Agenda and minutes

Under the provisions of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, Councillor Pryor was invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillor Mulherin, who had submitted her apologies for absence from the meeting.

Although no formal late items of business had been submitted for the Board to consider, prior to the meeting and with the Chair’s agreement, Board Members had been in receipt of correspondence which provided an additional recommendation to agenda item 21 entitled, ‘Leeds Children and Families Services’ Sector Led Improvement Role’ (Minute No. 71 refers).

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

There were no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests declared at the meeting, however, in relation to the agenda item entitled, ‘Leeds Talent and Skills Plan – Consultation Draft', Councillor Golton drew the Board’s attention to his role as an ‘Inclusive Jobs Champion’ with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

In addition, in relation to the agenda item entitled, ‘Request to approve the model for continuing Leeds City Council’s Investment in Neighbourhood Network Services’, Councillor A Carter drew the Board’s attention to his position as Chair of the Farsley, Calverley and Tyresal Live at Home Scheme

(Minute Nos. 58 and 67 refer).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th July 2017.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th July 2017 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment highlighting the value of community greenspaces in Leeds and how funding from development has been used to support the improvement of existing greenspaces. In addition, the report details proposals for the establishment of a new park in Moortown, with associated approvals being sought regarding injection of funding and authority to spend, and which also highlights the potential to support the continued expansion of the Parks and Countryside services apprenticeship programme.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which highlighted the value of community greenspaces in Leeds and how funding from development had been used to support facilitating the improvement of existing greenspaces. In addition, the report detailed proposals for the establishment of a new park in Moortown, with associated approvals being sought regarding injection of funding and ‘authority to spend’, and which also highlighted the potential to support the continued expansion of the Parks and Countryside services apprenticeship programme.

Members welcomed the proposals, emphasised the importance of continuing to engage with local Ward Members during the development of the project, and also welcomed the proposal to establish an associated ‘friends of’ group.

Furthermore, in highlighting the benefits of looking to increase community greenspace provision, Members encouraged replicating this scheme in other areas across the city, where possible and appropriate.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the injection together with ‘authority to spend’ of £300k, to be fully funded from section 106 monies in order to support the development a new park in Moortown, be authorised;

(b)  That the future commitment of a further £200k investment to support the ongoing maintenance of the site be noted, with the potential for this to support the continued expansion of the Parks and Countryside services apprenticeship programme also being noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development outlining proposals for the Council to progress public realm improvements to the area of land known as Gateway Court and Playhouse Square which sit adjacent to West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Further to Minute No. 48, 17^th July 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report outlining proposals for the Council to progress public realm improvements to the area of land known as Gateway Court and Playhouse Square which sit adjacent to West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Members welcomed the proposals which had been submitted and in response to an enquiry, received clarification on aspects of the financial implications arising from the proposals. In addition, it was also noted that there was no intention from the Council to seek a change in the name of the area known as Quarry Hill.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the injection of £1.926m into the Capital Programme (Capital Scheme no 32804) towards the proposed public realm improvements for the existing green space at Quarry Hill, known as Gateway Court and Playhouse Square, be authorised;

(b)  That authority to spend £1.926m from the Capital Scheme no. 32804 for the proposed public realm improvement works to Gateway Court and Playhouse Square be approved, subject to the outcome of the planning submission of the scheme and the tender for the proposed works being within the project’s cost plan allowance;

(c)  That it be noted that in July 2017 Executive Board: gave approval to the submission of a planning application later this year for the Gateway Court and Playhouse Square landscape proposals under development, as presented to this Executive Board for approval in principle; and authorised the award of the contract for the proposed landscape improvement proposals at Gateway Court and Playhouse Square, subject to the tender for the proposed works being within the project’s cost plan allowance;

(d)  That it be noted that in July 2017, Executive Board approved in principle the inclusion of the proposed public realm improvement works to Gateway Court and Playhouse Square in the contract for the proposed works to the West Yorkshire Playhouse;

(e)  That it be noted that in July 2017, Executive Board gave approval to the Council bringing forward for disposal for residential use, the site on Quarry Hill previously held for use as a coach layover facility and to the use of the subsequent capital receipt to contribute towards the cost of the proposed public realm improvement works at Gateway Court and Playhouse Square;

(f)  That subject to consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, approval be given to authorise the Director of City Development to negotiate and approve the final terms of all legal agreements associated with the delivery of the project, in accordance with the Council’s officer delegation scheme.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out the recent work undertaken to develop the first Leeds Talent and Skills Plan 2017 – 2023. The report outlines the work done so far in preparation of the draft together with the approach being taken towards proposed publication in the autumn.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which set out the recent work undertaken in order to develop the first Leeds Talent and Skills Plan for the period 2017 – 2023. The report outlined the work undertaken so far in preparation of the draft, together with the approach being taken towards proposed publication in the autumn.

Responding to Members’ comments, it was highlighted that the aim of the Council was to attract new employers into the city, adding to those already operating in Leeds, in order to provide a whole range of job opportunities for local communities. In addition, the aim was also to ensure that such employers provided social value in line with Council’s ambitions. With regard to the issue of relocating jobs from other parts of the UK into Leeds, the Board was provided with further detail of the benefits that such relocation would bring to the local economy. 

Emphasis was also placed upon the important role to be played by the Apprenticeship Levy in the promotion and creation of opportunities, whilst Members also highlighted the collaborative approach which needed to be taken with partners in order to ensure that Leeds citizens had the appropriate skills base in order to fully benefit from current and future employment and skills opportunities.

In conclusion, Members looked forward to receiving information which provided the outcomes of the proposed consultation exercise. Also, having received an update on the current position regarding the employment opportunities being brought to the local economy by Burberry, it was suggested that further evaluation of such matters could be submitted to the Board at the appropriate time for consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the publication of the Leeds Talent and Skills Plan draft be approved for the purposes of consultation;

(b)  That the approach proposed by officers to engage with business and stakeholders and to seek specific commitments, be supported;

(c)  That agreement be given to the Plan being published in the autumn of 2017;

(d)  That it be noted that the Head of Employment Access and Growth will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the progress that has been made in developing proposals for a new leisure and wellbeing centre for inner east Leeds, and which seeks to agree the preferred site for consultation and further feasibility works.

Further to Minute No. 119, 14^th December 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress which had been made in developing proposals for a new leisure and wellbeing centre for inner east Leeds, and which sought agreement of the preferred site, for the purposes of consultation and further feasibility works.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further information in respect of proposals regarding the associated financial delivery model for the project.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the site of the new inner east Leeds Leisure and Wellbeing Centre to be within the boundary, as set out within Appendix A to the submitted report;

(b)  That following resolution (a) above, approval be given to the commencement of a public consultation exercise, the outcome of which will be used to inform the future facility mix of the new centre and to comment upon the site proposal;

(c)  That following the conclusion of the consultation exercise, ‘authority to spend’ of £300k be approved to commission a feasibility study to develop proposals for a new Leisure and Wellbeing centre at a new location within the existing Fearnville Leisure Centre and surrounding site;

(d)  That the current position regarding progress made on the wider ‘Vision for Leisure & Wellbeing Centres’ programme be noted, and that it also be noted that further updates will be submitted to Executive Board for consideration in February 2018;

(e)  That it be noted that the Head of Sport and Active Lifestyles will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services, setting out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2017/18 at month 4. In addition, the report seeks approval of a virement to increase the Children and Families budget in order to provide resource to fund the additional costs of children looked after, whilst the report also seeks approval for an adjustment to the 2016-17 outturn and general reserve, following the identification of two post balance sheet events, as outlined in the report.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report presenting details of the Council’s projected financial health position for 2017/18 as at month 4 of the financial year. In addition, the report sought approval of a virement to increase the Children and Families budget in order to provide resource to fund the additional costs of children looked after, whilst the report also sought approval for an adjustment to the 2016-17 outturn and general reserve, following the identification of two post balance sheet events, as detailed within the submitted report.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board was provided with assurances that appropriate processes were in place with regard to the Council’s Carbon Reduction Commitment submission.  Linked to this, Members also briefly discussed the issue of street lighting provision in the city.

Members noted the proposed virement to increase the Children and Families budget in order to fund the additional costs of children looked after, with it being noted that the level of demands on resource in this area would continue to be monitored, as part of established budget monitoring processes.

The Board also received further information regarding the Council’s approach towards the provision of reserves.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the authority, as at month 4, be noted, together with the ongoing work within the Children and Families directorate to balance the revenue budget;

(b)  That a virement to increase the Children and Families budget by £3.7m in order to provide resources to fund the additional costs of children looked after, be approved; with it being noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Chief Officer (Financial Services), together with the fact that the virement will be actioned before the next reporting period;

(c)  That the adjustments to the 2016-17 outturn and general reserve, following the identification of the two post balance sheet events, as outlined within the submitted report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which seeks Executive Board’s recommendation that Council adopt the submission draft Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan together with the Main Modifications to it, as recommended by the independent Inspector.

Further to Minute No. 194, 19^th April 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought Executive Board’s approval to recommend that Council adopt the submission draft Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan (AVLAAP), together with the Main Modifications to it, as recommended by the independent Inspector.

Members welcomed the advanced stage that the AVLAAP had now reached, and thanked all concerned for the work which had been undertaken to enable it to reach this stage.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update and further information regarding a proposal for the potential development of a rolling stock depot for HS2 within the AVLAAP area, a matter which was currently the subject of public consultation.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the recommendations and proposed Main Modifications of the Inspector, as detailed within their report (dated August 2017) at Appendix 1 to the submitted cover report, be noted;

(b)  That Council be recommended to adopt the Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan, as submitted for examination and including: the Main Modifications recommended by the Inspector (as detailed within the submitted Appendix 1; map changes at Appendix 2 and the Additional Modifications at Appendix 3), pursuant to Section 23 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended);

(c)  That any further additional modifications which are required to be made as grammatical, consequential or factual updates, be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

(In accordance with the Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure

Rules, the matters referred to within this minute were not eligible for Call In as the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which seeks in principle support for the development of junction improvement schemes at Dawsons Corner, Dyneley Arms and Fink Hill, together with any land acquisition where required. In addition, the report also seeks relevant ‘authority to spend’, from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Corridor Improvement Programme grant in order to enable Phase 1 scheme development.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought support for the development of junction improvement schemes at Dawson’s Corner, Dyneley Arms and Fink Hill, together with relevant approvals for ‘authority to spend’, from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority ‘Corridor Improvement Programme’ grant, in order to enable the progression of Phase 1 scheme development.

Members welcomed the proposals, highlighted the need to ensure that local Ward Members were kept informed and also emphasised the need for a comprehensive consultation exercise to be undertaken in respect of the three schemes.

With specific emphasis to Dawson’s Corner, a Member highlighted the need to ensure that the proposed changes enabled fluent traffic movement through the junction.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in principle support be given to the development of junction improvement schemes at Dawson’s Corner, Dyneley Arms and Fink Hill, together with land acquisition where required, with it being noted that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has approved in principle sufficient capital to substantially fund the implementation under the Corridor Improvement Programme (CIP);

(b)  That ‘authority to spend’ £1.525M, which is funded from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority CIP grant be approved in order to  enable Phase 1 of the scheme development, in advance of signing the grant funding agreements, if required;

(c)  That it be noted that officers will return to Executive Board in order to seek approval for the construction of Phase 1 schemes, subject to the outcome of the development work and consultation;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation is responsible for the programme delivery, with a substantial completion date of March 2021.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to the key principles of a potential transaction for land in the Council’s ownership that will enable the development of the East of Otley mixed use development allocation.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to the key principles of a potential transaction for land in the Council’s ownership that would enable the development of the East of Otley mixed use development allocation.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Heads of Terms, as outlined in section 3.11 of the submitted report be approved, in order to enable a detailed agreement to be developed for further consideration by Executive Board;

(b)  That the proposal to develop a marginal viability application with the developers of the East of Otley site, for submission to the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the emerging proposals for the Phase Two River Aire Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme in advance of widespread engagement with stakeholders. In addition, the report seeks approval for the submission of funding applications, together with the subsequent undertaking of an accelerated package of advanced works.

Further to Minute No. 170, 20^th April 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the emerging proposals for the Phase Two River Aire Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme in advance of widespread engagement with stakeholders. In addition, the report sought approval for the submission of funding applications, together with the subsequent undertaking of an accelerated package of advanced works.

Members welcomed the innovative proposals which had been submitted and how they would build upon phase one of the scheme. With regard to phase two, Members specifically welcomed the ‘whole catchment’ approach which was being taken.

With regard to phase two, the Chair welcomed the offers of cross-party support which had been made during the discussion in respect of approaching Government for the financial support required to deliver such proposals.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the emerging proposals for Phase Two in relation to Natural Flood Management; the construction of actively controlled river floodwater storage areas; the removal of existing obstacles effecting the river channel in high flow events; and the residual construction of linear defences and potential terracing, be noted;

(b)  That widespread engagement to be undertaken with stakeholders on the emerging proposals, be approved;

(c)  That support be given to ensure that defence works are progressed as quickly as possible; that the submission of business cases to ascertain funding in relation to £3.4m of advanced works be endorsed; and subject to the outcome of those business cases, that the necessary ‘authority to spend’ for the undertaking of such works be delegated to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Director of Resources and Housing;

(d)  That it be noted that a further report will be submitted to Executive Board in December 2017 which seeks approval of the outline business case submission to the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the subsequent planning application submission.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health regarding the implementation of Phase 3 of the Better Lives programme.

Further to Minute Nos. 136 and 153, 8^th February 2017, the Director of Adults and Health submitted a report providing an update regarding the implementation of Phase 3 of the Council’s ‘Better Lives’ programme.

Responding to Members’ enquiries, the Board was advised that currently, there were no plans to submit to the Board a report which considered a fourth phase of the Better Lives Programme, although it was highlighted that such matters would continue to be kept under review.

With regard to former residents of The Green, again responding to an enquiry, the Board was provided with further information and context in respect of the choices which had been made by those residents and their families in respect of the homes that they had moved into. During the discussion, it was also acknowledged that Councillor A Carter was currently in correspondence with the Director of Adults and Health in respect of specific issues regarding The Green.

Members also discussed the submitted evaluation data regarding the outcomes from the former users of the Radcliffe Lane Day Centre.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the successful transfer of all customers to alternative services, where that was their preference, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that the closure of all establishments has been achieved without any compulsory redundancies, with staff having made a successful transition to their new posts within the Council, where they have chosen to remain in employment;

(c)  That the planned opening date of November 2017 for The Green as a new recovery facility, as part of the Council’s wider Leeds Recovery Service, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health presenting the 2017 Quality Account for regulated Social Care services (those registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission) for Leeds.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report presenting the 2017 ‘Quality Account’ in respect of regulated Social Care services (those registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission) for Leeds.

In receiving the submitted Quality Account, the Board discussed the aim of developing a ‘one city’ approach towards the evaluation of quality of care provision, and also discussed the options available, together with the potential restrictions regarding the role which could be played by members of the local community in such processes.

In addition, responding to an enquiry, Members were assured that the Council liaised with those Local Authorities who performed highly in this area, in order to share experience of good practice.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted; that the work outlined within it to deliver improvements be supported; and that approval be given for the publication of the Adults and Health Quality Account for Leeds, as appended to the submitted report;

(b)  That it be noted that the Head of Commissioning (Contracts and Business Development) for Adults and Health will ensure that the Quality Account 2017 is published on the Leeds City Council website by the end of this calendar year.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health seeking approval to proceed with the proposals to  establish  new arrangements for Neighbourhood Network services provision when the current contractual arrangements end on 30th September 2018.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report which sought approval to proceed with the proposals to establish new arrangements for the funding, length of agreement and awarding mechanism for Neighbourhood Network services from 1^st October 2018.

Members welcomed the proposals and highlighted the crucial role played by Neighbourhood Network services across the city, with an emphasis being placed upon the need to continue to raise awareness of the valued work undertaken by those organisations.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board was provided with further information regarding the formula which had been used for the submitted funding proposals, and a Member highlighted the need to ensure that the funding arrangements for such organisations was regularly evaluated in order to ensure the sustainability of those organisations.

RESOLVED – That the following proposals be approved:-

(a)  To continue the contributory funding of Neighbourhood Network services for a further 5 years based largely on the current mapping of the city. This investment to commence on 1st October 2018 through to 30th September 2023, with the proviso to review the service prior to the expiry of the agreement and to seek approval for the continuation of the grant agreement for a further 5 years on a rolling programme. The formal approval process will be adhered to at the appropriate juncture.

(b)  To move away from the current contracting approach to long term grant arrangements based on core, central principles aligned with the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2016-2021, the Better Lives Strategy 2017-2022 and Best Council Plan 2017/18. A fair, open and transparent competitive grants process to be utilised for the award of funding. This would be based 100% on quality, and the price for each Neighbourhood Network area will be set before going to market, as per the details within Appendix 2 to the submitted report;

(c)  To standardise the funding currently labelled as either dementia add-on or additional funding as core funding for those areas affected (16 in total);

(d)  To increase the overall value of the contract by a further £564,967 per annum, with the areas that currently receive the lowest investment seeing the greatest uplifts;

(e)  To engage on a case by case basis with current providers adjacent to unallocated areas of the city in order to redefine the boundaries to be covered by the funding allocation;

(f)  That Commissioning Officers (Adults and Health) engage in the work necessary to develop the funding agreement document and formalise how processes will be managed for the award of funding for the ensuing 5 year period covered by the submitted report, with these proposals being submitted to the Director for Adults and Health for approval before going to market to set arrangements in place.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Adults and Health and the Director of Resources and Housing regarding the development and rollout of the ‘Personal Held Record’ programme in Leeds for the reasons outlined in the submitted report, and which seeks the release of associated funding.

The Director of Adults and Health and the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a joint report regarding the development and proposed rollout of the ‘Personal Held Record’ programme in Leeds, with the report also seeking approval of the relevant expenditure.

Responding to an enquiry, assurance was provided with regard to the level of security that the system would use in order to protect the data within it.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to initially incur expenditure of £590K (year one) of a total of £1,800K over three years, in order to develop and rollout the ‘Personal Held Record’ programme in Leeds for those reasons as outlined within the submitted report, with subsequent releases of funding being subject to successful progress and gateway reviews.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families regarding a proposal to change the age range of Hovingham Primary School from 3 - 11 to 2 - 11 years and which seeks a final decision in respect of this proposal.

Further to Minute No. 7, 21^st June 2017, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report which detailed the outcome of a statutory notice regarding a  proposal to change the age range of Hovingham Primary School from 3 - 11 to 2 - 11 years, and which sought a final decision in respect of such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to permanently change the lower age limit of Hovingham Primary School from 3 years to 2, changing the school’s age range from 3-11 years to 2-11 years, with effect from October 2017, be approved, which will enable the school to deliver free early education entitlement for eligible 2 year olds;

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

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which focusses upon the role of the Council in the area of education, working with all schools and partners, and which aims to encourage discussion on this fundamentally important issue by suggesting principles and models for future collaboration.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which focussed upon the role of the Council with regard to learning, and the development of the education system in the city. The report also considered the collaborative approach being taken towards the delivery of education provision in Leeds, and how this could be developed further.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board was provided with further information on the bespoke approaches being taken to further develop the Council’s learning improvement objectives with a range of cohorts across the city.

Members also discussed the current position in respect of the Education Services Grant (ESG).

Following a suggestion that this matter be referred to the relevant Scrutiny Board for consideration, it was noted that the Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) was currently conducting an inquiry into ‘the impact of child poverty on attainment, achievement and attendance’, and it was undertaken that the Scrutiny Board would be made aware of the matters being considered today, should they wish to take them into consideration either as part of that inquiry or associated work.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be acknowledged that the Council has an important role to play in the future of education;

(b)  That it be agreed that the Council should use Learning Improvement in order to develop a model for collaboration between schools and settings;

(c)  That it be recognised that co-operation between schools and settings should be enhanced;

(d)  That agreement be given to develop a stronger collaboration with key comparative cities in order to strengthen the learning improvement offer across Leeds, which will be developed in the next 12 months;

(e)  That the future plans to reduce the learning gaps for vulnerable learners, be acknowledged;

(f)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Chief Officer Learning Improvement.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which reviews the Children and Families Directorate’s recent and ongoing work with other Local Authorities to support their improvement; and sets out the Directorate’s plans for developing this role in future years.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which reviewed  the Children and Families directorate’s recent and ongoing work with other Local Authorities in order to support their improvement, and which also set out the proposed plans for developing the directorate’s future role in the field of sector led improvement.

Responding to an enquiry regarding the Council’s sector led improvement role, assurances were provided that as part of the ongoing negotiation process which was currently taking place, sufficient resource would be maintained for Leeds whilst the Local Authority undertook this role.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members had received correspondence proposing the incorporation of an additional recommendation to the submitted report. The additional recommendation was considered alongside the submitted agenda, and it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted, with the agreement that support continues to be provided in respect of the improvement agenda in Children and Families in Leeds;

(b)  That in relation to the development of a formal Improvement Partnership between Leeds City Council, Kirklees and the Department for Education, the necessary authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director of Children and Families, the Executive Member for Children and Families and the City Solicitor, in order to enable him to undertake the negotiation and agreement of the detailed terms of the partnership agreement, and other agreements and arrangements to be implemented.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment which provides an update on the progress made in supporting communities and tackling poverty in Leeds over the past 12 months.

Further to Minute No. 62, 21^st September 2016, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report providing an update on the progress which had been made in supporting communities and tackling poverty in Leeds over the past 12 months, presented the ongoing and planned activities for the forthcoming year, whilst also providing information on key challenges in this area.

Responding to enquiries, the Board was provided with further information on how ‘Priority Neighbourhoods’ had been identified, and the collaborative approach which would be taken to ensure the delivery of an ‘enhanced focus’ upon those neighbourhoods. It was noted that a further report regarding the Priority Neighbourhoods was currently scheduled to be submitted to the Board in November 2017, and it was undertaken that Councillors A Carter and Golton be provided with a briefing on related matters prior to the further report being submitted to the Board.

In conclusion, Members thanked officers within the Financial Inclusion team for the valuable work which they continued to undertake.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the information as detailed within the submitted report be noted;

(b)  That the progress made in delivering against the actions which had been identified for 2016/17 be noted;

(c)  That the key activities being delivered in 2017/18 be noted;

(d)  That a report be submitted in a further 12 months, which sets out the progress made in respect of supporting communities and tackling poverty.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    FRIDAY, 22^ND SEPTEMBER 2017

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  FRIDAY, 29^TH SEPTEMBER 2017