Agenda item

To consider a report of the East North East Area Leader on the progress made in relation to the priority neighbourhoods in the Inner North East since the implementation of the new approaches in 2010.

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report on the progress made in relation to the priority neighbourhoods in the Inner North East since the implementation of the new approach in 2010.

Rory Barke, East North East Area Leader presented the report and responded to Members’ comments and queries.

The East North East Area Leader informed the meeting that Mr S Lake, Neighbourhood Manager for N E Inner, had been recently appointed to a post of Targeted Services Lead in Children’s Services. He confirmed that Mr Lake would still be working in the NE Inner area when he takes up his new duties in November.

The East North East Area Leader reported verbally on the latest Neighbourhood Index performance indicator data for the NE area and acknowledged that the progress made in relation to the priority neighbourhoods in inner north east Leeds was making a real difference since the new approaches in 2010.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

• The concerns expressed that people were worried about losing their identity through the current structures and processes that were in place in the Meanwood and Stonegates estates
• The need for Members of the Area Committee to be supplied with a list of those organisations who have received funding by the Chapel Allerton Community first panel

(The East North East Area Office responded and agreed to comply with this request)

• The need for the Area Committee to place on record it’s thanks to Mr S Lake for the excellent work undertaken within the inner north east area since 2010
• Clarification of the protocol and timescales of appointing a new Neighbourhood Manager
• The need for more work to be undertaken in the Queenshills/Leafields area and for regular monitoring to be carried out, especially within the Roundahy area
• Clarification of the community infrastructure arrangements in place  at the time the new approach in 2010 was implemented
• To welcome the continuing success of the Neighbourhood Improvement Boards
• The concerns expressed that many people felt deprived who lived in the Beckhill Estate

The East North East Area Leader thanked the Area Committee for their kind comments about the work undertaken by Mr S Lake since 2010. He agreed to convey these comments to Mr Lake.

The East North East Area Leader made reference to the recruitment process and he stated that Members would have an advisory role in appointing the new Neighbourhood Manager for Inner North East. In concluding discussions, the East North East Area Leader confirmed that during the recruitment exercise partnership working would not suffer and that appropriate temporary staffing arrangements would be put in place during this period.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee notes and welcomes the achievements made in the priority neighbourhoods in inner north east.

c)  That approval be given to the extension of the Neighbourhood Managers contract further two years from 1^st April 2013 to 31^st March 2015, subject to availability of funds, with a report provided at the December Area Committee with cost implications for the Well Being Fund.

d)  That approval be given to the priority neighbourhoods being proposed for Inner North East from 2013/14 in accordance with the report now submitted.

e)  That Mr S Lake be congratulated on the excellent work undertaken within the inner north east area since 2010 and that this Committee wishes him much success in his new appointment.

(Councillor E Taylor left the meeting at 5.00pm during discussions of the above item)

(Councillor R Charlwood left the meeting at 5.10pm during discussions of the above item)