Annual Report 2018-19 Cllr Mohan Sokhal Greenhead Ward

Annual Report Year May 2018 to May 2019

Cllr Mohan Sokhal MBE JP Greenhead Ward

 On 20^th April 2019 I have completed 30 years as an elected member on Kirklees Council to represent the Residents of formerly Paddock Ward and now Greenhead Ward. So it’s a great honour for me to continue to serve my Residents across the boundaries’ of Greenhead Ward and see people as individuals and Groups in all areas from Paddock, Marsh, Edgerton, Springwood, Gledholt , Birkby, Fartown , Hillhouse Lane, Cowcliffe and Norwood Estate.

Surgeries-

I work full time as a Councillor alongside my colleagues Councillor Sheikh Ullah and Councillor Carole Pattison With them I have spent almost every weekend out in the Ward knocking on doors, offering help and getting to know the issues that faces residents on a daily basis

I have dealt with numerous cases of individual enquires such as immigration cases, writing letters of support. I have signed several passport Applications and Driving and Licensing applications during this year.

I have alongside with my Ward colleagues carried out Mobile and Street Surgeries every Saturday mornings and Home visits on Sundays. Dealt with missed Bin collections, dog fouling, yellow/ white lines Fly Tipping, pot holes and planning applications issue

Areas of Focus

As a Council we are facing tough financial challenges. The amount of money we receive from central Government is decreasing every year. This means we have to reshape our services and make changes to what we do and the way we do it.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour-

Some parts of our Ward such as Birkby/Fartown have seen an increase in crime such as Gun shooting, robberies, drug dealing and Ant- Social behaviour. We the three Ward Councillors have worked closely with the Police and Safer Kirklees, speaking to them on a regular basis as well as meeting with the Huddersfield Chief Inspector. Council officers had intensive engagement with local residents. As a result there has been much improvement in Birkby/ Fatown and other parts of our Ward.

New Primary School Edgerton- Although Building work has been delayed but

 Reception Classes have been started to improve the over scribed School admissions in other Schools

Birkby & Fartown Library—As the Birkby/ Fartown Community Centre building has been taken over by the Birkby Junior School for the expansion of other four class rooms, we are working hard with the Community and Council officers to relocate these facilities within the walking distance of Library. Feasibility study is underway with regard to scale, design and cost, discussions are going on and I am confident this will take place in the very near future.

Hill Community Fund— we are extremely pleased that Hill house one of the most deprived area of our Ward have some investment to install green measures and energy efficacy to homes. This has been generated from the feed in tariff of solar panels. We are working with residents, Housing officers to ensure each houses was surveyed and presented with a number of options to make their homes warmer.

Fly tipping- this is a major problem not only in our Ward but all over Kirklees. We have worked with Council officers and local residents and successfully caught and prosecuted a number of people through a combination of CCTV and other evidence from the scene.

Business Manager (Chief Whip)

I have been appointed Business Manager of Labour Group in the year of2018/19.

My role in brief was to ensure that Labour Group Members were aware of the Group Policies and that Group Members vote in accordance with the Group policies when required. Liaise between the Group Leadership and Group Members, ensuring the comments and information were fed back from members to the Leadership.

I have been monitoring the attendance levels of Labour members at Labour Group, Full Council and Committees meetings.

Also I prepared the Whip reports for sitting Councillors who wished to stand again in Local Elections.

Also I taken disciplinary actions against members who failed to pay Council Taxes and dealt with some complaints from members of public and of the Labour Party.

Attendance- Local community groups and Organisations

I attended the Local communities Group and Organisations meetings such as Sikh Leisure centre, Marsh Forum, BIRKBY and Far town activities events, Friends of Greenhead Park, Norman Park, Ward and NMG, Hillhouse Greening Gap, Greenhead Ward Branch Labour Party and Huddersfield CLP meetings.

Also I attended Colne Valley Constituents meetings regularly and updated Council Businesses.

Full Council and Committees Meetings

From May 2018 to May 2019 I attended all the Full Council meetings- attendance record 100% and Labour Group meetings attendance record 100%

The following Committees and Sub Committees and Panels attended-

Standards Committee and Assessment Panels

Huddersfield Planning Sub Committees

Heavy Woollen Planning Sub Committee

Strategic Planning Committee

Licensing and Safety Committee

Kirklees Active Leisure

Business Managers Meetings

As a Sub. I attended many Corporate Governance Audit committee and strategic planning committee meetings

Overview Scrutiny and Management Committee Call in meeting

West Yorkshire Pension Funds as a Sub.

Also I attended and took part in LDF Sessions

Training and learning sessions

I have attended many training events and updates-

2018/9

LGA your Leadership offer.

Representing in a digital     

LGA New Demands             

Councillor and the third

Sector                                    

2018/19

Licensing and Safety committee Training

Planning Committees training

Early intervention and prevention

Business Manager Training January

Child and sexual exploitation.

Effective Member officer Relationship

Labour Group Development Seminars-

   

Mohan

12^th September 2019

Annual Report 2017-2018: Cllr Mohan Sokhal

I would like to thank the residents of Greenhead Ward for re-electing me as a Ward Councillor this year in the May Local Elections. So it’s a great honour for me to continue to serve my residents across the boundaries of Greenhead Ward and see people as individuals and Groups in all areas from Paddock, Marsh, Edgerton, Springwood, Gledholt, Birkby, Fartown, Hillhouse Lane, Cowcliffe and Norwood Estate.

Surgeries-

I work full time as a Councillor alongside my colleagues Councillor Sheikh Ullah and Councillor Carole Pattison With them I have spent almost every weekend out in the Ward knocking on doors, offering help and getting to know the issues that faces residents on a daily basis

I have dealt with numerous cases of individual enquiries such as immigration cases, writing letters of support. I have signed several passport applications and driving and licensing applications during this year.

I have alongside with my ward colleagues carried out Mobile and Street Surgeries every Saturday mornings and Home visits on Sundays. Dealt with missed bin collections, dog fouling, yellow/white lines fly tipping, pot holes and planning applications issues.

We are facing challenges in Greenhead Ward as follows-

School admissions are oversubscribed. But we are going to have a new primary school at Edgerton in our Ward. Although school building is not started due to planning application delayed but reception classes have been stated in a temporary porta-cabin build from September this year.

We are facing biggest challenge in our ward closure of Birkby and Fartown Community Centre as the Birkby Junior School would like to take over the building for the expansion of other four class rooms there. We the ward councillors are trying our best to keep the library in the area.

Under the drastic budget cuts by the central Government we as a Council are doing our best to keep the essential services going on.

Business Manager (Chief Whip)

I have been appointed Business Manager of Labour Group in for the year of 2017/18. My role in brief was to ensure that Labour Group Members were aware of the group policies and that Group members vote in accordance with the Group policies when required. Liaise between the group leadership and group members, ensuring the comments and information were fed back from the members to the Leadership.

I have been monitoring the attendance levels of Labour members at Labour Group, Full Council and committee meetings.

Also I prepared the Whip’s reports for sitting councillors who wished to stand again in Local Elections.

Also I taken disciplinary action again members who failed to pay Council Taxes and dealt with some complains from members of the Labour Party.

Attendance- Local community groups and Organisations

I attended the Local communities Group and Organisations meetings such as Sikh Leisure Centre, Marsh Forum, Birkby and Fartown activities events, Friends of Greenhead Park, Norman Park, Ward and NMG, Hillhouse Greening Gap, Greenhead Ward Branch Labour Party and Huddersfield CLP meetings.

Also I attended Colne Valley constituents meetings regularly and updated council businesses.

Full Council and committee meetings

From May 2017 to May 2018 I attended all the Full Council meetings- attendance record 100% and Labour Group meetings attendance record 100%

The following Committees and Sub Committees and Panels attended-

• Standards Committee and Assessment Panels
• Huddersfield Planning Sub Committees
• Heavy Woollen Planning Sub Committee
• Strategic Planning Committee
• Licensing and Safety Committee
• Kirklees Active Leisure
• Business Managers Meetings

As a substitute member I attended many Corporate Governance Audit committee and strategic planning committee meetings.

• Overview Scrutiny and Management Committee Call in meeting
• West Yorkshire Pension Funds as a Sub.
• Also I attended and took part in LDF Sessions

Training and learning sessions

I have attended many training events and updates- 

• LGA your Leadership offer.
• Representing in a digital     
• LGA New Demands             
• Councillor and the third
• Sector                                    

2017/18 

• Licensing and Safety committee Training
• Planning Committees training
• Early intervention and prevention
• Business Manager Training January 2017
• Child and sexual exploitation.
•  
• Councillor Officer Relationships 2.2.2017
• Effective Member officer Relationship 6.3.2017
• Labour Group Development Seminars- 21.1. 2017 and 1.4.2017

 

Annual Report 2016-2017: Cllr Mohan Sokhal

I am pleased to continue to serve the residents across the boundaries of Greenhead Ward and see people as individuals and groups in all areas from Paddock, Marsh, Edgerton, Springwood, Gledholt, Birkby, Fartown, Hillhouse Lane, Cowcliffe and Norwood Estate. There are Tenants and Residents Associations in my Ward, which I try to attend meetings as many as I can. I attend Marsh Forum, Friends of Greenhead Park and Trinity and Greenhead Park Association.

 

I have dealt with numerous cases of individual enquires such as immigration cases, writing letters of support. I have signed several passport Applications and Driving and Licensing applications during this year. 

 

I have alongside with my Ward colleagues carried out Mobile and Street Surgeries every Saturday mornings and Home visits on Sundays. Dealt with missed Bin collections, dog fouling, yellow/ white lines and planning applications issues.

 

This year June 8th 2017 General Elections I have campaigned day and night with my colleagues in the Constituents of Huddersfield (Barry Sheerman) Colne Valley (Thelma Walker) Dewsbury (Paula Sheriff ) and Batley and Spen ( Tracy Bravin ) and we won all the four seats in Kirklees.

 

Biggest surprised win for Thelma Walker who took seat from well-established Tory MP (Jason McCartney)

We are facing challenges in Greenhead Ward as follows-

• School admissions are oversubscribed. But we are going to have a new Primary School at Edgerton in our Ward. Hopefully will be completed by end of 2018.
• Lack of Leisure activities for young people mainly in Marsh and Paddock areas.
• Pressure of migration of different nationalities particularly from Eastern 
• Europeans in the Schools such as different languages.
• Health and Wellbeing of Local communities—high level of Diabetes/ heart deceases. Very high within Asian communities in Birkby and Fartown areas.

Business Manager (Chief Whip)

I have been appointed Business Manager of Labour Group in for the year of 2016/17. My role in brief was to ensure that Labour Group Members were aware of the Group Policies and that Group members vote in accordance with the Group policies when required. Liaise between the Group Leadership and Group members, ensuring the comments and information were fed back from the members to the Leadership.

I have been monitoring the attendance levels of Labour members at Labour Group, Full Council and committees meetings.

 

Also I prepared the Whip’s reports for sitting Councillors who wished to stand again in Local Elections.

 

Also I taken disciplinary action again members who failed to pay Council Taxes and dealt with some complaints from members of the Labour Party.

 

Attendance- Local community groups and Organisations

I attended the Local communities Group and Organisations meetings such as Sikh Leisure centre, Marsh Forum, Birkby and Fartown activities events, Friends of Greenhead Park, Norman Park, Ward and NMG, Hillhouse Greening Gap, Greenhead Ward Branch Labour Party and Huddersfield CLP meetings.

Also I attended Colne Valley Constituents meetings regularly and updated Council Businesses.

 

Full Council and Committees Meetings

From May 2016 to May 2017, I attended all the Full Council meetings- attendance record 100% and Labour Group meetings. Attendance record 92 100%

 

The following Committees and Sub Committees and Panels attended-

• Standards Committee and Assessment Panels
• Huddersfield Planning Sub Committees
• Heavy Woollen Planning Sub Committee
• Licensing and Safety Committee
• Huddersfield District Committee
• Kirklees Active Leisure

As a Sub. I attended many Corporate Governance Audit committee and strategic planning committee meetings

Overview Scrutiny and Management Committee Call in meeting

West Yorkshire Pension Funds as a Sub.

Also I attended and took part in LDF Sessions

 

Training and learning sessions

I have attended many training events and updates- such as Business Manager Training for the Labour Group as well as Council, Regional and LGA Training as follows-

 

2016-

• LGA your Leadership offer. 19,7.2016
• Representing in a digital 27.7.2016
• District Committee 3.8.2016
• LGA New Demands 9.9. 2016
• Councillor and the third sector 7.10.2016

2016/17

• Licensing and Safety committee Training
• Planning Committees training
• Early intervention and prevention
• Business Manager Training January 2017
• Yorkshire& Humber Doorstep Training for campaign coordinators CLP Chairs. MP’S .
• Child and sexual exploitation.
• Councillor Officer Relationships 2.2.2017
• Effective Member officer Relationship 6.3.2017
• Labour Group Development Seminars- 21.1. 2017 and 1.4.2017

 

Annual Report 2015-2016: Cllr Mohan Sokhal

I am pleased to continue to serve the residents across the boundaries of Greenhead Ward and see people as individuals and groups in all areas from Paddock, Marsh, Edgerton, Springwood, Gledholt, Birkby, Fartown, Hillhouse Lane, Cowcliffe and Norwood Estate. There are Tenants and Residents Associations in my Ward, which I try to attend meetings as many as I can. I attend Marsh Forum, Friends of Greenhead Park and Trinity and Greenhead Park Association.

I have dealt with numerous cases of individual enquires such as immigration cases, writing letters of support. I have signed several passport Applications and Driving and Licensing applications during this year.

I have alongside with my Ward colleagues carried out Mobile and Street Surgeries every Saturday mornings and Home visits on Sundays. Dealt with missed Bin collections, dog fouling, yellow/ white lines and planning applications issues.

I have campaigned in this year’s May Local Elections in Greenhead Ward and  re- elected Cllr Sheikh Ullah. Also I campaigned in other Wards such as Newsome, Croslandmoor and Netherton and Lindley.

We are facing challenges in Greenhead Ward as follows-

• School admissions are oversubscribed.
• Lack of Leisure activities for young people mainly in Marsh and Paddock areas.
• Pressure of migration of different nationalities particularly from Eastern
• Europeans in the Schools such as different languages.
• Health and Wellbeing of Local communities—high level of Diabetes/ heart deceases. Very high within Asian communities in Birkby and Fartown areas.

Business Manager (Chief Whip)

I have been appointed Business Manager of Labour Group in for the year of 2015/16. My role in brief was to ensure that Labour Group Members were aware of the Group Policies and that Group members vote in accordance with the Group policies when required. Liaise between the Group Leadership and Group members, ensuring the comments and information were fed back from the members to the Leadership.

I have been monitoring the attendance levels of Labour members at Labour Group, Full Council and committees meetings.

Also I prepared the Whip’s reports for sitting Councillors who wished to stand again in Local Elections.

Also I taken disciplinary action again members who failed to pay Council Taxes and dealt with some complains from members of the Labour Party.

Attendance- Local community groups and Organisations

I attended the Local communities Group and Organisations meetings such as Sikh Leisure centre, Marsh Forum, Birkby and Fartown activities events, Friends of Greenhead  Park, Norman Park, Ward and NMG, Hillhouse Greening Gap, Greenhead Ward Branch Labour Party and Huddersfield CLP meetings.

Full Council and Committees Meetings

From May 2015 to May 2016, I attended all the Full Council meetings and Labour Group meetings. Attendance record 100%

The following Committees and Sub Committees and Panels attended-

• Standards Committee and Assessment Panels
• Huddersfield Planning Sub Committees
• Heavy Woollen Planning Sub Committee
• Licensing and Safety Committee
• Huddersfield District Committee
• Kirklees Active Leisure

As a Sub. I attended many Corporate Governance Audit committee and strategic planning committee meetings

• Overview Scrutiny and Management Committee Call in meeting
• West Yorkshire Pension Funds as a Sub.
• Also I attended and took part in LDF Sessions

Training and learning sessions

• Attended Planning Annual Update Training
• Attended Annual Update Licensing and Safety Training
• Child Exploitation Training session
• Attended Business Managers Training in Leeds arranged by Regional Labour Party.
• Kirklees Budget sessions

Annual Report 2014-2015: Cllr Mohan Sokhal

I am very pleased to continue to serve the residents across the boundaries of Greenhead Ward and see people as individuals and as groups in all areas from Paddock, Marsh, Edgerton, Springwood, Birkby, Fartown, Hill House Lane, Cowcliffe and Norwood Estate. There are Tenants and Residents Associations in my Ward, which I try to attend meetings as many as I can. I attend Marsh Forum, Friends of Greenhead Park and Trinity and Greenhead Park Association.

 

I have dealt with numerous cases of individual enquiries such as immigration cases, writing letters of support. I have signed several passport Applications and driving Licence applications

 

During the year, I have alongside my Ward colleagues carried out Mobile Surgeries every Saturday morning.

 

I campaigned in Local and General Elections in May 2015 and supported two local Labour Councillors and Parliamentary Candidates win their elections.  

 

Achievements

 

We have introduced the double mini roundabout on Wheathouse Road with junction of Birkby Hall Road to improve the safety of local residents on this very congested part of Birkby. We have also resurfaced part of Thorn Hill Road in Marsh.

 

Marsh Playworld which I supported last year is proving a great success for young children and their parents.

 

We are facing some challenges in Greenhead Ward as follows: 

• Lack of suitable and affordable housing provision
• High rate crime
• School Admissions are over subscribed
• Lack of Leisure activities for young people
• Pressure of migration of different nationalities particularly from Eastern Europeans in the Schools such different languages.
• Health and Wellbeing of Local community—high levels of Diabetes/ heart deceases. Very high South Asian communities.  

Business Manager (Chief Whip)

 

I have been appointed Business Manager of Labour Group since year 2011 and again in 2015. My role in brief is to ensure that Labour Group members are aware of the Group policies and that Group members vote in accordance with the Group policies when required. Liaise between the Group Leadership and Group members, ensuring that comments and information are fed back from the members to the Leadership.

 

I have been monitoring the attendance levels of Labour members at Council or Committee meetings and their activities in the communities. 

 

I prepare the Whip’s reports for sitting Councillors who wish to stand again in Local Elections.

 

Attendance

 

Local Community Group and Organisations

 

I attended the Local communities Group and Organisations meetings such as Sikh Leisure Centre, Marsh Forum. Birkby and Fartown activities events, Children Centre Advisory Boards, Friends of Greenhead Park, Neighbourhood and Management Groups Town Centre. 

• I attended monthly ward meetings with Council Officers.
• Council Meetings and CommitteesFrom May 2014 to May 2015 I have attended all the Full Council Meetings and the following committees and sub committees or panels
• Standards Committee and assessment Panels
• Huddersfield Planning Sub Committees
• Heavy Woollen Planning Sub Committees
• Licensing and Safety Committee
• Huddersfield District Committee

As a Sub I attended many corporate governance audit committee and strategic planning committee meetings.  

• Outside Bodies
• Birkby and Fartown Children Advisory Board MGH
• Marsh Forum
• Sacre meetings
• West Yorkshire pension funds
• Training or learning I have undertaken
• Attended Planning Annual update Training
• Attended Annual update Licensing and Safety committee Training
• IT training
• Child Exploitation Training Session

Annual Report 2013/2014: Cllr Mohan Sokhal

My ward colleagues and I work together with support from my Greenhead Branch members, across the Greenhead Ward, to help individual residents or community groups in all areas from Paddock, Marsh, Edgerton, Springwoods, Birkby, Fartown, Hillhouse Lane, Cowcliffe and Norwood Estate. 

There are Tenants and Residents Associations in my Ward, and I try to attend as many meetings as I can. I attend Marsh Forum, Friends of Greenhead Park and Trinity and Greenhead Park Association.

I have dealt with numerous cases of individual enquiries such as immigration cases, writing letters of support. I have signed several passport applications and driving licence applications

During the year, I have alongside my Ward colleagues, carried out mobile surgeries every Saturday morning

I worked hard in my Local Election in May 2014 and won the election with a highest majority in Kirklees.

 

Local Achievements

• We introduced the one way system on Blacker Road and a customer parking scheme for people who visit the Shops.
• We successfully campaigned to remove the boulders which were blocking the access to the car park in Marsh. 
• We worked with shop owners in Marsh and Birkby to improve security and enhance the local area and have prevented any new take-aways from opening in Marsh.
• We successfully campaigned to prevent a large wedding banqueting hall from opening and attracted a new business to the former DIY store in Marsh.
• Playworld is a new project that has opened in Marsh which provides activities for young people in Marsh and surrounding areas.
• Many roads surfaces have been renewed such as Springwood Hall Gardens, Blacker Road and Thornhill Road.
• Greenhead Park improvements: a new Petanque Court and a Bowling Pavilion was also opened.
• Every year we get Christmas trees in Paddock, Marsh and Birkby.

 

Challenges for the year ahead

We are facing some challenges in Greenhead Ward as follows:

• Lack of suitable and affordable housing provision
• High rate crime
• School Admissions are oversubscribed.
• Lack of Leisure activities for young people
• Pressure of migration of different nationalities particularly from Eastern Europeans in the schools such different languages.
• Health and wellbeing of local community—high levels of diabetes/ heart diseases. Very high in South Asian communities.

Business Manager (Chief Whip)

 

I have been Business Manager since year 2011. I liaise between the group leadership and group members, ensuring that comments and information are fed back from the members to the leadership

I monitor the attendance levels of Labour members at Council or committee meetings and their activities in the communities. 

 

I prepare the reports for sitting councillors who wish to stand again in local elections.

 

Attendance

Local Community Group and Organisations

 

I have attended meetings at local community groups such as Sikh Leisure Centre and Marsh Forum. Also Birkby and Fartown activities events, Children Centre Advisory Boards, Friends of Greenhead Park, Neighbourhood and Management Groups Town Centre, NMG and others.

 Council Meetings and Committees

 

From May 2013 to May 2014 I have attended all the Full Council meetings and the following committees or panels:

• Standards Committee and assessment Panels
• Huddersfield Planning Sub Committees
• Heavy Woollen Planning Sub Committees
• Licensing and Safety Committee
• Huddersfield Area Committee

 

Outside Bodies

• Birkby and Fartown Children Advisory Board MGH
• Marsh Forum
• NMG Huddersfield
• Regular meetings with Highways officers and NMG
• Sacre meetings
• West Yorkshire pension funds

 

Training

I have attended Council’s workshops Seminars on Full Council meetings and Labour Group seminars

• Attended Planning Annual update Training
• Attended Annual update Licensing and Safety committee Training

 

Streetivity...Marsh's first outdoor nativity!

A great turn out from local people

On Saturday the 14th December Marsh had its first outdoor nativity. Young people from Marsh put together a script and acted out the nativity walking from the recreation ground at Smiths avenue through the back streets of Marsh to finish with a Carol service at the Junction Inn. Cllr Judith Hughes supported the youth team at Gledholt Methodist church, Marsh Forum and Kirklees Integrated Youth team, who worked hard in preparing & performing at the event. Cllrs Hughes and Sokhal attended the event and were pleasantly surprised as to how many residents attended and hope to support the event next year.

A Service of Celebration to mark the 100th Birthday of St Cuthbert's

On 12th December 1913, the first act of worship took place at St Cuthbert's when the Bishop of Wakefield, Dr Eden, dedicated the Parish Hall to be used for all services until the main church was built on the adjacent site.

Ward Cllrs Sokhal and Hughes attended the 100th Birthday celebration at the church and were warmly welcomed by Bishop Tony Robinson and the vicar the Rev'd Mary Railton-Crowder.