Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 4 - City Hall, Bradford. View directions

Contact: Fatima Butt/Tracey Sugden 

Items
No. Item

56.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

(Members Code of Conduct - Part 4A of the Constitution)

 

To receive disclosures of interests from members and co-opted members on matters to be considered at the meeting. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

 

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

 

Notes:

 

(1)       Members may remain in the meeting and take part fully in discussion and voting unless the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an interest which the Member feels would call into question their compliance with the wider principles set out in the Code of Conduct.  Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

 

(2)       Members in arrears of Council Tax by more than two months must not vote in decisions on, or which might affect, budget calculations, and must disclose at the meeting that this restriction applies to them.  A failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 

 

(3)       Members are also welcome to disclose interests which are not disclosable pecuniary interests but which they consider should be made in the interest of clarity.

 

(4)       Officers must disclose interests in accordance with Council Standing Order 44.

 

Minutes:

At the commencement of the meeting, Councillor Jamil disclosed, in the interests of clarity that she was a school governor at Hanson School (minute   64).

 

During the course of the meeting, Councillor Riaz Ahmed disclosed for the sake of clarity that he was a member of the Area Planning Panel (Bradford), (minute 61) and on the board of the Thornbury Centre (minute 62). Councillor Salam also disclosed for the sake of clarity that he was on the board of the Woodroyd Centre (minute 62).

 

 

Action: City Solicitor

57.

MINUTES

Recommended –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2019 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

(Fatima Butt/Tracey Sugden – 01274 432227/434287)

Minutes:

Resolved –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2019 be signed as a correct record.

 

 

58.

INSPECTION OF REPORTS AND BACKGROUND PAPERS

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

 

Reports and background papers for agenda items may be inspected by contacting the person shown after each agenda item.  Certain reports and background papers may be restricted. 

 

Any request to remove the restriction on a report or background paper should be made to the relevant Strategic Director or Assistant Director whose name is shown on the front page of the report. 

 

If that request is refused, there is a right of appeal to this meeting. 

 

Please contact the officer shown below in advance of the meeting if you wish to appeal. 

 

(Tracey Sugden/Fatima Butt - 01274 424387/432227)

 

Minutes:

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict documents.

59.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

 

To hear questions from electors within the District on any matter this is the responsibility of the Committee. 

 

Questions must be received in writing by the City Solicitor in Room 112, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1HY, by mid-day on Tuesday 19 March 2018.

 

(Fatima Butt/Tracey Sugden – 01274 432227/434287)

 

Minutes:

No questions were submitted by the public.

60.

HIGHWAYS MAINTENANCE NON-CLASSIFIED ROADS AND SURFACE DRESSING ALLOCATION FOR BRADFORD EAST - 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 82 KB

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AB”) provides information on capital highway maintenance funding and makes recommendations on the allocation for non-classified road resurfacing schemes and surface dressing sites.

 

Recommended –

 

That the proposed programme of works for 2019/20 as shown in appendices 1 and 2 to Document “AB” be approved.

 

(Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

(Andrew Whelan – 01274 434409)

Minutes:

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AB”) provided information on capital highway maintenance funding and made recommendations on the allocation for non-classified road resurfacing schemes and surface dressing sites.

 

A member queried the timing of the proposed works for Poplars Park Road and was informed that it would ideally be scheduled for late summer/early autumn. The Councillor stressed the need to schedule these works for after the completion of the major works already underway in that area had finished as the weight of the lorries being used was significant.

 

Another member asked how replacement schemes were allocated in case of slippage and was advised that schemes were maintained on a priority list in order of urgency of the works concerned.

 

Resolved –

 

That the proposed programme of works for 2019/20 as shown in appendices 1 and 2 to Document “AB” be approved.

 

Action: Strategic Director, Place

 

(Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

 

61.

SPRING MILL STREET, LITTLE HORTON, BRADFORD - OBJECTIONS RECEIVED TO A PROPOSED TRAFFIC ORDER pdf icon PDF 3 MB

Previous References: Minutes 42 (2017/18) and 25 (2018/19)

 

The Strategic Director, Place will present a report (Document “AI”) which outlines objections that have been received to a proposed traffic regulation order for no waiting at any time restrictions on Spring Mill Street, Little Horton, Bradford.

 

This matter has previously been reported to the Committee in January and October 2018.

 

Recommended –

 

That the proposals for waiting restrictions on Spring mill Street be revised in accordance with plan no HS/TRSS/103665/GA-2A, attached as appendix 2 and any residual objections be overruled and the order be implemented and sealed as modified.

 

(Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

(Andrew Smith – 01274 434674)

Minutes:

Previous References: Minutes 42 (2017/18) and 25 (2018/19)

 

The Strategic Director, Place presented a report (Document “AI”) which outlined objections that had been received to a proposed traffic regulation order for no waiting at any time restrictions on Spring Mill Street, Little Horton, Bradford.

 

This matter had previously been reported to the Committee in January and October 2018.

 

Members were advised that the proposed order had been reduced by a distance of twenty metres, which represented parking for four cars. The original objectors had been advised of this meeting and of their right to maintain their objection but had not commented nor attended.

 

The Chair queried whether local businesses were now content with the amended proposals and was advised that no negative comments had been received. They had also been invited to this meeting but had not attended.

 

Members were also advised that the statutory two year period for such orders was due to come to an end shortly and that if it was not agreed during that time, recommencing the process would be extremely costly.

 

Resolved –

 

That the proposals for waiting restrictions on Spring Mill Street be revised in accordance with plan no HS/TRSS/103665/GA-2A, attached as appendix 2 to Document “AI” and any residual objections be overruled and the order be implemented and sealed as modified.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

 

(Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

 

62.

CONSULTATION ON THE PREVENTION AND EARLY HELP ESTATES STRATEGY PROPOSAL pdf icon PDF 314 KB

Previous Reference: Executive, Minute 84 (2018/19)

 

Document “AC” presents proposals for consultation on the use of buildings within the Prevention and Early Help Service.

 

This follows on from the creation of a new 0-19 years Prevention and Early Help Service that was informed by a previous public consultation and decision of the Executive that the use of buildings be reviewed to look for ways in which the two year additional funding for staffing could be sustained through different use of buildings assets.

 

Each Area Committee has been presented with a report from the meeting of the Executive held on 5 February 2019 for their comment. The consultation period runs until 7 May 2019, following which a report will be presented to the Executive in July 2019.

 

The Committee is asked to note the details of Document “AC” and make comment. 

 

(Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

(Jenny Cryer – 01274 432438)

Minutes:

Document “AC” presented proposals for consultation on the use of buildings within the Prevention and Early Help Service.

 

This followed on from the creation of a new 0-19 years Prevention and Early Help Service that had been informed by a previous public consultation and decision of the Executive that the use of buildings be reviewed to look for ways in which the two year additional funding for staffing could be sustained through different use of buildings assets.

 

Each Area Committee had been presented with a report from the meeting of the Executive held on 5 February 2019 for their comment. The consultation period would run until 7 May 2019, following which a report would be presented to the Executive in July 2019.

 

It was stressed that the views of this Committee would be welcomed and that the physical requirements of the Service had changed from premises suitable for use by the 0-5 age group to a much more demanding requirement for premises for families in crisis. The main hub in Bradford East was envisaged to be housed at Barkerend as there was space for both public use and office use in one premises.

 

A representative of UNITE attended the meeting and spoke on behalf of the Trade Union, expressing his concerns about the need to protect services to some of the most disadvantaged people in the District. He considered that the proposals meant that some communities would have no access to Council run services and advised that no meaningful consultation had yet taken place with the trade unions.

 

A member noted that he had attended one of the consultation sessions and had been the only local parent present. He expressed real concerns about the consultation so far and urged officers to hold additional sessions and to provide consultation materials in public places. He also had concerns about the consequences of the proposals meaning that any remaining centres would have to serve extremely large areas and suggested that investigation be made of other Council premises within the Constituency that it may be possible to link up with to ensure better overall use.

 

A member noted that there seemed to be no mention of Bolton and Undercliffe in the report and was advised that this may be because there were no Council owned premises in that area. However, if there was no service provision, that would form part of the consultations.

 

Members were concerned that the low level of participation and feedback was representative of a degree of cynicism or mistrust among the public about this type of exercise or were the result of the lack of detail about future provision. In response it was noted that there had been a good level of participation by other organisations and that different ways of engaging with the public would be considered.

 

A member asked for a financial breakdown of the projected savings and was advised that, providing it did not breach commercial confidentiality rules, it could be shared with members. The member responded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

63.

POVERTY IN BRADFORD EAST pdf icon PDF 681 KB

The Committee is asked to consider Document “AD” which provides an overview of poverty deprivation related statistics in Bradford East and a summary of key interventions led by the Council and partners to support vulnerable people.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)  That the issues outlined in Document “AD” be noted and observations and comments be made.

 

(2)  That any priority actions that the Committee wishes to contribute towards be indicated.

 

(3)  That any further areas for the Anti-Poverty Co-ordination Group to consider be identified.  

 

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

(Helen Johnston/Catriona Colborn – 01274 434401/434691)

Minutes:

The Committee considered Document “AD” which provided an overview of poverty deprivation related statistics in Bradford East and a summary of key interventions led by the Council and partners to support vulnerable people.

 

Members thanked the team of officers for the report, while at the same time acknowledging that it made for sobering reading. They particularly picked up on information around the number of children living in poverty in Bradford East, the lack of change in the statistics year on year and the seeming acceptance of the situation by all concerned.

 

Questions were asked about:-

·         The integration programme

·         The timeline of the statistics provided and whether the next cycle could be expected to show change.

·         How much collaborative working was being undertaken, for example with the officers who had presented the previous item on  the prevention and early help estates strategy?

·         How closely did the Anti Poverty Co-ordination Group work with colleagues dealing with regeneration and local business?

 

In response, members were advised that:-

·         A detailed programme of integration was underway, following on from work undertaken in Keighley. It was expected that the most deprived wards would be involved, including those in Bradford East.

·         The statistics provided were the most up to date as they were produced on a five year cycle. It was not expected that the next cycle, due in summer, would show much change.

·         Officers from Early Help were also members of the Anti Poverty Co-ordination Group to ensure collaborative working.

·         Both the  Anti Poverty Co-ordination Group and officers working on regeneration fell under the aegis of the Strategic Director, Place so there was a direct link between the two. A recent report on employment skills had been considered by the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

A member stressed how important education was as a route out of poverty and expressed his concern that one of the best performing schools in the country was situated in Bradford East but did not cater to local children. He challenged that school to make a bigger contribution to the area and to take an increased percentage of its cohort from the local, very deprived community.

 

Another member highlighted particular problems facing low income families, such as turning to cheaply priced hot food takeaways when they could not afford to buy and cook fresh food; the effect this had on children’s weight; the difficulty of buying and washing school uniforms, especially when uniform lists included costly items such as blazers; the resulting effect on attendance; the effect on school attendance of period poverty and the unrealistic expectations behind encouraging such families to save via the Credit Union.    

 

In response, it was highlighted that saving with the Credit Union, even by a very small amount such as £1 per week, could have a beneficial effect on an individual’s credit rating, which could be extremely helpful.

 

A member expressed his concern that serious social problems such as anti social behaviour and knife crime were connected to poverty in the community and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

64.

SCHOOL PERFORMANCE IN BRADFORD EAST pdf icon PDF 173 KB

The Deputy Director, Education and Learning will present a report (Document “AF”) which outlines the 2108 educational outcomes for Bradford East School.

 

Recommended –

 

That Bradford East Area Committee receive this report on the performance of Bradford East schools in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2 tests for 2018.

 

(Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

(Marium Haque – 01274 439255)

Minutes:

The Deputy Director, Education and Learning presented a report (Document “AF”) which outlined the 2018 educational outcomes for Bradford East School.

 

Members were advised that there was an improving picture in Bradford East, particularly at secondary school level and that schools worked well together. However, development at the end of Reception year was still below average and the results for both “Good Level of Development” and phonics showed that children were below the national average, although phonics did show an improvement on the previous year.

 

The issue of affordability of uniforms was noted from the discussion on the previous item and members were advised that it would be taken up with head teachers. It was also stressed that head teachers often used their pupil premium funding to provide items of uniform for those most in need.

 

A member stressed the need to target children who were struggling in school and suggested establishing a sub-committee to meet with head teachers and examine their school’s performance. Colleague members disagreed with that view, considering it to be a function of the overview and scrutiny process.

 

Another member queried the figure provided for children who spoke English as an additional language, considering that most children who had a different home language now spoke English as their first language. He also referred to the issue of parental preference and explained how he encouraged constituents to include a local school in their preferences. He stated that, taking into account the level of deprivation in the area, local children were doing well.

 

A member reiterated the point that one of the local secondary academies did not serve the most local children and that it should be tasked to increase its percentage of local intake. He also referred to the financial problems at another local secondary school and urged that they be addressed.

 

In response to his second point, officers advised that action was being taken and that savings were being made year on year in the school. A member who was also a governor at that school expressed her frustration that the on-going financial issues detracted from the improved picture of educational attainment at the school.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)  That this report on the performance of Bradford East schools in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2 tests for 2018 be received.

 

(2)  That a progress report be provided in twelve months time, to include relevant case studies.

 

ACTION: Interim Strategic Director, Childrens Services

 

(Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

 

 

65.

STREET CLEANSING SERVICE REDESIGN AND DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Previous Reference: Minute 55 (2018/19)

 

The Area Co-ordinator will present a report (Document “AE”) which provides members with  further information with regards to the street cleansing service redesign and deployment of services.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)  That option 2 be adopted as the preferred delivery model.

 

(2)  That a further report be presented after six months with an update on the new working arrangements.

 

(Corporate/ Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

(Damian Fisher – 01274 437062)

Minutes:

Previous Reference: Minute 55 (2018/19)

 

The Area Co-ordinator presented a report (Document “AE”) which provided members with  further information with regards to the street cleansing service redesign and deployment of services.

 

Members of the Committee expressed a firm view that ward based cleansing teams should be retained and had concerns that the proposed new cleansing frequencies were not arranged fairly across the whole area.

 

Resolved –

 

That ward based clean teams, operating on completion of gateway cleaning and reflecting local need, be retained.

 

Note: Councillor Riaz Ahmedrequested that his vote against the above resolution be recorded.

 

ACTION: Area Co-ordinator

 

(Corporate/ Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

 

66.

COMMUNITY CHEST BUDGET ALLOCATION 2018/2019 AND COMMUNITY CHEST GRANTS FUNDING 2019/2021 pdf icon PDF 109 KB

The Committee is asked to consider Document “AG” which outlines the allocations of the Community Chest Budget for the financial year 2018/19 and asks that the make-up of the Grants Advisory Group in the Bradford East Area for 2019/21 be considered.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)  That the allocation of the Community Chest Grants to local groups in the Bradford East Constituency for the financial year 2018/19 be noted.

 

(2)  That a 2019/21 Grants Advisory Group made up of the Chair, Deputy Chair and Opposition Spokesperson be established.

 

(3)  That the Area Coordinator be asked to submit a report on the allocation of Community Chest Budget to local groups in Bradford East at the end of the financial year 2019/21.

 

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

(Ishaq Shafiq – 01274 431066)

  

Minutes:

The Committee considered Document “AG” which outlined the allocation of the Community Chest Budget for the financial year 2018/19 and asked that the make-up of the Grants Advisory Group in the Bradford East Area for 2019/21 be considered.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)  That the allocation of the Community Chest Grants to local groups in the Bradford East Constituency for the financial year 2018/19 be noted.

 

(2)  That a 2019/21 Grants Advisory Group made up of the Chair, Deputy Chair and Opposition Spokesperson be established.

 

(3)  That the Area Coordinator be asked to submit a report on the allocation of Community Chest Budget to local groups in Bradford East at the end of the financial year 2019/21.

 

ACTION: Area Co-ordinator

 

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

 

67.

BRADFORD EAST WARD PLANS pdf icon PDF 92 KB

Document “AH” invites members to consider draft Ward Plans for the Bradford East Area covering the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)  That the six ward plans 2019-2020 be approved and adopted.

 

(2)  That council officers, partner agencies and community organisations be requested to support the implementation of the six ward plans 2019-20.

 

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

 

(Ishaq Shafiq – 01274 431066)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Document “AH” invited members to consider draft Ward Plans for the Bradford East Area covering the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

 

Members discussed the inclusion of an item on the issue of begging at hotspots such as gateway roads within the ward plans as they were concerned about the welfare of the people involved in this activity, particularly having seen vulnerable young people begging in the early hours of the morning and having been very concerned about the risk of violence and abuse towards them. 

 

Resolved –

 

(1)  That the six ward plans 2019-2020 be approved and adopted.

 

(2)  That council officers, partner agencies and community organisations be requested to support the implementation of the six ward plans 2019-20.

 

ACTION: Area Co-ordinator

 

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)