Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed all present to the meeting, noting that this would be the last Community Committee before the May 2019 local elections and brief introductions were made.

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 refusal.

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)

There were no formal late items of business.

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 were received from Councillor Khan.

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):

Inclusive Growth Strategy – Members of the public acknowledged an update on Inclusive Growth was agreed to be brought to CC and haven’t yet received one. It was noted the Communities Team have been working with the Economic Development Team to produce a paper for Executive Board. The Committee noted the intention for an update on the position of Inclusive Growth, to be brought to a later Community Committee date.

Planning buildout issues – Concerns were raised in relation to planning build out issues and there not being adequate space for bin stores; it was reported there had been several shops on Harehills Road which had been built out and requested for these issues to be looked at. The Committee noted the intention for the Communities Team to write to Planning, and receive an update on this particular issue.

Housing Bidding System – Members heard from a local resident, raising concern that after 15 years, they’re still at the bottom of the bidding system. The resident queried why other factors had higher priority over them being able to bid for a 2 bedroom flat. Members requested that the Localities Team take the details of the local resident, and provide them with the full housing letting policy details. The Committee supported and noted the intention for this issue to be pursued by the Localities Team and to receive support from the Deputy Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles.

RESOLVED – To:

a)  Note the issues raised.

b)  Refer the issues, where appropriate to the Communities Team to pursue.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held 4^th December 2018.

RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting held 4^th December, 2018 be approved as a correct record.

To note any matters arising from the minutes

Minute 42 Murton Close – It was reported that the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Teams statistics, didn’t justify the closure of the ginnel. The intention was noted for ASB Team to undertake interviews with residents, in order to review and re-evaluate the closure of the ginnel.

Minute 43 Universal Credit – A Member raised concerns regarding the DWP’s policy of requesting access to claimants’ medical histories when processing UC applications and the implications of such a policy.

Minute 44 Youth Activity Review – Members queried why they haven’t yet received the accurate statistics to show how many young people were in each ward. Members requested that these be distributed to each Member.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor seeking approval of a proposed schedule of dates and times for Inner East Community Committee meetings during the 2019/20 Municipal Year. The report asks Members to consider venues.

(Report attached)

The Committee considered the report of the City Solicitor setting out a proposed schedule of meetings for the forthcoming 2019/20 Municipal Year for Members’ consideration:

·  19^th June 2019 at 6pm

·  25^th September 2019 at 6pm

·  11^th December 2019 at 5:30pm

·  18^th March 2020 at 6:00pm

RESOLVED – To agree the Committee’s meeting schedule for the 2019/20 municipal year as detailed at point 6 of the submitted report and to be included within the Council’s Diary for the same period.

To consider the report of the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team (LASBT) which provides the Community Committee with an update on the review of the service.

(Report attached)

Neil Bowden, Anti-Social Behaviour Team Manager, was in attendance at the meeting and presented the report on Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team (LASBT) review.

Members were informed of the following points:

·  LASBT is now a multi-agency team which includes Police, Fire and Rescue services, Housing Leeds, Belle Isle Tenants Management Organisation Youth Offending and Victim Support;

·  Three locally based teams covering South and City Centre, East North East and West North West deliver a specialist ASB service;

·  Service standards have been made uniform to ensure consistency of delivery across all teams;

·  60% of issues are noise related and the domestic noise and out of hours noise nuisance teams have now joined LASBT and are currently located within the Leedswatch Service;

·  The complex issues of ASB need to be undertaken by more than one agency and it was acknowledged that a partnership approach was required to address the causes of ASB;

·  A triage system is proposed to assess the severity of incoming cases to assist in the decision making and that this is best done at the first point of contact;

·  Staff training will ensure that officers are confident using all the tools available to them, empower them to provide robust advice, deliver successful early intervention;

·  A report is currently scheduled to go to Executive Board in June 2019 for consideration of the final scheme.

In response to questions, the following was discussed:

·  Members acknowledged that in relation to noise reporting, transferring calls and staff training has been an issue. It was noted a ‘what goes where’ guidance document, is being produced by the Police and LASBT to provide clarity on where particular issues should be reported, to alleviate confusion issues for residents.

·  Members referred to Figure 1 of the report, setting out the current ASB structure and were informed of the temporary staffing arrangements in place.

·  The difficulties surrounding private tenancies and not being able to take action with evictions; there are closer working partnerships with the private rented team, to put pressure on landlords.

·  The issues in relation to 24/7 licensed stores and creating a lot of problems for ASB and the police. Members were informed the ASB Team have obtained a list of off licenses and have been in touch with the  police and council licensing team, to look at how hot spots will be identified. Members acknowledged that East Leeds is a diverse area and identifying ways to educate and approach residents is an issue.

Inspector Mick Preston was in attendance, and informed Members of the following points:

·  55 calls related to street drinking in the Gipton and Harehills Ward in March 19; 22 being on Harehills Lane.

·  Cohesion work is on-going and a there is a police funding bid for an extensive engagement project over a 40 week period.

·  The online recording/reporting system has been amended to enable residents to pick motorcycles/quads as a specific category.

·  Confidence in reporting issues as the system has been amended; reporting calls are up by 25%

Members acknowledged that incidents are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

To consider the report of the Area Leader which provides an update on recent progress, emerging issues and areas for further development in relation to Target Ward and the Priority Neighbourhoods across all Inner East wards.

(Report attached)

The Area Leader presented a report providing an update on the recent progress, emerging issues and areas for further development in relation to Target Ward and the Priority Neighbourhoods across all Inner East wards.

It was noted that Executive Board approved a new model for Locality Working in November 2017, including 4 key features of the new arrangements,

-  Community Committees

-  Neighbourhood improvement Boards

-  Strategic Delivery Team

-  Core Team

Ward Members commented on the appendices in relation to their respective ward.

Burmantofts and Richmond Hill

Ward Members highlighted:

·  Partnerships with council services and third sector partners to tackle issues with food, welfare, unemployment and improving the local environment.

·  Particular concern that large groups of people are going to foodbanks and unemployment rates are increasing.

·  The need to prepare for the rollout of Universal Credit.

·  Neighbourhood Improvement Partnership (NIP) are looking at Lincoln Greens’ infrastructure, housing and shops.

Gipton and Harehills

Ward Members highlighted:

·  Key events and campaigns have taken place in the ward, including; Gipton Conversation dinner, Harehills Festival, Harehills in Bloom and Keep Harehills Tidy.

·  A Public Space Protection order has been introduced, bin fines are being actioned and a 24/7 hour alcohol license has been refused.

·  £44,000 of funding has been awarded by Members for projects/activities for Children and Young people in 2018.

·  The Compton Centre has grown as a Community Hub and has installed a playground.

Killingbeck and Seacroft

Ward Members highlighted:

·  They are keen to see the Denis Healey Centre re-established as a community asset.

·  There are plans to consult with residents on Seacroft Gardens.

·  First phase of funding available for improvements to Rein Park.

·  A Welcome Pack has been introduced including details of community facilities and organisations.

·  Future plans for The Gate former public house.

·  Funding has been awarded by the Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle issues with motorbikes across the ward.

The Area Leader summarised by providing the Board with figures in relation to the improvements across the wards and partnerships with Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust and Employment and Skills to increase learning opportunities.

The Committee thanked officers for their hard work and the positive changes happening in the Inner East of Leeds.

RESOLVED- To:

Note the contents of the report and information provided at the meeting.

To consider the report of the 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 in the area.

(Report attached)

The Localities Officer, presented an update on the Inner East CC work programme including recent successes within the Committee champion areas. An update was provided on the Inner East Youth Summit, which took place in December 2018. A report was produced and the Localities Officer provided a brief update on the recommendation of this report. Young people at the event prioritised the following five activities, in order of preference; youth clubs, dance, DJ/production skills, sports (particularly football and boxing) and art. These recommendations will be used to inform how funds are allocated on activities in 2019. Members were informed the Inner East Children and Young People’s Sub-Group will meet to review and recommend applications to CC for consideration.

The Head of Service, Communities and Environment informed the Committee of the key areas identified for work to benefit levels of fly tipping across the city. Members were further informed that funding has been received from the Government to support community clean ups; Leeds have received £130,000, with 10 days to spend the money from the date of the Committee meeting. They are trying to speak to as many local groups as possible.

The Communications Manager, Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group provided information on the proposals for urgent treatment centres in Leeds, highlighting the centres would be GP-led, open for 12 hours a day every-day and would be equipped to ease pressure off hospitals by diagnosing and dealing with common aliments people attend A&E for. Members noted the proposed locations for the centres included:

·  Wharfedale Hospital in Otley

·  St George’s Centre in Middleton

·  Co-locating two urgent treatment Centre’s at Leeds General Infirmary and St James Hospital

·  Fifth site for East Leeds hasn’t been decided as of yet.

Members raised the following issues:

·  In relation to refuse collection, Members requested to receive an up to date version of statistics showing the amount of money that is being collected and where this money is being spent.

·  Members acknowledged the limited resource to enforce fly-tipping issues and were informed the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team have provisions in place in an attempt to tackle this. Members further acknowledged residents struggle to understand how waste streams work.

·  A Member suggested the opening hours of urgent treatment centres should open at 7am instead of 8am, to work better with work and school hours.

·  The Chair suggested for services to provide information to Chapel FM and Fever FM, as a way to inform residents of environment and health updates in their locality.

·  Members thanked the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team for their work in the Inner East of Leeds.

(Cllr R. Grahame withdrew from the meeting at 19:50)

RESOLVED – To:

a)  Note the contents of the report and discussions during the meeting

b)  Note the recommendations from the Inner East Youth Summit (Appendix 1).

c)  Note the Public Health Locality Update (Appendix 2).

d)  Request that statistics for refuse collection, are provided to Local Ward Members.

To consider the report of the Area Leader which provides an update on the 2019/20 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 Localities Officer presented an update on the Finances of the Inner East Community Committee providing Members with an update on the 2018/19 wellbeing budget including details of any new projects for consideration and to inform the Committee of decisions taken by delegated authority since the last Community Committee meeting.

Members heard that 16 Wellbeing applications have been approved since the last meeting in December; being the area to receive one of the highest amount of applications across the City.

In relation to CIL, Members were referred to paragraph 16 in the report and were informed there will be a separate meeting with Planning Services and the Communities Team to discuss the allocation of CIL in Leeds; it was noted this will come back to a future Committee for Members to consider how this is allocated.

RESOLVED – To:

a)  Note the Wellbeing budget spend to date and current balances for the 2018/19 financial year (Appendix A).

b)  Note the Youth Activity Fund spend to date and current balances for the 2018/19 financial year (Appendix B).

c)  Note new Wellbeing applications that have been received since the date of the last community committee meeting.

d)  Note the decisions taken on funding applications by delegated authority, in line with the agreed ‘minimum conditions’.

e)  Note the CIL Neighbourhood Fund balance (Appendix C).

f)  Note the CIL guidance (Appendix D).

g)  Note the CIL Neighbourhood Fund balance be brought back to committee at a later date for Members to consider how the funding is allocated.

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:

·  Harehills Lane Enforcement – lack of enforcement with street drinking on Harehills Lane and the normalisation of these issues resulting in under-reporting in the area.

·  Community Standards Campaign/Fly Tipping – residents queried when they would receive the translated information/leaflets and suggested the need for a spokesperson to publicise information. The Panel were informed that the Communications Team have been developing images with an emphasis on positive and negatives for the leaflet and agreed to meet residents to work proactively together. The Chair requested that an update on the progress of the leaflet is brought back to the next CC. 

·  An issue with a particular house in Harehills and a private rented landlord letting to individuals who are on probation i.e. drinking and involvement with the Police. The Communities Team agreed to take details in regard to this.

To note the date and time of the next formal meeting is proposed as Wednesday, 19^th June at 6.00pm.

RESOLVED – To note the date and time of the next meeting as Wednesday 19th June 2019.