Agenda and minutes

Councillors will elect a Chair for the meeting.

Councillor Connelly was elected as Chair for the meeting and introduced himself.

The first main item on theagenda is Declarations of Interest where Councillors have to say if there is anything on the agenda they have a personal interest in. For example if a meeting was due to discuss a budget application put forward by a community group and one of the Councillors was a member of that group, they would not be able to take part in the decision on that budget application.

Councillors are asked to declare any interest they may have in the business on the agenda, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Councillors were asked to declare any interest they had in the business on the agenda, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

Councillor Connelly declared a personal interest in Application 1, under agenda item 9, “Ward Community Meeting Budget 2010/11”, as his daughter was a pupil at King Richard III Infant and Nursery School.

Councillor Russell declared a personal interest in Application 1, under agenda item 9, “Ward Community Meeting Budget 2010/11”, as her daughter was a pupil at King Richard III Infant and Nursery School and she was the Chair of the Governors for the school.

The meeting noted that, In view of the interests declared by the Ward Members, the views of the meeting would be passed to the Cabinet Member for Front Line Service Improvements and Neighbourhoods and the Leader of the Council to be decided.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2010 are enclosed and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

Further to minute 14, “Issues Relating to Bede Park”, it was noted that village notice boards had been installed in Bede Park and at the bottom of Hinckley Road.  They had been bought without legs, so some were being made.

It was noted that the Oxjam event had been very successful, despite poor weather later in the day, (minute 15, “Oxjam”, referred).  Early feedback indicated that the organisers were very happy with the way the event had gone.  The views of local businesses on the event also were being sought.  One complaint had been received from a resident about access to Bede Street during the road closure, but this had been resolved.

The closure of Braunstone Gate until 2.00 am for the Oxjam event had been a useful experiment and consideration was being given to whether this could be done again, either for similar events in the future, or on a regular basis.  If this happened, drivers displaying a residents parking scheme ticket for Bede Street would be allowed access during the periods of closure.  However, discussions could not be completed until the current planning application relating to the MFI site had been determined.

A suggestion was made that, rather than waiting on the road, taxi cabs could wait in the car park on the MFI site.  However, it was known that the taxi drivers wanted a formal taxi rank in Braunstone Gate, where they could easily be seen, so were unlikely to agree to this request.

The possibility of holding Oxjam and the Riverside Festival on the same day also was suggested, as a way of getting some economies of scale, (for example in the preparation of road traffic orders).  Although the Riverside Festival was City-wide, some local events would be staged.  However, it was felt that it would be preferable to continue with two separate events, as this would be better for local businesses, who could have stalls at both festivals.

Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice Chancellor of De Montfort University, will be present at the meeting to discuss student accommodation and associated green space.  Rick Moore, representing Jamie Lewis Residential lettings agency, also will be present.

Councillor Connolly introduced the following people to the meeting, who were in attendance to discuss student accommodation and associated green space:-

·            Rick Moore – Jamie Lewis Residential Lettings;

·            Dominic Shellard – Vice Chancellor, De Montfort University;

·            David Carrott – Director of Estates, de Montfort University;

·            Steve Brown – Team Leader (Planning Management and Delivery), Leicester City Council; and

·            Neal Moore – Team Leader (Planning Policy and Design), Leicester City Council.

Dominic Shellard explained that he was aware of previous concerns raised by residents about student accommodation and associated green space, and student behaviour.  The University currently had 22,000 students and it was likely that it was only a small proportion of these who caused problems, but any problems were nevertheless taken very seriously.  The University had a policy of trying to deal with all reported problems occurring outside the University, so residents encountering problems were encouraged to report incidents, in order that they could be investigated fully.

There was a perception that the University was building all over the City, but approximately £150 million had been invested in the campus.  All of the work done had been approved through formal planning processes.  However, it was recognised that, as an institution, the University could do more to provide green space, and plans were being considered through which this could be achieved.  For example, it was hoped to open up the centre as a green lung, which could be used by the public, as well as the University, and to provide a green walk way at the side of the canal. 

It also was hoped to redevelop the Fletcher Building, to create a green square to the side of it.  This also would involve the demolition of another building.  It was hoped that work on this could start in approximately 18 – 24 months, but no firm commitment could be given to the project at present, due to the current economic situation.

In conclusion, Dominic Shellard stated that he was happy to take individuals’ contact details, so that engagement with them could continue.

The following points were then made during discussion on this item:-

·            The viaduct at the site of the former bowstring bridge was being demolished and a planning application for a new sports centre would be considered in January 2011.  If this was approved, it was hoped to start building work in April 2011. so that it would be ready for use in July 2012, just before the Olympic Games in London.  This would be a high quality centre, with a wide range of facilities;

·            It was very important to the University that this sports centre was seen as a community facility.  Commitments regarding this had been given to the City Council and local residents.  For example, university users would not have priority use of the centre most of the time, and charges for using the centre would remain comparable to those at local authority facilities;

·            Lessons had been learned from the way in which decisions had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

The Ward Councillors will lead a discussion on the implications of the Government’s recent Comprehensive Spending Review for Leicester.

Councillor Russell advised the meeting that the City Council had had to make significant financial cuts in June 2010 of £1.2 million.  The Council now needed to make additional savings of £400 million over the next four years.  £19 million of this would need to be saved during the 2011/12 financial year.

The City Council had no choice about whether these cuts should be made.  Funding from central government was to be reduced, but the City Council was more reliant than a lot of Councils on government funding, approximately 70% of its income coming from central government grants and only 30% being raised locally, (for example, through Council Tax).  However, the Council was still required to balance its budget and was not allowed to borrow to meet any shortfall. 

All options for how the savings could be achieved were being considered, including human resources, but these reductions came on top of the recently announced increases in student fees and a reduction of approximately 80% in higher education funding.  People were welcome to contact the Ward Members if they wanted to discuss the budget proposals in more detail.

Councillor Connolly confirmed that the anticipated cuts in expenditure would be the most severe he had encountered during his time as a councillor.  The gap in funding that these cuts would create could not be met by increasing Council Tax.  It had been announced that, if Councils made no increase in Council Tax for 2011/12, they would receive the equivalent of a 2.5% increase in grant from the government, but this would not be enough to cover all of the money lost through other cuts.

Further information on this is attached at the end of these minutes for information.

The Ward Councillors will lead a discussion on the consultation process regarding proposals for an Elected Mayor in Leicester.

Councillor Russell advised that a consultation on whether the City should have either an elected Mayor or strong Leader form of governance was underway and would close on 6 December 2010.  Information on the consultation was available on the City Council’s website and had been distributed to City libraries.

The Ward Members then explained the proposals and answered questions about the new system, as follows:-

·            This consultation was being undertaken as the Council was required to make a decision by the end of the current Council year on the way that the Council would be managed in the future;

·            Two options were available:-

o       A Leader elected by Councillors from the majority group for a period of four years; or

o       A Mayor elected by the electorate of the City for a period of four years.

·            An elected Mayor would have the same powers those currently held by the Leader of the Council;

·            An elected Mayor would select a Cabinet from the pool of Councillors.  They did not all have to be from the same group;

·            An elected Leader could be required by the other Councillors to stand for re-election before the four year term of office was finished;

·            An elected Mayor could be required to stand for re-election if requisitioned by a percentage of the electorate.  (In the case of Leicester, this would be several thousand people);

·            The Government soon would publish its Localism Bill, which it was thought could give the elected Mayor greater powers, (for example, over the police and fire authorities); and

·            At present, it was not known how much the cost of the changes to the governance arrangements would be.

In response to a further question, the Ward Councillors explained that the government had placed a limit on the amount that candidates could spend on their election campaign.  This equated to either the amount that could be spent for a local election multiplied by the number of Wards in the City (22), or three times the amount that could be spent for a parliamentary election. 

Some concern was expressed that ordinary people would not be able to afford these amounts, so could not afford to stand for election for Mayor.  This in turn could give local businesses an opportunity to promote their own candidates.  In reply, it was noted that, although anyone could put themselves forward for election, it was likely that each of the political groups currently represented on the Council would be putting forward a candidate.

The Ward Members advised the meeting that there would be two Special Meetings of Council to consider this matter further, on 9 and 22 December 2010, and urged everyone to make their views known to the Council during the consultation period.

Officers from Leicestershire Constabulary will be present to discuss policing issues in the Westcotes Ward.

Sergeant Dave Shields, Leicestershire Constabulary, advised that the Police recently had undertaken a lot of plain clothes work in the Ward, which had been very successful.  Overall, crime numbers in the Ward had reduced significantly, including a large drop in anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Shields then advised the meeting that, as he was leaving his current post, from 12 December 2010 the Neighbourhood Sergeant would be Sergeant Simon Barnes.  Sergeant Barnes then introduced himself to the meeting.

The meeting recorded its thanks to Sergeant Shields for the excellent work he had done as Neighbourhood Sergeant.  He had got to know the community and its issues well and had provided much support for the community.

Councillors are reminded that they will need to declare any interest they may have in budget applications, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Peter Cozens, Members Support Officer, will provide an update on the 2010/11 Community Meeting budget.

Application 1

Applicant:       King Richard III Infant and Nursery School

Proposal:       Installation of Cycle Racks for children and adults

Amount:          2 Minipods (to store 7/8 bikes each) – £1,500

Summary:       It is proposed to install a selection of cycle racks for the children and adults of the school, to enable them to keep their bikes safe throughout the school day.  This idea was suggested by a number of parents and further research suggested that a cycle rack would inspire other children and parents to use this healthier mode of transport.

A travel plan was created, which outlined the School’s intentions and research results collected from a large selection of parents, staff and pupils.

Staff also were very keen on this idea and, of those staff living close enough to cycle to school, a significant number would consider this if there was a safe and secure place to store their bikes throughout the day.

Various options for cycle racks have been investigated and a company found called ‘Cyclepods’, whose design for the racks appeared to be in keeping with the school’s bright and inviting appearance.

Along with the installation of the cycle racks, it is planned to develop the safe use of bikes in the School’s teaching.  Ideally, it Is hoped to invite in an external group of people who specialise in teaching bike safety to younger children and maybe link this up with a whole school ‘Bike Safety Week’, as well as linking in with the local police officers, who have offered to come into school and security mark the children’s bikes.

It is aimed to complete all aspects of this project by the end of the spring term, to encourage children, parents and staff to ride their bikes to school during the nicer weather that the summer term usually brings.

Application 2

Applicant:       Churches Together

Proposal:       Churches Together Youth Club

Amount:          £1,256.43

Summary:       The Youth Club will meet at the Robert Hall Memorial Church Hall every Friday at about 8.00 pm after Christmas during term time.  It will be aimed at secondary school children, who come from all backgrounds in the area.  The Youth Club aims to teach them basic morals for life and create friendships for those who may not have any.

It is planned to spend the money requested on things such as instruments, craft material and games, which it is hoped will help people to work together, or just create friendships.  It also is intended to have some relaxed time and some teaching.

The organisers say they will know it is successful if they see the young people working together and enjoying themselves.  They feel that the Youth Club could really benefit some of the young people  ...  view the full agenda text for item 30.

a)     Street Pastors

Peter Cozens, (Members Support Officer with Leicester City Council), reported that an application for funding from the Street Pastors for £447.48 for an extra rubbish bin outside Mario’s Chippy, Braunstone Gate had been approved under the Council’s urgency procedures from the Ward Action Plan budget.  This bin had been installed.

b)    King Richard III Infant and Nursery School

The meeting was reminded that both Ward Councillors had declared interests in this application, (see minute 24 above).  In view of this, Peter Cozens, (Members Support Officer with Leicester City Council), introduced the application.

AGREED:

                  that funding of £1,500 be supported from the Ward Community Fund to King Richard III Infant and nursery School towards the installation of cycle racks.

c)     Churches Together

Some concern was expressed at the proposal that, if approved, the grant towards the Churches Together Youth Club should come from the Community Cohesion Fund, as there could be some communities that would not want their young people meeting at church facilities.  However, it was noted that, although facilities at the mosque were well used by young people, in general facilities for teenagers in the area were limited.

AGREED:

                  that funding of £1,256.43 be supported from the Community Cohesion Fund to Churches Together towards establishing a Churches Together Youth Club.

d)    Braunstone Gate Traders

The meeting noted that, since the agenda had been circulated, an application had been received from the traders on Braunstone Gate for a grant of £2,520 towards having 18 lit Christmas trees above premises on Braunstone Gate.

The grant requested would cover the one-off costs of the project, (such as the brackets for fixing the trees to the premises, lights and cabling) and, as this was the first year, the trees.  Participating traders would contribute £50 per tree this year, (the total cost of each tree being £190), but would buy their own trees in future years.

Although not all traders in the road were participating in the project, there would be a fairly even spread of trees along Braunstone Gate.  They would be held in brackets, at an angle to the walls of the premises, just above first floor height.  Each trader would pay their own electricity costs.

The meeting welcomed the work being done to improve the area, but expressed some concern that a significant part of this funding was for the trees, which could not be used next year.  It therefore was suggested that the traders should be asked to fund 50% of the costs, with a grant covering the other 50%.  However, as it was felt that this project would help traders in Braunstone Gate to build on work already done to encourage businesses to work together and would improve the festive feel, and thereby the profile, of the area, it was

AGREED:

                  that funding of £2,520 be supported from the Ward Community Fund to the Braunstone Gate traders for the purchase of Christmas trees and associated equipment for use on premises on Braunstone Gate.

The Chair thanked everyone for an informative and useful meeting and passed on season’s greetings.

He then closed the meeting at 9.20 pm.