Agenda and minutes

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.

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 4 to the report entitled, ‘Design and Cost Report for the Improvement and Development of Visitor Services at the Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World in Roundhay Park’, referred to in Minute No. 91 is designated as 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), which if disclosed to the public would, or would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of that person or of the Council. It is therefore deemed in the public interest not to disclose this information at this time.

(b)  Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Funding for a New Inward Investment Service for Leeds City Region’, referred to in Minute No. 99 is designated as exempt in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it is deemed to be in the public interest not to disclose the information detailed within the appendix because of reasons related to commercial confidentiality (i.e. it presents sensitive information regarding ongoing commercial negotiations between the Council and several private business interests).

(c)  Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Proposed Levy on Large Retail Units (“The Supermarket Levy”)’’, referred to in Minute No. 101 is designated as 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 specific companies in Leeds (including the authority holding that information). It is therefore considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of Appendix 1 as exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

A late item of business entitled, ‘Localised Council Tax Support Scheme’ was admitted to the agenda.  There was a need to consider the report as a late item of business due to the timetable for undertaking a public consultation exercise prior to the formal adoption of a support scheme.  The Council was required to adopt a scheme by 31^st January 2014 and, in order to allow a 6 week consultation period, approval to carry out such consultation was required in October 2013. This would enable consultation to conclude at the end of November 2013, with the analysis and outcomes from the consultation being available for the full Council meeting in January 2014.  (Minute No. 98 refers).

Also, prior to the meeting, Board Members were provided with an updated version of Appendix 2 (Draft Regulation 123 List) to agenda item 17 entitled, ‘The Community Infrastructure Levy: Draft Charging Schedule’ for their consideration.  (Minute No. 102 refers).

In addition, the Board made reference to correspondence which had been received in respect of agenda item 15 (East Leeds Extension and East Leeds Orbital Road: Outcome of Feasibility) and also agenda item 16 (Proposed Levy on Large Retail Units (“The Supermarket Levy”) (Minute Nos. 100 and 101 refer respectively).

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

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

In relation to the item entitled, ‘Funding for a New Inward Investment Service for Leeds City Region’ Councillor Wakefielddrew the Board’s attention to his position on the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board.  Also in relation to the same item, Councillor R Lewis drew the Board’s attention to his position as a member of the Leeds and Partners Board. (Minute No. 99 referred).

Regarding the items entitled, ‘Review of the Local Welfare Support Scheme’ and ‘Localised Council Tax Support Scheme’, Councillor A Carter drew the Board’s attention to the fact that a family member was in receipt ofCouncil Tax Benefit. (Minute Nos. 97 and 98 referred respectively).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th September 2013.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th September 2013 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing which assesses the early success of Phase One of the Alternate Weekly Collections project (AWC).  This is measured against the expected deliverables and objectives in both project delivery and operational implementation.  In addition to measures of success, this report highlights learning from Phase One that can be adopted to progress and improve further phases. 

Further to Minute No. 144, 14th December 2011, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report assessing the early successes of Phase One of the Alternate Weekly Collections project (AWC) which were measured against the expected deliverables and objectives in both project delivery and operational implementation.  In addition to measures of success, the submitted report highlighted the areas of learning from Phase One which could be adopted to progress and improve further phases. 

The Board welcomed the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Board (Safer and Stronger Communities) on this issue. The observations and recommendations of the Scrutiny Board were appended to the submitted report for the Executive’s consideration.

Members welcomed the achievements which had been made in respect of Phase 1 of the initiative and acknowledged the work which continued to be undertaken regarding the provision of food waste collections.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with an update on, and assurances around a specific issue which had occurred in the Morley area, and also in respect of proposals regarding the roll out of the Council’s ‘side waste’ policy. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the initial performance data be noted which indicated that the new

service has increased recycling via the green bins for the AWC collection routes, reduced residual waste being sent to landfill and reduced the total waste generated.

(b)  That the refinements to, and the implementation of Phase Two of the AWC project, as detailed within the submitted report, be respectively approved and endorsed.

(c)  That approval be given for the ‘no side waste policy’ to be applied throughout the city where households have residual and recyclable waste collected on an alternate week basis.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing which provides an update on the progress that has been made with the development of plans to enhance and improve the Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World in Roundhay Park, including a brief review of phase 1 and details on progress made with phase 2 improvements.

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

Further to Minute No. 132, 12th December 2012, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report providing an update on the progress that had been made with the development of plans to enhance and improve the Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World in Roundhay Park. The submitted report included a brief review of phase 1 of the initiative and detailed the progress made in respect of phase 2 improvements.

The Chair, on behalf of the Board paid tribute to and thanked the Ziff family for their continued and valued contribution towards the artistic and cultural development of the city.

A request was made for work to be undertaken into the innovative approaches which could be used to assist with the maintenance and development of other outlying attractions across the city.

Following consideration of Appendix 4 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 authority to spend £507,000 against capital scheme 16504 000 000 in the 2013/14 financial year in order to deliver the conservatory café extension and new toilet block, be approved.

(b)  That approval be given for a subsequent Design and Cost Report to be brought to Executive Board upon completion of the detailed design work associated with phase 2, year 2 of this scheme for further comment and approval.

(c)  That the following be noted:-

·  That the conservatory and toilet block extensions are scheduled for completion in April 2014 as per the table included within paragraph 3.1.8 of the submitted report.

·  That a subsequent report will be brought to Executive Board in June 2014 with an update on the design of Phase 2, year 2 improvements.

·  That the Chief Officer for Parks and Countryside will be responsible for the delivery of these recommendations and associated actions.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing summarising the findings of consultation on proposals to review service provision for outdoor bowls facilities in Leeds, and which makes recommendations on the future management of Council owned and maintained bowling facilities.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report summarising the findings of the consultation exercise undertaken in respect of proposals to review service provision for outdoor bowls facilities in Leeds, and which made recommendations on the future management of Council owned and maintained bowling facilities.

The Executive Member for Environment paid tribute to and thanked the Leeds Bowling Association for the Association’s contribution to and partnership approach throughout the development of the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

Members welcomed the way in which the proposals had been developed in response to the consultation and engagement which had taken place.

Emphasis was placed upon the need to ensure that the promotion of outdoor bowling as part of an active lifestyle was encouraged. In addition, it was requested that as part of any changes to bowling provision, a proactive approach was taken by the Council towards the maintenance of local clubs’ facilities, with the role of local Ward Councillors in such matters being highlighted. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the introduction of a charge which would mean an income recovery level of £62,000 in 2014/2015 rising to £78,000 in 2017/2018, as set out within paragraph 4.2 of the submitted report, be approved. (Based upon current membership levels, this would represent a season ticket cost of £25 in 2014/2015 rising to £31.50 in 2017/2018).

(b)  That the removal of 6 bowling greens from multiple green sites, as set out within paragraph 4.6 of the submitted report, saving £16,000 per annum, be approved.

(c)  That approval be given for bowling clubs to meet the costs associated with their own direct use of gas and electricity, saving £30,000 per annum.

(d)  That the following be noted:-

·  The season ticket cost will be implemented in March 2014 and will be applied from the 2014/15 season onwards, as highlighted within paragraph 4.3 of the submitted report.

·  That those greens identified for closure will no longer be maintained for the purpose of bowling from March 2014.

·  That where feasible, appropriate arrangements will be established in order for bowling clubs to meet the costs associated with their own direct use of gas and electricity by March 2014.

·  That the Chief Officer for Parks and Countryside will be responsible for the delivery of these recommendations and associated actions.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the matters included within this minute)

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Public Health highlighting the work of Sport Leeds in developing a strategy for Sport and Active Lifestyles for the city, and informing of the achievements of Sport Leeds.

The Director of City Development and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report highlighting the work of Sport Leeds in developing a strategy for Sport and Active Lifestyles for the city, and providing details on the achievements which had been made by Sport Leeds.

The observations and recommendations of the Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture) on this issue were appended to the submitted report for Board Members’ consideration.

Emphasis was placed upon the vital role played by Council officers and also by those many volunteers who provided a range of sporting opportunities throughout the city. In addition, the further role which could be played by the large sports clubs in this field was highlighted, whilst emphasis was also placed upon the need wherever possible to alter individuals’ behaviour in order to encourage them to become more physically active.

Members highlighted the need to ensure that linkages were made between the Sport and Active Lifestyles Strategy and the sporting opportunities which were available to young people in schools. 

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the strategy, as appended to the submitted report, be endorsed as the city’s Sport and Active Lifestyles Strategy for the period 2013 - 2018.

(c)  That it be noted that the Head of Sport and Active Lifestyles will assume responsibility for developing the Council’s response to the strategic direction, as set within the proposed Sport Leeds Strategy.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development outlining the National Governing Body of Sport “Place pilot” initiative and which seeks approval to accept grant funding from Sport England of up to £500,000.

The Director of City Development submitted a report outlining the National Governing Body of Sport “Place Pilot” initiative and which sought approval to accept grant funding from Sport England of up to £500,000.

Members welcomed the financial support which had been offered by Sport England, enquired whether there was any potential for further investment to be obtained and requested that an evaluation exercise be undertaken at the conclusion of the project, in order to maximise the benefit which could be gained from future initiatives.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the “Place Pilot” project be supported.

(b)  That Sport England’s grant offer of £500,000 be accepted, subject to business case approval.

(c)  That an evaluation report be submitted to Executive Board for their consideration at the conclusion of the project.

(d)  That the stages required to implement the decision, together with the proposed timescales, as outlined within paragraph 3.3 of the submitted report, be noted.

(e)  That it be noted that the Head of Sport and Active Recreation will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive setting out for the Board the Council’s projected financial health position for 2013/14 after five months of the financial year.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which presented the Council’s projected financial health position for 2013/2014 after five months of the financial year.

Responding to a specific enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further details on the Council’s projected overspend figure for the comparative period in the 2012/13 financial year.

In addition, officers responded to a Member’s enquiry regarding the actions being taken to reduce the budgetary overspends currently projected in some directorates.   

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position ofthe authority after five months of the financial year, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive setting out for the principles and assumptions underlying the proposed financial strategy covering the years 2014/15 to 2015/16. This will provide the framework for the preparation of the 2014/15 initial budget proposals which will be presented to the Board in December 2013.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report presenting the principles and assumptions underlying the Council’s proposed financial strategy covering the years 2014/2015 to 2015/2016, which would provide the framework for the preparation of the 2014/2015 initial budget proposals scheduled to be presented to Executive Board in December 2013.

Members highlighted the need to ensure that the Council worked effectively with partner organisations in order to ensure that the Local Authority obtained its maximum share of all available funding streams.

Emphasis was placed upon the financial challenges which the Council continued to face, and it was highlighted that the proactive work to address such challenges was ongoing.

Having considered the issues around the West Yorkshire Transport Fund and the current position in respect of potentially establishing a Transport Fund levy, it was requested that a report in respect of such matters be submitted to a future meeting of the Board. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2014/2015 to

2015/2016 be approved, and that it be noted that this will form the basis for the detailed preparation of the Initial Budget Proposals for 2014/2015.

(b)  That a report relating to the West Yorkshire Transport Fund and the current position in respect of potentially establishing a Transport Fund levy be submitted to a future meeting of the Board. 

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing an update on the progress of the Local Welfare Support Scheme and which also makes proposals on how it can be adapted to effectively assist the most vulnerable in Leeds from the impact of benefit changes and falling incomes. 

Further to Minute No. 211, 13th March 2013, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report providing an update on the progress made in respect of the Local Welfare Support Scheme and which also outlined proposals on how the scheme could be adapted to effectively assist the most vulnerable in Leeds from the impact of benefit changes and falling incomes. 

As part of the introduction to the report, the Chief Officer (Welfare and Benefits) highlighted that actions would be taken to ensure that all Elected Members were made more aware of the scheme.

The Board discussed the need to ensure that people in need of welfare support were aware of the existence of the scheme and officers undertook to look into ways awareness could be improved.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the Local Welfare Support Scheme to continue in 2013/14 to meet the cost of household goods and emergency provision, and that approval be given for the scheme to be extended to include people faced with emergency need as a result of Jobcentre Plus sanctions on condition that the person has re-engaged with Jobcentre Plus.

(b)  That sums from the Local Welfare Support Scheme fund be allocated to an exceptional hardship fund in order to assist people affected by the changes to the Local Council Tax Support scheme, and that the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) be given the necessary delegated authority to determine awards and manage the scheme.

(c)  That sums from the Local Welfare Support Scheme be used to increase the Discretionary Housing Payments budget in order to extend the scheme to tenants facing exceptional hardship, but who do not fall within the priority groups already agreed.

(d)  That a scheme be developed for 2014/15 which brings together emergency and hardship funding streams across the Council to provide a single hardship fund that supports the delivery of wrap around services to help tackle financial hardship, and that proposals for the 2014/15 scheme be presented to Executive Board in the next few months.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which seeks approval to undertake a public consultation exercise upon a change to the current local Council Tax Support Scheme that could see the percentage reduction for non-protected groups increased to reflect the possibility of a Council Tax increase in 2014/2015.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which sought approval to undertake a public consultation exercise regarding a change to the current local Council Tax Support scheme which could see the percentage reduction for those ‘non-protected’ groups increased to reflect the possibility of a Council Tax increase in 2014/2015.

The report and appendices relating to this matter were circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting for their consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to undertake a consultation exercise on a Localised Council Tax Support Scheme which:

a.  keeps costs within current budgeted spending levels;

b.  continues to provide full protection for the same groups that are currently fully protected; but

c.  potentially changes the percentage reduction in Council Tax Support for non-protected groups to reflect the possibility of a Council Tax increase both for 2014/2015 and in future years.

(b)  That a report be submitted to the December 2013 meeting of the Board providing the outcomes of the consultation exercise, so that a recommendation can be made by the Board to full Council on the scheme to be adopted for 2014/2015.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive providing an update on the development of a new, proactive inward investment service for Leeds City Region (LCR), capable of significantly increasing the City Region’s share of new direct business investment from elsewhere in the UK (particularly London and the South East) and overseas.  In addition, the report seeks approval to provide advanced funding of up to  £1,720,000 for the new service over a three-year period 2013/14 to 2015/16 to be funded through the Council’s general fund reserves . The requested advance funding will be reimbursed to the Council’s general fund reserves via future business rates receipts to be generated as more businesses locate/expand onto the AVL EZ. It is estimated that the full amount will be repaid to the Council by mid-2018/19. 

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

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report providing an update on the development of a new, proactive inward investment service for Leeds City Region (LCR), capable of significantly increasing the City Region’s share of new direct business investment from elsewhere in the UK (particularly London and the South East) and overseas.  In addition, the report sought approval to provide advanced funding of up to £1,720,000 for the new service over a three-year period (2013/14 to 2015/16) to be funded through the Council’s general fund reserves . The requested advance funding would be reimbursed to the Council’s general fund reserves via future business rates receipts to be generated as more businesses located or expanded onto the Aire Valley Leeds Enterprise Zone (AVL EZ).

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 the advance funding of up to £1,720,000 over three

years (2013/14 to 2015/16) to be provided from the Council’s general fund reserves in order to support delivery of a new, proactive inward investment service for Leeds City Region be approved. (The requested funding will be reimbursed to the Council’s general fund reserves via future business rates receipts as more business investment is made in AVL EZ. It is expected that the full £1,720,000 will be repaid to the Council by mid-2018/19).

(b)  That the following be noted:-

·  the options appraisal for the requested funding model, as set out within paragraphs 3.7 and 3.8 of the submitted report;

·  that the new service will be delivered by Leeds and Partners from October 2013 (subject to the outcome of ongoing negotiations and commissioning) and that it is expected to secure a minimum of 60 new direct business investments and up to 1,500 new jobs (subject to ongoing negotiations);

·  that the responsible officer for implementing the decision is the Project Manager within the Leeds City Region Secretariat.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing details of work undertaken on the Council’s behalf to set out an approach to the design and delivery of a new East Leeds Orbital Road as part of a wider transport strategy to support the development of land for new housing in the East Leeds Extension. In addition, the report also sets out proposed next steps for Executive Board to consider how the Council could take forward further design and specification of the road and play a further role in the co-ordinated provision of infrastructure and development across the area.

Further to Minute No. 152, 9th January 2013, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing details of work undertaken on the Council’s behalf to set out an approach towards the design and delivery of a new East Leeds Orbital Road as part of a wider transport strategy to support the development of land for new housing in the East Leeds Extension. In addition, the report also set out the proposed next steps for Executive Board to consider how the Council could take forward further design and specification of the road and play a further role in the co-ordinated provision of infrastructure and development across the area.

As part of the introduction to the submitted report, the Executive Member for Development and the Economy made reference to correspondence which had been received prior to the meeting in respect of this matter.

Members highlighted the significant need for infrastructure provision in this area, and in response to Members’ comments and concerns, officers provided further details on the projected cost of the scheme, together with its associated timescales.

The Board received further detail on the various funding streams which were being pursued in respect of the development and considered what further actions could be taken to maximise such funding, such as via the lobbying of Government or contributions by landowners.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the work to establish an East Leeds Transport Strategy embracing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and cars, which is being led by the Chief Officer Highways & Transportation (as set out within paragraphs 3.7 - 3.11 of the submitted report), be noted and supported.

(b)  That the outcome of the East Leeds Orbital Road feasibility study, as set out within the submitted report and at appendices 2 – 6, be noted.

(c)  That approval be given for the Chief Asset Management & Regeneration Officer to undertake communications and consultation on the indicative alignment of the East Leeds Orbital Road with land owners, local residents and stakeholders by the end of 2013 (as set out within paragraph 4.1.7 of the submitted report).

(d)  That the submission by the Chief Officer Highways & Transportation, on behalf of the Council, of a mandate for £1,310,000 of project development resources through the West Yorkshire Transport Fund be noted and supported, which would move the scheme from feasibility through validation and scoping stages, incorporating consideration of a practical and deliverable phasing for construction that meets strategic highways objectives and supports the viable delivery of residential development, with a view to being in a position to submit a planning application (as set out within paragraph 3.78 of the submitted report).

(e)  That approval be given for an injection by the Chief Officer Highways & Transportation of £1,310,000 into the Capital Programme and that authority to spend £1,160,000 on the further feasibility, validation and scoping work, as set out within paragraph 3.77 of the submitted report be approved, subject to approval by METRO of the mandate for West Yorkshire Transport Funding, with further reports being submitted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which has been prepared in response to a resolution of Council on the 1^st July 2013. Specifically, the report sets out the need for the Council to have a considered approach towards a proposal by the ‘Local Works’ campaign group to introduce an additional levy on large retail units.

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

The Director of City Development submitted a report responding to a resolution of Council from the meeting held on 1^st July 2013. Specifically, the report set out the need for the Council to have a considered approach towards a proposal by the ‘Local Works’ campaign group to introduce an additional levy on large retail units.

The Executive Member for Development and the Economy made reference to correspondence which had been received prior to the meeting in respect of this matter.

Members noted the work which had been undertaken on this issue and requested that this matter be kept under review.

Specific reference was made to the potentially significant impact that supermarkets could have in respect of local regeneration and employment opportunities in communities, and it was requested that further details be provided to the Board illustrating the extent of the impact made by supermarkets in such areas. 

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 it be agreed that the proposal in its present form, is not a feasible measure at this time and could affect the viability of important development and regeneration projects that would create jobs, but that the matter should be kept under review by officers.

(b)  That the position of Leeds City Council be noted, which is to seek significant contributions from large format retailers in the form of business rates and planning contributions, which, in the future will be under the Community Infrastructure Levy, whilst not impairing the viability of important development and regeneration projects that are anchored by large retailers.

(c)  That the position of planning policy in Leeds and the role of the planning system in seeking to ensure supermarkets are located appropriately, meet identified needs for retail capacity, and support regeneration, employment and the vitality of existing town centres, be noted.

(d)  That the wider work of the Council in supporting town and district centres and independent retail be noted.

(e)  That officers be instructed to continue to agree with supermarkets a clear commitment to job creation and support to local residents to secure employment and apprenticeships, and contribute towards the vitality of existing town centres in Leeds.

(f)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (Employment and Skills) is the officer responsible for the implementation of resolution (e) above.

(g)  That further details be provided to the Board illustrating the extent of the impact which has been made by supermarkets in areas such as local regeneration and employment opportunities in communities across Leeds.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development explaining the changes to the (Community Infrastructure Levy) CIL Draft Charging Schedule which are now proposed following the Preliminary Draft consultation, including reference to further background information and analysis.

Further to Minute No. 178, 15^th February 2013, the Director of City Development submitted a report explaining the changes to the CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) Draft Charging Schedule, which were now proposed following the Preliminary Draft consultation exercise and also following reference to further background information and analysis.

The observations and recommendations of the Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture) on this issue were appended to the submitted report for Board Members’ consideration.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members were provided with an updated version of Appendix 2 (Draft Regulation 123 List) for their consideration as part of the submitted report. 

Following Members’ comments, further details were provided regarding the timescales associated with future reviews of the schedule, on proposals regarding the change in charging zone for the East Leeds Extension and also in respect of the provision of education facilities.

Responding to a specific request to incorporate an area of Farsley into the North charging zone, the Board agreed to this amendment, subject to it being determined as viable following the appropriate checks being undertaken against the associated evidence base.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the Draft Charging Schedule, as appended to the submitted report, be approved in order to proceed with publication and  6 weeks of formal public consultation, subject to the inclusion of an amendment as detailed above, should this amendment be determined as viable following the appropriate checks being undertaken against the associated evidence base.

(b)  That the scope of the evidence base and associated documents supporting the setting of the CIL rates, including the Regulation 123 List, be agreed, subject to the inclusion of the amendment made to the Regulation 123 List, namely the removal of reference to ‘Highways Schemes’.

(c)  That approval be given to submit the Draft Charging Schedule to the examiner after the close of the consultation period in accordance with the CIL Regulations.

(d)  That approval be given for the Council to work in partnership with local councils, Area Committees and neighbourhoods in order to explore opportunities for maximising available resources through governance and implementation of the CIL spending to best meet their local needs, with proposals being reported back to a future meeting of Executive Board.

(e)  That it be noted that the following steps will be undertaken to deliver the decisions of the Board:-

i.  The Draft Charging Schedule and supporting documents/evidence base as provided in the appendices to the submitted report will be published for public consultation. Following the consultation, the same material will be submitted to the examiner along with any representations received. Following the examination and receipt of the inspector’s report and any modifications required, there would need to be a Full Council resolution to adopt the CIL.

ii.  The timescales for the implementation of the decisions are that a 6 week consultation will run from late October, the submission for examination will be in January 2014, and subsequent progress depending on the Core Strategy progress and capacity of the Planning Inspectorate.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive explaining how the Council manages health and safety in the current legal and political context, and makes recommendations around the priority areas for intervention during 2013/2014.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report explaining how the Council managed health and safety in the current legal and political context, with the submitted report making recommendations around the priority areas for intervention during the period 2013/2014.

Officers noted the request that checks be made to ensure that health and safety data in relation to service users, particularly in respect of highways, was being incorporated into the relevant reporting mechanisms.

RESOLVED –That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing statistical information on Admissions into Reception and year 7 for September 2013. The report notes the rising birth rate in Leeds and assesses how this is affecting entry into both primary and secondary schools.  In addition, the report further considers the effect on the application process of the timing of Free Schools being approved by the DfE and the interaction with the current Admission policy.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing statistical information on Admissions into Reception and Year 7 for September 2013. The report noted the rising birth rate in Leeds and assessed how this was affecting entry into both primary and secondary schools.  In addition, the report further considered the effect upon the application process of the timing of Free Schools being approved by the Department for Education (DfE) and the interaction with the current Admission policy.

Responding to a specific request, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further details regarding the circumstances around those children who could not be offered any of their stated preferences in terms of primary schools.

Members then discussed the current admission rates in respect of the Jewish Free School, which was given approval to open from September 2013.

RESOLVED –That the following be noted:-

·  The percentage of successful first preferences for secondary admissions was 84% and for Reception admissions was 85%.

·  The percentage of parents receiving one of their top three preferences was 94%.

·  The number of appeals for Reception has decreased slightly although more have been successful.

·  The timing of the confirmation of Free Schools opening has led to late adjustments to availability of places.

To consider the report of the Director of Childrens Services providing an update of progress achieved in important areas within Children’s Services. The report particularly focuses upon safeguarding and social work, due to the importance of safeguarding for the Council, and because these services are the only area of the Council still subject to high profile, unannounced inspection. In addition, the report sets out the progress made over the past year, and the key challenges for the year ahead.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing an update on the progress achieved in important areas within Children’s Services. The report particularly focussed upon safeguarding and social work, due to the importance of safeguarding for the Council, and because these services were the only area of the Council still subject to high profile, unannounced inspection. In addition, the report also set out the overall progress which had been made within Children’s Services over the past year, and outlined the key challenges for the year ahead.

The Executive Member for Children’s Services thanked those Elected Members who were their area’s nominated representative on the Council’s Corporate Carers’ Group, for the significant work which they had undertaken in their respective roles and for the progress which had been made in this area.

Responding to a specific request, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further details on the actions being taken to improve school attendance levels across the city, together with information on Leeds’ relative performance when compared with the national and benchmark averages for attendance.

Members noted the progress which had been made within Children’s Services, whilst a Member placed specific emphasis upon the importance of continuing to close the gaps which existed in learning. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress Leeds has made inimproving outcomes for children and young people, balanced against the on-goingchallenges, particularly in the context of a new inspection framework, be noted.

(b)  That the city-wide strategy for continued improvement across Children’s Services be supported.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    11^TH OCTOBER 2013

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  18^TH OCTOBER 2013

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Monday, 21^st October 2013)