Agenda and minutes

Under the terms of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.5, in the absence of the Leader, Councillor Wakefield, who had submitted his apologies for absence from the meeting, Councillor Blake, as Deputy Leader, presided as Chair of the Board for the duration of the meeting

Under the terms of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, Councillor J Procter was invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillor A Carter, who had submitted his apologies for absence from the meeting.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED –  That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as exempt  on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

a)  Appendix A to the report entitled “Park and Ride” referred to at Minute 121 is designated as exempt in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information), which if disclosed to the public would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of that person or of the Council. The appendix sets out the detail of the tender returns from the bus operators and recommends the preferred bidder; and as the award of the contract is yet to be announced, it is therefore deemed in the public interest not to disclose this information at this time for reasons of commercial confidentiality and proper contract procedures

b)  Appendix A to the report entitled “Sovereign Square” referred to in Minute 124 is exempt under Access to Information Rule 10.4 (3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 as it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). The appendix sets out the details of the budget requirements for the delivery of the whole scheme and it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption in relation to this confidential appendix outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information by reason of the fact that it contains information and financial details which, if disclosed would adversely affect the business of the Council and may also adversely affect the business affairs of the other parties concerned.

A late item of business entitled, ‘Parking Permit Charges” was admitted to the agenda. There was a need to consider the report as a late item of business in order that the matter could be taken into account during forthcoming 2014-15 budget round considerations; to enable the development of a forward strategy for the future management of Residents Parking schemes to commence; and to draw to an early conclusion the present consideration of this matter and provide feedback to the public (Minute No. 125 refers).

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th October 2013

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held 9^th October 2013 be agreed as a correct record

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services seeking  permission to consult on three primary school expansions to take effect from September 2015 and seeking approval for the capital proposals outlined for each school development in order to meet the authority’s statutory duty to secure sufficient school places. Additionally, the report seeks approval for a revised opening date for the Nightingale Academy and presents Design and Cost Reports for three school expansion projects

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report seeking permission to consult on three primary school expansions intended to take effect from September 2015 and seeking approval for the capital proposals outlined for each school development in order to meet the authority’s statutory duty to secure sufficient school places. Additionally, approval was sought for a revised opening date for the Nightingale Academy and the report presented Design and Cost Reports for three school expansion projects.

Each of the proposals were detailed in Appendices A to D attached to the report.

A comment made by a Member in respect of the need to establish a comprehensive city wide policy for school places provision was noted. In response, officers confirmed that work was ongoing to continue to develop the draft strategy previously presented to Executive Board on 17^th July 2013 in partnership with City Development and Scrutiny Board in order to identify appropriate provision. Officers also provided further detail on the difficulties experienced in developing the Rufford Park expansion proposals and the establishment of the new Nightingale Primary School

RESOLVED –

a)  That in respect of the proposals contained within Appendix A, approval be given for consultation to commence on proposals to expand Broadgate Primary School from a capacity of 210 pupils to 420 pupils with an increase in the admission number from 30 to 60 with effect from September 2015;

b)  That in respect of the proposals contained within Appendix B -

• Approval be given for the opening of the Nightingale Academy on 1 September 2014.
• Authorisation be granted for the programme expenditure of £10,026.3k and Authority to Spend from capital scheme number 16505/FLS/000 to build the new Nightingale Primary Academy at Florence Street.
• That the programme dates identified in the submitted report in relation to the implementation of this decision be noted. The final delivery date for this scheme is September 2015.
• To note that the Director of Children’s Services is responsible for implementation.

c) That in respect of the proposals contained within Appendix C

• Authorisation be given for expenditure of £2.141m from capital scheme number 16585/SHL/000 to enable the construction of additional accommodation at Sharp Lane Primary School.
• That the programme dates identified in this report in relation to the implementation of this decision be noted. The final delivery date for this scheme is December 2014.
• To note that the Director of Children’s Services is responsible for implementation.

d) That in respect of the proposals contained within Appendix D

• That Option 1 be approved - to deliver an expansion of Rufford Park Primary School, where the PFI provider delivers the expansion scheme and risk is transferred to the Council, and ultimately to the Trust if the school converts.
• That authorisation of expenditure of £1,430,000 from capital scheme number 16585/RUF/PH2 be granted for Phase 2 works to construct a new two storey extension at Rufford Park Primary School.
• To note the programme dates identified in this report in relation to the implementation of this decision. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

To consider the report of the Director of Childrens Services on the outcome of supplementary consultation on the review of Children’s Services School Transport Policy

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report presenting the outcomes from the recent supplementary public consultation on the current Children’s Services Home to School Transport Policy. Approval was sought for recommendations to be included in a new policy for implementation from 1st December 2013.

A copy of the proposed Policy was contained within Appendix 1 to the report.

In relation to proposals for post 16 SEN transport, the Board noted the intention to present a further report, assessing the implications of the Children and Families Bill once it had been enacted next year. The Board noted the individual comment made by a Member opposing the Policy.

RESOLVED –

That approval be given to the following changes to the current policy:

a)  To remove discretionary free travel on the basis of non-faith or belief;

b)  To remove discretionary free travel on the basis of parental preference on the grounds of the parents’ religion or belief for their child to be educated in a single sex educational setting;

c)  To implement the policy for all new applicants from 1st December 2013, but provide transitional discretionary free travel for existing recipients until 31^st August 2015. This would be in line with the Board’s decision on 17th July 2013, in relation to the removal of discretionary free travel for students on the basis of faith and for those attending school/college (over sixteen).

d)  To note that the Director of Children’s Services (the Director) will submit a further report to the Executive Board during 2014 in relation to updated proposals for post 16 SEN transport. This will take place as soon as formal proposals have been designed and agreed, and after the new Children and Families Bill has been enacted.

e)  To note that the Director will publish a new Children’s Transport policy on 1st December 2013 (subject to due governance processes). This will be available on the Council’s internet pages.

ENVIRONMENT

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing providing an update on the significant external funding opportunities available to increase domestic efficiency and improve access to affordable warmth. Additionally, the report presents information on the leading role the Council has taken in developing and delivering ECO funding initiatives and the opportunities and challenges that this funding presents

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report providing an update on the significant external funding opportunities available to increase domestic energy efficiency and improve access to affordable warmth. The report highlighted the leading role the Council had taken in developing and delivering ECO funding initiatives and the opportunities and challenges that this funding presents.

The Executive Member for Environment in presenting the report advocated Member involvement in identifying residents who could benefit from the initiative. The Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing expressed support for the initiative and highlighted how the initiative supported the City’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy. In response to comments regarding the targeting of the initiative, the Executive Member for the Environment provided assurance of the wide remit of the scheme to ensure the scheme would provide benefits to the city as a whole. Comments in respect of the re-emphasis of any future Bulk Fuel purchasing initiatives were also noted.

RESOLVED

a)  To note the contents of the report and that the Board extends support to the ongoing work to secure ECO and other funding to improve access to affordable warmth.

b)  To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Housing to submit a proposal to DECC for a share of the £20m funding available for area based Green Deal/ECO schemes

LEADER OF COUNCIL’S PORTFOLIO

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive presenting the Council’s projected financial health position for 2013/2014 after six months of the financial year

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report presenting the Council’s projected financial health position for 2013/2014 after six months of the financial year.

Comments made in respect of budget for the Sports and Active Recreation service were noted.

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position of the authority after six months of the financial year 2013/14 be noted

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive providing the Quarter 2 update for the Capital Programme 2013-16

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report providing the Quarter 2 update for the Capital Programme 2013-16

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the increase in the General Fund and HRA Capital Programme 2013-16 of £41.4m since Quarter 1 largely due to confirmation of additional funding allocations such as Targeted Basic Need and Flood Alleviation;

b)  To note that the borrowing required to fund the Capital Programme in 2013/14 has reduced by £22m, therefore the Capital Programme is affordable within the approved debt budget for 2013/14, and that further work is underway to ensure that future debt costs are maintained within the overall Medium Term Financial Plan;

c)  To approve the injection into the capital programme of the following:

-  £14,589.8k funded by Targeted Basic Need grant to contribute to the delivery of school expansions schemes at five primary schools and two special schools in the city, as detailed in paragraph 3.2.3;

-   £542.3k in relation to Capital Receipts to be utilised by ward Councillors under the Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme (CRIS);

d)  To note that the above decision to inject funding will be implemented by the Chief Officer (Audit & Investment).

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive providing a review and update of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2013/2014.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report providing the Board with a review and update on the 2013/14 Treasury Management Strategy – previously approved by Executive Board on 15^thFebruary 2013.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the update on the Treasury Management borrowing and investment strategy for 2013/14.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing an update on the actions being taken to develop an approach to tackle poverty and deprivation in the City and seeking approval to implement a range of initiatives intended to provide an integrated package of support for key groups. Additionally, the report seeks approval to develop a new Community Hub approach for face to face service provision and seeks approval of an action plan to tackle high cost lending

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report providing an update on the actions being taken to develop an approach to tackle poverty and deprivation in the City and seeking approval to implement a range of initiatives intended to provide an integrated package of support for key groups. Additionally, approval was sought for an action plan to tackle high cost lending and to develop a new Community Hub approach for face to face service provision.

Discussion followed on the use of the term “Community Council” in the approach proposed for the local decision making model intended to replace the existing Area Committee structure. It was noted that further consideration of this was required, having regard to the provisions of the Local Government and Public Involvement Act 2007.

The four key propositions of the Citizens@Leeds initiative were outlined within the appendices to the report as being:

• To provide accessible and integrated services
• To help people out of financial hardship
• To help people into work and
• To be responsive to the needs of local communities.

Members acknowledged the need to support residents experiencing financial hardship and noted comments regarding the impact of welfare changes and current position in respect of rent arrears. In conclusion, the Board welcomed the approach outlined and in particular the work already undertaken to address the prevalence of high cost lenders in the city, and noted the intention to present a further report to the December Board meeting which would address the issues of helping people into work and being responsive to the needs of local communities.

RESOLVED

a)  To endorse the “accessible and integrated services” and “helping people out of financial hardship” propositions as detailed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the submitted report;

b)  To support the principle to establish community hubs as a new approach to local face-to-face service provision, in accordance with the draft design principles contained with Appendix 3 of the submitted report, and subject to detailed consultation with services, staff and trade unions;

c)  That, in support of recommendation b) above, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) be authorised to take forward the development of three ‘pilot’ community hubs at the Compton Centre, St George’s Centre and Armley One Stop Centre working closely with services and partners affected;

d)  To approve the proposed initiatives aimed at providing wrap-around support to the four target groups identified in paragraph 3.6 of the submitted report, delegating authority to the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) to identify funding streams and commission 3rd sector services to support the initiatives;

e)  To authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizen and Communities) to take appropriate action to stop high cost lenders promoting and advertising their services within and on council facilities and assets and seek support from partners to institute similar arrangements in their areas of influence;

f)  To authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) to take forward those discussions and actions set out in paragraph 3.7.4 of the submitted report to seek  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing an update on the implementation of the Armed Forces Community Covenant in Leeds – adopted to address the wider community and family based issues which are commonly faced by the local Armed Forces community residing in the city. The report provides an update on activity to embed the aims of the covenant into council and partners’ policies and practices, and also presents information on other activity that is taking place to support the Armed Forces community across Leeds. Proposals are also included to further develop and implement activity to deliver the ambitions of the community covenant and to meet the needs and expectations of the Armed Forces community within Leeds. 

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report on the implementation of the Armed Forces Community Covenant in Leeds – adopted to address the wider community and family based issues which are commonly faced by the local Armed Forces community residing in the city. The report provided an update on activity to embed the aims of the covenant into council and partners’ policies and practices, and also presented information on other activity that is taking place to support the Armed Forces community across Leeds. Proposals were also included to further develop and implement activity to deliver the ambitions of the community covenant and to meet the needs and expectations of the Armed Forces community within Leeds.

Comments regarding the delegation of functions to support the aims of the covenant were noted. The important role of members was emphasised and the need to have a lead member for Armed Forces issues. In considering this Members noted the intention to create an all-party member Champion Group and supported officer proposals that such a group should be led and chaired by an Elected Member who would take on the overall lead member role for Armed Forces issues. The introduction of this new member group to be considered by Member Management Committee. In response to a Member comment regarding measuring the success of the Covenant, it was noted that this would be a matter for the Partnership Group to progress

RESOLVED -

a)  To support the proposal that nuclear test veterans are specifically included within the Leeds Armed Forces Community Covenant, to recognise and support at a local level their unique service conditions. As such; the Leeds Armed Forces Community Covenant will be amended with immediate effect to reflect this decision.

b)  To agree that lead responsibility for the council’s and city’s response to the Armed Forces Community Covenant is formally delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) with immediate effect.

c)   To support the proposal to establish a cross party Armed Forces member champion group, with immediate effect, to support and promote the Leeds Armed Forces Community Covenant and act as a member advisory group for the development of future Armed Forces Day events.

d)  To support the planned activity being co-ordinated by Museums and Galleries to mark the commemorations of the First World War.

e)  To support the proposals to develop the city’s annual Armed Forces Day events through a wider partnership approach led by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities).

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

To consider the report for the Director of Public Health setting out the Leeds Drug and Alcohol Strategy including the Drug and Alcohol Action Plan.

The Director of Public Health submitted a report describing how the Leeds Drug and Alcohol Strategy and Action Plan (2013 – 2016) will be used to tackle the impact of drug and alcohol misuse in Leeds. The report also sought approval for the implementation of the Plan ahead of a process of re-tendering drug and alcohol treatment services in 2014.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing highlighted the partnership working undertaken with the Children’s Trust Board and Safer Leeds to produce the Plan and reported an update to the figures presented for the number of on and off-licensed premises for the sale of alcohol in Leeds.

RESOLVED -

a)  To note and approve the Leeds Drugs and Alcohol Strategy and Action Plan for implementation between 2013 and 2016 by the Leeds Drugs and Alcohol Management Board

b)  To delegate responsibility for the implementation of the Leeds Drugs and Alcohol Strategy and Action Plan to the Director of Public Health.

c)  To note that a further report is scheduled for the January 2014 Executive Board setting out plans to re-tender drug and alcohol services in Leeds.

DEVELOPMENT AND THE ECONOMY

To receive the report of the Director of City of Development setting out the directorate response to the deputation presented to Council on 11^th September 2013 by the Swillington Oulton Woodlesford HS2 Action Together (SOWHAT) Group in respect of high speed rail.

The Board considered the report of the Director of City Development setting out the Departmental response to the Deputation presented to the September Full Council meeting by the Swillington, Oulton and Woodlesford HS2 Action Together (SOWHAT) campaign group concerning the Government’s proposals for the HS2 Phase 2 route (Birmingham to Leeds) in the vicinity of their communities.

The report considered the request from SOWHAT for support for their campaign to relocate the HS2 route and for a better compensation package for those affected. Members acknowledged the need to balance and separate the strategic and positive impact that HS2 as a national infrastructure project would bring to the City against the perceived local impact.

The report highlighted that Central Government had responsibility for all matters concerning the development of the proposals, including compensation. The Board noted that work would continue to try to secure the best route for Leeds.

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the content of the report and the response to the Deputation;

b)  To recognise the significant and understandable concerns of the local communities situated on the initial proposed route of HS2 and the present limited scope of the Exceptional Hardship Scheme for compensation;

c)  To request that a further report detailing the proposed City Council response to HS2 Phase 2 be submitted for the Board’s consideration; and

d)  To note:

• The timescales for implementation as outlined in section 3.13

• That the Head of Transport Policy will be responsible for implementation

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out the progress made since April 2013 on proposals for a bus based park and ride site on land adjacent to Elland Road Stadium, and seeks approval to construct and operate the site.

Please Note: Appendix A is exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3)

The Director of City Development submitted a report updating the Board on the progress made since April 2013 on proposals for a bus based park and ride site on land adjacent to Elland Road Stadium and seeking approval for the construction and operation of the site.

The report provided detail on the scheme specification, the progress of the associated planning consents, bus service proposals and arrangements for match day car parking provision.

In responding to comments made regarding the viability of the scheme, the Executive Member for Development and the Economy noted that the scheme would take some time to become popular but provided reassurance in respect of the business case. The Board further noted comments in respect of the measures available to ensure the bus service travelled effective routes.

Following consideration of Appendix A to the report, designated as exempt under the provisions of Access to information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

a)  To approve the construction of the park and ride site, associated link road and bus priority at an estimated cost of £2,800,000;

b)  To approve the injection of an additional £490,000 into the city development capital programme for this scheme (The scheme is currently in the capital programme at £2,310,000), funded from section 106 receipts £175,000, a capital receipt £275,000, and LTP Transport Policy grant £40,000

c)  That authority be given to incur expenditure of £2,800,000 (comprising of works costs £2,330,000, staff fee costs £465,000, and legal / other costs £5,000), funded from the LTP Transport Policy Capital Programme £2,350,000, section 106 receipts £175,000, and a capital receipt £275,000

d)  To endorse Metro entering a 5 year contract for the bus service with the preferred bidder as detailed in Appendix A of the submitted report

e)  To approve the granting of a licence to the preferred bidder to operate from the site and charge a license fee as detailed in Appendix A

f)  And to note:

· The stages required to implement the decision as outlined in section 3.18   of the submitted report

· Proposed timescales for implementation as outlined in section 3.18 of   the submitted report

· That the Head of Transport Policy will be responsible for implementation

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which sought authority to fund construction of the works and related fees, in addition to giving authority to advertise proposed amendments to existing Waiting Restriction Traffic Regulation Orders and the provision of new Waiting/Loading Restriction Ordersand, if no valid objections are received then make, seal and implement the orders. The total estimated cost of the proposed scheme is £1,500,000. 

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the development of the Chapeltown to City Centre Cycle route, seeking authority to fund construction of the works and related fees. Additionally, authority was sought to advertise the proposed amendments to existing Waiting Restriction Traffic Regulation Orders and the provision of new Waiting/Loading Restriction Orders and if no valid objections are received, then to make, seal and implement the orders. The total estimated cost of the proposed scheme was detailed as £1,500,000.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Development and the Economy highlighted that this route would provide connectivity between existing and proposed routes with the city centre. A Member comment regarding the safety of the route through Sheepscar Interchange was discussed, noting that this scheme provided segregation for cyclists at this point to ensure their safety. 

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the proposals contained in this report which are a key element of the Cycle City Ambition Grant.

b)  That authority be given to incur expenditure of £1,310,000 works costs, £140,000 staff costs and £10,000 legal costs, to be funded £1,010,000 from the LTP Transport Policy Capital Programme, and £450,000 from the Sustrans’ Link to Communities fund. In addition to this, authority is given to incur expenditure of £40,000 staff fees funded from the LTP Transport Policy capital programme was approved on an initial design and cost report in October 2011.

c)  To note the report and approve (subject to TROs) the proposed highway works as outlined in Section 3.1 of the submitted report and indicated on the overview drawing included as Appendix 1 and General Arrangement drawings HDC/716426/GA/01c and HDC/716426/GA/02b contained in Appendix 2, at an estimated total cost of £1,500,000

d)  To approve the areas of footway to be converted to cycle track (as detailed in drawings TPP 32-02-009-SU1 and 2 included in Appendix 4), and fulfill the requirements of the Highways Act 1980, that allow this (as detailed in paragraph 4.6.3 of the submitted report);

e)  To instruct the City Solicitor to revoke relevant items currently in force in an existing movement restriction and waiting restriction Traffic Regulation Orders and to advertise draft Traffic Regulation Orders in relation to extending the length covered by various waiting and loading restrictions as indicated on drawing referenced HDC-716426-TRO-01 (see appendix 3) and, if no valid objections are received then make, seal and implement the orders.

f)  To note:

• that should approval be forthcoming, works will be issued to term contractors once the call-in procedure has been cleared.

• the proposed timescales for implementation as outlined in paragraph 3.2 of the report

• that the Head of Transport Policy will be responsible for implementation

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking authority to stop the Council’s current commission with consultants to design highway baffles across Water Lane. The report indicates that the owners of Bridgewater Place have confirmed that they will progress a comprehensive wind mitigation scheme, including the highway baffles.

The Director of City Development submitted a report seeking approval from the Executive Board to hold in abeyance the Council’s current commission with consultants to design highway baffles across Water Lane on the grounds that Bridgewater Place’s owners had confirmed in writing they would progress a comprehensive wind mitigation scheme, including the highway baffles, through design and planning permission.

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the latest developments and to agree that the Council holds in abeyance its commission with consultants to design baffles across Water Lane. This follows the receipt of written confirmation from the agents acting on behalf of the owners of Bridgewater Place, that they will progress through design and planning permission the three identified wind mitigation measures, comprising baffles across Water Lane, a canopy and vertical screens to the building.

b)  To note that:

·  As this report is concerned with agreeing to hold in abeyance the design work on a scheme, the action will be complete when approval is granted by the Executive Board

·  The decision will take immediate effect

·  The Chief Officer of Highways and Transportation will be responsible for advising the owners of Bridgewater Place of the Council’s decision.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the current proposals for the Sovereign Street green space (Sovereign Square) and also to seek authority to spend for the creation of the new public square.

Appendix A to the submitted report is designated as exempt under the provision of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3).

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing Members with an update on the current proposals for the Sovereign Street green space (Sovereign Square) and seeking authority to spend for the creation of the new public square. The estimated cost for the delivery of the green space proposals were detailed in Appendix A of the report.

Following consideration of Appendix A to the report, designated as exempt under the provisions of Access to information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

a)  That authority be given to incur expenditure as set out in confidential Appendix A for the first 2 phases (1&1a) of Sovereign Square, to be funded from the capital programme. Further phases being delivered as the development plots are completed utilising funds from section 106/CIL payments which will be specifically allocated for this purpose

b)  To note:

• the works as outlined in section 3.1 of this document and as detailed in the drawing contained in Appendix B at the estimated cost set out in the confidential Appendix A.
• the proposed timescales for implementation as outlined at paragraph 3.2 of the submitted report
• that the Chief Asset Management and Regeneration Officer will be responsible for implementation.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress and consultation on initial proposals for the introduction of a charge for resident’s parking permits and seeking a decision on the further progress of this matter.

The report detailed the outcome of consultation undertaken so far, the findings of a Scrutiny Board review and the outcome of a recent court case - R (on the application of David Attfield) v London Borough of Barnet and discussed the implication of this case on the proposals.

The report concluded that, following completion of the survey and consultation and in the light of the scrutiny review; the initial proposals had been reviewed and reconsidered; and whilst there clearly was a case for considering alternative measures to ensure the longer term and fundability of this service area, at the same time there were a range of issues arising from the consultation process which give reason to reconsider the initial proposal to develop charging proposals. In view of the findings, it was therefore recommended that the present proposals should not be progressed at the present time

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Development and the Economy noted and welcomed the high public response rate to the consultation and reported that further work would be done to review the usefulness of existing schemes

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the contents of the report and the outcomes of the consultation and survey on initial proposals for making a charge for residents parking permits;

b)  To consider and note the comments of the Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture);

c)  Not to proceed further with the introduction of a charge for residents’ parking permits at this time on the basis of the responses and issues raised through the consultation exercise, whilst noting the costs associated with providing this  service and the Council’s overall challenging budget position;

d)  To request officers further consider the views of residents, with a view to re-evaluating the criteria used to determine residents’ parking schemes, ensuring a tailored approach to address the different needs across the city, reviewing those schemes which are no longer deemed appropriate by the public and considering how further economies can be made in relation to this service.

NEIGHBOURHOODS, PLANNING AND SUPPORT SERVICES

To receive a report from the Director of City Development responding to the deputation presented to the meeting of Council on 11^th September 2013 and also in response to the deputation presented to South (Outer) Area Committee on 16^th September 2013, both regarding their opposition to potential housing on site 3081A and B, Hope Farm, Wakefield Road, Rothwell.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report setting out the Council’s response to the Deputations made to Full Council and South (Outer) Area Committee opposing the potential housing on site 3081A and B, Hope Farm, Wakefield Road, Rothwell.

The verbatim of the Deputation presented to Full Council on 11th September 2013 was included as Appendix 1 to the report with the minutes of the South (Outer) Area Committee held 16th September 2013 included at Appendix 2.

The report addressed a number of local concerns raised through the deputations, and in presenting the report; the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services highlighted that the issues raised were currently being considered as part of the Core Strategy Examination process and preparation of the Site Allocations plan.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing seeking approval of the Council Housing Draft Capital Programme for 2014/15

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report on the potential resources available to support the Council Housing Capital Programme in 2014/15. The report outlined the approach proposed to develop the Programme and provided a headline summary of the proposed Programme including the four priority areas used to identify the order of the Programme. Additionally, the report highlighted that the proposed Programme would continue to be developed and consulted upon during the coming months; with the final Capital Programme being reported to the Housing Advisory Board and then included within the Council Budget report to Executive Board in February 2014.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services addressed comments made regarding references to the status of the Programme contained in the recommendations to the report and agreed an amendment in order to refer to the Programme as “draft”

RESOLVED

a)  That the increase in HRA capital resources available in 2014/15 be noted;

b)  To agree the proposed approach for the prioritisation of resources in the draft 2014/15 Council Housing Capital Programme as outlined in the report;

c)  To note the Capital Programme for 2014/15;

d)  To agree the next steps to finalise the Capital Programme which will be submitted to Executive Board for approval as part of the Council’s Annual Budget Report in February 2014.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    8^th NOVEMBER 2013

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  15^TH NOVEMBER 2013

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Monday, 18^th November 2013)