New CEO of the council visits the area

 Thank you to Ed Whiting, Leeds City Council's newish CEO for his visit to the ward yesterday.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal and I, along with Council Officers, provided an overview of the context of the ward and its challenges.

It was encouraging to hear he quickly understood the vast scale of the challenges we face, appreciating that in many ways, the ward really should be three rather than one - and the huge demand that brings in terms of capacity.

From the issues of street cleaning, drugs, poor housing, sex work, and many more - the conversation was honest and direct about our complex set of communities needs.

I also strongly pushed the need to develop a proper governance arrangement for Leeds City Centre beyond business and overall public safety, as are currently arrangements that have not caught up with the reality of a very large residential population.

Partners from West Yorkshire Police - Leeds South gave an honest overview of the demand they face as well.

Thank you to our partner at Hamara Healthy Living Centre, St Luke's CARES, Asha Leeds, Rowland Road WMC, and The Hunslet Club for their time and honest feedback and challenge and their unique view as the third sector.