Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed Councillor Andrea McKenna to the meeting as a spectator.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Denise Atkinson,

Steve McBarron, Co-optee – Bramley & Stanningley Forum and Inspector Mark Bownass, West Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector (NPT).

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

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

In accordance with her powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair admitted to the agenda a late application for funding from the Police Authority and Anti-Social Behaviour Unit for a ‘Crack House’ closure of problem Alleyway at Lincroft Crescent and Landseer Drive. The closure of the alleyway will stop drug dealing and drug abuse within the confines of the alley and a closure order will be considered by the Courts on 10^th December 2008.

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 J McKenna declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Care Worker at Strawberry Lane Day Centre (Area Manager’s Report - Agenda Item 10 refers) and a personal and prejudicial interest in his capacity as a Area Panel Member of West North West Homes (Inner West Area Committee

Well-Being Fund Update – Agenda Item 9 (Appendix 4) refers).

Councillor A Lowe declared a personal and prejudicial interest in her capacity as a Director of  West North West Homes (Inner West Area Committee

Well-Being Fund Update – Agenda Item 9 (Appendix 4) refers).

Councillor N Taggart declared a personal and prejudicial interest in his capacity as a Area Panel Member of West North West Homes (Inner West Area Committee Well-Being Fund Update – Agenda Item 9 (Appendix 4) 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 21^st |October 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.

A copy of the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 21^st October 2008 were attached for Members information. 

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 21^st October be noted.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd October 2008 and any matters arsing from those minutes.

Minute 38 – Community Safety Annual Report

Councillor McKenna expressed concern that the criminal damage figures quoted in the annual report presented at the last West Inner Area Committee meeting had been incorrect and felt that in line with public opinion, he would now seriously question police crime figures that the Area Committee may receive.

In response, Inspector Glennon informed the meeting that following the  debate on the criminal damage figures at the last meeting, contact was made with the Police Analyst who double checked the figures and it had been established that an error had occurred in the inputting of the data.  Members were then given an immediate update on the correct figures.

The Chair informed the Area Committee that she recently had a useful meeting with John Paxton, Senior Youth Officer and the new Youth Officer for Armley who gave her a full report on the work the Youth Service are proposing for the Armley Ward.  This information will be presented at the next Armley Community Forum meeting.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd October 2008 be approved as a correct record, subject to an amendment to Minute 42 which should read …. The Chair reported that Stuart Firth from the Elite Group and Dawn Newsome from Armley Helping Hands, Strawberry Lane Community Centre had received a special award …..

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager informing Members of the outcomes following the evaluation of the ‘I Love West Leeds’ festival for 2008.

(Executive Function)

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

The West North West Area Manager submitted a report to informthe Inner West Area Committee on the outcomes following the evaluation of the ‘I Love West Leeds’ festival for 2008.

Jane Earnshaw, Interplay Leeds gave an extensive overview of the key points detailed within the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In summary, the main areas of discussion were:

·  Members felt that the festival probably contributes most to the vast majority of the Area Committee’s objectives in the Area Delivery Plan as it meets quite a few of the indicators.

·  Members referred to the new community play titled ‘Dust’ by  West Yorkshire  Playhouse about the Armley Asbestos story and were pleased to hear that the play was to premiere at the festival before going on to the Playhouse Courtyard Theatre.  The Area Committee felt that this incident should be brought to people’s attention as many friends and family died and children even played in the ‘white dust’ which was thought to be harmless. 

  Jane Earnshaw informed the meeting that they will be doing a big leaflet   drop alerting local residents about the play being performed in the local   area.

Members generally felt that the I Love West Leeds festival was good value for money but some Members had their reservations over the proportion of revenue being requested from the Well-Being Budget.

Members thanked Jane Earnshaw for her attendance.

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

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & 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 £6,207.32 and Capital Well-Being fund is £82,600 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 3.3 of the submitted   report, together with the late item referred to in point (vi) below:

(i)  Lighting Scheme to Houghley Gill - Approved £15,000 (Capital).

(ii)  I Love West Leeds Festival – Approved £1,000 (Revenue -2008/2009) and £24,000 (Revenue - 2009/2010), subject to appropriate funds being available.

(iii)  Vehicle Burglary Initiative – Approved £2,294.88 (Revenue).

(iv)  Grass Cutting at Holdforth Place – With the agreement of those Members present, that the application be referred to the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods for approval under delegated authority.

(v)  Summer Bands in the Park – Approved £1,200 (Revenue), subject to appropriate funds being available and, that the applicants attend the next Area Committee meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

(vi)  Late Item – ‘Crack House’ closure of problem Alleyway, Lincroft

Crescent and Landseer Drive – Approved £750 plus VAT (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.

Note:  The meeting was inquorate for resolution (iv) above due to the following personal and prejudicial declarations of interest:

·  Councillor A Lowe in her capacity as a Director of West North

  West ALMO.

·  Councillors J McKenna and N Taggart in their capacity as Panel Members of West North West ALMO.

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 and Rebecca Boon, Project Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

Inspector Glennon, West Yorkshire Police introduced the late application for funding from the Police Authority and Anti-Social Behaviour Unit for a ‘Crack House’ closure of a problem Alleyway at Lincroft Crescent and Landseer Drive. The closure of the alleyway will stop drug dealing and drug abuse within the confines of the alley and a closure order will be considered by the Courts on 10^th December 2008.  (Appendix 6 - Resolution (b)(vi) refers).

The following people listed below presented their applications for funding and responded to Members’ questions and comments:

·  Tony Walton, Development Department, - Provision of lighting columns to

  Houghley Gill and, together with Phil   Staniforth, Senior Parks Area   Manager (Appendix 1 – Resolution (b)(i) refers).

·  Jane Earnshaw, Interplay Leeds - I Love West Leeds Festival (Appendix 2 – Resolution (b)(ii) refers).

·  Inspector Glennon, West Yorkshire Police – Reduce Burglaries and Vehicle Crime/’Crack House’ Closure of problem alleyway - (Appendices 3 and 4 – Resolutions (b)(iii)(iv) refers).

(Note – All the above mentioned applicants were asked to leave the room whilst Members of the Area Committee made their decision for each application for funding).

The Chair reported that she had made a request for officers to attend to present the Summer Bands in Leeds Parks applicant and to respond to  Members questions and comments.  As no officers attended the meeting, the Area Committee felt it necessary to add a condition to Resolution (b)(v) below.

The Chair thanked the applicants for their attendance.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the current amount of Revenue Well-Being fund available for   2008/09 is £6,207.32 and Capital Well-Being fund is £82,600 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 3.3 of the submitted   report, together with the late item referred to in point (vi) below:

(i)  Lighting Scheme to Houghley Gill - Approved £15,000 (Capital).

(ii)  I Love West Leeds Festival – Approved £1,000 (Revenue -2008/2009) and £24,000 (Revenue - 2009/2010), subject to appropriate funds being available.

(iii)  Vehicle Burglary Initiative – Approved £2,294.88 (Revenue).

(iv)  Grass Cutting at Holdforth Place – With the support of those Members present, that the application be referred to the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods for approval under delegated authority.

(v)  Summer Bands in the Park – Approved £1,200 (Revenue), subject to appropriate funds being available and, that the applicants attend the next Area Committee meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

(vi)  Late Item – ‘Crack House’ closure of problem Alleyway, Lincroft

Crescent and Landseer Drive – Approved £750 plus VAT (Capital). 

(c)  That the list of Small Grants made since the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of progress on a number of projects in Inner West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2008/2011, which is in turn governed by the Area Committees functions and roles as agreed by Executive Board in July 2008.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –  That the progress of the various projects outlined in the report  and the discussion on the future of the Wardens be noted.

The West North West Area Manager submitted a report to inform Members of the progress made on a number of projects in Inner West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2008/2011 governed by the Areas Committees functions and roles as agreed by Executive Board at the meeting held in July 2008.

The Area Manager reminded Members that a few weeks ago the Prime Minister held his Cabinet meeting in Leeds.  The Rt Hon Jack Straw visited the LASER Centre in West Leeds and the Prime Minister even took the opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping at the Owlcotes Centre in Pudsey. 

Members expressed their concern regarding the uncertainty surrounding the role of the Wardens service, especially the New Wortley Wardens.  The Area Manager explained that the New Wortley Wardens post were funded by the Area Committee and the ALMO so there was no intention to withdraw funding from these.  The Warden posts that were under discussion within the city Council were those funded centrally.  There were a number of possible proposals for these posts including that the Wardens be managed through the Environmental Action Team.

The Area Manager introduced Nigel Conder, Town Centre Manager who gave a brief overview and reported that he had received some positive feedback from people regarding the Armley and Pudsey Town Centres and assured the meeting that he intends to move forward with future initiatives. 

RESOLVED –  That the progress of the various projects outlined in the report  and the discussion on the future of the Wardens be noted.

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager introducing Inspector Bownass from West Yorkshire Police who will give an update on Community Safety issues in Inner West Leeds over the past eight weeks.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report and the comments now made be noted.

In the absence of NPT Inspector Bownass who had been unable to attend the meeting due to urgent Police business, Inspector Jon Glennon for West Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team gave an extensive overview to Members regarding community safety initiatives in the Committee’s Area relating to:

·  Theft from vehicles/vehicle crime

·  Police tackling offenders

·  Operation Champion in Little Scotland/Cedars a great success

·  Operation Abbreviation – tackling known drug offenders

·  Application for a Dispersal Order

·  Application for the closure of an alleyway in Lincroft Crescent/Landseer Drive

·  Reduction of crime/fear of crime

·  Anti Social Behaviour - Tackling various families/nominals in the area

·  A city-wide initiative on tackling burglaries/intruders is being operated from the Killingbeck Police Station over the Christmas period. 

In brief, the main issue raised was in relation to race/hate crime taking place on the Broadlea estate and in some local schools.  Members felt that this matter should be tackled urgently.  A trusting relationship needs to be built with the local Police as some of these families have fled countries where their Police may be corrupt and this is often the reason why some families are reluctant to report incidents of crime. 

The Chair thanked Inspector Glennon for his attendance.

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report and the comments now made be noted.

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

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the contents of the report and the comments now made be noted.

(b)  That the Childcare Strategy Implementation Manager email Members   of the Area Committee with the figures quoted for the capital grant   applications for both the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Wards.

(c )  That update reports be submitted to this Area Committee on aregular basis via integrated working with the Children’s Services   Department .

The Childcare Strategy Implementation Manager submitted a report to provide Members of the Area Committee with information on the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) capital funding allocations and criteria for the use of the Quality and Access for all Young People and the Extended Services Capital Grants for 2008-2011 as approved by Executive Board in July 2008.  The report also informed the Area Committee on the capital funding allocation 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.

Anne Kearsley, Sure Start Partnership Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief, the main areas discussed were:

·  The governance arrangements for the Sure Start Out of School Panel

  who allocates the capital grants for the Quality and Access for all Young

  Children and the Extended Services Partnership Board who allocates   capital grants for Extended Services.

·  Cluster Co-ordinators and Leadership teams will work with Extended School Advisors to identify capital programmes that are required within the cluster to ensure that flexible services can be provided for all children aged 3 and 4.

·  There are 13 applications for funding pending at the moment and there are

three applications for Armley and two applications for Bramley, some asking for revenue as well as capital expenditure. 

Members requested the officer to email the exact figures to Members of the West Inner Area Committee.

·  Members also requested that they be kept informed of the Children’s Centre Development .

Amanda Jackson, Children’s Services Locality Enabler for West Leeds informed the meeting that there would be a collective view of integrated working with the Early Years Unit and her section and assured the meeting that regular update reports would be submitted to West Inner Area Committee.

The Chair thanked Anne Kearsley for her attendance.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the contents of the report and the comments now made be noted.

(b)  That the Childcare Strategy Implementation Manager email Members   of the Area Committee with the figures quoted for the capital grant   applications for both the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Wards.

(c )  That update reports be submitted to this Area Committee on a  regular   basis via integrated working with the Children’s Services   Department .

To note a report of the West North West Area Manager informing Members of

progress with the pilot Enterprise Centre at the CUBIC Business Centre on

Stanningley Road, Bramley,  Leeds.

(Council Function)

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report be noted.

The West North West Area Manager submitted a report to inform Members of the progress with the pilot Enterprise Centre at the CUBIC Business Centre on Stanningley Road, Bramley, Leeds.  The centre, which has been operating since September 2008, provides networking support and hot-desk space for budding new businesses.  The Enterprise Centre, under the management of BARCA-Leeds achieving early success in encouraging local people to start up their own businesses.

Members noted that to date, five people have registered and BARCA-Leeds are expecting many more once the marketing strategy gets underway.  The outcomes for the centre to be achieved over the next two years are:

·  30 new businesses created in West Leeds

·  60 new business support to survive or grow

·  7 new businesses attracted to West Leeds

·  84 jobs created

·  42 individuals moved into employment or self employment and

·  1 business network created with a membership of 100.

The target is to get 50% of these outputs achieved in 2008/2009 and the other 50% of these outputs to be achieved in 2009/2010.

The Chair thanked Rebecca Boon for her presentation.

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager informing

Members of progress with the current funding bid for Local Enterprise Growth

Initiative together with European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in order

to deliver a West Leeds  Enterprise Centre (Phase 2) which will be  a

permanent focus  for the development of local enterprise in the area.

(Council Function)

RESOLVED -  

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

(b)  That this Area Committee supports the submission of a business plan   for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to Yorkshire   Forward.

The West North West Area Manager submitted a further report to inform Members of the progress with the current funding bid for Local Enterprise Growth Initiative together with European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in order to deliver a West Leeds Enterprise Centre (Phase 2) as part of the LEGI programme, is a permanent focus for the development of local enterprise in the area.

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

Members were extremely impressed with the West Leeds Enterprise Centre and informed the meeting that BARCA-Leeds had excelled themselves as the centre had been set up in a very professional way.  

The Area Committee were informed that the total cost of the new build project is estimated at £3m and in order to deliver the project, it is proposed that the £1m LEGI is boosted by an application for £1.5m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to Yorkshire Forward.

RESOLVED - 

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

(b)  That this Area Committee supports the submission of a business plan   for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to Yorkshire   Forward.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining proposals for community engagement in Inner West Leeds and describes how the Area Committee could engage and involve local residents, enabling them to help shape future Area Committee priorities.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  To approve the proposals for Community Engagement Framework for   2009/2010 for Inner West Leeds as outlined in the submitted report.

(c )  That the Participatory Budgeting element of the community   engagement framework for 2009/2010 after the submission of an   evaluation report early next year on the scheme currently underway in   the Broadleas be approved.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report to outline proposals for a local community engagement in Inner West Leeds and describes how the Area Committee could engage and involve local residents, enabling them to help shape future Area Committee priorities.

The Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for the Area Committee for 2008/2011 uses the Local Area Agreement (LAA) to drive its own local priorities and improvement strategies for the area.  The LAA provides the opportunity to take community involvement and engagement forward to make sure that it forms an essential part of all plans and strategies. 

Within the ADP there is a commitment to empower local people to have a greater voice and influence over local decision making and the delivery of services, and to build the role of the voluntary, community and faith sectors.  This priority is integral to the objectives of the Area Committee to:

·  enhance both the representative role of local elected councillors and the connections with their communities;

·  improve the quality of democracy and find new ways to facilitate citizen participation in local government.

Alison Pickering, West Leeds Area Co-ordinator presented the report and, together with Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  To approve the proposals for Community Engagement Framework for   2009/2010 for Inner West Leeds as outlined in the submitted report.

(c )  That the Participatory Budgeting element of the community   engagement framework for 2009/2010 after the submission of an   evaluation report early next year on the scheme currently underway in   the Broadleas be approved.

To consider a report by the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview of the evolution of locality children’s trust arrangements and to inform the Area Committee of developments in recent months, confirm the direction of travel for revised arrangements, and seeks Member involvement in ensuring that priorities and actions are relevant and delivered by the Leadership Teams.

(Council Function)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing an overview of the evolution of local children’s trust arrangements and to inform the Area Committee of developments in recent months, to confirm the direction of travel for revised arrangements and to seek Member involvement in ensuring that priorities and actions are relevant and delivered by the Leadership Team.

Appended to the report were the following documents:

·  Appendix 1: Generic diagram of the Leeds Children’s Trust Arrangements when they were set up in April 2007.

·  Appendix 2: A copy of the report to Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee on the Leadership Challenge for member information and interest.

·  Appendix 3:A diagram to show how the developing local picture links to Area Committees and ensures engagement beyond Children’s Services.

·  Appendix 4: A list of the codes of corporate governance and how the revised arrangementswill meet them.

The Chair welcomed Amanda Jackson, Children’s Services - Locality Enabler for West Leeds to the meeting.

RESOLVED - 

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

(b)  To note that Councillor A Lowe, the Champion for Learning and Young   People will be working with the Locality Enabler and the Area Manager   on behalf of the Area Committee to take the developments forward   and,

(c )  That the Champion for Learning and Young People represent the Area   Committee on the West Leeds Children’s Partnership, subject to   Member Management Committee approval.

To consider a report by the Director of Children’s Services outlining the draft city-wide Children’s and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) framework and priorities and to seek the involvement of the Area Committee in identifying local priorities for children and young people to drive the work of Children’s services in this Area Committee area.

(Council Function)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report setting out a proposed structure for the new Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP), describes its initial priorities after consultation, and suggests how the department may develop local relevancy to inform the work of Children’s Services in the area 

The report of the Director of Children’s Services set out a proposed structure for the new Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) and described the first cut priorities after consultation and suggest how local relevancy could be developed to inform the work of Children’s Services in the committee area over the next five years.

The Chair welcomed Amanda Jackson, Children’s Services - Locality Enabler for West Leeds to the meeting.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  To note that Councillor A Lowe, the Champion for Learning and Young   People will be working with the Locality Enabler and the Area Manager   on behalf of the Area Committee to develop the local context for these   priorities and develop local actions for the Area Delivery Plan 2009/2010.

Thursday, 12^th February 2009 at 5.00 p.m. (Venue to be considered).

MAP TO TODAY’S MEETING

(Map of Venue – Premier Farnells Plc., 150 Armley Road, Leeds LS12 2QQ

Attached).

Thursday, 12^th February 2009 at 5.00 p.m.

Should the Public Open Forum based on ‘Health’ take place, it was suggested that the venue be at the Health Centre at Armley.  (Note:  Final arrangements are to be confirmed to all Members of the West Inner Area Committee via email). 

The Chair wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.