Agenda and minutes

There were no late items but supplementary/additional information was provided since the despatch of the agenda as follows:

Minute  9  -  Additional supplementary information in relation to consultations and discussions undertaken contained in a report circulated on 11^th June 2007 and a further report tabled at this meeting.

Minute  11  -  The current draft of the Council Plan 2007/08 document tabled at this meeting.

Minute  14  -  The Children and Young People’s Plan Review document circulated on 7^th June 2007.

Minute  19  -  A revised version of appendix 2 to the report tabled at this meeting.

To agree that the public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the appendix to Item 8.

RESOLVED – That 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 the exempt information so designated as follows:

(a)  The appendix to the report referred to in minute 10 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, disclosure of costs and details about the relationships between parties could prejudice the Council’s position in dealing with claims and future negotiations. Maintaining the exemption protects the Council’s negotiating position and prevents potential wasteful public expenditure.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 13 of the Members Code of Conduct

Councillor Wakefield declared a personal interest in the item relating to the Review of 14-19 provision in Leeds as a member of the Learning and Skills Council.

Councillor Finnigan declared a personal interest in the same item as a governor of Joseph Priestley College.

(a)  The Chair reported that Paul Rogerson, the Chief Executive was not present at the meeting by reason of the investiture of his award of Commander of the British Empire on this same day.  The Board expressed congratulations to Mr Rogerson upon his receipt of the award which reflected upon his services to the City and the region.

(b)  The Chair announced that the Council had on the day of this meeting received an award from CIPFA in respect of its financial reporting arrangements.

(c)  The Chair welcomed Councillor Finnigan to his first meeting of the Board.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th May 2007.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th May 2007 be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds on the Review of 14 – 19 Provision in Leeds and on the proposed next stage of development.

Further to minute 242 of the meeting held on 16^th May 2007 the Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on progress of the review of 14-19 provision and on the proposed next stage to develop a detailed implementation plan in conjunction with key partners.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the vision and approach outlined in the report and to the development of a detailed implementation plan based on the model proposed in the report.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds on the deputation to Council regarding community language teaching in Leeds secondary schools.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on the deputation to Council on 18^th April 2007 regarding community language teaching in Leeds secondary schools.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the concerns expressed by the deputation and the next steps described in the report be noted.

(b)  That a further report be brought to the Board following the conclusion of the consultation exercise currently underway.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the proposed development at Quarry Hill for the Northern Ballet Theatre and Phoenix Dance Company.

Further to minute 114 of the meeting held on 15^th November 2006 the Director of City Development submitted a report on the proposed development at Quarry Hill for the Northern Ballet Theatre and Phoenix Dance Company. Following consideration of the history of negotiations to date with private developers, it was concluded that partnership with a commercial developer via a developer led delivery model was unlikely to result in the required dance facilities. The report considered proposed delivery models with the Council taking the lead in the delivery of the project namely the Council acting as developer or the Council taking the lead on the project. The report also outlined the option of the Council taking no action, of relocating the proposed development or of attracting another commercial developer to the project.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current position regarding the proposed development of a new dance/theatre headquarters on site 1 Quarry Hill for Northern Ballet Theatre and Phoenix Dance Company at a total estimated cost of £11,675,000 be noted.

(b)  That support be given to the principle of a revised delivery mechanism to be pursued for the development of a new dance/theatre headquarters on site 1 Quarry Hill for use by Northern Ballet Theatre and Phoenix Dance Company, the specific mechanism to be agreed by the Director of City Development under the Council’s scheme of  delegation

(c)  That an additional £7,025,000 be injected into the Capital Programme for expenditure on the proposed development of a new dance/theatre headquarters, to be funded by a grant of £3,560,000 from Arts Council England, £400,000 from Northern Ballet Theatre and an additional contribution of £3,065,000 from the City Council.

(d)  That additional expenditure of £7,025,000 on the proposed development of a new dance/theatre headquarters on site 1 Quarry Hill for use by Northern Ballet Theatre and Phoenix Dance Company be authorised.

(e)  That the thanks of the Board be conveyed to those officers involved in the progression of this development since its first inception.

  (Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Finnigan required it to be recorded that he voted against this decision).

To consider the attached reports and a further report to be circulated following agenda despatch.

Further to minute 241 of the meeting held on 16^th May 2007 the Chief Recreation Officer and Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) submitted a  report presenting the previous report on the need for water safety measures at the above location, on public meetings held and on the intention to circulate a further report to the Board following a display of the options at Otley Civic Centre on 8^th June 2007.

Further reports as referred to in minute 1 were also considered.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the scheme to erect signage and to fence parts of the parks adjacent to the River  Wharfe as detailed graphically in Appendix four to the report submitted to the Board on 16^th May 2007 be implemented as soon as is practically possible.

(b)  That the height, design and colour of the fencing be as described in the report tabled at this meeting following the recent consultation exercise.

  (Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Wakefield required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on this decision).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the development of the new swimming and diving centre.

(The appendix to this report is designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3.)

Further to minute 127 of the meeting held on 13^th December 2006 the Director of City Development submitted a report on the anticipated final budget shortfall in respect of the above scheme, on the work areas that have contributed to the shortfall, the reasons and the actions taken and being undertaken, to try and reduce the anticipated shortfall.

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

RESOLVED – That the recommendations identifying funding to meet the anticipated final budget shortfall, as contained in the exempt appendix to the report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Executive Support on the production of the Council’s Best Value Performance Plan – the Council Plan 2007/08.

The Chief Officer Executive Support submitted a report on the production of the Council’s Best Value Performance Plan – the Council Plan 2007/08 to be submitted to the Council meeting on 20^th June 2007 for approval to publish on 30^th June 2007.

Copies of the current draft of the Plan were circulated at the meeting.

RESOLVED – That Council be recommended:

(a)  To approve the Council Plan to allow publication by 30^th June 2007

(b)  To authorise the Chief Executive to upgrade and complete the Council Plan with any outstanding information prior to its publication on 30^th June 2007

(c)  To authorise the Executive to make any necessary in-year amendments to the Council Plan subject to the amendments being reported to the next available Council meeting.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources on the Council’s financial performance for the year ending 31^st March 2007,

The Director of Resources submitted a report on the Council’s financial performance for the year ending 31^st March 2007 prior to the submission of the annual accounts to the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee for approval, and subject to audit.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that approval be given to the creation of an earmarked reserve and an injection to the capital programme in respect of the Housing Revenue Account as detailed in paragraph 7.8 of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on proposals to consult on the Preferred Options for the EASEL Area Action Plan.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on proposals to consult on the Preferred Options for the EASEL Area Action Plan.

The report detailed actions taken to date to arrive at the Council’s preferred options and presented the Council’s response to comments received on the Alternative Options consultation, the summary of the Area Action Plan Sustainability Appraisal Report and the preferred options development plan document.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the informal consultation undertaken as part of the preparation of the Preferred Options be noted

(b)  That the East and South East Leeds Preferred Options be approved for publication together with its Sustainability Appraisal Summary Report and other supporting documents and that representations be formally invited between 18^th and 30^th July 2007.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on the 2007 Review of the Children and Young People’s Plan.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on the 2007 Review of the Children and Young People’s Plan.

A copy of the revised Plan had been circulated subsequent to the despatch of the agenda.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Children and Young People’s Plan Review be approved as necessary in year amendments to the Plan and those amendments be reported for information to the next meeting of the Council.

(b)  That the final document be submitted to the next meeting of this Board for information.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on the implications of the Education and Inspections Act for youth services in Leeds.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on the implications of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 for youth services in Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That an Integrated Youth Support Service as described in the report, be established in Leeds as from April 2008

(b)  That approval be given to the full integration of Leeds Youth Service and the localised Connexions Service into the Integrated Youth Support Service as part of a wider universal offer for 0-19 year olds.

(c)  That the Director of Children’s Services progress all aspects set out in the report for the integration of services for young people.

(d)  That 2007/08 be regarded as a year of transition and change.

To consider the report of the Acting Chief Officer for Early Years and Youth Services on the construction of an extension to the existing Castleton Primary School to create New Wortley Children’s Centre. 

The Acting Chief Officer for Early Years and Youth Services submitted a report on the construction of an extension to the existing Castleton Primary School to create New Wortley Children’s Centre.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the transfer of £935,000 from the Phase 2 Children’s Centre Parent Scheme 12394 and that authority be given to incur expenditure of £768,000 on construction, £40,000 on equipment and £127,000 on fees.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds on the outcome of a review of primary provision in the Guiseley Planning Area.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on the outcome of a review of primary provision in the Guiseley Planning Area.

The report presented options which had been considered as follows:

1  Increase the admissions number at both Guiseley Infant School and St Oswald’s Junior School from 80 to 90 with effect from September 2009

2  Expand provision at either Tranmere Park or Hawksworth

3  Expand provision in Queensway

4  Convert both Guiseley Infants School and St Oswald’s Junior School into through primaries (either 1.5FE or 2FE)

RESOLVED – That the choice of Option 1, with consultation taking place through the Annual Admissions process, be noted

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds on the outcome of a review of primary provision in the Wetherby Planning Area.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted  a report on the outcome of a review of primary provision in the Wetherby Planning Area.

The report presented options which had been considered as follows;

1  Maintain all current provision

2  Reduce the admissions limit of Deighton Gates Primary from 60 to 45

3  Reduce the admissions limit of Deighton Gates Primary from 60 to 30

4  Amalgamation of Deighton Gates with Crossley Street to form a 2 form entry school

5  Amalgamation of Deighton Gates with St James CE (VC) to form a 2 form entry school

RESOLVED – That the choice of option 1 be noted

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds on proposed amendments to the Home to School Transport Policy to be implemented from September 2008.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on proposed amendments to the Home to School Transport Policy in accordance with the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to be implemented from September 2008.

A revised version of appendix 2 to the report was circulated at the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that the revised policy, as contained in the tabled appendix 2 to the report, be approved for implementation.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  15^TH JUNE 2007

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN :  22^ND JUNE 2007

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00 noon on Monday 25^th June 2007)