Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Locality Partnerships providing an overall update on the work that the Communities Team is engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. It also provides opportunities to request further information on a particular issue.

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

The following point were highlighted:

• The Youth Activity Fund (YAF) consultation link was available at page 19, at point 3 of the report and was open until March 2024.
• An update on recent work by the Committee appointed Champion for Children’s and Families was provided, noting, there has been 5 YAF consultation events over summer, with over 250 8 to 17year olds from the Inner South Area submitting responses. Coding a Minecraft had been the top priority for young people identified through the consultation, with outdoor events preferred over indoor. A Sub Group meeting had been scheduled for the 12^th of September to discuss the Youth Summit for 2023. It was also noted the Children’s Mayor programme will be opening again soon.
• The Champion for Environment and Community Safety outlined a Sub Group meeting had been held on the 31^st of August 2023 which had been attended by a multitude of agencies and encouraged Committee Members to attend future meetings.
• The Champion for Health and Wellbeing outlined that there were several health and wellbeing parcels to distribute, and Members were requested to assist with identifying residents whom they would benefit as well as scheduling Health and Wellbeing days in Hunslet & Riverside and Beeston & Holbeck. The Middleton Park Welcome Centre was scheduled to launch soon, and a credited supporting mental health course had been run recently. Suicide Prevention Day was on the 10^th of September where suggestions for an outdoor space to hold an event were needed. A campaign was ongoing for inaccessibility of GP services and digital exclusion created by new models of patient engagement. 
• With the data for universal credit claimants rising by 99% since March 2020, a specific breakdown of why and who is claiming was requested. It was the Committee’s intention to invite an Officer from Employment and Skills to discuss this topic.
• The work on boosting the social media account and posts was ongoing and further information will be provided back the Members by the Localities Officer once available.

West Yorkshire Police (WYP) Officers, attended the meeting and provided the Committee with an update, outlining the following information:

• Inspector Mark Lunn had been appointed as the Neighbourhood Police Inspector for South Leeds.
• Inspector Lunn had 21 years experience working in the Police force and was passionate to solve issues within the community.
• The Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) had experienced budget constraints and staffing issues, but a recruitment push was coming into fruition.

In response to questions from Members, the following points were discussed:

• As part of the Health and Wellbeing update, it was noted by the Chair for the Adults Health & Active Lifestyle that the Board will be considering an item on GP access on the 12^th of September.
• With the fourth appointed NPT Inspector for the area in 2 years, Members appealed to WYP Commanding Officers to provide stability. Inspector Lunn outlined his intention to remain in the position as he had strong experience in the area, felt highly suited to the role and did not want to add any further strain on partnerships.
• Members encouraged partnership working, particularly surrounding the meetings to resolve challenges around drug dealing and sex work in the area.
• A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was to be adopted across the Leeds District to tackle anti-social vehicle use. With cars racing in the area, close to a Police Station, more presence and effort was needed.
• WYP Officers noted a number of Section 59 orders had been conducted in the area to seize dangerously driven vehicles and more work will be done for monitoring and mitigating anti-social vehicle use, such as CCTV, speed bumps and greater presence.
• Anti-social behaviour occurring in Cross Flats Park, particularly regarding vehicle use and gel pellet guns, were encouraged to be reported via ringing 101 or submission online, which can both be done anonymously. WYP Officers noted that the more reports received lead to improved action and outcome and re-establish public confidence in the force.
• As anti-social quad bike and e-bike usage occurs more often at late evenings the off-road bike team were encouraged to extend their hours of touring. WYP Officers noted that new policy for using tire spiking stingers was in development.
• The dedicated phone line for issues relating to sex workers was noted to be outdated and not always working. The importance of the phone line was recognised, calls outside of the 23:00 – 07:00 hours will be checked and followed up and there was an intention for the phoneline to be switched to a smart phone so images can also be provided by the public, The Community Committee discussed possibly providing funding for the smart phone.
• A Trap house at Stafford Street had recently been shutdown and a meeting to prevent new trap houses opening had been scheduled with relevant partners. Operation Jemlock was ongoing to target serious offenders and access executive warrants to provide results.
• Sniffer dogs were noted to be effective for solving drug crimes, however, the capacity for use was limited and required clearance.
• Issues were regularly occurring at the square near Tempest Road and gangs often get moved from one corner then change to the next one along. This was noted to contribute to the lack of public confidence. WYP Officers outlined that bail conditions and ASBOs will be better utilised. 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report, along with Members comments, be noted.