inner West Leeds – Update Report – Appendix Three
• Agenda Item15 – Community Centres – Pricing and Lettings Policy – Appendix One

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 McKenna and Morgan Pugh declared personal and prejudicial interests in item 16, Well-Being Fund 2007/08 – Update Report, due to their respective positions with Armley Helping Hands.  They both withdrew from the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item.  (Minute No. 81 refers).

Further declarations were made during the course of the meeting.  Minute Nos 73 and 78 refer.

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 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.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on 6^th December 2007.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2007, be confirmed as a  correct record.

Minute 61 – Inner West Well-Being Budget

Further to the Committees proposed contribution to the Local Futures Access 2 Employment Scheme, it was reported that the funding from Area Committee was no longer required as the bid had been unsuccessful.

To receive a presentation and consider the attached report of the Director of Leeds Voice.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

Members gave consideration to a report of the Director of Leeds Voice.  The Chair welcomed Marva Pryce, Community Participation Co-ordinator for West and North West Leeds to the meeting.

The report gave an overview of Voluntary, Community and Faith (VCF) Sector organisations across West Leeds and details of each organisations role was appended.  It was reported that the VCF sector provided services to a diverse range of communities across West Leeds and covered all age groups.  Also appended to the report was a summarised version of the ‘Ripple Effect’, a research report carried out by Leeds Voice which reported on the economic contribution of the VCF Sector in Leeds.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

(Councillor Lowe declared a personal interest in this item due to her involvement with the DOSTI Asian Women’s Project).

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of City Development.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which updated Members on the preferred options for the West Leeds Gateway Area Action Plan.  The Chair welcomed Andy Smithson, Development Department to the meeting.

It was reported that there were 3 broad options and that the West Leeds Gateway Area Action Plan concentrated on 7 geographical areas for which maps were displayed. A six week consultation period would be held and exhibitions on the preferred option would be held at the following locations:

• Armley Library
• The LIFT Centre
• Armley Leisure Centre
• Somerfields – Armley Town Street
• New Wortley Community Centre

In brief summary, the following issues were discussed:

• Concern of residents in New Wortley and the vicinity of the Armley Gyratory that properties may be demolished.
• Areas of West Leeds had shown a significant upturn in recently published Indices of Multiple Deprivation figures.  In turn, this would mean a reduction in funding received for those areas.
• A bid to Central Government had been made by Firebird to develop housing in the area.
• Advertising hoardings on Stanningley Road.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

The Director of City Services submitted a report regarding Streetscene’s services.  The report informed Members that Streetscene was formed to allow Refuse Collection, Street Cleansing and Waste Management to operate as a joint service and also detailed resources deployed and coverage of West Leeds.

The Chair welcomed Glenn Maude, Principal Area Manager, West Leeds, City Services to the meeting.  In response to Members’ comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• There were 11 Household Waste sites across the city, although none in Inner West Leeds.
• Repairs and improvements had been carried out to Armley Binyards following funding from the Area Committee and with the partnership of Groundwork Leeds.  These repairs had included re-gating, painting, widening and concreting surfaces.
• There was to be a focus on the prevention of graffiti with the use of  anti-graffiti coating.  Areas across Inner West Leeds were to be identified for this.
• Recycling of commercial waste.
• Enforcement issues.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Children’s Services.

The Area Committee considered a report which provided an update on the local Children and Young People’s Plan for West Leeds.  Amanda Jackson, Locality Enabler addressed the Committee.

It was reported that the Children and Young Peoples Plan (CYPP) for West Leeds would link to the Area Delivery Plan and become part of the citywide CYPP.  The report detailed consultation information and highlighted the following areas of joint working:

• West Young People’s Awards – This was a successful event supported by local businesses and the District Partnership.
• Oasis at St Bart’s.
• Revolving Door.
• Intake Review Day
• Bad Mummy Project – funded by Area Committee

Members attention was drawn to priorities detailed in the report which had been categorised into short and long term objectives along with Citywide and West Area priorities.  The Committee was asked to highlight any areas of priority.

The following issues were discussed:

• Persistent absence – reasons for this such as fear of bullying, children acting as carers.  It was reported that 45% of persistent absence was due to illness and it was felt that this issue needed further investigation.
• Domestic violence – this had been a targeted area of work for Police Community Safety Officers.
• Role of the VCF Sector.
• Obesity and healthy eating.
• Qualifications and skills at 19.
• Improving education for 11 to 16 year olds.
• Work with all organisations who carry out home visits i.e. Environmental Health, Housing etc.
• Evidence that child poverty was decreasing across Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the priorities identified to date reflect local understanding of what   matters to local children, young people, families and communities for   inclusion in the Children and Young People’s Plan for West Leeds.

(Councillor Taggart joined the meeting during discussion of this item at 5.55 p.m.)

To receive and consider the attached report of the West Area Manager.

RESOLVED -

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which made proposals for changing the structure of partnership working, reflecting changes that had taken place across organisational boundaries and concerns expressed by Members about the governance arrangement that apply to interagency partnership agreements.

It was reported that the District Partnership had now ceased and it was suggested that one Member ‘Champion’ be nominated to each of the main six partnerships in the West Leeds area, to provide an annual report back to the Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the principle of utilising Area Committee meetings to improve   partnership working so far as it relates to the Strategic Plan be   endorsed. (Subject to further negotiation with key partners).

(3)  That Area Management staff liaise with Members to act as champions   for the specific partnership themes dealt with by subgroups as detailed   in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That a report be presented to the April meeting of the Area Committee   outlining the final policy to be put in place for LCC directly managed   community centres.

(3)  That an indicative implementation date of 1 June 2008 be agreed.

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods provided details of a revised Pricing and Lettings Policy which the Area Committee was asked to endorse.  It was reported that the only Community Centre affected in the West Inner Area would be the Strawberry Lane/St. Bartholomew’s Centre,  which was currently used by Armley Helping Hands and Park Lane College, as other centre’s in the area were leased out to community organisations.

Members expressed the following concerns:

• There was a lot of outstanding work to be carried out at the Strawberry Lane Community Centre.  It was reported that there would be central funding available for repair works.
• Leases needed to be determined for hiring organisations.
• Information was needed on what charges current users incurred and what implications the proposed pricing and lettings policy would have.

It was reported that discussion would be held with current users and this would be included in a future report to the Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That a report be presented to the April meeting of the Area Committee   outlining the final policy to be put in place for LCC directly managed   community centres, specifically covering the issues at Strawberry Lane   Centre.

(3)  That an indicative implementation date of 1 June 2008 be agreed.

(Councillor McKenna declared a personal interest in this item as his employers hired facilities at Strawberry Lane/St Bartholomew’s Community Centre).

To receive and consider the attached report of the West Area Manager.

RESOLVED – That the update from West Yorkshire Police be noted.

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report and Inspector Anwar Mohammed and Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator updated the Area Committee on community safety issues in the West Leeds area.

Inspector Mohammed reported on changes to senior Policing positions in the area and that a new Chief Inspector and Superintendent would be taking up posts in the near future.  In relation to recent community safety figures, he reported that there had been a drop in acquisitive crimes, burglaries and criminal damage.  However, there had been an increase in theft from vehicles and violent crimes, the latter being a blip over the Christmas period linked to alcohol related offences.  Members were also informed of additional appointments to the Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

In response to Members questions and comments, the following issues were discussed:

• Concern regarding binge drinking and under age drinking – it was reported that West Yorkshire Trading Standards had carried out trials with young people attempting to purchase alcohol and offending retailers had been prosecuted.  Any persistent offenders would face having their licenses revoked.
• There had been several arrests using drugs warrants in which offenders had their assets seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
• Inspector Mohammed had visited the Steam Complex at Armley following previous concerns that had been raised.  An invitation had been extended to all Elected Members to visit.  It was reported that complaints regarding the premises had stopped.
• Parking issues – it was reported that enforcement action would be taken where vehicles are causing an obstruction to the highway.
• There would now be 1 Sergeant, 5 PCs and 8 PCSOs on each Neighbourhood Policing Team.

RESOLVED – That the update from West Yorkshire Police be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the financial status of the Well-Being Budget, capital and revenue   be noted.

(2)  That the following decisions be made in respect of applications for   Well-Being Funding:

  (i)  Armley Helping Hands Community Transport Scheme –       Approved - £10,000

  (ii)  Bramley Henconner Lane Roundabout – Approved - £1,500

(iii)  Signs for Designated Public Places Order – Approved - £603.72

The report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods provided details of the amount of well-being capital and revenue funding available for the remainder of the 2007/08 financial year.  Members were asked to note this information and consider the following applications for funding that were appended to the report:

·  Armley Helping Hands Community Transport Scheme – Amount requested - £18,598.87

·  Bramley Henconner Lane Roundabout – Amount requested - £1,500

·  Signs for Designated Public Places Order – Amount requested - £603.72

The Chair welcomed a representative of Armley Helping Hands who was present to give supporting evidence to the application.

It was reported that Armley Helping Hands had just taking delivery of a new minibus and part of the request for funding was to employ a driver.  This would enable the transport of a further 75 extra persons a day across Armley and Wortley.  The organisation also worked in partnership with the Youth Service and Mental Health Trust.

Concern was expressed that the application did not meet Area Delivery Plan requirements and that the amount requested would involve a high amount of the remaining well-being budget.  It was felt however, that the project met health and community cohesion targets whilst also providing volunteer and employment opportunities.  Members discussed the implications of approving a smaller amount of funding.  It was reported that a request had also been made to the West Outer Area Committee and it was agreed to approve £10,000 and advise that a further application could be submitted for consideration in the following year.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the financial status of the Well-Being Budget, capital and revenue   be noted.

(2)  That the following decisions be made in respect of applications for   Well-Being Funding:

  (i)  Armley Helping Hands Community Transport Scheme –   Approved - £10,000

  (ii)  Bramley Henconner Lane Roundabout – Approved - £1,500

(iii)  Signs for Designated Public Places Order – Approved - £603.72

To receive and consider the attached minutes of the meeting of the Bramley and Stanningley Forum held on 29^th November 2007 and the Armley Forum held on 18^th December 2007 and 15^th January 2008.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 Minutes of the Bramley and Stanningley Forum held on 29 November 2007 and Armley Forums held on 18 December 2007 and 15 January 2008 were submitted with the Agenda.

RESOLVED – That the minutes be noted.

The Chair informed the Area Committee of the recent retirement of Paul Dishman from the Area Management team.  The Area Committee expressed their gratitude to Paul for his work in West Leeds and wished him all the best for the future. It was agreed to write to Paul to convey this message of thanks.

Thursday 3^rd April 2008, at 9.00 a.m. (venue to be advised).

Thursday, 3 April 2008 at 9.00 a.m.