Agenda and minutes

(a)  The Lord Mayor and members of Council congratulated Councillor Wilkinson on his nomination as Deputy Lord Mayor for 2008/2009.

(b)  The Lord Mayor reported that Councillors Minkin, Morton and Mrs A Carter would not be seeking re-election in May and thanked them for their services to the City.

(c)  The Lord Mayor reported that Councillor Minkin had been admitted to hospital with appendicitis and that he had sent to her wishes for an early recovery on behalf of Council.

(d)  The Lord Mayor reported that there would be an extraordinary meeting of the Council on 22^nd May 2008.

To confirm the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 20th February 2008

It was moved by Councillor M Hamilton seconded by Councillor Gruen and

RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 20^th February 2008 be approved.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

The Lord Mayor announced that a list of written declarations submitted by members was on deposit in the public galleries and had been circulated to each member’s place in the Chamber.

Following an invitation to declare further individual interests, in addition to those listed, declarations in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct were made as follows:

(a)  Members declared personal interests in minute 96 of this meeting as follows:

  A McKenna  -  Trustee of registered charity Relate

  Morton  -  Employee, Headingley Development Trust

  -  Governor, Horsforth School

  -  Governor, St Mary’s RC Primary School, Horsfoth

(b)  Councillor Smith declared a personal and prejudicial interest in minute 96 of this meeting insofar as it relates to the amendment (reference back) in that he had a client organisation operating a similar enterprise to Relate.

  (In the event Councillor Smith did not attend the meeting)

(c)  Members declared personal interests in minute 99 of this meeting as follows:

  Anderson  -  Director of Green Leeds Ltd

  -  Member, Environment Agency-Ridings Area Environment Group

  Andrew  -  Member, Guiseley in Bloom

  Bale  -  Society for the Environment (Chartered Environmentalist)

  A Carter  -  Member, Calverley in Bloom

  Robinson  -  Chair of Leeds in Bloom

  -  Executive Committee Member / Chair, Yorkshire in Bloom

  -  Chair of Calverley in Bloom

(d)  Members declared personal interests in minute 102 of this meeting as follows:

  Anderson  -  Director of Green Leeds Ltd

  -  Member, Environment Agency-Ridings Area Environment Group

  Bale  -  Society for the Environment (Chartered Environmentalist)

(e)  A further declaration made during the meeting is referred to in minute 97 (Councillor Grayshon)

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10

Five deputations were admitted to the meeting and addressed Council as follows:

1   West Yorkshire Animals in Need seeking to ban the giving of Goldfish as prizes

2  Access Committee for Leeds regarding disability inclusion through meaningful involvement

3   Retailers and residents of Morley regarding the number of charity shops in Morley  shopping centre

4  Local residents concerned with the deteriorating condition of Tingley Bar roundabout/gyratory

5   Muslim Society of Leeds regarding the future of Bentley Primary School

To consider the following reports admitted to the agenda by the Chief Executive under Council Procedure Rule 2.2(f)

(a)  That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on appointments to the Plans Panel (City Centre) be approved

M HAMILTON

(b)  That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on appointment of an independent member of the Standards Committee be approved.

M HAMILTON

Reports admitted to the agenda in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(f) were considered as follows:

(a)  Appointments to the Plans Panel (City Centre)

  It was moved by Councillor M Hamilton seconded by Councillor J Procter and

  RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on appointments to the Plans Panel (City Centre) be approved.

(b)  Appointment of an Independent Member of the Standards Committee

  It was moved by Councillor M Hamilton seconded by Councillor J Procter and

  RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on the appointment of an independent member of the Standards Committee be approved.

That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on amendments to the Constitution recommended by the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee be approved.

J BALE

It was moved by Councillor M Hamilton seconded by Councillor Bale and

RESOLVED - That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on amendments to the Constitution recommended by the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee be approved

To deal with questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11

1  Councillor Nash to the Deputy Leader of Council

  Can the Deputy Leader of the Council confirm his party has met its 2004 election manifesto commitment to make Leeds cleaner?

  The Deputy Leader of Council replied

2  Councillor Harris to the Executive Member (Children’s Services)

  I understand that officers have recently been asked to present to a House of Lords hearing looking at Narrowing the Gap Work across the country, to tell them about our work with international new arrivals in schools.  Please could the Executive Member for Children’s Services tell us a bit more about this?

  The Executive Member (Children’s Services) replied.

3  Councillor Gettings to the Executive Member (Leisure)

  Would the Executive Member for Leisure care to comment on the recent successes at the Grand Theatre and also comment on its present financial position?

  The Executive Member (Leisure) replied.

4  Councillor Beverley to the Leader of Council

  With the local elections of 1st May fast approaching, and in light of the revelations in the now infamous Sunday Times article regarding the methods used by the Labour Party in Leeds to win elections and increase their presence in this chamber, can the leader of council please tell us what measures (if any) are in place to stop political parties from abusing the election process this year?

  The Leader of Council replied

5  Councillor Lyons to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

  Could the Executive Board Member for Environmental Services please tell me where his administration plan to site their proposed incinerator?

  Councillor Monaghan, Lead Member (Environmental Services) replied

6  Councillor Pryke to the Executive Member (Learning)

  Would the Executive Board member with responsibility for Learning join with me in congratulating John Smeaton High School on the outcome of their recent OfSTED Inspection?

  The Executive Member (Learning) replied

7  Councillor Finnigan to the Executive Member (Leisure)

  Can the Executive Member responsible for Leisure update the Council on the Morley Leisure Centre plan?

  The Executive Member (Leisure) replied

8  Councillor Driver to the Executive Member (Learning)

  Can the Executive Board member for education agree with me that the governments new vocational offer is an important step forward for our education system?

  The Executive Member (Learning) replied

9  Councillor Ewens to the Deputy Leader of Council

  Could the Deputy Leader of the Council please tell us about the recent Beacon Award recognising the strength of our Partnership working in Leeds?

  The Deputy Leader of Council replied

10  Councillor Elliott to the Executive Member(Leisure)

  Can the Executive Board Member responsible for Parks and Countryside comment on the positive improvements to the Tingley Bar Roundabout flower planting scheme?

  The Executive Member (Leisure) replied

11  Councillor Renshaw to the Deputy Leader of Council

  Can the Deputy Leader of Council confirm that the Liberal Democrats in Leeds are still committed to Narrowing the Gap?

  The Deputy Leader of Council replied

At the conclusion of Question Time the following questions remained unanswered and it was noted that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11.6 written responses would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

That the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(m)

A CARTER

It was moved by Councillor A Carter seconded by Councillor M Hamilton

That the minutes submitted to Council in accordance with Council Procedure rule 2.2(m) be received.

An amendment (reference back) was moved by Councillor Wakefield seconded by Councillor A McKenna

To add the following words at the end of item 8:

"but to ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to the Deputation to Council – Members of Relate Regarding the Organisation’s Funding as contained in Minute 194 of the Executive Board minutes of the 12^th March 2008.”

The amendment was lost and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That the minutes submitted to Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(m) be received.

Council Procedure Rule 4 providing for the winding up of business was applied prior to all notified comments on the minutes having been debated.

On the requisition of Councillor Gruen and Taggart the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows:

YES

Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Beverley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey, Dowson, Driver, Gabriel, Grahame, Gruen,  S Hamilton, Hanley, Harington, Harper, A Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, Langdale, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, A McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Russell, Selby, Taggart, Wakefield

  43

NO

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Downes, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, M Hamilton, Harker,

Harrand, Harris, Hollingsworth, K Hussain, W Hyde, Jennings, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Monaghan, Morton, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Rhodes-Clayton, Robinson, Shelbrook, Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson

  49

(The meeting was suspended at 5.00 pm and resumed at 5.25 pm )

This Council believes that it is vitally important to narrow the gap between rich and poor in this city. To achieve this end this Council believes that all people should be paid a “living wage” which will provide ‘adequate income’ to ensure social inclusion for an individual and their family.

This Council also notes that the Welsh Assembly, the London Assembly and many businesses including KPMG have already agreed to pay their employees a living wage.

Therefore, this Council resolves:

1. That Leeds City Council should commit to achieving Living Wage employer status, by paying a living wage to all staff (permanent, temporary, and all staff who work for the council but aren’t employed by it).

2. That the Chief Executive prepare a report to Executive Board which will:
   • Outline how Leeds can become a ‘Living Wage City’ where every worker earns a living wage.
   • Explain what the financial commitment would be for Leeds City Council to achieving this aim.

K WAKEFIELD

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield seconded by Councillor D Blackburn

This Council believes that it is vitally important to narrow the gap between rich and poor in this city. To achieve this end this council believes that all people should be paid a “living wage” which will provide ‘adequate income’ to ensure social inclusion for an individual and their family.

This Council also notes that the Welsh Assembly, the London Assembly and many businesses including KPMG have already agreed to pay their employees a living wage.

Therefore, this Council resolves:

1.  That Leeds City Council should commit to achieving Living Wage employer status, by paying a living wage to all staff (permanent, temporary, and all staff who work for the council but aren’t employed by it).

2.  That the Chief Executive prepare a report to Executive Board which will:

·  Outline how Leeds can become a ‘Living Wage City’ where every worker earns a living wage.

·  Explain what the financial commitment would be for Leeds City Council to achieving this aim

An amendment was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor Bale

Delete second sentence of paragraph one and all of paragraph two and replace with

“This council notes the measures taken by the council under narrowing the gap and the progress to providing a living wage for all the people of Leeds. Council however notes the pivotal role played by government in achieving a living wage for all, and in particular notes:

·  The fact that the government's minimum wage is significantly lower than living wage levels estimated for Leeds.

·  That the removal of the 10% income tax band will create further poverty for some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds.”

Delete bullet point one after words “this Council resolves:”

Insert after bullet point two:

“Council further resolves to ask the Leader of Council to write to the Prime Minister highlighting the part the government must play if a "living wage" society is to be achieved.”

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY - That this council believes that it is vitally important to narrow the gap between rich and poor in this city. This council notes the measures taken by the council under narrowing the gap and the progress to providing a living wage for all the people of Leeds. Council however notes the pivotal role played by government in achieving a living wage for all, and in particular notes:

·  The fact that the government's minimum wage is significantly lower than living wage levels estimated for Leeds.

·  That the removal of the 10% income tax band will create further poverty for some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds.”

Therefore, this council resolves:

That the Chief Executive prepare a report to Executive Board which will

·  Outline how Leeds can become a ‘Living Wage City’ where every worker earns a living wage.

·  Explain what the financial commitment would be for Leeds City Council to achieving this aim

Council further resolves  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

This Council states its serious concern at the lack of information regarding the fate of post offices in the city, the deplorable cuts to these  vital services made elsewhere in Yorkshire and the significant delay in releasing the government’s plans for closures, now put off until 16^th May . 

This Council believes that the loss of post offices undermines this Council's investment in the economic prosperity and wellbeing of Leeds, through schemes such as the £15m Town and District Regeneration Scheme

A CARTER

It was moved by Councillor A Carter seconded by Councillor Brett

That this Council states its serious concern at the lack of information regarding the fate of post offices in the city, the deplorable cuts to these  vital services made elsewhere in Yorkshire and the significant delay in releasing the government’s plans for closures, now put off until 16^th May . 

This Council believes that the loss of post offices undermines this Council's investment in the economic prosperity and wellbeing of Leeds, through schemes such as the £15m Town and District Regeneration Scheme.

An amendment was moved by Councillor J McKenna seconded by Councillor Armitage

Delete

“the deplorable cuts to these vital services made elsewhere in Yorkshire”

And add the following after  “Town and District Regeneration Scheme”

“And requires the council to identify the cost of keeping open any post office under threat of closure and to consider an appropriate subsidy for each.”

The amendment was declared lost and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY-  That this Council states its serious concern at the lack of information regarding the fate of post offices in the city, the deplorable cuts to these  vital services made elsewhere in Yorkshire and the significant delay in releasing the government’s plans for closures, now put off until 16^th May . 

This Council believes that the loss of post offices undermines this Council's investment in the economic prosperity and wellbeing of Leeds, through schemes such as the £15m Town and District Regeneration Scheme.

On the requisition of Councillors A Carter and J L Carter the voting on the motion was recorded as follows:

YES

Anderson, Andrew, Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Beverley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey, Dobson, Downes, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gabriel, Gettings, Golton, Grahame, Grayshon, Gruen, M Hamilton, S Hamilton, Hanley, Harington, Harker, Harper, Harrand, Harris, Hollingsworth, A Hussain, K Hussain, W Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, Jennings, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Langdale, Latty, Leadley, J Lewis, R  Lewis, Lobley, Lowe, Lyons, A McKenna, J McKenna, Monaghan, Morgan, Morton, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Rafique, Renshaw, Rhodes-Clayton, Robinson, Russell, Selby, Shelbrooke, Taggart, Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wakefield, Wilkinson, Wilson

        94

This Council condemns the ruling Conservative / Liberal Administration for failing to keep Leeds’ streets clean. Further this Council calls upon the Administration to commit extra resources to streetscene.

R LEWIS

It was moved by Councillor R Lewis seconded by Councillor Nash

This Council condemns the ruling Conservative / Liberal Administration for failing to keep Leeds’s streets clean. Further this Council calls upon the Administration to commit extra resources to streetscene.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Monaghan seconded by Councillor Wadsworth

Delete all after “ This Council” and insert words

“welcomes the additional resources devoted to streetscene by the current administration in this and previous budgets, welcomes the marked improvement to citywide cleanliness indicators since the previous Labour administration lost power and condemns the government for cuts to the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and the impact this will have on streetscene services.”

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED – That this Council welcomes the additional resources devoted to streetscene by the current administration in this and previous budgets, welcomes the marked improvement to citywide cleanliness indicators since the previous Labour administration lost power and condemns the government for cuts to the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and the impact this will have on streetscene services

This Council believes all political groups on Leeds City Council should be treated equally and fairly.  This Council therefore, agrees that the Lord Mayor of Leeds should be selected from the Morley Borough Independent Group once every five years and that the Lord Mayor of Leeds for the municipal year 2009-2010 will be selected from the Morley Borough Independent Group

R FINNIGAN

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10 leave of Council was given to delete the words “once every five years and that the Lord Mayor of Leeds” and the words “will be selected from the Morley Borough Independent Group” from the motion as contained on the Summons and it was moved by Councillor Finnigan seconded by Councillor A Carter

This Council believes all political groups on Leeds City Council should be treated equally and fairly.  This Council therefore, agrees that the Lord Mayor of Leeds should be selected from the Morley Borough Independent Group for the municipal year 2009-2010

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10  leave of Council was given to alter the amendment as notified so that it related to Councillor Finnigan’s altered motion and by deleting the words “for the municipal year 2009-2010” and replacing them with “within the next three years” and the amendment was moved by Councillor Gruen seconded by Councillor Atha

The amendment was lost and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED –  That this Council believes all political groups on Leeds City Council should be treated equally and fairly.  This Council therefore, agrees that the Lord Mayor of Leeds should be selected from the Morley Borough Independent Group for the municipal year 2009-2010

On the requisition of Councillors Finnigan and Gruen the voting was recorded as follows:

On the amendment

YES

Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, Gabriel, Grahame, Gruen, S Hamilton, Hanley, Harington, Harper, A Hussain, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, Langdale, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, A McKenna, J McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, Wakefield

  41

NO

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Beverley, A Blackburn, Brett, Campbell, A Carter,  J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Downes, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, M Hamilton, Harker, Harrand, Harris, Hollingsworth, K Hussain, W Hyde, Jennings, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Monaghan, Morton, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Rhodes-Clayton, Robinson, Russell, Shelbrooke, Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson

  51

ABSTAIN

D Blackburn

  1

On the motion

YES

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Brett, Campbell, A Carter,  J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Downes, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, M Hamilton, Harker, Harrand, Harris, Hollingsworth, K Hussain,  W Hyde, Jennings, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Monaghan, Morton, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Rhodes-Clayton, Robinson, Russell, Shelbrooke, Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson

  51

NO

Beverley, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, S Hamilton, Illingworth, A McKenna, Rafique, Renshaw, Taggart

  10

ABSTAIN

Armitage, Atkinson,  Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey, Dobson, Gabriel, Grahame, Gruen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

Noting that the Electoral Commission's Code of Conduct regarding the handling of postal votes to which all major political parties are signatories explicitly states that completed postal vote ballot papers should not be pro-actively collected from members of the public, this Council condemns any elected member or political activist who solicits postal ballot papers from electors in this way during the course of the forthcoming local elections.

R BRETT

It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor A Carter

Noting that the Electoral Commission's Code of Conduct regarding the handling of postal votes to which all major political parties are signatories explicitly states that completed postal vote ballot papers should not be pro-actively collected from members of the public, this Council condemns any elected member or political activist who solicits postal ballot papers from electors in this way during the course of the forthcoming local elections

An amendment was moved by Councillor Selby seconded by Councillor Taggart

Add the following after

“forthcoming local elections.”

“Council further notes that the code of conduct highlights that defamatory remarks about opposing candidates is a criminal offence. Council condemns any elected member or political activist who publishes such material during the course of the forthcoming local elections. It further condemns those who slovenly reprint newspaper allegations about opponents without personally verifying the accuracy of such allegations.”

The amendment was lost and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY -  That, noting that the Electoral Commission's Code of Conduct regarding the handling of postal votes to which all major political parties are signatories explicitly states that completed postal vote ballot papers should not be pro-actively collected from members of the public, this Council condemns any elected member or political activist who solicits postal ballot papers from electors in this way during the course of the forthcoming local elections

On the requisition of Councillors Taggart and J Procter the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows:

YES

Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Blackburn A, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, Gabriel, Grahame, Gruen, S Hamilton, Hanley, Harington, Harper, A Hussain, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, Langdale, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, A McKenna, J McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, Wakefield

  42

NO

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, D Blackburn, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Downes, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, M Hamilton, Harker, Harrand, Harris, Hollingsworth, K Hussain, W Hyde, Jennings, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Monaghan, Morton, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Rhodes-Clayton, Robinson, Russell, Shelbrooke, Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson

  51

ABSTAIN

Beverley

  1

On the requisition of Councillors A Carter and J L Carter the voting on the motion was recorded as follows:

YES

Anderson, Andrew, Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Beverley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey, Dobson, Downes, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gabriel, Gettings, Golton, Grahame, Grayshon, Gruen, M Hamilton, S Hamilton, Hanley, Harington  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.11, with the consent of the seconder and of Council, Councillor Morton withdrew the motion in his name relating to single use plastic carrier bags.