Agenda and minutes

Under the terms of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, Councillor J Procter was invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillor A Carter, who had submitted his apologies for absence from the meeting.

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 3 to the report entitled, ‘The Regeneration of  the New Briggate Area’, referred to in Minute No. 71is 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 a particular organisation and of the Council.  It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of the appendix as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, due to the impact that disclosing the information would have on the Council and third parties.

(b)  Appendix 2 to the report entitled, ‘East Leeds Extension Update and Next Steps’, referred to in Minute No. 74is 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 a particular person, and of the Council. This information is not publicly available from the statutory registers of information kept in respect of certain companies and charities.  It is considered that since this information was obtained through initial one to one discussions for the acquisition of the property/land, then it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time. 

  Also, it is considered that the release of such information would or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to other similar transactions in that prospective purchasers of other similar properties would have access to information 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 publicly available from the Land Registry following completion of this transaction and consequently the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time. 

There were no late items as such, however, prior to the meeting Board Members were provided with the following for their consideration:

·  Correspondence which clarified that in relation to agenda item 16 (The Regeneration of the New Briggate Area), those references in paragraph 5.1, Recommendation 4(a) and Recommendation 6.1(a) should read 26-32 Merrion Street, rather than 26-32 Merrion Way (Minute No. 71 refers);

·  An updated version of the covering report and appendix 3 to agenda item 18 (The Community Infrastructure Levy: Spending of the Neighbourhood Fund and Other Spending Matters) (Minute No. 73 refers);

·  An updated version of appendix B to agenda item 20 (Learning Places Programme: Capital Programme Update) (Minute No.75 refers). 

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 agenda item entitled, ‘The Regeneration of the New Briggate Area’, Councillors J Procter and Yeadon drew the Board’s attention to their respective positions on the Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House Board of Management (Minute No. 71 refers). 

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd September 2015

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 23^rd September 2015 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing an update on the Council’s continued joint work with Leeds City Credit Union (LCCU) to tackle poverty in Leeds. In addition, the report also sets out the long-term strategy for ongoing partnership working.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which provided an update on the Council’s continued joint work with Leeds City Credit Union (LCCU) to tackle poverty in Leeds. In addition, the report also presented the long-term strategy for ongoing partnership working and specifically, set out the options available in respect of the Council’s continuing financial support and future investment in such matters.

Members welcomed the contents of the submitted report, placed on record their thanks for the valuable and innovative work being undertaken in this area and highlighted how such work provided a key example of civic enterprise.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the significant progress made and the projects developed through the partnership between the Council and Leeds City Credit Union, which has helped in the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives on financial inclusion and poverty alleviation be noted and welcomed, and that the ongoing strategic approach towards the partnership work also be welcomed;

(b)  That authority be given to the Council entering into an agreement with the Credit Union in connection with the continuing support from the Council to the Credit Union, with the approval of the terms of such an agreement being delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities);

(c)  That approval be given to the re-scheduling of the loan to the Credit Union, as set out in paragraph 3.38 of the submitted report, with the detailed arrangements being subject to determination by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities).

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing on the latest designs and costs relating to the relocation of the Parks and Countryside horticultural nursery from Red Hall to Whinmoor Grange along with the relocation of other operational services currently based at Red Hall. In addition the report seeks approval of an injection into the capital scheme and subsequent expenditure of £6.5m for the construction and relocation works from Red Hall to Whinmoor Grange.

Further to Minute No. 76, 4^th September 2013, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report regarding the latest designs and costs relating to the relocation of the Parks and Countryside horticultural nursery from Red Hall to Whinmoor Grange along with the relocation of other operational services currently based at Red Hall. In addition, the report sought approval of an injection into the capital scheme and subsequent expenditure of £6.5m for the construction and relocation works from Red Hall to Whinmoor Grange.

The Board paid tribute to the valuable work undertaken by the horticultural nursery service. Furthermore, Members emphasised the ongoing partnership work taking place between the service and community organisations across the city and highlighted the need for such partnership working to continue and develop further with the help of the proposed new facility.

A Member raised the issue of the proposed entry point to the facility and highlighted the need to ensure that it remained in keeping with the wider area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That an injection of £6.5m into Capital Scheme No. 32415/000/000 be approved;

(b)  That expenditure of up to £6.5m to design and build a replacement horticultural nursery for Leeds City Council Parks and Countryside at Whinmoor Grange and for the relocation of other services from the existing Red Hall depot, be approved, subject to planning approval and Local Growth Fund loan agreement;

(c)  That in accordance with Contracts Procedure Rule 3.1.8, approval be given to the selection of a single stage develop and construct procurement approach via an open non-EU procurement, in order to obtain a specialist contractor to undertake the proposed construction of a horticultural nursery glasshouse at Whinmoor Grange, with the evaluation criteria of 70% of marks for the lowest compliant cost and 30% of marks for quality criteria;

(d)  That the current designs, as detailed at appendix 1 to the submitted report, and the costs for Whinmoor Grange nursery, be approved, subject to the necessary planning approval;

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (Parks and Countryside) will be responsible for the implementation of such matters, and to ensure that the Parks and Countryside service vacate the Red Hall site by the end of 2016.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing providing a summary of the performance of the Housing Related Support commissioned programme in 2014/15 and updating the Board on the review and progress towards developing a new model for the city which includes the intended outcomes and benefits. In addition, the report seeks the Board’s input and guidance on the model and forward work programme.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report providing a performance summary of the Housing Related Support commissioned programme during 2014/15 and updating the Board on the review and progress made towards developing a new model for the city which included the intended outcomes and benefits. In addition, the report sought the Board’s input and guidance on the model and forward work programme.

Members welcomed the proposed key principles and features of the new model, with reference being made to the person centred approach and the potential establishment of a triage system.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress of the review, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That approval be given to proceed with the recommendations within the submitted report for the re-procurement / re-contracting of housing related support services in the context of the proposed key principles and features of a new model to a maximum budget of £10.4 million;

(c)  That it be noted that the Director of Environment and Housing will use his delegated authority in order to take commissioning and decommissioning decisions which will be a direct consequence of this key decision. (For example, approval of the detailed specifications for the procurement and subsequent contract awards, which will be at most significant operational decisions. This is subject to the decisions being in line with the key principles and features as described within the submitted Executive Board report).

To consider the joint report of the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of Public Health providing an update on the progress made since the submission of a previous report to Executive Board in December 2014. In addition, the report provides details on the West Yorkshire Low Emission Strategy Paper, Leeds’ action plan and a number of current and related funding opportunities.

Further to Minute No. 139, 17^th December 2014, the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report providing an update on the progress which had been made since the submission of the previous report. In addition, the report also provided details of health implications arising from air quality levels, on the West Yorkshire Low Emission Strategy Paper, Leeds’ action plan and also on a number of current and related funding opportunities.

Responding to Members’ enquiries, officers provided an update on the range of actions currently being taken to improve air quality in Leeds. In addition, it was highlighted that further monitoring of air quality levels was to be undertaken which would enable more quantifiable actions to be identified, and it was noted that such information would be presented to the Board for consideration.

Furthermore, Members highlighted the pivotal role to be played by the public in improving air quality levels in Leeds, and emphasised the vital importance of raising the public awareness and understanding of such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the raising of the public’s awareness and understanding of such matters be identified as a key priority in the approach towards improving air quality levels in Leeds;

(b)  That the progress which the Council has made to date and its plan for the expansion of its own alternative fuel vehicles and associated infrastructure, be noted;

(c)  That the West Yorkshire Low Emissions Strategy (WYLES) and Leeds’ Air Quality Action Plan, be endorsed;

(d)  That the PM2.5 targets for 2020 and 2030, as referred to within paragraph 3.6 of the submitted report be adopted;

(e)  That the allocation of parking spaces for electric vehicles in Council car parks, to be implemented by the end of the financial year as part of the ‘Cutting Carbon and Improving Air Quality’ breakthrough project, be supported;

(f)  That the enforcement of the planning conditions on new developments to increase charging infrastructure across the city be supported, which is an on-going action that falls under the Chief Planning Officer’s responsibility to monitor all new developments;

(g)  That the establishment of walking and cycling friendly infrastructure be supported, with the use of appropriate planning conditions to ensure that new developments support alternative modes of transport;

(h)  That support be given to further work being undertaken to determine the scope and number of potential Clean Air Zones required within the city in order to ensure that compliance with EU directives is met as a minimum, and which will look to improve public health outcomes for the citizens of Leeds;

(i)  That it be noted that the Director of Environment and Housing will oversee the delivery of the study and will submit a progress report to Executive Board as part of the breakthrough project’s annual report.

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

To consider the report of the Chief Executive which sets out the Council’s vision for a strong economy and compassionate city. The aim is to sustain and accelerate the economic progress the city is making whilst ensuring that all people and communities in Leeds contribute and benefit from economic success.

The Chief Executive submitted a report which presented the Council’s vision for a strong economy and compassionate city and highlighted the actions being taken to sustain and accelerate the economic progress that the city has achieved, whilst also ensuring that all people and communities in Leeds contributed towards and benefitted from such economic success.

Responding to Members’ enquiries, it was noted that the update report, scheduled to be submitted to the Board in Spring 2016 would provide further information on the actions being taken in the areas of social enterprise and also inward investment.

Members highlighted the linkages between the Council’s breakthrough projects and the vision to have a strong economy and be a compassionate city.  Also, the Board considered the role played by the Government in the development of the city’s economy. Furthermore, emphasis was placed upon the important contribution made by Leeds’ cultural offer towards the Council’s overarching vision.  

RESOLVED –

That the following be approved:-

Tackling Low Pay

i)  Living wage city – Leeds City Council will work with partners to develop a Living Wage City campaign to encourage employers to pay the Living Wage as accredited by the National Living Wage Foundation. The aim should be to significantly increase the number of Living Wage businesses in Leeds over the next year.

ii)  Supporting people to get better jobs – Leeds City Council will work with the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce and education and training providers in order to develop proposals to create a careers advice and in-work progression service, and support for employers, aimed at helping people move out of low paid work into better jobs.

Regenerating places

iii)  A new approach to regeneration – the Council will identify a rolling programme of prioritised schemes in deprived areas, with an emphasis upon bringing together the approach to supporting people and communities with interventions to deliver positive physical development and change, with a particular focus on early intervention to tackle the causes of poverty. A report recommending the details of the approach be submitted to Executive Board by early 2016.

A life ready for learning – putting children at the heart of the growth strategy

iv)  Strengthening business engagement in schools – The Council will work with business leaders, head teachers, universities and colleges and leading experts and enterprises in the third sector to look at how to build on existing work to strengthen business engagement in Leeds schools, with the aim of ensuring that all secondary schools, particularly those with a high proportion of pupils from deprived areas, have strong partnerships with business.

v)   Enhancing careers advice and guidance for young people – The Council will work with business leaders, head teachers, universities and colleges, leading experts in the third sector, and the national Careers and Enterprise Company to look at how to strengthen independent careers advice in schools, with the aim of ensuring that all secondary schools are offering good quality careers advice.

Supporting business to invest in growth and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive setting out the principles and assumptions underlying the proposed financial strategy covering the years 2016/17 to 2019/20. The report provides the framework for the preparation of the 2016/17 Initial Budget Proposals which will be presented to the Board in December 2015 and will inform the Council’s future priorities and strategies.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report setting out the principles and assumptions underlying the proposed financial strategy for the Council covering the years 2016/17 to 2019/20.

Members were provided with the timescales and framework for the preparation of the 2016/17 Initial Budget Proposals which were scheduled to be presented to the Board in December 2015 and which would inform the Council’s future priorities and strategies. It was also noted that announcements regarding the Government’s Spending Review and details of the Local Government Settlement would not be released until November and December 2015 respectively.

Furthermore, the Board was provided with an update on the current position regarding the Public Health grant and the implications arising from the in-year reduction which was announced in June 2015. Also, cross-party support was sought in relation to raising the Council’s concerns on the current in-year grant reduction, and also in respect of the Council’s future allocation of Public Health grant. 

RESOLVED – That the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2016/17 – 2019/20 be approved, and that agreement be given for the assumptions and principles, as outlined within the submitted report, being used as a basis for the detailed preparation of the Initial Budget Proposals for 2016/17 and which will inform the Council’s future priorities and strategies.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive setting out the Council’s projected financial position for 2015/16 together with other key financial indicators after 5 months of the financial year.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report setting out the Council’s projected financial position for 2015/16 together with other key financial indicators, after 5 months of the financial year.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, it was undertook that the Member in question would be provided with an update on the financial position regarding the healthy schools initiative and also the Early Years service. Furthermore, officers undertook to provide an update to the same Member on the projected shortfall in advertising income. 

RESOLVED - That the projected financial position of the Council for 2015/16, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens & Communities) on the Statement of Licensing Policy in respect of the Gambling Act 2005. The report includes the comments from Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities) and recommends that the matter be referred to full Council for approval in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework

Further to Minute No. 29, 15^th July 2015, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report on the Statement of Licensing Policy in respect of the Gambling Act 2005. The report included the comments of the Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities) and recommended that the matter be referred to full Council for formal approval, in accordance with the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules.

In considering the report, emphasis was placed upon the importance of the national lobby regarding the impact of gambling and also on the introduction of Local Area Profiles and the proposed involvement of Community Committees in the development of such profiles.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report be noted, which includes the comments of the Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities), and that the matter be referred to full Council for the purposes of formal approval.

(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, which includes those resolutions above)

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) setting out the approach taken to develop the Equality Improvement Priorities 2016-20 and how these support the ambitions of the city. The report also outlines the plans for reassessment of the Council against the Equality Framework for Local Government at ‘excellent’ level.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report setting out the approach taken to develop the Equality Improvement Priorities 2016-20 and how these priorities supported the ambitions of the city. In addition, the report also outlined the plans for the Council’s reassessment against the Equality Framework for Local Government, in which the local authority currently held an ‘excellent’ accreditation.

Members welcomed the contents of the submitted report, and it was emphasised that equality improvement was a key priority for the Council. In addition, it was acknowledged that a proactive approach needed to continue in order to ensure that the Council was an attractive employer to all communities.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, an update was provided on the actions being taken to promote the Council as an employer at graduate level.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the contents of the Equality Framework narrative be noted, and that an update on the outcomes and actions arising be provided to Executive Board in Spring 2016;

(c)  That the Equality Improvement Priorities 2016-20 be endorsed, and that it be noted that annual reports will be provided on progress against these.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development outlining an approach to street design and the public realm. The report identifies some key principles to ensure schemes are designed and implemented within agreed corporate parameters and objectives and includes artist’s impressions of how the city centre might look if this approach was adopted. Additionally, the report includes a prioritised programme for public real improvements in the city centre, taking into account other major developments and events which impact on the city centre.

The Director of City Development submitted a report outlining an approach towards street design and the public realm. The report identified some key principles to ensure schemes were designed and implemented within agreed corporate parameters and objectives, and included artist impressions of how the city centre may look if such an approach was adopted. Additionally, the submitted report included a prioritised programme for public realm improvements in the city centre.

Members discussed the potential approach towards the promotion of more pedestrian accessible spaces in the city centre and the impact of such an approach. In addition, the Board considered the benefits of simplistic and consistent designs and also the sources of funding which could be used for such initiatives.

In conclusion, emphasis was placed upon the need for the associated consultation exercise which was proposed to be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the principle of the Council developing a strategic plan for public

realm improvements in the City Centre, based upon the principles as outlined in paragraph 3.7 of the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That approval be given to the Council consulting and engaging with stakeholders on potential schemes to be brought forward, based upon the design ideas and opportunities document, as detailed at Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(c)  That subject to the outcome of the consultation, officers be requested to submit a report to a future Executive Board outlining a proposal plan of public realm improvements, costings and funding, and that it be noted that the Head of Strategic Projects, City Development, will be responsible for the submission of this report.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the issues and opportunities related to the regeneration of the New Briggate area. The report identifies how the area could be re-energised through partnership between the Council and other stakeholders.

(Appendix 3 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 regarding the issues and opportunities related to the regeneration of the New Briggate area. The report identified how the area could be re-energised through partnership working between the Council and other stakeholders.

It was noted that prior to the meeting, correspondence had been circulated to Board Members clarifying that those references in paragraph 5.1, Recommendation 4(a) and Recommendation 6.1(a) should read 26-32 Merrion Street, rather than 26-32 Merrion Way.

Following consideration of Appendix 3 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 26-32 Merrion Street being declared surplus and marketed, with the property being added to the capital receipt programme. In addition, it also be agreed that the approval for the terms of any such disposal be delegated to the Director of City Development;

(b)  That in principle support be given to the invitation of proposals for the potential development of the pay and display car park and the re-ordering of the public open space at Belgrave Gardens, for further consideration by the Council, in order to provide an additional capital receipt;

(c)  That officers be requested to undertake an initial ‘expressions of interest’ marketing exercise for the lease of 34-40 New Briggate (i.e. the vacant shops under The Grand and Howard Assembly Rooms) with a reverse premium payment available (as detailed within the exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report);

(d)  That officers be requested to develop an initial feasibility scheme for improvements to the public realm of New Briggate and the immediate surrounding area;

(e)  That officers be requested to continue partnership working and improvements to the public realm in order to stimulate the regeneration of this area, and to develop options above and beyond the ‘match funding’ of any contribution by the Council; and

(f)  That officers be requested to report back to Executive Board on progress in due course;

(g)  That it be noted that the Head of Land and Property will be responsible for the implementation of matters relating to resolutions a), b) and c) above and that the Head of Strategic Projects, City Development, will be responsible for the implementation of matters regarding resolutions d), e) and f) above.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out a transport vision for Leeds as a prosperous, liveable, healthy and sustainable 21st century city.  In addition, the report recognises the challenges and complexities of changing the way we travel into and around the city in order to create a more people friendly and productive urban core, identifying the key policy principles that the Council will need to adopt to deliver a transport system fit for a Leeds as a 21^st century city.

The Director of City Development submitted a report setting out a transport vision for Leeds as a prosperous, liveable, healthy and sustainable 21st century city. In addition, the report recognised the challenges and complexities of changing the way we travel into and around the city in order to create a more people friendly and productive urban core, identifying the key policy principles that the Council would need to adopt in order to deliver a transport system fit for a Leeds as a 21^st century city.

Members discussed the range of initiatives which were currently being used to address the volume of car journeys within the city centre, and also considered the issue of car parking provision and the role which such provision could play in the overall transport vision. 

When considering the suite of reports which had been submitted to the Board regarding pedestrian movement, transport and the public realm, it was suggested that when such matters were presented to the Board in the future, consideration be given to them being presented as one package.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the transport vision, as outlined in paragraph 3.11 of the submitted report be approved, and that the key policy principles, as presented within the paragraphs (a) – (i) of the same report, be adopted;

(b)  That officers be requested to use the vision and principles to work with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in order to help shape the Single Transport Plan, and that as part of this, develop a compelling ambition for investment in an integrated mass transit network with supporting strategic park and ride infrastructure, and HS2 connectivity package;

(c)  That officers be requested to submit a report to Executive Board in 2016 which reviews the long term options for the Leeds Inner Ring Road;

(d)  That in accordance with the Leeds Core Strategy Local Development Framework, officers be requested to submit a Car Parking Supplementary Planning Document to Executive Board for the purposes of adoption during 2016;

(e)  That in partnership with the Communications Team and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, officers be requested to develop a holistic transport communications strategy, compatible with social media that engages key stakeholders, government, and the general public in a city wide conversation;

(f)  That the Director of City Development be instructed to co-ordinate the work, as detailed within the resolutions above, with an update being submitted to Executive Board in 2016.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) detailing the process undertaken to generate spending guidance for Community Committees in making decisions on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) neighbourhood fund.  Additionally, the report also proposes some minor changes to the Regulation 123 List.

Further to Minute No. 156, 11^th February 2015, the Director of City Development and the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a joint report detailing the process undertaken to generate spending guidance for Community Committees in making decisions on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Fund, with a number of potential options being presented for consideration. Additionally, the report also proposed some minor changes to the Regulation 123 List and the withdrawal of the Council’s policy allowing discretionary charitable relief for investment activities to address and clarify some implementation issues following 6 months of charging.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members had been provided with an updated version of the covering report and appendix 3, for their consideration, which superseded the versions contained within the original agenda papers.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board was provided with details of how receipts from CIL could potentially be brought forward and incorporated into the Council’s budget process.

Having discussed the issue of the CIL neighbourhood fund being allocated to the local Community Committee in those areas where there was no town or parish council, it was highlighted that such matters were already being discussed with Community Committee Chairs, and it was noted that Executive Board would be kept fully informed as discussions in this area continued.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the CIL neighbourhood fund spending guidance for use by Community Committees, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(b)  That the proposed minor changes to the Regulation 123 List, as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report be agreed, that it be noted that such changes will be subject to local consultation and that the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to consider any representations made and to make any further amendments considered necessary as a result of the consultation, prior to the implementation of the revised list;

(c)  That approval be given to the removal of the Council’s policy allowing discretionary charitable relief for investment activities, to take effect from 1 December 2015;

(d)  That the amendment to the Community Committee Executive Delegation Scheme, as set out within Appendix 3 to the submitted report, as revised and circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting, be approved, noting that the delegation is shared with the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities);

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Planning Officer will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the progress made in planning for the delivery of major housing growth and infrastructure investment in the East Leeds Extension. The report also seeks specific approval on a number of matters which will enable the investment to progress.

(Appendix 2 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 regarding the progress made in planning for the delivery of major housing growth and infrastructure investment in the East Leeds Extension. The report also sought specific approval on a number of matters which would enable the investment to progress.

Members noted how the East Leeds Orbital Road was a key piece of infrastructure which was integral to the East Leeds Extension development, and as such, raised concerns regarding the lead role that the Council was being required to take in order to ensure that the Orbital Road was delivered. 

Following consideration of Appendix 2 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 submitted report, together with the positive progress made by the Council in its enabling activities to bring forward the major strategic growth area of the East Leeds Extension and the major infrastructure project for the East Leeds Orbital Road, be noted;

(b)  That in principle approval be given to the Council continuing to develop a funding case for the costs of the East Leeds Orbital Road through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund, prudential borrowing and developer contributions, with the Council also continuing to explore alternative means of financing;

(c)  That the commitment to the East Leeds Orbital Road Roof Tax be reaffirmed as the principle mechanism through which developer contributions will be secured from the East Leeds Extension towards the delivery costs of the East Leeds Orbital Road, as set out in paragraphs 3.1.6 – 3.1.8 of the submitted report;

(d)  That the programme for the planning, procurement and construction of the East Leeds Orbital Road, as set out in paragraphs 3.1.10 – 3.1.13 of the submitted report be noted, and that approval be given for the Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation) to submit a detailed planning application for the project, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning;

(e)  That the progress made in assembling land to facilitate the route of the East Leeds Orbital Road at the Northern Quadrant be noted, and that the recommendations, as detailed within the exempt Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved;

(f)  That it be noted that the Council will make land available on the Red Hall site for the initial A58 junction infrastructure which will enable access to the Northern Quadrant site, as set out in paragraphs 3.3.12 – 3.3.14 of the submitted report, subject to the discharge of relevant statutory processes by the Head of Land and Property and the delegated approval of the Director of City Development;

(g)  That approval be given for the Chief Planning Officer to prepare and publish a Draft Planning Brief for Red Hall, with the detailed timetable to be agreed with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning;

(h)  That approval be given to the approach towards marketing and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Children’s Services, the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of City Development presenting an update on the three year strategy for providing sufficient school places in the city, an update on progress of the projects currently forming part of the Learning Places Programme, seeking approval for further authority to spend on the programme, along with an update on applications made and approved for access to the programme risk fund.

Further to Minute No. 187, 22^nd April 2015, the Director of Children’s Services, the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report presenting an update on the three year strategy for providing sufficient school places in the city, and also on the progress made in respect of the projects currently forming part of the Learning Places Programme. In addition, the report sought the Board’s approval for further authority to spend on the programme, and provided an update on the applications submitted and approved for access to the programme risk fund.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members had been provided with an updated version of appendix B to the submitted report, for their consideration, which superseded the version contained within the original agenda papers.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update on the outcomes of the research undertaken by Leeds Beckett University regarding the relationship between the size of a school and the educational outcomes, and it was undertaken that full details would be provided to the Member in question.

The Board also received an update on the continued work of the cross-party steering group, with emphasis being placed upon the Council’s commitment to continue such work on a cross-party basis.

In discussing the approach being taken by the Council in respect of the Learning Places Programme, it was highlighted that although all available options would be considered as part of the strategy to ensure there were sufficient good quality learning places in Leeds, the key priority was to ensure that the specific needs of the local community were met.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That additional authority to spend on the Learning Places programme for the Roundhay scheme, with a value of £13m, be approved, which resets the overall approval of the schemes currently in the programme to £56.355m;

(b)  That approval be given for the balance of the programme risk fund to be reset to £5.635m, in order to facilitate effective risk management at programme level;

(c)  That approval be given for any savings made on applications to the programme risk fund being returned to the risk fund in order to support the continued management of programme risks;

(d)  That the scale of identified need at primary level, and the indicative financial implications of £146m, be noted;

(e)  That the projected funding deficit which currently stands at £69.5m and is based on Education Funding Agency (EFA) rates, be noted, and that it also be noted that this figure is likely to increase due to a number of factors, as set out in paragraph 4.4.5 of the submitted report;

(f)  That it be noted that the Head of Learning Systems continues to have client responsibility for the programme, and that the Chief Officer, Projects, Programmes and Procurement Unit continues to be responsible for the delivery of the projects in the Learning Places programme.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    FRIDAY, 23^RD OCTOBER 2015

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 30^TH OCTOBER 2015

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Monday, 2^nd November 2015)