Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Denise Atkinson.  It was reported that Councillor Atkinson’s health in general was quite good but was still receiving a large amount of medical treatment.  The Chair requested that the Area Committee’s best wishes be passed on to Councillor Atkinson.

It was also reported that Councillor Taggart may be arriving late to the meeting.

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 interests were declared at the meeting:

Councillor T Hanley declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Member of Bramley Elderly Action (Update on Projects funded from the Well-Being Budget – Agenda Item 13 – Minute 43 refers).

Councillor Harper declared a personal interest in her capacity as a Vice Chair  of West Leeds Gateway Board (West Leeds Gateway Regeneration Programme Update - Agenda Item 15 – Minute  45  refers).

Councillor J McKenna declared a personal interest in his capacity as:

(a)  A Panel Member of  West Outer Area Panel – West North West Homes   (Community Safety Annual Report – Agenda Item 8 – Minute 39    refers) and (Intensive Neighbourhood Management – Agenda Item 14   –   Minute 44  refers).

(b)  An employee of Armley Helping Hands (Area Manager’s Report –   Agenda Item 10 – Minute 42  refers) and (Update on Projects funded   from the Well-Being Budget – Agenda Item 13  -  Minute 43 refers).

 Councillor A Lowe declared a personal interest in her capacity as:

(a)  A Director of West North West Homes (Community Safety Annual   Report - Agenda Item 8 - Minute  39  refers).

(b)  A Member of Leeds Voice and a member of Leeds Credit Union   (Intensive Neighbourhood Management - Agenda Item 10  - Minute    44 refers).

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 meeting held on 16^th September 2008.

(b)  Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 25^th   September 2008.

The Chair made reference to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure Rules for an Open Forum session of up to 10 minutes at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee to allow members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the remit of the Area Committee.  On this occasion, no members of the public were present.

Members noted the draft minutes of the Community Forum meetings held on 16^th September and 25^th September 2008.  Councillor Hanley and Stephen McBarron (Co-optee) informed the meeting that the minutes of the Bramley & Stanningley Forum were not a true record of the meeting and that some important issues had been omitted.  Councillor Hanley was also concerned that on numerous occasions he had requested his comments be minuted.  The West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that these were not verbatim minutes but that he would investigate the issues raised by Members. 

RESOLVED -

(a)   That the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 16^th   September 2008 were also submitted for information and noted. 

(b)  That the minutes of the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum   meeting held on 25^th September 2008 were also submitted for   information and noted.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on 18^th September 2008 and any matters arising from those minutes.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th September 2008 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Chair and those West Inner Area Committee Members present agreed that any future agenda for this Area Committee were to consider the Well-Being Budget report as the first report item on the agenda.  It was felt that often applicants were asked to attend the meeting to answer any questions Members may have and it was unfair to impose on their time having to sit through numerous agenda items.  It was also felt that often a Member of the Area Committee may need to leave the meeting early to attend another important meeting and there was a possibility the meeting would become inquorate. 

The West North West Area Manager noted Members request for future West Inner Area Committee agenda. 

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.  The report also seeks approval for new and continuing projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current amount of Revenue Well-Being fund available for 2008/09 is £21,469.94 and Capital Well-Being fund is £92,400 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 attached and listed in Paragraph 3.1 of the submitted report:

(i)  Moorside Pitch adjacent to Moorside Community Centre – Approved - £20,000 (Capital).

(ii)  Inner West Community Sports Programme – Approved - £6,000 (Revenue).

(iii)  Community Development Worker – Approved - £10,000 (Revenue).

(iv)  Town Centre Manager for Armley – Approved - £20,000

  (2009/10 Revenue), subject to appropriate funds being available.

(v)  Sikh Temple Refurbishment – Approved - £10,000 (Capital). 

(c)  That the list of Small Grants made since the last meeting as set out in Paragraph 3.3 of the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a detailed report providing an update on the current amount of capital and revenue funding committed and available for the 2008/2009 financial year.

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

Andy Scanlan, West Leeds Sport Development Officer introduced his  application for funding for the West Leeds Development Programme (Inner West).  Members generally felt that this activity was essential for the area but expressed their concern that the Area Committee were now expected to fund such a core activity of the Council (Resolution (b)(ii) below refers). 

The Chair expressed concern that the Area Committee were now regularly being called upon to fund the Council’s core activities.  Members felt that they were being put in a compromising position when being asked to consider core activity applications as they obviously want to support the young people of West Inner Leeds and get them the best facilities for the area.

Charmaine Howell, Community Development and Centre Manager introduced her application for funding.  (Resolution (b)(iii) below refers).

During consideration of the above application Members expressed their delight that the New Wortley Community Centre had made a considerable impact on the West Inner area and that other partners had relied on the use of the centre as a launching pad.  It was implied that the New Wortley Community Centre had played a significant part in lowering the crime statistics for the area.  Councillor Lowe referred to the crime statistics

mentioned earlier at the Open Forum meeting on Community Safety when it was stated that the crime statistics for Armley were 50% more than the crime statistics for Bramley.  Councillor Lowe asked Acting NPT Inspector Jon Glennon how much of the 50% crime statistics were for the New Wortley area.  In response, Inspector Glennon informed the meeting that he would have to request a separate analysis on the crime statistics and would shortly supply Area Committee Members with that information. 

A representative from the Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Armley introduced his application for funding.  (Resolution (b)(v) below refers).

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that the Temple had already acquired a £100,000 charity loan towards the proposed refurbishment works for the Temple.

(Note – That all applicants who presented their applications left the room whilst Members of the Area Committee made their decision for each application for funding).

The Chair thanked the applicants for their attendance.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current amount of Revenue Well-Being fund available for   2008/09 is £21,469.94 and Capital Well-Being fund is £92,400 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 attached and listed in Paragraph 3.1 of the submitted   report:

(i)  Moorside Pitch adjacent to Moorside Community Centre – Approved - £20,000 (Capital).

(ii)  Inner West Community Sports Programme – Approved - £6,000  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To consider a report by the North West Divisional Community Safety Partnership which provides an overview of the performance of the partnership and the ward based Neighbourhood Policing Team.  The report also includes details of initiatives that have been delivered in local communities to reduce crime and disorder for the period 1^st July 2007 to 30^th September 2008.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and the appendices on the Performance Framework Strategic Plan 2008/2011 be received and noted.

(b)  That the Chair write to the Leader of the Council and John Paxton – Head of Youth Service regarding the inadequate Youth Service presently being provided in the Armley Ward.

(c)  That the Head of Youth Service be invited to the next meeting of this Area Committee to give a briefing on youth service provisions in the Armley Ward.

Acting NPT Inspector Jon Glennon of the North West Divisional Community Safety Partnership introduced NPT Inspector Mark Bowes the replacement Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector for Inspector Mohammed Anwar.  The Chair welcomed the new NPT Inspector on behalf of the West Inner Area Committee. 

The North West Divisional Community Safety Partnership submitted a detailed report and Inspector Glennon, together with Gill Hunter, Community Safety Co-ordinator gave an extensive update on the following:

(a)  Multi-agency ward based sub groups and activities; 

(b)  Performance of the North West Police Division and Ward crime   statistics;

(c )  An update on Neighbourhood Wardens and Police Community Support   Officers (PCSOs) activity and;

(d)  the Police Operations from 1^st July 2007 to 30^th September 2008.

Appended to the report was an extensive document on the Performance Framework Strategic Plan for 2008/2011 for Members information and comment.

It was reported that the ward crime figures for the West Inner area were very positive from the Police point of view as the figures in all areas were down significantly in some areas.  It was recognised that there was still a need to address the problem with burglaries in the area.  The Inspector informed the meeting that there were two current operations running at the moment to try to tackle the burglary issues especially in the Little Scotland area. 

The Inspector gave a brief update on the numerous Operations planned in the near future across the Inner West area during the dark nights especially with Christmas approaching and Bonfire Night.  One operation in particular in partnership with the Standards Office tackling the issue of adults purchasing alcohol from Off-Licences and Public Houses for people under age.

In summary, the main issues raised were:

·  Concern that the Ward crime figures for Armley (3861) – 2007/2008 had not even reduced to those figures stated for the Bramley area (3739) in 2004/2005 (as detailed in the graph at paragraph 2 of the submitted report).  In response, the Inspector informed the meeting that this could be due to the fact that Armley houses more private rented properties with short term tenancies, leaving many residents unregistered.  It was felt that there is a need to establish  a database for local private landlords in the area who usually house short term tenancies.

·  Concern was also expressed that the figures for criminal damage in the Bramley area had dropped significantly, yet the figures for Armley had not been so successful.  Members suggested that similar operations to those carried out in the Bramley area to tackle criminal damage be carried out in the Armley Ward.

·  Members sought clarification of the future of the Neighbourhood Warden service for the Inner West area as it was felt that this partnership needs to remain effective in the area.  In response, the West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that future Neighbourhood Renewal funding for the Neighbourhood Warden service would not be as much and that within West Leeds area a number of these Wardens  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

To note a report by the Childcare Strategy Implementation Manager on the capital funding allocations for 2008/2011 that will support the implementation in the Inner West of the 10 Year Strategy for Childcare and the statutory duties under the subsequent Childcare Act 2006.

(Executive Function)

(This item was deferred for consideration at the next West Inner Area Committee meeting).

(This item was deferred for consideration at the next West Inner Area Committee meeting).

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager seeking agreement from the Area Committee on a process by which it is felt appropriate influence can be made on future delivery of post 16 and adult learning by the new merged College, which could include locations for the centre and sites for the new College for the provision of further education in the neighbourhoods and communities served by the Area Committee.

(Council Function)

The West North West Area Manager informed Members of the Executive Board’s endorsement of the proposed merger of the City’s three largest colleges, namely Leeds Thomas Danby, Leeds College of Technology and Park Lane College which will result in the creation of a new single institution to be known as Leeds City College.

Paul Forbes, Leeds Skills Council Director for Leeds gave a short presentation informing the Area Committee of the progress made, setting out the rationale for the merger and gave a summary of the outcome of the extensive consultations which had been held over the past few years.

It was also reported that following a review of college provision in Leeds it had been concluded that some of the current college accommodation in Leeds was no longer fit for purpose and there was a duplication of provision.  There was also a need to raise post 16 educational achievement and increase numbers of students progressing to higher education.

The Area Committee were also informed that a Strategic Board comprising the Governors from the Colleges and an independent Chair was to be established in November 2008.  Initial proposals had also included Joseph Priestly College and Leeds College of Building and they had not opted to form part of the proposed Leeds City College.  It was also reported that the Learning Skills Council would be committing 100% funding towards the merger. 

Members were concerned that further education in West Leeds is poor

and it was felt that the proposed College would be better placed in West

Leeds as there will soon be an appropriate vacant site.

RESOLVED –

(a)    That the report be noted.

(b)  That a further report be submitted on the outcome of the   accommodation/estates review of the new College once completed in   2009.

To note a report by the West North West Area Manager providing an update on a number of initiatives and projects within the Inner West Leeds Area Delivery Plan.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress of the various projects outlined in the report be noted and that it be confirmed that Members of this Area Committee continues to support the projects.

(b)  That this Area Committee fully supports Bramley Sure Start to continue to run the Fairfield Resource Centre (which includes Fairfield Community Centre) as a charitable trust, it is felt that the local community would benefit from the building being kept in the voluntary sector, especially as this area is ranked in the top 5% of deprived Super Output Areas in England and Wales.

The West North West Area Manager submitted a report providing an update on a number of initiatives and projects within the Inner West Leeds Area Delivery Plan relating to Community Centres, Neighbourhood Management,

Regeneration and Conservation Area Reviews with the Inner West area.

The Area Manager reminded Members of the consortium of Inner West community centres as there are issues with the funding of individual community centres.  It is felt that by establishing a consortium there may be a chance that the West Inner Area Committee could get more for their money.  Members were informed that a further report on this matter was to be submitted to a future meeting.

The Chair reported that Stuart Firth from Elite Group and Dawn Newsome from Armley Helping Hands had received a special award and that out of the four awards two were issued for the Armley area and one for the Pudsey area.  The Chair, on behalf of the Area Committee congratulated everyone who work so well in the West Inner community.

RESOLVED – That the progress of the various projects outlined in the report be noted and that it be confirmed that Members of this Area Committee continues to support the projects.

To note a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods to update Members on progress with projects commissioned for the financial year 2007-2008 and approved to receive Well Being Funding from the Inner West Area Committee.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report to update Members on progress of the revenue and capital projects commissioned for the financial year 2007/2008 and approved to receive Well-Being Funding from the West Inner Area Committee.  The report also described how funding was allocated across key priorities of Community Safety, Streetscene, Young People and Community Engagement and consultation across both the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Wards. 

Rebecca Boon, West Leeds Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.  It was pointed out that

there were a couple of outstanding projects relating to Local Futures (Access 2 Employment) and the Officer report that she was still having discussions with Skills and Mind, and Job Centre Plus, therefore, the project still needs to come to a conclusion.

The Chair congratulated Rebecca Boon for an excellent job well done.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager to brief Members on the achievements of the Fairfield Community Partnership, the outputs from the associated partnership working and to show the proposed future actions to further improve the estate.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Area Committee continues to support the scheme through the proposals outlined in the submitted report into 2009/2010 utilising the available funding for the estate through the Safer Stronger Communities Funds.

The West North West Area Manager submitted a report to brief the Area Committee on the outputs and achievements from funding for 2007/2008, the indices of Deprivation rankings for 2007, and revenue funding and proposals for 2009/2010.

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

Councillor Hanley reinforced what the officers had reported and informed the meeting that he had always thought that the Fairfields was going to be his biggest challenge in Bramley & Stanningley Ward.  He reminded Members of the visit to the area from the Prime Minister which resulted in a young child being invited down to No. 10 Downing Street where she sat and talked to the Prime Minister.  Much of what was discussed has been happening such as housing repairs, Community Centre/Sure Start, Nursery money etc.  but informed the meeting that there is still a great deal more to do in the area.

The Chair reminded the Area Committee that as former Chair of Bramley Sure Start she was well aware that Sure Start had made a big impact on the Fairfield community and that the Government had contributed in establishing this Resource Centre.  The Chair reported that Leeds City Council were now challenging Sure Start over the ownership of the building.  It was felt that the building would serve the community better if it was owned by the voluntary sector.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Area Committee continues to support the scheme through the   proposals outlined in the submitted report into 2009/2010 utilising the   available funding for the estate through the Safer Stronger   Communities Funds.

(c )  That this Area Committee fully supports Bramley Sure Start to   continue to run the Fairfield Resource Centre (which includes   Fairfield Community Centre) as a charitable trust, it is felt that the   local community would benefit from the building being kept in the   voluntary sector, especially as this area is ranked in the top 3% of   deprived Super Output Areas in England and Wales.

The West Leeds Gateway Board submitted a report to update Members of the West (Inner) Area Committee on the progress made on key project activity relating to the regeneration of the West Leeds Gateway and to note the proposed new governance arrangements for the West Leeds Gateway Board intent on creating a robust structure capable of taking forward this ambitious regeneration programme. 

(Council Function)

The West Leeds Gateway Board submitted a report to update the Area Committee on the progress made on key project activity relating to the regeneration of the West Leeds Gateway (WLG) and to note the proposed new governance arrangements for the West Leeds Gateway Board intent on creating a robust structure to take forward the regeneration scheme.

Michelle Anderson, Regeneration Project Officer, presented the report on the proposed new structure of the West Leeds Gateway Board which was appended to the report for information.

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report be noted.

Thursday, 11^th December 2008 at 5.00 p.m. (Venue to be considered)

(Map of Venue to New Wortley Community Centre attached)

Thursday, 11^th December 2008 at 5.00 p.m. (venue in the Bramley area to be

arranged).

(The meeting concluded at 11.50 a.m.)