Agenda and minutes

Under the terms of Executive Procedure Rule 2.3, Councillor J Procter was invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillor A Carter.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, 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 so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED –  That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as exempt information 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 the public be excluded from the meeting during the 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 4 to the report referred to in Minute No. 240 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the information within Appendix 4 contains details relating to City Fusion Ltd as a business and its release may prejudice their commercial interests. Therefore, in this instance, withholding this information is considered to outweigh the public interest benefit of its release. Further risks, in addition to those outlined within section 4.6 of the submitted report, are also identified within exempt Appendix 4.  Such risks relate to the financial or business affairs of the Council. Disclosure of those risks would be prejudicial to the interests of the Council and it is therefore considered that the public interest in treating this information as exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

There were no late items as such, however, it was noted that Executive Board Members had been provided with copies of Appendix 5 to agenda item 13 entitled, ‘Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document – “Post Submission Changes”’, which had been received following the despatch of the agenda (Minute No. 238 referred).

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 Wakefield declared a personal interest in the agenda item entitled, ‘Commission on the Future of Local Government: Progress Update’, due to his position as Chair of the Commission, and also a personal interest in the item entitled, ‘Unlocking Growth in Cities: “City Deals” ’, as a member of both the Leeds City Region Leaders’ Board and the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (Minute Nos. 232 and 233 referred respectively).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th March 2012.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th March 2012 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development providing a response to the ‘Mayor for a Day’ deputation to Council on 18^th January 2012 entitled, ‘When it Comes to Keeping Kidz Active – Leeds Leads’.

The Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report responding to the ‘Mayor for a Day’ deputation entitled, ‘When it Comes to Keeping Kidz Active – Leeds Leads’, which was presented to Council on 18^th January 2012.

On behalf of the Board, the Chair and the Executive Member for Children’s Services welcomed to the meeting, Joe Smith, who was the winner of the Leeds Children’s Mayor for the Year competition and also the spokesperson for the deputation. Joe was thanked for the excellent delivery of his deputation and for the professional way in which he had undertaken his duties as Children’s Mayor. The Board highlighted that Joe, together with young people in general, could play a significant role in ensuring that not only the Council’s leisure facilities, but Leeds as a whole, was developed into a more child friendly city.   

The Board noted the suggestion made in respect of the pilot scheme currently ongoing in Rothwell, regarding the establishment of ‘Green Gyms’, which related to the provision of outdoor gym facilities for young people.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That a letter be written to Joe Smith on behalf of the Board, thanking him for highlighting this important issue, congratulating him on winning the Leeds Children’s Mayor competition and inviting him to meet with the key officers involved in managing leisure services.

(b)  That, building on the many positive arrangements already in place, the Board affirm their commitment to making all Leeds public leisure facilities as ‘child friendly’ as possible, through a variety of means and in consultation with children and young people.

(c)  That officers continue to review opportunities to introduce initiatives that get Leeds children and young people involved with Leeds leisure centres and that further contact be made with Joe before the end of 2012, updating him on progress and developments.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) providing an update on the work of the Commission on the Future of Local Government, which Leeds has initiated.  The Commission is exploring the concept of Civic Enterprise as a way to respond to the extreme change and challenges facing local government. This paper provides an update on the progress the Commission has so far made and the issues emerging so that councillors can consider the best way for Leeds to increasingly use the concept of Civic Enterprise as a way to help deliver the ambitions for the city and for the council.

A report from the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) was submitted providing an update on the work of the Commission on the Future of Local Government and which highlighted that the Commission was exploring the concept of Civic Enterprise as a way to respond to the extreme change and challenges facing local government. In addition, the report provided an update on the progress the Commission had made to date and highlighted the issues that were currently emerging, in order to enable consideration to be given to the most effective way for Leeds to increasingly use the concept of Civic Enterprise as a way to help deliver the ambitions for the city and for the council.

Members welcomed the approach being taken by the Commission, however, a concern was raised in respect of the composition of the Commission’s membership, and the need to ensure that the Commission had access to the views of a wider section of local Ward Councillors, together with the views of all political groups in Leeds. The Chair acknowledged the points made and responded to comments regarding the Commission’s membership. In doing so, the Chair highlighted the vital role which would be played by local Elected Members throughout the times of significant change which were currently being experienced within local government.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the work of the Commission on the Future of Local Government be noted.

(b)  That the Board continue to engage with the process and receive further updates on this matter, as the Commission progresses.

(c)  That the comments made by the Board, in respect of the real and pressing local issues which may benefit from a civic enterprise approach to drive improvement for our citizens, be noted.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) outlining the activity recently conducted to conclude a ‘City Deal’, following the publication of the ‘Unlocking Growth in Cities’ document, which was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in Leeds in December 2011.  The publication identifies Cities as the engines of growth and critical to economic recovery and proposes a ‘fundamental shift in the relationship between national government and cities – starting with a genuine transfer of power’.

In addition, the report provides information on the policy areas that are being covered by the ‘Deal’ and details the proposed timetable regarding the public announcement of the ‘Deal’s’ content. 

A report from the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) was submitted outlining the activity recently conducted to conclude a ‘City Deal’, following the publication of the ‘Unlocking Growth in Cities’ document, which was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in Leeds in December 2011. In addition, the report provided information on the policy areas that were being covered by the ‘Deal’, and detailed the proposed timetable regarding the public announcement of the ‘Deal’s’ content. 

Responding to Members’ enquiries, it was emphasised that constructive discussions continued to be undertaken in respect of a potential ‘City Deal’ for the Leeds City Region (LCR), covering several key policy areas. Linked to this, it was noted that successful bids regarding the provision of Superfast Broadband and tackling the issue of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) had already been achieved. It was confirmed that a formal ‘City Deal’ had not been agreed to date, but that an announcement from the Government was expected in May. In addition, Members noted that as many of the policy areas being considered as part of a potential deal transcended city boundaries, the bid for the ‘City Deal’ had been submitted on an LCR basis. The Board was advised of the proposals which had been made regarding the potential establishment of Combined Authority Model for Transport, however, it was emphasised that a joint local authority approach towards planning issues was not being progressed. 

In conclusion, the Board thanked all of those officers who had been involved in the compilation and submission of the Leeds City Region ‘City Deal’ bid.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

(b)  That the likely content of the ‘City Deal’ be noted, together with the pre-announced elements of the ‘Deal’, surrounding Youth Contracts and Super Connected Cities.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) which seeks approval to implement the Armed Forces Community Covenant in Leeds. This report is in response to the White Paper Motion on Military Covenants brought to Council on 16^th November 2011 and the subsequent resolution.

A report from the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) was submitted which sought approval for the implementation of the Armed Forces Community Covenant in Leeds.

Responding to Members’ comments, it was agreed that the Chief Executive be designated as the Council’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer. 

Members highlighted the actions being taken by the local authority to address the issues which were experienced by the local Armed Forces community in Leeds, specifically in respect of in-year school transfers.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Board approve and pledge support for an Armed Forces Community Covenant in Leeds, as detailed within Appendix 3 to the submitted report.

(b)  That the Chief Executive be allocated the role of Armed Forces liaison officer.

(c)  That the implementation of the new direct let category for former service personnel seeking housing in Leeds, be approved.

(d)  That the Board support Touchstone in respect of the organisation’s bid to access funding from the National Grant Scheme and request that officers continue to work closely with Touchstone on this issue.

(e)  That a further report be submitted to the Board in due course which provides details regarding the actions being taken to address the wider community and family based issues which were commonly faced by the local Armed Forces community residing in the city.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the three month trial period which has been undertaken in relation to Ward Member notification of planning applications on which Highways have been consulted. In addition, the report seeks an agreement to a further nine month trial period, in order to assess changes to the system and gather more evidence of the benefit or otherwise of the additional procedure.

Further to Minute No. 99, 12^th October 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the three month trial period which had been undertaken in relation to Ward Member notification of planning applications, on which the Highways Department had been consulted. In addition, the report sought an agreement to a further nine month trial period, in order to assess changes to the system and to gather more evidence of the benefit or otherwise of the additional procedure.

Members welcomed the initiative and in responding to Members’ comments, it was requested that Elected Members were provided with further guidance on the process by which they could make representations on those planning applications which had been sent to the Highways Department for a consultation response.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the issues raised during the three month Member consultation trial period and the responses to those issues, be noted.

(b)  That a further four month trial consultation period be undertaken in order to assess the issues raised, request Member feedback and assess the revised planning application validation procedure.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the continued relevance of park and ride for Leeds, in terms of policy justification, the need to maintain park and ride as an integral part of the City’s transport strategy and providing details on the current opportunities for delivering park and ride in the city.

The Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the continued relevance of the park and ride initiative for Leeds, specifically in terms of the policy justification, the need to maintain park and ride as an integral part of the City’s transport strategy and also providing details on the current opportunities for delivering park and ride in the city.

Members welcomed the development of a Park and Ride Strategy for Leeds, however, it was acknowledged that further work needed to be undertaken on the development of the strategy. The Board then received responses to the comments which had been raised, specifically regarding potential site locations in the Outer North West of the city, the proposals regarding the Elland Road site, the need for any strategy to take account of the potential impact of new housing developments or the possible implications arising from the Core Strategy, and the potential for further co-operation on this issue with neighbouring local authorities.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received clarification regarding the designation of a site at Alwoodley Gates on the A61.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report and the issues which it raises be noted.

(b)  That the Board endorse the continued development of the park and ride strategy together with the proposals currently being progressed, including further feasibility work for the Elland Road site moving towards the selection of a partner for the operation of a service.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Ogilvie required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the progress made regarding the planned Major Maintenance Scheme on Leeds Inner Ring Road Structures. In addition, the report seeks authority to incur expenditure on the implementation of works to Lovell Park Bridge and to incur expenditure on contractors/consultants costs for the first stage (the design and development stage) of an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract for the Woodhouse Tunnel.

Further to Minute No. 75, 7^th September 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress made regarding the planned Major Maintenance Scheme on Leeds Inner Ring Road Structures. In addition, the report sought authority to incur expenditure on the implementation of works to Lovell Park Bridge and also to incur expenditure on contractors/consultants costs for the first stage (the design and development stage) of an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract for the Woodhouse Tunnel.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the update provided within the submitted report, which outlines progress on the planned Major Maintenance Scheme on Leeds Inner Ring Road Structures, including obtaining Department for Transport approval, be noted.

(b)  That expenditure of £2,046,000 to implement work to Lovell Park Bridge be authorised.

(c)  That authority be given to entering into an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract for Woodhouse Tunnel and that authority be given to incur external costs of £400,000 on contractors/consultants costs for stage 1 of this contract.

(d)  That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board early in 2013, seeking authority to progress the second stage, that being the construction works.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to a 6 week public consultation into the Post Submission Schedule of Changes, following the Examination in Public of the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document from 15^th November to 8^th December 2011.

As stated within the report, Appendix 5 (the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment) is to be provided to Board Members prior to the meeting.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to a 6 week public consultation exercise into the Post Submission Schedule of Changes, following the Examination in Public of the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document (DPD) from 15^th November to 8^th December 2011.

Copies of Appendix 5 to the submitted report had been circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting for their consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Post Submission Schedule of Changes, as attached to the submitted report be approved for the purposes of a 6 week period of public consultation (subject to the inclusion of the further changes, which had been included within appendix 5 to the submitted report and as approved at resolution (b) below). In addition, the Director of City Development be authorised to take such steps as he considers necessary in order to progress the DPD in the light of any representations received and the Inspector’s considerations of these, prior to the Inspector issuing his report. 

(b)  That the conclusions of the Sustainability Appraisal Addendum be agreed, with the exception of the points detailed at paragraph 2.2 of the ‘Further Changes’ document within appendix 5 of the submitted report, that the Sustainability Appraisal’s recommendations be accepted and that these subsequent changes be consolidated as part of the post submission changes (as detailed within the schedule dated 21^st January 2012).

(c)  That the conclusions of the review of the Development Plan Document against the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Policy for Travellers, be agreed as the City Council’s response to the Inspector’s request of 2^nd April 2012.

(The Development Plan Document is being prepared within the context of the LDF Regulations and statutory requirements, and as the DPD is a Budgetary and Policy Framework document, the matters referred to within this minute are not eligible for Call In).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the activities of the Illegal Money Lending Team (Loan Shark Team) in Leeds.

Further to Minute No. 207, 30^th March 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update upon the activities of the Illegal Money Lending Team (Loan Shark Team) in Leeds.

Mike McAultrie, a Trading Standards Officer from Birmingham City Council was in attendance to respond to any questions Members had regarding the work of the Illegal Money Lending Team.

Members acknowledged the valuable work which had been undertaken by the Illegal Money Lending Team. However, emphasis was placed upon the need for further work to be undertaken to address the problems which were caused by legal money lenders in the city, with the possibility of representations on this issue being made nationally. Having highlighted the demands that were being placed upon the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB), as a result of personal debt problems, the Board requested that a further report be submitted to the Board, which outlined proposals regarding the actions which could be taken by the Local Authority, together with relevant agencies, such as the CAB, Credit Union and other parts of the financial community, to address the problems caused by legal money lenders in Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

(b)  That annual reports on the activities of the Illegal Money Lending Team within the Leeds city area continue to be received.

(c)  That the Board agree to support the action plan, as appended to the submitted report.

(d)  That a further report be submitted to Executive Board in due course which outlines proposals regarding the actions which could be taken by the Local Authority, together with relevant agencies, such as the CAB, Credit Union and other parts of the financial community, in addressing the problems caused by legal money lenders across the city.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods and the Director of City Development seeking approval to submit a Stage 2 bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in order to confirm the Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI). In addition, the report seeks agreement for the Council to act as grant administrator and accountable body for the operation of the THI, together with authority to spend up to £668,000 on the associated works.

Appendix 4 to this report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which sought approval to submit a Stage 2 bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in order to confirm the Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI). In addition, the report sought agreement for the Council to act as grant administrator and accountable body for the operation of the THI, together with authority to spend up to £668,000 on the associated works.

Following consideration of Appendix 4 to the submitted 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 -

(a)  That the submission of a Stage 2 bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Lower Kirkgate THI be approved.

(b)  That approval be given for the City Council to act as accountable body for the THI.

(c)  That authority to spend the sum of £668,000 on the associated works, as outlined within the submitted report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which seeks approval to the proposal to purchase 13 Refuse Collection Vehicles as part of a natural replenishment of the fleet and give authority to spend for the sum of £1,850,000.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which sought approval to the proposal to purchase 13 Refuse Collection Vehicles as part of a natural replenishment of the fleet. In addition, the report sought the required authority to spend the sum of £1,850,000.

RESOLVED - That authority to spend the sum of £1,850,000 from capital scheme number 16506/ENV/REF be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services regarding the proposed school admission numbers, the Local Authority admissions policy, as well as the arrangements for September 2013.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report regarding the proposed school admission numbers, the Local Authority admissions policy, together with the associated admission arrangements for September 2013.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further detail in respect of the proposal to increase from 3 to 5, the number of school preferences that parents were able to express for their child. In response, the Member in question requested that he received details of how the data regarding school preference allocation was currently presented.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the Primary and Secondary Co-ordinated Schemes, along with the following changes to school admission numbers:

School  Current Admission Limit  Proposed Admission Limit

Primary

Bramley St Peters   45   60

Little London   30  60

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   13^TH APRIL 2012

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  20^TH APRIL 2012  (5.00 P.M.)

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00 p.m. on 23^rd April 2012)