Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds

Contact: Council and Executive Support Team 

Items
No. Item

145.

Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public pdf icon PDF 50 KB

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.

 

 

Minutes:

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 exempt information so designated as follows:-

(a) Appendix 2 to the report entitled “Council Brownfield Land Programme” referred to in Minute No. 153 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the information within the Appendix contains details relating to the financial and/or business affairs of the authority as it relates to the anticipated values attached to the sites prior to marketing, which if disclosed to the public would, or would be likely to, prejudice the future commercial interests of the Council during any subsequent open market disposal exercise.

 

146.

Late Items pdf icon PDF 172 KB

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

 

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

Minutes:

The Chair admitted to the agenda, the following late items of business:

(a)  A report entitled, ‘Local Government Finance Settlement 2013/14 and 2014/15” (Minute No. 150 referred). It was deemed appropriate that this matter be considered by the Board as a matter of urgency in order to ensure that the Board received at the earliest opportunity the latest information on the Provisional Settlement which was announced on 19th December 2012.

 

Additionally the Board was in receipt of the following supplementary documents:

a)  Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document – Inspector’s Report. The comments made by the Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture) at the meeting held 20th December 2012 were submitted for consideration (Minute 154 refers)

b)  Council Brownfield Land Policy – Site Plans relating to each of the sites detailed within Appendix 1 of the submitted report were submitted to assist Members consideration of the item (Minute 153 refers)

c)  Reform of Adult Social Care and Support – An additional recommendation was submitted for Members consideration (Minute 161 refers)

 

147.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 115 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 12th December 2012

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12th December 2012 be approved as a correct record

 

RESOURCES AND CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

 

148.

Monthly Financial Health Report - Month 8 pdf icon PDF 153 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Resources setting out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2012/13 after eight months of the financial year

 

Minutes:

The Director of Resources submitted a report presenting the Council’s projected financial health position for 2012/2013 after eight months of the financial year.

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position of the authority after eight months of the financial year be noted.

 

149.

Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool - update pdf icon PDF 85 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Resources regarding the progress made towards the establishment of the Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool following the release of details of the funding arrangements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to minute 88 of the meeting held 17th October 2012, the Director of Resources submitted a report providing an update on the development of the Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool. The report set out the financial context of the Pool following publication of the Local Government Finance settlement on 19th December 2012 and sought approval for Leeds to continue to be a member and act as lead authority for the LCR Pool.

 

In response to a Members’ enquiry, the Board noted the response regarding the decision of Craven, North Yorkshire and Selby authorities not to join the LCR Pool

 

RESOLVED – That agreement be given for Leeds to continue as a member of the Business Rates Pool that has been designated for the Leeds City Region and as lead authority for the Pool. Notwithstanding this decision, the continuation of the Pool will be dependent upon none of the other member authorities choosing to withdraw before 16th January 2013

 

150.

Late Item - Local Government Finance Settlement 2013/14 and 2014/15

Minutes:

The Board considered the report of the Director of Resources on the main features of the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement which was announced by Government on 19th December 2012. The report outlined the implications for Leeds and contained underlying data which had only become available during the days following publication of the Provisional Settlement and too late for inclusion within the agenda for this meeting.

 

The Board received an update on the outcome of a meeting held between the Leader of Council, the Director of Resources and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for London, Local Government and Planning, on 8th January 2013 in respect of Leeds’ provisional financial settlement.

 

It was reported that the DCLG had now acknowledged that an error had been made in the calculation of the “Spending Power” figures as reproduced in paragraph 3:9 of the report and that clarification was awaited on this and several other issues from the Department.

 

A formal response was being prepared by officers to the Settlement in order to inform the final budget proposals to be considered by Executive Board on 15th February 2013 and to be recommended to Council on 27th February 2013

 

Responding to a Members’ enquiry, clarification was provided on how the figures within the Settlement compared to the funding which had been anticipated for Leeds. 

 

The concerns of the Board were noted in respect of the Settlement and it was proposed that and all-party letter be sent to the Minister detailing the concerns of the Council over the contents of the Provisional Settlement for Leeds.

 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and the intention for the Leaders of the Political Groups to write a joint letter to the Minster setting out the concerns of the Council over the contents of the Provisional Settlement for Leeds, be noted

 

ENVIRONMENT

151.

Proposed Improvements to Golden Acre Park Bakery Cafe pdf icon PDF 52 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining proposals to develop the café at Golden Acre Park with the addition of a conservatory and Changing Places toilet facility, in partnership with a business sponsor and Adult Social Care

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Board considered the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining proposals to develop the café at Golden Acre Park with the addition of a conservatory and Changing Places toilet facility, in partnership with a business sponsor and Adult Social Care

 

RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted and that support be given to the principle of a sponsorship agreement with Franklin Windows Ltd for the creation of a conservatory to the existing café at Golden Acre Park

 

DEVELOPMENT & THE ECONOMY

 

152.

East Leeds Extension and East Leeds Orbital Road pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the emerging proposals for development of the East Leeds Extension and its relationship to the delivery of a new East Leeds Orbital Road and seeking consideration of the Council’s approach to the infrastructure requirements for the proposals

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the emerging proposals for development of the East Leeds Extension and its relationship to the delivery of a new East Leeds Orbital Road. The report also sought consideration of the Council’s approach to the infrastructure requirements for the proposals.

 

Receipt of a late representation was noted, the contents of which were addressed during the Boards’ consideration of the matter.

 

The Board noted the experience which had been gained in obtaining central government support for such schemes through the delivery of the East Leeds Link Road project. Emphasis was placed upon the importance of other infrastructure improvements which were required in the area to ensure that future developments were sustainable. In conclusion the Board highlighted the need to progress this initiative as a priority.

 

RESOLVED –

a)  That the release of funding of £150,000, necessary for the Council to undertake feasibility work on the East Leeds Orbital Road, be supported;

b)  That approval be given for the principle of the Council taking a leading role in the delivery of the East Leeds Orbital Road and other infrastructure requirements and to formally engage with the landowners about the delivery process;

c)  That the potential for the Council to use its Compulsory Purchase Order powers in the event that land requirements for the East Leeds Orbital Road cannot be secured via negotiation be noted;

d)  That a further report on the outcome of the Feasibility Study be received in due course;

e)  To request that the Director of City Development liaises with appropriate government departments to identify the support that could be made available to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure in the East Leeds Extension to support housing growth.

 

153.

Council Brownfield Land Programme pdf icon PDF 128 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development  setting out proposals for the Council to establish a Brownfield Land Programme in order to stimulate and encourage the development of new housing on Leeds City Council unallocated brownfield land

 

Appendix 2 to this report is designated as exempt under the provisions of Access to Information Rule 10.4 (3)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report setting out proposals for the Council to establish a Brownfield Land Programme in order to stimulate and encourage the development of new housing on Leeds City Council unallocated brownfield land.

 

Copies of site plans illustrating those sites identified in Appendix 1 of the report were circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting.

 

Following consideration of Appendix 2 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 –

(i)  That approval be given to the establishment of a Brownfield Land Programme based on the principles set out in the report and incorporating those sites listed at Appendix 1 of the submitted report;

(ii)  That approval be given to the ring-fencing of all capital receipts arising from the sale of the sites listed in Appendix 1 to the Brownfield Land Programme;

(iii)  That approval be given for capital receipts arising from disposal of the remaining EASEL Phase 1 development sites to be incorporated into the Brownfield Land Programme;

(iv)  To note the intention to progress the acquisition of two remaining owner-occupied properties on the Askets and subject to the need for these to enable full development, to undertake a marketing exercise for disposal of the site;

(v)  That the re-allocation of uncommitted sites from the former Affordable Housing Strategic Partnership to the Brownfield Land Programme be approved;

(vi)  To note the initial potential for institutional investment in the development of rented housing and that further discussion with third parties will be undertaken to establish the potential for this as a route for supporting housing growth in the city;

(vii)  That a further report presenting an evaluation of the performance of the policy be presented to the Board within 12 months

 

NEIGHBOURHOODS, PLANNING AND SUPPORT SERVICES

 

154.

Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document - Inspector's Report pdf icon PDF 79 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document, including the Inspectors Report which, following independent examination of the Plan, concludes the document is “sound”. The Board is requested to make a recommendation to full Council that the Plan be adopted

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document, including the Inspectors Report which, following independent examination of the Plan, concluded that the Plan Document was “sound”. The Board was requested to make a recommendation to full Council that the Plan be adopted.

 

A copy of the full Inspectors Report was attached to the report for Members consideration. The Board was also in receipt of comments made by Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture) during its consideration of the DPD at the meeting held 20th December 2012.

 

Reference was also made to a letter of representation received from a member of the public in respect of one site located in east Leeds.

 

RESOLVED - That the Board notes the contents of the Inspector’s Report, including his recommendations and reasons, and recommends to full Council that the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document (the Submitted DPD and Post Submission Changes) pursuant to Section 23 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 as presented to this meeting, be adopted

 

(The resolutions referred to within this minute were not eligible for Call In, as the Development Plan Document which incorporates the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document, is part of the Budgetary and Policy Framework. Therefore, the ultimate determination of such matters are reserved to Council, in line with the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules)

 

155.

Review of the ALMO Management Arrangements pdf icon PDF 261 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) setting out the background to the review of housing management services in Leeds and presenting options for the future delivery of housing management in the city, prior to a wider consultation on the future direction

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Board considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) setting out the background to the review of housing management services in Leeds initiated earlier in the year and presenting options for the future delivery of housing management in the city, prior to a wider consultation on the future direction.

 

The review covered both the delivery aspect of the service, predominantly provided by the three ALMOs; and also the strategic landlord and other related functions provided by the Environment and Neighbourhoods directorate. Extensive engagement work had been undertaken with key stakeholders and the review had concluded that two options for the future delivery of housing management services should be consulted upon including a full test of tenant opinion, before a final decision is taken. The two options being:

a)  Move to a single company model (e.g. a single ALMO) with a retained locality delivery structure and strengthened governance arrangements; or

b)  Move to all services being integrated within direct council management with a retained locality delivery structure and strengthened governance arrangements to include tenants and independent members.

 

The Board received assurances that measures would be introduced to ensure that response levels to the consultation exercise were maximised and that the implementation of the new arrangements would be done on an all-party basis, once the new arrangements had been determined. In addition, the Board received clarification on the status of the Tenant Management Organisations and considered the role of Scrutiny in the consultation process.

 

RESOLVED – That the progress made so far on the review be noted and that the following two options be taken forward to the next stage for consultation:

i)  a move to a single company model (e.g. a single ALMO) with a retained locality delivery structure and strengthened governance arrangements; OR

ii)   a move to all services being integrated within direct council control with a retained locality delivery structure and strengthened governance arrangements to include tenants and independent members

 

156.

Development of New Council Houses pdf icon PDF 94 KB

To consider the joint report of the Directors of City Development and Environment & Neighbourhoods on the progress made towards the delivery of new Council homes to be delivered over the next three years utilising Housing Revenue Account (HRA) resources. Details of the site selection and property type are included and approval is sought in order to progress the proposals to the next stage of the scheme

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Directors of City Development and Environment & Neighbourhoods submitted a joint report on the progress made towards the delivery of new Council homes over the next three years utilising Housing Revenue Account (HRA) resources. The report sought approval for the sites contained within the shortlist at Appendix 1 of the report in order to progress the proposals to the next stage of the scheme.

 

The Board discussed the details of the site selection and property type as outlined in the report. Responding to the comments made in respect of the use of commuted sums for the provision of Affordable Housing to assist delivery of the initiative; the Director of City Development undertook to provide a written response to the Member in question on this issue. In addition, the Board noted the comments made on the need for this initiative to have regard to provision of older peoples’ housing and that a report on this issue was scheduled to be submitted to the next meeting.  

 

RESOLVED –

i)  That approval be given to the proposals to progress the development of the HRA new build programme towards final site selection from the shortlist provided at Appendix 1, and through to the design and construction phases.

ii)  That approval be given to delegate the development of HRA new build programme to the Directors of City Development and Environment & Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Executive Member for Development and the Economy and the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services.

iii)  That approval be given to an injection of £1.38m of commuted sums which were previously earmarked for affordable housing and remain unallocated, bringing the total resource to £10.88m

 

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

157.

Response to Deputation - Allerton Fields pdf icon PDF 69 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which responds to the Deputation brought to the full meeting of Council on 12th September 2012 by the "Friends of Allerton Grange" group in respect of the Allerton Fields site, setting out proposals to transfer the site from Children’s Services to the Environment and Neighbourhoods Directorate and outlining the ongoing discussions between the Directorates regarding the ownership and maintenance of the site

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report setting out the response to the Deputation brought to the full meeting of Council on 12th September 2012 by the "Friends of Allerton Grange" group in respect of the Allerton Fields site. The response included proposals to transfer the site from Children’s Services to the Environment and Neighbourhoods Directorate and outlined the ongoing discussions between the Directorates regarding the ownership and future maintenance of the site.

 

A copy of the full deputation speech made to Council was included within the report for Members consideration.

 

RESOLVED – 

a)  That the response to the Deputation in respect of Allerton Fields and the ongoing discussions between the Council Directorates regarding future ownership and maintenance of the site be noted

b)  That the transfer of the Allerton Fields site from Children’s Services to the Environment and Neighbourhoods Directorate be agreed.

 

158.

Expression of Interest - University Technical College for Leeds pdf icon PDF 74 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on proposals to submit an Expression of Interest to the Department for Education for the establishment of a University Technical College for Leeds with Leeds City Council being one of the main partners in this new Academy

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board considered the report of the Director of Children’s Services on the submission of an Expression of Interest to the Department for Education for the establishment of a University Technical College (UTC) for Leeds with Leeds City Council being proposed as one of the main partners in this new Academy.

 

A copy of the Expression of Interest made on 16th November 2012 was attached for Members reference along with a copy of the response from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools. The report sought the Boards support for the Council having a central role in any further developments in the future.

 

Responding to a Members’ query regarding potential sites for the UTC, the Board received confirmation that a final schedule of sites would be provided once discussions with partners and stakeholders’ had concluded.

 

In conclusion, the comments made on the need for the project to be progressed as a priority were noted, whilst the Board acknowledged the need for the Council to work alongside the most appropriate partners in order to ensure the initiative was sustainable.

 

RESOLVED -

a)  That the content of the report be noted

b)  That support be given for the Council to broker discussions at the highest level to explore the potential for the development of UTCs in Leeds and helping partners move forward any proposals at pace.

 

159.

The Development of All-Through Schools at Carr Manor and Roundhay - Lessons Learned pdf icon PDF 307 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services advising the Board of the lessons learned following the report taken to Scrutiny Board (Childrens and Families) on 27th September 2012 in respect of the all-through school developments at Carr Manor and Roundhay. The report sets out the history of the two Basic Need projects and details the recommendations of the Scrutiny Board

 

Minutes:

Further to minute 224(d) of the Executive Board meeting held 7th March 2012, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report advising Members of the lessons learned following the report taken to Scrutiny Board (Children’s and Families) on 27th September 2012 in respect of the all-through school developments at Carr Manor and Roundhay. The report set out the history of the two Basic Need projects and detailed the recommendations of the Scrutiny Board.

 

Members noted the work undertaken by Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) and expressed thanks to Councillor J Chapman, Chair of Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) who was in attendance at the meeting.

 

RESOLVED

a)  That the recommendations made by Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) at its meeting held 27th September 2012 be noted; and

b)  That the lessons learned from the Carr Manor and Roundhay projects and the changes in procedure which have been implemented, be noted

 

ADULT SOCIAL CARE

 

160.

Dementia Friendly Cities pdf icon PDF 103 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services providing an overview of what is meant by the term “dementia-friendly” communities and advising the Board of the work undertaken so far in Leeds to develop a plan for a dementia-friendly Leeds

 

Minutes:

The Director of Adult Social Services and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report providing an overview of what is meant by the term “dementia-friendly” communities and advising the Board of the work undertaken so far in Leeds to develop a plan for a dementia-friendly Leeds.

 

Members commented on the growing demand for services and the important role played by volunteers and families in service provision, whilst also noting the work being undertaken in related areas by the Health and Wellbeing Board and Healthy Leeds Partnership.

 

RESOLVED -

a)  To note the progress made on local strategy and actions to improve the experience of living with dementia in Leeds, including the significant investment from local NHS transformation funds

b)  That a commitment to dementia-friendly Leeds be affirmed and that support be given to the request for local strategic partners to support the formation of a Leeds Dementia Action Alliance

c)  That the Board supports the initiative to lead and prioritise this commitment within all areas of Executive responsibility

d)  That all Strategic Directors be requested to develop a proposal which identifies appropriate front-line staff to have dementia-awareness training, and the associated costs.

 

161.

Reform of Adult Social Care and Support pdf icon PDF 210 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services providing a summary of the Government’s plans for the development of social care and support in England and setting out a summary of the current position in Leeds in respect of the proposals

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report providing a summary of the Government’s plans for the development of social care and support in England and a summary of the current position in Leeds in respect of the proposals set out in the “Better Lives for Leeds” strategy.

 

In addition to the report, the Board considered an additional recommendation proposed by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

 

Reflecting on the increasing demand for services, the Board noted the importance of maximising care provision in local communities.

 

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted, particularly the requirements that will be made of adult social care services in the future consequent to the passage of the relevant legislation

b)  That cross party support be given to the introduction of a new funding model for Adult Social Care Services which is adequately resourced and able to provide long term sustainability for the sector

c)  That cross-party support be given to the “Show Us You Care” campaign initiated by the Local Government Association and that support be given for the proposal to write a letter to local MPs and to raise local awareness of the issue

 

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  11TH JANUARY 2013

 

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  18TH JANUARY 2013 (5.00P.M.)

 

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00 p.m. on  21st January 2013)

 

162.

LATE ITEM - Local Government Finance Settlement 2013/14 and 2014/15 pdf icon PDF 143 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Resources which provides an overview of the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement that was announced on 19th December 2012.