Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies had been received from Councillor Atkinson, Councillor Harper and Councillor McKenna.

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 extended his best wishes for a speedy recovery to Councillor Atkinson.

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.

There were no declarations of interest.

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.

In accordance with paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to 10 minutes for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference for the Area Committee.

Allotments in the local area

Kate Lee referred to the above issue, informing the Area Committee of the high demand for local Allotments, and the length of the waiting lists for Allotments; and suggesting possible locations for additional Allotments to alleviate the high levels of demand.

Members discussed current availability of Allotments in the area, and possible means to increase Allotment provision.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th October 2011 and also to ratify the recommendations made at Minute No. 47 which were made due to the Area Committee being temporarily inquorate for this item.

RESOLVED-

-That the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th October 2011 be approved as a correct record*

- That the recommendations made at Minute 47 be ratified*

There were no matters arising from the minutes

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) formally notifying Members that the minutes of the Area Chairs’ Forum meetings will be brought to Area Committee meetings as a regular agenda item, and to give a brief overview of the Area Chairs Forum meetings, and to receive for information the minutes of the Area Chairs’ Forum meeting of 5^th September 2011.

RESOLVED- That the report and minutes be noted*

To receive for information purposes the minutes of the following Community Forum meetings:

Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum Meeting – 24^th November 2011

Armley Community Forum Meeting – 15^th November 2011

A copy of the minutes of the Armley Community Forum held on 15^th November 2011, together with the minutes of the Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 24^th November 2011 were submitted for Members’ information.

RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Armley Community Forum held on 15^th November 2011, together with the minutes of the Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 24^th November be received and noted*

To receive for information the minutes of the ALMO Inner West Area Panel meeting held on the 10^th October 2011.  

A copy of the minutes of the ALMO Inner West Area Panel meeting held on 10^th October 2011 was submitted for Members’ information.

Michael Parker, West North West homes Leeds informed the Area Committee  that a special call centre had been set up by the contractor to deal with repair related calls, and it was hoped that this would improve the performance of the main call centre by removing repairs calls. The Area Committee were also informed that work had begun on the Gassy Field site in order to prevent future Traveller encampments there.

Hazel Boutle, Armley Forum, informed the Area Committee that following the previous meeting, she had received and had fitted a Fire Fly device, with which she was very pleased.

Councillor Taggart joined the  meeting during consideration of this item, and the meeting became quorate.

RESOLVED- That the minutes of the ALMO Inner West Area Panel held on 10^th October 2011 be received and noted

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive providing information on the Area Committee Wellbeing funding that has been allocated in the Inner West area, whilst also detailing the small grant applications received since the last Area Committee meeting.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED- That the position of the Wellbeing Budget and the small grant approvals be noted.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report seeking to update Members on the capital and revenue funding committed via the Area Committee Well-Being  funding that has been allocated in the Inner West, whilst also detailing the small grant applications received since the last Area Committee meeting.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Improvement Manager, presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

• there was £135.51 remaining in the Small Grants Fund. Another application for funding had been received, which would be passed to Members
• a Funding Forum for Members to review applications for the next financial year had been organised for 19^th January at 3.30 p.m.
• the provision of Christmas Lights in Bramley, and how this situation could be improved for next year

RESOLVED- That the position of the Wellbeing Budget and the small grant approvals be noted.

To consider the report of the West North West Area Leader providing an update on the development work on the Area Committee Business Plan Action Plan and presenting the draft version.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the contents of the Business Plan Action Plan be noted.

c)  That the Area Management Team continue to develop the Business Plan.

d)  That updates be brought to future meetings, and that a three year plan subject to an annual refresh be adopted at the March 2012 Area Committee.

The Area Leader, West North West, submitted a report presenting an update on the work to date to develop an Area Committee Business Plan Action Plan and presenting a draft version of the Business Plan.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Improvement Manager, presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

RESOLVED-

- That the contents of the report be noted.

- That the contents of the Business Plan Action Plan be noted.

- That the Area Management Team continue to develop the Business Plan.

- That updates be brought to future meetings, and that a three year plan

 subject to an annual refresh be adopted at the March 2012 Area Committee.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive informing Members of the progress made against the Area Management Team’s work programme and locality priorities.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report be noted.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report informing Members of the progress made agasint the Area Management Team’s work programme and locality priorities.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Improvement Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

• The level of vacancies on Armley Town Street being less than the national average
• The impact of the new Housing Strategy and local Reform Bill on people within the Armley and Bramley areas, and the possibility of participating in a National Pilot to evaluate the changes.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) providing crime statistics for Inner West Leeds and details of key activity to address crime and antisocial behaviour issues.

(Council Function)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement)  submitted a report providing crime statistics for Inner West Leeds and details of key activity to address crime and antisocial behaviour issues.

Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

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

• Work had focussed on burglary, metal theft, and reassurance
• Partnership working with partners such as the Environmental Action Team had addressed problems including ginnels, overgrown hedges, littering and graffiti. There was a need to improve “unloved areas”
• Other initiatives such as enforcement days and Joint Community Events had been successful
• The Captive Car and Captive House had been very successful over the year
• West Inner was the only area to show consecutive improvement over the last five months. Target hardening in Armley and Bramley had been very important over the last year

Mark Wheeler, the new Police Inspector, attended the meeting and introduced himself to the Area Committee. He informed the Area Committee of the current ways of working, such as officers doing 6-6 nightshifts, which was proving successful in reducing burglaries in the area.

The Chair thanked the outgoing Police Inspector, Mark Bonass for all his hard work and welcomed Inspector Mark Wheeler to the Area Committee.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Environments and Neighbourhoods informing Members of the work done to develop more joined up working within Leeds City Council services and Neighbourhood Police Teams / PCSOs.

(Council Function)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of the work done to develop more joined up working within Leeds City Council services and Neighbourhood Police Teams / PCSOs.

Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• Leeds City Council funds 50% of PCSOs in Leeds, and much partnership working such as with Environmental Service, is already done, however the report seeks to formalise and expand this.
• The method of allocating PCSOs to wards- all the wards have the same number of PCSOs, and if this is the most effective method of PCSO deployment across the city.
• That there will be a review covering all of West Yorkshire Police staffing in 2012.

RESOLVED- that the progress made to develop more joined up working within localities between Leeds City Council Services and Neighbourhood Police Teams / PCSOs be noted.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Community, Access and Performance) informing of progress in creating a new Panel of residents for consultation in Leeds, and seeking support of the use of the new Leeds Citizens’ Panel within the committee’s community engagements activities in support of the  Wellbeing Fund priority setting and in the development of the Area Business Plans.

(Council Function)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Community Access and Performance) submitted a report informing of progress in creating a new Panel of residents for consultation in Leeds, and seeking support of the use of the new Leeds Citizens’ Panel within the committee’s community engagement activities in support of the Wellbeing Fund priority setting and in the development of the Area Business Plans.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Improvement Manager, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• Membership of the Panel had already reached approximately 2500, with the intention of attaining a membership of 6000 panellists, which would be sufficient for consultation at Area Committee level. It was hoped that this would be achieved by March 2012.
• The importance of working with other organisations to assist in recruiting Panel Members to ensure that a representative Membership was achieved.

RESOLVED-

-  That the development of a new Citizens’ Panel in Leeds be noted

-  That the use of the new Leeds Citizens’ Panel be supported, including it’s use for community engagement activities in support of Wellbeing Fund priority setting and in the development of Area Business Plans.

To consider the report of the Locality Manager (West North West) providing the first half-year update on performance against the Service Level Agreement between Inner West Area Committee and the West North West Environmental Locality Team.

(Council Function)

The Locality Manager (West North West) submitted a report providing the first half-year update on performance against the Service Level Agreement between Inner West Area Committee and the West North West Environmental Locality Team.

Jason Singh, Locality Manager (West North West), presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• Over the last two months, start up activity such as improving the accessibility of the service and raising the profile of the service had been done to ensure residents could access the service.

Members of the Area Committee were reminded that should they need any help or advice regarding the service, they should contact Jason Singh.

RESOLVED – That the progress being made by the Locality Team in delivering the Service Level Agreement be noted.

To consider the report of the Business Facilities and Social Enterprise Manager updating on the Inner West Community Centres Consortium (CCC), particularly the Business Facilities and Social Enterprise Manager post which is funded by the Inner West Area Committee and works under the umbrella of the CCC.

(Council Function)

The Business Facilities and Social Enterprise Manager (BARCA Leeds) submitted a report updating on the Inner West Community Centres Consortium (CCC), particularly the Business Facilities and Social Enterprise Manager post which is funded by the Inner West Area Committee and works under the umbrella of the CCC.

Bill Graham, BARCA Leeds, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• The Fairfield Community Centre has been transformed into a vibrant Community Centre which is nearly self sufficient, with improved attendance at events such as Lunch Club.
• The New Wortley Community Centre has been doing well, however there have been problems in recent months such as difficulties caused by people who suffer from substance misuse.
• There is less partnership working at New Wortley Community Centre than at the Fairfield Community Centre, it is more difficult to get partners to engage at the New Wortley Community Centre.
• The New Wortley Community Centre is in a very deprived ward.

Councillor Taggart left the meeting during consideration of this item.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report be noted*

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) informing of the Localism Act 2011 and the key issues around it.

(Council Function)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report informing of the Localism Act 2011 and the key issues around it.

Jane Maxwell, Area Leader West North West, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• The community right to challenge and how community groups could be supported to do this.
• Neighbourhood planning which would be focussed on particular areas rather than being city wide.

RESOLVED -That the contents of the report be noted*

Councillor Taggart returned to the meeting following consideration of this item.

To consider the report of The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) informing of the Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme which was approved by Executive Board in October 2011.

(Council Function)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report informing of the Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme which was approved by Executive Board in October 2011.

Jane Maxwell, Area Leader West North West Area Management, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• Some capital receipts are already allocated to capital schemes, and some sites have affordable housing, however other capital receipts would have a proportion of the value retained within the Ward.  
• The scheme is intended to be introduced in April 2012 following a period of Member consultation.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the Executive Board report on the Capital Receipts scheme be noted.

Wednesday, 15^th February at 5.00 p.m.

(Venue to be confirmed)

Wednesday 15^th February 2012 at 5.00 p.m. Venue to be confirmed.

The Chair wished all at the meeting a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

The meeting concluded at 7.35 p.m.