Agenda and minutes

The Board wished to pass on its condolences to families and friends of those affected by the recent tragic events in Manchester.  A minute’s silence was observed in memory of those that had lost their lives.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

The following late information was submitted to the Board:

·  Agenda item 7 – Draft Scrutiny Inquiry Report – Improving Air Quality in Leeds.

The above information was not available at the time of agenda despatch but was subsequently made available on the Council’s website.

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 to the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors J Bentley and K Bruce.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th April 2017.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 April 2017 be approved as a correct record.

To receive a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support presenting a draft report of the Scrutiny Board in relation to its recent Inquiry into Improving Air Quality in Leeds for consideration and formal approval.

(Draft report to follow)

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report which presented a draft report of the Scrutiny Board in relation to its recent Inquiry into Improving Air Quality in Leeds for consideration and formal approval.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Richard Lewis, Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning

-  Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Member for Communities

-  Neil Evans, Director of Resources and Housing

-  Andrew Hall, Head of Transportation

-  Polly Cook, Executive Programme Manager, Strategy and Resources

-  Kevin McGready, Advanced Health Improvement Specialist.

The Board also received a brief update regarding next steps, particularly following the recent publication of the draft UK Air Plan for tackling nitrogen dioxide and also the government’s new Clean Air Zone Framework.  It was therefore agreed that Scrutiny would continue to be proactively engaged in the Council’s on-going work linked to the Leeds Air Quality Action Plan as well as preparations for the introduction of a Clean Air Zone for Leeds.

Other key areas of discussion were:

·  In relation to cleaning up the public transport fleet in Leeds, the Board emphasised the importance of also exploring good practice amongst other local authorities in terms of striving to achieve zero emissions through the use of new and developing technologies.  It was agreed that this point should also be reflected into the Board’s draft report as a key consideration moving forward.

·  Where efforts are being made to restrict access to City Square to reduce emissions, the Board emphasised the importance of ensuring that air pollution problems are not consequently being dispersed to other parts of the city.  As referenced within its draft report, the Board reiterated the importance of having robust evaluation processes in place to measure the impacts of each potential solution to avoid any punitive measures that could have other unintended economic and health consequences on local businesses and residents.

·  As referenced within its draft report, the Board also acknowledged the need to target the taxi and private hire sector in recognition that this would result in substantial benefits.  Linked to this, the Board received an update on initiatives already being targeted at this sector.

·  In discussing the on-going efforts to tackle air pollution near schools, particular concerns were raised about the levels of pollution emitted from school buses and the need for a joined up approach to tackle this issue. 

RESOLVED – That subject to additional narrative being added into the ‘moving forward: key considerations’ section as requested, the Board’s Inquiry report into Improving Air Quality in Leeds, be approved.

To receive a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support presenting a summary note of the Scrutiny working group held on 25^th April 2017 to review wider tenant involvement groups.

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report which presented a summary note of the Scrutiny working group held on 25 April 2017 to review wider tenant involvement groups.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Member for Communities

-  Neil Evans, Director of Resources and Housing

-  Simon Costigan, Chief Officer Property and Contracts

-  Mandy Sawyer, Head of Neighbourhood Services

-  John Gittos, Chair of Tenant Scrutiny Board

The key areas of discussion were:

·  Recognition of the positive work undertaken by tenants in Leeds.

·  The need to ensure that Board Member representation on Tenant Scrutiny Board reflected all parts of the city.

·  An update on walkabout arrangements, particularly in terms of ensuring that feedback was provided to all Ward Members.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations set out within the working group summary note be approved.

To receive a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support presenting the final report of the Tenant Scrutiny Board following its recent inquiry into East Leeds Repairs Service.

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report which presented the final report of the Tenant Scrutiny Board following its recent inquiry into East Leeds Repair Service.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Member for Communities

-  Neil Evans, Director of Resources and Housing

-  Simon Costigan, Chief Officer Property and Contracts

-  Mandy Sawyer, Head of Neighbourhood Services

-  Lee Ward, Neighbourhood Services Officer

-  John Gittos, Chair of Tenant Scrutiny Board

-  Olga Gailite, Member of Tenant Scrutiny Board.

The Board welcomed the report and recommendations and in doing so emphasised the need to ensure that good practice was extended across the city.

RESOLVED – That the findings and recommendations arising from the Tenant Scrutiny Board Inquiry into East Leeds Repairs Service, be noted.

(Councillor A Garthwaite left the meeting at 2.00pm during the consideration of this item.)

To receive a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support presenting a draft position statement of the Scrutiny Board in relation to Peckfield Landfill Site for consideration and formal approval.

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report which presented a draft position statement of the Scrutiny Board in relation to Peckfield Landfill Site for consideration and formal approval.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Mary Harland, Chair of Peckfield Liaison Committee

-  Councillor James Lewis, Local Ward Member

-  Councillor Keith Wakefield, Local Ward Member.

RESOLVED – That the Board’s draft position statement in relation to Peckfield Landfield Site, be approved.

(The meeting concluded at 2.20pm)