Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds

Contact: Council and Executive Support Team 

Items
No. Item

191.

Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public pdf icon PDF 46 KB

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Minutes:

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

 

(a)  Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Acquisition of the Engine House, Giotto Tower, Verona Tower and Little Chimney at Tower Works, Globe Road, Holbeck, LS11 5QG’, referred to in Minute No. 198 is exempt in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of Appendix 1 as exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. This report relates to a property transaction, which in some cases could be deemed to be highly sensitive where competing parties are involved. In this particular case there are no competing parties, but one item of information in appendix 1 could be considered to be exempt and should be treated as such (and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has requested that it be dealt with in this way). This is that the sum of dowry, if available in the public domain, could have an adverse impact on other transactions which the HCA is proposing.

 

192.

Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.  Also to declare any other significant interests which the Member wishes to declare in the public interest, in accordance with paragraphs 19-20 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

 

Minutes:

There were no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests declared to the meeting, however:-

 

In relation to the item entitled, ‘Housing Delivery’, Councillor Golton drew the Board’s attention to his membership of the Oulton and Woodlesford Neighbourhood Forum, which is involved in the Neighbourhood Plan process. (Minute No. 201 refers).

 

In relation to the item entitled, ‘Local Welfare Scheme’, Councillor A Carter drew the Board’s attention to the fact that a family member was in receipt of Council Tax Benefit. (Minute No. 211 refers).

 

 

193.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 138 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15th February 2013, subject to the replacement of the words ‘western route’ with ‘eastern route’ within Minute No. 176, entitled, ‘High Speed Rail Phase 2 (HS2) Announcement, 28 January 2013’.

Minutes:

RESOLVED –That the minutes of the meeting held on the 15th February 2013 be approved as a correct record, subject to the replacement of the words ‘western route’ with ‘eastern route’ within Minute No. 176, entitled, ‘High Speed Rail Phase 2 (HS2) Announcement, 28 January 2013’.

 

DEVELOPMENT AND THE ECONOMY

194.

Kirkgate Market Strategy pdf icon PDF 122 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out proposals for the redevelopment and refurbishment of Kirkgate Market, along with information on the short and long term management arrangements for the Market

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 42, 27th July 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report setting out proposals for the redevelopment and refurbishment of Kirkgate Market, whilst also providing information on the short and longer term management arrangements for the Market.

 

With regard to proposals around the future management structure of the market, Members discussed the options for a future management model, considering the potential role which could be played by the traders. In conclusion, it was undertaken that a further report would be submitted to the Board in due course, in order to enable Members to consider this matter in more detail.

 

A Member reported the concerns that some traders had relayed to him in respect of how their leases may be affected by the proposals, and requested that contact was made with those traders in order to address such concerns. 

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in principle agreement be given to the proposed improvements to the interior of the Market, as summarised within paragraph 5.1 of the submitted report, in order that the project can be progressed and a detailed planning application submitted (completion of RIBA Work Stage D – Design Development), and also to enable the introduction of the scheme into the Capital Programme.

 

(b)  That in principle agreement be given to progress the improvements to George Street, as outlined within paragraph 5.2 of the submitted report, as a separate project (approval from Executive Board will be sought subsequently to introduce this as a separate scheme into the Capital Programme).

 

(c)  That agreement be given to continue to hypothecate future years markets surplus, as detailed within the submitted report, in order to fund prudential borrowing, which in turn will fund the capital costs of the redevelopment and refurbishment proposals.

 

(d)  That in principle agreement be given to putting in place an alternative management structure within Leeds City Council, with a further report being submitted to the Board in due course, in order to enable the Board to determine detailed proposals.

 

(e)  That approval be given to an injection of £1,615,000 into the Capital Programme and approval also be given to the incurring of expenditure of £1,615,000 for the first phase of backlog maintenance and upgrade works in the Market, to progress the scheme design proposals to RIBA Stage D for the proposed redevelopment and refurbishment of the Market and also for the developer procurement competition for the George Street frontage.

 

195.

Submission of the Transport and Works Act Order Application for the New Generation Transport (NGT) Scheme pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which seeks approval for the submission of the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application and associated Planning and Highway applications for the New Generation Transport (NGT) Scheme. In addition, this report seeks approval for authority to spend £19.2m from within the existing Capital Programme to meet the Council’s share in the development costs to progress the scheme to the start of the construction phase. Finally, authority is sought  for the Council to enter into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Metro for the development of NGT and authority for the Director of City Development to finalise the detail of the JVA.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 93, 17th October 2012, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval for the submission of the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application and associated Planning and Highway applications for the New Generation Transport (NGT) Scheme. In addition, the report sought approval for the necessary authority to spend £19,200,000 from within the existing Capital Programme in order to meet the Council’s share in the development costs to progress the scheme to the start of the construction phase. Finally, the report also sought authority for the Council to enter into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Metro for the development of NGT and also for the Director of City Development to be provided with the necessary authority enabling him to finalise the detail of the JVA.

 

The Board noted the proposals in place to undertake a range of further consultation exercises, together with the legislative procedures which needed to be concluded.

 

Responding to requests that all affected communities needed to have the opportunity to engage in clear and meaningful consultation on this issue, assurances were given that such opportunities would continue to be provided, with the Executive Member for Development and the Economy and the Chair of the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority offering to discuss related matters with community groups as appropriate.    

 

A Member highlighted the need to ensure that the project’s business model continued to be reviewed in light of any demographic changes that continued to occur across the city.

 

With regard to future consultation exercises scheduled for Belle Isle, a request was made that such consultation covered a wider geographical area than just the Belle Isle community.

 

RESOLVED –

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

 

(b)  That approval be given for a report to be presented to Full Council recommending the submission of the required Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and associated applications for NGT to the Secretary of State for Transport.

 

(c)  That expenditure of £19,200,000 from within the existing Capital Programme to meet the Council’s share in the development costs to progress the scheme to the start of the construction phase be approved, subject to the Director of City Development and the Director of Resources receiving regular updates in relation to proposed expenditure throughout the development phase.

 

(d)  That approval be given for the Council to enter into a JVA with Metro for the development of NGT, and that the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable him to finalise the detail of the JVA in accordance with the Heads of Terms. In addition, and subject to the Council approving the submission of the TWAO, the necessary authority also be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to allow him to take all such steps as may be necessary or expedient to carry the Resolution into effect (including all those steps required for the Council to apply for and thereafter to promote the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 195.

ENVIRONMENT

196.

Deputation to Council - Leeds Children's Mayor regarding the Winning Manifesto: "Leeds Offers Fun, Free Fitness for the Family" pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods setting out the Council’s response to the deputation presented to full Council on 16th January 2013 in respect of the winning Manifesto from the Leeds Children’s Mayor entitled, “Leeds Offers Fun, Free Fitness for the Family”.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director ofEnvironment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report setting out theCouncil’s response to the deputation presented tofull Council on 16th January 2013 in respect of the winning Manifesto from the Leeds Children’sMayor entitled, “Leeds Offers Fun, Free Fitness forthe Family”.

 

The Board paid tribute to Oliver Larking, Leeds Children’s Mayor, for the proposals which made up his winning manifesto and for the enthusiastic and confident way in which he had delivered his deputation speech to the Council meeting.

 

Members highlighted the potential role of Ward Councillors in helping to deliver the proposals via the use of Section 106 contributions, whilst the Board welcomed the way in which the proposals cut across both the environmental and also the health and wellbeing agendas.

 

RESOLVED

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

 

(b)  That the following actions be approved:-

· To include reference to health and fitness when carrying out consultation on relevant schemes; and

· To promote the inclusion of outdoor fitness equipment as an important means to encourage people to enjoy the outdoor environment and get fit at the same time.

 

(c)  That a letter be forwarded to Oliver, thanking him for all of his efforts in respect of his winning manifesto and deputation to Council, whilst also advising him of the outcomes arising from the Council’s response.

 

197.

Tackling Fuel Poverty and Reducing CO2 Emissions: Home Energy Conservation Act Further Report 2013 pdf icon PDF 261 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an update on the new Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) requirements and also presenting the content of the Leeds City Council ‘Further Report’ for approval, prior to submitting to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an update on the new Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) requirements and also presenting the content of the Leeds City Council ‘Further Report 2013’ for approval, prior to its formal submission to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

 

Members welcomed the positive work which continued to be undertaken in this area.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report and the associated appendices be approved, with approval also being given for the relevant documents being published on the Council’s website as the ‘Leeds City Council Home Energy Conservation Act Further Report’.

 

(b)  That contracts be awarded to the 3 highest scoring bidders (assessed using a 50/50 price/quality split) to manage and deliver the interim Green Deal framework project.

 

(c)  That approval be given for £20,000 of the existing ‘Wrap Up Leeds’ budget being transferred from 2012-13 to 2013-14, in order to support the Green Deal framework.

 

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which will enable him to take operational decisions to ensure that the Green Deal framework operates effectively.

 

DEVELOPMENT AND THE ECONOMY

198.

Acquisition of the Engine House, Giotto Tower, Verona Tower and Little Chimney at Tower Works, Globe Road, Holbeck LS11 5QG pdf icon PDF 104 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development advising of a request from the Homes and Community Agency (HCA) that the Council accepts the transfer of four Listed Buildings into its ownership at Tower Works, Globe Road, Holbeck. The transfer of the buildings will be accompanied by a financial dowry funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government and will result in the City Council and HCA working in partnership to bring forward the redevelopment of Tower Works and the wider Holbeck Urban Village. In addition, the report details the reasons and terms for the transfer and recommends that the Council accepts the freehold transfer of the buildings, and how the buildings should be managed in the future.

 

Appendix 1 to this report is designated as exempt under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report advising of a request received from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) that the Council accepted the transfer of four Listed Buildings into its ownership at Tower Works, Globe Road, Holbeck. The transfer of the buildings would be accompanied by a financial dowry funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and would result in the Council and the HCA working in partnership to bring forward the redevelopment of the Tower Works and the wider Holbeck Urban Village. In addition, the report detailed the reasons and terms for the transfer and recommended that the Council accepted the freehold transfer of the buildings, and how the buildings should be managed in the future.

 

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

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the Council to accept the freehold transfer of

ownership from the HCA of buildings known as the Engine House, Giotto Tower, Verona Tower and Little Chimney at Tower Works, Globe Road, Holbeck, subject to the financial dowry offered by the HCA being of a sufficient sum and no less than the amount identified in exempt Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

 

(b)  That approval be given to the principle of the Giotto Tower, Verona Tower and Little Chimney being placed within a trust, established to maintain the buildings in perpetuity, with the Council acting as full trustee.

 

(c)  That in the context of paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the submitted report, in the event that any matters require formal approval between Executive Board approval of the transaction and completion, then authority be given for these matters to be dealt with by the Director of City Development under the appropriate scheme of delegation, with the concurrence of the Executive Member for Development and the Economy and the Director of Resources.

 

(The matters referred to within this minute were not eligible for Call In as the HCA had requested that the buildings be transferred to the Council by the end of the 2012/13 financial year, this being 28th March 2013. The HCA had imposed this deadline as the dowry available from DCLG to accompany the transfer was only available until the end of the financial year. In the event of such decisions being Called In, then it would not be possible to meet the HCA deadline and the dowry would be lost. Therefore, this matter was deemed urgent, on the basis that any delay would seriously damage the Council’s, or the public’s interests).

 

NEIGHBOURHOODS, PLANNING AND SUPPORT SERVICES

199.

Police Community Safety Officers (PCSOs) Service Level Agreement 2013/14 pdf icon PDF 88 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking authority to enter in to an Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Office of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for 2013/14, and for this to be extended annually thereafter up to 31st March 2016, subject to Council budgets and an ongoing commitment from the OPCC to sustain current PCSO levels and local partnership arrangements.

 

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which sought authority to enter into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Office of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for 2013/14, and for this to be extended annually thereafter up to 31st March 2016, subject to Council budgets and an ongoing commitment from the OPCC to sustain current PCSO levels and local partnership arrangements.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, officers provided the Board with an update on the actions being taken to identify and tackle environmental crime.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That expenditure of up to £1,514,000 in 2013/14 be approved, in order to provide a 30% contribution towards the costs of 165 PCSO’s (5 per Ward) across the city, by means of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Office of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

 

(b)  That approval be given for this arrangement to be rolled forward on an annual basis for up to three years (to 31st March 2016), subject to annual Council budget approval and an ongoing commitment from the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner to maintain current PCSO levels and to continue to develop local partnership working.

 

(c)  That in moving forward, approval be given for an annual inflation increase being included as part of the budget setting process (budgets permitting) in order to maintain PCSO numbers.

 

200.

Leeds Local Development Framework: Authority Monitoring Report 2012 pdf icon PDF 161 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting for approval and for the purposes of publication on the Council’s website, the 2012 Leeds Local Development Framework Authority Monitoring Report, pursuant to Regulation 34 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 155, 14th December 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report presenting for approval and for the purposes of publication on the Council’s website, the 2012 Leeds Local Development Framework Authority Monitoring Report, pursuant to Regulation 34 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

Members welcomed the robustness of the report and the fact that the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) Partnership was to include a wider political representation.

 

RESOLVED – That the 2012 Leeds Local Development Framework Authority Monitoring Report, as appended to the submitted report, be approved for the purposes of publication on the Council’s website, pursuant to Regulation 34 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

201.

Housing Delivery pdf icon PDF 92 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out proposals on how Leeds will improve its housing offer in terms of broadening its supply of land and promoting housing delivery.  Within this overall context and the conclusions of the Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) 2012, this report explores how Leeds’ housing land portfolio and housing delivery may be enhanced, including the setting of criteria for the release of some Protected Area of Search (PAS) sites for development.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report setting out proposals on how Leeds would improve its housing offer in terms of broadening its supply of land and promoting housing delivery. Within this overall context and in noting the conclusions drawn from the Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) 2012, the submitted report explored how Leeds’ housing land portfolio and housing delivery could be enhanced, which included the establishment of criteria for the potential release of some Protected Area of Search (PAS) sites for development.

 

As part of the introduction to the report, the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services emphasised the Council’s commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of housing provision in Leeds, but in addition, provided assurances that the status of some PAS sites would be protected.

 

Following this, the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services proposed the introduction of an addition to the policy criteria detailed within the submitted report, namely that when permission was granted to develop PAS sites, such permission be for a duration of 2 years, rather than the current 5 years, in order to avoid landbanking.

 

Further to the proposal above, a request was made for a second addition to be incorporated into the policy criteria, specifically, the insertion of a clause which would enable the Council to refuse permission to develop PAS sites for ‘any other material planning reasons’, in order to protect the interests of the Council and others. 

 

Having considered the respective proposals to amend the policy criteria as detailed within the submitted report, it was

 

RESOLVED – That the policy criteria for the potential release of PAS sites, as detailed within paragraph 3.3 of the submitted report, be approved, subject to the inclusion of criteria which:

(i)  reduces from 5 years to 2 years the period by which any permission granted to develop PAS sites remains valid; and

(ii)  enables the Council to refuse permission to develop PAS sites for ‘any other material planning reasons’.

 

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Carter required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute, whilst under the provisions of the same Procedure Rule, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he voted against the decisions referred to within this minute)

 

202.

Proposal to Modernise Cottingley Springs pdf icon PDF 88 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking approval to inject £1,116,000 into the capital programme for the purpose of refurbishing Cottingley Springs and also to seek authority to spend £1,116,000 to progress this capital scheme.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 69, 5th September 2012, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which sought approval to inject £1,116,000 into the Council’s Capital Programme for the purposes of refurbishing Cottingley Springs, whilst the report also sought authority to spend the £1,116,000 sum, in order to progress the capital scheme.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the injection of this scheme, totalling £1,116,000, into the Capital Programme, to be funded from £890,000 of Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) grant, and £226,000 from prudential borrowing.

 

(b)  That authority to spend the £1,116,000 sum be approved, in order to progress the scheme detailed within the submitted report.

 

(The matters referred to within this minute were not eligible for Call In, because if such decisions were open for Call In and were subsequently Called In, then this would put at risk the timescales set by the HCA to start on site by 25th March 2013. The Call In process could not be concluded in time for the deadline and therefore the grant funding would be at risk. Therefore, this matter was deemed urgent, on the basis that any delay would seriously damage the Council’s, or the public’s interests).

 

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

203.

Outcome of Annual consultation on school admissions arrangements for September 2014 pdf icon PDF 90 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval of the Local Authority school admission policy and co-ordinated arrangements as well as the arrangements for in-year applications.

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which sought approval of the Local Authority School Admissions Policy and co-ordinated arrangements for September 2014, together with the arrangements for in-year applications.

 

The Executive Member for Children’s Services highlighted the intention to undertake further work in order to ensure that better support was provided to young carers throughout the city.

 

RESOLVED – That the Local Authority Admissions Policy and co-ordinated arrangements for September 2014, together with the arrangements for in-year applications, be approved. Specifically:-

(i)  Approval be given to the clarifications around medical priority and infant and junior sibling links;

 

(ii)  Approval be given to the admissions arrangements for in-year applications, including the delegation of the power to convey offers and refusals to community and voluntary controlled schools with effect from September 2013;

 

(iii)  It be noted that further work will be undertaken to determine appropriate wording and definitions to provide better support for young carers in obtaining a place at an accessible school.

 

 

204.

Update on Children's Services' Obsessions - Reducing the need for Children to be looked after (Help Children to live in safe and supportive families) pdf icon PDF 127 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on the Children’s Trust obsession to reduce the need for children and young people to be in care; and providing an update and analysis on the number of looked after children in the care of Leeds City Council. The report additionally outlines the progress and action taken by Children’s Services with the support of key partners to reduce the number of looked after children

 

 

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing an update on the Children’s Trust obsession to safely and appropriately reduce the need for children and young people to be in care. In addition, the report also provided an update and analysis upon the number of looked after children in the care of the Council, whilst outlining the progress made on the actions taken by Children’s Services, with support from key partners, to safely and appropriately reduce the number of looked after children in Leeds.

 

The Executive Member for Children’s Services highlighted the positive outcomes which were being achieved as a result of the work undertaken to recruit foster carers in the city. In addition, the Board noted that the Council had recently met all 7 of the Leading Improvements for Looked After Children (LILAC) standards.

 

Responding to a Member’s comments regarding the Council’s allowances framework for foster carers, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further detail on this issue.

 

RESOLVED – That the approach outlined within the submitted report be endorsed, and that the progress made to safely and appropriately reduce the number of looked after children in Leeds be noted.

 

205.

Proposal to Change the Status of Bramley CE (VC) Primary School from Voluntary Controlled to Voluntary Aided pdf icon PDF 73 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Childrens Services providing information as the basis of the decision making process in respect of proposals published by the Governing Body of Bramley St Peter’s CE (VC) Primary School to change the schools status from Voluntary Controlled to Voluntary Aided.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which sought approval of the proposals published by the Governing Body of Bramley St. Peter’s Church of England (VC) Primary School to change the school’s status from Voluntary Controlled to Voluntary Aided.

 

RESOLVED – That the proposal published by the Governing Body of Bramley St. Peter’s Church of England Primary School to change the school’s status from Voluntary Controlled to Voluntary Aided, with an implementation date of 15th April 2013, be approved.

 

206.

Investing in Young People: Future Direction for Youth Services in Leeds pdf icon PDF 114 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development proposing a fundamental redesign of youth provision in Leeds that affirms the continuing key role of the youth service, strengthens the role of Area Committees and clusters, pulls together existing services through a co-ordinated approach and enables the enhancement of universal, targeted and specialist youth services. In addition, the report asks the Board to note and approve the proposed direction enabling the necessary restructuring to take place during 2013.

 

 

 

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report proposing a fundamental redesign of youth provision in Leeds that affirmed the continuing key role of the youth service, strengthened the role of Area Committees and clusters, pulled together existing services through a co-ordinated approach and enabled the enhancement of universal, targeted and specialist youth services. In addition, the report sought approval for the proposed direction enabling the necessary restructuring to take place during 2013.

 

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the report, specifically the continued role which could be played by the Breeze brand, the co-ordinated offer being proposed, the ringfencing of the budget proposed to be allocated to Area Committees and the involvement of young people in the associated decision making processes.

 

The Executive Member for Children’s Services emphasised the active role intended to be played by Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) in monitoring the implementation of the changes to youth service provision.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the comprehensive consultation and assessment work undertaken to develop a new vision for the ‘youth offer’ in Leeds be noted, and that the continuing commitment to youth services as a key strand of the child friendly Leeds ambitions be endorsed.

 

(b)  That the new ‘youth offer’, as outlined within the submitted report be approved, bringing together a more co-ordinated approach to universal services, improved targeted and specialist provision, through an enhanced role for Area Committees and clusters and a stronger use of the Breeze brand.

 

(c)  That the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development be delegated responsibility, in consultation with the relevant Executive Board Members, to implement the remodelling of Council run youth services and those provided by key partners, in order to deliver the new approach, with full staff and Union engagement also being ensured throughout this process.

 

(d)  That the proposal for discussions between the Executive Member for Children’s Services and Area Committees about how to best enable the expenditure of £2,540,000 on targeted youth work across local areas in Leeds, be endorsed.

 

(e)  That a new allocation to the overall Area Committee budget of £250,000 in 2013/14 and £500,000 in 2014/15 be approved, which will be ringfenced for youth activities, with a clear expectation that young people will help to shape the decision making around the spending of this resource, against an agreed set of outcomes.

 

LEISURE AND SKILLS

207.

Inspiring a Generation - A Sporting Legacy for Leeds: Progress Report pdf icon PDF 120 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Children’s Services outlining the progress made in relation to the proposals for a sporting legacy for Leeds building upon the successes of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games which were outlined in the report entitled, “Inspire a Generation”, presented to Executive Board in September 2012.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 70, 5th September 2012, the Director of City Development and the Director of Children’s Services submitted a joint report outlining the progress which had been made in relation to the proposals for a sporting legacy for Leeds, building upon the successes of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games which were outlined within the report entitled, “Inspire a Generation”, presented to Executive Board shortly after the conclusion of the 2012 Games.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board noted the work which was being undertaken with cycling organisations as part of the initiative. In addition, the Board noted the intention for a report to be submitted to the April 2013 meeting with regard to the ‘Leeds Let’s Get Active’ programme.

 

RESOLVED –

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

 

(b)  That the progress made within this field, as outlined within the submitted report, be noted.

 

(c)  That the principles for the allocation of grant funding for the “Inspire a Generation Legacy Fund” be approved.

 

(d)  That the extended rate relief proposals, as set out within Table 1 of the submitted report, be approved.

 

(e)  That the proposals for the ‘Leeds Let’s Get Active’ initiative be noted and that a further report on this matter be submitted to the Board in April 2013.

 

(f)  That officers be requested to further explore the benefits of holding a focussed ‘Sport and Business Summit’, linking in to the ‘Best City’ initiative and the build up to the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014.

 

ADULT SOCIAL CARE

208.

Healthwatch Leeds pdf icon PDF 91 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of Adult Social Services, the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of Public Health providing information on the outcome of the Local Authority’s procurement exercise to commission a local Healthwatch organisation and an NHS Complaints Advocacy service for Leeds; and informing the Board on the progress made to date to develop local Healthwatch in Leeds, including the implementation of its key functions, roles and responsibilities in preparation for 1st April 2013. The report also provides assurances in respect of the development of the role of Healthwatch in conjunction with Scrutiny and the Health and Wellbeing Board.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Adult Social Services, the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report providing information on the outcome of the Local Authority’s procurement exercise to commission a local Healthwatch organisation and an NHS Complaints Advocacy service for Leeds. In addition, the report provided details of the progress made to date to develop local Healthwatch in Leeds, including the implementation of its key functions, roles and responsibilities in preparation for 1stApril 2013. Finally, the report also provided assurances in respect of the development of the role of Healthwatch in conjunction with Scrutiny and the Health and Wellbeing Board.

 

The Executive Member for Adult Social Care paid tribute to the work which had been undertaken by all those involved in the Leeds Local Involvement Network (LINk).

 

In considering the report, a request was made that representatives from Healthwatch Leeds were periodically invited to attend future Executive Board meetings, as and when appropriate.

 

RESOLVED –

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

 

(b)  That the plans to develop the role of Healthwatch Leeds with specific reference to working with Scrutiny Boards (Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care) and (Children and Families), and the Health and Wellbeing Board, as recommended in the report to Scrutiny Board (Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care) on the 20thFebruary 2013, be noted.

 

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

209.

The Transfer of Public Health from the Primary Care Trust to Leeds City Council pdf icon PDF 83 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Resources providing an update on the transfer of public health functions, resources, assets and liabilities to the Council under the statutory process set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.  In addition, the report seeks approval to delegate decision making to the Chief Executive in respect of the approval of the final agreed list of resources, assets and liabilities transferring to the Council under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Resources submitted a report providing an update on the transfer of public health functions, resources, assets and liabilities to the Council under the statutory process, as set out within the Health and Social Care Act 2012. In addition, the report sought approval to delegate decision making to the Chief Executive in respect of the approval of the final agreed list of resources, assets and liabilities  transferring to the Council under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, together with the functions, budget, resources and assets and liabilities due to transfer on 1st April 2013 be noted.

 

(b)  That the relevant decision making authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in order to enable him to approve:-

(i) the Transfer Scheme relating to staff; and

(ii) the Transfer Scheme relating to assets and liabilities.

 

(c)  That it be noted that the Council will award new contracts for existing services where they expire prior to 31st March 2013, which will be approved under the Officer Delegation Scheme.

 

RESOURCES AND CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

210.

Financial Health Monitoring 2012/2013 - Month 10 Report pdf icon PDF 161 KB

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

 

 

Minutes:

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2012/13 after ten months of the financial year.

 

RESOLVED - That the projected financial position of the authority after ten months of the financial year, be noted.

 

211.

Local Welfare Scheme pdf icon PDF 269 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Resources providing an update on the outcome of the consultation and the progress made towards establishing administrative arrangements to support a Local Welfare Scheme to provide support for families and vulnerable people faced with unforeseen difficulties or emergency situations.  In addition, the report seeks approval for a number of initiatives to be developed that are aimed at creating greater sustainability and increasing advice and support, with such initiatives to be funded from within the overall devolved funding for local schemes. 

 

 

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 106, 17th November 2012, the Director of Resources submitted a report providing an update on the outcome of the consultation undertaken and the progress made towards establishing administrative arrangements to support a Local Welfare Scheme to provide support for families and vulnerable people faced with unforeseen difficulties or emergency situations. In addition, the report sought approval for a number of initiatives to be developed that were aimed at creating greater sustainability and increasing advice and support, with such initiatives to be funded from within the overall devolved funding for local schemes.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with information around the expected provision of Food Banks across the city, and the potential role that the Council could play in respect of such provision alongside key partners.

 

In considering the submitted report, the Chair requested that the Board be provided with an evaluation of the scheme’s performance at the appropriate time, once it was operational.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the local welfare scheme, as set out within Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

 

(b)  That the development of initiatives, as set out within paragraph 3.15 of the submitted report, along with the earmarking of funds from the devolved funding to support the initiatives, be approved.

 

(c)  That a short pilot scheme which would see applicants referred for advice and support where this was felt beneficial, be approved.

 

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Resources in order to enable him to:-

(i) Vary the earmarked funding based on data provided from the first 3 months operation of the local welfare scheme; and

(ii) Allocate funding to approved initiatives with a requirement that Executive Board receives reports evaluating the progress and outcomes from funded initiatives.

 

 

212.

Regional Economic Intelligence Unit - Evaluation of Transfer pdf icon PDF 90 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) providing an update on the evaluation of the sustainable operational performance of the Regional Economic Intelligence Unit in the eighteen month trading period following the formal transfer of the function from Yorkshire Forward to Leeds City Council on 1 November 2011.  Specifically, the report updates Members on: the full year (2012/2013) funding position and revenue profile of the unit; the forecast 2013/2014 revenue profile of the unit, contribution of the team to work across the Council; and, future opportunities for developing the team’s contribution further.

 

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 261, 16th May 2012, the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report providing an update on the evaluation of the sustainable operational performance of the Regional Economic Intelligence Unit (REIU) in the eighteen month trading period following the formal transfer of the function from Yorkshire Forward to Leeds City Council on 1st November 2011. Specifically, the report provided an update on: the full year (2012/2013) funding position and revenue profile of the unit; the forecast 2013/2014 revenue profile of the unit, the contribution of the team to work across the Council; and, the future opportunities for developing the team’s contribution further.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with clarification around the Unit’s initial eighteen month trading account, the sources of the work which had been undertaken by the Unit and how the Unit’s resource would be determined by the future demand for its services.

 

In conclusion, it was requested that a further update report be provided to the Board evaluating the Unit’s performance at the 6 month point of the financial year.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the positive outcome which the REIU has delivered in balancing its revenue budget and delivering a small trading surplus be noted.

 

(b)  That the trading model which underpins the sustainability of the REIU’s work, be noted.

 

(c)  That the Board notes and approves the arrangements in place to ensure that ongoing monitoring of the REIU will be undertaken via the Council’s normal budget monitoring arrangements.

 

(d)  That a further update report be provided to the Board evaluating the Unit’s performance at the 6 month point of the financial year.

 

 

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    15TH MARCH 2013

 

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  22ND MARCH 2013 (5.00 P.M.)

 

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00 p.m. on 25th March 2013)