Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships brought Member’s attention to work which the Communities Team was involved in based on priorities identified by the Community Committee.  It also provided opportunities for questioning or to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

Charlotte Fletcher, Localities Officer presented the report.

The following was discussed:

·  Children & Families – The Sub Group had met to discuss the Youth Summit.  The Youth Summit would consist of a consultation event followed by activities.  West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds United Foundation would be in attendance.  Thanks were expressed to all officers involved in the planning for the Youth Summit.

·  Community Safety – Arrangements were being made for Sub Group meetings and a schedule would be sent out in due course. Members raised concerns regarding a lack of public confidence in reporting crime and anti-social behaviour.  It was reported that that this issue had also been highlighted at PACT meetings and raised with the Chief Officer for Community Safety and Community Safety Champions.

·  Environment – It had not been possible to get officers to attend the committee meeting.  An update was given on the work of the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team and thanks were expressed for their excellent responsive work.

·  Employment, Skills and Welfare – The report gave an update on Universal Credit across Outer East and the work of the Employment & Skills Service.  Further issues highlighted included the Leeds Digital Careers Festival, the Future Talent Pan for the City and apprenticeship opportunities within the Outer East area.  There was concern regarding the rise in the number of Universal Credit claimants and the cost of living crisis and how support could be given by the Community Committee.

·  Health and Wellbeing – Issues highlighted included work with Care & Repair, support for people with learning disabilities and addressing health inequalities.  Members also discussed the need for promoting the Winter Warmth programme and encouraging people to get their flu and covid vaccines.

·  Housing – Tom O’Connell, Area Housing Manager gave the Cpommittee an update.  There was still high demand for housing and allocations were being made on priority rather than date of registration.  This was due to be reviewed.

·  There was a high number of void properties in Kippax & Methley and Garforth & Swillington.  Partnership support with the Local Care Partnership and Credit Union was being provided to tenants with assistance due to the cost of living crisis.

·  Denise Kempton and Deeta Tren-Humphries gave an update on Youth Service Activity.  Members were informed of the various activities that had been held across the summer and plans for October half term and the Youth Summit.  The Youth Service would be working with the Police in the run up to mischief night and bonfire night.  Further issues highlighted included work with a settlement group from Afghanistan and support for young people transitioning from school to college.

·  Jean Barnbrook of the Tribe Youth Group updated the Committee on activities carried out.  These included the rebuilding of the community garden and trips to Blackpool and Kingswood Residential Centre.  Planning was underway for Halloween activities and a road safety campaign.

·  Correspondence had been received from Swarcliffe Good Neighbours Scheme thanking the Committee for funding which had been used to fund trips and lunches.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.