Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 4 - City Hall, Bradford

Contact: Jane Lythgow 

Items
No. Item

15.

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:

No disclosures of interest in matters under consideration were received.

16.

MINUTES

Recommended –

 

That the minutes of the meetings held on 2 May, 4 July and 25 July 2017 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

(Jane Lythgow/Tracey Sugden – 01274 432270/434287)

Minutes:

Resolved –

 

That the minutes of the meetings held on 2 May; 4 July and 25 July 2017 be signed as a correct record.

 

 

17.

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. 

 

(Jane Lythgow/Tracey Sugden – 01274 432270/434287)

 

Minutes:

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

documents.

 

18.

BRADFORD ENVIRONMENT FORUM ANNUAL REPORT pdf icon PDF 320 KB

Document “E” is a report of the Bradford Environment Forum explains the role of the organisation and provides a summary of some of the current and recent projects that illustrate the types of contribution that the voluntary and community sector contribute to life in Bradford and to supporting the District’s priorities.

 

The report also provides a summary of the commissioned environment initiatives.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)  That the Committee acknowledges the achievements of the Bradford Environment Forum with the Council Grant.

 

(2)  That the Committee continues to support the work of the VCS partners in the Bradford Environment Forum.

 

(3)  That a further report be provided to this Committee to update them on the work undertaken in 2017-18.

 

(Mahmood Mohammed – 01274 437399)

Minutes:

 

The Strategic Director, Place, presented, Document “E”, which was a report of the Bradford Environment Forum outlining the role of the organisation and providing a summary of some of the current and recent projects to illustrate the types of contribution that the voluntary and community sector contributed to life in Bradford and to support the District’s priorities.  The report also provided a summary of commissioned environmental initiatives. 

 

It was explained that Bradford Environment Forum (BEF) brought together third sector organisations and groups which were involved in environmental activity in the Bradford District.  BEF sought to provide representation in strategic discussions and provide communication tools to enable groups to work together to maximise positive environmental activity in the Bradford District.

 

The report highlighted, as examples of their work, three current projects being delivered in the district and emphasised the importance of support received from the Council through the Environmental Commissioning Fund (EFC).

 

Representatives of the Forest of Bradford; Bradford Environmental Education Service (BEES) and the Bradford Community Environment Project (BCEP) were in attendance at the meeting to talk about their projects.

 

·         Bradford Community Environment Project (BCEP)

 

The representative from BCEP explained that since the time of report writing, the organisation had ceased to operate as they were unable to continue in the current financial climate.  Because of the very recent events representatives were still considering the next steps although it was hoped to continue with partners working with recyclable paint.

 

·         Forest of Bradford

 

The representative of the Forest of Bradford reported that the scheme had been set up in 1998 with the aim of establishing 480 hectares of native woodland, equivalent to one million trees.  It was explained that, to date, the project had planted 465,000 native trees / shrubs at over 350 different sites.

 

Challenges, in terms of financing its core work, were presented and that the Environment Commissioning Fund (ECF) from the Council continued to play a crucial role in supporting core work and levering in outside sources of funding was emphasised.

 

The successful level of public engagement developed in delivering the project’s work was reported.  A tree planting session involving Members of the Sant Nirankari Mission and 25 volunteers from the Forest of Bradford was discussed.

 

·         Bradford Environmental Education Service (BEES)

It was explained that in the current financial climate capacity had massively reduced and without core funding it was impossible to secure other outside grants.  The core services funded by the ECF were reported and included the following:-

·         The Conservation Volunteer Group, engaging a wide range of volunteers to make positive environmental change in their neighbourhoods.

·         A programme of Wildlife Field Visits offering a shared learning experience; lifelong learning and a valuable resource of species recoding for sites in the district and beyond.

·         Community Orchard providing local food and events.  Details of an Apple Day being held on Sunday 15 October 2017 were circulated. 

Feedback from participants illustrating how the BEES services was addressing the environmental outputs such as habitat management and also providing a chance for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

19.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ANNUAL REPORT pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Document “F” is a report of the Environment Agency which updates the Committee on the work and environmental outcomes achieved by the agency within the District throughout 2016-17.

 

Recommended –

 

That the Committee welcomes the report and its content and continues to work in partnership with the Environment Agency.

 

(Nicola Hoggart – 0203056660)

Minutes:

The Co-opted Member from the Environment Agency presented Document “F” updating Members on the work and environmental outcomes achieved by the Environment Agency within the District throughout 2016-17.  She explained major changes which had taken place during the previous six months including her taking up the role of Senior Advisor – Partnership & Strategic Overview linking to all flood risk activity in the area.

 

A summary of the role of the Environment Agency, acting to protect the environment included:-

 

·         Acting to reduce the impacts of a changing climate on people and wildlife.

·         Reducing the risks to people, properties and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion. The Agency were committed to supporting more than 1,500 flood alleviation schemes throughout the country, which would better protect more than 300,000 homes by 2021.

·         Protecting and improving the quality of water, making sure there was enough for people, businesses, agriculture and the environment. Their work helped to ensure people could enjoy the water environment through angling and navigation.

·         Looking after land quality, promote sustainable land management and helping to protect and enhance wildlife habitats. Working closely with businesses to help them comply with environmental regulations.

It was stressed that the Environment Agency could not do their work alone. They worked with government, local councils, businesses, civil society groups and communities to make the environment a better place for people and wildlife.

The report detailed work conducted towards Flood Risk Management; Industry and Waste Regulation and Tackling Illegal Waste Sites; Water Quality and Incident Management.

Members welcomed the positive cross agency work detailed in the report.

It was questioned if a focus on flood management had diverted resources away from the more traditional business of the agency and if there were enough resources to maintain a high standard of environmental stewardship.  In response Members were assured that the agency worked to a six year programme and that the programme was reviewed annually and funding sources monitored. 

The relationship between the agency and businesses where the agency were both friend and regulator were questioned and it was confirmed that partner organisations were aware that the agency were also there to regulate business.  The role of the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) was also reported.

 

The report highlighted 600 cases of illegal waste and it was questioned if the culprits were deterred by the penalties they could incur.  It was explained that there were persistent offenders and organised crime and the Environment Crime Team was involved in such cases.  They shared intelligence with other agencies to strengthen their investigations.

Resolved –

 

1.    That the report be and its contents be welcomed and it be trusted that the Council will continue to work in close partnership with the Environmental Agency.

 

2.    That the vital need for continued multi-agency approaches to managing our environmental responsibilities be noted.

 

3.    That a progress report be provided in 12 months time.

 

ACTION: Co-opted Member Environment Agency

20.

AIR QUALITY AND THE FRACTION OF MORTALITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARTICULATE AIR POLLUTION ACROSS THE BRADFORD DISTRICT pdf icon PDF 568 KB

Previous Reference: Minute 40 (2016-17)

 

The Strategic Director of Health and Wellbeing will present a report (Document “G”) which provides an update on air quality across the District, including information in respect of health impacts for residents; an update on the national context ; the results of routine monitoring and the steps being put in place to tackle the problem.

 

Recommended –

 

That Members consider the content of the report and support officers in their continued measures to tackle poor air quality across the District.

 

(Ruth Lees – 01274 431349)

Minutes:

 

In December 2016 a report had been presented to the Committee to provide an update on air quality across the Bradford District. At that time Members had requested a further update and the report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, Document “G”, provided that update including information on the health impacts of air quality on the residents of Bradford, an update on the national context, the results of the routine monitoring carried out and the steps which were being put in place to tackle that problem.

 

The update reported on four key issues including the Health Impact of Poor Air Quality; the National Air Quality Plan for Nitrogen Dioxide; Bradford Council Air Quality Monitoring Data and tangible actions being taken to Improve Air Quality in Bradford.

 

Document “G” revealed that air quality monitoring was undertaken at a number of locations across the district.  The varying trends which had been seen were discussed including that the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and particulates at Thornton Road had halved and had remained static at Shipley Airedale Road.  It was explained that the variation in trends was due to a great deal of variability at various times of the day and year and also because of variable weather conditions.  It was questioned if the data was robust and sufficiently reliable to guide policy decisions and it was explained that only a small level of data contained in the report was utilised for that purpose.  Officers relied on data from over 60 stations in the area and this was supplemented by Government data.

 

A Member raised the issue of poor air quality in parts of the Wibsey Ward.  He was concerned that children were walking to school and playing in areas where they were suffering the consequences of peoples’ vehicle choice. He referred to the cleaner bus fleet operating in the Leeds area and questioned what was being done to address the air pollution in his ward.   He stressed that efforts must be made to change the vehicles that people were driving and the nature in which they were driven.  He was concerned that children living in the areas of highest deprivation were being subjected to the worst air quality resulting in life limiting illness.

 

In response it was explained that Leeds had been identified as an area requiring action on air quality and the cleaner bus fleet would, therefore, go to that area.  The Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) were aware of air quality issues and there was some funding available for the retrofit of buses.  Children were being advised to play in areas further away from polluted roads and to avoid walking to school on busy main roads.  It was acknowledged that the Born in Bradford Project had done a lot of research on effects of air quality and it was agreed that the results of their research should be widely publicised. 

 

It was explained that, following a draft National Air Quality Plan for Nitrogen Dioxide, Defra  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

21.

UTILISATION OF OUTDOOR SPACES FOR HEALTH REASONS pdf icon PDF 1 MB

The Committee is asked to consider Document “H” which outlines the opportunities and challenges across the District in respect of the utilisation of outdoor space for health reasons and highlights how it is contributing to the District’s strategic priorities.

 

The views of the Committee are required.

 

(Caroline Tomes – 01274 437352)

 

 

Minutes:

Good quality outdoor spaces created opportunities for health and wellbeing.  The report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, Document “H” sought to outline the opportunities and challenges across the District and to highlight how utilisation of outdoor spaces was contributing to the District strategic priorities.

 

A presentation included two maps revealing accessible and natural green space, and standards, across the Bradford District.  A definition of outdoor space was provided together with the benefits of using outdoor space for health; the impact of green space on health and social inequalities and motivations and barriers regarding the use of outdoor space.

 

Members were concerned that it appeared that the poorest residents in the district were less able to access open green space. 

 

The Yorkshire Wildlife Project being undertaken with Leeds and Bradford Council’s  was discussed and it was suggested that it would be useful for contact to be made with the project. 

 

The ‘greening’ of inner city urban areas was suggested to improve the District  and reduce the cost of maintenance.  It was agreed that many parts of the district could be cleared, planted and made available for growing and fruiting.

 

Resolved –

 

1.    That the report, its contents and the impressive range of projects encouraging access to outdoor spaces be noted and welcomed and officers thanked for their hard work.

 

2.    That the concern of Members about the continuing socio-economic inequality of access to green spaces in Bradford be noted.

 

3.    That a progress report be provided in 12 months time.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing.

 

 

 

22.

WORK PROGRAMME 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 146 KB

The Chair of the Committee will present Document “I” which gives details of the Committee’s work programme for 2017-18.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)  That Members consider and comment on the areas of work included in the 2017-18 work programme for the Committee.

 

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

 

(3)  That the work programme 2017-18 continues to be reviewed regularly during the year.

 

(01274 432574)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Committee presented Document “I” which gave details of the Committee’s work programme for 2017-18.

 

A Member referred to a previous request for Asset Management to be added to the programme and it was agreed to progress that request.

 

Following a Member request at the meeting on 25 July 2017 a review of Biodiversity was to be added to the work programme.  The scope of that review and terms of reference would be considered at the next meeting.

 

At the meeting schedule for 19 December 2017 a report would be presented on the Role of Council Wardens and it was suggested that Members consider if there was a need to undertake a review of those roles.

 

The possibility of a review of Air Quality was raised following concerns raised earlier in the meeting on the impact on children’s health. It was suggested that this review could be done in conjunction with the Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee and would be added to the work programme.

 

Members were reminded that there would be a joint meeting of the Corporate, Regeneration and Economy and Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committees on 10 October 2017.

 

Resolved –

 

That the work programme 2017-18 continues to be reviewed regularly during the year.

 

ACTION: Overview and Scrutiny Lead

23.

CHAIR'S CLOSING REMARKS

Minutes:

The Chair and Members of the Committee expressed their deepest sympathies to Councillor Gibbons on the sad loss of his mother.

 

Councillor Warnes reported his intention to stand down from his role as Chair at the Council meeting on 17 October 2017.  He thanked his elected Member colleagues and officers for their support during his tenure.