Agenda and minutes

Approximately 20 representatives of the local community, partners and stakeholders attended the meeting.

The Chair welcomed all present to the meeting and brief introductions were made.

Councillor Hussain expressed thanks to the former Chair, Councillor Khan, for his work during the 5 years he led the Committee; and also acknowledged the hard work undertaken in the locality and with the Committee by former Councillors Dobson, Hyde and Selby as Councillors for the Killingbeck & Seacroft ward. Councillor Hussain welcomed Councillors Dye, Drinkwater and Jenkins to their first Community Committee meeting.

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:-

The agenda contained 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 just prior to the meeting Members received copies of the following supplementary information:

Item 12 Committee appointments –schedule of appointments for ease of reference (minute 12 refers)

Item 13 Finance report – amended budget breakdown 2018/19 (minute 13 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 disclosable pecuniary interests.

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S Arif and K Maqsood; and from Jane Maxwell, East North East Area Leader.

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

Members of the public addressed the meeting under the provisions of Paragraphs 4:16 and 4:17 of the Community Committee Procedure Rules (Open Forum):

Denbigh Heights – Members received a representation about two service charge increases implemented, which it was felt amounted to a rent increase with no visible increase in services provided by Housing Leeds. Support was sought to challenge any future increase which could present hardship to the residents.

The Committee noted the response provided by the Housing Leeds representative present who also agreed to provide a breakdown of service and rent charges relevant to the Inner East area to Members.

Anti-social behaviour in the Bellbrookes locality – Members heard from a local housing charity based in the Bellbrookes voicing concern about a recent increase in theft (of Yorkshire stone paving) and anti-social behaviour. It was noted that local ward Councillors were aware of the theft and also graffiti to a local church; and a tasking meeting would consider the issues. Members also noted a comment that private landlords operating in the locality also had some responsibility for issues such as fly-tipping.

Connecting Crossgates – A representative of the voluntary organisation provided information on a new Hub due to open in the Crossgates Shopping Centre providing a drop-in centre, advice and information on local events. The Committee noted that many local residents visited the shopping centre and that; depending on the take-up of this first Hub initiative, the scheme could be rolled out to other localities

Fearnville Sports Centre – The Committee noted concern that proposals to rebuild the Sports centre may be jeopardised as the proposed adjacent school project was not now going ahead. Members provided reassurance that funding remained in place for the scheme, however further consultation was planned, to include consideration of the final location for the Sports Centre.

Fly-tipping in Harehills – Concern over the prevalence of fly-tipping throughout Harehills was raised; and that despite daily reporting to and collection by the environment team, fly-tipping continued. Local residents sought support from the Committee to tackle the issue. There was some discussion on the negative impact of the introduction of the fee for bulky waste collection; and on the role of private landlords and local education initiatives to encourage residents’ responsibility for their locality. The Chair supported a request for a letter from the Committee to the Executive Member with responsibility for the environment to highlight the ongoing issue in Harehills. Additionally, the Committee noted a suggestion for some bespoke work with local private landlords to seek their support in addressing this issue.

Spending of Development Contributions – In response to a query regarding the use of Section 106 & Community Infrastructure Levy funding in the Killingbeck & Seacroft ward, it was noted that a briefing meeting between officers and ward Councillors would be arranged.

Murton Close, Seacroft Alleyway – The Committee heard a representation from local residents of Merton Close seeking support for the closure of an alleyway in order to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime witnessed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held 22^nd March 2018

(Copy attached)

RESOLVED – That, subject to a correction to minute 59 (dates of future meetings) to reference 2019, the minutes of the meeting held 22^nd March 2018 be agreed as a correct record.

To note any matters arising from the minutes

Minute 56 Harehills locality and engagement – Members noted that the further work with local business representatives had been undertaken to review communication and engagement methods in the locality.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor inviting Members to give consideration to appointing co-optees to the Community Committee for the duration of the 2018/2019 municipal year

(Report attached)

The City Solicitor submitted a report outlining proposals regarding the appointment of co-optees onto the Inner East CC, seeking confirmation that the CC wished to continue to appoint co-optees to support the work of the CC for the forthcoming year.

It was reported that, unfortunately Burmantofts and Richmond Hill Community Leadership Team had not yet met to provide nominations. Officers provided a brief overview of the process for co-option to the Committee and encouraged any local residents present at the meeting to contact the Communities Team if they were interested in becoming a co-optee. Members noted the intention to bring a further report on nominations to fill the co-optee vacancies in due course.

RESOLVED –

a)  That approval be given to the continuing appointment of co-optees in order to support the work of the Committee;

b)  To note the intention to bring a further report seeking confirmation of co-optee nominations at the appropriate time.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Housing Management seeking Ward Councillor nominations from the Community Committee to the ‘Inner East’ and ‘Outer East’ Housing Advisory Panels (HAPs)

 (Report attached)

The Chief Officer, Housing Management, submitted a report seeking Ward Councillor nominations from the Community Committee to the ‘Inner East’ and ‘Outer East’ Housing Advisory Panels (HAPs). Ian Montgomery attended the meeting to present the report.

Nominations to the Inner East HAP were sought from the Burmantofts & Richmond Hill and Gipton & Harehills wards (one member each). For the Outer East HAP two nominations were sought from the Killingbeck & Seacroft ward.

RESOLVED –

a)  That Councillor R Grahame and Councillor K Maqsood be appointed to the Inner East HAP from the Burmantofts & Richmond Hill and Gipton & Harehills Wards respectively and;

b)  That Councillors P Drinkwater and D Jenkins be appointed to the Outer East HAP from the Killingbeck & Seacroft ward

To consider the report of the City Solicitor which notes the appointment of Councillor A Hussain as Chair of the Community Committee for 2018/19 as agreed at the recent Annual Council Meeting, and also invites the Committee to make appointments to the following, as appropriate:-

·  Outside Bodies;

·  One representative to the Corporate Parenting Board;

·  Community Committee Champions, and

·  The Children’s Services Cluster Partnerships.

(Report attached)

The City Solicitor submitted a report providing information on the various appointments which fall within the remit of the Inner East CC. Members were invited to determine appointments for the forthcoming 2018/19 Municipal Year for the following:-

·  The themed Community Committee Champion roles;

·  The Committee representative on the Corporate Carers’ Group;

·  Representation on the Children’s Services Cluster Partnerships;

·  Those local Outside Bodies to which the Committee are asked to appoint to.

RESOLVED - That the following appointments be confirmed for the 2018/19 Municipal Year –

(*Children’s Services Champion also to fulfil Corporate Carer role)

To consider the report of the East North East Area Leader which provides an update on the 2017/18 Wellbeing budget, including details of any new projects for consideration. The report also details decisions taken by delegated authority since the last community committee meeting.

(Report attached)

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing an update on the current position of the Inner East CC Wellbeing fund and Youth Activity Fund. The report set out the current Wellbeing budget position, including new applications and information on recent decisions on funding applications made by delegated authority.

Members were in receipt of an amended budget breakdown schedule for 2018/19 which showed a £50,010.00 increase as a result of recalculation of the deprivation formula which informs the allocation of Wellbeing funding. Members supported the proposal to split this additional amount equally between the three IE CC wards.

RESOLVED -

1)  To note the Wellbeing spend to date and current balances for the 2018/19 financial year as outlined in Appendix 1 of the submitted report and the additional budget breakdown tabled at the meeting.

2)  To note new Wellbeing applications received since the date of the last Community Committee meeting, outlined in paragraphs 3 to 11 of the report.

3)  To note the decisions taken on funding applications by delegated authority, in line with the agreed ‘minimum conditions’ as outlined in paragraph 12.

4)  To note the agreement to split the additional Wellbeing budget of £50,010 equally between the three IE CC wards

5)  To confirm the minimum conditions as set out in paragraph 3 of the report under ‘Corporate Considerations’ – noting that these conditions would need to be satisfied prior to an urgent delegated decision being taken in between formal Community Committee meetings in respect of the administration of Wellbeing and Youth Activity budgets and also the use of the CIL Neighbourhood Fund allocated to the Committee

To consider the report of the East North East Area Leader which provides an update on the work programme of the Inner East Community Committee and the Communities Team, including recent successes, current challenges and on-going pieces of work.

(Report attached)

Neil Young, Area Officer, presented an update report on the Inner East CC work programme, its recent successes and current challenges. The report outlined the work undertaken following previous workshops – including a Public Health update at Appendix 1 – and outlined work undertaken through the Committee’s sub groups, the emerging Neighbourhood Improvement Partnerships and with local partners.

Members noted an amendment to the recommendations in the report as information on the Keep Harehills Tidy initiative would be considered by the Committee’s environment advisory sub group first. A suggestion seeking consideration of whether the Harehills Watch Group might link into the Keep Harehills Tidy Group was noted.

RESOLVED

a)  Note the contents of the report and the comments made by Members

b)  To note the Public Health Locality Update report, as contained in Appendix 1

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 formal Committee reports:

Focus on Gipton – In response to a comment regarding information on events and work undertaken in the Gipton area, the meeting discussed the resources that are currently committee in Gipton and the need for local residents to reach out and raise issues where they have concerns.

Following brief discussions, Members identified the following matters for further consideration by the Community Committee

·  Further information needed on Gipton initiatives and Summer Activities Provision

·  Promotion of the Local Authority consultation on Gambling

·  Future focus on preparedness for Universal Credit implementation

·  Review of priority setting

As a result, the Committee undertook a brief informal discussion with local residents, partners and stakeholders in attendance on the current priorities for the IE CC, seeking views on whether these could be amended or enhanced. The following matters were identified for further consideration and focus during 2018/19 within the existing priorities:

·  The impact of various forms of Anti-social behaviour and measures to address them; including the perceived lack of activities for young people; the impact of fly-tipping and the implementation of the fee for bulky waste collections

·  Availability of school places within the Inner East area

·  Older people and social isolation

·  Engagement with young people and residents from hard to reach groups

Additionally, discussion identified the need to set attainable targets where results could be measured with achievements reported back initially to the advisory sub groups for reflection on progress before consideration by the full Committee.

RESOLVED – To note the issues raised

RESOLVED – To note the following events

30/06/18 – Burmantofts Gala 12 noon until 4.00 pm

21/07/18 – Lark in the Park, East End Park, 12 noon until 4.00 pm

07/07/18 – Seacroft Gala, Rein Park

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the date and time of future meetings as:

·  Wednesday 26^th September 2018 at 6.00 pm

·  Wednesday 5^th December 2018 at 5.30 pm

·  Wednesday 20^th March 2019 at 6.00 pm

(ALL Wednesdays with an informal community workshop to be scheduled prior to the business meetings)

b)  To agree to continue to alternate the meeting venues throughout the three wards within the Inner East area.