Agenda and minutes

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 at the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 10^TH February 2016

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th February 2016 be approved as a correct record.  

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which presents an update on the ESIF Programme for Leeds City Region and provides information on the progress made by the Council in developing projects. In addition, the report seeks approval to enter into contracts for two early projects, and seeks associated authority to spend.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) programme for the Leeds City Region and which provided information on progress made by the Council in developing projects. The report also sought approval to enter into a contract for two early projects currently being considered by the ESIF managing authority, namely the ‘Ad:Venture Enterprise Growth Programme’ and the ‘Digital Enterprise Project’, and sought the relevant ‘authorisation to spend’.

Responding to an enquiry, assurances were provided that Opposition Groups would be kept informed of any future outline applications for ESIF which were intended to be submitted.

In addition, it was requested that further information be provided to Executive Members detailing the extent to which other organisations and partners across the city had accessed such funding streams.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the summary of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programme and the progress made to date in developing projects within the Council, be noted.

(b)  That Council expenditure for Ad:Venture Enterprise Growth Programme of £345,000 and for the Digital Enterprise Project of £70,000, a total of £415,000, be authorised. 

(c)  That the Director of City Development be authorised to enter into contract with the relevant ESIF Managing Authority for the Ad:Venture Enterprise Growth Programme and the Digital Enterprise Project.

(d)  That it be noted that future outline applications for ESIF projects will be submitted by the relevant Director under their delegated authority and in consultation with the Executive Member, and that Executive Board approval will be sought prior to entering into any contracts for successful ESIF applications. 

To consider the report of the Director of Public Health on the need for integrated healthy living services (IHLS) and locality community health development and improvement (LCHD/I) services in Leeds. The report describes how services currently work and sets out proposals for the commissioning of future services. Additionally, the report outlines the options appraisal approaches undertaken which led to the identification of a preferred service delivery option for both the integrated healthy living service and the locality community development and improvement service. The report also seeks approval to procure an integrated healthy living service and a locality community health development and improvement services for Leeds.

The Director of Public Health submitted a report outlining the need for an Integrated Healthy Living Service (IHLS) and Locality Community Health Development and Improvement (LCHD/I) services in Leeds. In addition, the report described how related services currently worked and how the commissioning of future services were planned as part of the Health Breakthrough project and as a contribution towards the Best Council Plan. Finally, the report sought the Board’s approval to procure an IHLS and LCHD/I services for Leeds.

Members welcomed the consideration of this matter at Executive Board.

Responding to a specific enquiry, the Board was assured of relevant local Ward Members’ involvement in the consultation exercises associated with any future procurement processes. In addition, it was requested that the relevant Community Committees also be involved in such consultation, as appropriate.

In conclusion, it was requested that regular updates be provided on the progress being made in the delivery of such services.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress being made by the Health Breakthrough project be noted.

(b)  That the Director of Public Health be authorised to procure an Integrated Healthy Living Service for Leeds and Locality Community Health Development/Improvement Services, with contracts to be awarded in April 2017 and September 2016 respectively.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Service presenting the progress which has been made towards becoming the Best City for Learning. Specifically, the report does this by outlining where the Council is now in relation to the strategy, and the actions that are being taken to progress.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which summarised the achievement of learners at all Key Stages throughout 2014/15. In presenting the achievements and challenges over the course of that academic year, it provided recommendations for the future and outlined the actions being taken by the Council to support, monitor, challenge and intervene in this area, as necessary. 

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, the Board was provided with information on the attainment levels in Leeds at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 respectively, when compared with other Core Cities.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the data in the submitted report illustrating the outcomes of Leeds children and young people in 2014 and 2015 be noted.

(b)  That the actions recommended for each priority in order to enable the effective delivery of the Best City for Learning strategy, be supported.

(c)    That in noting the comments made during the meeting, consideration be given to the Board making recommendations, as deemed appropriate, on the future provision of ongoing support, challenge and intervention in Leeds in order to ensure that progress continues to be made.

(d)    That the vision, as presented within the submitted report, as to where the Council wants to be by 2020 in order to further improve learning across Leeds, be approved.

(e)    That it be noted that the Head of Learning Improvement is responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development presenting the ‘Best City for Learning’ strategy, the purpose of which is to define a clear vision of what the Council wants learning to look like in Leeds by 2020 and the actions that need to be undertaken in order to achieve this.

The Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report presenting the Best City for Learning Strategy, which looked to outline a 4 year plan to improve learning across Leeds from 2016 - 2020.

Whilst acknowledging the strategic nature of the documents which had been submitted to the Board, Members received details of the range of actions being taken by the Council in collaboration with schools, partners and other local authorities to build upon the progress that was currently being made and also to meet those key priorities, as set out within the strategy. Also, in highlighting the key importance of effective relationships between schools and the Council, Members received information on the actions being taken to continue to develop such relationships.

Furthermore, it was requested that a briefing note be submitted to Executive Board Members which provided details and specific examples of the ‘traded’ supportive services provided by the Council to schools and the extent to which such services were currently being utilised. In addition, it was requested that the Board be provided with updates in respect of any changes to school funding arrangements, as and when appropriate.

In conclusion, the Board paid tribute to and thanked Paul Brennan, Deputy Director for Learning, Children’s Services, for his services to the Council, as this would be the final Board meeting in which he would be in attendance prior to his retirement.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That each of the seven priorities, as detailed within the Strategy, be noted. 

(b)   That the implications listed under each priority, together with the vision for success in learning across Leeds, be noted.

(c)    That the actions recommended for each priority in order to enable the effective delivery of the strategy be supported.

(d)    That in noting the comments made during the meeting, consideration be given to the Board making recommendations, as deemed appropriate, on the future provision of ongoing support, challenge and intervention in Leeds in order to ensure that progress continues to be made.

(e)    That it be noted that the Head of Learning Improvement is responsible for the implementation of the strategy.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on the outcome of a statutory notice regarding proposals to expand primary school provision at Greenside and seeks a final decision on such proposals. 

Further to Minute No. 115, 16^th December 2015, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report detailing proposals submitted 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 Greenside Primary School and which sought a final decision on such proposals. 

RESOLVED –

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

(b)   That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services detailing proposals that were being brought forward to meet the Authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of both school and SEN places and describes the outcome of a Statutory Notice regarding proposals to increase primary places and establish SEN provision at Carr Manor Community School. The report notes the reasons not to recommend that Executive Board approves the proposals and asks the Board to approve the withdrawal of such proposals at this stage.

Further to Minute No. 95, 18^th November 2015, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report detailing proposals brought forward to meet the Local Authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of both school and Special Educational Needs (SEN) places. Specifically, this report detailed the outcome of a Statutory Notice regarding proposals to increase primary places and establish SEN provision at Carr Manor Community School, and recommended that Executive Board approved the withdrawal of the proposals at this stage.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the recommendation to withdraw the proposal to expand Carr Manor Community School and to establish SEN provision at this stage be approved.

(b)  That it be noted that further consultation may be required in order to ensure that the authority meets its duty to provide primary and SEN places in the Meanwood area and that a further report may be submitted to Executive Board.

(c)    That it be noted that the Head of Learning Systems and the Head of Complex Needs are the responsible officers for such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services presenting details of proposals brought forward to meet the local authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of both mainstream primary provision and primary aged SEN places. Specifically, this report describes the outcome of the consultation which has taken place regarding proposals to expand primary school provision and establish SEN provision at Bramley Primary School, and which also seeks permission to publish a statutory notice in respect of such proposals. 

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report detailing proposals brought forward to meet the local authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of both mainstream primary provision and primary aged Special Educational Needs (SEN) places. Specifically, the report described the outcome of the consultation that had taken place regarding proposals to expand primary school provision and establish SEN provision at Bramley Primary School and which sought permission to publish a statutory notice in respect of such proposals. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the publication of a Statutory Notice to expand primary provision at Bramley Primary School from a capacity of 280 pupils to 420 pupils, with an increase in the admission number from 40 to 60, with effect from September 2017, and also to establishing provision for pupils with Complex Communication Difficulties including children who may have a diagnosis of ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition) for approximately 6 pupils, with effect from September 2017.

(b)  That it be noted that the responsible officers for the implementation of such matters are the Capacity Planning and Sufficiency Lead and the Head of Complex Needs.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services detailing the outcome of a consultation exercise regarding a proposal to cease complex SEMH provision under the West Oaks SEN Specialist School and College (Oakwood Lane site) and providing for these needs under The Wellspring Academy Trust. In addition, the report seeks permission to publish a statutory notice in respect of such proposals. 

Further to Minute No. 93, 18^th November 2015, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report detailing the outcome of a consultation exercise regarding a proposal to cease to provide complex SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) provision under the West Oaks SEN (Special Educational Needs) Specialist School and College (Oakwood Lane site) and providing for those needs under The Wellspring Academy Trust. Furthermore, the report sought permission to publish a statutory notice in respect of such proposals. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the publication of a Statutory Notice to cease to provide behaviour, emotional and social difficulty (BESD) provision under the governance of the West Oaks SEN Specialist School and College (Oakwood Lane site) from 31 August 2016, be approved. (This is conditional on the conversion of the existing BESD Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) into a 4 – 19 SEMH sponsored academy. The provision at the Oakwood Lane site would become part of the new academy from 1 September 2016. If the academy conversion is not in place, then the provision would continue at Oakwood Lane under the governance of West Oaks SEN Specialist School and College).

(b)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing which sets out proposals to establish a Council Lettings Agency, and also presents proposals regarding the regulation of the Private Rented Sector in Leeds.

Further to Minute No. 44, 23^rd September 2015, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report setting out proposals to establish a Council Lettings Agency and also detailing proposals regarding the regulation of the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

In considering the submitted report, Members welcomed the proposals detailed within it.

In conclusion, the Board paid tribute to and thanked John Statham, Head of Housing Partnerships, Environment and Housing, for his services to the Council, as this would be the final Board meeting in which he would be in attendance prior to his retirement.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the proposal, in principle, to establish a Council Lettings scheme managed by Housing Leeds be approved.

(b)  That the proposal to establish a Leeds Rental Standard, supported by self-regulation, be approved.

(c)  That the proposal to establish a Rogue Landlord Unit be approved.

(d)  That the proposal to commit the Leeds Neighbourhood Approach (LNA) to a longer term mutli-agency programme of work within Holbeck be approved.

(e)  That the Director of Environment and Housing be requested to bring forward proposals for a Selective Licensing Scheme.

(f)  That the proposals, as set out within the submitted report, to implement a range of charging proposals, be approved.

(g)    That the implementation of all of the resolutions, as detailed above, be delegated to the Director of Environment and Housing.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) presenting for endorsement the Leeds Social Value Charter. In addition, the report invites directorates to explore opportunities in order to promote social responsibility, build social capital, deliver social value and maximise social return on investment in all aspects of policy and practice.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which sought endorsement of the Leeds Social Value Charter and requested that Council directorates seek to enhance existing activities in order to promote social responsibility, build social capital, deliver social value and maximise the social return on the Council’s investment in all aspects of policy and practice.

Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that appropriate structures were in place within the Council and across the city to enable the third, private and public sectors to work alongside each other and local communities, for the overall benefit of Leeds. In response, emphasis was placed upon how the Council’s role in this area had developed, with the aim that it would continue to do so in order to maximise the impact of social value in Leeds.

In conclusion, it was requested that Executive Members and also relevant local Ward Members receive updates on the development of new initiatives in this area.

RESOLVED -

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

(b)  That the Leeds Social Value Charter be endorsed, that the establishment of the cross-sector implementation group be supported and that the Council’s directorates be encouraged to explore opportunities to deliver on the social value ambitions.

(c)    That the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) be requested to maintain an overview of Charter developments and implement its principles within the Council and across the city.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing which advises of the outcome of discussions with the Police and Crime Commissioner about PCSO numbers , funding and allocation in Leeds.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report providing Executive Board with details of the outcome of discussions which had been undertaken with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) about Police Community Safety Officers (PCSO) numbers, funding and allocation in Leeds. In addition, the Board was invited to determine the future distribution of Leeds City Council funded PCSO posts from 2016/17.

In considering the submitted report, the crucial role played by PCSOs in communities across Leeds was highlighted. In acknowledging that although the submitted proposals would mean that there would be changes to the way in which PCSOs were allocated, it was highlighted that there would be an increase of 20 PCSOs in Leeds funded by the PCC and the Council, compared to the current number in post.

In response, concern was raised, with specific reference made to the fact that under such proposals, the current minimum allocation of 5 PCSOs per Ward would be reduced to 3.

With regard to the proposals on the revised allocation arrangements, it was requested that regular updates be provided on such matters, as and when appropriate.

RESOLVED – Thatthe future distribution of Leeds City Council funded PCSO posts from 2016/17 be approved on the basis of equal distribution of two PCSOs per ward.

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

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing an update regarding the delivery of a Storm Eva strategic recovery plan.

Further to Minute No. 120, 20^th January 2016, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which provided an update on the impact of Storm Eva in Leeds, specifically with regard to the recovery response and developments regarding flood alleviation proposals for the city.

Members received an update on several issues including:

·  the current position regarding the establishment of flood defence measures, with specific reference to the scoping exercise which continued to be undertaken, whilst it was also noted that currently there was no funding arrangements in place for the associated feasibility study;

·  the actions being taken by the Council to pursue the issue of insurance provision for affected properties and businesses;

·  the recent announcement regarding the closure of the Thyssenkrupp Woodhead factory was highlighted.

In noting that as regular dialogue with Government continued and the fact that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had confirmed that Leeds would receive the flood defences it required, it was agreed that a letter, jointly signed by those Group Leaders on Executive Board, be submitted to Government which outlines the Council’s commitment to pursue the funding required for Leeds to establish appropriate flood alleviation measures in the short term and appropriate flood defences in the longer term. 

With regard to the establishment of appropriate flood defences, emphasis was placed upon the importance of ensuring that such measures covered the entirety of the affected areas.

Responding to an enquiry, Members received clarification on the statistics regarding the number of flats which had been flooded as a consequence of Storm Eva.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the updates, as detailed within the submitted report be noted, including the update on the progress made against the resolutions from the 20^th January 2016 Executive Board meeting (as detailed at annex 1), together with the ongoing progress made on the citywide Strategic Recovery Plan (as detailed at annex 2).

(b)  That a further update be provided to Members of the Executive Board in June 2016.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) regarding the outcome of the Council’s reaccreditation against the Equality Framework for Local Government at ‘excellent’ level.

Further to Minute No. 69, 21^st October 2015, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report setting out the outcome of the Council’s reaccreditation against the Equality Framework for Local Government at the level of ‘excellent’.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the reaccreditation of the Council as an ‘Excellent’ local authority in the Equality Framework for Local Government, be noted.

(b)  That the development of an Equality Framework Improvement Plan be noted, with the delivery of the plan being overseen by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) with support from the Equality and Diversity Board and the Member Champions Equality Group.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which presents for the purposes of approval and adoption; the Leeds District Heating Network Local Development Order (3). In addition, the report seeks approval to agree that the Chief Planning Officer submits a copy, together with the statement of reasons, to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Further to Minute No. 141, 10^th February 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report which set out for the purposes of adoption and subsequent submission to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government a proposed Local Development Order (LDO) in respect of the Leeds District Heating Network.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the adoption of the Leeds District Heating Network Local Development Order (LDO3), as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

(b)  That approval be given for the Chief Planning Officer to submit a copy of the Leeds District Heating Network Local Development Order (LDO3), together with the statement of reasons, to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the Supplementary Planning Document for Holbeck Urban Village which seeks approval to undertake consultation upon a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to replace and update the Holbeck Urban Village Revised Planning Framework (2006) following the announcement of major inward investment proposals.

Further to Minute No. 81, 18^th November 2015, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to undertake consultation upon a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to replace and update the Holbeck Urban Village Revised Planning Framework (2006). This was in the light of major inward investment proposals, substantial changes to the national and local Planning Policy context since 2006, the emergence of the vision for the South Bank, the opening of Leeds Station Southern Entrance, the post global recession market place, the completion of a number of successful developments in the area and the worsening condition of the Grade I listed and ‘at risk’ Temple Works.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to undertake a 6 week public consultation exercise in order to seek views on the draft Supplementary Planning Document to inform development proposals in the Holbeck Urban Village.

(b)  That once the consultation is complete and comments addressed, the Chief Planning Officer be requested to report back to the Executive Board in the summer of 2016 in order to enable the Board to consider the formal adoption of the SPD.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   FRIDAY, 11^TH MARCH 2016

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 18^TH MARCH 2016

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Monday, 21^st March 2016)