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 interest made at the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th October 2016

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19^th October 2016 be approved as a correct record, subject to the resolutions within Minute No. 83 (Outcome of the Call In of the Decision taken at Executive Board on 21^st September 2016 in relation to the ‘Better Lives Programme: Phase Three: Next Steps and Progress Report)being amended to read as follows:

(a)  That the Scrutiny Board’s recommendations, as detailed at 3.2.1 to 3.2.6 of the submitted report, be accepted, noting the additional comments in relation to The Green, as per resolution (b) below;

(b)  That the original decisions taken by the Executive Board on 21^st September 2016, be re-affirmed, subject to The Green being retained until there can be a seamless transition to the new facility;

(c)  Whilst the decision is to close The Green as a long term residential care service, it will remain open until there is a transition to a new function/ facility. The Board notes The Green will be retained as a community asset and that discussions will continue with the NHS about future use of the facility. A progress report, including an update on discussions with the NHS, will be brought back to the Executive Board. This update report to also provide information about how the seamless transition would work, with any associated timescales;

(d)  That it be noted and highlighted that the input of the Scrutiny Board is appreciated, and that it also be noted that the Scrutiny Board will be kept informed in order to enable it to monitor the progress made against any decisions taken.

Minute No. 83 (Outcome of the Call In of the Decision taken at Executive Board on 21^st September 2016 in relation to the ‘Better Lives Programme: Phase Three: Next Steps and Progress Report’)

Reassurance was sought that prior to the closure of the current facility at The Green being implemented, a report on such matters would be submitted to Executive Board. In response, the Board was advised that The Green would remain open until such time as a transition plan was in place, and that such plans would be detailed within the report to be submitted to the February 2017 Board meeting.

Further to this, Councillor A Carter highlighted that although he was in agreement with the amendment to the minutes which had been approved, he reiterated his position, as stated at the 19^th October 2016 meeting, to abstain from voting on the Board’s decision to reaffirm the resolutions regarding the ‘Better Lives Programme’ made on 21^st September 2016.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services which introduces the Safeguarding Adults Boards Annual Report 2015/16 and Strategic Plan. The documents summarise the Board’s achievements during the last 12 months and sets out the ambitions for the forthcoming year.

Further to Minute No. 91, 18^th November 2015, the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report presenting the 2015/16 Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report and Strategic Plan. The documents summarised the Board’s achievements during the previous 12 months and set out the ambitions for the forthcoming year.

(The Board jointly considered this submitted report alongside the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report, as referenced at Minute No. 101).

The Board welcomed Richard Jones CBE, Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board to the meeting, who was in attendance in order to introduce the key points of the annual report and to highlight key priorities. Mark Peel, Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board, was also in attendance during the consideration of this item and contributed towards the discussion on related matters. 

Responding to an enquiry, the Board, together with the Independent Chairs, considered the role of the Safeguarding Boards in Leeds, and discussed the nature of the relationship, together with the connectivity between those Boards and the Local Authority. Members also discussed the role which could be played by Elected Members in this area.

The Board also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the reporting mechanisms for safeguarding concerns were as clear and effective as possible.

In considering the procedures established to support individuals through the transitional period between the safeguarding arrangements in place for young people and the safeguarding arrangements in place for adults, it was undertaken that a briefing paper on such matters would be provided to Board Members for their information.

In conclusion, it was highlighted that the issue of safeguarding remained a top priority for the Council and that a co-ordinated and partnership approach was taken in order to ensure that the safeguarding arrangements in place were as effective as possible.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted covering report, the contents of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board 2015/16 Annual Report and also in looking forward, the contents of the Board’s Strategic Plan, as appended, be noted;

(b)  That a briefing paper regarding the procedures established to support individuals through the transitional period between the safeguarding arrangements in place for young people and the safeguarding arrangements in place for adults be provided to Board Members.

To consider the report of the Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) which introduces the key issues from the LSCB Annual Report (2015/16), as appended to the covering report.

Further to Minute No.92, 18th November 2015, the Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) submitted a report which introduced and presented the key issues from the LSCB Annual Report (2015/16).

(The Board jointly considered this submitted report alongside the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report, as referenced at Minute No. 100).

The Board welcomed Mark Peel, Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board, who was in attendance at the meeting in order to introduce the key points of the annual report and to highlight key priorities. As part of his introduction to the report, the Independent Chair highlighted and welcomed the commitment which he had experienced to safeguarding issues across the Council.

Richard Jones CBE, Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board, was also in attendance during the consideration of this item.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, together with the LSCB’s Annual Report, as appended, be noted, and that the Director of Children’s Services be requested to consider any implications for the work of Leeds City Council;

(b)  That a briefing paper regarding the procedures established to support individuals through the transitional period between the safeguarding arrangements in place for young people and the safeguarding arrangements in place for adults be provided to Board Members.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting the approach to be taken in order to review and replace the Leeds Growth Strategy for 2017 – 2020. It outlines the main issues and opportunities, together with a timeframe for delivery. In addition, the report also provides an update on developments in national policy relevant to the Growth Strategy Review.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting the approach to be taken in order to review and replace the Leeds Growth Strategy for 2017–2020. The report outlined the main issues and opportunities, whilst also providing a timeframe for delivery. In addition, the report also provided an update on developments in national policy relevant to the Growth Strategy Review.

Members welcomed the proposal to review the current Growth Strategy, with the Board specifically highlighting the need to focus upon areas such as: ‘social enterprise’, ‘health and medical’, manufacturing and retail. In addition, emphasis was also placed upon the overriding ‘inclusive growth’ agenda and the sense of place that was being given to the strategy.

Also, given the Government’s recent announcement regarding the HS2 route, Members highlighted the key importance of increased connectivity for Leeds, and emphasised the key role being played by the Leeds City Region in this and other significant areas.

Finally, Members emphasised the need to ensure that the Leeds Growth Strategy was used as a catalyst to maximise opportunities for all, with special reference being made to young people.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the approach taken regarding the revision of the Leeds Growth Strategy be noted, and the strategy’s publication in summer 2017 be supported;

(b)  That the approach towards strengthening the Council’s commitment to working with other cities and city regions in order to develop the Northern Powerhouse agenda, moving this beyond transport in order to encompass education and skills, trade and investment, innovation and enterprise, and housing, be supported;

(c)  That the Chief Executive be asked, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to prepare a submission to the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce) Inclusive Growth Commission, which sets out the practical steps being taken as a Council under the ‘Strong Economy within a Compassionate City’ agenda;

(d)  That the Chief Economic Officer, Economy and Regeneration, be requested to work with Leeds City Region LEP and the Core Cities Group, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, in order to influence the development of the National Industrial Strategy.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services which details the actions being taken to work with young people, businesses, communities and partners in order to ensure that young people in particular continue to benefit from the opportunities offered by apprenticeships, and sets out how the Council can most effectively align its resources to achieve this goal.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which presented the actions being taken to work with young people, businesses, communities and partners in order to ensure that young people in particular continued to benefit from the opportunities offered by apprenticeships, whilst the report also set out how the Council could most effectively align its resources to achieve this goal.

Members welcomed the submitted report, and received a verbal update in response to an enquiry regarding the availability of further data in respect of the actions being taken to promote apprenticeships. In addition, with a view to keeping Members informed on such matters, it was requested that an update report be submitted to the Board providing further details on this issue, and which also presented statistics on performance against relevant targets and also the matter of job retention for those who had undertaken apprenticeships.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed activities, as set out within the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That an update report be submitted to the Board providing further details on the promotion of apprenticeships, and which also presents statistics on performance against relevant targets and the issue of job retention for those who had undertaken apprenticeships.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive setting out the Council’s projected financial health position of 2016/17 at the half-year point. The report also reviews the position of the budget and highlights potential key risks and variations after 6 months of the year.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report setting out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2016/17 at the half-year point of the financial year. The report also reviewed the position of the budget and highlighted any potential key risks and variations after 6 months of the year.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further information on the actions being taken within the area of Civic Enterprise Leeds to replace the loss of 7 school catering contracts, as detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED – That the Council’s projected financial position for 2016/17 at the half year point of the financial year, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which provides an update on the Capital Programme position as at period 6. The report includes appendices on the Capital Programme funding statement at period 6, an Annual Programmes statement, a Major Programmes and other schemes statement and the latest Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme injection. Additionally, the report includes an analysis of the impact any changes in capital resources may have on the cost of borrowing within the revenue budget as a key control of capital investment and also seeks some specific approvals in relation to funding injections.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report providing an update on the Council’s Capital Programme position as at period 6. Additionally, the report also sought some specific approvals in relation to funding injections.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the latest position, as at period 6, on the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital programmes, be noted;

(b)  That the net increase in the General Fund and HRA Capital Programme 2016-2020 of £68.8m since Quarter 1, be noted, with the majority of these injections, £51.77m, relating to the inclusion of annual programmes in 2019-20, as shown in Appendix B to the submitted report, £45.9m of which is Council borrowing and £5.88m is grant and external contributions;

(c)  That it be noted that the borrowing required to fund the Capital Programme in 2016-17 has reduced by a further £11.8m since the Quarter 1 update. It also be noted that the Capital Programme remains affordable and that further work is underway through regular capital programme reviews to ensure that future debt costs are maintained within the overall Medium Term Financial strategy;

(d)  That the following injections into the Capital Programme, be approved:-

·  £51.77m, to reflect the roll forward of annual programmes into 2019-20, as set out in Appendix B to the submitted report, funded by £45.89m LCC borrowing and £5.88m grant;

·  £9.0m, to reflect the forecasted 1 for 1 right to buy receipts for 2017/18 and 2018/19, which will be utilised within the Council House Growth programme;

·  £232.8k in relation to Capital Receipts, to be utilised by Ward Councillors under the Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme (CRIS), as detailed at Appendix D to the submitted report;

(e)  That it be noted that the above resolutions to inject funding will be implemented by the Chief Officer (Financial Services);

(f)  That the £3.65m injection covered by the “Sustainable Communities Investment Programme Review” report which is found elsewhere on this Executive Board meeting agenda and which is included within the figures detailed within this submitted report, be noted (Minute No. 108 refers).

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive providing a review and update of the Council’s 2016/17 Treasury Management Strategy.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report providing a review and update of the Council’s 2016/17 Treasury Management Strategy.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further details on how the Council’s debt, asset and liability levels compared to that of other Core Cities.

In addition, responding to a further enquiry, the Board was also provided with further information on the approach being taken by the Council to monitor and minimise the cost of borrowing.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the update on the Treasury Management borrowing and investment strategy for 2016/17, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that full Council, at its meeting on the 9th November 2016, approved the changes to the borrowing limits for 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, as detailed in section 3.2 of the submitted report, with the proposed changes to both the Operational Boundary and the Authorised limits also being noted by the Board.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) highlighting the refurbishment works due to be carried out at Aireborough Leisure Centre. The report also seeks authority to spend the associated sum in order to carry out the proposed refurbishment works. Additionally, the report highlights proposals for Guiseley Library, noting that this will relocate into the Aireborough Leisure Centre which will enable the library building to be sold.

The Director of City Development and the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a joint report highlighting the refurbishment works proposed to be undertaken at Aireborough Leisure Centre. The report also sought the necessary authority to spend in order to carry out the proposed works, whilst the report also highlighted a proposal for Guiseley Library to relocate into Aireborough Leisure Centre, enabling the current library building to be sold and thus generating a capital receipt.

The Board welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report, with a Member highlighting that such a positive approach could be used as an example in respect of future community hub provision.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the design proposals for the proposed improvement and refurbishment of Aireborough Leisure Centre, be agreed;

(b)  That the ring fencing of the capital receipt for Guiseley Library, circa £200,000, to fund the relocation of the Library and creation of a Community ‘Super’ Hub with café facility, be approved;

(c)  That the necessary ‘authority to spend’ and funding of £1.2M for the proposed improvement and refurbishment of Aireborough Leisure Centre, be approved;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer for Culture and Sport is responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of City Development which sets out the approach that has been taken to regeneration in Cross Green and the Nevilles through the Sustainable Communities Investment Programme (SCIP), details the impact of investment there and highlights the lessons that can be learnt from an intensive approach to targeting of neighbourhood regeneration activities. In addition, the report outlines the work undertaken to date in Holbeck and how this could be intensified through similar interventions. Finally, the report requests an injection into the capital programme and seeks related approval of expenditure.

The Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which set out the approach that had been taken to promote regeneration in Cross Green and the Nevilles through the Sustainable Communities Investment Programme (SCIP), detailed the impact of the investment which had been made there and which also highlighted the lessons that could be learned from an intensive and targeted approach towards neighbourhood regeneration activities. In addition, the report also outlined the work undertaken to date in Holbeck and how this could be intensified through similar interventions. Finally, the report requested an injection into the capital programme and sought related approval of expenditure.

Members welcomed the information and the proposals detailed within the submitted report, highlighting the anticipated positive impact that the approach would have in Holbeck, and how, amongst other things, it would help address the issue of fuel poverty in the area and contribute towards the Council’s ‘Cutting Carbon and Improving Air Quality’ Breakthrough Project.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcomes from SCIP, together with the lessons learned and how they could inform future regeneration across the city, be noted;

(b)  That the contribution from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Housing Leeds programme 2017/18 of £850.0k, be noted;

(c)  That an injection into the capital programme of £3.65m be authorised, of which £1.5m is secured funding from the Local Growth Fund, £0.2m being Energy Company contributions, £0.45m being private sector owners’ contributions, with the balance of £1.5m being from the capital programme;

(d)  That expenditure of £0.85m on the Council housing group repair in Holbeck, which will address poor housing conditions and energy efficiency, be authorised;

(e)  That expenditure of £3.65m on the private sector housing group repair in Holbeck, which will address poor housing conditions and energy efficiency, be authorised;

(f)  That responsibility be delegated to the Chief Housing Officer, Housing Leeds, in order to bring forward the group repair scheme.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing which seeks approval to the revocation of the Air Quality Management Areas at Ladybeck Close, Hunslet and Queen Street, Morley. In addition, the report also seeks approval to the establishment of an Order to designate the Main Street area of Pool?in-Wharfedale and the Chapel Hill area of Morley as new Air Quality Management Areas. The report also outlines the proposal to undertake a review of air quality monitoring across the city and highlights the work which has been undertaken this year in respect of air quality.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which sought approval to the revocation of the Air Quality Management Areas at Ladybeck Close, Hunslet and Queen Street, Morley. In addition, the report also sought approval to the establishment of an Order to designate the Main Street area of Pool-in-Wharfedale and the Chapel Hill area of Morley as new Air Quality Management Areas. In addition, the report also outlined the proposal to undertake a review of air quality monitoring across the city and highlighted the work which had been undertaken this year in respect of air quality.

Members noted the recent national developments which had taken place in respect of air quality, and also noted the intention to submit a further report to Executive Board in 2017.

The Board highlighted the need to work closely with DEFRA on this issue, and also acknowledged the differing methods used by DEFRA and the Council with regard to the monitoring of air quality.

Finally, it was noted that the Scrutiny Board (Environment and Housing) was undertaking an inquiry into this issue.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the revocation of the Air Quality Management Areas at Ladybeck Close, Hunslet and Queen Street, Morley, be approved;

(b)  That the making of an Order to designate the Main Street area of Pool-in-Wharfedale and the Chapel Hill area of Morley as new Air Quality Management Areas, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that a review in respect of air quality monitoring across the city is to be undertaken;

(d)  That the work undertaken this year on air quality, together with the timetable to report back to Executive Board in 2017, be noted.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    FRIDAY, 18^TH NOVEMBER 2016

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 25^TH NOVEMBER 2016