Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1 - City Hall, Bradford. View directions

Items
No. Item

63.

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:

The following declarations of interest were received:

 

(1)       In the interest of transparency Councillor Rickard declared an interest in the item relating to the Armed Forces Covenant (Minute 67 ), as a           former member of the Armed Forces.

 

(2)       In the interest of transparency Councillors Cooke and Duffy declared   an interest in the item relating to the Industrial Services Group (Minute         69), as Board Members of InCommunities.

 

(3)       Councillor Rickard also disclosed a prejudicial interest in the item        relating to the Industrial Service Group (Minute 69), as he was a      Council appointed Director on the ISG Board. He left the meeting

            during consideration of the item.

 

(4)       Councillors Cooke and Green disclosed prejudicial interests in the item          relating to the Bradford District Partnership (Minute 70), as a Member     and former Member on the BDP Board respectively.  They both left the    meeting during consideration of the item.

 

ACTION:       City Solicitor

64.

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. 

 

(XXXXX - 01274 XXXXXX)

 

Minutes:

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

65.

REFERRALS TO THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

No referrals were made at the time of publication of this agenda.

 

                                                                                    (Yusuf Patel – 01274 434579)

 

Minutes:

Resolved –

 

There were no referrals made to the Committee.

 

66.

POLICING ACROSS BRADFORD DISTRICT pdf icon PDF 230 KB

The Strategic Director Environment and Sport will submit a report (Document “AC”) which updates members on the policing approaches to policing across Bradford district.

 

Recommended –

 

That Members consider the new policing arrangements for the Bradford District.

                                                                                    (Ian Day - 01274 433507)

 

Minutes:

The Strategic Director Environment and Sport submitted a report (Document “AC”) which updated members on the policing approaches to policing across the Bradford district.

 

Representatives from West Yorkshire Police gave a brief overview on the policing approaches.  Particular reference was made to the changes in delivering problem solving, which had been refined to ensure there are dedicated problem solvers across the district.

 

It was stated that problems were identified by statutory bodies and assessed on vulnerability, and appropriate resources were then deployed to address the problem.  Currently there were approximately 100 live problem solving occurrences across the district.

 

The Police representative alluded to a number of positive examples of problem solving and partnership working at a local level, which demonstrated the strengthened approach of a investment at a ward level; examples included officers in Keighley securing 12 civil gang injunctions; tackling an increased anti-social behaviour in the Holmewood area had been effective in reducing criminal damage.

 

During the discussion the Chair ascertained how the Police liaised with elected Members when there were particular serious incidents of crime in their ward.  In response the Police representative stressed that where there was a level of tension or a particular serious crime, the Police would always endeavour to liaise with Ward Councillors and the wider community to ascertain who the perpetrators are and also how any wider community issues could be addressed.

 

A number of Members commended the work the Police had done in their respective wards and the difference it had made in resolving pertinent issues.

 

A Member stated that although the report was a positive one, how was this information being disseminated to the wider public, as there was a perception that many people were unaware of the positive work being undertaken by the Police.   In response the Police representative stated that information about the new policing arrangements had been widely publicised in the media as well as engagement work taking place with the schools and the wider community.

 

A Member highlighted that many Neighbourhood Watch Schemes had folded due to people’s inability to have access to IT.  In response the Police representative stated that the Police were utilising IT more and more in disseminating information to the public. However it was acknowledged that, where there was an issue with IT access, there were still existing lines of communication, such as Parish Councils, PCSOs that could be utilised.

 

A Member expressed some concerns in respect of the 101 telephone service and problems in getting a response.  The Police representative acknowledged that there were some issues with the 101 service, which was a national one,  however efforts were now underway to ensure that the call centre was fully staffed and she was confident that any issues would be resolved in due course.

 

In relation to a question on what the critical risk factors were in achieving policing outcomes going forward, it was explained that it was important to maintain the direction of travel that had been set, together with ensuring  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

67.

BRADFORD DISTRICT ARMED FORCES COVENANT UPDATE pdf icon PDF 219 KB

The Strategic Director Environment and Sport will submit a report (Document “AB”) which provides an update on the implementation of the Bradford District Armed Forces Covenant and reports on the progress made by the Bradford District Armed Forces Covenant Partnership in identifying and addressing need within the Armed Forces Community. Previous progress was reported to this committee on the 8th September 2015.

 

Recommended –

 

That the Strategic Director Environment and Sport continues work to progress the development of the Bradford District Armed Forces Covenant and implementation of its action plan and reports progress to Council committees at regular intervals.

 

                                                                        (Helen Johnston - 01274 434401)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Strategic Director Environment and Sport submitted a report (Document “AB”) which provided an update on the implementation of the Bradford District Armed Forces Covenant and reported on the progress made by the Bradford District Armed Forces Covenant Partnership in identifying and addressing need within the Armed Forces Community. Previous progress was reported to this committee on the 8th September 2015.

 

The Assistant Director Neighbourhoods stated that Bradford Council had been a very active member since the Armed Forces Covenant was signed, and that an excellent relationship had been forged with the armed forces as a result.

 

A representative from the armed forces was present at the meeting and stated that Bradford was one of the strongest partners in the Covenant.  That Bradford had a proud history of reservists, cadets and veterans, and that many activities had been undertaken to develop and support understanding between the military and the civilian community.  Activities to foster this included Armed Forces Study Day and the Royal British Legion Outreach sessions.

 

A Member in commending the work done expressed some concerns in relation to veterans not being able to seek the appropriate help, or when help was being offered there was sometimes a reluctance amongst veterans to disclose their status, which then compounded the problems further.  He suggested that organisations should have a method of ascertaining whether or not somebody had served in the armed forces.  In response it was stated these were amongst a number of issues that were being looked at by the housing options teams and that the Ministry of Defence was also providing financial assistance to develop the Covenant further.

 

In relation to a question regarding the number of veterans that may be homeless and what specific support could be offered, the Assistant Director Neighbourhoods stated that although the Council undertook an annual count of the number of homeless people, this did not give a breakdown as to who might be an armed forces veteran.  He suggested that when individuals present themselves to the Council seeking help, a question could identify their status and what additional help can be offered.

 

Members were in agreement that further work should be done across Council and voluntary services to ensure that members of the armed forces were identified and given appropriate help and advice, and it was therefore:

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That this Committee requests that the Executive builds in support        for the Armed Forces Covenant within all parts of the Council’s      procurement processes and partnerships.

 

(2)       That the Executive look at ways to disseminate information about         the Covenant to front line charities and third sector organisations to encourage greater awareness of the aims of the Covenant and         what it can do to help their clients.

 

ACTION:       City Solicitor (referral to Executive)

 

68.

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

Recommended –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the item relating to the Industrial Services Group on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings, that if they were present, exempt information within Paragraph 3 (Financial or Business Affairs) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) would be disclosed and it is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in allowing the public to remain is outweighed by the public interest in excluding public access to the relevant part of the proceeding for the following reasons:

 

It is in the public interest in maintaining the exemption because it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made fully aware of the financial implications of any decision without prejudicing the financial position of the authority.

                                                                                   

                                                                                    (Yusuf Patel - 01274 434579)

 

Minutes:

Resolved –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the item relating to the Industrial Services Group on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings, that if they were present, exempt information within Paragraph 3 (Financial or Business Affairs) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) would be disclosed and it is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in allowing the public to remain is outweighed by the public interest in excluding public access to the relevant part of the proceeding for the following reasons:

 

It is in the public interest in maintaining the exemption because it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made fully aware of the financial implications of any decision without prejudicing the financial position of the authority.

 

69.

INDUSTRIAL SERVICES GROUP (ISG) - FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE UPDATE

The Strategic Director Regeneration will submit a report (NOT FOR PUBLICATION Document “AE”) which provides an update to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the current financial performance of ISG and future plans for the organisation.

 

Recommended –

 

That the recommendations contained in Not for Publication Document “AE” be approved.

 

                                                                        (Ben Middleton – 01274 439607)

 

Minutes:

The Strategic Director Regeneration submitted a report (NOT FOR PUBLICATION Document “AE”) which provided an update to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the current financial performance of ISG and future plans for the organisation.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the recommendations contained in Not for Publication        Document “AE” be approved.

 

(2)       That this Committee requests that quarterly updates be circulated        to Members of this Committee.

 

ACTION:       Strategic Director Regeneration

 

 

70.

BRADFORD DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 pdf icon PDF 159 KB

The Assistant Director for the Office of the Chief Executive will submit a report (Document “AD”) which sets out the key achievements, future challenges and areas of focus of the Bradford District Partnership in delivering the priorities of the District Plan.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       Members note and comment on the report.

 

(2)       That a further annual report be brought in 12 months time.

 

                                                                        (Kathryn Jones – 01274 433664)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Assistant Director for the Office of the Chief Executive submitted a report (Document “AD”) which set out the key achievements, future challenges and areas of focus of the Bradford District Partnership in delivering the priorities of the District Plan.

 

It was explained that the BDP’s main purpose was to harness the collective resources of the district to drive delivery of the outcomes outlined within the District Plan 2016-20 which included:

 

Better skills, more good jobs and a growing economy;

A great start and good schools for all our children;

Better health, better lives;

Safe, clean and active communities; and

Decent homes that people can afford to live in.

 

Performance was monitored on a regular basis through the District Plan performance management framework.  Details of the progress made was set out in the report.

 

During the discussion a Member ascertained how the work of the BDP was supported by Council officers and what budget was set aside for this.   In response it was explained that support for the Strategic Partnership came from within the Council, and that officers undertook this work as part of their overall duties, however no dedicated budget was set aside to assist with the work of the BDP.

 

In relation to a question on how the 29.5% increase in recorded crimes could be explained; the Assistant Director Neighbourhoods explained that the increase maybe in part down to the way reported crime was now recorded.

 

A Member ascertained what the value of the BDP was in real terms.  In response it was stated that the outcomes were outcomes that the Council shared with it partners, and there was therefore intrinsic value in the work of the partnership.

 

In relation to a question regarding the progress made in developing a rail link between Bradford City Centre and the airport,  the Strategic Director Regeneration explained that this was still an aspiration that would bring huge benefits, and that the Council was committed to realising this link.

 

In response to a question regarding duplication of work, it was pointed out that work with partners was about achieving common objectives.

 

In relation to a question regarding empty homes and bringing them back to use, it was stressed that empty homes were assessed it terms of the risk they posed to neighbours and the wider community, and appropriate action taken in the worst cases.  In addition there was no evidence of large scale abandonment and in some cases there was a genuine reason why a home may be empty.  In any case the Empty Homes Team would encourage owners to bring homes back into use and offer appropriate  advice and support to achieve this.

 

In response to a question on how poor housing in the private rented sector was being addressed, it was explained that the Housing Standards Team were proactive in dealing with complaints from tenants and offering redress.

 

A Member ascertained what effort was being made to move from Producer City to a digital based economy.  In response  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

71.

CORPORATE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE - WORK PROGRAMME 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 184 KB

The Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee will submit a report (Document “AF”) which sets out the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme for 2016/17. 

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       That members consider and comment on the areas of work included in the work programme.

 

(2)       That members consider any detailed scrutiny reviews that they may wish to conduct.

 

                                                                        (Mustansir Butt – 01274 432574)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee submitted a report (Document “AF”) which set out the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme for 2016/17. 

 

Resolved –

 

That the work programme 2016-17 continues to be reviewed regularly

during the year.

 

ACTION:       Overview and Scrutiny Lead      

 

                                                                        (Mustansir Butt - 01274 432574)