The Strategic Director, Place will submit a report (Document “D”) which seeks approval of the draft Bradford East Locality Plan 2022-25 and also includes the six Ward Plans.

Recommended:

(1)  That the draft Bradford East Locality Plan 2022-25, as detailed in this report at Appendix A and Bradford East Ward Plans as detailed in Appendix B be approved.

(2)  That the Bradford East Area Co-ordinator presents a progress report to the Area Committee in 12 months, setting out the progress and achievements made for each of the priorities detailed in the Bradford East Locality Plan 2022-25, including the six Ward Plans.

(Louise Williams - 01274 431066)

The Strategic Director, Place submitted a report (Document “D”) which sought approval of the draft Bradford East Locality Plan 2022-25.  The Council, working with partner agencies, was undertaking work to strengthen its approach to Locality Working. A key part of that approach was the development of Locality Plans.

The Locality Plan had been developed in consultation with a range of partners, community groups and residents with the aim of ensuring that the voices of all communities in the Area was heard.

In the ensuing debate, Members highlighted the following points:

• That both plans outlined for the Bowling and Barkerend and Bradford Moor wards were similar. The Area Co-ordinator explained that the plans for both wards were the same owing to the similar nature of the issues. 
• The priority outcomes of obesity levels in children and young people also be included to Eccleshill ward.
• The Area Committee would be responsible to oversee, monitor and hold the Council to account for the implementation of the Locality Plan.
• The approach to deliver the priorities would be through projects.
• The Locality Plan was not set in stone and emerging issues and opportunities would be able to be accommodated.

In the ensuing discussions, Members highlighted the following:

The Committee requested numbers of children absent from school in the Eccleshill and Idle and Thackley wards.  The Committee noted that children persistently absent from school was a huge concern.. It was recognised that the Council want to support every child to attend school or alternative provision. To tackle this, the Council would like to work with schools, youth services and families in ensuring all children received the right support and education.

Whilst, the Committee recognised the pandemic had put a considerable strain on health care services, people were continuing experiencing difficulty accessing their GP and dentist.  It was acknowledged that community partnerships need to work closely together with health services to develop integrated ways of reducing the current pressure on health services, including ways to better support those to look after their health.

Whilst people feared with the cost of living, some were facing difficulties with the rent increase. The Committee stressed the issues with private landlords not carrying out essential repair works and stressed the Council to use powers to ensure landlords were taking onus in carrying out essential works to ensure that private rented properties were safe. In light of this, the Committee requested for an update of the Housing Standards report to be provided at a future meeting. It was agreed that this item be added to the Forward Plan.  The Area Co-ordinator reminded the Committee, that the Council was holding an event in October 2022, to support people who need help with the cost of living. 

The Committee also noted the growing problems with vacant allotments in the district. It was emphasised the importance getting these plots filled and that the Council need to be more flexible to ensure vacant plots were made available for people to take on. 

Whilst the Committee welcomed the Locality Plan, it needs to be understood how the plan would be implemented and what funding would be provided going forward. In considering the report, the Committee requested that a further update on the progress be provided to the Bradford East Area Committee in six months.

Resolved:

(1) That the draft Bradford East Locality Plan 2022-25, as detailed in the  report at Appendix A and Bradford East Ward Plans as detailed in Appendix B be approved; and

(2) That the Bradford East Area Co-ordinator presents a progress report to the Area Committee in six months, setting out the progress and achievements made for each of the priorities detailed in the Bradford East Locality Plan 2022-25, including the six Ward Plans.

(Louise Williams - 01274 431066)