The Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities) of Leeds Council discussed the ongoing review of Community Committees and provided an annual update on the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy. The Board supported the review's recommendations and endorsed the proposed changes to the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy.

Community Committee Review

James Rogers, Paul Money, and Rachel Marshall presented the ongoing review of Community Committees. Paul Money thanked members for their engagement and provided an overview of the key themes and proposed timeline for the programme of work. The review is moving into a secondary phase focused on implementing initial recommendations, with wider work continuing through 2024 and 2025.

Members discussed the role of Community Committee Champions and recommended introducing a new induction programme and enhanced training. Technological solutions for live streaming meetings from community settings are being explored. The Board also considered how to improve community engagement, noting that the formality of meetings can be a barrier to public attendance. Members proposed sharing best practices to strengthen local arrangements and suggested streamlining formal matters like grant funding approvals to allow more time for discussing residents' priorities.

The Board advocated for better interaction between community committees and the third sector, particularly community anchors. Members also explored engaging 'hard to reach' communities, including those new to the city or with English as a second language. Rachel Marshall confirmed she is exploring the current offer for services to identify gaps in ABCD training¹.

The Board resolved to support the review of Community Committees and their constitutional role, endorse the recommendations and work programme, and request further updates in 2024/25.

Parks & Green Spaces Strategy - Annual Update

James Rogers, Polly Cook, and Emma Trickett provided the annual update on the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy, highlighting significant investment in play equipment and new actions such as delivering new habitats through Biodiversity Net Gain funding, embedding guidance for access to parks for women and girls, switching to electric vehicles, and developing a Green Spaces Play Strategy.

Members requested early engagement in developing the Green Spaces Play Strategy. A masterplan for Tropical World is being created, and previously agreed actions for the site are on hold. The Board discussed the challenges of a shrinking and aging workforce, with Polly Cook noting plans to reintroduce an apprenticeship programme and consider flexible retirement options.

Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of artificial pitches, with ongoing correspondence between the Council and Sports England. The Board discussed the safety of women and girls in greenspaces, with regional recommendations informing design and management. The Parks and Countryside service works with over 100 Friends groups, 30 in bloom groups, and 600 sports clubs, providing vital resources given financial pressures.

The Board considered how to encourage more volunteers and discussed the financial sustainability of the service, with Polly Cook acknowledging the significant financial challenges. The Board also discussed the growing demand for allotment provision and the responsibility of parish councils in delivering this.

The Board resolved to consider progress with delivering the goals and actions set out in the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy, endorse the proposed changes, and request early engagement in developing the Green Spaces Play Strategy.