Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds

Contact: Council and Executive Support Team 

Items
No. Item

99.

Substitute Member

Minutes:

Under the provisions of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, at the point at which Councillor Golton left the meeting (Minute No. 107 refers), Councillor J Bentley was invited to attend for the remainder of the meeting on behalf of Councillor Golton.

 

Under the same provisions, 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.

 

100.

Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

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

 

Minutes:

There were no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests declared at the meeting, however, in relation to those relevant reports within the ‘Health, Wellbeing and Adults’ portfolio, Councillor Golton drew the Board’s attention to his position as a Board Member of Aspire Community Benefit Society Limited.

101.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 172 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18th November 2015.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18th November 2015 be approved as a correct record.

HEALTH, WELLBEING AND ADULTS

102.

Out of the Shadows - Time to Shine Project pdf icon PDF 225 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director Adult Social Services and the Director of Public Health providing an update on the ‘Time to Shine’ project and which details the progress made in the development and delivery of its project plan.  The report also describes the outcome following the commissioning of a number of activities including the local evaluation and highlights the impact that the project has had on raising the profile of loneliness and social isolation across the city.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Adult Social Services and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report providing an update on the progress made in the development and delivery of the project. Also, the report described the outcomes following the commissioning of a number of activities, including the local evaluation and the wider impact that the project has had on raising the profile of social isolation across the city.

 

In considering the report, the Board welcomed the leading role played by the third sector in the initiative and also welcomed the external evaluation process which was to be undertaken. With regard to the evaluation, it was noted that the outcomes would be submitted to the Board in due course, and it was suggested that delivery partners were involved in that process.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the projects which had been commissioned as part of the initiative to date, specifically in terms of the geographical spread and the groups which had been targeted, it was highlighted that any gaps which existed would be the focus of the next round of commissioning.

 

In conclusion, the overarching vision of the project, as outlined within the report, was welcomed, together with how the report had highlighted the significant issue of loneliness and isolation amongst older people in the city.

 

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the progress made in the development and delivery of the ‘Time  to Shine’ project be welcomed;

 

(b)  That the positive impact that the work on tackling loneliness and social isolation will have, together with the contribution it will make towards the breakthrough project ‘Making Leeds the Best City to Grow Old In’, be recognised;

 

(c)  That the excellent work of Leeds Older People’s Forum in leading on the project be commended;

 

(d)  That Executive Board receive an annual report which provides an update on the progress of the project;

 

(e)  That it be noted that the lead officers responsible for ensuring updates are brought are the Consultant in Public Health (Older People) and the Head of  Commissioning, Adult Social Care.

 

103.

Telecare equipment for the Leeds Telecare Service 2015/16 pdf icon PDF 126 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services which seeks authority to incur capital expenditure of the final £1,000,000 on telecare equipment for the Leeds Tele Care Service from December 2015 in accordance with financial procedure rules.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report which sought authority to incur capital expenditure of the final £1,000,000 on telecare equipment for the Leeds Tele Care Service from December 2015, in accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

 

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, the Board noted that any income received from receipt of fees and charges in respect of the telecare service would be invested back into the provision of the service.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That authority to spend the further £1,000,000 capital expenditure for the Leeds Tele Care Service from December 2015, be approved;

 

(b)  That it be noted that the Service Delivery Manager Assisted Living Leeds is the  lead officer responsible for the implementation of such matters.

 

104.

Delivering the Better Lives Strategy Adult Social Care - BME Day Services pdf icon PDF 150 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services which provides an update on progress made following approval of the `Delivering the Better Lives Strategy in Leeds - Proposed Next Steps` by Executive Board on 19th November 2014. The report provides details of the proposed consultation with service users, carers, unions, staff, partner organisations and Elected Members and how their views will be taken forward. In addition, the report also outlines the proposed next steps for improving the range of services offered to older people from BME communities.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 53, 23rd September 2015, the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report providing an update on proposals for the future delivery of day support for older people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities at Apna (Hyde Park and Woodhouse) and Frederick Hurdle (Chapel Allerton) day centres. Specifically, the report provided details of the review of such services and on the proposed consultation to be undertaken with service users, carers, trade unions, staff, partner organisations and Elected Members. Furthermore, the report provided details of how the consultees’ views would be taken forward as part of the proposed next steps for improving the range of services offered to older people from BME communities.

 

In receiving the submitted report, the Board discussed the role which would be played by trade unions in the development of a new service model and also in any associated consultation exercise.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed change of approach towards determining the future model for delivering of services at Apna and Frederick Hurdle day centres from that outlined in the report approved by Executive Board in September 2015 be noted.

 

(b)  That approval be given for a revised two stage approach to a proposed service change:-

·  In Phase One, currently anticipated to be between January 2016 and December 2016, a new service model would be developed, including producing a service specification in co-production with service users, carers, unions, staff, partner organisations, community groups and Elected Members, working with Adult Social Care Commissioning;

·  Work on the new service model would include consideration of whether the service can continue to be provided directly by the Local Authority to meet the needs of the BME community or whether commissioning externally provides the best option;

·  The proposals arising from the development of the service model would then be subject to a formal consultation process;

·  The outcome of the consultation and recommendations would be reported back to Executive Board for a decision;

·  Contingent on the approval of the recommendation, Phase Two would involve the implementation of the Executive Board decision and a move to a new model of delivery.

 

(c)  That it be noted that the lead officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Director of Adult Social Services.

ECONOMY AND CULTURE

105.

Initial Budget Proposals for 2016/2017 pdf icon PDF 583 KB

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking approval of the submitted report as the Council’s initial budget proposals for 2016/2017, and also for the proposals to be submitted to Scrutiny and used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

 

 

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which sought the Board’s agreement to the Council’s initial budget proposals for 2016/2017, as detailed within the submitted paper. The report sought approval for those proposals to be submitted to Scrutiny and also used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

 

It was highlighted to the Board that whilst the initial budget proposals were presented within the submitted report, confirmation of the 2016/17 Local Government finance settlement was still to be received.

 

Responding to an enquiry regarding proposals to change the funding formula for the provision of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), it was highlighted that discussions between relevant parties on such matters continued, and that once further information had been received, the views of the relevant Scrutiny Board would be sought prior to the final budget proposals being submitted to the Executive in February 2016. Also in relation to this matter, it was requested that Parish and Town Councils be included in any related consultation exercise, as appropriate. Furthermore, it was suggested that as and when appropriate, consideration be given to cross-party correspondence being submitted to the Police Crime Commissioner which highlighted the Council’s commitment to the valuable role played by PCSOs across the city.

 

The Board considered the cumulative impact upon the Council arising from the challenging funding reductions it had faced to date, with tribute being paid to the key role played by Council employees for their continued efforts throughout this period, and with thanks also being given to those officers responsible for managing the budget setting process.

 

RESOLVED – That the Initial Budget Proposals, as set out within the submitted report, be agreed, and that approval be given for the proposals to be submitted to Scrutiny and also used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

 

(In accordance with the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, decisions as to the Council’s budget are reserved to full Council. As such, the resolution above is not subject to call in, as the budget is a matter that will ultimately be determined by full Council, and the submitted report is in compliance with the relevant Procedure Rules as to the publication of initial budget proposals two months prior to adoption).

 

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute. Also, in relation to such matters, as Councillor J Procter was in attendance as a non-voting Member, he drew the Board’s attention to the fact that if he were able to, he would abstain from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

 

(Councillor Mulherin left the meeting at 1.30pm, at the conclusion of this item)

106.

European Capital of Culture 2023 - Progress Report pdf icon PDF 128 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the work undertaken towards preparing a Leeds Bid for European Capital of Culture 2023. Specifically, the report updates Members on the progress made over the past eight months with establishing governance structures, and the human and financial resources for making a bid. It also reflects on the results of building a bank of knowledge about the process of bidding through access to research and also via new links with other European cities.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further toMinute No. 178, 18th March 2015, the Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on the work being undertaken towards the preparation of a Leeds Bid for the ‘European Capital of Culture’ title in 2023. Specifically, the report presented details of the progress made over the past eight months with establishing governance structures, and also in respect of preparing the human and financial resources for making a bid.

In considering the report, Members highlighted the need to ensure that the bid was truly representative of the city as a whole. In addition, emphasis was also placed upon effectively conveying the key linkages between the city’s cultural diversity and heritage and the continued growth of the Leeds economy.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the potential options available with regard to the funding of the Leeds bid.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made over the past eight months, as set out within the submitted report, be approved;

 

(b)  That the ‘Leeds 2023 Champions’ scheme be promoted to communities in local Wards;

 

(c)  That the Director of City Development be requested to return with a further progress report in 2016 before submitting the city’s formal expression of interest;

 

(d)  That the Director of City Development be requested to return in 2016 with a report into a strategic approach towards capital investment in cultural infrastructure for the medium to long term;

 

(e)  That the competitive nature of the bidding process, together with the  implications for transparency and openness, be noted.

 

EMPLOYMENT, ENTERPRISE AND OPPORTUNITY

107.

State of the City 2015: Driving Skills for the Manufacturing Sector pdf icon PDF 167 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Children’s Services which provides details on the outcomes arising from the recent State of the City event, with reference made in particular to the actions being taken to address the issue of skills shortages within the city’s manufacturing sector.

 

Minutes:

This Director of City Development and the Director of Children’s Services submitted a joint report presenting the outcomes arising from the recent ‘State of the City’ event, with particular reference being made to the actions being taken to address the issue of skills shortages within the city, particularly with regard to the manufacturing sector.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further detail on the specific actions which were being or would be undertaken to address the issue of skills shortages in this area.

 

Emphasis was placed upon the need to effectively convey the importance of the manufacturing sector in the city and the actions that needed to be taken to promote the sector with young people.

 

In conclusion, it was requested that a further report be submitted to a future Board meeting which provided more information on the actions being taken in this area, and the outcomes arising from such actions.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following actions be approved:-

·  Telling and selling the story of Leeds manufacturing

The Council support measures to better tell the story of Leeds’ manufacturing, including: facilitating better collaboration between employers and schools; encouraging greater engagement between Elected Members and manufacturing businesses in their Wards; and supporting further development of the Leeds Manufacturing Forum website, newsletter and other communications activity.

 

·  Fostering innovation and collaboration

Facilitation of greater connections between manufacturers and universities, linking these with initiatives such as the Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University, the National Facility for Innovative Robotic Systems and the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at the University of Leeds, and to national bodies and with programmes such as Innovate UK.

 

·  Developing skills and increasing the diversity of the workforce

To explore possibilities for greater collaboration between schools and businesses in promoting opportunities offered by a career in manufacturing, including further embedding the awareness among young people and schools of apprenticeship pathways, and work to support all schools including the newly established Leeds University Technical College.

 

To look into further opportunities to support diversity in the manufacturing workforce, including: 1) considering how the manufacturing sector can be involved in work to increase BAME representation on apprenticeships; and 2) collaborate with Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) in promoting opportunities for women in manufacturing.

 

Look at further means by which the voice of employers can be heard by education and training providers in creating and delivering courses that reflect the needs of local businesses.

 

·  Supporting business growth

To explore what further support can be given to strengthen the Leeds Manufacturing Forum, working with the Chamber of Commerce and manufacturing businesses.

 

To review how a wider range of sites and premises can be brought forward through means available to Leeds City Council, including, but not limited to, the Enterprise Zone.

 

(b)  That it be noted that the Chief Officers for Economic Development and Employment and Skills will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of such matters, with a future update report being provided to Executive Board  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

RESOURCES AND STRATEGY

108.

Financial Health Monitoring 2015/16 - Month 7 pdf icon PDF 294 KB

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive on the Council’s projected financial health after seven months of the 2015/16 financial year.

 

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which set out the Council’s projected financial health position after seven months of the 2015/2016 financial year.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update on the current budgetary position of Civic Enterprise Leeds (CEL) and the actions to be taken in order to promote the catering service within CEL.

 

In response to an enquiry, the Board received further information on the currently projected saving within the Adult Social Care staffing budget. Further to this, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with a briefing on such matters, if required.  

 

RESOLVED - That the projected financial position of the Council for 2015/16 be noted.

 

109.

Safeguarding in Taxi & Private Hire Licensing - 12 Month Review of Progress pdf icon PDF 333 KB

To consider the joint report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities), the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of Adult Social Services setting out developments to further improve safeguarding arrangements in Taxi and Private Hire Licensing following the report submitted to Executive Board in December 2014. The report also recommends the approval of a new policy in respect of the ‘fit and proper’ person assessment for applicants born outside of the EU. 

 

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 132, 17th December 2014, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities), the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a joint report setting out the developments in regard to further improving safeguarding arrangements in Taxi and Private Hire Licensing. Furthermore, the report also recommended the approval of a new policy in respect of the ‘fit and proper’ person assessment for applicants born outside of the EU.

 

Members received further information on the key aspects of the submitted report and welcomed the ongoing work which was being undertaken with West Yorkshire Police in order to address concerns following the introduction of the Common Law Police Disclosure guidance.

 

In conclusion, the Chair thanked those officers and Elected Members involved for the considerable work which had been undertaken in this crucial area of safeguarding.

 

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the direction officers and Members of Licensing Committee are taking with regard to improvements for safeguarding in Taxi and Private Hire Licensing, be noted and endorsed;

 

(b)  That the new ‘fit and proper’ person character assessment policy, as recommended to Executive Board by Licensing Committee, and as outlined within the submitted appendix 3, be approved;

 

(c)  That it be noted that such matters will be implemented immediately (following the conclusion of any eligible ‘Call In’ timeframes)by the Section Head of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing.

 

COMMUNITIES

110.

Emerging 2016/17 Best Council Plan priorities, tackling poverty and deprivation pdf icon PDF 233 KB

To consider the joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive and the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which presents the emerging 2016/17 Best Council Plan priorities for the Board’s early consideration. Such priorities will provide the framework for the Council’s response to the inequality challenges detailed within the report, which are illustrated via the summary of the latest analysis on poverty and deprivation. 

 

 

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 48, 23rd September 2015, the Deputy Chief Executive and the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a joint report presenting the emerging 2016/2017 Best Council Plan priorities for the Board’s early consideration which would provide the framework for the Council’s approach towards tackling poverty and deprivation in the city. In addition, the report also presented a summary of the latest analysis on poverty and deprivation in order to inform the priorities, together with an outline of key initiatives aimed at tackling economic disadvantage. 

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the emerging 2016/2017 Best Council Plan priorities be noted alongside the Initial Budget Proposals, as detailed elsewhere on the Executive Board agenda, and that the priorities be submitted to Scrutiny for consideration.  It also be noted that the annual budget proposals form part of the medium-financial strategy, which is the financial expression of the Council’s Best City / Best Council ambition, policies and priorities;

 

(b)  That the latest analysis on poverty and deprivation be noted, and that approval be given to further work being undertaken in order to develop a more targeted geographic approach towards tackling inequalities, which will include engagement with the Community Committees in order to help inform this approach and the decisions that the Community Committees make about services and priorities for their local areas.

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND COMMUNITY SAFETY

111.

Update on Cutting Carbon and Improving Air Quality Breakthrough Project pdf icon PDF 244 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing outlining the significant progress that the Council has made in respect of the ‘Cutting Carbon and Improving Air Quality’ Breakthrough Project and providing some insight into the progress made across the city as a whole. In addition, the report outlines future priorities and highlights the challenges faced. Furthermore, the report details the proposed energy policy, its associated benefits and the targets contained within it, whilst also providing background to the Covenant of Mayors and the associated Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP).

 

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report outlining the significant progress that the Council had made in respect of the ‘Cutting Carbon and Improving Air Quality’ breakthrough project, whilst also providing some insight into the progress made in this area by the city as a whole. In addition, the report also presented future priorities and highlighted the challenges faced. Finally, the report set out a proposed Council-wide energy policy, its associated benefits and the targets contained within it, whilst also providing background information to the European Covenant of Mayors movement and the associated Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP).

 

The Board was provided with details of the Council’s key achievements in this area, and how Leeds performed comparatively against other cities. In noting the ambitious nature of the Council’s policy in this area, Members discussed a number of initiatives which had already been progressed, and others which could be potentially be progressed in the future.  

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress the Council has made to date, together with its continued plans to reduce carbon emissions, be noted;

 

(b)  That the Sustainable Energy Action Plan be endorsed in support of the Council’s participation in the European Covenant of Mayors;

 

(c)  That the adoption of a Council wide energy policy from 4th January 2016 be supported, together with the acknowledgement that a Council wide behaviour change to drive energy savings is required;

 

(d)  That the Council continue to demonstrate leadership in this area and also to continue to work closely with private, public and third-sector partners across the city.

 

REGENERATION, TRANSPORT AND PLANNING

112.

Response to Sir David Higgins' decision about the HS2 station location pdf icon PDF 203 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides an update on the work on HS2 in the Leeds City Region. This follows the approval of the Council’s response to the HS2 Phase 2 proposed line of route formal consultation in December 2013, and its approval to work with Government to consider the best way of accommodating future rail in the city in December 2014. This report also sets out the main principles for the continued development of the Council’s policy in relation to Leeds station, and considers how the Council can realise the regeneration and economic growth benefits of enhanced connectivity.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 170, 18th March 2015, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the work being undertaken with regard to HS2 in the Leeds City Region. This followed the approval of the Council’s response to the HS2 Phase 2 proposed line of route formal consultation in December 2013, and its approval to work with Government to consider the best way of accommodating future rail in the city in December 2014. This report also set out the main principles for the continued development of the Council’s policy in relation to Leeds station, and considered how the Council could realise the regeneration and economic growth benefits of enhanced connectivity.

 

Members welcomed the contents of Sir David Higgins’ report and the prospect of establishing a transport hub for the city region. Emphasis was placed upon the key role which the collaborative working of local government had played in getting to the current position, and the Board also welcomed the correspondence received from HS2, as appended to the submitted report, with regard to the line of route refinement and mitigation process.

 

In addition, Members discussed the range of benefits arising from the proposed solution for HS2 arriving into Leeds and received an update on the latest position regarding the redevelopment of the station including the opening of the southern entrance.

 

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the conclusions of the Sir David Higgins’ report entitled, ‘The Yorkshire Hub’ (as appended to the submitted covering Executive Board report), which is an interim report on the redevelopment of Leeds Station that the location of the HS2 station in Leeds should be a ‘T’ shaped configured integrated station, be welcomed and supported;

 

(b)  That approval be given for the Council to continue to press HS2 Limited and the Government on the mitigation of the line of route and to review compensation arrangements for those adversely affected;

 

(c)  That in accordance with resolution (a) (above), the following principles be agreed as a basis by which the Council will support the development of the station:-

(i)  The existing station and the HS2 station should share a common concourse for passengers to allow easy access between HS2 and other services, including improved city region services and Northern Powerhouse Rail.  The concourse should have easy access to the city centre, the South Bank and the waterfront;

(ii)  The new combined station should have good quality car and bus access enabling it to become a fully integrated transport hub for the region;

(iii)  The new station and its approaches should have sufficient capacity and be future proofed to allow for the improvements needed to accommodate significant increases in rail services resulting from the Northern Powerhouse Rail network, and on city region rail routes.  This should include four tracking to the east of the existing station;

(iv)  The station and its approaches should allow for through trains to enhance local services to the rest of the city region.  This should include a connection between HS2 and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

113.

Leeds Parking Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) - Adoption pdf icon PDF 124 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the Leeds Parking Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and the outcome of the public consultation process, feedback and subsequent changes made to the Leeds Parking SPD. The report also seeks approval to adopt the re-drafted Leeds Parking SPD.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 36, 16th July 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report which advised of the public consultation process, feedback and subsequent changes made to the Leeds Parking Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Specifically, the report recommended the adoption of the re-drafted Leeds Parking SPD, which would formally replace a number of parking policies contained within the Unitary Development Plan.

 

Members discussed the proposed SPD and highlighted the need to strike the correct balance between ensuring adequate parking provision and the sustainability of other modes of transport, alongside the promotion of economic growth and regeneration.

 

In response to an enquiry, Members received an update regarding the possibility of future park and ride provision in the city.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, together with the associated consultation statement, be noted;

 

(b)  That the Leeds Parking Supplementary Planning Document, in the form annexed to the submitted report be adopted, pursuant to section 23 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended);

 

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Planning Officer will publish the Leeds Parking SPD and associated documents in accordance with the Town and Country planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

(As Councillor J Procter was in attendance as a non-voting Member, he drew the Board’s attention to the fact that if he were able to, he would vote against the decisions referred to within this minute)

 

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

114.

Children's Services Transport Policy: Consultation on Transport Assistance for Post-16 Students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) pdf icon PDF 206 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of Children’s Services and the Deputy Chief Executive providing an update on proposals for the future provisions of transport assistance available to post-16 students with SEND. In addition, the report seeks permission for a new consultation to take place, in order to assess the likely impact on young people and families of the proposals. Furthermore, the report seeks permission for the findings of the proposed consultation to be used, if appropriate, in the preparation of a new post-16 SEND transport offer, for approval at a future Executive Board.

 

 

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 35, 16th July 2014, the Director of Children’s Services and the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a joint report providing an update on the proposals for the future provision of transport assistance available to post-16 students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The report sought permission for a new consultation exercise to take place, in order to assess the likely impact upon young people and families of the proposals. Furthermore, the report sought permission for the findings from the consultation to be used, if appropriate, in the preparation of a new post-16 SEND transport offer, for approval at a future Executive Board meeting. Finally, the report highlighted the success of the Independent Travel Training programme, and the opportunities for the further promotion of this scheme.

 

Following a discussion regarding the potential ways in which the Council’s fleet could be utilised differently, it was emphasised that the key objectives of the proposed consultation exercise was not only to increase value for money where possible, but to also empower families and help make available to them a wider choice and flexibility of service which better suited their own bespoke needs.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was assured that the proposed consultation exercise would be comprehensive and inclusive, that the views of each affected individual family would be sought in a way that was correct for them, and that the Scrutiny Board Children’s Services would be involved in the consultation process.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the completion of the review of special needs passenger transport within the authority, which is deployed by Civic Enterprise Leeds on behalf of Children’s Services and Adult Social Care, be noted;

 

(b)  That the opportunities for further promoting inclusion in travel options through Independent Travel Training, while reducing costs and dependency, be noted;

 

(c)  That the demographic pressures relating to the increase in the number of children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan (which replaced the statement of Special Educational Needs), be noted;

 

(d)  That approval be given for a new consultation to take place during January-April 2016 in order to assess the likely impact on young people and families of new proposals. The consultation will centre upon a range of options, each of which may be subject to a final round of detailed analysis of the granular data prior to consultation commencing. The following options for consultation will involve ceasing the direct organisation and provision of transport for post-16 SEND students, and instead offer:-

·  A personal transport budget equivalent to the cost of one or two Metro passes, dependent on whether a student would need  accompanying on their journey;

·  A personal transport budget comprising the offer of a mileage allowance to parents, typically in the range of 50p - £1 per mile;

·  A personal transport budget based on a rate-banding system that takes into account the differing levels of need of students and the opportunity this would give parents to make their own arrangements in a more cost  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

115.

Outcome of Consultation to increase Primary School Places in Pudsey/Swinnow pdf icon PDF 142 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of Children’s Services; the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of City Development detailing the proposals brought forward to meet the local authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places. Specifically, this report describes the outcome of a statutory notice regarding proposals to expand primary school provision at Park Spring and seeks a final decision on these proposals. 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 96, 18th November 2015, the Director of Children’s Services, the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report presenting details of proposals brought forward to meet the local authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places. Specifically, this report described the outcome of a statutory notice regarding proposals to expand primary school provision at Park Spring and which sought a final decision on such proposals. 

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update regarding the ongoing and collaborative work which was being undertaken in order to address the pressure on school places which existed across the city, with the Member in question being offered a further briefing on such matters, if required.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the expansion of Park Spring Primary School from a capacity of 315 pupils to 420 pupils be approved, with the admission number increasing from 45 to 60, with effect from September 2017;

 

(b)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Capacity Planning and Sufficiency Lead.

 

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    FRIDAY, 18TH DECEMBER 2015

 

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00PM, MONDAY, 4TH JANUARY 2016

 

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Tuesday, 5th January 2016)