The Outer West Community Committee of Leeds Council discussed several significant issues, including the proposed closure of Pudsey Civic Hall, the allocation of funds for various community projects, and updates on local initiatives. Decisions were made on funding allocations, while the closure of Pudsey Civic Hall remains under consideration.

Proposed Closure of Pudsey Civic Hall

The Chief Officer (Culture and Economy) presented a report on the budget proposals for the next financial year, which include the potential closure of Pudsey Civic Hall. The venue is not meeting income targets, and significant investment is needed to upgrade the building to meet required standards, including an estimated £328,000 for windows and heating improvements. Members discussed the need for clarity on the EPC rating requirements for commercial buildings and suggested alternative uses for the car park to generate income. There was also a call for better marketing strategies to increase the hall's usage. The Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education explained that the council faces difficult financial decisions and that the condition report for the building is outdated. Members urged further discussions with community groups to explore funding streams and alternative options to keep the building open.

Outer West Community Committee - Finance Report

The Finance Report provided an update on the budget position for various funds, including the Wellbeing Fund, Youth Activity Fund, Capital Budget, and Community Infrastructure Levy Budget for 2023/24. Several projects were discussed and approved, including:

• Bawns and Heights Fun Day: £4,000 approved.
• Pudsey Carnival: £2,600 approved.
• Additional Area Resource at Tyersal Park and New Farnley Park: £6,800 approved.
• Pudsey in Bloom 2024: £5,000 approved.
• Calverley in Bloom 2024: £4,360 approved.
• Get into the community to rock up to do a mock up: £6,000 approved.
• Outer West Easter Holiday YAF Taster Sessions: £2,517 approved.
• Farnley Youth Project: £1,950 approved.
• Farnley Football Project: £1,125 approved.
• Andy’s Youth Project @ Robin Lane: £1,560 approved.
• Wortley Youth Project at Lower Wortley Community Centre: £1,180 approved.
• Summer Holiday Targeted Provision: £2,239.43 approved.
• Breeze in the park: £11,400 approved.
• Rhinos Multi Sport Camps: £6,000 approved.
• DAZL Farnley Dance Programme: £3,997 approved.
• Pudsey Youth Cafe: £4,030 approved.
• Pudsey Youth Cafe (Leeds Well Schools Partnership): £3,000 approved.
• Prince Philip Centre PHAB Club: £465.17 approved.
• Clubhouse (Wortley Football Club): £10,000 approved.
• Western Flatts Play Area: £10,000 approved.
• Outdoor Cricket Nets (Pudsey St Lawrence Cricket Club): £10,000 approved.

Outer West Community Committee - Update Report

The Update Report provided an overview of the work by the Communities Team based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. Key activities included a pilot scheme by West Yorkshire Police called ‘Walk and Talk’ and discussions on drainage issues in parks and the effectiveness of CCTV cameras.

The Outer West Cluster Service

The Targeted Services Lead (Children and Families) provided a verbal update on the work of Clusters in the Outer West Community Committee area. Clusters receive funding from the NHS, Leeds City Council, and schools, and provide support for children and families, including those dealing with domestic abuse. In 2023, there were 1,111 interventions in the area, with referrals to specialist services like Leeds Mind and Victim Support. The service has seen an increase in cases involving autism, ADHD, anxiety, self-harm, and aggressiveness.

King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) and the King's Award for Enterprise (KAE) schemes

The Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire introduced a report on the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) and the King’s Award for Enterprise (KAE) schemes. Members were asked to identify local groups and organisations that might qualify for the awards, which provide prestige and potential funding opportunities. The scheme is open from June until September 2024.