Agenda and minutes

In accordance with Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.5, in the absence of Councillor Blake who had submitted her apologies for absence from the meeting, Councillor J Lewis presided as Chair of the Board for the duration of the meeting.

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 from publication 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)  That Appendices A and B to the report entitled, ‘Full Fibre Network Programme for Leeds’, referred to in Minute No. 159be 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 within those appendices provide commercial pricing from those suppliers involved in the Soft Market Test. In order to obtain the most competitive prices possible in response to a future procurement exercise the Council does not wish to put pricing information received to date into the public domain. It is felt that disclosure of this information would be prejudicial to the Council and the suppliers involved. As such, this information is deemed exempt from publication due to its commercially sensitive nature and the disclosure of which may have a detrimental impact on the outcome of any future procurement. With this in mind, it is felt that maintaining such information as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing it at this time;

(b)  That Appendix A to the report entitled, ‘Proposed Heads of Terms for Joint Venture Arrangements between London and Continental Railways (LCR) and Leeds City Council’, referred to in Minute No. 163 be 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 within that appendix relates to the financial and business affairs of both the Council and LCR. To disclose the information contained within Appendix A could prejudice the Council’s position in relation to the proposals outlined in the submitted report. As such, in these circumstances, it is deemed that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information;

(c)  That Appendices 2 and 3 to the report entitled, ‘Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone Update and Infrastructure Delivery’, referred to in Minute No. 166 be 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 within those appendices relate to the financial and business affairs of the Council and Northern Powergrid (NPG) and the disclosure of such information would be prejudicial to the Council’s negotiations with NPG as well as to the commercial interests of both parties. In these circumstances, the public interest in maintaining such information as being exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.

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 during the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 19^th December 2018 and 14^th January 2019.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meetings held on the 19^th December 2018 and the 14^th January 2019 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health which introduces the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2017/18 and its Strategic Plan 2016/19, which look to summarise the Board’s achievements over that period and which sets out the Board’s ambitions moving forward.

Further to Minute No. 84, 18^th October 2017, the Director of Adults and Health submitted a report presenting the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2017/18, together with its Strategic Plan (2016/19). The report looked to provide details of the Board’s achievements over that period and set out the Board’s ambitions moving forward.

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.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information regarding the existing arrangements in place and the ongoing work being undertaken with neighbouring Authorities and partners to further develop the collaborative approach towards safeguarding matters, specifically those with cross-boundary implications.

Again, in response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received information on the role played by third sector organisations in the promotion of safeguarding in the particular communities they serve, together with the work being undertaken to continue to develop the third sector’s role in this area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2017/18 and the Board’s Strategic Plan going forward, as appended to the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the strategic aims and ambitions of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board, which looks to make Leeds a safe place for everyone, be supported.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families seeking approval of the local authority admissions policy and admissions arrangements for entry to school in 2020. The report describes the changes to the policy and also requests that the updated co-ordination arrangements are noted. 

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which sought approval of the Local Authority Admissions Policy and admissions arrangements for school entry in 2020. Also, the report detailed the changes which had been made to the policy, and invited the Board to note the updated co-ordination arrangements.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in considering the school admissions arrangements for 2020, approval be given to theAdmissions Policies for Primary and Secondary schools, as detailed within Appendices A and B to the submitted report, with the following being noted:-

(i)  That the nearest priority is no longer included in the policy for Community and Voluntary Controlled Primary Schools and that applications will be prioritised based on catchment area priority;

(ii)  That any child with a sibling on roll at the school at the time of admission will receive sibling priority for admission;

(iii)  That applications received more than 4 weeks after the national deadline for applications will be considered as ‘late’ and therefore considered after all ‘on time’ preferences (currently 6 weeks);

(iv)  That the wording in relation to Children Looked After has been amended to reflect current legislation and practice;

(v)  That parents will apply directly to the Local Authority for a school place outside the normal admissions round (rather than directly to their preferred school); and

(vi)  That the policy includes greater clarity regarding waiting lists, home addresses, shared care arrangements where parents have separated and how multiple birth siblings do not have the random allocation tie break applied where they are tied for the final place available.

(b)  That the co-ordinated scheme for admission arrangements for entry in September 2020, as detailed at Appendices C and D to the submitted report, be noted, with it also being noted that there are no changes to the 2019 arrangements, other than updates to timelines, and that in-year applications should be sent to the Admissions Team rather than directly to schools;

(c)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for this work is the Lead for the Admissions and Family Information Service, with it also being noted that the date for implementation (ie. determination of any revised policy) is by no later than 28 February 2019, with the policy being published by 15 March 2019.

(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)

To consider the report of the Director of Childrens & Families on the proposed expansion of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School and the necessity to enter into a Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) 2016 contract with Leeds D&B One Co. for the delivery of critical works required to adhere to the expansion programme. The report seeks the necessary approvals to enter into contracts and incur expenditure required to deliver the scheme.

Further to Minute No. 124, 19^th December 2018, the Director of Childrens and Families submitted a report on the proposed expansion of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School with specific reference to the proposed entering into a Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) 2016 contract with Leeds D&B One Co. for the delivery of critical works which were required to adhere to the expansion programme. In addition, the report sought the necessary approvals to enter into related contracts and to incur the necessary expenditure.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board discussed and received further information on the estimated overall costings for the scheme, and what the estimated costs, as detailed within the submitted report, were comprised of.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the expenditure of £5,653,729.02 from capital scheme number 32737/MAL/000 for the construction work and associated fees for the expansion of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School, necessary for occupation from September 2019, be approved;

(b)  That the acceptance of the tender submitted via the Leeds Local Education Partnership in the sum of £4,730,797 inclusive of all professional design fees incurred by the appointed contractor, development costs and surveys incurred by the contractor, be authorised; with it being noted that this figure includes the previously approved sum of £355,503.43 for the completion of the necessary ‘Early Works’ packages, and that the release of funding for the construction costs will be subject to valuations completed and validated by NPS Ltd. (Leeds);

(c)  That the requirement to enter into a contractual agreement with Leeds D&B One Co. in order to deliver the development at Moor Allerton Hall Primary School, be authorised, which will take the form of a JCT 2016 head contract between the authority and Leeds D&B One Ltd. for the sum of £4,730,797;

(d)  That approval be given to the entering intoa deed of variation with Environments for Learning Leeds PFI One Limited, in order to exclude the existing service road across Allerton Fields from the PFI site for Allerton Grange School in order that such access road can be remodelled as part of the development at Moor Allerton Hall Primary School;

(e)  That approval be given for the resolutions, as minuted, from this report to be exempted from the ‘Call In’ process, on the grounds of urgency, as detailed within sections 4.5.1 – 4.5.4 of the submitted report;

(f)  That it be noted that the estimated scheme cost of £5,653,729.02 includes: £4,730,797 for construction works (this is the contract / tender submission value inclusive of £355,503.43 of previously approved ‘Early Works’ costs); professional fees and survey costs of £509,285; £30,000 for loose furniture and equipment; £55,500 for supporting costs and a client held contingency commensurate to the scale and complexity of the project; with it also being noted that the construction cost includes £358,694.00 of ‘on-site’ Highways upgrades to facilitate the conversion of the PFI service road into a drop-off loop serving both Moor Allerton Hall and Allerton Grange School, with it being further noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 150.

To consider the report of Director of Children and Families detailing proposals brought forward to meet the Local Authority’s duty to ensure a sufficiency of school places, specifically the proposal to expand secondary school provision at Benton Park Secondary School and seeking a final decision in respect of this proposal.

Further to Minute No. 89, 17^th October 2018, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report detailing proposals brought forward to meet the Local Authority’s duty to ensure a sufficiency of school places. Specifically, this report detailed a proposal to expand secondary school provision at Benton Park Secondary School and sought a final decision in respect of this proposal.

Members welcomed the proposed expansion of provision at Benton Park Secondary School, and responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the actions being taken which aimed to deliver increased funding where it was required for other schools of a similar priority.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to permanently expand secondary provision at Benton Park Secondary School from a capacity of 1225 pupils to 1500 pupils, with an increase in the admission number from 245 to 300, with effect from September 2021, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the implementation of the decision (as above) is subject to feasibility and planning permission, as indicated at section 4.4.1 of the submitted report, and that the proposal has been brought forward in time for places to be delivered for 2021;

(c)  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 Communities and Environment highlighting recent progress, emerging issues and areas for further development in relation to Locality Working and the Priority Neighbourhood work programme.

Further to Minute No. 101, 15^th November 2017, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which highlighted the progress which had been made to date, the emerging issues which had arisen and the areas for further development in relation to the Locality Working and the Priority Neighbourhood work programme.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the monitoring of performance in this area, the Board noted that the new approach had only been operational for a year, and that more detailed performance data would follow in the ‘Year 2’ update report.

Also, in response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received assurances that although focus was being placed upon the 6 priority neighbourhoods and 12 priority Wards, the overall aim of the approach was to provide benefits to all communities across the city, and not to negatively impact upon those communities which bordered the priority neighbourhoods.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, together with the comments made at the meeting regarding the progress which has been made in this area to date, be noted;

(b)  That the Director of Communities and Environment be requested to progress performance management arrangements at the appropriate spatial level to support Year Two of the Priority Neighbourhoods programme;

(c)  That the Director of Communities and Environment be requested to provide Executive Board with an annual update on year two achievements in 12 months’ time.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment providing an update on the Council’s strategic approach to support the work of Leeds Credit Union (LCU) to tackle financial exclusion and poverty in Leeds, and proposed arrangements for Council support of the LCU.

Further to Minute No. 61, 21^st October 2015, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which provided an update on the Council’s strategic approach towards supporting the work of Leeds Credit Union (LCU) in tackling financial exclusion and poverty in Leeds, and which detailed proposals to further develop the longer term strategic partnership between the Council and the LCU.

Members highlighted the valuable role which continued to be played by the Leeds Credit Union across the city.

In considering the submitted report and in response to a Member’s specific request, agreement was provided that, separate to the Executive’s consideration of this matter today, the relevant Scrutiny Board would be asked to review the contents of the submitted Executive Board report and any related financial information regarding the LCU, as part of the Council’s longstanding partnership role.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, confirmation was received that having sought specific legal advice, the proposals detailed within the submitted report did not violate any EU State Aid Regulations.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That, separate to the Executive’s consideration of this matter today, the relevant Scrutiny Board be asked to review the contents of the submitted Executive Board report and any related financial information regarding the LCU;

(b)  That the significant progress which has been made and the projects developed through the partnership between the Council and Leeds Credit Union, be noted and welcomed;

(c)  That the provision to Leeds Credit Union of a grant over 6 years of £198,333 per year, that is linked to greater lending targets and membership levels of Leeds residents, be approved;

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Communities and Environment, in consultation with the Chief Officer Financial Services, to enable the Director to negotiate and enter into a grant agreement with Leeds Credit Union;

(e)  That agreement be given for the amount of interest payable by Leeds Credit Union on its existing loan from the Council to be reduced, in line with the details as set out within the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing which seeks approval of the Leeds Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2018 to 2022 and which requests that the Leeds Homelessness Forum oversees the delivery of the Strategy over its life span.

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which sought approval of the Leeds Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2018 to 2022 and which sought approval to request that the Leeds Homelessness Forumundertake the role of overseeing the delivery of the Strategy over its life span.

Members welcomed the contents of the submitted report and the progress being made in Leeds, with specific reference being made to the key role being played by the multi-agency Street Support Team.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Leeds Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2018-2022, as appended to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the Leeds Homelessness Forum be requested to oversee the delivery of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy over its life span.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) which provides an update on the successful North and West Yorkshire bid to pilot 75% business rates retention in 2019/20, notes the revoking of the Leeds City Region Pool, requests approval of the formation of a new Joint Committee to oversee the North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Pool; and requests agreement of the related Governance Agreement and Terms of Reference.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which provided an update on the successful North and West Yorkshire bid to pilot 75% business rates retention in 2019/20; which noted the revoking of the Leeds City Region Pool; requested approval of the formation of a new Joint Committee to oversee the North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Pool; and which also requested agreement of the related Governance Agreement and Terms of Reference.

In considering the submitted report and with reference to the Government’s ‘Fair Funding Review’, the Board welcomed the resource which this pilot would bring to the Council as a member of the North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Pool in 2019/20, whilst Members also emphasised the need for such a scheme, or its equivalent, to be provided on a longer term basis for the benefit of the Council’s forward planning.

In conclusion, the Board extended its thanks to the Chief Officer Financial Services for the work he, and his team had undertaken in leading on the successful pilot bid and also for the ongoing work being undertaken as part of Leeds’ role in being the lead authority for the pool.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the update on the new North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Pool, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the revoking of the Leeds City Region Pool on 31st March 2019 be noted, and that agreement be given to the disbanding of the Leeds City Region Pool Joint Committee on the same date;

(c)  That approval be given to appoint the Leader of Leeds City Council to a new Joint Committee which will oversee the new North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Pool, with such a Joint Committee consisting of the Leaders of those Authorities specified in section 3.5 of the submitted report, and which will have the Terms of Reference, as appended to the submitted report;

(d)  That the Governance Agreement for the North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Pool, be noted and agreed;

(e)  That the Terms of Reference for the North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Pool, be noted and approved;

(f)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the City Solicitor in order to enable the City Solicitor to seek the formal agreement of the other 13 members of the Pool to the new arrangements.

a) Leeds City Council Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2019/2020

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2019/2020 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied on 2019/2020

b) Capital Programme Update 2019 – 2022

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services on the Capital programme for the period 2019 – 2022

c) Treasury Management Strategy 2019/2020

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services on the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for 2019/20

Further to Minute No. 135, 19^th December 2018, the Chief Officer, Financial Services, submitted a suite of reports regarding: proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2019/20 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied during the same period; proposals regarding an updated Capital Programme for 2019-2022 and also a proposed updated Treasury Management Strategy for 2019/20.

(A)  2019/20 Revenue Budget and Council Tax 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Executive Board recommends to Council the adoption of the following:-

(i)  That the revenue budget for 2019/20 totalling £516.7m be approved. This means that the Leeds element of the Council Tax for 2019/20 will increase by 2.99% plus the Adult Social Care precept of 1%. This excludes the police and fire precepts which will be incorporated into the report to be submitted to Council on the 27 February 2019;

(ii)  That approval be given for grants totalling £65k to be allocated to parishes;

(iii)That approval be given to the strategy at Appendix 9 of the submitted report in respect of the flexible use of capital receipts;

(iv)That in respect of the Housing Revenue Account, Council be recommended to approve the budget with:-

•  A reduction of 1% in dwelling rents in non-Private Finance Initiative areas.

•  An increase of 3.4% in dwelling rents in PFI areas.

•  A 3.3% increase in district heating charges.

•  That service charges for multi-storey flats are increased by £0.75p per week.

•  That service charges for low/medium rise properties are increased by 3.3%.

•  That the charge for tenants who benefit from the sheltered support service currently paying £6 a week be increased to £8 per week.

•  That any overall increase to tenants in respect of rents, service and sheltered support charges are capped at £3.50 per week.

•  That an overall freeze is applied to any tenant who would have seen a weekly increase of less than £1 per week.

(b)  That Executive Board’s authority be given to officers to begin consultations without delay on the proposals for increases to existing fees and charges;

(c)  That Executive Board’s agreement be given to the proposals for the local Business Rates discount scheme for 2019/2020, namely:-

(i)  to offer £1000 discount to independent pubs with a rateable value of between £51,000 and £100,000, these pubs having been offered the same discount by government in 2018/19, but not covered by the 33% discount introduced by government for 2019/20 for retail properties with a rateable value under £51,000; and

(ii)  to continue to freeze the increase faced by businesses who solely provide childcare to the gross level of rates payable in 2017/18, where this increase is as a result of the revaluation;

(d)  That Executive Board’s thanks be extended to Scrutiny Boards for the comments and observations they made in considering the Council’s initial budget proposals.

(B)  Capital Programme Update 2019 – 2022

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Executive Board recommends to Council:-

(i)  the approval of the Capital Programme for 2019-2022  ...  view the full minutes text for item 156.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) which sets out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2018/19 as at month 9 of the financial year.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which presented the Council’s projected financial health position for 2018/19, as at month 9 of the financial year.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further information on the proposal within the submitted report to change the way in which PFI lifecycle costs were funded, together with details of the benefits and implications of such a proposal.  

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position of the Authority, as at Month 9 of the 2018/19 financial year, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing presenting the Best Council Plan 2019/20 to 2020/21 for the Board’s consideration and approval that it be recommended for adoption by Council on 27 February 2019.

Further to Minute No. 136, 19^th December 2018, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report presenting the Best Council Plan 2019/20 to 2020/21 for the Board’s consideration and approval that it be recommended for adoption by Council on 27 February 2019.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That full Council be recommended to adopt the Best Council Plan 2019/20 to 2020/21, as detailed at Annexe 1 to the submitted report, at its meeting on 27th February 2019; 

(b)  That the Board’s thanks be extended to Scrutiny Boards and other participants for their comments throughout the consultation process which have informed the proposed Best Council Plan 2019/20 to 2020/21;

(c)  That subject to the Best Council Plan being adopted by Council, it be noted that further development and graphic design work will take place prior to the publication of the updated Best Council Plan in April 2019.

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, were not eligible for Call In)

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Resources and Housing seeking approval to undertake a procurement exercise for a partner to build and deliver a full fibre gigabit capable network for Leeds City Council and partner buildings across the district, within a financial envelope, with the aim of using these public sector owned sites as anchors to accelerate the wider roll out of ‘fibre’ provision.  

(Please note that Appendices A and B are designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

The Director of City Development and the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a joint report which sought approval to undertake a procurement exercise for a partner to build and deliver a full fibre gigabit capable network for Leeds City Council and partner buildings across the district, within a financial envelope, with the aim of using such public sector owned sites as anchors to accelerate the wider roll out of ‘fibre’ provision.

In considering the submitted report, a Member requested that when this matter returns to the Board, the accompanying report provides details of the alternative approaches to this initiative which had been explored, why they had been rejected and why the approach being recommended was preferred.

Following consideration of Appendices A and B to the submitted report designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the necessary authority be provided to go through a new procurement process for a partner to build and deliver full fibre connectivity to ensure the provision of the greatest amount of coverage, coupled with the opportunity to extend connectivity further with commercial investment within Leeds City Council’s financial envelope;

(b)  That agreement be given for all budgets, where there is a connectivity requirement, to be incorporated within the ‘Full Fibre Programme’, in order to achieve a greater coverage, cost saving and benefits realisation;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Digital and Information Officer will be responsible for overseeing the ‘Full Fibre’ implementation, and that the Chief Economic Development Officer will take responsibility for supporting the commercial investment opportunities that this build may generate for the city.

(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)

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing which provides a summary of the progress made to date on the upgrade of the Council’s fleet, presents details of the next phase of the Council’s fleet replacement plan and the electric vehicle scheme for the city, whilst also providing an overview of the roll out of electric infrastructure across the city.

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report providing a summary of the progress which had been made to date on the upgrade of the Council’s fleet, which presented details of the next phase of the Council’s fleet replacement plan and the electric vehicle scheme for the city, and which also provided an overview of the roll out of the related electric infrastructure across the city.

Responding to an enquiry regarding the initiative which would enable local businesses to trial electric vehicles, it was highlighted that to ensure that the maximum number of businesses could benefit from this, an individual trial would only be for a pre-determined timeframe, currently proposed as 2 months.

Also, the Board received further information on the proposal regarding the electric retro-fitting of four refuse collection vehicles, and how such an innovative proposal would provide the Council with an interim opportunity to evaluate the performance of such vehicles on the ground, during a period when electric vehicle technology progressed rapidly.In addition, Members also received further information on how some businesses with fleets of heavy duty vehicles, such as bus companies, were approaching such matters.

Also, in acknowledging the speed at which technology in the field of ultra-low emissions vehicles was progressing, Members received further information on how the Council looked to continually review and monitor such matters in order to inform the approach that the Authority was taking. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that there is a separate report regarding the Revenue Budget Proposals and Capital Programme for 2019/2020 on the agenda for this meeting which seeks an injection of £1.98m into Capital Scheme 32834/HEL/000 (Minute No. 156 refers);

(b)  That the authority to spend the £1.98m capital received from Highways England into the capital programme, be approved;

(c)  That the authority to procure for the electric vehicle scheme for: (i) up to 75 vehicles; and (ii) the external partner to support mobilisation of the electric van scheme, be approved;

(d)  That the authority to procure for the electric retrofit of four of the refuse collection vehicles, using the capital funding previously allocated for CNG vehicles, be approved;

(e)  That the fleet replacement programme for 2019/20, which includes the accompanying electric infrastructure for the Council’s own fleet, be approved;

(f)  That the authority to procure for the additional electric charging infrastructure, funded through grant funding, be approved;

(g)  That the development of the Alternative Fuel Strategy, be supported.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development outlining the proposals to develop a new gym and re-modelled entrance area at Middleton Leisure Centre and to seek the relevant ‘Authority to Spend’ on the further design and construction of the proposed works at the Centre.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which outlined proposals to develop a new gym and re-modelled entrance area at Middleton Leisure Centre, and which also sought the relevant ‘Authority to Spend’ on the further design and construction of the proposed works at the Centre.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Authority to Spend £1,146,000 against Capital Scheme 33055 on the further design and construction of the proposed new gym, be approved, which will be inclusive of construction costs, fees and contingencies, subject to the award of planning consent for the proposed works;

(b)  That it be noted that the Head of Active Leeds is responsible for the implementation of these proposals through existing delegated authority.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the significant schemes and package development during 2018/19 of the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme. The report specifically sets out the next steps for delivering the Bradford to Leeds A647 Bus Priority Corridor as part of the Programme and seeks related approvals.

Further to Minute No. 45, 25^th July 2018, the Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on the progress during 2018/19 on the significant schemes and the package development of the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme. In addition, the report specifically set out the next steps for delivering the Bradford to Leeds A647 Bus Priority Corridor as part of the Programme and which sought related approvals.

Responding to a Member’s specific concerns, officers provided assurances that where any related proposals required Traffic Regulation Orders to be obtained, then they would be subject to the usual statutory processes, including any formal public notice requirements.

With regard to the specific proposals regarding bus lanes and the operation of such lanes, the Board was provided with assurances that prior to any decisions being taken on such matters, Members of any affected Wards would be consulted.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made since April 2016 in developing proposals, together with the subsequent public consultation responses received, be noted;

(b)  That the total expenditure of £9.93m, funded from the existing Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme funding of £9.68m and an injection of £246,222 from S106 Developer Contributions to carry out the detailed design and construction of the Bradford to Leeds A647 Bus Priority Corridor, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer for Highways and Transportation is responsible for the implementation of the decisions arising from the submitted report.

(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)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out the proposed Heads of Terms for a Joint Venture Arrangements with London and Continental Railways to progress the proposals for the redevelopment of Leeds railway station. The report also seeks relevant approvals to progress the matter.

(Please note that Appendix A 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. 80, 17^th October 2018, the Director of City Development submitted a report which presented the proposed Heads of Terms for Joint Venture Arrangements with London and Continental Railways (LCR) in order to progress the proposals for the redevelopment of Leeds railway station. In addition, the report also sought relevant approvals to progress such proposals.

Following consideration of Appendix A 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 detail of the Heads of Terms for Joint Venture Arrangements with London & Continental Railways, as set out in exempt Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved, in order to progress the proposals for the redevelopment of Leeds railway station;

(b)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development, to enable the Director to finalise and enter into the Joint Venture Arrangements with London & Continental Railways;

(c)  That approval be given to inject and to provide the ‘Authority to Spend’ £2m as the Council’s Capital contribution towards the partnership to be established, pursuant to the Joint Venture Arrangements;

(d)  That it be noted that the principle of joint acquisitions with LCR will be the subject of a further report to Executive Board in the future.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing a further update on the development of Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme 2 (LFAS2). The report seeks approval of the remaining elements of the scheme required to deliver the proposals.

Further to Minute No. 114, 13^th December 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing a further update on the development of Phase 2 of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (LFAS2). In addition, the report also sought approval of the remaining elements of the scheme required to deliver the proposals.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report and briefly discussed the location of the proposed attenuation area.

In addition, the Board acknowledged that the two step approach being recommended was the most pragmatic way forward, given the Government’s current position of being unable to provide any more than £65million of funding at this stage, prior to the next Comprehensive Spending Review.

Regarding the Council making representations to Government with the aim of securing further Government funding for the scheme, Members discussed the actions which had been taken to date to make such representations, with the Chief Executive also providing an update in which he advised that liaison with senior civil servants and the Environment Agency continued, and that the city’s MPs were also being kept informed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the scheme, as described within the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That approval be given that the two step phased approach is the most pragmatic way forward at this time;

(c)  That the injection of the remaining confirmed funding, as listed within section 4.4.1 of the submitted report, be approved;

(d)  That subject to the affordability of tendered prices, the necessary authority required to spend consultant and contractor costs to progress the resolutions arising from the submitted report be delegated to the Director of City Development, subject to agreement with both the Executive Member for ‘Regeneration, Transport and Planning’ and the Leader of the Council;

(e)  That approval be given for Leeds City Council to take responsibility for the maintenance and operation of all assets constructed as part of the LFAS2;

(f)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which reviews the implementation of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) over the past 6 years. In addition, the report provides information on the outcomes from the consultation undertaken in respect of the LFRMS since the Board’s initial consideration of the Strategy in December 2018 and invites the Board to endorse the LFRMS as submitted, and refer it to full Council with a recommendation that it is formally adopted.

Further to Minute No. 125, 19^th December 2018, the Director of City Development submitted a report which reviewed the implementation of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) over the past 6 years. In addition, the report provided information on the outcomes from the consultation undertaken in respect of the LFRMS since the Board’s initial consideration of the Strategy in December 2018 and which invited the Board to endorse the LFRMS as submitted, and refer it to full Council with a recommendation that it be formally adopted.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report; the outcomes from the consultation undertaken, together with the comments of the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth), as detailed at Appendix 5 to the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy as appended to the submitted report, be endorsed, and that agreement be given for the Strategy to be referred to full Council in line with the Budgetary and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, with a recommendation that it is formally adopted by the Council;

(c)  That it be noted that subject to the Strategy being approved by Council on 27th March 2019, the Strategy will be implemented by 30th April 2019.

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, were not eligible for Call In)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the progress within the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone and which seeks to delegate authority to the Director ofCity Development to negotiate and enter into agreements with Northern Powergrid (NPG), West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the relevantlandowners/ developers to facilitate the installation of and payment for theinfrastructure required for the provision of additional power to the Enterprise Zoneand adjoining areas.

(Please note that Appendices 2 and 3 to this report are designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress within the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone and which sought to delegate authority to the Director of City Development to negotiate and enter into agreements with Northern Powergrid (NPG), West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the relevant landowners / developers in order to facilitate the installation of, and payment for the infrastructure required for the provision of additional power to the Enterprise Zone and adjoining areas.

Following consideration of Appendices 2 and 3 to the submitted report designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress which has been made to secure the development and occupation of new floorspace within the Enterprise Zone, be noted;

(b)  That subject to the approval of a Final Business Case by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the principle of the Council entering into agreements with Northern Powergrid and the Combined Authority, as well as with relevant landowners/developers, be approved, in order to facilitate the construction of the infrastructure required to provide an additional power supply for the Enterprise Zone and the adjoining area;

(c)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable the Director to negotiate and enter into an agreement with West Yorkshire Combined Authority for the provision of funding to support power infrastructure delivery and to inject the funding provided into the Council’s Capital Programme;

(d)  That subject to an agreement acceptable to the Director of City Development being negotiated with Northern Powergrid for the installation of the required infrastructure, the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable the Director to accept a formal quote from Northern Powergrid and to incur the necessary expenditure to facilitate such installation;

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable the Director to negotiate and enter into agreements with Northern Powergrid for the installation of the required infrastructure, and also with relevant landowners in order to recover the costs of installing such infrastructure.

To consider the report of Director of City Development on the Council’s proposed approach towards supporting a healthy and diverse city centre residential market through a bid to the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

The Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the Council’s proposed approach towards supporting a healthy and diverse city centre residential market through a bid to the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, together with the vision for the development of the residential offer in the city centre through the Leeds Living programme in line with the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy; Best City Centre Vision; Our Spaces Strategy; Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy and the South Bank Regeneration Framework, be noted;

(b)  That agreement be given for the Director of City Development to submit a business case to the Housing Infrastructure Fund on the basis as set out at paragraphs 3.5-3.16 of the submitted report, in order to support the acceleration and unlocking of housing delivery in the city centre, with a further report being submitted to the Board to enable the injection of funding, delivery and spending programme, if the submission is successful;

(c)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable the Director to negotiate and enter into collaboration agreements with landowners/developers in connection with the submission of the Council’s business case;

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable the Director to approve the final details of the Housing infrastructure Fund business case by 22nd March 2019.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 15^TH FEBRUARY 2019

LAST DATE FOR CAL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 PM, FRIDAY 22^ND FEBRUARY 2019