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ACBBB1 Contact Officer: Vina Randhawa - Tel. 07976 194493.

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

AREA COMMITTEE – BATLEY BIRSTALL AND BIRKENSHAW

Tuesday 26 June 2012 Present: Councillor Gwen Lowe (Chair) Councillors O’Neill, Mayet, Stubley, Pandor, Smaje and Akhtar Apologies: Councillors Light and Palfreeman Approximately 10 members of the public were in attendance 1 Welcomes and Introductions The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and members of the

Committee introduced themselves to the public. 2 Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 14th March

2012 were circulated and approved as a correct record. A report about the Introduction of Dog Control Orders will go to Cabinet on

3 July. 3 Interests Councillor Smaje declared a personal interest under item 9, Budget

Report, with regard to Appendix D funding for Smithies Lane Environmental Improvements and Appendix E funding for the Rotary Club of Birstall Luddites.

(a) Councillor Smaje declared a personal interest under item 7, Metro

Consultation on Proposed changes (b) Councillor Lowe declared a personal interest under item 7, Metro

Consultation on Proposed changes. (c) Councillor Stubley declared a personal interest under item 9,

Budget Report, with regard to Appendix B, funding for Batley Baths and Recreation Centre and left the room during discussion for this item.

4 Admission of the Public It was agreed that all items on the agenda were to be taken in public.

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5 Deputations and Petitions No deputations or petitions were received 6 Public Question Time A question was asked in relation to travellers that have settled on Carter’s

Field. It was reported that damage has been done to Carter’s Field by 4x4s; horse and dog fouling and rubbish. It was also reported that men were exposing themselves in public.

A representative from the Crossbank and Carlinghow Neighbourhood

Watch group asked how soon the travellers would be evicted, how quickly the field would be cleared of rubbish and if there were any plans to build housing on this land which was donated by Mr Carter in 1928 for recreational use.

Councillor Pandor confirmed that a County Court order was issued on

Monday, notice of eviction would be issued on Wednesday and the travellers would be evicted on Friday morning.

Councillors confirmed that the Environmental Protection team were

checking the land regularly and once vacated will clean and put right the field. In addition the barriers would be reinforced.

Councillor O’Neill stated that all actions had been undertaken and

appropriate procedure had been followed. Councillors also stated there were not aware of any plans to develop

housing on Carters Field. Batley West Councillors were thanked for their prompt response to

address the issue straight away. 7 Metro Consultation on proposed Service Changes Neale Wallace, Bus Service Manager, Metro, gave a brief overview of

proposed bus service changes. Neale explained that Metro is proposing these changes in order to reduce expenditure on bus services by 25%.

Metro, the Integrated Transport Authority for West Yorkshire, has adopted

the following principles for the review:-

- High Frequency/Profitable services. These operate approximately every 15 minutes during the day and are the most profitable services. Metro will no longer support early morning, evening and weekend services, however there will be no impact on these services as profits made from the day time service will subsidise these services.

- All Metro funded services must represent good value for money. This

means that Metro will consider reducing poorly used services. Neale stated that evening services had seen a decline in users and would probably take the brunt of the cuts.

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- Metro will consider a careful tendering process to make services more efficient and attract a greater number of bids from bus operators seeking to provide services for Metro.

A number of questions were asked relating to bus route 254 and 255 and

services in the Hunsworth, Whitehall Road and Birkenshaw to which Neale responded.

An issue was raised about bus drivers not stopping at bus stops, not

keeping to bus routes and the poor cleanliness of some buses. Councillor Stubley requested that Neale explore possibility of introducing a

trial service from Batley to Cleckheaton. Neale also agreed to respond to an issue raised specifically about bus

services from Birstall to New College. Neale emphasised that resident’s views will be listened to and asked

residents to take part in the consultation either via their website www.wymetro.com/busreview or via email busconsultation@wypte.gov.uk by 2nd July 2012.

8 Budget The Batley, Birstall and Birkenshaw committee outlined its priorities and

criteria in relation to spend from the committee’s budget for 2012-2013: RESOLVED –

* The Committee will have a grants scheme. * The priorities for funding will be: - Community Health - Children and Young People - Regeneration and Transportation - Streetscene - Community Safety - Supporting our Communities * Each project will be assessed on merit. * Each group will only be funded once in any financial year. Additional

funding maybe considered in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Area Committee.

* A discretionary grant scheme will be available for grant applications up

to £500 and where an application is time sensitive. There will be a ring fence allocation of £2,000 for discretionary grants in the Birstall and Birkenshaw ward. Otherwise no fixed grant or maximum budget set aside.

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* Priority will be given to groups that have not previously had Committee funding.

* Ward Members will be informed of any grant requests relating to their

ward prior to report submission. * All members are accountable for decision making.

9 Budget Report The Batley, Birstall and Birkenshaw Committee outlined its devolved

budget figures for 2012-2013. The revenue allocation per ward is £13,304 and capital allocation per ward is £33,173.

Subject to rollover of underspend being approved at Full Council the

Committee budget balance is as follows:- Batley Revenue £40,246.63 Batley Capital £80,723.05 Birstall and Birkenshaw revenue £13,054 Birstall and Birkenshaw £36,373 Members were asked to note underspend to return to budget as follows:-

- £2,100 from the Birstall Xmas Lights to return to the Birstall and Birkenshaw budget

- £1,100 from the installation festive lighting to return to the Birstall and Birkenshaw Budget

- £14,393.62 from the Henry Street one way system to return to the Batley budget

- £1,500 from the Batley Xmas Lights to return to the Batley budget. Members were asked to note approved discretionary grants as follows:- £400 (revenue) for Wilton TRA Diamond Jubilee Event £375 (revenue) for the Holy Trinity Church Food Parcels £250 (revenue) for Staincliffe park Veterans Bowling Club Revenue Projects Approved

- £2,992 for Youth Futures Play Lab project with a condition that any underspend particularly in relation to venue hire costs be returned to budget

- £1,117.20 for Gymnastic Sessions at Batley Baths and Recreation Centre. Vina to ask the group to provide the Area Committee with an end of project report.

- £2,295 for the Dewsbury and District Ramblers Centenary Walk. This is subject to securing additional funding from the other Area Committees outlined in the report.

- £1,214.50 for Smithies Lane Environmental Improvements

Capital Projects Approved - £800 for the Rotary Club of Birstall Luddites (heritage sign)

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- £750 for East Bierley Benches Spring 2012 - £2,000 for St Paul’s Church (Ramp and entrance modifications) - £1,785.15 for Birkenshaw Park Paths - £3,000 Batley Cricket Club re-profiled costs

10 Any Other Business Councillor O’Neill circulated information about a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Event organised by the North Kirklees Interfaith Council and planned for Sunday 8th July at Wilton Park.

11 Meeting dates for 2011-2012 Tuesday 25th September 7pm, venue to be confirmed Tuesday 27th November, 7pm, venue to be confirmed Tuesday 5th March 2013, 7pm, venue to be confirmed

ACCV1 Contact Officer: Frances Wardley Tel. 01484 416268

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

AREA COMMITTEE – COLNE VALLEY

Thursday 19 July at Marsden Mechanics Hall Present: Councillor Paul Salveson (Chair) Councillors Donna Bellamy, David Ridgway, Andrew Marchington, Hilary

Richards. Co- optees: Chris Woolnough, Michael Moores, Jean Margetts. Approximately 30 members of the public were present. Apologies: Councillor Nicola Turner.

1 Chair’s welcome and introduction The chair welcomed everyone and members of the Committee introduced

themselves. The chair explained that this was the first meeting of the newly-reconvened Colne Valley Area Committee, and that he hoped as chair to encourage everyone to work together despite the range of political views represented in the committee. He paid tribute to Cllr Bellamy as the chair of the previous Valleys Area Committee, and to Christine Iredale, his predecessor in Golcar ward.

Councillor Salveson also outlined the Committee’s approach to portfolio

working: there would be portfolio groups on Young People, Older People, Transport and the Environment, and Supporting the Local Economy. In addition, the committee will participate in a joint tourism theme group with Holme Valley Area Committee, and will convene a meeting on inequalities issues as and when required.

2 Minutes of the public meeting The minutes of the Valleys Area Committee meeting on 22 March 2012

were approved. 3 Interests Councillor Andrew Marchington declared a personal interest in item 11 as

his son is a member of the 4th Huddersfield Golcar Scouts.

4 Admission of the public The members agreed that all agenda items should be discussed in public.

5 Deputations and petitions There were no petitions. Representatives from the 4th Huddersfield Golcar

Scout Group spoke about their group and about the issues of vandalism they were suffering at their premises, as background to their funding request (see Item 11).

6 Neighbourhood Policing Update The Committee heard a request for intelligence about the recent stabbings

in Marsden from the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiries Team. It was believed that at least one possible witness had yet to come forward. Anyone with information was asked to telephone 101 or speak to local police officers. The chair thanked the family of Craig Hepburn for coming along and offered them the committee’s heartfelt sympathy.

Sgt. Simon Haigh of the Valleys Neighbourhood Policing Team gave a

brief update on other local policing issues. Further details and up to date information on local crime statistics are available on the NPT web pages: http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/NPT/.

7 Village libraries consultation The Committee heard a brief presentation on the village libraries

consultation from Carol Stump, Chief Librarian. Councillor Shabir Pandor, Jane Brady and Carol Stump responded to a number of questions from members of the public.

It was recognised that the consultations to date had shown that whilst

there was considerable opposition to the handing over of libraries to be run entirely by volunteers, there was interest in communities in volunteering alongside professional library staff.

Carol Stump explained that the village libraries consultation was just part

of a wider review of the whole library service. Cllr Pandor explained that whilst the Council’s Medium Term Financial

Plan does contain sufficient funding to keep the library service in its current form for the next three years, the review was necessary to ensure that the library service remained fit for purpose in the context of long term reductions in public sector budgets.

Jane Brady pointed out that whilst the elected members made decisions

about funding, it was her responsibility as a senior manager, to decide how the libraries were staffed. Staff had been fully involved in the consultation. Jane was confident that there would be no need for compulsory redundancies, as vacancies had been managed using temporary staff for some time. A number of people stressed the important contribution made by librarians.

Cllr Pandor also explained that Cabinet would be considering the results of

all the village libraries consultations, and deciding whether or not to go forward with the proposals to use volunteers, at a meeting in September.

The agenda and papers would be posted on the Council’s website around a week in advance of the meeting.

A number of people raised criticisms of the consultation process and

general communications to date; Carol Stump announced that there would be a number of open days in venues around the district when the public would be able to contribute further to the consultation.

8 Local rail and bus services Councillor Salveson announced that this would be carried forward to the

next meeting due to lack of time. 9 Co-optees It was agreed that Jean Margetts, Michael Moores and Chris Woolnough

should be put forward to Council as Area Committee co-optees. 10 Grant arrangements for 2012 – 13 The Committee agreed its grant arrangements for 2012-13 as per the

report included in the papers. 11 Budget Report The Committee noted the balance of its budget and made the following

decisions: NMG Funding (£200 per ward): Community Safety - £400 (revenue) -

approved. Slaithwaite Spa Office (CV): Streetscene & Housing - £1,600 (capital) -

approved. Sparth Reservoir Signage (CV): Streetscene & Housing - £1,000 (capital) -

approved. 4th Huddersfield Golcar Scout Group (Gol): Streetscene & Housing -

£2,000 (capital) – approved The Committee noted that the following had taken place since the last

meeting: Discretionary grants: £1,000 capital – Sycamore Grange Canopy awning (Gol) £500 revenue – Golcar Library consultation material (Gol) £150 revenue - Marsden and Slaithwaite Renaissance Group (CV) Underspends to return to budget: £30,000 capital approved 20/01/11 for Milnsbridge Enhancement Scheme

– £8,000 to return to budget (Gol) £2,000 revenue approved 17/03/2011 for Next Generation Broadband

Feasibility Study (underspend £125 per ward) £250 to return to budget. 12 Public question time The Committee responded to several questions from the public.

13 Dates of future committee meetings It was noted that the next meeting will be on 26 September 2012 at 7pm at

Milnsbridge Baptist Church. Further dates will be announced in due course.

The chair thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting.

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ACD1 Contact Officer: Julie McDowell - Tel. 01484 221709

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

AREA COMMITTEE – DEWSBURY

Tuesday 10 July 2012 Present: Councillor Masood Ahmed in the Chair Councillors Eric Firth, Mumtaz Hussain, Paul Kane, Darren O’Donovan,

Salim Patel, Karen Rowling and Cathy Scott Apologies: Councillor Abdul Patel Approximately 15 members of public attended 1 Welcome and introductions The Chair welcomed everyone and councillors introduced themselves. 2 Minutes of previous meeting RESOLVED : That the minutes of the meeting of the committee held on 20

March 2012 be approved as a correct record. 3 Interests No interests were declared. 4 Admission of the public It was agreed that all items be considered in public session. 5 Deputations and petitions Mr Shaun Maddox presented a petition from Thornhill residents requesting

a skatepark at Rectory Park, Thornhill. The petition was referred to the Assistant Director for Streetscene & Housing for investigation and report back to the Committee.

6 Area Committee priorities and portfolios The Committee considered its priorities and portfolios for 2012/13. The

proposed portfolio lead role is to lead on progressing priorities and actions Dewsbury wide in line with the area and neighbourhood action plan, work with services and partners to deliver actions and ensure that corporate strategies and priorities reflect and respond to locally identified issues, and share learning from local based initiatives and feedback to the community.

RESOLVED - That the Area Committee key priorities in 2012/13 be

progressed by councillor portfolio leads as follows-

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Enhancing life chances for children & young people - Cllrs Darren O'Donovan and Abdul Patel Leading Dewsbury out of the recession (town centre regeneration) - Cllrs Paul Kane & Salim Patel Reducing Health Inequalities - Cllr Cathy Scott Improving the environment - Cllrs Mumtaz Hussain & Karen Rowling Reducing crime & promoting cohesion - Cllrs Masood Ahmed & Eric Firth

7 Area Committee Grant Criteria 2012-13 The Committee considered its grant criteria for 2012/13. Proposed changes from the year 2011/12 are to increase the maximum

amount awarded to £500 revenue and to remove the condition that activity must take place in the Dewsbury wards only. The amended criteria is “groups should normally be based in one or more of the Dewsbury wards (Dewsbury East, Dewsbury South, Dewsbury West) and/or its activities, services or facilities must directly benefit the residents and communities within one or more of the Dewsbury wards”.

RESOLVED - That the proposed grant criteria for 2012/13 be approved. 8 Area Committee Budget 2012-13 The Committee considered a number of applications for funding. RESOLVED: (1) That the following applications be approved:

* £2,295 revenue towards a centenary walk designed and mapped by Dewsbury & District Ramblers

* £1,500 revenue to fund a healthy eating programme in Dewsbury youth

clubs for young people to cook and learn how to eat on a budget * £1,500 revenue to fund a healthy eating programme in Dewsbury youth

clubs for young people to cook and learn how to eat on a budget * £2,400 revenue towards community programme of activities and

workshops in schools for Ravensthorpe Heritage project * £250 revenue to purchase 150 sash jammers to tackle house

burglaries in Dewsbury * £8,000 capital for mobile Speed Indicator Device for Dewsbury East

and West wards, locations to be agreed by ward councillors, 1st location to be Syke Ln, Earlsheaton

(2) That the following be noted:

* £400 revenue discretionary grant towards Dewsbury Business event

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April 2012 * £50 revenue discretionary grant towards sponsorship of Dewsbury

Womens Centre cookery book for residents * £1,000 revenue underspend re Dewsbury Heritage Trail project * £1,270 revenue underspend re Dewsbury Veterans event * £2,450.33 capital underspend re pavement improvements Kennedy

Close, Hanging Heaton

9 Public question time Mr Khizar Iqbal asked the Councillors have a duty, at the eleventh hour, to

do what is absolutely necessary to stop healthcare being eroded at Dewsbury & District Hospital and to stop the hospital being closed, what is the Area Committee strategy to do that? Cllr Paul Kane responded that the overview and scrutiny panel had not been fully informed of the situation in recent months, that a significant overspend by the Mid Yorkshire Trust (from £19m to £55m) was changing the service options, that he had resigned from the overview and scrutiny panel to be replaced by Cllr Eric Firth and that a cross party petition would be presented to the Chief Executive of Mid Yorkshire Trust by the Dewsbury Councillors in 4 weeks time.

Mr David Wood of Dewsbury Arts Group asked why is it there seems to

have been a decision made to empty the Town Hall of administration offices and to discourage hire of the venue by local organizations through curtailing opportunities to advertise events on the building and limiting the opening of the main gate while some events are on? The Chair responded that when the building was restored restrictions were placed on it by Heritage (which are non negotiable) and Listed Buildings Societies which mean that only a limited amount of advertising can take place which is restricted to Council events. The main gates are not kept open all the time and this is due to the cost of stewarding them and there is access to events through the side doors.

In response to a supplementary question the Chair undertook to arrange a

meeting between Mr Wood, Mr R Batterby, Town Hall Manager and Dewsbury councillors to discuss further.

Cllr Paul Kane asked Mr Shaun Maddox whether he had ever invited the

EDL to demonstrate in Dewsbury Town Centre. Mr Maddox responded that he had not but had liaised with the group and the Chief Police Inspector to protect communities at demonstrations.

10 Dates of future meetings Noted these are at Dewsbury Town Hall at 5.00 pm on: 4th September 23rd October

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4th December 26th February 2013 26th March 2013

ACHV1 Contact Officer: Jackie Ingham Tel: 01484 226290

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

AREA COMMITTEE – HOLME VALLEY

Thursday 28 June at New Mill Club Present: Councillor Ken Sims (Chair) Councillors Donald Firth, Nigel Patrick, Terry Lyons, Edgar Holroyd-

Doveton, Charles Greaves Approximately 45 members of the public were present. 1 Chair’s welcome and introduction The Chair welcomed everyone and members of the Committee introduced

themselves. The Chair explained that this was the first meeting of the newly convened Holme Valley Area Committee. Concerns were raised about the change of venue for this meeting to Holme Valley South.

The Chair confirmed that the next public meeting would be in Holme Valley North, and locations for meetings would alternate between the wards after that.

2 Minutes of the public meeting The minutes of the Valleys Area Committee meeting on 22 March 2012

were approved. 3 Interests

Councillor Charles Greaves declared a personal interest in item 9 as he is a member of the Honley Village Community Trust.

4 Admission of the public The members agreed that all agenda items should be discussed in public. 5 Deputations and petitions There were no deputations or petitions. 6 Neighbourhood Policing Update PC Crowther of the Valleys Neighbourhood Policing Team gave a brief

update on other local policing issues. Further details and up to date information on local crime statistics are available on the NPT web pages: http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/NPT/.

7 Village Libraries Project Update The Committee heard a brief presentation on the village libraries project

consultation from Carol Stump, Chief Librarian. She thanked people for taking part in the consultation and to the Honley Book Group for their involvement. Carol Stump explained that the village libraries consultation was still ongoing and was part of a wider review of the whole library service. She advised the review was necessary to ensure that the library services remained fit for purpose in the context of long term reductions in public sector budgets.

It was recognised that the consultations to date had shown that whilst

there was considerable opposition to the handing over of libraries to be run entirely by volunteers, there was some interest in communities in volunteering alongside professional library staff. Carol advised that there would be a number of open days and workshops in venues around the district when the public would be able to contribute further to the consultation.

Carol Stump responded to a number of questions from members of the

public. She confirmed all the libraries in North Kirklees would be involved in the wider review. She confirmed there is no intention to do away with professional librarians, and there had not been a librarian taken away from Holmfirth library.

Members confirmed that if there were to be proposals for closure or

reduction of services in Holme Valley they would oppose them. It was also confirmed that further views and questions could be made known to Cabinet, which meets on Tuesdays at 4pm. The next meetings would be on 3rd, 17th and 31st July.

8 Penistone Line Development Tony Plumbe, Principal Engineer, KMC Investment & Regeneration gave

an update on the Penistone Line Development. He outlined the Penistone Line Enhancement Study commissioned by Kirklees and Barnsley Councils. He summarised the Market analysis carried out in the study and the preferred option to increase capacity on the line. There is a need to increase revenue and patronage on the line considerably.

Tony answered some questions from the public, including the concerns

about the poor state of the Northern Rail rolling stock. Northern Rail want to replace it, but this would need done through a Department of Transport allocation.

Would it be possible to put a bus on to go to the stations when the trains

are due in? The bus through Honley is coordinated with train times, but there is no funding to pay for other additional bus services.

Concerns were raised about limited parking places at Honley and seven parking bays marked for company use. Request there be a sign confirming these are for passenger use.

Cllr Greaves advised of work with Jones Homes who own the bays, to ask

if they will transfer ownership of the bays to another organisation such as the Penistone Line Group or Friends of Honley Station.

10 Grant arrangements for 2012–13 The Committee agreed its grant arrangements for 2012-13 as per the

report included in the papers. 11 Budget Report The Committee noted the balance of its budget and made the following

decisions: Honley Village Community Trust- £5,000 Capital approved. Community Safety Traffic Measures at New Mill Road, Brockholes –

£15,000 capital approved. The Committee noted that the following had taken place since the last

meeting: Discretionary grants: £1,000 capital – Light fitting at Honley Well. Underspends to return to budget: £2,000 revenue approved on 17/03/2011 for Next Generation Broadband

Feasibility Study - £500 to return, with £125 to each ward budget.

12 Public question time The Committee responded to several questions from the public.

13 Dates of future committee meetings It was noted that dates and times for the future meetings would be set and

notified as soon as possible. The chair thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting.

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ACH1 Contact Officer: Sarah Mitchell - Tel. 01484 456831

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

AREA COMMITTEE – HUDDERSFIELD

Tuesday 7 August Present: Councillor Judith Hughes (Chair) Councillors Blanchard, Wilkinson, Scott, Calvert, Smith, Walton, Preest,

McBride, Sokhal, Khan, Hemingway, Burke, Brice, Stewart – Turner, Cooper, Simpson.

Apologies: Councillors Pattison, Mather, Harris Approximately 30 members of the public were in attendance 1 Chairs Welcome and Introduction The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the

Councillors of the Committee to the public. 2 Minutes of the previous meeting RESOLVED - The minutes of the last meeting, held on March 20th 2012

were agreed as a true record. 3 Interests No interest declared. 4 Admission of the public All items were received in public. 5 Huddersfield Area Committee arrangements for the new municipal

year 2012/13 The Chair gave an overview of the report, in summary it covered:

* Continue to apportion the budget on a ward basis. * Not have a grant funding scheme. * Not allocate funding to mainstream projects. * For the 2012/13 municipal year, the Huddersfield Area Committee will

have the overarching priority of Tackling Poverty.

The Chair summarised future meeting themes around this priority, which are: * Staying warm and safe in winter (including fuel poverty). * Learning, employment, enterprise and business engagement. * Mental health and well being (including domestic abuse).

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The Chair suggested that one meeting was left open with no specific theme in order that other items / areas of work which are identified by the Committee throughout the year can be addressed.

The Committee will this year begin to work to an action plan and progress will be updated on at every public meeting.

Members of the Committee agreed to the proposed arrangements in the

Chair’s report for the running of the Committee for 2012/13. 6 Tackling poverty: thriving not just surviving Phil Longworth, Health Policy Officer, (Wellbeing and Communities)

provided an interactive introduction to the Committees’ 2012/13 overarching priority of Tackling Poverty. This part of the meeting focussed on understanding the Tackling Poverty Strategy for Kirklees and understanding what many residents/families living in Huddersfield are experiencing now in the current climate.

The emphasis for this part of the meeting was on ‘myth busting’ regarding

what services and support is actually already available for residents in/around Huddersfield and wider Kirklees.

It also provided the opportunity for residents and community groups to

exchange information on what else they know is in existence to support residents who have a range of needs in/around Huddersfield.

At the end of the meeting the following points were summarised as key

areas the Committee will work in partnership on: (1) Community Contacts key rings: to address any information gaps. (2) Community Conversations blog – need to make people more aware

of this source of information. (3) Changes to welfare benefits and payment of benefits - Universal

Credit and raising awareness about the 4 week arrears payment. (4) How we can help the voluntary and community sector know what

is happening, what support is available and how the groups can be helped to become known

(5) Timetable of services and support in around Huddersfield will be

really helpful and need to make sure we keep this updated. The main action to be progressed was around communications, sharing

what we know and what others are doing so we can help residents across Huddersfield access the support they need.

7 Devolved Budget Report The Committee considered a number of applications for funding:

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RESOLVED – Underspends returned to budget Community Safety Lighting Improvements – Public Footpath 74 –

Rowley Lane School, Lepton – £5,000.00 was approved 11/12/2007 the project was cancelled £5,000.00 to be returned to budget - Almondbury Ward - Capital

Unadopted Street Improvements - Back Everard Street, £10,000.00

was approved 17/04/2007 only £3,889.87 was spent £6,110.13 to be returned to budget – Crosland Moor and Netherton Ward - Capital

Unadopted Street Improvements – Dockery and Back North Street,

£35,000.00 was approved 17/04/2007, only £30,988.70 was spent £4,011.30 to be returned to budget – Crosland Moor and Netherton Ward – Capital

Community Safety Lighting Improvements – Bourne View Road,

£4,000.00 was approved 16/10/2007 the project was cancelled £4,000.00 to be returned to budget – Crosland Moor and Netherton Ward - Capital

Provision of off road parking facilities at Kirkheaton Cricket Field –

£2,800.00 was approved 09/03/2010 the project was cancelled £2,800.00 to be returned to budget. – Dalton Ward – Capital

Lighting improvements Laund Road, Lindley – £7,000.00 was approved

20/03/2007, the project was cancelled £7,000.00 to be returned to budget – Lindley Ward - Capital

Brackets and fittings for Christmas decoration’s, £750.00 was

approved 11/11/2008 the project was cancelled £750.00 to be returned to budget. Lindley Ward – Capital

Greenfield Avenue Recreation Equipment – £10,000.00 was approved

24/04/2007, the project was cancelled £10,000.00 to be returned to budget. Lindley Ward – Capital

Unadopted Road improvements- Back Stoney Lane, Taylor Hill,

£15,000.00 was approved 19/02/2008, only £10,666.68 was spent £4,333.32 to be returned to budget. Newsome Ward – Capital

Lighting improvements at footpath linking Falcon Street and Bland

Street, £2,000.00 was approved 20/02/2007, only £1398.69 was spent £601.31 to be returned to budget – Newsome Ward - Capital

Experimental Road Closure, New Laith Hill, £6,110.00 was approved

21/08/2007, only £6,107.64 was spent £2.36 to be returned to budget. Newsome Ward – Capital

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Additional improvements to the Riverside Area, Aspley, £11,500.00 was approved 14/10/2008, only £11,292.31 was spent £207.69 to be returned to budget. Newsome Ward – Capital

Improvements to land – Newsome Road south / St Johns Road ––

£1,610.00 was approved 24/02/2009, only £1,569.56 was spent £40.44 to be returned to budget. Newsome Ward – Capital

Community Safety Lighting Improvements, £1,600.00 was approved

06/10/2009, only £470.00 was spent £1,130.00 to be returned to budget. Newsome Ward – Capital

Fencing works to secure land at Newsome Road / Argarth Road–

£2,230.00 was approved 06/09/2010 the project was cancelled £2,230.00 to be returned to budget. Newsome Ward – Capital

RESOLVED – FAST TRACK COMMISSIONS FAST TRACK COMMISSIONING - Broad Lane gating - extension to

existing funding application – Capital - £80.00 Dalton Ward FAST TRACK COMMISSIONING - Malham Court Action Group –

Revenue - £500.00 Lindley Ward RESOLVED – That the following Capital items were agreed: Grit bins - Refilling of grit bins previously funded by area committee -

£10,400.00 Capital Crosland Moor & 2 grit bins £2,600.00 Netherton Lindley 4 grit bins £5,200.00 Newsome 2 grit bins £2,600.00 Total 8 grit bins £10,400.00 Footpath - Greenside Avenue to Fernside Crescent - Almondbury Ward

- £3000.00 Capital Greenhead Ward Streetscene Improvements Programme – Greenhead

Ward - £36,912.00 Capital MUGA Salendine Nook - Repairs and lighting to MUGA at YMCA

Salendine Nook – Lindley Ward - £4,867.00 Capital George St - Traffic safety measures at school – Lindley Ward - £33,000

(£12,000 2012/13 and £21,000 2013/14) Capital Birchencliffe Community Centre - Cost of land adjacent to centre –

Lindley Ward - £1,500.00 Capital

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Lindley Street Improvements -Landscaping at 6 sites in Lindley – Lindley Ward - £3,000.00 Capital

Taylor Hill Footpaths – Newsome Ward - £3,500.00 Capital Dawson Road – Cap parking spaces – Newsome - £10,000.00 Capital RESOLVED – That the following Revenue items were agreed: Christmas Trees – All Wards - £9,770.00 Revenue The sixteen locations are: Almondbury Ward = £1,160 Almondbury (Tree + Lights) Lepton (Tree + Lights) Ashbrow Ward = £3,820 Brackenhall –to be Northfield Hall Centre (New Socket, Tree + Lights) Deighton (Tree + Lights) Fartown (Tree + Lights) Fixby (Tree + Lights) Chestnut Centre (Tree + Lights) Dalton Ward = £580 Moldgreen (Tree + Lights) Greenhead Ward=£1,160 Marsh (Tree + Lights) Birkby (Tree + Lights) Lindley Ward =£730 Lindley (Tree + Lights) Reinwood (Lights only) Newsome Ward= 1,160 Berry Brow (Tree + Lights) Springwood (Tree + Lights) Crosland Moor & Netherton = £1,160 Crosland Moor (Tree + Lights) Netherton (Tree + Lights) Cost of New Socket, Tree + Lights is £1500 Cost of Tree + Lights is £580 Cost Lights only is £150 The total cost being requested is £9,770 Wet Woodland Project - Fenay Bridge – Almondbury Ward - £400.00

Revenue Floral Displays – Crosland Moor and Netherton Ward - £2,067.00

Revenue Greenhead Ward Streetscene Improvements Programme – Greenhead

Ward - £5,314.00 Revenue Floral Displays – Lindley Ward - £2,400 – Revenue Smartwater – Information Pack / Smartwater – Newsome Ward -

£1,067.00

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8 Deputations and petitions No deputations or petitions were received 9 Public Question Time Committee members responded to 2 questions from the public 10 Date of Future Meetings 27th November 2012 7pm 22nd January 2013 7pm 26th March 2013 7pm

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ACMDDK1 Contact Officer: Duggs Carre Tel. 01484 226290

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

AREA COMMITTEE – MIRFIELD, DENBY DALE AND KIRKBURTON

Monday 10 September 2012 Present: Councillor Ward (Chair) Councillor Hardcastle Councillor Bolt Councillor Dodds Councillor Taylor Councillor Smith Councillor Lees-Hamilton Councillor Barraclough Parish Councillor Berry Parish Councillor Paxton Apologies were received from Councillor Turner and Parish Councillor

Berry. Also present were ten members of the public and Parish Councillor Paxton

(Kirkburton Parish Council) 1 Chair’s welcome and introduction The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and Committee members

introduced themselves. 2 Minutes of the previous meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 21 March 2012 were

approved as a correct record. Parish Councillor Paxton raised a query in regard to a question asked at

the previous question time. He was of the view that many local people had not been canvassed for their opinion in regard to the skate park. Councillor Smith said over 60 letters were hand delivered. It was agreed that Parish Councillor Paxton would check with local residents.

3 Interests No Councillor declared an interest in any of the items. 4 Admissions of the public It was agreed that all items be discussed in public session.

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5 Deputations and petitions No deputations were received 6 Committee budgets 2010/2011 Prior to the decision making on budgets Councillor Bolt proposed

a resolution that a new protocol in regard to Area Committee funding be agreed.

That funding for projects which cover wider areas should only be

considered where equal funding is made by all wards in the project. This was seconded and supported by members of the committee. The Committee then approved the following financial expenditure. Revenue:

(b) Christmas Trees £1,080.00 (c) Youth Engagement £1,000.00

Capital: (e) Denby Sports and Social Club £829.60 (f) Skelmanthorpe Skate Park £16,000.00

The request from Trinity Methodist for £23,250.00 was deferred. It was agreed Mirfield Ward Councillors would meet with the group to discuss the application. The request from Dewsbury Police Station for £100.00 was deferred. Officers to follow up request for further information. Councillor Bolt asked for clarity on the issues below.

- Have measures been taken to change lock specifications - Are new locks being fitted with improved specifications - How many poor locks are still in use in Mirfield and in need of

“jammers” - Are there any statistics available to show that break-ins are reduced

by fitting of jammers

7 Public question time Members of the Dewsbury and District Rambling Group asked Members if

they would reconsider supporting the Centenary Project. After discussion it was agreed detailed maps would be sent to Mirfield Ward Councillors so the detail of the request could be considered. Liaison would be led by Justin Roche from Highways.

Mirfield Councillors reiterated the point they had made previously about

their priority being a boundary walk for the town, they were also very keen to be sure that any promoted paths were designated rights of way and in good repair.

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Councillor Paxton raised the issue again of traffic speed in Flockton. He

had not had a response since the previous meeting. Further discussion concluded that 20 m.p.h. zones would benefit a number of villages in the three wards. It was agreed that this issue would be raised with officers in Highways and explore possibilities of pilot projects and the use of advisory (twenties plenty) signs.

8 Dates of future meetings Monday 12 November 6:00pm Huddersfield Library Meetings for the new year to be confirmed Note: all meetings to be in Huddersfield, Ward Forums to be held in wards.

ACSV1 Contact Officer: Sue Ginty Tel. 01484 416268

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

AREA COMMITTEE – SPEN VALLEY

Tuesday 3 July 2012 Present: Councillors S Hall (Chair),V Kendrick, A Pinnock, K Pinnock, D Sheard Apologies: Councillors M Bates, D Hall, L Holmes, J Lawson 1 Welcome and Introductions The Chair introduced himself and thanked the outgoing Chair Cllr Andrew

Pinnock for his Chairmanship of the Area Committee over the previous years. Cllr Andrew Pinnock responded that it had been a pleasure. Everyone was welcomed to the meeting and members of the Area Committee introduced themselves

2 Minutes of the public meeting RESOLVED - That the minutes of the last meeting were approved. 3 Interests None declared. 4 Admissions of the public All items were taken in public. 5 Deputations and petitions No deputations or petitions were received. 6 An overview of activity last Municipal Year Chair, Councillor Steve Hall introduced the presentation starting with the

priorities the Committee had agreed in 2011 -12 - Enhancing life chances for children young people -raising

aspiration, facilities, activities, attainment, family support - Crime and community safety- making Spen Valley safer - Environment- making the Spen Valley cleaner and more attractive - Health- improving health in Spen Valley, & health and well being needs

of older people - Highways and public transportation - making the area better

connected - Regeneration – vibrant town and small centres, employment, learning

and access to services

Images depicted the projects funded and the Chair updated on progress and invited representatives of groups where they were in attendance to provide an update. Numerous projects were described as the slides were shown. Some examples are below.

Metro Local – continues to be successful with around100 passengers daily.

Luddite Statue and Information Board- Treasurer of Spen Valley Civic

Society Colin Berry attended and described how ,with Area Committee and Viola funding, the statue and information board had been situated at the top of Knowler Hill Liversedge in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the luddite uprising and as a Liversedge landmark. The Committee acknowledged the time and effort put in by Max Rathmell, and colleagues of the Civic Society and described the statue as outstanding. The statue is well secured and cared for by residents. The Civic Society are working with a local school and a further board with be sited displaying the children’s project work describing life as a child back then.

Growing Together- Stallholder Danny described the project and the daily

visitor numbers. Cleckheaton continues to be busier than Heckmondwike but Heckmondwike still attracts around 50 stall visitors each time.

Cleckheaton Folk Festival – Festival Director Dave Minich described the

success of previous festivals. Last year attracted 2/3000 people into the Spen Valley on the Saturday and same again on Sunday. This years Festival is breaking previous records in ticket sales. There is collaboration this year to create a street market and Totally Locally will be launched.

Able 2 & Floating Café- The pond is filling and pontoons are being made

on site. The project builds confidence and skills in disaffected young people.

Jubilee Grant Scheme- grants were awarded for a range of activity

drawing together hundreds of people. The chair read a letter from a girlguide leader 2nd Liversedge division,

indicating how the award had enabled team building amongst the girls and leaders.

Colin Berry advised the Committee that around 200 people attended the

Roberttown celebrations. Kevin Hirst Chair of Windybank Tennant and Resident Association

thanked the committee for the grant and advised of the positive activity taking place.

Kathy Aveyard advised of the plans to develop the Roberttown Community

Centre commencing at the start of August.

Members of the committee visited Bradley Nursery. It was proposed that

the Nursery be opened for any interested Spen Valley Gardeners to visit next season.

7 Area Committee Grant Criteria 2012-13 Grant criteria was approved as set out at item 7 of the agenda. Unchanged from 2011-12, Area Committee priorities were agreed as:

- Enhancing life chances for children young people -raising aspiration, facilities, activities, attainment, family support

- Crime and community safety- making Spen Valley safer - Environment- making the Spen Valley cleaner and more attractive - Health- improving health in Spen Valley, & health and well being needs

of older people - Highways and public transportation - making the area better

connected - Regeneration – vibrant town and small centres, employment, learning

and access to services

A change to the application process was outlined- groups applying for funding will now be registered by the Voluntary and Community Sector Team, and that registration will last 3 years.

8 Budget Report The Area Committee budget stands at- Revenue-£40,803.05 Capital-£99,084.15 Members were referred to the committee report and the presentation

which outlined details of underspends, discretionary grants and fast track commission decisions as below-

£1,590 Revenue (approved 22/03/11) for Cleckheaton Viaduct Heritage

Lottery application underspend to return to budget Discretionary Grants & Fast Track Service Commission-

- Jubilee grant awards – Total £4,554.61 – as detailed below: - Little Gomersal – resources for Community Picnic 3rd June & future

events - £500 - Organised Chaos- resources and materials for gardening project -

£499.96 - Springfield Court- jubilee community event 3rd June £500 - Girl Guide 2nd Liversedge – Giant Tea Party June 3rd £500 - Spen Valley Division Guides 6th July Streetparty - £300 - Asquith Fields TRA – June 2nd Streetparty, planting & bench-£500 - Friends of Headlands – reinstatement of woodland for outdoor play and

learning-£500 - Robertown Residents Group 26th May Jubilee Celebration event - £500 - Windy Bank TRA – Street party 10th June £150

- Mowatt Court –Lunch & social afternoon June 3rd, commemorative planting £220

- New North Road TRA – Garden Party 2nd June £384.65 - New North Road, Littletown No Cold Calling Zone -£600 revenue

approved - Cleckheaton Library Benches –£6000 revenue was approved for

Streetscene projects e.g. benches etc on 24/08/10 (£2,000 per ward). £500 revenue approved from the Cleckheaton ward allocation.

Change of use - Windybank Community Centre- underspend of £3,000 from the allocation for window blinds to be used on purchase of 2 flatscreen TV’s, & laptops. £3,500 allocation for furniture – existing tables to remain in use & 5 computer desks and 10 chairs to be purchased.

- Dewsbury District Ramblers Centenary Walk- Malcolm Haigh described

this initiative to the committee. A map of the 28 mile circular walk was circulated. The walk would be way marked and 10,000 copies of the guide are to be printed . RESOLVED - That £2, 295 be awarded from the revenue budget Mr Haigh also agreed to write an additional section to include the Kirklees Way at Cleckheaton and also to look into whether the route would be available through smart phone technology. It was proposed by Cllr Sheard that a sponsored walk be held on the route for the Mayors Charity.

- Buy One Get One Free Sash Jammers- the Chair described the

effectiveness of this equipment and encouraged people to get them fitted to prevent burglary. RESOLVED - That £250 be awarded from the revenue budget

- The Salvation Army Heckmondwike Platform Lift- Major Sharen

Furlong described the overall project to redevelop the worship and community hall and create an accessible upper floor for preschool playgroup provision and other activities. Planning permission has been granted. An image of the platform lift was circulated. RESOLVED - That £19,784 be awarded from the capital budget subject to the conditions outlined in the committee report.

9 Public Question Time A member of the public asked what steps are the Council taking to oppose

the move of Accident and Emergency from Dewsbury District Hospital. Member responded that comments as a Council would be made at the

Council meeting on July 4. Members of the public could also sign petitions. The issue was acknowledged as a serious matter and one which the Area Committee needed an understanding of to understand the issues, potential solutions and what the Area Committee can do if unhappy with the proposals. It was proposed that representatives of Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust be invited to a Spen Valley Area Committee meeting.

Due to recent flooding across the country and particularly Calderdale the Chair updated on the work of the Environment Agency and committee members to encourage Spen Valley residents to have flood plans in place. The tank at Pegs Lane, (Cllr K Pinnock declared an interest and provided clarification that this had been provided by Yorkshire Water) had been effective, and there had not been any reports of flooding

10 Dates of Future Meetings

The Chair advised members of the dates of future meetings-

21 August 2012 9 October 2012 4 December 2012 29 January 2012 26 March 2012 The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting.

ACSV2 Contact Officer: Sue Ginty Tel. 01484 416268

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

AREA COMMITTEE – SPEN VALLEY

Tuesday 21 August 2012 Present: Councillors S Hall (Chair), D Hall, J Lawson, A Pinnock, K Pinnock, D

Sheard Apologies: Councillors M Bates, L Holmes, V Kendrick, 1 Welcome and Introductions Everyone was welcomed to the meeting and members of the committee

introduced themselves. 2 Minutes of the public meeting RESOLVED - That the minutes of the last meeting were approved. 3 Interests None declared. 4 Admissions of the public All items were taken in public. 5 Deputations and petitions No deputations or petitions were received. 6 Proposed changes at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust The area committee received a presentation from Mike Potts and Carole

Langrick on the options for potential changes. The presentation explained the drivers for change, the local picture including recruitment issues and the development of the clinical strategy. This started last year with engagement of clinicians, partners stakeholder groups.

Option 1 is a minimal level of change bringing together: (i) consultant led maternity services (ii) services for children in hospital for more than 24 hours (iii) inpatient acute surgery – the most complex and urgent cases. (iiii) more care to be closer to home by developing community services

and follow up services at home. Option 2

(i)bringing all complex and unplanned emergency services together (at Pinderfields)

(ii)bringing consultant led maternity services together (iii)Dewsbury would provide planned surgery and treatments along with

follow up care - outpatients, diagnostics and rehabilitation (iiii)Dewsbury emergency department would continue to provide care for

most patients.except those who need most specialist emergency care. (It would still l be an important A& E catering for burns cuts sprains etc etc whilst Pinderfields would deal with complex trauma, multiple injury and very ill patients).

(v) more care closer to home There will be no compromise on safety or outcomes but a focus on the

right place at the right time. Dewsbury Hospital is not closing. The facilities and capacity of

Pinderfields, Dewsbury and Pontefract Hospitals are required to meet demand.

A& E is not closing at Dewsbury hospital – some services are required. There will still be a maternity service at Dewsbury hospital. Reconfiguration is proposed to take services into the future. Serious cases already go to a specialist centre. Pinderfield would have a consultant led maternity unit and Dewsbury and

Pontefract would have midwife led units. In terms of timescale, since July information has been gathered from

groups, councillors and local people plans will we worked up and financial and risk assessments looked at.

By the end of October the preferred option will be identified. The proposals are then independently assessed. This looks at how the

process is handled and whether the proposals are clinically safe and make sense. The changes have to have support of local GPs and local clinical commissioning groups. Then, in January 2013 there will be a formal public consultation on the proposed option

Engagement with the public has happened at this early stage as options are developed. Options are still being worked on and there is still a process to be undertaken. No decisions have been made. The decision will be determined in light of acceptability to patients a staff and the public, clinical safety and effectiveness and affordability.

Discussions such as this, along with other wider discussions will assist in shaping the preferred option and the proposals for formal consultation in January 2013.

Workshops then looked at: (1) What are your top 3 issues or concerns? (2) A&E – thoughts and concerns? Are there any specific emergency

situations illnesses or conditions that you would want to know more about under these proposals?

(3) Maternity services – what other information would you find helpful. What would you main concerns about a local midwife led service be?

Group discussions were supported by- The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust: Carole Langrick - Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Dr Richard Jenkins - Medical Director Anne Ward - Head of Midwifery PCT/Clinical Commissioning Group: Mike Potts – Chief Executive - NHS Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield

District David Kelly – North Kirklees Clinical Commission Group Chair Farhad Kohi – North Kirklees Clinical Commission Group Executive A question and answer session followed including references to

(a) Care of elderly & planning life care- work is ongoing to improve community care, avoid hospital admissions and support older people at home with independence.

(b) A lot of people from Spen Valley access Halifax, Bradford,

Huddersfield hospitals so there is a need to look at what happens outside of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals- people can elect to go to a hospital of choice and that will still happen if self presenting or a planned admission. The ambulance will take patients to the right place according to need.

(c) The appointment system is not right- aware and it is being

reviewed. (d) Concerns about the debt and accounting and also the implications

of privatisation- the debt has been publicised. Performance has improved considerably. The trust has been held to account. Private sector services are delivered now and provide valuable additional capacity to get waiting lists down.

(e) Hospital waste- can undoubtedly streamline services, improve the

appointments system. Continuously increasing efficiency by for example same day admissions for elective surgery and getting better prices from drug suppliers.

(f) Would expect to have a maternity unit at Dewsbury – infant

mortality has reduced considerably and evidence suggests that low risk women fare better in midwife led units

(g) Need for simple language at all times to avoid confusion- a patient

advisory group has been set up and will look over information.

Mike Potts summarised that he wishes to ensure that the 3 hospitals compliment each other and provide the best health care and outcomes within the finance available.

The Chair thanked all the representatives for their attendance and everyone for their contributions.

7 Budget Report The Area Committee budget stands at- Revenue-£37,928.54 Capital-£79,300.15 Discretionary grants – £500 revenue approved 2 July 2012 for Spen Chamber of Trade stalls at

Cleckheaton Folk Festival £250 revenue approved 27 June 2012- for Wilton Park Interfaith Jubilee

Gala- £250 Underspend to return to budget- underspend of £1445.49 to return to revenue budget from £6000 approved

for Queens Jubilee Grant Scheme. Update on change of use- New North Road TRA - £20 underspend on

rockery and garden party allocated to a water butt to water the rockery .TRA funds will be added.

Fast Track funding - Gomersal Community Sports Day £425 revenue –

Funding activities and transport for an Olympic themed activity day for older people, held at Gomersal Cricket Club August 14th 2012.

9 Public Question Time Q.A member of the public asked what was happening to the clock and bell

on Cleckheaton Town Hall as it appears to have stopped working. A. The fault has been reported for repair.

10 Dates of Future Meetings The Chair advised members of the date of the next meeting on 9 October

2012, thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting.

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CGAC5 Contact Officer: Andrea Woodside - Tel. 01484 221715

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

Friday 23 November 2012 Present: Councillor Richards (in the Chair) Councillor Bates, Blanchard, D Hall, Hardcastle and Wilkinson Councillor Sheard (ex officio Member) 1 Apologies for Absence No apologies for absence were received. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 September 2012 were

approved as a correct record. 3 Interests Councillor D Hall declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in agenda item

11 in his capacity as a Council Representative on the West Yorkshire Police Authority and left the meeting during the consideration of this item. Councillors D Hall and Bates both declared an (other) interest in agenda item 19 and left the meeting during the consideration of this item.

4 Admission of the Public It was noted that agenda item 19 would be considered in private session. 5 Deputations / Petitions No deputations or petitions were received. 6 Public Question Time No questions were asked. 7 Consideration of Concern regarding Planning, Regeneration and

Legal Services The Committee received a report which set out a number of concerns

which had been raised by a local resident relating to the Kingsgate and Queensgate developments between 2006 and 2008.

The report explained that the resident believed that the Council had

incurred unnecessary expense in defending an untenable position to repel the Kingsgate extension proposals in favour of a Queensgate proposal and that there was unreasonable influence over a straightforward planning decision to approve the Kingsgate extension. An appendix to the report, as

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submitted by the complainant, included details of correspondence in support of his complaint.

The Committee were asked to consider the detail of the complaint and

determine whether any action was required. The Committee felt that, due to the complexity of the appended

documentation, and to ensure a full understanding of the issues due to the redactments in the paperwork to allow for a public report, a Members Briefing should be arranged in order to enable the Corporate Complaints Officer to brief the Committee prior to the re-submission of the item to the next meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED - That the consideration of the item be deferred in order to

enable a briefing of Committee Members to take place prior to the consideration of the item at the next meeting of the Committee.

8 Corporate Customer Standards Annual Report 2011/12 The Committee received the Corporate Customer Standards Annual

Report for 2011/2012 which set out details of 3rd stage complaints and Local Government Ombudsman outcomes.

The Committee noted that, during 2011-2012, 66 formal Ombudsman

Investigations had taken place but that it was now over 2 years since a formal ombudsman report had been issued. In terms of comparison with other West Yorkshire Authorities, the performance of Kirklees was broadly consistent with previous years, being subject to 18.75% of West Yorkshire Ombudsman complaints.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted. 9 Annual Health, Safety and Resilience Report 2011/2012 The Committee received a copy of the Annual Health, Safety and

Resilience Report for 2011/2012. The report set out details of Health and Safety Information to demonstrate

the Council's commitment to effective Heath and Safety Risk Management, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity. It also provided details on the Council's progress against its strategy and identified priorities for the forthcoming year.

The Committee welcomed the detail within the report and asked a number

of questions regarding the content. RESOLVED - That the report be noted. 10 Information Access Annual Report 2011/2012 The Committee received the Information Access Annual Report for

2011/2012, which provided a summary of key issues regarding

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(i) Information access requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000

(ii) Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (iii) Subject Access Requests made under Data Protection Act 1998.

The report also included details of recommendations for improvements to processes and practices.

The Committee noted the content of the report and asked a number of

questions, particularly regarding processes, response timeframes and the impact upon resources, including the possibility of progressing a Publication Scheme.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted. 11 Amendment to 2012/2013 Members Allowances Scheme The Committee were asked to give consideration to an amendment to the

Members Allowances Scheme 2012/2013. The report advised that a meeting of the Independent Allowances Review Panel had taken place on 13 November 2012 and had given consideration to the allowance payment for the Council's appointment of 2 Police and Crime Panel Members. The Panel proposed the introduction of an SRA at Band C1, equating to £6,138 per annum. The full recommendations of the Panel would be brought before the Committee early in 2013 but due to the time sensitive nature of this recommendation it was scheduled for prior consideration.

RESOLVED (1) That the recommendation of the Members Allowances Independent

Review Panel in respect of the SRA for the Police and Crime Panel Members be noted.

(2) That it be recommended that Council approves and adopts the

amendment to the Members Allowances Scheme for 2012/2013 with effect from 5 December 2012.

12 Kirklees Annual Audit Letter 2011/2012 The Committee noted a report which advised that the Council's Annual

Audit Letter had been received from the Audit Commission. In accordance with the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2011(Number 27), the letter was brought before the Committee for consideration. The letter was attached at Appendix A of the report.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted. 13 External Audit Update Report Mr John Prentice, representing KPMG, attended the meeting to provide a

verbal update on the position of external audit provision. He provided information on staffing within the team, emphasising that the core of the

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audit staff would continue to be involved in the External Audit. He indicated that over the next month a plan of work would be developed with Officers and requested that authorisation be delegated to the Chair to agree the work plan for the forthcoming period.

RESOLVED (1) That the External Update Report be noted. (2) That Authority to agree a forward work programme of External Audit be

delegated to the Chair of the Committee. 14 Arrangements for Processing Application under the Localism Act

2011 relating to Neighbourhood Planning The Committee received a report which outlined the Authority's duties

under the Localism Act 2011 with regard to the processing of applications for the making of Neighbourhood's Development Orders, Neighbourhood Development Plans and Community Right to Buy Orders, and the designation of Neighbourhood Forums and Neighbourhood Areas.

The report set out a proposal that a new, politically balanced

'Neighbourhoods Committee' of 6 Members be established to undertake the necessary functions.

RESOLVED (1) That the report be noted. (2) That the proposed governance arrangements as set out Paragraph 2.4

of the report be submitted to Council at its meeting of 5 December 2012 with a recommendation of approval.

15 Review of Council's Policy Framework The Committee gave consideration to a report which set out details of a

Revised Policy Framework, and an update on Policy Committees. The report set out proposals for the establishment of a cross-party Policy Committee at the next meeting of Annual Council, with the remit to make recommendations for Policy Review. It advised that there would be the potential for the Committee to meet in a shadow capacity prior to then undertake informal work. It was suggested that the Membership would comprise of 11 Elected Members, based up a ratio of 5:3:2:1.

RESOLVED (1) That the proposed revisions to the Policy Framework, and the

establishment of a Policy Committee be noted. (2) That the report be submitted to Council at its meeting of 5 December

2012, with a recommendation of approval. 16 Update on Representation on Outside Bodies The Committee received a report which advised of the following recent

changes in the Council's Outside Body Representation;

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* Mr Simon Taylor appointed to Calderdale and Kirklees Careers Ltd * Mr Simon Taylor appointed to Spenborough Co-Operative Trust * Councillor Jean Calvert appointed to Huddersfield Education Trust * Mrs Rita Briggs and Mr Christopher Beardsell re-appointed to Hall

Educational Charity * Councillor Robert Barraclough appointed to Walker and Greenwood

Educational Charity * Councillor Karen Rowling appointed to Wheelwright Old Boys Memorial

Fund * Councillor O'Donovan appointed to Dewsbury Guild of Help/Whittuck

Charity.

The Committee were also informed verbally that Mr Simon Taylor had been appointed to Dewsbury Learning Trust in place of Anita Davis.

RESOLVED - That the changes in Outside Body Representation be noted. 17 Training Requirements The Committee Members did not identify any present training

requirements. 18 Exclusion of the Public RESOLVED - That acting under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local

Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as specifically stated in the under mentioned Minute.

19 Quarterly Report of Internal Audit 2012/2013, Quarter 2, July -

September 2012 (Exempt Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any

particular person (including the Authority holding that information). The Public Interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information and providing greater openness in the Council's decision making).

The Committee received an update on the activity and findings from

Internal Audit work completed in the Quarter July to September 2012, and were asked to consider if any further action was reported in relation to any reported matter.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

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LSC2 Contact Officer: Andrea Woodside - Tel. 01484 221715

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

LICENSING AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Monday 29 October 2012 Present: Councillor Hussain in the Chair Councillors Ahmed, Dodds, S Hall, Hardcastle, P Scott and Sokhal 1 Membership of the Committee There were no substitutions of membership at the meeting. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting RESOLVED - That the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2012 be

approved as a correct record. 3 Interests No interests were declared. 4 Admission of the Public The Committee noted that all agenda items would be considered in public

session. 5 Deputations/Petitions No deputations or petitions were received. 6 Public Question Time No questions were asked. 7 Revised Gambling Policy - Statement of Principles The Committee gave consideration to a report which set out details of the

outcome of the consultation process in respect of the Council's Gambling Policy (Statement of Principles). The Council noted that it was the duty of the Local Authority to publish a Statement of Gambling Policy every three years and to set out the policies which would apply in promoting Licensing Objectives.

The proposed Kirklees Gambling Policy 2013-2016, which was appended

to the report, had been subject to wide consultation and no objections to the proposals had been received. It was noted that the report was to be submitted to Council on 5 December 2012 and was subject to implementation from 31 January 2013.

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The Committee noted the content of the policy as submitted and agreed that it be submitted to the next meeting of Council.

RESOLVED - That the proposed Gambling Policy 2013-2016 be noted

and submitted to the meeting of Council on 5 December 2012 with a recommendation that the policy be adopted.

8 Terms of Reference Document for Kirklees Safety Advisory Group The Committee received a report which set out proposals for Terms of

Reference for the Kirklees Safety Advisory Group. The report advised that the group, which was created following a recommendation from Lord Taylor's report regarding the Hillsborough tragedy, was to provide a body of expertise, allowing the Authority to develop a consistent approach towards spectator safety at both stadiums and public events.

The report sought approval for the Terms of Reference document, as

appended to the report, which set out the role of Local Authorities relating to the specification of sports grounds and public events, and to advise on the roles of the Safety Advisory Group and the Licensing and Safety Committee in protecting public safety at sports grounds and at public events. It was noted that it had been a recommendation of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) that Safety Advisory Groups should produce a Terms of Reference document, and should also produce minutes in order to provide an audit trail.

RESOLVED:- (1) That the report be noted. (2) That the Safety Advisory Group Terms of Reference, as attached at

Appendix A of the report, be approved. 9 House to House Collections Policy The Committee received a report which provided details on the present

situation regarding house to house collections in Kirklees, and which sought approval for the adoption of a new policy in order to regulate the collection arrangements.

The Committee noted that the number of house to house collections had

increased significantly over the last 2 years, and that there were also an increasing number of bogus collectors and illegal collections. The report indicated that many of those presently collecting goods were commercial companies, and also that there was public misunderstanding regarding the amount of charitable donations that were being made from collections.

The Policy, which was attached as an appendix to the report, had been

subject to a 12 week consultation process and Members were now asked to authorise its adoption in order to allow improved controls for the arrangement of house to house collections.

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Members welcomed the report and made a number of suggestions with regard to publicising details of house collection arrangements, including discussions at Area Committees and publishing articles in 'Kirklees Together' and KNH 'Door to Door' magazines.

RESOLVED:- (1) That the report be noted. (2) That the House to House Collection Policy, as attached as an appendix

to the report, be approved. (3) That information regarding House to House Collections be publicised

as appropriate in order to promote public awareness. 10 Changes to Licensing Act (The Committee agreed to the consideration of this urgent item on the

grounds that the regulations had recently been published and would be effective from 31 October 2012)

The Committee were informed that Regulations regarding the Late Night

Levy and Early Morning Restriction Orders had now been published and would come into force on 31 October 2012.

The report set out the steps that the Authority would need to undertake in

order to implement an Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Order, and the categories where premises exemptions would apply.

The Licensing Manager advised that a further report would be brought

back to a future meeting once further consideration had been given to the financial implications of the regulations.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

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SMC2 Contact Officer: Laura Ellis - Tel. 01484 221916

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Thursday 1 November 2012 Present: Councillor Patrick (Chair) Councillors Burke, D Firth, Pattison, Sims and Stewart-Turner Apologies - Councillor Kendrick In Attendance: David Smith, Director of Resources Eamonn Croston, Strategic Council Finance Manager Laura Ellis, Senior Scrutiny Officer 15 Minutes of Previous Meeting AGREED - That the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 5

October 2012 be approved as a correct record. 16 Interests There were no interests declared. 17 Admission of the Public AGREED - That all items be considered in public. 18 Quarter 1 Corporate Revenue Budget Monitoring Report 2012/13 The Committee welcomed David Smith, Director of Resources, to the

meeting and invited him to brief Members on the Quarter 1 Corporate Revenue Monitoring position. Members of the Committee considered the report circulated with the agenda which set out the Week 12 Corporate Revenue Monitoring position for the Council, and which reported an underlying net overall overspend of £0.2 million. Mr Smith advised Members that the financial position had improved since Week 12 and that the Quarter 2 Corporate Revenue Budget Position would reflect this.

Members of the Committee asked a number of questions in respect of:

* The overspend in fostering - Mr Smith advised that the Children and Young People's Service had been asked to provide a detailed report for Leading Members which looked at trends within Children's Services. This included consideration of the factors affecting the timescale for

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fostering and the impact of the recession. It was agreed that a copy of the research paper would be circulated to Members of the Committee.

* Bereavement Services - Members sought clarification on whether the

financial position shown within the report reflected the impact of one crematorium being closed temporarily. It was agreed that further information would be sought and reported to Members of the Committee.

* Property Exemptions - Members sought clarification on why there was

a higher than anticipated number of property exemptions and it was explained that during the economic downtown the rate of new properties being developed had been slower than anticipated. Mr Smith explained that Customer and Exchequer Services were working with Strategic Finance to develop more realistic forecasting. It was further explained that the charging mechanism for empty properties had also changed.

* SITA Waste Contract - Mr Smith confirmed the arrangements for

recycling by SITA and advised that the contract was working well. * Business Rates - Mr Smith outlined the forthcoming changes to the

collection of business rates which would be introduced in 2013/14. Mr Smith outlined the impact of this explaining that it would encourage the Council to grow business but also to be careful in respect of charitable relief to businesses. The full financial position would not be known until December.

* Landfill Tax - Mr Smith explained that the trading scheme was ceasing.

It was agreed that a further briefing note would be obtained for Members setting out the current position.

Members of the Committee thanked Mr Smith and Mr Croston for

attending the meeting. AGREED (1) That David Smith and Eamonn Croston be thanked for attending the

meeting. (2) That further information be forwarded to Members of the Committee in

respect of: fostering research paper; financial impact of the temporary crematorium closure; and landfill tax.

19 Budget Process Update David Smith, Director of Resources, circulated a timetable for the 2013/14

Revenue and Capital Budget Process. Members of the Committee went through the timetable and noted key dates within the process.

Members of the Committee sought clarification on how the business and

voluntary community would be consulted during the budget process. It was

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explained that in addition to the information made available publicly, officers were also meeting with the Leader's Forum to discuss. Presentations had been delivered to a number of business forums across Kirklees.

Members discussed the need to ensure that adequate detail was included

within the budget book to ensure that Members were clear on the decisions that were being taken.

Members discussed the level of public response to the consultation on the

budget process. It was recognised that members of the public were more likely to respond to specific issues.

Members of the Committee thanked Mr Smith for attending the meeting. AGREED - That the update be noted. 20 New Executive Arrangements Regulations - Implications for Scrutiny Laura Ellis, Senior Scrutiny Officer, briefed the Committee on the

implications for Scrutiny arising from the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

Members noted the key implications for Scrutiny and discussed the need

to ensure that Panel Lead Members were consulted on requests to waive or agree to an item being urgent or being deferred. It was agreed in respect of those matters requiring agreement from the Chair of Scrutiny that this should be done in consultation with the relevant Panel Lead Member. It was further agreed that in the event that the Chair of Scrutiny was unavailable, that the Panel Lead Member should fulfil this role. It was recognised that this would need to be a temporary position until such time as the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee could consider any necessary changes to the Council's Constitution.

AGREED:- (1) That the implications for Scrutiny arising from the new regulations be

noted. (2) That in respect of those matters requiring agreement from the Chair of

Scrutiny, that this be done in consultation with the relevant Panel Lead Member. In the event that the Chair of Scrutiny is unavailable, the Panel Lead Member to fulfil this role.

21 Date of Next Meeting AGREED - That the next meeting be held on Thursday 22 November

2012 at 10.00am.

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PC4 Contact Officer: Richard Farnhill Tel. 01484 221713 (860 1713)

KIRKLEES COUNCIL

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Monday 15 October 2012 Present: Cllr Khan (in the Chair) Cllrs Cooper, D Hall, Light, McBride, Pandor, K Pinnock, Sheard and

Walton 16 Membership of the Committee All Members were present at the meeting. 17 Minutes – 15 August 2012 The Minutes of the meeting of the Personnel Committee held on 15

August 2012 were agreed as a correct record. 18 Interests No interests were declared at the meeting. 19 Admission of the Public It was agreed to exclude the public for Agenda Item 8 due to the report

containing confidential information. 20 Deputations/Petitions No deputations or petitions were received. 21 Public Question Time No public questions were asked at the meeting. 22 Exclusion of the Public RESOLVED - That acting under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local

Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve t he likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as specifically stated in each of the undermentioned Minutes.

23 Management Structure and Capacity in the Council (Exempt information relating to a particular individual. It is considered the

disclosure of the information would adversely affect those individuals and the need to protect the privacy of individuals outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information providing greater openness in the Council’s decision making).

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The Personnel Committee considered a report reminding it of the decision that had been taken in 2010 regarding the Council’s Senior Management, providing an overview of changes and developments and challenges in the Council’s working environment and making recommendations with regard to further changes to the Council’s Senior Management structure to further improve the Council’s ability to provide leadership to best adapt to the circumstances the Council faces.

The Chief Executive outlined in a presentation to the Committee a

recommended Director roles to provided strategic leadership for the Council, set out information on the proposals for the statutory role of Directors and other Senior Officers within the Authority and gave an overview of the way the Council responding to the implications of an NHS and Social Care Act with regard to Public Health responsibilities coming into the Council.

RESOLVED – (1) That Senior Management arrangements and structures, as set out at

Appendix B to the considered report be approved. (2) That approval be given to the Board approach for the implementation

of the new Senior Management arrangements, as set out at paragraph 2.18 to the considered report, and that a further report be submitted to the Personnel Committee setting out progress at a future meeting.

(3) That it be noted that any severance terms associated with the

implementation of the review will be in line with Council policy and reported back to Personnel Committee for information in due course.

(4) That statutory responsibilities associated with the implementation of the

review be endorsed, as set out at paragraph 2.9 to the considered report. (5) That the Chief Executive be authorised to undertake the recruitment

process for the new Director of Communities, Transformation and change, as set out within the considered report, and that approval be given to the establishment of a panel on a ratio of 2-1-1-1 for the recruitment of the new Director.

(6) That approval be given to the establishment of a Recruitment Panel on

a ratio of 2-1-1-1 to finalise the recruitment to posts within the Directorate of Economy, Skills and Environment at the appropriate time.