To appoint a Chair for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2015/2016.

Resolved –

That Councillor Ali be appointed Chair of Keighley Area Committee for the remainder of the municipal year 2015-2016.

ACTION: Interim City Solicitor

To appoint a Deputy Chair for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2015/2016.

Resolved –

That Councillor Brown be appointed Deputy Chair of Keighley Area Committee for the remainder of the municipal year 2015-2016.

ACTION: Interim City Solicitor

(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.

In the interests of transparency Councillors Brown and Poulsen declared that they had both been invited to attend community meetings at the former fire station but confirmed that they were not members of the Friends of Haworth Fire Station group.

Councillor Bacon disclosed that she was a former Haworth resident and at the time of the closure of the first station had been invited to attend meetings regarding that issue.  She confirmed that she was not a member of the Friends of Haworth Fire Station group.

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2016 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

(Jane Lythgow – 01274 432270)

Resolved –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2016 be signed as a correct record. 

(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. 

(Jane Lythgow - 01274 432270)

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

(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 12 April 2016.

(Jane Lythgow - 01274 432270)

There were no questions submitted by the public. 

The Strategic Director, Regeneration, will present a report, (Document “AB”) which details a nomination to list property known as The Fire Station, Station Road, Haworth, Keighley, as an Asset of Community Value under the Localism Act 2011. 

The report considers whether the nomination and nominated asset meet the Asset of Community Value criteria set out in the Localism Act and contains a recommendation as to whether or not the nomination should be approved.

Recommended –

That, in accordance with the advice detailed in Option 2 of Document AB”, the nomination of the property known as Oxenhope Community Centre, Oxenhope, Keighley, is not approved as an Asset of Community Value.

 (Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

      (Stephanie Moore – 01274 432256)

The Strategic Director, Regeneration, presented a report, (Document “AB”) which detailed a nomination to list property known as The Fire Station, Station Road, Haworth, Keighley, as an Asset of Community Value under the Localism Act 2011. 

The report considered whether the nomination and nominated asset met the Asset of Community Value criteria set out in the Localism Act and contained a recommendation that the nomination should not be approved.

A Ward Member referred to an item for discussion later at the meeting reporting the Worth Valley Ward Plan 2016-17.  He believed that the Fire Station’s inclusion in those plans contradicted the opinion in Document “AB” that the criteria for listing the property as an asset of community value had not been met.    He reported the concern of the local community at the closure of the fire station and their efforts to develop a community hub in its place. 

A Member raised concern that the report was written in a way which implied that the fire station was still in use and confirmed that the station was no longer operational.  Residents were aiming to build resilience in their community with the development of a community hub in its place.  She stressed that the building was crucial for the social wellbeing of the local community. 

In response the Strategic Director reiterated the criteria which must be fulfilled to enable a nomination to be listed as an asset of community value and which were contained in Document “AB”.  She confirmed that she had received legal advice which had been that the nomination did not meet the criteria contained in that report.  It was also reported that comparable authorities had also been contacted to ascertain their views on the nomination.

Members questioned who would run a community hub; how would a community hub be financed and that it would be unlikely that the Council be able to support a community hub financially.  In response it was confirmed that the building was not Council property and was owned by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The requirements on the owners of a building nominated as an Asset of Community Value were questioned.  In response it was stressed that the Community Right to Bid provisions did not:

-     Give community groups or parish councils a right of first refusal when listed land and buildings came up for sale.

-    Give community groups or a parish council the right to purchase land and property listed as assets of community value at a reduced price i.e. less than market value.

-    Compel a property owner to sell to a community group or parish council. Once the procedures set out in the Act are complied with property owners are free to sell their property to whomever they wish.

-     Restrict how a property owner could use their property.

A representative of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council addressed the meeting.  He stated that he was perplexed by the recommendation of the Strategic Director and felt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

Previous reference: Minute 69 (2014/15)

The report of the Strategic Director, Regeneration, (Document “AC”) provides information on the Capital Highway Maintenance funding element of the Local Transport Plan for 2016/17 and makes recommendations on the allocation for Non-Classified Road Resurfacing Schemes and Surface Dressing Sites in the Keighley constituency.

Recommended –

That the proposed programme of works for 2016/17 as shown in Appendices 2 and 3 to Document “AC” be approved.

 (Environment and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee)   

(Andy Fisher – 01535 618297)

Previous reference: Minute 69 (2014/15)

The report of the Strategic Director, Regeneration, (Document “AC”) provided information on the Capital Highway Maintenance funding element of the Local Transport Plan for 2016/17 and made recommendations on the allocation for Non-Classified Road Resurfacing Schemes and Surface Dressing Sites in the Keighley constituency.

Concerns were raised that the surface dressing works which had been undertaken on Bradford Road, Riddlesden had deteriorated within five weeks of treatment.  In response it was explained that surface dressing works were inspected two weekly for a two month period after treatment and, if required, would be re-swept.  All schemes were maintainable, at the contractors’ expense, for a period of one year.

The Strategic Director was advised that Yorkshire Water were currently carrying out works at Two Laws Road, Oakworth.  The area was identified on the proposed programme for surface dressing 2016/17 and Members were concerned that the work could have an impact on proposals. 

Resolved –

That the proposed programme of works for 2016/17 as shown in Appendices 2 and 3 to Document “AC” be approved.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Environment and Waste

ACTION: Strategic Director, Regeneration                        

(Andy Fisher – 01535 618297)

The Strategic Director, Environment and Sport, will present a report, (Document “AD”) which highlights the key changes to the Council’s domestic waste collection arrangements following the introduction of the Council’s Domestic Waste and Recycling Policy (DWARP). 

This report is brought for the information of Members.

(Environment and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee)    

(Susan Spink – 01274 434779)

The Strategic Director, Environment and Sport, presented a report, (Document “AD”) which highlighted the key changes to the Council’s domestic waste collection arrangements following the introduction of the Council’s Domestic Waste and Recycling Policy (DWARP). 

Members questioned the incidents of fly tipping in the Keighley district and were advised that the issue was dealt with by the Environmental Enforcement Team and would be the subject of a report to the Committee in June 2016.

The level to which rubbish deposited in bins was examined by the collection crews was questioned.  Concern that the introduction of charges for collection of garden waste would result in garden waste being deposited in those bins was also raised.  In response it was confirmed that the crews would not have the time to thoroughly check what was being collected.  If they noticed that garden waste was being deposited ‘bin hangers’, warning notices about the rubbish which should be deposited, would be attached to those bins.  There was reluctance to use enforcement powers initially and measures to educate and inform residents about the domestic waste collection policy were being conducted.  Work was also being undertaken to develop an internal materials recycling facility where the collections would be sorted without the use of contractors. 

The procedure to deal with residents living in flats where it was not clear whose responsibility it was to transfer the bins to communal areas for collection was raised.  The potential for more elderly residents or those who may be confused depositing rubbish in the wrong bins was also raised.  It was explained that collections areas had been rezoned.  The collection crews would be allocated to their own collection zone.  The crews would get to know the residents on their patch and a common sense approach would be taken.  A suggestion that stickers could be displayed depicting the acceptable items for collection in each of the bins was suggested.  In response the Strategic Director confirmed that stickers with pictures of suitable items and text such as “yes please” had been produced.  It was agreed to provide those stickers to Ward Members.

No resolution was passed on this item.

No Action                                                          (Susan Spink – 01274 434779)

Previous reference: Minute 81 (2014/15)

The report of the Assistant Director, Policy Programmes and Change, (Document “AE”), provides:-

• An update on actions that build on the findings from the first engagement in New Deal
• A summary of initial findings from the second phase of engagement
• An indication of developing plans for further approaches to engagement

Recommended –

(1)       That the report be noted.

(2)       That the feedback from residents outlined in Document “AE” be welcomed and acknowledged.

(3)       That engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders about ways of working differently be continued and relevant findings fed into the New Deal programme.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)      

(Kate McNicholas – 01274 431761)

Previous reference: Minute 81 (2014/15)

The report of the Assistant Director, Policy Programmes and Change, (Document “AE”), provided:-

• An update on actions that built on the findings from the first engagement in New Deal
• A summary of initial findings from the second phase of engagement
• An indication of developing plans for further approaches to engagement

The report revealed a Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Workshop where over 40 organisations had met to look at local solutions to local problems and Members questioned what had occurred at that event.  The Keighley Area Co-ordinator explained that his office had been involved in that workshop and that positive discussion about the things which VCS groups could undertake had taken place.  It was explained that groups were concerned to know the services which the Council would may to undertake to allow them the opportunity to plan to maintain services in their communities. 

The Assistant Director, Policy Programmes and Change confirmed that following that event good feedback with ideas about the types of services which it was felt worked well within communities had been received.

Although the opportunity for Parish Councils and residents to shape their local communities was welcomed a Member raised concerns that there could be a reluctance for communities to initiate doing more for themselves in case this could reduce the services that they would ordinarily be receiving from the Council.   There were fears that there was an inequitable provision of service.   In response it was stressed that as services were being withdrawn the capacity which communities could provide must be developed.

Resolved –

(1)       That the report be noted.

(2)       That the feedback from residents outlined in Document “AE” be welcomed and acknowledged.

(3)       That engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders about ways of working differently be continued and relevant findings fed into the New Deal programme.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate

ACTION: Strategic Director, Regeneration                

(Kate McNicholas – 01274 431761)

Previous reference: Minute 43 (2015/16)

The Keighley Area Co-ordinator will present a report, (Document “AF”) which outlines the work of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s office in the period October 2015 to March 2016 to support ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2015-16.

Recommended –

That the work of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s office in the period October 2015 to March 2016 to support ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2015-16 be noted.

(Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee)                

 (Jonathan Hayes -01535 618008)

Previous reference: Minute 43 (2015/16)

The Keighley Area Co-ordinator presented a report, (Document “AF”) which outlined the work of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s office in the period October 2015 to March 2016 to support ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2015-16.

It was stressed that the appendices to the report, which were broken up by ward and were not an exhaustive list of activities, were aimed to provide a flavour of the nature of activities that had been undertaken.  Members were advised that they would receive a comprehensive update on the ward plans 2015/16 which would detail all activities.

A Member questioned progress on the setting up of a community magazine and the outcome of partner meetings held at Merlin Top Primary Academy.  It was confirmed that proposals for that magazine were continuing and financial support from local businesses was being sought.

In response to questions about the format of the report it was confirmed that Members were pleased with the arrangements.

The Keighley Area Co-ordinator thanked all the Ward Officers for their input; for the compilation of the ward plans and their work with Members and partner organisations to carry out the work depicted in those plans.  That sentiment was echoed by all Members from throughout the district.  

Resolved –

That the work of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s office in the period October 2015 to March 2016 to support ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2015-16, contained in Document AF”, be noted.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate

ACTION: Strategic Director, Environment and Sport 

                                                                              (Jonathan Hayes -01535 618008)

Previous reference: Minute 74 (2014/15)

The Keighley Area Co-ordinator will submit Document “AG” which presents six new Ward Plans for 2016/17 for consideration and adoption by the Area Committee..

Recommended –

(1)       That the six new Ward Plans contained in Document “AG” be approved and adopted.

(2)       That the Keighley Area Co-ordinator be requested to submit six monthly progress reports outlining the progress made in addressing the priorities contained in the Ward Plans for 2016/17.

(Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee)                

(Jonathan Hayes -01535 618008)

Previous reference: Minute 74 (2014/15)

The Keighley Area Co-ordinator submitted Document “AG” which presented six new Ward Plans for 2016/17 for consideration and adoption by the Area Committee.

The background to the report reminded Members that, on 3 December 2015, Members had approved a new format for Ward Plans for 2016/17. Instead of containing 18 or more ‘priorities’ the Ward Plans for 2016/17 would focus on the top six priorities for each Ward and that for each priority the Plan set out clear methods for addressing that priority.  Those top six priorities would be drawn up by Ward Officers in consultation with Ward Members and partner agencies and the plans would no longer be themed by type of issue.

Resolved  –

(1)       That the six new Ward Plans contained in Document “AG” be approved and adopted.

(2)       That the Keighley Area Co-ordinator be requested to submit six monthly progress reports outlining the progress made in addressing the priorities contained in the Ward Plans for 2016/17.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate

ACTION: Strategic Director, Environment and Sport

      (Jonathan Hayes -01535 618008)

Previous reference: Minute 44 (2015/16)

The Strategic Director, Environment and Sport, will submit Document “AH” which provides information about the community engagement activities undertaken by the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s office during October 2015 to March 2016.

Recommended –

That the constructive engagement with a wide range of the public undertaken through community engagement activities by Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in the period October 2015 to March 2016 be noted.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)               

(Jonathan Hayes – 01535 618008)

Previous reference: Minute 44 (2015/16)

The Strategic Director, Environment and Sport, submitted Document “AH” which provided information about the community engagement activities undertaken by the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s office during October 2015 to March 2016.

The background to the report explained that following a review of Community Engagement carried out by Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in 2015 the Committee had resolved that Ward Officers should use more of their time to develop more and varied ways of engaging with the public, e.g. Special Forums – on a specific topic of current local interest, events and activities targeted at specific people groups (e.g. older people or parents with young children), stalls at events organised by local community groups (e.g. Galas and Fun Days). 

It had been acknowledged that there was a need to develop digital engagement (e.g. facebook, Twitter and local websites) to engage with people more widely and that social media was a preferred method of communication with young people.   Members were advised that all Ward Officers had been provided with smart phones to enhance that communication and the roll out of smart phones would be extended to youth workers to increase communication and engagement with young people.

Appendix A provided details of the community engagement activities that had been undertaken by Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office (KACO) during the period October 2015 - March 2016. Those had included ‘traditional’ Neighbourhood Forums, public meetings organised by KACO staff open to all but run on a different format to a Neighbourhood Forums, meetings targeted at particular ‘people  groups’ (e.g. young people), attendance at meetings and other events organised by partner agencies or community groups, door-knocking and ‘street consultations’.

Following discussions about the use of social media Members questioned the proportion of people using that communication channel and their preferences for facebook or twitter.  In response it was difficult to ascertain the most popular vehicle but it was believed that older people were more likely to use facebook. 

Resolved –

That the constructive engagement with a wide range of the public undertaken through community engagement activities by Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in the period October 2015 to March 2016, contained in Document “AH” be noted.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate

ACTION: Strategic Director, Environment and Sport 

      (Jonathan Hayes -01535 618008)