No disclosures of interest in matters under consideration were received.

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2016 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

(Jane Lythgow – 01274 432270)

Resolved –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2016 be signed as a correct record.

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 13 September 2016.

(Jane Lythgow - 01274 432270)

There were no questions submitted by the public.

The report of the Strategic Director, Environment and Sport, (Document “M”) summarises the work of Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) in supporting communities and voluntary organisations in the Keighley Area.

Recommended –

That the wide range of activities undertaken by Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action to support communities and voluntary organisations in the Keighley Area be noted.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee) 

(Paul Stephens – 01535 665258)

The report of the Strategic Director, Environment and Sport, (Document “M”) summarised the work of Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary Community Action (KIVCA) in supporting communities and voluntary organisations in the Keighley area.

The background to the report explained the objectives of KIVC’s work including:-

·        To support organisations, charities, individuals and local groups in practical ways  to achieve their own aims and develop new projects to meet local needs

·        To help people to influence how services were developed, funded and delivered

·        To bring people together to create solutions that help local people and communities

It was explained that the work was carried out by KIVCA’s team which consisted of paid staff and volunteers. The trustees all represented voluntary organisations and KIVCA had 180 members who were almost entirely local groups.

It was reported that KIVCA was based at Central Hall, and had an office base in Ilkley. They also worked across the Bradford District in partnership with others, to create a stronger voice for the voluntary sector and the public to influence commissioning and service delivery, and address inequalities while building the resilience and capacity of the Voluntary and Community Sector to be effective partners at local and district levels, and service delivery organisations.

More recent developments since the preparation of the agenda were reported and included that the organisation had been successful in their application to deliver the Healthwatch commission for the next three years.

Members were advised that KIVCA had taken the lead on the first stage of the Keighley Community Led Local Development Programme.  The first stage had been completed and a Local Development Strategy had been submitted.  If that strategy was approved by the Leeds Enterprise Partnership it could attract £3million pounds of European Funding so long as much funding could be found.

Proposals for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) planned in December 2016 included that members would be asked to vote on merger plans, currently being developed, for the organisation to merge with Bradford Community Voluntary Service and Shipley and Bingley Voluntary Service by April 2017.

The report revealed that KIVCA was funded from a number of sources including commissions from Bradford Council.  Members questioned that funding and were informed that Community Development Commissioning funding would be ending in March 2017.  In March 2015 a new Infrastructure Commission had received a grant from the Local Authority.  The commission was now beginning to generate income by trading services.

A Member advised that in Appendix B to the Document “M” Healthwatch should be included in the Keighley East Ward.  He questioned the support reported in Appendix B, for some groups believed to be in opposition to Bradford Council actions.  In response it was confirmed that the groups were not receiving financial support but were being assisted with funding advice.

Resolved –

That the wide range of activities undertaken by Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) be noted and activities to assist communities and voluntary organisations be supported.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

Action: Strategic Director,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Previous reference: Minute 9 (2015/16)

The annual report for the Parks and Green Spaces Service (Document “N”) reviews activity during the past year and also considers the significant issues that will have an effect over the coming 12 months.  The report also presents options, where appropriate, for future service delivery.

Recommended –

That the content of Document “N”, and in particular the Bowls Club agreement and the outcomes achieved following the flower bed consultation, be noted.

(Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Ian Wood – 01274 432648)

Previous references: Minutes 9 & 42 (2015/16)

The Strategic Director of Environment and Sport submitted Document N” the annual report for the Parks and Green Spaces Service which reviewed activity during the past year and also considered the significant issues that would have an effect over the coming 12 months.  The report also presented options, where appropriate, for future service delivery.

The report provided information about the service and confirmed that it currently sat in the Sport and Leisure Service, part of the Environment and Sport Department.  It also described the managed facilities in the Keighley and Ilkley area; new facilities which were planned and in progress; a number of events (over 150) held throughout the year in parks and recreation grounds and provided an update on trees and woodlands in the area.

Members were reminded of the floral display review which had arisen as a result of reductions in the level of funding for that provision in the 2015/16 budget setting process.  The issue had been thoroughly debated at the meetings on 25 June 2015 and 3 December 2015 and an update on progress since that time was provided.

Following discussions about trees and woodlands a Member reported unauthorised trial bike riding taking place on woodland routes in Ben Rhydding.  It was agreed that the issue would be communicated to the Council’s Woodlands Officer. The potential for the Wardens on motorbikes to inspect the area was also discussed.

The support/subsidy provided to Bingley Music Festival was queried and, whilst all the information from the recent event had not yet been received, it was believed that the event would not ‘break even’.  The festival had been well attended but had been affected by the inclement weather.

The report revealed consultation with Ilkley In Bloom and their agreement to assist with the majority of the bedding schemes in Ilkley.  Those arrangements were questioned and it was explained that the Parish Council would fund the 2017/2018 summer and winter bedding schemes.  A rough estimate of the cost had been provided to them but that would need to be confirmed.   The spring planting would be managed by the Council. 

The impact that the renovation of the park and buildings at Cliffe Castle could have on Devonshire Park was queried.  Members were assured that the maintenance of all parks was undertaken by the service.  The grass was cut ten times per year and refuse bins emptied twice weekly.  A Member believed a Friends of Devonshire Park was being organised but said that he not seen any developments.  Concerns around drug users in the park were also raised.  In response it was explained that Devonshire Park was more of an arboretum than other parks.  The park contained many beautiful trees but their presence could make the area dark and residents may feel afraid.  It was explained that the trees could not be felled but shrubs could be removed and the holly lifted. An increased Warden Service would also reassure residents.

A Member raised concerns about the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.