BRADFORD
TRIDENT, NDC PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEETING
of a Meeting of the Board held at The Foyer, 1 Coates Street, West Bowling,
Bradford on Thursday 11 March 2004.
Commenced:
1705 Concluded: 1840
PRESENT
Councillor Ian Greenwood (Chair)
Community Directors:
Greg Lucas (West Bowling)
Jahnzaib Sarwar (West Bowling)
Joe Holloway (Marshfields)
Isa Khan (Marshfields)
Councillor Directors:
Taj Salam - Council Director
Faith Directors:
Sister Julie McGing - Faith Director
Mohammed Khan - Faith Director
Voluntary Sector Director:
Ali Jan Haider - Voluntary Sector Forum
Business Directors:
David Austin - Allan Austin Sports
Nick Baggio - Ivy Guest House
RSL Director:
Will Jennings - Bradford & Northern Housing Association
LSC Director:
Angela Dobson - Learning + Skills Council
Advisers:
David Wilkinson
Samarah Lee - Youth Ambassador
Also in attendance:
Guy Denton - Whitelaw Turkington - for item 5 only
Jonathan Ketteridge - Gleeds - for item 5 only
Staff in attendance:
Steve Hartley - Chief Executive
David Mosley - Company Secretary
Chas Stansfield - Programme Manager
Judith Atkinson - Programme Manager
Andy Brennan - Programme Manager
Wayne Noteman - Housing Projects Manager
Darrell Gregoire - Programme Co-ordinator
Sue Naughton - Programme Co-ordinator
Zubare Khan - Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Claudia Dacres - PA to Chief Executive
Ian Greenwood conveyed congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the
Trident Board to Amjad Ali and his family on the birth of their baby daughter, Iman.
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND INTRODUCTIONS
Apologies were received from:
Amjad Ali - Community Director
Zamurrad Khan - Community Director
Munawar Khan - Community Director
Nawaz Khan - Community Director
Lil Acklam - Community Director
Jamshed Khan - Community Director
Zahera Hanif - Community Director
Simon Cooke - Council Director
Lynnette Throp - Health Director
Dave Richardson - Police Director
Roz Hall - BMDC Regeneration Partnership
Mark Fielding - (Interact) Bradford Trident Communications Manager
Ian Hague - Neighbourhood Manager
Umar Hayat - Programme Co-ordinator
2. MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING OF 12 FEBRUARY 2004
2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2004 were agreed as
a correct record.
Angela Dobson queried whether any progress had been made
regarding the collection of learning targets within the Delivery Plan.
Steve Hartley explained that he had looked again at the local Learning
Partnership Strategy and they had some issues, which would be
discussed with Cynthia Richardson. He added that there were issues
collecting data on pupils progressing to work based learning.
Joe Holloway queried whether any progress had been made regarding
Housing Association tenants' exclusion from the Warm Front scheme.
It was noted that Wayne Noteman was currently dealing with this issue.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Greg Lucas, Isa Khan, Will Jennings, Taj Salam, Zubare Khan for item 6.2,
Pilot Universal Matched Incentive. Ian Greenwood for item 8 (1), Bradford
Centre Regeneration Masterplan. Taj Salam for item 8 (2), Urban Bus
Challenge.
4. BOARD MATTERS
A paper was presented by Steve Hartley for the Board's discussion and
decision on various matters.
4.1 NDC 4th National Conference
Steve reminded Directors that the Conference would be held on 7 and 8 June,
during the time of the local elections. Each NDC could nominate 5 delegates
and Steve was suggesting 3 Community Directors (1 from each area), 1
Youth Ambassador and one member of staff. Delegate names were required
by the NRU by Friday 12 March.
Joe Holloway had discussed this with Isa Khan and had agreed to represent
the Marshfield area, Greg Lucas agreed to represent the West Bowling area
and Jamshed Khan had fed through his agreement to represent the Park
Lane area. Samara Lee would discuss with the other Youth Ambassadors
and advise who would be attending. Steve Hartley would attend as the staff
representative.
4.2 National NDC Residents Conference ñ 21/22 May 2004, Bradford
Council
Steve reminded Directors of the Residents Conference planned for May which
was being organised by the Urban Forum. Greg Lucas, Jamshed Khan and
Kevin Maxim had been involved in the planning of the event. Steve stressed
the need for a large number of directors to become involved as facilitators.
Directors who are interested should contact Steve direct, alternatively Steve
will approach specific directors.
4.3 National Neighbourhood Management Network
Keynote Event, Odsal Stadium, 23 March 2004
Steve advised Directors that the NM event would be held at Odsal Stadium
with a particular emphasis on engaging young people. Directors who were
interested in becoming involved were asked to contact either Ian Hague or Umar Hayat.
4.4 Code of Conduct - Seminar
Steve advised directors that, following approval of the revised Code of
Conduct at the December Board meeting where it was agreed a seminar
would be arranged, this would be held at the next Directors' Briefing meeting
on Thursday 25 March 2004. Steve added this would be a particularly useful
session for the Board and urged directors to attend.
4.5 Year 5 Delivery Plan 2004/05
Steve advised directors that initial feedback on the Delivery Plan had been
positive with only minor additions required. The Plan would be submitted to
GOYH by 17 March 2004.
5. MANCHESTER ROAD BRIDGE
- Feasibility Study Presentation by Whitelaw Turkington
Guy Denton, of Whitelaw Turkington, and Jonathan Ketridge, of Gleeds, gave
a presentation on the Manchester Road Bridge.
Guy outlined the process in developing the new design including the existing
bridge and environment, strategic location importance and consultation
mechanisms. He also focused on the concept design. Jonathan Ketridge
outlined the costs, which were currently estimated at £3.1m.
Isa Khan requested more detailed information including details of other
elevations as well as feedback on how the design had been selected.
Jonathan explained that different groups had made an input to the design
which was regarded as a landmark for the future.
David Wilkinson commended the safety element and queried how CCTV
would be incorporated into the design. Guy advised that three cameras would
be built in for total coverage.
Ali Jan Haider made several observations. He questioned, during the
community consultations, whether residents were able to visualise the bridge
in order to inform their decision. He felt the bar charts reflecting costs
seemed too perfectly positioned and he enquired whether there would be an
opportunity to view other similarly constructed bridges. Guy Denton explained
he led a workshop including a slide show which provided examples in order to
try and stimulate a visual image of the bridge. He added the consultation
process did not focus solely on the design but included other areas such as its
location. Jonathan advised the bar charts used were based upon a
comparative study of 11 bridges within the UK, however the intention would
be to keep costs to a minimum. Guy advised the Harbour Bridge in Swansea
was similar in design, however Ian Greenwood referred to the bridge over the
Bingley By-pass as the nearest example.
Joe Holloway felt that as building projects across Bradford seldom came
within budget, he queried the actual cost of the bridge. Jonathan explained
the estimated figure was also based upon a contractor undertaking the work,
work completed on other similar schemes and issues such as ground
conditions.
David Wilkinson felt in comparing the bridge to the Bingley By-pass, the 1.4m
parapet may need to be addressed at some stage. He added it was crucial
that Bradford Trident was satisfied, as this would provide a unique opportunity
to get a "wow" factor for Bradford. He stressed the importance of obtaining
backing from the wider Bradford agencies. Steve Hartley agreed the bridge
would provide a positive factor and was something with which local people
would like to see. However he felt the immediate need was to gain interest
from other agencies in order to provide funding. On behalf of the Board he
offered to promote the bridge across Bradford to identify funding sources and
come back to the Board with the outcome.
Taj Salam empathised with some of the reservations made, referring to
residents' disappointment with the large amount of money spent on the
guided bus way. He felt it was important to make a clear statement to the
community that a major portion of the funding would be provided by other
agencies and not only from Bradford Trident. He added this should be driven
by as much publicity as possible.
Ian Greenwood added the current issue remained that of obtaining funding
from other sources, by negotiating with the Council, Yorkshire Forward,
Government Office, URC etc in order to financially get them on board.
Steve Hartley and his staff were asked to evaluate the possibility of other
funding streams.
Action: Chief Executive
Ian Greenwood, on behalf of the Board, thanked Guy and Jonathan for the
design and their presentation.
6. APPRAISALS
A report was presented by Steve Hartley presenting the Bradford Trident Job
Brokerage Years 5 & 6 and Pilot Universal Matched Incentive appraisals for
Board approval.
6.1 Bradford Trident Job Brokerage (Years 5 and 6)
Andy Brennan advised the Board that the appraisal had been presented to the
Jobs & Business Working Group on 24 February. Although the meeting had
not been quorate, which meant no decision had been made, approval had
subsequently been reached via the written approval of the Working Group
members.
Andy added the contract had been in place for 2 years but was due to end at
the end of this month. He commended the work undertaken on the project by
At Work and outlined the outputs achieved. Over 2002/03 187 Trident
residents had been placed into jobs (set against a target of 150). They were
on target to again exceed 150 this year. Although costs had increased, NDC
funding had been reduced. For the first 2 years NDC costs had been around
£450,000, however the new commitment will be around £255,000 as At Work
have arranged matched funding. A major task will be to keep up the
standards of delivery and a robust sustainable strategy once funding ceases
from Bradford Trident.
Ali Jan Haider asked what proportion of the Trident residents placed into jobs
were still in employment after 3 and then 6 months. Andy agreed to provide
Ali Jan with these details. Ali Jan also queried the objective of placing 82
ethnic minority residents into jobs. Andy advised that this figure had
previously been exceeded and that the majority of people placed were of
Asian background.
Angela Dobson questioned the quality and types of jobs people were being
placed into and enquired whether opportunities were being maximised to
maintain training. Andy advised that generally the positions were low skilled
and low paid, however there was continuity. At Work also provide an
independent 'In Work' training provision to support people who are placed
within an organisation including a help line number. David Wilkinson
commented that the retention rate had been much higher than anticipated.
Isa Khan queried whether funding could be achieved from other outside
sources. Andy advised that although other funding had been identified,
Bradford Trident would provide funding for the next two years. Both Steve
Hartley and Andy Brennan would negotiate with the Council as well as
Yorkshire Forward in order to identifying funding beyond the next 2 years.
The Board approved the appraisal.
Proposed by Joe Holloway
Seconded by Jahnzaib Sarwar
All in favour.
6.2 Pilot Universal Matched Incentive scheme 2004
Wayne Noteman advised Directors that the Housing and Development
Working Group had approved the appraisal which forms part of the wider
strategy to improve property standards, values and sustainability. The
appraisal offers a number of packages. Currently there are 3 packages
offering assistance with windows, domestic roofs and central heating. The
proposal is to include other areas which residents have identified as important
to them. The total scheme cost would be £387,000 with a cost to Bradford
Trident of £280,000. The remainder will be made up by resident's
contributions which, although not yet agreed, could be approximately
£160,000 dependent upon what the residents' requirements would be.
Wayne added the programme was anticipated to commence in April/May and
would run until 31 March 2005, by which time there would be some indication
as to the likely take-up. Immediate feedback is very positive with 80 people
registering their interest. 50 homes were proposed for the pilot, however
eligibility criteria still needed to be addressed.
Ian Greenwood advised that the scheme addressed concerns expressed by
some residents that they were not offered any support. If the take up
exceeded 65% additional funding would be required, however this could be
achieved. Following evaluation of the first year a decision would be taken on
extending the scheme for the life of Bradford Trident.
Taj Salam queried the increased costs in rewiring since this had first been
offered. Wayne Noteman advised this was a revised figure of 'up to' £3,000.
Taj felt it was important to make this clear to residents in order to avoid the
difficulties experienced in the past. Ian Greenwood felt an explanatory leaflet
was required, however he advised that for the later schemes there had been
very few complaints regarding Facelift.
Joe Holloway remarked that this scheme should have been available to assist
those people ineligible for other schemes 2 years ago. Ian Greenwood
commented that the Housing and Development Working Group were striving
to ensure that there was something available for all residents who required
assistance.
Taj Salam commended the work already undertaken on Marsh Street,
however he reiterated the need to prevent previous problems by ensuring
contractors are aware of what was expected from them. Wayne Noteman felt
the previous problems would not reoccur, however there would be an element
of managing the issues of expectation by the community.
Steve Hartley informed the Board that the Working Group had worked hard to
create a scheme with a much clearer system, however it may not satisfy all
members of the community who may prefer Facelift. Clarity would be
required on what was being offered and what would be allowed under the
scheme.
Mohammed Khan enquired whether the majority of the 50 properties were
proportional. Ian Greenwood felt this was an area, which needed to be
explored further. Some initial thought had already been given to an allocation
system and possible waiting list, however the Working Group would discuss
this in detail.
A brief discussion took place on how people were included on any potential
waiting list. Ian Greenwood advised that anyone who had made an enquiry or
for whom an enquiry had been made had been included. Greg Lucas
commended the scheme, however he advised that some residents, like
himself, had been turned away when registering an interest. Ian Greenwood
agreed this would be looked into.
Nick Baggio queried whether businesses would be addressed in the same
manner. Steve Hartley advised that both Wayne Noteman and Andy Brennan
were considering a possible commercial Facelift scheme. They were still in
the early stages of pulling together research. Nick felt some sensitivity was
needed as some properties were split between commercial and residential.
Angela Dobson advised the Board that a precedent had already been set by
the Dewsbury Partnership who had undertaken clean up work on the front of
business properties.
Ian Greenwood felt this was a huge achievement for Bradford Trident which
was beginning to show the benefits in the quality of residents' properties.
The Board approved the appraisal.
Proposed by Ali Jan Haider
Seconded by Taj Salam
All in favour.
Agreed:
1. That the "Bradford Trident Job Brokerage Years 5 & 6" appraisal and
NDC funding of £355,400 and Trident PACT (phase 2) funding of
£150,000 be approved.
2. That the "Pilot Universal Matched Incentive" appraisal and NDC
funding of £208,875 be approved.
7. WORKING GROUPS ñ REPORT BACK
A report was presented by Programme Managers outlining the actions of all
Working Groups which have met since the last Board meeting.
Andy Brennan advised the Board of two further appraisals which had received
written approval from Working Group members following an inquorate Jobs
and Business Working Group meeting. These were an additional £80,000 for
the New Deal for Business project, due to demand, and £15,000 for SIL
Holdings under the Business Development Grants scheme. Greg Lucas
questioned their ability to create jobs for the area, however, Andy advised
they had tried unsuccessfully, via At Work, to employ local people. Steve
reminded the Board that this item had been raised to inform Directors that a
decision had now been made.
The Board noted the Working Group reports presented.
8. GENERAL MATTERS
A report was presented by Steve Hartley requesting the Board's approval on
the following issues.
8.1 Bradford Centre Regeneration Masterplan
Steve Hartley updated the Board on the URC's response to our comments
regarding the Masterplan. He added that a positive working relationship had
been established with the URC. The benefits to this could already be seen
with the mention of the Manchester Road bridge within their business plan.
8.2 Urban Bus Challenge
Steve outlined the proposed route for the two 'hopper' type buses which had
been awarded funding of £666,812. An analysis would need to be undertaken
and a tendering process for providers and the purchase of buses. Steve
added, once the full costs were known there may be a need to come back to
the Board for additional funding.
9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There were no items of Any Other Business
10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday 29th April 2004, 5.00 pm, Bradford Foyer