Agenda and decisions

To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 19 September 2019.

That the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 19 September 2019 be agreed as a correct record.

Most debates take place in public. This only changes when there is a need to consider certain issues, for instance, commercially sensitive information or details concerning an individual. You will be told at this point whether there are any items on the Agenda which are to be discussed in private.

All items were considered in public session.

The Panel will receive any petitions and hear any deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also hand in a petition at the meeting but that petition should relate to something on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 (2), Members of the Public should provide at least 24 hours’ notice of presenting a deputation.

A deputation was received from Kirklees Climate Emergency –
Trees Moorland and Rewilding Sub Group, with Save Greenhead Trees

The Panel will hear any questions from the general public.

No public questions were received.

The report will provide an update in relation to the development of the Council’s five year Air Quality Action Plan.

Contact Officer: Martin Wood, Operational Manager, Public Protection Service. Tel: 01484 221000

(1) That the Kirklees Five Year Air Quality Action Plan be welcomed and the significant amount of work undertaken by officers in developing this document be acknowledged.

(2) That it be noted that the actions and responsibilities within the action plan lie with the whole of the Council and its partners.

(3) That the following areas of interest be noted as those which the Panel may which to give more detailed consideration in the future:

·         Which measures have proven effective and which provide good value for money.

·         Addressing the issue of vehicles with idling engines particularly outside schools.

·         How the planning system can be used/will address issues in relation to infrastructure to encourage sustainable transport/active travel.

·         Improving infrastructure to encourage travel by public transport/cycling and walking.

·         Encouraging/ facilitating better options for travel to school to reduce use of private cars.

A report will be presented in relation to a new Council Owned Tree and Woodland Management Policy for the implementation of the procedures outlined in the Tree Works Guidance Document and the Tree Risk Management Framework. The report also gives an update on the approach to the White Rose Forest development.

Contact Officer: Rob Dalby, Greenspace Operational Manager. Tel: 01484 221000

(1) That Rob Dalby be thanked for his report and that the development of the Council Owned Tree and Woodland Management Policy and the commitment to the White Rose Forest initiative be welcomed.

(2) That the intention to engage with officers in the planning department in relation to consideration of the treatment of trees and woodland management within the planning process be noted.

(3) That it be recommended that the Greenspace Service should engage with uniformed groups in relation to tree planting volunteering opportunities and that the engagement being undertaken with schools be endorsed

(4)That the policy be brought back to the Panel for consideration should significant amendment be made further to the consultation process.

(5)That it be acknowledged that there will be a need for involvement from partners and the wider community to achieve the objectives of the tree and woodland management plan and that more will need to be done to support and encourage community involvement.

The report will provide an update on the approach being taken with key partners to develop and implement action plans which support the achievement of the outcomes set out in the Strategy.

Contact Officer: Helen Geldart, Head of Housing Services. Tel: 01484 221000

(1) That the holistic approach and positive outcomes being achieved in relation to the prevention of homelessness and rough sleeping in Kirklees be welcomed and that  officers be thanked for their hard work on this issue.

(2) That it be acknowledged that the anticipated apparent increase in numbers of rough sleepers is partly the result of more effective capture of data and proactive work with partners.

(3) That the work being undertaken alongside other agencies to identify people at risk of homelessness at an early stage be welcomed.

(4) That it be recommended that specific reference be made to ex-military personnel as a vulnerable group and that the funding obtained at regional level to focus on work with veterans be noted.

(5) That it be noted that the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) had been in place with effect from 1 October and that the issue of temporary accommodation provision in North Kirklees still needs to be considered in the Council’s approach.

The Panel will review its Work Programme for 2019/20.

Contact Officer: Sheila Dykes, Principal Governance and Democratic Engagement Officer. Tel: 01484 221000

That the Panel’s Work Programme and forthcoming items/activities be noted.