| Time: | 7.30pm | Place: | Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City |
| PRESENT: | Councillor John Booth (Chairman), Councillor Julian Cunningham (Vice-Chairman), Councillor Clare Billing, Councillor Dave Chambers, Councillor Gary Grindal, Councillor T.W. Hone, Councillor David Kearns, Councillor Lorna Kercher, Councillor David Levett, Councillor Ian Mantle, Councillor Mrs L.A. Needham and Councillor Mike Rice. |
| IN ATTENDANCE: | Vaughan Watson (Head of Leisure and Environmental Services), Dan Kingsley (Service Manager - Waste Management), Claire Morgan (Community Development Officer) and Hilary Dineen (Committee and Member Services Officer). |
| ALSO PRESENT: | Inspector Daniel Lawrence (Hertfordshire Constabulary), Sergeant Simon Turner (Hertfordshire Constabulary), Ian Morris (Letchworth Garden City Education Partnership), Jed Wheelan (Letchworth Garden City Education Partnership), Councillor Peter Burt (Portfolio Holder for Waste, Recycling and Environment), Rebecca Coates (Community Safety Manager) and 14 members of the public. |
| Item | Description/Resolution | Status | Action | |
| PART I | ||||
| 4 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE No apologies for absence were received. |
Noted | ||
| 5 |
MINUTES Minutes RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 13 March 2013 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman. |
Agreed | ||
| 6 |
MINUTES Minutes RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 16 May 2013 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman. |
Agreed | ||
| 7 |
NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS There were no notifications of other business. |
Noted | ||
| 8 |
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (1) The Chairman welcomed all those present at the meeting, particularly those due to give a presentation and Inspector Danny Lawrence, Sergeant Simon Turner, Ian Morris and Councillor Peter Burt; (2) Members were reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary interest, Other Pecuniary interest or Non-Pecuniary interest, and are required to notify the Chairman of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring either an Other Pecuniary interest, or a Non-Pecuniary interest which requires they leave the room under Paragraph 16.3 of the Code of Conduct, can speak on the item, but must leave the room before the debate and vote. |
Noted | ||
| 9 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - RHAPSODE Rebecca Leek, representing Rhapsode, had given her apologies that she was unable to attend the meeting, and confirmed that she would be pleased to make a presentation to a future meeting of the Committee. |
Noted | ||
| 10 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - JACKIE'S DROP IN Rosemary Bailey, a volunteer with Jackie's Drop-In and Jackie Nealon, founder, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation as follows: - Jackie had worked as a carer for people with learning difficulties for 4 years; - Adults with learning difficulties had nowhere to go during the day and often ended up sitting around town; - The people who use the drop-in were vulnerable; - The drop-in allows members to socialise in a safe environment; - So far 12 people had volunteered to help at the drop-in; - When the drop-in started there were 6 - 10 members and there were now 100; - Advertising of the drop-in had only been by word of mouth; - The drop-in was open 4 days each week and charged an entrance fee of £1.50, which included tea; - Members bought in microwavable meals, which volunteers supported them to heat; - Money to run the centre and for day trips was raised mainly by selling bric- a - brac; - Funding had been received from the Princes Trust; - A fun day to raise funds would be held on 6 July from 11am to 4 pm, which would include a visit from the daleks, face painting and a raffle for which prizes were being sought; - Members of the Council were welcome to visit both the drop-in and the fun day; - Any grant funding would be used to purchase tables and chairs. Members asked several questions including how would the fun day be publicised, whether the drop in received any funding from Social Services and how long had the group got use of the premises. Ms Nealon informed Members that the fun day would be advertised in local papers and posters would be produced; that no funding was received from Social Services and that they had long-term use of the premises. The Chairman thanked Ms Bailey and Ms Nealon for their presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 11 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - APNA PUNJABI SCHOOL Kam Sandhu, a volunteer, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation as follows: - The Punjabi School had been open for over 5 years; - It aimed to teach young people to speak, read and write Punjabi up to GCSE level; - Lesson were held in the local Sikh Temple; - 40 - 50 children attend lessons; - Food is provided at the lessons; - Teachers and Parents were all CRB checked; - All volunteers were unpaid; - Funds were raised through children making things to sell and through selling food; - The groups helped prevent children getting into trouble; - Lessons were open to anyone who wanted them; - A new initiative had been started to encourage children to donate to the food bank and to encourage community spirit; - Grant funding was required to buy storage and equipment. Members asked several questions including did the school charge for lessons; how the lessons publicised and where pupils came from. Ms Sandhu informed Members that pupils were charged a £50 sign up fee and then were asked for donations; lessons were promoted by word of mouth and that 80 percent of pupils were from Letchworth with the rest coming from Arlesey, Hitchin and Stotfold. The Chairman thanked Ms Sandhu for her presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 12 |
UPDATE ON THE NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING STRUCTURE Inspector Daniel Lawrence and Sergeant Turner, Hertfordshire Constabulary, thanked the Chairman for inviting them to attend the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the new neighbourhood policing structure as follows: - The neighbourhood policing structure changed in April 2013; - There would be no change of staff in North Herts; - Aimed to provide appropriate, effective engagement with the community; - The Letchworth Safer Neighbourhood Team consisted of 1 sergeant, 6 constables and 4 PCSOs; - Constables were no longer attached to specific wards, this was now done by PCSOs; - The structure allowed sergeants to use resources from the North Herts Safer Neighbourhood Team to provide reassurance and to prevent and tackle emerging issues; - More policing had been needed in Letchworth Town Centre and this had been worked on; - Operation Gucci, focussing on shoplifting had been successful, with a 76 -78 percent detection rate; - Community engagement was important and the methods used to encourage engagement in the setting of priorities included Twitter, surveys, Town Centre events and input from partners; - It was planned to come to every other Area Committee meeting. In respect of Crime and Performance Inspector Lawrence gave the following information: 2011/12 Recorded Crime 2306 Detected Crime 940 Percentage Detected 40.7% 2012/13 Recorded Crime 1864 Detected Crime 771 Percentage Detected 41.4% 2013/14 (Projected) Recorded Crime 1885 Detected Crime 842 Percentage Detected 44.6% Members asked several questions including whether the police would be willing to attend Letchworth Councillor Surgeries which were held on the third Saturday of each month; what hours did the Safer neighbourhood Team work; why the structure had been changed and whether a list of who was on duty and the powers of PSCOs could be circulated to Members. Inspector Lawrence advised that he would be happy to send a police representative to Councillor Surgeries; that the Safer Neighbourhood Team worked weekdays from 7am to midnight and weekends 7am to 2pm; that the previous system had been difficult to manage, with 17 wards and 51 different priorities and that he would provide a list of who was on duty, contact numbers and the powers of the PSCOs for circulation to Members. Sergeant Turner informed Members that Letchworth and Baldock currently had 3 priorities and that the aim was to make contact with local communities in order to make priorities more locally appropriate. Inspector Lawrence advised that all police stations in North Herts would be closing as they did not receive the footfall but that there were now many different methods of reporting crime. Officers also visited residential homes and clubs regularly as well as responding to invitations. RESOLVED: That a list of Police Officers and PCSOs on duty, contact numbers and details of the powers of the PCSOs be circulated to Members. REASON FOR DECISION: To keep the Letchworth Committee apprised of the new Neighbourhood Policing structure. |
Agreed | ||
| 13 |
LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP Prior to the item being discussed Councillor Terry Hone declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was a Governor of Fernhill School. He stated that as this was a presentation, with no financial implications, he would remain in the room. Prior to the item being discussed Councillor Ian Mantle declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was a Governor of Fernhill School. He stated that as this was a presentation, with no financial implications, he would remain in the room. Ian Morris and Jed Wheelan, thanked the Chairman for inviting them to attend the Committee and gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Letchworth Garden City Education Partnership as follows: WHY DO IT - be at the heart of the community; - have even greater opportunities to help young people fulfil their potential; - build relationships with local families and community partners; - formally embrace Co-operative Values - placing responsibilities before rights. OUR PARTNERS - Hertfordshire County Council; - The University of Hertfordshire; - The Co-operative Group. WHAT IS A TRUST SCHOOL - still part of the local authority family of schools; - a Charitable Trust has been set up to help the drive for continuous improvement of standards, in particular through engaging more closely with the local community. OUR VALUES - Self Help - working together for mutual benefit; - Self Responsibility - act responsibly and play a full part in the organisation; - Democracy - members have control over the organisation - one member one vote; - Equality - each member has equal rights and benefits; - Equity - members treated fairly and justly; - Solidarity - members support each other and other co-operatives. WHAT IT ISN'T - This is not a merger or takeover of schools, but a recognition that each school wishes to work collectively with each other; - Each school still has its distinct flavour; - Each school retains its own Governing Body, Head teacher and staff. IMMEDIATE BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS - Awareness of co-operative values and where they fit into our Garden City philosophy; - Year 6-7 transition exercises incorporating summer schools; - Year 8 Enterprise Skills Conference with partnership working; - Joint School Council meetings; - Year 10 Aiming Higher Day at the University of Hertfordshire; - Sixth Form Resilience Workshop using them as leaders out with the primary schools; - Young Co-operatives leadership opportunities. IMMEDIATE BENEFITS FOR STAFF - Joint Governors meetings; - Joint Senior Leadership Team meetings; - Joint Professional Development sessions with emphasis on independent learning; - Review and analysis of teaching and learning strategies; - Sharing of staff; - Sharing best practice; - Economies of scale for procurement. WHAT WILL IT DELIVER - Increased leadership opportunities; - Students encouraged to be independent learners and to work collaboratively; - High quality professional development; - The quality of learning improved; - Students educated about co-operative values. HOW SUCCESS CAN BE MEASURED - Enhanced quality of teaching; - Better examination results achieved; - The achievement gap for vulnerable students reduced; - More students remain in education post 17; - Happier and more engaged students. Members asked several questions including whether North Herts College would be included in the partnership; whether each school was still competing for pupils; whether this ethos could have been provided in each school separately Mr Morris informed Members that the partnership already worked collaboratively with North Herts College; each school would retain a distinctive ethos, but would work together; the work being undertaken could have been separately, but the co-op would be more stable and the aim was for the students to have a 1st class education and a dynamic learning experience. He advised that any Members of the Committee was welcome to visit the schools. Mr Wheelan Informed Members that it was important to maintain the impartiality of career guidance and promotes the course available at a range of colleges The Chairman thanked Mr Morris and Mr Wheelan for their presentation. RESOLVED: (1) That the Community Development Officer be requested to invite the Letchworth Garden City Education Partnership to present an update to this Committee in 1 years time; (2) That the Committee Services Officer be requested to circulate the Letchworth Garden City Education Partnership's presentation to all Members of the Committee. REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Members of the Letchworth Committee apprised of the work of the Letchworth Garden City Education Partnership. |
Agreed | ||
| 14 |
NEW WASTE AND RECYCLING ARRANGEMENTS The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services gave a PowerPoint presentation which gave details of the new waste and recycling arrangements as follows: - The last major change in waste collection was in 2007, with the introduction of alternative waste collections; - 23.4 million tonnes of household waste was generated in England in 2010 of which 40.3 percent was recycled; - The drivers for change included that most cardboard was unsuitable for composting, non compostable cardboard was landfilled at a cost of £12,500 (2012/13) and the Herts Waste Partnership strategy to prioritise landfill reduction; - It was estimated that landfill waste would reduce from 23042 tonnes to 19,000 tonnes and recycling would increase from 24,110 tonnes to 29,661 tonnes; - Residents would be informed of the changes via Outlook magazine, the NHDC website, bin hangers, press releases and information leaflets; - The roll out programme had started and was due to be completed by the end of July 2013; - Significant funding had been secured to enable caddies and liners for all flats; dedicated weekly food waste collections and new communal recycling points for co-mingled recycling. - Recycling banks would be removed after service roll-outs had been completed - Variations in containers would be available upon assessed needs. Members asked several specific questions about what items would go on which bin, which were answered by the Service Manager - Waste Management RESOLVED: That the Committee and Member Services Officer be requested to circulate the PowerPoint presentation regarding the new waste and recycling arrangement to all Members of the Letchworth Committee. REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Members of the Letchworth Committee are kept appraised of the new waste and recycling arrangements. |
Agreed | ||
| 15 |
CHAMPION NEWS AND FINANCE REPORT Report Appendix 1 - Budgets Appendix 2 - Grant Application - Jackie's Drop In Appendix 3 - Grant Application - Apna Punjabi School Appendix 4 - Grant Applocation - CCTV Mast Appendix 5 - Summary Update The Community Development Officer presented the report of the Head of Policy and Community Services entitled Champion News and Finance Report and drew attention to the various projects and issues in Letchworth Garden City and asked Members to review the delegated budgets as follows: YOPEY Members requested that the link to the Young People Of The Year (YOPEY) website be sent to all Members of the Committee. GRANTS GIVEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS Members were unsure as to the wording regarding the delegation of powers to the Chairman to award grants under £500 and asked that this part of the scheme of delegation be circulated to all Members of the Committee. COUNCILLORS SURGERIES The Community Development Officer asked Members to consider whether they wished to continue with monthly Councillor surgeries, which had taken place over the last 12 month on a trial basis. Members felt that they had been successful in raising the profile of the Committee and in answering people's queries, particularly since the venue had changed to Town Square and therefore should continue. RESOLVED: (1) That the budgetary expenditure, balances and carry forwards from the Development and Visioning Budgets be noted; (2) That the actions taken by the Community Development Officer to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Letchworth Garden City be endorsed; (3) That the Community Development Officer be requested to send the link to the Young People Of The Year Award (YOPEY) website to all Members of the Letchworth Committee; (4) That the Community Development Officer be requested to investigate the wording regarding the Chairman's delegated powers, particularly whether Purdah had any effect; (5) That the Councillors Surgeries continue to take place on the third Saturday of July, then September onwards. REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Members of the Committee apprised of the latest developments in community activities in Letchworth Garden City. |
Agreed | ||
| 16 |
GRANT APPLICATION - JACKIE'S DROP IN Prior to the item being discussed Councillor Lorna Kercher declared a non-pecuniary interest as she knew Jackie through working at the Howard Garden Social and Day Care Centre and advised that she would take part in the debate and vote. Members considered that, as this group provided valuable services to vulnerable adults a contribution should be sought from Social Services RESOLVED: (1) That grant funding of £830.00 be awarded to Jackie's Drop - In from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of purchasing tables and chairs; (2) That County Councillors Terry Hone and Lorna Kercher be requested to investigate the procedure for applying for Social Services funding for this valuable community group. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 17 |
GRANT APPLICATION - APNA PUNJABI SCHOOL The Community Development Officer reminded Members that a grant of £500 had been given to the Apna Punjabi School in July 2011 towards the cost of a laminator, copier and whiteboards. Members were keen support this school, but agreed that funding for furniture and storage could be met by donations from NHDC furniture storage rather than giving money to purchase new furniture. It was proposed and seconded that the Community Development Officer liaise with the school to find suitable cupboards from NHDC furniture stores after which the Community Development Officer would submit a request for grant funding, taking into account any furniture supplied to the next meeting of this Committee. RESOLVED: (1) That the Community Development Officer be requested to investigate whether NHDC could supply the required cupboards from furniture storage; (2) That the Community Development Officer be requested to submit a request for grant funding to the next meeting of this Committee, taking into account any cupboards supplied. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 18 |
GRANT APPLICATION - CCTV MAST ON WEST VIEW Prior to the item be discussed Councillor David Kearns declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was a Board Member of North Hertfordshire Homes, he advised that he would take part in the debate and vote. Members expressed some concern that funding was not being sought from North Herts Homes or the Police and that providing a camera post did not automatically mean that a camera would be available to place on it. They felt that this should be supported, but that, at a suitable time, a report should be submitted to the Committee detailing how many incidents were captured and what action was taken following those incidents. RESOLVED: (1) That grant funding of £758.00 be awarded from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of placing a mobile CCTV mast on West View; (2) That the Community Development Officer be requested, at a suitable time, to submit a report to the Committee detailing how many incidents were captured and what action was taken following those incidents. REASON FOR DECISION: To provide support for the local community to help reduce anti-social behaviour. |
Agreed | ||
| 19 |
WARD AND OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS - MEMBERS' REPORTS Councillor David Levett gave a verbal presentation regarding the Herts at War visit to the trenches, which he attended on 18 May 2013. He advised that visits were made to the battlefield, Passchendaele and the trenches, following the Herts Regiment's movement during World War 1 and Central Government was backing WW1 commemorations. Councillor Julian Cunningham gave a verbal presentation regarding the medal presentation that he attended for Box Cleva. He advised that approximately 12 children received awards. The Community Development Officer advised that Box Cleva would be giving a demonstration at the Leayp event on Saturday 15 June 2013. |
Noted | ||