Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the December meeting of West (Outer) Area Committee held at Pudsey Leisure Centre, Market Place, Pudsey, Leeds 28.

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 agreed to include the following items as supplementary information which were not available at the time of agenda despatch:-

·  Pricing Policy for Community Centres – Item 16 refers - Outer West Community Centre Pricing Review – Appendix 1 & 2.

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:

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

  Homes Leeds (Agenda Item 9 – Minute 58 refers).

·  Councillor F Robinson in his capacity as Chair of Calverley in Bloom

  (Agenda Item 14 (Appendix 5) – Minute 63 refers).

The following ‘personal and prejudicial’ interest was declared: 

·  Councillor A Blackburn in her capacity as a Director of Groundwork Leeds

(Agenda Item 14 (Appendix 5) – Minute 63 refers).

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors A Carter, J Jarosz, A Parnham and Reverend Kingsley-Dowling – Co-optee. 

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)  Pudsey & Swinnow Forum held on 9^th November 2009.

(b)  Tyersal Community Forum held on 11^th November 2009.

(c)  Farnley & Wortley Forum held on 12^th November 2009.

The Chair gave notice that in accordance with the Area Committee Procedure Rules, there was provision for an Open Forum session of up to 10 minutes at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee in order to allow members of the public an opportunity to ask questions or to make representations on any matter which fell within the remit of the Area Committee.  On this occasion, no issues were raised.

A copy of the minutes of the following Community Forum meetings were also attached for Members’ information:

• Pudsey & Swinnow  Community Forum held on 9^th November 2009.
• Tyersal Community Forum held on 11^th November 2009.
• Farnley & Wortley Community Forum held on 12^th November 2009.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager highlighted the update note on the Pudsey & Swinnow Forum relating to the future of Markets Management and that a Working Group Chaired by Councillor B Anderson

is to pursue options for the future management of the Pudsey, Otley and Yeadon markets, possibly by Area Management.  A detailed action plan on tasks to be undertaken including marketing and publicity strategies and a longer term strategy was being developed in order to raise the profile of these area based markets and that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of this Area Committee.

It was also highlighted that a Sub Group had been established to look at the Pudsey Parking Strategy and the current proposals for short stay car parking in order to try and alleviate problems with parking around Pudsey Leisure Centre.

Reference was also made to the Farnley & Wortley Community Forum minutes. Councillor David Blackburn had asked for the minutes to be updated as he had Chaired the meeting on 12^th November 2009 and pointed out that some of the residents who attended the meeting had also been omitted from the attendance list.  The Area Management Officer agreed to arrange for the minutes to be amended. The Chair requested a copy of the attendance list for that meeting.

In respect of Minute 6.0 Metro/First Bus – 66 & 67 services, the Chair reported that he had not received a response back from First Bus and requested that Officers investigate as a matter of urgency.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the Pudsey and Swinnow Community Forum, Tyersal Community Forum, Farnley & Wortley Community Forum  and the comments now made be noted.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on

16^th October 2009.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16^th October 2009 be approved as a correct record.

To note the minutes of the West North West Leeds Homes Area Panel

meeting held on 14^th October 2009.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of West North West Homes Leeds Outer West Area Panel meeting held on 14^th October 2009 be received and noted.

To note a report by the Head of Tenancy Management & Customer Services to update Members on the activities and performance of West North West Homes Leeds.

 The Head of Tenancy Management and Customer Services submitted a report providing Members with an indepth update of performance, organisational and service improvement initiatives within the Tenancy Management and Customer Services Directorate of West North West Homes Leeds (WNWHL).

Richard Walker, Head of Tenancy Management and Customer Services presented the report and, together with Claire Warren, Chief Executive WNWHL, responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief, the main issues raised were:

·  Councillor Coulson queried why money had become available for some footpaths and fencing as indicated in paragraph 3.9.1 Outer West (5^th and 6^th bullet point refers), but local Ward members were also asked to part fund some of this work through MICE money.

  (In response, Claire Warren, Chief Executive informed the meeting that   the Area Panels were actually tenant led and the Panels would prioritise   where the money was spent and whether to part fund any of the projects.

  Other sources of funding are generally sought through partnerships such   as Groundwork Leeds and the Yeadon Fund.  It was also emphasised that repair budgets were always stretched to the limit and always would   be). 

Members felt that WNWhL officers no longer have contact as much as

they used to with Ward Members and felt that Members may be able to help with funding through contacts before bids were placed. 

·  Councillor Coulson requested an update on properties on the Waterloo estate which had not yet been brought up to standard.

(In response, Claire Warren, Chief Executive informed the meeting that

WNWhL were trying to lobby the Council to look at how this problem could be resolved and that a meeting had been arranged for 23^rd December 2009.  The funding solution was bigger than WNWhL budget would allow

and that each property would cost approximately £20,000 to bring them  up to standard and as there were approximately 700 of  these properties, there would be a very  large funding gap.  There had been deputations to Council in the past with regard to this issue). 

There was then a long discussion on tenancy standards and managing expectations for ALMO customers.

The Chair thanked Claire Warren and Richard Walker for their attendance.

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

(Note:  Councillor R Lewis joined the meeting at 2.35 p.m. during consideration of the above item).

To consider a report by the Director of Development on whether funds could be made available for the provision of traffic calming measures along Cemetery Road and Owlcotes Road in Pudsey.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That a further report be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting   outlining detailed phasing proposals and costs.

The Director of Development submitted a report on whether funding could be made available for the provision of Traffic Management measures on Cemetery Road and Owlcotes Road, Pudsey.

Clare Wiggins, Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That a further report be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting   outlining detailed phasing proposals and costs.

To consider a report by the Director of Children’s Services providing an outline of the proposed Children’s Services Performance Management arrangements for Area Committees and seeks Member involvement in ensuring local performance information is relevant to local priorities.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which provided an outline of the proposed Children’s Services performance management arrangements for Area Committees.  The report also sought Member involvement in ensuring that the local performance information was relevant to local priorities to enable the Area Committee to carry out its performance monitoring role.

The Chair welcomed Amanda Jackson, Locality Enabler, Children’s Services, to present the report and respond to Members’ queries and comments. 

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

·  to note recent changes to the Ofsted inspection framework with clarification sought  on the Area Committee’s involvement in supporting Children’s Services improvement and better working.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed format for local Children’s Services performance reporting be agreed and welcomed.

(b)  That future performance reporting to the Committee be in January and July each year.

(c)  That a full performance report be submitted to the Area Committee 

meeting when fuller performance information is available i.e. on 26^th March 2010.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report to give Area Committee Members the opportunity to comment on multi-agency service development and to advise on how the department should take this work forward with the Area Committee and the Children’s Champion.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report regarding the key priorities of the Leeds Children and Young People Plan to advance at pace integrated working and the strengthening of safeguarding arrangements.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• Presentation slides in relation to improving Safeguarding and Integrated Working (Appendix A refers)

Amanda Jackson, Locality Enabler, Children’s Services, was in attendance and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

Members received a presentation in relation to improving Safeguarding and Integrated Working and were asked to comment on multi-agency service development and to advise on how the authority should take this work forward with the Area Committee and the Children’s Champion.

Councillor Coulson confirmed his role as Children’s Champion.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

• Governance arrangements.
• The role of Elected Members.
• Social Care referrals.
• New threshold guidance.
• The Common Assessment Framework.
• The role of the Children’s Champion and links to the Area Committee.
• How to obtain local information for the Area Committee – it was hoped that performance information would be available in the February/March 2010 committee cycle.

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

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager explaining the proposals to make 2010 – A Year of Volunteering in Leeds and to outline progress in relation to developing a programme of activities and arrangements for running and resourcing this programme.  The report includes a programme of activities for West Outer Leeds and seeks Member approval.

The Acting West North West Area Manager submitted a report seeking Area Committee approval for participation in the programme for 2010-Year of Volunteering.

Appended to the report was a copy of an outline calendar in relation to 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering for the information/comment of the meeting (Appendix 1 refers).

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

•  The Area Committee programme for the Year of the Volunteer
• Programme of volunteering activities across North West Leeds.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee endorses and supports the proposal, mission and aims for 2010 being the Year of Volunteering in Leeds.

c)  That this Committee supports the development of 2010 Year of Volunteering  through the programme of Area Committee events as identified in Section 4 of the report.

d)  That approval be given to the small grant application which was currently being circulated to Members

e)  That authority be given to Investigate sponsoring and encouraging additional activities with other partners, the VCFS sector and others.

f)  That a more detailed plan to be submitted to the March Area Committee meeting.

g)  That Councillor Marjoram be identified as Members Champion for the Year of Volunteering.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods to update Members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding available via the Area Committee Well-Being Budget for Wards in the Outer West Leeds area.  The report also seeks approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the   applications for funding:

  Revenue (2010/11) 

  (i)   Summer Bands in the Park – Approved £3, 000 (Appendix 1 refers)

  (ii)  I Love West Leeds Festival – Approved £25,000 (Subject to          2010/11 Area Committee Well-being budget being confirmed).

  (Appendix 2 refers)

  Capital (2009/10) 

  (i)  Alert Boxes – Deferred for further information and consultation with

  the Pudsey Business Forum. (Appendix 3 refers)

  (ii)  Bins – Approved £2,800 (Subject to further consultation with   Farnley & Wortley Ward Members who may prefer an alternative to   the Heritage style). (Appendix 4 refers)

  (iii)  Calverley Cutting Footpath Improvements – Approved £6,000

  (Revised Appendix 5 refers)

 (c)  That the budget and list of Small Grants and skips approvals   since   the last meeting, as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the submitted   report, be noted. 

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating Members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding available via the Area Committee Well-being budget for Wards in the Outer West area.  The report also sought approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

Clare Wiggins, Outer West Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

  Jane Earnshaw, Festival Director of ‘I Love West Leeds’

  gave a brief presentation with regard to her application for funding.

Members raised various questions with both applicants before the Chair  asked   the applicants to leave the room while Members made their decision.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the   applications for funding:

  Revenue (2010/11) 

  (i)   Summer Bands in the Park – Approved £3, 000 (Appendix 1 refers)

  (ii)  I Love West Leeds Festival – Approved £25,000 (Subject to           2010/11 Area Committee Well-being budget being confirmed).

  (Appendix 2 refers)

  Capital (2009/10) 

  (i)  Alert Boxes – Deferred for further information and consultation with

  the Pudsey Business Forum. (Appendix 3 refers)

  (ii)  Bins – Approved £2,800 (Subject to further consultation with   Farnley & Wortley Ward Members who may prefer an alternative to   the Heritage style). (Appendix 4 refers)

  (iii)  Calverley Cutting Footpath Improvements – Approved £6,000

  (Revised Appendix 5 refers)

 (b)  That the budget and list of Small Grants and skips approvals   since   the last meeting, as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the submitted   report, be noted.

(Note:  Councillor A Blackburn declared a personal and prejudicial interest in    in the Calverley Cutting Footpath Improvements application (a)(iii)   above refers), she took no part in the discussion or vote thereon   and left the room while Members made their decision).

To note a report by the West North West Area Manager informing Members of the outcomes of the evaluation of the ‘I Love West Leeds’ festival for 2009.

The West North West Area Manager submitted a report on the outcomes following the evaluation of the ‘I Love West Leeds’ Festival for 2009.

Jane Earnshaw, Festival Director for ‘I Love West Leeds’ gave a brief presentation on the report and circulated photographs taken at the 2009 event for Members information.  The Officer emphasised that the Festival had created a strong brand over the last four years that had become

respected City-wide.  There had also been large scale involvement of participants and audiences across five City Wards and that the Festival had a major influence on the creative economy in the West Leeds area.

Members congratulated Jane Earnshaw on the success of the ‘I Love West Leeds’ Festival. 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be received and noted.

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager setting out proposals for a revised pricing policy for directly leased/managed community centres and to seek Member approval for recommendations made in relation to the revised pricing policy.

RESOLVED -  

(a)  That the revised pricing and discount policy as set out in Appendix 1 be   approved.

(b)  That those groups who are likely to face a slight to moderate increase   in charges be encouraged to approach their local Ward Members/Area   Management for assistance in meeting these charges via MICE money/small grants.

The Acting West North West Area Manager submitted a report setting out proposals for a revised pricing policy for directly leased/managed community centres and sought approval for recommendations made in relation to the revised pricing policy.

RESOLVED -  

(a)  That the revised pricing and discount policy as set out in Appendix 1 be   approved.

(b)  That those groups who are likely to face a slight to moderate increase   in charges be encouraged to approach their local Ward Members/Area   Management for assistance in meeting these charges via MICE money/small grants.

RESOLVED – That the Forward Plan of proposed items for the next meeting be received and noted. 

Friday, 29^th January 2010 at 1.00 p.m. to be held at Safety Central, Stanningley Road, Leeds 28.  (Members tour of the Safety Central building at 12.00 noon - TBC)

MAP OF VENUE FOR TODAY’S MEETING

Pudsey Leisure Centre, Market Place, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 7BE.

(Map attached)

Friday, 29^th January 2010 at 1.00 p.m. to be held at Safety Central, Stanningley Road, Leeds 28. 

A tour of the Safety Central building has also been arranged for Members of the West Outer Area Committee at 12.00 noon.

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