Agenda and minutes

The Chair announced that the funeral of Mr John Gunnell, a former West Yorkshire County Councillor, Leeds City Councillor and MP for Morley was being held today.  On behalf of Executive Board, the Chair paid tribute to Mr Gunnell and requested that the Board’s condolences be conveyed to Mr Gunnell’s family.

To identify items where resolutions may be moved to exclude the public

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in the 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 F to the report referred to in minute 168(C) under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because the appendix contains details of sites scheduled for future disposal by the Council, which if disclosed would, or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to the level of capital receipts generated from the future disposal of such sites.

(b)  Appendix D to the report referred to in minute 171 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(4) and (5) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because the Council is currently defending a large number of equal pay cases before the Employment Tribunal and release of the information at this time could prejudice the outcome of such tribunal claims, proving costly to the Council, and thereby having an adverse impact on the public.

(c)  Appendix 1 to the report referred to in minute 177 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information as disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of the Council by virtue of the fact that sensitive negotiations are currently ongoing with private sector investors and Yorkshire Forward to secure a contribution to the Albion Place improvement works.

(d)  Appendices 5, 7 and 8 to the report referred to in Minute 179 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information as disclosure of information relating to the remaining leasehold properties to be acquired in both Beeston Hill and Holbeck and Little London, as detailed within the appendices would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests when undertaking negotiations in respect of such properties.

  Appendix 9 to the report referred to in minute 179 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information as disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests by virtue of the fact that it includes information relating to the Council’s financial position in the Outline Business Case for Beeston Hill and Holbeck, the details of which are yet to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 162.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

Councillor Brett declared a personal interest in the items relating to ‘Health and Wellbeing Partnership Arrangements’ and ‘Consultation Paper – Valuing People Now: From Progress to Transformation’ (minutes 186 and 187 refer respectively) as a member of the Burmantofts Senior Action Management Committee.

Councillor Smith declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the item relating to ‘Pay and Grading Review’ (minute 171) due to his wife being an employee of Education Leeds.

Councillor Blake declared a personal interest in the item relating to ‘Health and Wellbeing Partnership Arrangements’ (minute 186) due to her position as Non-Execuitve Director of Leeds North West Primary Care Trust and a member of Middleton Elderly Aid.

A further declaration made during the meeting (Councillor Wakefield) is referred to at minute 176.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd January 2008

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd January 2008 be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer which presents the Scrutiny Board (Culture and Leisure) inquiry report entitled, ‘River Safety Management at Wharfemeadows Park, Otley’.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report presenting the final report and recommendations of the Scrutiny Board (Culture and Leisure) following its inquiry into ‘River Safety Management at Wharfemeadows Park, Otley’.

A minority report submitted by a member of the Scrutiny Board (Culture and Leisure) was appended to the report.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Board attended the meeting and presented the Scrutiny report.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the Scrutiny inquiry report be received.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) which assists Members in considering the recommendations of Scrutiny Board (Culture and Leisure) in regard to their inquiry into the decision by Executive Board to erect fencing at Wharfemeadows Park, Otley.

The Assistant  Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) submitted a report in order to assist Members when considering the recommendations of Scrutiny Board (Culture and Leisure) in regard to their inquiry into the decision by Executive Board to erect fencing at Wharfemeadows Park Otley.

The final report of the Scrutiny Board was considered as a separate item on the agenda (minute 165 refers).

RESOLVED – That recommendations 1, 3 an 4 of the report by Scrutiny Board (Culture and Leisure) be accepted and that the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) report back on recommendation 2 of the Scrutiny Board’s report, in relation to the availability of Counsel’s advice to the public.

The Chair circulated to Board members a copy of a letter from John Healey MP, Minister for Local Government confirming that the Council’s failure to qualify for monies under the Working Neighbourhoods Fund would not be subject to further consideration.

RESOLVED – That, in view of the reductions in funding in 2009/2010 which can be anticipated as a result of this confirmation, the Director of Resources be requested to report back to the Board on potential savings which may be realised in that year in relation to Council publications, engagement of consultants and procurements.

(a)  Leeds City Council Revenue Budget 2008/09 and Council Tax 2008/09

To consider a report on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2008/09, and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied in 2008/09

(b)  Housing Revenue Account Budget 2008/09

To consider a report on the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2008/09.

(c)  Capital Programme 2007-2011

To consider the report of the Director of Resources on the Capital Programme 2007-2011.

(d)  Treasury Management Policy and Strategy Statements

To consider a report on the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy Statements.

(A)  Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2008/09

  The Director of Resources submitted a report on the Council’s budget for 2008/09 following detailed consideration of service requirements and taking account of the Local Government Finance Settlement. The report indicated that the budget would result in a Band D Council Tax of £1,064.37 for consideration by Council.

  RESOLVED –

(i)  That Council be recommended to approve the Revenue Estimates for 2008/09 totalling £540,509,000 as detailed and explained in the submitted report and accompanying papers, including a 4.7% increase in the Leeds’ element of the Council Tax.

(ii)  That as the Police Authority budget meeting is currently scheduled for 22^nd February 2008, Council be recommended to establish a committee of the Council specifically to set the final Council Tax.

(iii)  That the fees and charges policy as detailed in appendix 5 of the report be approved.

(iv)  That the proposal to change the childcare fee structure as detailed in the Children’s Services budget briefing report be approved.

(v)  That the proposed local performance indicators as detailed within paragraph 13 of the report be approved.

(B)  Housing Revenue Account Budget 2008/09

The Directors of Resources and Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a joint report on the Housing Revenue Account budget and ALMO management fee distribution for 2008/09.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the Council be recommended to approve the budget at the average rent increase figure of 5.8%.

(ii)  That the Council be recommended to approve that service charges be increased in line with average rent rises.

(iii)  That the Council be recommended to approve that the charges for garage rents be increased to £5.55 per week.

(C)  Capital Programme 2007-2012

  The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the updated capital programme for 2007-2012.

  Following consideration of appendix F to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

  RESOLVED –

(i)  That the Council be recommended to approve the capital programme as attached to the submitted report.

(ii)  That the Director of Resources be authorised to manage,  monitor and control scheme progress and commitments to ensure that the programme  is affordable.

(iii)  That the disposal of land and property sites as detailed within exempt appendix F to the report be agreed in order to generate capital receipts to support the capital programme.

(iv)  That the Council be recommended to approve the proposed Minimum Revenue Provision policies for 2008/09 as set out in paragraph 5.3.2 and appendix G to the report.

(D)  Treasury Management Strategy 2008/09

  The Director of Resources submitted a report on the proposed Treasury Management Strategy for 2008/09 and the revised affordable borrowing limits under the prudential framework. The report also provided members with a review of strategy and operations in 2007/08.

  RESOLVED –

(i)  That the initial Treasury Strategy for 2008/09 as set out in section 3.3 of the report be approved and that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 168.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources on the financial health of the authority after nine months of the financial year, with respect to the revenue budget of the general fund services, the housing revenue account and other financial health matters

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the Council’s financial health position for 2007/08 after nine months of the financial year, in respect of the revenue expenditure and income to date compared to the approved budget, the projected year end position and proposed actions to ensure a balanced budget by the year end. The report also highlighted the position regarding other key financial indicators, including Council Tax collection and the payment of creditors.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the projected financial position of the authority after nine months of the new financial year be noted.

(ii)  That the transfer of the projected surplus to general reserves be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources informing Members of the differences between the provisional and final Local Government Finance Settlements for 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11.

The Director of Resources submitted a report providing details of the final Local Government Revenue Support Grant Settlement for 2008/09 and the revised provisional settlements for 2009/10 and 2010/11 which were announced on 24^th January 2008.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources seeking approval to an amended version of the pay structure and seeking confirmation of the position on pay protection for the purpose of the Pay & Grading Review. The report also updates Members on negotiations with the trade unions.  Appendix D to this report is designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (4) and (5)

The Director of Resources submitted a report which sought approval of an amended version of the pay structure and confirmed the position on pay protection for the purpose of the Pay and Grading Review. The report also updated members on negotiations with the trade unions.

Following consideration of appendix D to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(4) and (5) which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the amended pay structure, as detailed within appendix A to the report be approved.

(ii)  That the pay protection arrangements for Phase 1 and Phase 2 employees be confirmed as previously agreed by the Executive Board in March 2007, which is for those staff whose grade changes adversely as a result of the job evaluation exercise:-

·  A period of no longer than 3 years protection – attracting annual pay award and increments in line with the NJC for Local Government service pay agreements effective from 1^st February 2008;

·  Year 4 – go directly to the maximum point of the new substantive grade/pay range.

(iii)  That the Board notes that the Director of Resources will continue negotiations with the Trade Unions and will continue to work with the Trade Unions to identify means of avoiding individual loss wherever possible and appropriate.

(iv)  That the Director of Resources be authorised to take steps to implement the new pay structure, by agreement or otherwise, in the light of the negotiations with Trade Unions.

(Having declared a personal and prejudicial interest, Councillor Smith left the meeting during consideration of this matter)

To receive the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy, Planning and Improvement) on the arrangements in place for reporting Leeds City Council’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) judgement for 2007.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Policy, Planning and Improvement) submitted a report updating members on the arrangements for reporting Leeds City Council’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) judgement for 2007, namely a 4 star authority which is improving well.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)  That all staff of the authority be offered the thanks of the Board for their contribution to this result.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) requesting a further injection of £84,000 into the capital programme, and seeking authority to spend an additional £610,000 on construction costs, £17,600 on equipment costs and £78,500 on fees.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) submitted a report on a proposed extension to the existing purpose built accommodation for the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Section at 225 York Road.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the further injection into the 2007/08 capital programme of £84,000 be approved.

(ii)  That authority be given to incur expenditure of £610,000 on construction costs, £17,600 on equipment and £78,500 on fees.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the proposed establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding which would facilitate  collaboration between Leeds City Council and six private developers to promote the West End vision.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding which would facilitate collaboration between Leeds City Council and six private developers to promote the West End vision.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the Council be authorised to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding with the six companies comprising the West End Partnership.

(ii)  That the general terms of the Memorandum of Understanding as outlined in paragraph 2.6 of the report, be agreed, with the specific details being agreed by the Director of City Development and the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) as appropriate.

(iii)  That the Director of City Development be requested to examine processes whereby elected Members can be briefed as to progress of the proposals.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the proposed implementation of a scheme to improve the existing bus lane on Roundhay Road, which would facilitate its use by High Occupancy Vehicles, in addition to ensuring a more reliable passage for buses at an overall cost of £540,000.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the proposed implementation of a scheme to improve the existing bus lane on Roundhay Road, which would facilitate its use by High Occupancy Vehicles, in addition to ensuring a more reliable passage for buses at an overall cost of £540,000.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the Roundhay Road Bus and High Occupancy Vehicle Corridor Scheme, as illustrated on drawing numbers 760217/002, at an estimated cost of £538,717 be approved.

(ii)  That £511,717 expenditure, comprising £336,354 works costs, statutory undertakers costs of £103,619 and a further £71,744 staff costs for supervision, monitoring and enforcement be approved. These costs to be met from the Integrated Transport Scheme 99609 within the approved Capital Programme which is eligible for 100% Government funding and may be reimbursed at a later date via Section 106 contributions.

(iii)  That the previous approval of staff costs of £27,000 which were met from the Integrated Transport Scheme 99609 within the approved Capital Programme be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which seeks approval for the continuation of the Private Streets Programme  for a further three years.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on the progress of the Private Streets Programme, sought approval to extend the programme for a further 3 years from April 2008 and to incur expenditure of a further £3,600,000, which was the remaining balance of the overall capital programme provision for the initiative.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the updated position report on the current Private Streets Programme be noted.

(ii)  That the continuation of the Private Streets Programme for a further 3 years up to and including 2010/11 be approved.

(iii)  That authority be given to the further expenditure of £3,600,000 on the continuing implementation of the Private Streets Programme, funded from Scheme Number 28967 in the approved Capital Programme, £4,200,000 expenditure having been previously approved.

(Councillor Wakefield declared a personal interest in this matter as the owner of a property adjoining a street which had benefited under this programme)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval for the refurbishment of Albion Place. Appendix 1 to this report is designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3).

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval of the project’s scheme design, and sought authority to spend monies from Leeds City Council’s capital budget for the refurbishment scheme.

Following consideration of appendix 1 to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the scheme design, as outlined within the report be approved.

(ii)  That the release of scheme expenditure as detailed in table (vi) at lines CPRH (3) and CPRH (6) of exempt appendix 1 be authorised.

To consider a joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on a proposal to spend £941,218 of Town and District Regeneration Fund  monies to aid the regeneration of Yeadon High Street by making significant improvements to the public realm and pedestrian use of the area.

The Directors of City Development and Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a joint report on a proposal to spend £941,218 to aid the regeneration of Yeadon High Street by making significant improvements to the public realm and pedestrian use of the area.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the project brief and scheme design as presented within the report be noted.

(ii)  That the Design and Cost Report for scheme 12154/YEA/000 be approved, and that the scheme expenditure, totalling £941,218 be authorised.

To provide an update on the project and to seek authority for officers to instigate Compulsory Purchase Order proceedings, in order to acquire the remaining privately owned properties on several identified sites. Appendices 5, 7, 8 and 9 to this report are designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3).

The Directors of Environment and Neighbourhoods and City Development submitted a joint report providing an update on the Beeston Hill and Holbeck and Little London PFI schemes, commenting on the Outline Business Case for Beeston Hill and Holbeck which had been made available to Members of the Board and proposing a number of key recommendations to enable the projects to progress.

Following consideration of appendices 5,7, 8 and 9 to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)  In respect of the properties at Little London:

a)  That the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods be authorised to make a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of such properties and interests as may be required subject to the Director being satisfied that the requirements of Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and the provisions of Circular 06/2004 are complied with.

b)  That officers be authorised to take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation  and implementation of the Compulsory Purchase Order including:

(i)  the publication  and service of all notices and the presentation of the Councils case at any Public Inquiry

(ii)  approving the acquisition of interest in land within the Compulsory Purchase Order either by agreement or by way of compulsory powers

(iii)  approving agreements with landowners setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the Order including, where appropriate, seeking exclusion of land from the Order and/or making arrangements for the relocation of occupiers

(iv)  such other agreements including Indemnity and Development Agreements as may be necessary to promote the Scheme.

(ii)  In respect of the properties at Beeston Hill and Holbeck:

a)   That the development sites included in the PFI scheme be noted and the Director of City Development be authorised to enter into such negotiations as are required to acquire properties and interests within the area on such terms as she thinks appropriate in order to facilitate the Scheme, subject to the approval by government of the PFI Outline Business Case for Beeston Hill and Holbeck.

b)  That the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods be authorised to make a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of such properties as may be required subject to the Director being satisfied that the requirements of Section 229(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and Circular 06/2004 are complied with.

c)  That officers be authorised to take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the Compulsory Purchase Order including:-

(i)  the publication  and service of all notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry

(ii)  approving the acquisition of interest in land within the Compulsory Purchase Order either by agreement  or by way of compulsory powers

(iii)  approving agreements with landowners setting out terms for the withdrawal of objections to the Order including, where appropriate, seeking exclusion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 179.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the proposed disposal of sites within the Affordable Housing Strategic Partnership (AHSP).

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on a proposal to dispose of the first six sites from the 77 acres within the Affordable Housing Strategic Partnership at less than best consideration calculated at £5,000 per plot. The report also sought approval for the Director of City Development to undertake further disposals of sites within the Affordable Housing Strategic Partnership at less than best consideration of £5,000 per plot.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the disposal of the first six sites within the Affordable Housing Strategic Partnership at less than best consideration, calculated at £5,000 per plot be approved.

(ii)  That the Director of City Development be authorised to dispose of other sites within the 77 acres allocated to the Affordable Housing Strategic Partnership where the disposal is at less than best consideration calculated at £5,000 per plot.

(iii)  That the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods be requested to prioritise progress on the Highfield Gardens site within the context of the Board’s decision of 19^th December 2007 on options for Building Council Housing with appropriate adjustments to this programme.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds outlining the performance of primary schools during 2006/07, and the action taken by Education Leeds to fulfil its responsibilities to the Board and schools.

Appendix 2 to this report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (1) and (2).

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report providing an overview of the performance of primary schools at the end of 2006/07, as demonstrated through statutory national testing, Ofsted inspections and the Education Leeds emerging concerns protocols. It also outlined the action taken by Education Leeds to fulfil its responsibilities to this Board and schools.

Following consideration of annex 2 to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(1) and (2), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –That the progress which has been made in recent years, in addition to the key issues and challenges which are currently being addressed be noted.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds outlining the performance of secondary schools during 2006/07, and the action taken by Education Leeds to fulfil its responsibilities to the Board and schools.

Appendix 3 to this report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (1) and (2).

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report providing an overview of the performance of secondary schools at the end of 2006/07 which analysed the results of the tests at the end of Key Stage 3, GCSE and vocational examinations at Key Stage 4.  The report also reviewed the progress of schools receiving additional support through the extended or focused partnerships.

Following consideration of annex 3 to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(1) and (2) which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted, together with the good progress made in recent years, the improvements achieved in value added indicators particularly for progress between Key Stages 2-3 and Key Stages 3-4, the new floor targets which have been established at Key Stages 3 and 4 which focus upon achievement in English and mathematics and require new strategies from schools to ensure that pupils achieve, in addition to the co-ordination and combination of efforts from across the service areas of Education Leeds and Children Leeds that will be necessary to improve outcomes for underachieving groups and to close the gap between the most and the least successful.

(b)  That the Chief Executive of Education Leeds be requested to bring a further report to the Board on the strategies being used to address identified areas of comparative under achievement.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services summarising the content of the recently published ‘Children’s Plan – Building brighter Futures’ and highlighting the key implications within the plan for children’s services in Leeds.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report summarising the content of the recently published ‘Children’s Plan – Building Brighter Futures’ and highlighting the key implications within the plan for children’s services in Leeds.

RESOLVED – That the proposal for the authority to lead the development to renew the city’s strategy for children’s services through a revised Children and Young People’s Plan be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on a proposed integrated capital strategy which is designed to enable quality integrated youth centres to be established in Leeds.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on a proposal to develop an integrated capital strategy designed to enable quality integrated youth centres to be established in Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the establishment of an integrated capital strategy for youth centres, as described within the report be approved.

(ii)  That proposals be progressed for the establishment of quality youth hub centres in pursuance of the ambitions detailed within the report.

(iii)  That approval be given for the strategy to be progressed by the emerging Integrated Youth Support Service and as part of the wider Children’s Services Asset Management Plan.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive updating Members on the affordability position of the Children’s Services element of the Independent Living Project and seeking approval to the financial implications for the Council of entering into the Children’s Services element of the Project. Appendix 1 to this report is designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3)  

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report providing an update on the affordability position of the Children’s Services element of the Independent Living Project. The report also outlined the sites to be used within the Independent Living Project and sought approval to lease the relevant sites to the PFI contractor for use during the 25 year life of the contract.

Following consideration of appendix 1 to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the financial implications for the Council entering into the Children’s Services element of the Independent Living Project be approved, and the maximum affordability ceiling for that element of £360,000 for the first full financial year (2010/11) as set out in exempt appendix 1 to the report be agreed.

(ii)  That, subject to consent being obtained as required under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 1988, authority be given to the Chief Asset Management Officer to determine the disposal of those sites detailed at appendix 2 to the report under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, to the housing management contractor under the  Independent Living Project, on a leasehold basis and at less than best consideration where indicated.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services summarising the proposed changes to the functions and partnership structure under the Healthy Leeds Partnership, in addition to the key points which have emerged from the associated consultation process, and which seeks the Board’s approval of such proposed changes to the Healthy Leeds Partnership.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report outlining the proposed changes to the functions and partnership structure under the Healthy Leeds Partnership, the consultation process which had been undertaken, and the response to the key points which had emerged from such consultation. As one of the key partners, the Executive Board was asked to give its approval to the proposed changes to the Healthy Leeds Partnership.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the summary of comments received through the consultation on revised partnership arrangements for health and well being be noted.

(ii)  That the proposals detailed within the consultation document on health and wellbeing partnership arrangements be supported.

(iii)  That Leeds City Council’s support for the partnership proposals be reported to the Healthy Leeds Partnership at its next scheduled meeting on 10^th March 2008.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services summarising the content of a recently published document entitled, ‘Valuing People Now – From Progress to Transformation’, which contains detailed proposals to improve the lives of those with learning disabilities and that of their families and carers over the next three years.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report providing information on the publication of a recent document from the Department of Health entitled ‘Valuing People Now – From Progress to Transformation’, which followed on from earlier Valuing People documents seeking to promote equal citizenship for people with learning disabilities.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the publication of the Valuing People Now document and the wide ranging proposals it makes in relation to improving  the lives of people with learning disabilities be noted.

(ii)  That the implications for the Council as detailed in  section 4 of the report, particularly in relation to the transfer of commissioning responsibilities from the PCT and in relation to the provision of more individualised and community based service provision for people with learning disabilities be noted.

(iii)  That the preparation of a consultation response by the Leeds Learning Disability Partnership Board be noted.

(iv)  That the proposal for the final report to be issued by the Department of Health in the summer be noted.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  12^TH FEBRUARY 2008

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN:  19^TH FEBRUARY 2008 (5.00 PM)

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12 noon on Wednesday 20^th February 2008)