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 A together with the associated plan to the report entitled, ’Forward Funding Investment Opportunity in the Aire Valley Enterprise Zone’, referred to in Minute No. 169 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the information contained within these documents relates to the financial or business affairs of a particular person, and of the Council.  This information is not publicly available from the statutory registers of information kept in relation to certain companies and charities.  It is considered that since this information was obtained through one to one negotiations for the purchase of the land/property referred to then it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time.  Also, the release of such information would or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to and undermine its attempts to acquire by agreement similar properties in the locality in that owners of other similar properties would be aware about the nature and level of consideration which may prove acceptable to the Council.  It is considered that whilst there may be a public interest in disclosure, much of this information will be available from the Land Registry following completion of the purchase and consequently the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time. 

(b)  Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ’HS2 Regeneration Delivery Vehicle’, referred to in Minute No. 170 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the information contained within the submitted appendix relates 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 appendices as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

(c)  Appendices 4 and 5 to the report entitled, ’European Capital of Culture 2023: Should Leeds Bid? ’, referred to in Minute No. 178 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the information contained within the submitted appendices relates 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 160.

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 declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests made during the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th February 2015

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th February 2015 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of Children’s Services which responds to the ideas presented by Amy Eckworth-Jones in her deputation to Council on 14^th January 2015 as part of her winning manifesto for the Leeds Children’s Mayor.  The report highlights what is available for children and young people in Leeds along with some activities and events that take place. Specifically, the report considers the suggestion to have more people to keep an eye on ensuring that play areas are safe, and also to find ways to raise more money in order to improve facilities in parks.

The Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of Children’s Services submitted a joint report responding to the ideas presented by Amy Eckworth-Jones in her deputation to Council on 14th January 2015 as part of her winning manifesto for the Leeds Children’s Mayor: ‘Have Fun, Play Safe’. The report provided details of the play facilities currently available for children and young people in Leeds, whilst also considering the range of ideas put forward by Amy.

The Board welcomed Amy, the Leeds Children’s Mayor, who was in attendance at the meeting and congratulated her for the assured way in which she had delivered her deputation speech. Members also paid tribute to the innovative proposals which Amy had included within her deputation and emphasised that in moving forward, all of the ideas submitted by Amy would be given serious consideration.    

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Amy Eckworth-Jones, the Leeds Children’s Mayor, be thanked for her excellent ideas;

(b)  That it be noted that the Council:-

(i)  Will develop safe areas to play away from traffic and provide facilities for children of all ages and abilities to play games and hang out with their friends;

(ii)  Will encourage events in parks and green spaces that provide positive activities for families and young people;

(iii)  Will look to develop innovative ways to raise additional funding to invest in parks and facilities for children and young people; and

(iv)  Will ensure that young people are consulted in the development of all play facilities in parks.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive presenting for approval a new Best Council Plan. Specifically, the report sets out the context for the Council’s strategic priorities for the period 2015-20, presents key areas of work for 2015/16 and identifies the linkages to supporting plans.

Further to Minute No. 25, 25^th June 2014, the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report presenting for approval an updatedversion of the Best Council Plan. The report highlighted that the 6 current objectives remained within the Plan, however, the proposed update set out the Council’s strategic priorities for the period 2015-20, presented the key areas of work for 2015/2016, as aligned with the recently approved 2015/16 Council budget and also identified key linkages with supporting plans.

By way of introduction, the Chief Executive highlighted that the updated Plan which had been submitted to the Board for approval was a refresh of the current version. Also, it was highlighted that the Plan aimed to provide a clear framework enabling the Council to focus upon its strategic priorities, whilst also providing flexibility in the way in which they were delivered. In addition, emphasis was also placed upon the cross-Council approach that the Plan aimed to encourage, with the 7 Breakthrough Projects detailed within the Plan being a key example of such an approach.

RESOLVED – That the Best Council Plan 2015-2020, as appended to the submitted report be approved and that it be noted that at the time of writing, further drafting and design will be taking place.

(In accordance with the Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules, the matters referred to within this minute were not eligible for Call In as the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules.  As the Best Council Plan forms part of the Budgetary and Policy Framework, the matters detailed above are therefore exempt from Call In)

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing an update on the use of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) to help vulnerable tenants deal with welfare changes which came into effect in 2013/14. The report also outlines the challenges for 2015/16 anticipated as a result of the reduction in the Governments contribution towards DHPs and in response, sets out proposals to change the way DHPs are used to support tenants affected by welfare reform

Further to Minute No. 90, 15^th October 2014, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report providing an update on the use of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) to help vulnerable tenants deal with welfare changes which came into effect in 2013/14. In addition, the report also outlined the challenges for 2015/16 anticipated as a result of the reduction in the Government’s contribution towards DHPs and in response, the report set out proposals to change the way in which DHPs were used to support tenants affected by welfare reform.

For the purposes of clarification, the Board noted that the final figure in paragraph 2 of the ‘Summary of Main Issues’ section of the submitted report should read £500,000, rather than the published £550,000.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the expected impact of the reduction in funding from 1 April 2015 be noted;

(b)  That the proposal to develop an amended policy within the parameters of the nationally reduced budget, which aims to support those most disadvantaged by welfare reform changes, be endorsed;

(c)  That the changes to the Council’s Discretionary Housing Payment policy, as set out in paragraph 3.9 of the submitted report, effective from 1st April 2015, be approved;

(d)  That the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) be authorised to implement the revised policy;

(e)  That approval be given to an approach being made to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to use the agreed funding from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), as set out in paragraph 3.1 of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor seeking approval for the dissolution of the Leeds City Region (LCR) Leaders’ Board on 31^st March 2015. The report also requests that authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and to the City Solicitor in relation to associated matters.

The City Solicitor submitted a report which sought approval for the dissolution of the Leeds City Region (LCR) Leaders’ Board on 31st March 2015. In addition, the report also requested that authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and to the City Solicitor in relation to associated matters.

Members noted that Government announcements may potentially impact upon the LCR and, in this event, a review of LCR related governance arrangements would be needed at the earliest opportunity.  

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that the LCR Leaders’ Board endorsed the proposal to dissolve the LCR Leaders’ Board on 31 March 2015. It also be noted that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has resolved to appoint an LCR Partnership Committee, to be established on 1 April 2015;

(b)  That approval be given to dissolve the LCR Leaders’ Board on 31 March 2015;   

(c)  That the necessary authority be delegated to:-

(i)  the Deputy Chief Executive in his capacity as S151 Chief

Finance Officer, in order to determine which contracts and other assets should transfer to the WYCA, and which should remain with Leeds City Council; and

(ii)  the City Solicitor in order to take all necessary steps to dissolve the LCR Leaders’ Board, including such steps as may be required to implement the decision of the Deputy Chief Executive in relation to any such transfer, novation or assignment.

(d)  That in the event that any Government announcement has a significant impact upon the Leeds City Region, then a review of LCR related governance arrangements should take place at the earliest opportunity, with such a review including consultation with Group Leaders.

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

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from Call In if it is considered that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interests. As such it was determined that the resolutions relating to this report were exempt from the Call In process given that the Leaders’ Board is to be dissolved on 31 March 2015, so that the new arrangements are in place for the new financial year)

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which seeks approval to appoint the Leader of Council to a new joint committee in relation to the Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool, with such a joint committee consisting of the Leader of each Pool authority. In addition, the report seeks approval of the revised governance agreement for the Business Rates Pool and to also provide the City Solicitor with the necessary delegated authority to seek the agreement of the other six members of the Pool to the new arrangements.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which sought approval to appoint the Leader of Council to a new joint committee in relation to the Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool, with such a joint committee consisting of the Leader of each Pool authority. In addition, the report also sought approval of the new governance arrangements for the Business Rates Pool and to also provide the City Solicitor with the necessary delegated authority to seek the agreement of the other six members of the Pool to such arrangements.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the Leader of the Council being appointed to a new joint committee in relation to the Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool, from 1st April 2015 until the 2016 Annual Meeting; with such a joint committee consisting of the Leader of each Pool authority, and with the terms of reference, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(b)  That the revised governance agreement for the Business Rates Pool, as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the City Solicitor to seek the formal agreement of the other six Pool members to the new arrangements.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from Call In if it is considered that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interests. As such it was determined that the resolutions relating to this report were exempt from the Call In process given that the new Joint Committee needed to be in place in order to ensure the continuation of the Pool for the start of new financial year)

To consider the joint report of the Director of Public Health and the Director of City Development presenting details regarding the proposed creation of a Leeds Academic Health Partnership. The report summarises the proposal and places it in a wider context of similar partnerships established in other cities and the City’s wider economic agenda to create wealth and jobs. Furthermore, the report describes the framework within which the proposed Leeds Academic Health Partnership could begin to operate, and makes recommendations for its establishment initially as an informal partnership structure covering its funding and business plan development following further consultations with partners.

The Director of Public Health and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report presenting details of the proposed creation of a Leeds Academic Health Partnership. The report summarised the proposal and placed it in a wider context of similar partnerships which had been established in other cities and in relation to the City’s wider economic agenda to create wealth and jobs. Furthermore, the report described the framework within which the proposed Leeds Academic Health Partnership could begin to operate, and made recommendations for its establishment initially as an informal partnership structure covering its funding and business plan development following further consultation with partners.

The Board welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in principle support be given to Leeds City Council’s work with the City’s universities and local NHS partners to explore the establishment of a Leeds Academic Health Partnership;

(b)  That support be given to the development of a formal programme of work leading to a business plan, a proposed structure, sources of funding, metrics and targets to drive investment and create jobs in the City’s health economy which would sit within the City’s agreed Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which will be brought back following a wider consultation with other potential partners, for approval to Executive Board by March 2016;

(c)  That support be given to the leadership arrangements proposed to cover this preparatory stage of the partnership’s work, including the seconding of a Director (who would be a qualified clinician) which would be seconded from within local networks in Leeds;

(d)  That it be noted that the City Council’s contribution of resources provided ‘in kind’ would be led and co-ordinated by the Chief Officer Leeds Health Partnerships.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which seeks to obtain approval for the potential acquisition of a new proposed distribution centre investment to be built and let to an occupier, as identified on the attached plan in the confidential appendix, by way of a full forward funding commitment to the developer.

(Appendix A and the associated plan to this report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought to obtain approval for the potential acquisition of a new proposed distribution centre investment to be built and let to an occupier, as identified within the exempt appendix and associated plan to the submitted report, which would be by way of a full forward funding commitment to the developer.

The Board welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

Following consideration of Appendix A to the submitted report, designated as exempt from publication 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 acquisition of the investment let to the occupier, on the terms as detailed within the exempt appendix and associated plan to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the principle of prudentially borrowing the money required to fund the investment package, as set out within exempt appendix A to the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That approval be given to the injection into the capital programme of the sums as detailed within the exempt appendix to the submitted report, and that approval also be given to the necessary authority to spend such sums;

(d)  That it be noted that the Director of City Development, under his delegated powers, will negotiate the detailed terms for the acquisition in line with the Heads of Terms, as outlined within the exempt appendix to the submitted report.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from Call In if it is considered that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interests. As such, it was determined that the resolutions relating to this report were exempt from the Call In process given that the decision taker considers that the decision was urgent due to the occupier requiring to be under contract to occupy the building, with the funding of the investment secured by April 2015)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to agree to the Council’s preferred option for a HS2 regeneration delivery vehicle in order to take forward regeneration activities associated with HS2 in the short term. In addition, the report also seeks the relevant approvals to the principles which will underpin the longer term function of a delivery vehicle.

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

Further to Minute No. 133, 17^th December 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to agree to the Council’s preferred option for a HS2 regeneration delivery vehicle, which would take forward regeneration activities associated with HS2 in the short term. In addition, the report also sought the relevant approvals to the principles which would underpin the longer term function of a delivery vehicle.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board was provided with assurances that Members would continue to be kept informed of developments and the progress made in this field. In addition, Members also discussed the options available in respect of a potential delivery vehicle for HS3.

Furthermore, emphasis was placed upon the key role that both the high speed rail initiative, together with the proposed development of the Leeds Southern Station entrance would play in the wider regeneration of South Leeds.

Following consideration of Appendix 1 to the submitted report, designated as exempt from publication 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 to enter into an agreement with London and Continental Railways for collaborative working on regeneration based activities associated with HS2 in accordance with the Heads of Terms, as set out within exempt Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(b)  That approval be given to the Heads of Terms, as set out in exempt Appendix 1 to the submitted report, for a joint venture regeneration delivery vehicle between the Council and London and Continental Railways, with both parties owning 50% of the vehicle;

(c)  That the policy principles for the formation of a HS2 regeneration delivery vehicle, as set out in paragraph 3.30 of the submitted report be agreed;

(d)  That the Director of City Development, in consultation with the

Executive Member for Transport and the Economy, be authorised to negotiate and finalise agreements with HS2 Ltd. and London and Continental Railways in order to establish a Joint Venture and enter into a formal partnership arrangement;

(e)  That it be noted that agreement to the proposals for joint working with London and Continental Railways, as contained within the submitted report, will be subject to the approval of HS2 Ltd. and the relevant Government departments;

(f)  That it be noted that the Head of Regeneration will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which seeks approval to undertake conditioned highway improvement works on Little Neville Street associated with the high level of anticipated increase in pedestrian usage from the new station southern entrance. In addition, the report also seeks approval to inject £498,132 into the Capital Programme and to incur such expenditure to implement the highway enhancement and refurbishment works of Little Neville Street.

The Director of City Development submitted a report seking approval to undertake conditioned highway improvement works on Little Neville Street associated with the high level of anticipated increase in pedestrian usage from the new station southern entrance. In addition, the submitted report also sought approval to inject £498,132 into the Capital Programme and to incur such expenditure in order to implement the highway enhancement and refurbishment works of Little Neville Street.

The Board welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report, emphasised the key role that the development of the Leeds southern station entrance would play in the wider regeneration of South Leeds, and also paid tribute to those officers who had successfully developed this project to its current position.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the scheme, as described in the submitted report and as shown on the appended drawing (number HDC/297032/MIS/15), be approved;

(b)  That the injection of £498,132 into the Capital Programme from developer (Section 106 Town & Country Planning Act) contributions, be authorised;

(c)  That the expenditure from the Capital Programme of £498,132 be authorised for the implementation of the southern entrance’s associated highway enhancement works, as outlined on drawing number HDC/297032/MIS/15 and as described in the submitted report;

(d)  That it be noted that the Head of Engineering Services will be responsible for the implementation of such mattes, in accordance with the timescales as set out in section 4.6.3 of the submitted report.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of City Development which sets out the overarching and strategic approach which is being taken towards the delivery of housing growth and job opportunities for young people across the city, in line with the objectives of the ‘Breakthrough Project’ in the same field.

The Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which presented the overarching and strategic approach which was being taken by the Council towards the delivery of housing growth and job opportunities for young people across the city, in line with the objectives of the ‘Breakthrough Project’ in the same field.

Members welcomed the submitted report, including the contents of the draft letter, as appended, which was addressed to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, subject to the addition of Councillor D Blackburn’s name to the correspondence.

The Board noted the actions being taken by the Council to utilise brownfield land in order tosupport the acceleration of housing growth, and discussed further ways in which the Council could operate as a catalyst for the development of brownfield land for the purposes of increased housing provision.

The Board also acknowledged and welcomed the work being undertaken in this area as part of the overarching Breakthrough Project regarding ‘Housing Growth, and Jobs for Young People’.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the approach towards supporting the acceleration of housing growth, including through the use of Council owned brownfield land, be noted;

(b)  That the approach to Government in respect of Housing Revenue Account borrowing and the use of the ‘Right to Buy’ receipts, via the letter appended to the submitted report, be approved, subject to the addition of Councillor D Blackburn’s name to the correspondence;

(c)  That the approach in respect of working with partners locally in order to support the ‘Breakthrough Project’, beginning with an event to be led by the housing growth team in the summer, be approved.

To consider the joint report from the Director of Environment & Housing, the Director of City Development and the Director of Adult Social Services which sets out the range of housing options currently available for older people. The report also provides a summary of provision delivered to date and presents the Council’s strategy towards accelerating growth, for meeting gaps in current and proposed provision for older people and to expand the options in response to diverse needs.

Further to Minute No. 103, 19^th November 2014, the Director of Environment and Housing, the Director of City Development and the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a joint report which set out the range of housing options currently available for the growing numbers of older people in Leeds, and which aimed to ensure that they lived in accommodation which was accessible, affordable and safe. In addition, the report also presented the Council’s strategy towards ensuring that the supply of appropriate accommodation continued to increase in order to meet demand, met any gaps in current and proposed provision and looked to expand the options available in response to the diverse needs which currently existed across the city.

Members welcomed the contents of the submitted report and emphasised the significant challenge which was faced in ensuring that there was suitable accommodation provision for older people throughout the city. Members highlighted the role of private developers in the delivery of older people’s accommodation, and a request was made that wherever possible, and where the location of a site was appropriate, consideration was given to the need for new housing developments to include a proportion of dedicated housing for older people. Emphasis was also placed upon the need for new housing provision to have the capacity to be adapted as older people’s accommodation needs changed.

Furthermore, Members highlighted the evolving consultative role played by localities on such issues, with a proposal that such consultation exercises would include Ward Members, Community Committees and local Neighbourhood Forums wherever appropriate.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the strategic approach towards the growth of Older People’s Housing provision, as set out within the submitted report, which will aim to ensure that sufficient specialist housing is available to meet the individual and changing needs of the city’s older population now and in the future, be supported;

(b)  That the proposals for the publication of a prospectus to be led by the

Director of City Development for delivery in the summer in order to stimulate the commencement of a dialogue between developers and the Council as part of the wider housing growth programme with the aim of encouraging investment to meet the varying housing needs of older people in the city, be noted;

(c)  That the use of sites, as identified at paragraph 3.6.9 of the submitted report, for the delivery of specialist older people’s provision, be supported.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing providing an update on the latest position regarding capital investment requirements for the existing Council housing stock, as set out in the investment strategy and also to propose how to align investment need with  income levels in years 1-4 of the strategy (2015/16 – 2018/19).

Further to Minute No. 203, 10^th February 2012, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which provided an update on the latest position regarding capital investment requirements for the existing Council housing stock, as set out in the investment strategy. In addition, the report also presented a proposed approach towards aligning investment need with income levels in years 1-4 of the strategy (2015/16 – 2018/19).

In considering the submitted report, Members noted that currently there was approximately 130 apprenticeship opportunities being supported by Housing Leeds activity via construction contracts.

RESOLVED – That the 10 year Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Investment Plan be supported, subject to an annual review being undertaken.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services which seeks approval of local authority admissions policy and admissions arrangements for entry to school in 2016.  The report describes changes to the Leeds Admissions policy and seeks approval for the policy.  In addition, the report also describes changes to the published admission number for three community primary schools and sets out the 6^th form admission number for four community high schools and asks the Board to note the co-ordination arrangements published on 1^st January.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which sought approval of the Leeds Admission Policy and admission arrangements for school entry in 2016. The report also specifically detailed the proposed changes to the Leeds Admissions policy for the purposes of approval.  In addition, the report presented changes to the published admission number for three community primary schools and set out the sixth form admission number for four community high schools. Finally, the report invited the Board to note the co-ordination arrangements published on 1st January 2015.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in determining the school admission arrangements for 2016, the Leeds Admission Policy 2016/17 be approved, and that the following be noted:-

(i) that the wording in relation to statements will be amended to reflect the introduction of Education, Health and Care Plans;

(ii) that there will be no change to the sibling criteria;

(iii) that the waiting list wording has been amended to reflect the instruction of the Office of the School Adjudicator;

(b)  That the changes made to the admission number for 3 primary schools and the publication of 6th form admission number for 4 community schools, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That the Co-ordinated Scheme for Admission Arrangements for entry in

September 2016 be noted;

(d)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for this work is the Capacity Planning and Sufficiency Lead, with the date for implementation (ie. determination of any revised policy) being no later than 15 April 2015;

(e)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the publication of the determined arrangements is the Capacity Planning and Sufficiency Lead, with the date for implementation (ie. publication) being no later than 1 May 2015.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing on proposals to delegate the development and horticultural maintenance of community parks, cemeteries, recreation grounds, urban woodland, natural areas and local green space to Community Committees.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report regarding a proposal to delegate the development and horticultural maintenance of community parks, cemeteries, recreation grounds, urban woodland, natural areas and local green space to Community Committees.

In considering the submitted report, emphasis was placed upon the benefits of providing such authority to the Community Committees, whilst Members discussed the allocation of resource which would accompany the proposed transfer of delegation and the ways in which the Committees would be able to monitor and manage service delivery.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the amended Community Committee Executive Delegation Scheme, as detailed at Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that some decisions may take more than one year to implement (e.g. having a significant impact on machinery deployment), in which case a phased implementation in line with lease arrangements would need to be agreed;

(c)  That approval be given to remove the reference ‘community greenspace’ as a priority advisory function, as set out in paragraph 4.5.1 of the submitted report;

(d)  That it be noted that the changes outlined above will take effect from 1 April 2015 and that the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing seeking approval to install solar PV on approximately 1000 council homes, which will be delivered via the Better Homes Yorkshire call off contract.  In addition, the report also seeks endorsement of a second tranche of 1000 properties, subject to availability of funding and the business case remaining viable.

Further to Minute No. 145, 14^th December 2011, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which sought approval to install Solar PV systems on approximately 1,000 Council homes, which would be delivered via the ‘Better Homes Yorkshire’ call off contract. In addition, the report also sought the Board’s endorsement of a second tranche of 1,000 properties, subject to availability of funding and the related business case remaining viable.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the installation of photovoltaic systems on approximately 1,000 Council homes, be approved;

(b)  That subject to the availability of funding and the business case remaining viable, it be noted that the Director of Environment and Housing can consider and approve a further £3.8m within the Housing Leeds refurbishment programme in order to install Solar PV systems on a second tranche of 1,000 properties;

(c)  That the appointment of ‘Better Homes Yorkshire’ to undertake the installation programme via the recently procured call off contract, subject to finalisation of commercial terms, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing a brief on the city-wide discussions which have taken place to date with a view to a decision to formally proceed with a bid for European Capital of Culture 2023. The report summarises the consultation held on whether Leeds should bid and the main issues for consideration.

(Appendices 4 and 5 to this report are designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

Further to Minute No. 157, 22^nd January 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the city-wide discussions and consultation exercises which had taken place to date on the possibility of Leeds formally proceeding with a bid to become European Capital of Culture 2023. In addition, the report highlighted the key matters associated with a potential bid and invited the Board to consider whether or not to continue to progress such a bid.

In considering the submitted report, Members highlighted that should the Board give approval to develop a bid for Leeds to become European Capital of Culture 2023, then the following be taken into consideration:-

·  the need to ensure that a thorough and robust financial plan accompanied any bidding process;

·  to ensure that the whole process included and positively impacted upon all areas and local communities of Leeds;

·  that actions were taken to ensure that any opportunities arising from a Leeds bid were maximised, such as using the process as a vehicle for encouraging further investment into the city;

·  that further consideration be given to the ways in which a bidding process could be used as an opportunity for the city to again showcase its expertise and ability for delivering significant cultural events;

·  that the expertise of other stakeholders and partner organisations located across Leeds was utilised to establish a cultural strategy for the city and also to contribute towards the development of any bid.

In conclusion, it was suggested that further discussions on such matters could take place on an all-party basis, should the Board agree to progress such a bid.

Following consideration of Appendices 4 and 5 to the submitted report, designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED – That against the backdrop of the scale and breadth of the 14 month city-wide conversation which has taken place, together with the resource implications, as outlined within the submitted report:

(a)  Approval be given to the proposal that Leeds will bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2023;

(b)  Approval be given to the principle that, as far as possible, any such bid or future programme of activity should involve and benefit all the communities of Leeds, whilst also bringing benefit to the wider regional, national and European communities;

(c)  The Chief Officer, Culture and Sport be requested to work with the Executive Member for Digital and Creative Technology, Culture and Skills to now:-

·  Establish a strategic steering group with an independent chair in order to advise on and oversee the development of the bid, as per paragraph 5.2 of the submitted report;

·  Develop proposals for establishing a framework to further the spirit of citywide conversation, engagement and transparency, as per paragraph 5.3 of the submitted report;

·  Work with the people of Leeds, stakeholders and partners in order to create a cultural strategy for the period 2017-30;

·  Develop mutually  ...  view the full minutes text for item 178.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    FRIDAY, 20^TH MARCH 2015

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00P.M., FRIDAY, 27^TH MARCH 2015

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Monday, 30^th March 2015)