Agenda and minutes

(a)  The Lord Mayor welcomed Councillors Chastney, Marjoram, Matthews, E Taylor and Yeadon to this their first ordinary meeting of Council.

(b)  The Lord Mayor referred to the recent death of Pat Regan and members bowed their heads in respect.

(c)  The Lord Mayor displayed to Council the 2008 National Health Service, Health and Social Care Award which had been awarded to the Council for its Dignity in Care Campaign.

(d)  The Lord Mayor referred to the imminent 90^th birthday of Nelson Mandela, a Freeman of the City, and informed Council that greetings had been sent to him on behalf of the City.

To confirm the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 22^nd May 2008.

It was moved by Councillor J Procter seconded by Councillor Gruen and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 22^nd May 2008 be approved.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

The Lord Mayor announced that a list of written declarations submitted by Members was on deposit in the public galleries and had been circulated to each Member’s place in the Chamber.

Following an invitation to declare further individual interests, declarations in accordance with the Council’s Code of Practice were made as follows:

(a)  Members declared personal interests in minute 24 of this meeting as follows:

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10

Five deputations were admitted to the meeting and addressed Council as follows:

1  GMB Trade Union Regarding the Current Dispute on Equal Pay

2  Friends of Woodhouse Moor Regarding the Provision of Park Wardens on Woodhouse Moor

3  Newton Futures Residents Group Regarding the Condition of Former Council Property at 9 Newton Grove

4  Designated Public Places Order Consultative Committee Regarding the Designated Public Places Order Proposed for Hyde Park and Woodhouse 

5  Kirkstall Valley Community Association Regarding the Proposed Sale of St Ann’s Mills and Abbey Mills in Kirkstall

RESOLVED – That the subject matter of the deputations be referred to the Executive Board for consideration.

To consider reports as follows (the Chief Executive considers that these reports are appropriate to be received at this meeting in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(f)):

(a)  That the following nominations for receipt of the Leeds Award be approved and that the Lord Mayor be requested to undertake an appropriate award ceremony:

  Sir Jimmy Saville OBE

  Mr Stanley Cundle

  Stuart Firth

  Sheila Miller

  Kim Milner

  Dawn Newsome

R BRETT

(b)  That the Scrutiny Boards’ Annual Report to Council prepared in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution be approved

J PROCTER

(c)  That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on appointments be noted

J PROCTER

Reports admitted to the agenda in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(f) were considered as follows:

(a)  The Leeds Award

  It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor J L Carter and

  RESOLVED – That the following nominations for receipt of the Leeds Award be approved and that the Lord Mayor be requested to undertake an appropriate award ceremony.

  Sir Jimmy Saville  OBE

  Mr Stanley Cundle

Stuart Firth

Sheila Miller

Kim Milner

Dawn Newsome

(Councillor J McKenna declared a personal interest in this matter as a close friend of Dawn Newsome).

(b)  Scrutiny Board’s Annual Report to Council 2007/08

  It was moved by Councillor Grahame seconded by Councillor W Hyde and

  RESOLVED – That the Scrutiny Boards’ Annual Report to Council prepared in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution be approved.

(c)  Appointments

  It was moved by Councillor J Procter seconded by Councillor Bentley and

  RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on appointments be noted.

To deal with questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11

1  Councillor Harington to the Leader of Council

  Can the Leader of Council confirm his parties’ commitment to ‘listening to Leeds residents and involving them in decision that affect them?

  The Leader of Council replied.

2  Councillor Matthews to the Executive Member (Children’s Services)

  Would the Executive Member for Children's Services like to comment on some of the key messages from the now published Joint Area Review of Children's Services in Leeds?

  The Executive Member (Children’s Services) replied.

3  Councillor Marjoram to the Executive Member (City Development)

  Would the Executive Member for City Development explain what impact the Planning Bill will have on democracy and local accountability.

  Councillor Anderson replied on behalf of the Executive Member (City Development)

4  Councillor Rafique to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods and Housing)

Will the Executive Board Member for Environment & Neighbourhoods reassure Council that crime prevention and reduction remains a priority for his administration?

  The Executive Member (Neighbourhoods and Housing replied)

5  Councillor Downes to the Executive Member (Learning)

Prince Henry Grammar School in Otley is celebrating its 400^th year.  Would the Executive Board Member with responsibility for Learning like to comment on what this Council has been able to do to help in this important year

  The Executive Member (Learning) replied.

6  Councillor Wakefield to the Executive Member (City Development)

  Can the Executive Board Member for City Development confirm the cost to the Council of pursuing its Private Street Peddling Bill?

  Councillor Anderson replied on behalf of the Executive Member (City Development)

7  Councillor Barker to the Executive Member (Central and Corporate Services)

  Could the Executive Board Member for Corporate Services please advise council of current areas of development within the PPPU?

  The Executive Member (Central and Corporate) replied.

8  Councillor Lowe to the Leader of Council

  Does Councillor Brett believe like his predecessor that if his administration has made a mistake they should apologise and take the appropriate steps to rectify the problem immediately?

  The Leader of Council replied

9  Councillor Rhodes-Clayton to the Executive Member (Learning)

  Could the Executive Board Member with responsibility for Learning tell me how Leeds has fared in delivering the Positive Activities for Young People scheme?

  The Executive Member (Learning) replied.

10  Councillor Lyons to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

  Can the Executive Member for City Services please tell me where his administration plans to site their proposed incinerator?

  The Executive Member (Environmental Services) replied.

At the conclusion of Question Time the following questions remained unanswered and it was noted that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11.6 written responses would be sent to each Member of Council.

11  Councillor J Lewis to the Executive Member (City Development)

12  Councillor Rafique to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods and Housing)

That reports be approved as follows:

a) The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance)on recommendations of the Executive Board in relation to the Safer Leeds Partnership Plan

b) The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) on recommendations of the Executive Board in relation to the Council Business Plan

c) The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) on recommendations of the Executive Board in relation to the Leeds Strategic Plan

R BRETT

(a)  The Safer Leeds Partnership Plan

  It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor J L Carter and

  RESOLVED - That the recommendations of the Executive Board as detailed in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) in relation to the Safer Leeds Partnership Plan be approved

(b)  The Council Business Plan

  It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor J L Carter and

  RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning Policy and Improvements) on recommendations of the Executive Board in relation to the Council Business Plan be approved

(c)  The Leeds Strategic Plan

  It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor J L Carter and

  RESOLVED - That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning Policy and Improvements) on recommendations in relation to the Leeds Strategic Plan be approved

That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance), on the recommendation of the Standards Committee that the annual report of the Committee be received, be approved.

C CAMPBELL

It was moved by Councillor Campbell seconded by Councillor J L Carter and

RESOLVED - That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on the recommendations of the Standards Committee that the annual report of the Committee be received be approved

That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance), on the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee that the annual report of the committee be received, be approved

J BALE

It was moved by Councillor Bale seconded by Councillor Campbell and

RESOLVED - That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on the recommendations of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee that the annual report of the Committee be received be approved

To receive the minutes in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(m)

R BRETT

(a)  It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor Procter.

  That the minutes submitted to the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(m) be received.

(b)  An amendment (reference back) was moved by Councillor Coupar seconded by Councillor Wakefield

  To add the following words at the end of item 10:

"but to ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to the Income for Financial Performance – Outturn 2007/8 as contained in Minute 22 of the Executive Board minutes of the 11^th June 2008

(c)  Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 13.2 (g) it was moved by Councillor J L Carter seconded by Councillor J Procter and

  RESOLVED – That the debate be adjourned for a period of ten minutes.

  (The meeting was suspended at 3.35 pm and resumed at 3.50 pm).

(d)  With the consent of the mover and seconder of the reference back it was moved by Councillor Gruen seconded by Councillor Lyons and

  RESOLVED – That leave of Council be given for the withdrawal of the reference back in relation to minute 22 of the Executive Board of 11^th June 2008.

(e)  It was moved by Councillor J Procter seconded by Councillor Gruen and

  RESOLVED – That Council Procedure Rule 13.2 be invoked to give precedence to a second amendment (reference back) in the name of Councillor Coupar.

(f)  It was moved by Councillor Coupar seconded by Councillor Wakefield

  To add the following words at the end of item 10:

"but to ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to the Income for Community Care Services – Proposals for Consultation as contained in Minute 17 of the Executive Board minutes of the 11^th June 2008.

(g)  Following a response by the Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care) to the effect that the consultation period referred to in the minute would be extended to the end of October 2008, it was moved by Councillor Gruen seconded by Councillor Coupar (with the consent of the seconder) and

  RESOLVED – Unanimously that leave of Council be given for the withdrawal of the reference back in relation to minute 17 of the Executive Board of 11th June 2008.

(h)  With the consent of Council, Councillor Brett forwent his right of response under his portfolio to allow for further comments to be heard prior to his exercise of his right of final reply at 4.45 pm.

(i)  Upon the motion to receive the minutes being put to the vote it was

  RESOLVED – That the minutes submitted to the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2 (m) be received.

Council Procedure Rule 4 providing for the winding up of business was applied prior to all notified comments on the minutes having been debated.

(During the discussion of the minutes Councillor Illingworth declared a personal interest in minute 5 of the Executive Board minutes of 11^th June 2008 as an employee of Leeds University).

(The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

This Council condemns the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition for the current unacceptably high levels of unauthorised absence in many schools in Leeds and is appalled that two of the three schools with the worst records for truancy in England are in Leeds.

Recognising that high levels of truancy have an enormous impact on outcomes for young people and their communities, council therefore instructs the Conservative and Liberal Democrat administration to make tackling truancy a key priority, so that levels of unauthorised absence in Leeds schools are substantially reduced.

In addition, Council requests that the Executive Board members for Learning and Environment and Neighbourhoods work together and investigate the links between high levels of truancy, low educational performance, and incidents of crime and anti social behaviour, and report their findings to the Executive Board this autumn.

L MULHERIN

It was moved by Councillor Mulherin seconded by Councillor Dowson:

That this Council condemns the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition for the current unacceptably high levels of unauthorised absence in many schools in Leeds and is appalled that two of the three schools with the worst records for truancy in England are in Leeds.

Recognising that high levels of truancy have an enormous impact on outcomes for young people and their communities, council therefore instructs the Conservative and Liberal Democrat administration to make tackling truancy a key priority, so that levels of unauthorised absence in Leeds schools are substantially reduced.

In addition, Council requests that the Executive Board members for Learning and Environment and Neighbourhoods work together and investigate the links between high levels of truancy, low educational performance, and incidents of crime and anti social behaviour, and report their findings to the Executive Board this autumn.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Harker seconded by Councillor Lamb.

Delete all after “This Council…”

Replace with

“…This Council accepts that the level of unauthorised absence in a number of Leeds schools is unacceptable.  Council further notes the extensive partnership working which is taking place between officers of Education Leeds, various council departments and voluntary and community groups.

This Council recognises that high levels of truancy are one of several factors which have an enormous impact on educational outcomes for young people which in turn are part of a wider cycle of social problems including anti social behaviour.  It is a key priority of this administration to reduce the level of unauthorised absence and to tackle all the factors which will improve the educational outcomes of young people in Leeds.

The partnerships currently in place between officers of Education Leeds and various council departments is beginning to show signs of success.  It is important that we continue to educate parents and carers of the damage done if they encourage or condone unauthorised absence.

This administration is committed to continuing this work, to ensuring that all young people achieve positive educational outcomes and to reducing related crime and anti social behaviour.”

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED – That this Council accepts that the level of unauthorised absence in a number of Leeds schools is unacceptable.  Council further notes the extensive partnership working which is taking place between officers of Education Leeds, various council departments and voluntary and community groups.

This Council recognises that high levels of truancy are one of several factors which have an enormous impact on educational outcomes for young people which in turn are part of a wider cycle of social problems including anti social behaviour.  It is a key priority of this administration to reduce the level of unauthorised absence and to tackle all the factors which will improve the educational outcomes of young people in Leeds.

The partnerships currently in place between officers of Education Leeds and various council departments is beginning to show signs of success.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

This Council welcomes the moves by Roberta Blackman-Woods MP and the Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe to give local authorities more power to control the number of lap-dancing clubs within their boundaries, and urges Leeds City Council to support these proposed changes

J BLAKE

It was moved by Councillor Blake seconded by Councillor Wakefield

That this Council welcomes the moves by Roberta Blackman-Woods MP and the Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe to give local authorities more power to control the number of lap-dancing clubs within their boundaries, and urges Leeds City Council to support these proposed changes

In moving the motion Councillor Blake indicated that the amendment in the name of Councillor Brett was acceptable to her.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor Wilson

add as a final paragraph:-

“The Council notes the proposed changes are via a Private Members Bill, therefore urges all Leeds MPs to support it and asks for Government time to see it enacted into law.”

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY - That this Council welcomes the moves by Roberta Blackman-Woods MP and the Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe to give local authorities more power to control the number of lap-dancing clubs within their boundaries, and urges Leeds City Council to support these proposed changes

The Council notes the proposed changes are via a Private Members Bill, therefore urges all Leeds MPs to support it and asks for Government time to see it enacted into law.

(The provisions of Council Procedure Rule 3.1(d) were applied prior to all notified comments in respect of this motion having been heard.

Council notes that prior to the Industrial Revolution the local rivers were famous for their fish, and that recent improvements in water quality have resulted in salmon re-colonising the lower reaches of the River Aire. Unfortunately further fish migration to potential spawning grounds in the Yorkshire Dales is impeded, principally by Knostrop Weir and by other smaller weirs in the Kirkstall Valley.

Council considers that it would add considerably to Leeds reputation if salmon were often seen to jump the local weirs, and that this could bring economic and environmental benefits to the entire city.

Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to report on the possible inclusion of fish passes around major weirs in the relevant Area Action Plans, to investigate the opportunities for joint funding, and also to prepare a fishing and fish conservation policy for consideration by Executive Board.

J ILLINGWORTH

In moving the motion in his name Councillor Illingworth sought and received the consent of Council under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10 (a) to alter it to the effect of accepting the amendment in the name of Councillor W Hyde.

The amended motion was seconded by Councillor J Lewis and it was

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY - That this Council notes that prior to the Industrial Revolution the local rivers were famous for their fish, and that recent improvements in water quality have resulted in salmon re-colonising the lower reaches of the River Aire. Unfortunately further fish migration to potential spawning grounds in the Yorkshire Dales is impeded, principally by Knostrop Weir and by other smaller weirs in the Kirkstall Valley.

Council considers that it would add considerably to Leeds reputation if salmon were often seen to jump the local weirs, and that this could bring economic and environmental benefits to the entire city.

Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to undertake a review of all costs which are likely to be associated with the provision of any necessary infrastructure in order to achieve this objective and to report back on his findings to the Executive Board together with a list of all potential funding sources.

This Council notes the Government’s recent changes to the tax system hitting the poorest in society, the unacceptably high levels of child poverty and lower life expectancy in the most deprived areas of Leeds and the high level of demand for social housing in the city.

This Council calls for the government to devote resources from the WNF for Leeds

R BRETT

It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor J L Carter

That this Council notes the Government’s recent changes to the tax system hitting the poorest in society, the unacceptably high levels of child poverty and lower life expectancy in the most deprived areas of Leeds and the high level of demand for social housing in the city.

This Council calls for the government to devote resources from the WNF for Leeds

An amendment was moved by Councillor R Lewis seconded by Councillor Yeadon

Delete all after

“This Council notes”

and add

“the Conservative and Liberal Democrat administration’s recent increases in charges for services all of which target the most vulnerable people in our communities. 

Council furthermore notes that despite significant efforts and notable achievements nearly  150,000 people are still classified as living in poverty in Leeds and to help tackle this problem this Council calls for the government to devote resources from the WNF for Leeds.”

The amendment was lost and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED - That this Council notes the Government’s recent changes to the tax system hitting the poorest in society, the unacceptably high levels of child poverty and lower life expectancy in the most deprived areas of Leeds and the high level of demand for social housing in the city.

This Council calls for the government to devote resources from the WNF for Leeds.

This Council recognises the growing public concern about the environmental damage caused by Britain's use of an estimated 13 billion single use plastic carrier bags every year.  This Council therefore calls on the government to act on its pledge to legislate to end the provision of free plastic bags.

Council further resolves to minimise its own use and promotion of plastic bags, including investigating promoting the use of bags for life in our own outlets and promoting the use of domestic green bins for the disposal of plastic bags. 

Council resolves to take a lead in reducing free bag provision by launching a Leeds-wide campaign to gain voluntary agreement between the Council, business, and other interested parties to end the practice of providing free plastic bags within the City.

R BRETT

It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor Smith

That this Council recognises the growing public concern about the environmental damage caused by Britain's use of an estimated 13 billion single use plastic carrier bags every year.  This Council therefore calls on the government to act on its pledge to legislate to end the provision of free plastic bags.

Council further resolves to minimise its own use and promotion of plastic bags, including investigating promoting the use of bags for life in our own outlets and promoting the use of domestic green bins for the disposal of plastic bags. 

Council resolves to take a lead in reducing free bag provision by launching a Leeds-wide campaign to gain voluntary agreement between the Council, business, and other interested parties to end the practice of providing free plastic bags within the City.

In moving the motion Councillor Brett Indicated that the amendment in the name of Councillor Taggart was acceptable to him.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Taggart seconded by Councillor Lowe

Please Add

“should business not move forward with the voluntary controls which the government are working towards.”

After 

“End the provision of free plastic bags.” In paragraph 1.

And also please delete all after “our own outlets” in paragraph two.

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED - That this Council recognises the growing public concern about the environmental damage caused by Britain's use of an estimated 13 billion single use plastic carrier bags every year.  This Council therefore calls on the government to act on its pledge to legislate to end the provision of free plastic bags should the business not move forward with the voluntary controls which the government are working towards

Council further resolves to minimise its own use and promotion of plastic bags, including investigating promoting the use of bags for life in our own outlets

Council rose at 7.15 pm.