Agenda and minutes

Approximately 15 representatives of the local community, partners and stakeholders attended the meeting.

Councillor Khan welcomed all present to the meeting and brief introductions were made. He noted that an informal workshop on the theme of ‘community safety’ would be held at the end of the formal business meeting, with the report at agenda item 14 as the basis for discussions – ENE Divisional Locality Safety Partnership Performance Report.

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded)

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals against the refusal of inspection of documents.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:-

There was no exempt information.

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

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

No formal late items of business were added to the agenda; however Members had received supplementary information regarding the Wellbeing report – a schedule providing a précis of the officer decisions taken under delegated authority (Minute 51 refers).

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor S Arif and Mr P Rone.

In accordance with Paragraphs 4:16 and 4:17 of the Community 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 Community 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 following matters were raised under the Open Forum:

Road traffic enforcement - Mr R Matthews raised concerns over the enforcement of the 20mph zones in the Burmantofts & Richmond Hill ward as he stated that drivers did not adhere to the speed limit; and the existing traffic calming measures had no impact. He cited a road traffic incident which had taken place the previous evening in his street and expressed concern that a fatality could occur.

Mr Matthews’s comments were supported by another local resident who spoke about traffic management in Harehills, particularly late night speeding traffic through the narrow streets.

Drug use – Mr M Healy reported that drug use in the Saxton Gardens area had been discussed at the previous evening’s Residents’ AGM and he would raise this directly with West Yorkshire Police

The CC noted that, where appropriate, all of the matters raised would be referred to the relevant Member advisory sub group for further discussion and/or LCC Department.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held 8^th September 2016

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held 5^th September 2016 be agreed as a correct record, subject to a correction to the attendance list to properly record Councillor D Ragan’s attendance.

To note any matters arising from the minutes

There were no matters arising.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Environmental Action Service seeking to confirm the continuation of the current Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Inner East Community Committee and the Environmental Action Service, as overseen on its behalf by the Environmental Sub Group. The report provides the Committee with an opportunity to discuss and refer related issues to the sub group to look at on its behalf which may include any potential changes in local priorities, service development requests for the 2017/18 SLA and any current performance related issues.

Councillor G Hyde, Community Committee Champion for the Environment introduced a report on the 2016/17 Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Inner East CC and the Environmental Action Service. The report sought to confirm the continuation of the current SLA, which was overseen by the Environmental advisory Sub Group on behalf of the Committee.

John Woolmer, Head of Environmental Action Service (ENE and WNW Localities), presented the report and highlighted the opportunity for Members to refer issues to the sub group to look at on its’ behalf, which could include any potential changes in local priorities, service development requests for the 2017/18 SLA and any current performance related issues. Additionally, the Committee received assurance that the proposals to achieve the significant budget savings required for 2017/18 do not involve a reduction in current front-line staffing numbers.

Councillor Khan reported that Rob Double, Team Manager for the Burmantofts & Richmond Hill ward had recently passed away and he expressed condolences on behalf of Members to Rob’s family and Team, acknowledging the work undertaken by Rob and the Team in the B&RH ward.

The following matters were considered during discussions:

-  Whilst acknowledging that the Team provided a good reactive service to issues reported to them in B&RH, a comment was made about effectiveness of regular programmed works. The CC received assurance that reporting back to Members would improve.

-  Access to Green Mill pedestrian precinct and the report that the EAT litter picking team could not access the site with their vehicle, whereas other LCC vehicles could. The cause of this would be investigated.

-  The enforcement measures used to deal with obstructions to highways and pavements both in private and public ownership.

-  Household bulky item collection service and the waiting time of up two months for collections; particularly in Gipton & Harehills. It was noted 6-8 weeks’ notice was the usual waiting time across the city. It was also noted that this discretionary service is currently still offered free of charge in Leeds, which is highly unusual compared to the rest of the UK. Two weeks’ notice for collections in the area had been considered; however this was not currently possible due to resources and the LCC corporate booking system. Response times would be considered as part of the development of the 2017/18 SLA.

-  Evidence was available showing customer dissatisfaction with this element of the service had decreased dramatically (around 80%) since it transferred to delivery through the zonal teams.

-  The current Keep Harehills Tidy campaign, measures to raise awareness of environmental responsibility and partnership working undertaken to address areas of concern – such as joint working in Harehills with the Police and Refuse Service to reduce blocked access to refuse vehicles in back streets.

-  Consideration of the effectiveness of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) and whether these would be appropriate for the locality in relation to environmental offences/behaviour would be progressed with the Locality Team, in liaison with ASB colleagues.

In addition, the Chair accepted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

To consider the report of the East North East Area Leader which provides an update on the work programme of Inner East Community Committee, its’ recent successes and current challenges

Neil Young, Area Officer, presented an update on the Inner East CC work programme, its recent successes and current challenges. The report outlined the work undertaken through the Committee’s sub groups, the emerging Neighbourhood Improvement Partnerships and with local partners. The following matters were highlighted:

Harehills Conversation Dinner – The success of the event held on 12^th October 2016 was reported

Transport Conversation – Following on from the workshop held in September (minute 37 refers), Inner East CC held a further “transport conversation” on 2nd November 2016. The results of the overall consultation process, involving 15,000 participants, will be fed back to the CC in due course. The Committee noted a comment made expressing dissatisfaction with the locations proposed for the three new rail stations in Leeds; which did not address the perceived need and long standing campaign to re-establish a station/halt at the former Marsh Lane station site in Burmantofts & Richmond Hill. It was agreed that this issue would be raised with LCC City Development (Highways) as part of the Transport Conversation.

Bonfire Night – The success of the multi-partner approach of the diversionary tactics put in place in Harehills during bonfire night was reported. It was estimated that over 200 young people attended sessions and very few incidents of antisocial behaviour were reported during this period.

Inner East Youth Summit – The event – which brought together 60 young people from across the area and a range of organisations who currently provide out of school activities for young people – was held on 6th December at Shine in Harehills. Councillor Dobson, Champion for children and young people reported that attendees had taken part in discussions on resources, priorities and outcomes which had generated lots of new ideas to consider.

Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Strategy – It was noted that the Strategy had received support in principle from the Department for Communities and Local Government. A formal funding bid will now be developed by the Local Action Group for submission by 31st January 2017. If successful, LAG will connect with local groups to oversee the use of the £1.5m (£3m including required match funding) of external funding for Inner East Leeds.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report and the comments made during discussions

To consider the report of the ENE Area Leader on the Inner East Community Committee Wellbeing budget.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing an update on the current position of the capital and revenue budget for the Inner East CC.

Members were in receipt of a schedule providing a précis of the officer decisions taken under delegated authority, following consideration of the applications by Ward Members.

RESOLVED -

a)  To note the spend to date and current balances for the 2016/17 financial year as set out in Appendix A of the submitted report.

b)  To note the following decisions taken by delegated authority since the June Inner East CC meeting:

c)  To note the following additional decisions taken by delegated authority on 8^th December 2016 following Ward Member consultation in respect of applications to the Wellbeing Fund 2016/17:

To consider the report of the Leeds Pathways Support Team Leader which provides an update on how targeted Information, Advice & Guidance is now being delivered in Leeds

Mr Kevin Donnelly presented a report on the local authority delivered Information, Advice & Guidance Service. The report provided an update on how targeted IAG is now being delivered as part of the Council’s statutory duty to provide access to IAG services to young people who are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET).

The following key matters were highlighted:

·  The Team comprised of seven officers and will deliver the service from Jobshops in the Great George Street One Stop Centre and in key Community Hubs across the city. Since the Service was established in July 2016, 500 young people had accessed the service, 180 from the Inner East area.

·  From January 2017, provision in the ENE area will be based in the Reginald Centre (2 days) and the Compton Centre (3 days) during the afternoons. The team will be out in the localities in a morning aiming to locate and engage those young people who may be NEETs.

·  The team will work closely with the Youth Service, making use of existing data and known hotspots

It was noted that some NEET young people in the city already had established relationships with other services, such as Youth workers, the Youth Offending Service, Social Care, and Family Support. The new IAG model will work alongside such organisations. A downward trend in the number of NEETs and ‘not knowns’ (those young people where there was no information available on their current education/training status) was reported.

Members made the following comments:

-  The size of the team given the Inner East area had one of the highest numbers of NEETs for the city

-  Concern that the team would draw experience from the Youth Service and the impact this may have on Youth Service provision. Mr Donnelly provided assurance that that any impact would be minimised, the aim being to run NEET services alongside Youth Service provision.

-  Noted the suggestion that the IAG Service should establish links with the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Commander based at Gipton who provides support and training for young people attending the local Job Shop

-  Noted the invitation for the IAG Service to attend local Ward Councillor briefing sessions, and the Children & Young People Sub Group.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report and discussions; and to note the intention for a further update to be provided at the next meeting of the Community Committee on 23rd March 2017.

To receive any feedback or comments from members of the public on the reports presented to this Community Committee meeting.

 A time limit for this session has been set at 10 minutes.

Due to the number and nature of comments it will not be possible to provide responses immediately at the meeting; however, members of the public shall receive a formal response within 14 working days.

If the Community Committee runs out of time, comments and feedback on the reports may be submitted in writing at the meeting or by email (contact details on agenda front sheet)

The following matters were raised by members of the public in relation to the ENE Divisional Locality Safety Partnership Performance Report, which was the subject of informal workshop discussions to follow the business meeting:

-  A query regarding whether a unified compliments, comments and complaints process could be developed

-  Whether all emails directed to the Inner East WYP team email address received a response within 10 days

-  Whether a review of the take-up and effectiveness of Neighbourhood Watch groups in the East and South of Leeds could be undertaken

-  The number of PCSO’s currently on patrol in Saxton Gardens

-  The increase of visible drug-use in the Saxton Gardens area

-  A request for additional guidance and support for the Tenants and Residents Associations who provide support to residents who report incidents to WYP

-  Responsibility for the policing and enforcement of road /parking obstructions

Additionally, a further comment was made seeking LCC support for the social enterprise which cares for Harehills Cemetery. It was reported that the Cemetery was the first UK Municipal Cemetery.

In relation to WYP matters, the comments were noted and where possible, those matters were further discussed during the workshop.

In respect of Harehills Cemetery, the CC noted the issue raised and that a response could not be provided at the meeting, however the community committee Members will be provided with a formal response in due course.

To consider the report of the East North East Locality Safety Partnership which provides an overview of the performance of the ENE Locality Safety Partnership for the period 1^st April 2016 to 13^th November 2016

The East North East Locality Safety Partnership submitted a report which provided an overview of the performance of the Partnership during the period between 1st April 2016 and 13th November 2016, including schedules showing a breakdown of the recorded offences by ward in the Inner East CC area.

The report was presented as the basis for discussions on Community Safety with representatives of the local community, partners, stakeholders and West Yorkshire Police (WYP) in an informal workshop setting.

Chief Inspector Croft and Sgt. J McNiff of WYP attended the meeting to present the report and briefly outlined the following issues:

-  600 new officers were being trained across West Yorkshire and funding had been secured to train a further 600 recruits. Resources in the Inner East locality had been stretched, but it was anticipated that the new recruits would be in post within 12 months and be able to respond to the issues already raised at this meeting, including road policing

-  Direct contact with the Inner East WYP team can be made through the WYP website, reserving 101 and 999 telephone line for crime reporting

In response to comments and queries from Committee and local residents, WYP discussed the following issues:

-  Patterns of crime and anti-social behaviour in the Inner East locality.

-  An increase in various types of crime was reported in the statistics for the locality; however the change to the way crimes were reported was noted along with the comment that local confidence in WYP had encouraged residents to report incidents. Additionally, the reporting period in the report included Bonfire Night – this period traditionally saw an increase in incidents.

-  The comment made regarding accuracy of information available and the impact this had on local residents’ confidence in WYP and the importance of communication between front line staff and senior management

-  The work undertaken with residents following a burglary and the need to emphasise the importance of keeping windows and doors closed and locked as a preventative measure

-  The importance of incident reporting in order to establish evidence to support a conviction

-  The availability and use of CCTV footage to assist in the detection of crime and perpetrators of crime

-  The availability of PCSO’s and police presence to reach those members of the community without internet access

-  A comment regarding peoples’ experience and perception of the police force, particularly amongst younger members of the many different communities living in the Inner East area was discussed. The need to develop relationships so that residents appreciate what the police force is there for was identified along with consideration of how the police could avoid young people feeling criminalised.

-  Perception of anti-social behaviour and the way it is reported and recorded, bearing in mind that young people do socialise in groups.

Neil Bowden, Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team reported on the joint working undertaken between the 14 LASBT officers and WYP which had proved particularly successful in the Seacroft area. In respect  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

To note the date and time of the next meeting as Thursday 23^rd March 2016 at 6.00 pm

RESOLVED - To note the date and time of the next meeting as Thursday 23^rd March 2017