Agenda and minutes

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED –  That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as exempt  on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

(a)  Appendix 5 to the report entitled, ‘The First White Cloth Hall and the Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)’, referred to in Minute No. 164 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the information contained within the submitted appendix relates to City Fusion Ltd. and other businesses within the THI area, and release of that information may prejudice their commercial interests. It is considered that withholding the information outweighs the public interest in its disclosure. Further risks, in addition to those outlined in section 4.6 of the publically accessible cover report, are identified in exempt Appendix 5 which relate to the financial or business affairs of the Council. Disclosure of those risks would be prejudicial to the interests of the Council. It is considered that the public interest in treating this information as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing it and as such, Appendix 5 of the submitted report be treated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

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 Disposable Pecuniary Interests made during the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th March 2016

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th March 2016 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to purchase the freehold of the First White Cloth Hall (FWCH) and also to procure a multi-disciplinary design team to develop proposals for the refurbishment of the FWCH. In addition, the report also seeks the Board’s support to undertake those regeneration actions as detailed.

(Appendix 5 to this report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

Further to Minute No. 10, 25^th June 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to purchase the freehold of the First White Cloth Hall (FWCH) and also to procure a multi-disciplinary design team to develop proposals for the refurbishment of the FWCH. In addition, the report also sought the Board’s support to undertake those regeneration actions as recommended in exempt Appendix 5 to the submitted report.

Members highlighted the historical significance of the Lower Kirkgate area and as such, welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

Following consideration of Appendix 5 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 Director of City Development be authorised to purchase the freehold of the First White Cloth Hall;

(b)  That the Director of City Development be authorised to progress the procurement of a multi-disciplinary design team in order to develop proposals for the refurbishment of the First White Cloth Hall by a mini competition for firms within Lot 4 (Architecture) of the Fusion 21 Framework and, that the evaluation criteria used to assess the suitability of bidders to undertake the commission be split: 60% quality and 40% price;

(c)  That the Director of City Development be authorised, in liaison with the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning), to undertake the actions recommended in exempt Appendix 5 to the submitted report, should a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) be the only alternative to acquire the building and to secure the proper restoration of the First White Cloth Hall and surrounding land within Lower Kirkgate;

(d)  That it be noted that the Programme Manager (Major Projects) is responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presented in response to a White Paper Motion relating to the Passivhaus and other similar environmental building standards as approved by full Council in September 2015. Specifically, the report investigates the scope for Passivhaus or similar standards and sets out the key issues in respect of this matter.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which looked to investigate the scope for the development of the Passivhaus, or other similar standards in Leeds, and sets out the key issues resulting from the White Paper Motion on such matters which was approved by full Council on 16^th September 2015 (Minute No. 51 of that meeting refers).

Responding to Members’ enquiries, officers provided the Board with details on:

·  the actions being taken by the Council to work with developers in order to encourage an innovative approach towards achieving Passivhaus or other similar design and construction standards; and

·  the liaison taking place with developers in order to maximise the provision of public open space as part of new housing developments.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the preparation of a Development Plan Document for space and access standards in line with the timetable, as set out in paragraph 4.5 of the submitted report.

(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)

To consider the joint report of the Director of Public Health and the Director of City Development regarding the proposed establishment of the Leeds Academic Health Partnership. The report provides an explanation and summary of the business case for the Academic Health Partnership, and describes the framework within which the proposed Health Partnership would operate, including its strategic priorities and opportunities, financial and non-financial outcomes, governance funding and fit within other partnership structures. Additionally, the report also advises of the challenges it must address to remain successful between 2016-2020.

Further to Minute No. 168, 18^th March 2015, the Director of Public Health and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report regarding the proposed establishment of the Leeds Academic Health Partnership (LAHP). The report provided an explanation and summary of the business case for the Academic Health Partnership, and described the framework within which the proposed Health Partnership would operate, including its strategic priorities and opportunities, financial and non-financial outcomes, governance funding and fit within other partnership structures. Additionally, the report also advised of the challenges to be addressed in order for the partnership to remain successful.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received details of specific areas where the partnership approach had already achieved tangible progress to date. In addition, it was noted that should the Board resolve to support the recommendations within the submitted report, then further reports would be submitted to the Board on the progress and achievements of the LAHP.  

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Business Case for the LAHP and its programme to deliver:- better Health Outcomes; reduced Health Inequality; more jobs together with the development of skills and technology; and the stimulation of investment in health and social care, be supported;

(b)  That support be given to the City Council’s contribution towards the delivery of the LAHP’s programme of work, as set out within the business case (appended to the submitted report), including potential sources of funding and metrics identified in the document, to drive investment and create jobs in the city’s health economy and that its work be developed within the city’s agreed Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy;

(c)  That further reports detailing the progress being made by the LAHP be submitted to future meetings of the Board for consideration, as and when appropriate;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (interim), Health Partnerships Team, will be responsible for overseeing the implementation by the LAHP.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Children’s Services, the Director of City Development and the Deputy Chief Executive which seeks approval for the publication of a Statutory Notice proposing the expansion of capacity at Low Road Primary School and also to approve the publication of a Statutory Notice proposing the expansion of Cottingley Primary Academy.

The Director of Children’s Services, the Director of City Development and the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a joint report which sought approval for the publication of a Statutory Notice proposing the expansion of capacity at Low Road Primary School and also to approve the publication of a Statutory Notice proposing the expansion of Cottingley Primary Academy.

In considering the submitted report, Members thanked officers for the significant work which continued to be undertaken to increase the number of forms of entry available for young people across Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the publication of a Statutory Notice to expand Low Road Primary School from a capacity of 140 pupils to 210 pupils, with an increase in the admission number from 20 to 30, with effect from September 2017, be approved;

(b)  That the publication of a Statutory Notice to expand Cottingley Primary Academy from a capacity of 315 pupils to 420 pupils, with an increase in the admission number from 45 to 60, with effect from September 2017, be approved;

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

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Environment and Housing which providing a response to the White Paper resolution agreed at full council on 13th January 2016. Specifically, the report sets out the actions undertaken by the Government in relation to affordable housing and introduces a proposal to develop a housing for sale programme, through which the Council can help meet the requirements of low income households who want to purchase a home.

The Director of City Development and the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a joint report which responded to the White Paper Motion resolution agreed at full Council on 13^th January 2016 which related to the provision of affordable accommodation (Minute No. 99 of that meeting refers). Specifically, the report set out the actions undertaken by the Government in relation to affordable housing and introduced a proposal to develop a housing for sale programme, through which the Council could help meet the requirements of low income households who wanted to purchase a home.

Responding to Members’ enquiries, the Board noted the intention to submit a report to the September 2016 Executive Board meeting which provided further detail on the proposed programme of providing low cost housing for sale, including the consideration of potential initiatives such as the development of a Local Housing Company.  In addition, the Board received an update on the development of a ‘brownfield register’ for the city, and noted that Leeds was one of fifteen Local Authorities participating in the associated pilot initiative.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the issues raised in relation to the future supply of affordable housing, be noted;

(b)  That the programme regarding the delivery of affordable housing for rent, together with the progress which has been made to date, be noted;

(c)  That officers be requested to explore the feasibility of the extent to which local housing companies could support the building of affordable housing for sale, with a report being submitted to Executive Board in Autumn 2016 on the outcome of this work.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing providing an update on the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) being delivered by Veolia ES (Leeds) Ltd under the Council’s PFI contract. Specifically, the report provides a summary of progress made since the matter was previously considered by the Board , together with an overview of the key areas of environmental and financial benefit resulting from the project.

Further to Minute No. 69, 17^th September 2014, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report providing an update on the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) being delivered by Veolia ES (Leeds) Ltd. under the Council’s PFI contract. Specifically, the report provided a summary of the progress achieved since the matter was previously considered by the Board, together with an overview of the key areas of environmental and financial benefit resulting from the project.

Members welcomed the submitted report and the key achievements detailed within it, whilst emphasis was placed upon the need to ensure that the potential of, and benefits arising from the facility continued to be maximised.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the fact that the Full Service Commencement under the PFI contract has now been achieved, be noted, together with the resulting significant environmental and financial benefits for the Council and the city.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval for the Council to lead, and develop with partners, a feasibility study to define the extent, standard of protection and subsequently engineer suitable solutions for a flood alleviation scheme upstream of the city centre. In addition, the report seeks approval to incur expenditure for the resourcing of technical staff, feasibility design, river modelling, ecological surveys, legal and business case work, securing of planning permission and procuring of consultants and contractors for these purposes.

Further to Minute No. 157, 9^th March 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval for the Council to lead and develop with partners, a feasibility study to define the extent, the standard of protection and subsequently, the engineering of suitable solutions for a flood alleviation scheme upstream of the city centre. In addition, the report also sought approval to incur expenditure for the resourcing of technical staff, feasibility design, river modelling, ecological surveys, legal and business case work, securing of planning permission and the procurement of consultants and contractors for these purposes.

In introducing the report, the Chair provided information on the current position regarding the development of a feasibility study and business case for a flood alleviation scheme, and highlighted the need for further cross-party work to be undertaken on the issue of insurance provision for affected commercial properties.  Furthermore, the Board received an update on the continued work being undertaken on the development of the Regeneration Strategy for the Kirkstall Corridor.

In noting the co-ordinated approach being taken to develop flood alleviation measures, Members also welcomed the actions being taken to ensure that any future work to reduce flood risk upstream was compatible with the ongoing scheme and would not negatively impact upon downstream communities.

In addition, emphasis was also placed upon the importance of other measures which could be introduced alongside a flood alleviation scheme, such as the further use of flood plains and tree replacement schemes for example, both within the Leeds boundary and beyond, to the upper reaches of the catchment area. Following this, it was requested that further details on such initiatives be submitted to a future meeting of the Board in due course.

In noting that Leeds had provided a submission to the ‘National Flood Resilience Review’, it was requested that once the review had been published, a report on such matters be submitted to the Board for consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for Leeds City Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority, to work with the Environment Agency and partners in order to direct and procure further work to develop proposals in efforts to secure funding to advance an upstream flood alleviation scheme and programme of flood defence measures;

(b)  That authority to spend £3m be approved, to be funded from the Environment Agency’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid allocation in order to progress the recommendations of the submitted report, including resourcing of technical staff, further feasibility design and river modelling work, undertake ecological surveys, legal work, securing of planning permission and procurement (Authority to Tender) of consultants and contractors for these purposes;

(c)  That the scope of the feasibility study and investigation, as covered under section 3.1.8 of the submitted report, be agreed;

(d)  That the Director of City Development be authorised to negotiate the detailed terms of the acquisition of land required to facilitate the construction of the flood defences;

(e)  That the necessary authority be provided in order to negotiate the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 170.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on activity to support young people to access Apprenticeships, in particular, the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair held at the First Direct Arena on 14 March 2016 at the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing an update on the activity undertaken to support young people to access apprenticeships, with specific focus upon the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair which was held at the First Direct Arena on 14 March 2016 at the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with information on the range of actions being taken with young people, parents, schools and other partners to improve the levels of awareness which currently existed around apprenticeship schemes and the accessibility of such schemes.

In conclusion, it was requested that a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Board regarding the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy and the implications arising from it for Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the successful delivery of the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair on the 14^th March 2016, be noted;

(b)  That the proposal to deliver a series of future events in 2017 be supported, which will respond to the significant demand for information by young people and which will also respond to the demand from  businesses as they prepare for the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy;

(c)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Board regarding the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy and the implications arising from it for Leeds.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which sets out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2015/16 together with other key financial indicators. Additionally, the report presents the provisional outturn position and also comments on the key issues impacting on the overall achievement of the budget for the current year.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which detailed the Council’s projected financial health position for 2015/16 together with other key financial indicators. Additionally, the report presented the provisional outturn position and commented on the key issues impacting upon the overall achievement of the 2015/16 budget.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board received an update on the current position regarding Innovations Funding within the Children’s Services directorate.

In conclusion, the Board thanked Council officers across all directorates for the significant work undertaken which had led to the provisional outturn position for 2015/16 as presented within the submitted report.

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position of the Authority for 2015/16 be noted.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Deputy Chief Executive advising of the progress made regarding phase 1 of the Changing the Workplace programme and also of plans in respect of phase 2. In addition, the report provided an update on the savings estimated to be delivered by phase 1.

Further to Minute No. 157, 11^th February 2015, the Director of City Development and the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a joint report advising of the progress which had been made in respect of phase 1 of the Changing the Workplace programme, whilst also providing an update in respect of phase 2. In addition, the report also provided an update on the savings estimated to be delivered by phase 1.

The Board noted a Member’s comments regarding the need to ensure that dialogue both with directorates and also with local Ward Members continued when considering the implementation of proposals regarding locality based buildings as part of phase 2.

Members noted the positive impact of the programme to date, whilst emphasis was placed upon the significant work which continued to be undertaken to ensure that the programme looked to make those reasonable adjustments which were required in order to meet disabled employees’ needs. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the successful delivery of the programme to date, together with the future plans for the remainder of phase 1 (city centre) and the commencement of phase 2 (localities), be noted;

(b)  That it also be noted that the 2016 refresh of the 2012 phase 1 business case now indicates total net present value (NPV) savings of £27m, which is an increase from the original estimate of £15m.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    FRIDAY, 22^ND APRIL 2016

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 29^TH APRIL 2016

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Tuesday, 3^rd May 2016)