Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds

Contact: Governance Services Unit 

Items
No. Item

42.

Announcements

Minutes:

(a)  The Lord Mayor congratulated Councillor Parnham on his election to Council and welcomed him to his first meeting of Council.

 

(b)  The Lord Mayor reported that Leeds had received two gold, six silver guilt and fourteen silver in the Yorkshire in Bloom awards.

 

(c)  The Lord Mayor and Council congratulated Councillor Downes on his recent engagement to be married.

 

43.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 159 KB

To confirm the minutes of the Council Meetings held on 10th September 2008

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 10th September 2008 be approved.

 

44.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

 

Minutes:

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 50 of this meeting as follows:

 

  Ewens  -  Member of Woodhouse Moor Allotment Association

  Hollingsworth  -  Director of Leeds East/North East Homes ALMO

  Dowson  - ALMO Area Panel Member

  Dunn  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Harington  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Illingworth  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  R Lewis  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Lyons  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  J McKenna  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Morgan  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Murray  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Nash  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Ogilvie  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Parker  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Taggart  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Gruen  -  ALMO Board Member

  Lowe  -  ALMO Board Member

  Driver  -  ALMO Board Member

  G Hyde  -  ALMO Board Member

  A Blackburn  -  ALMO Board Member

 

(b)  Members declared personal interests in minute 51 of this meeting as follows:

 

  Anderson  -  Director of Green Leeds Ltd

  Marjoram  -  Self employed landlord, developer, kitchen and bathroom fitter

  Dowson  - ALMO Area Panel Member

  Dunn  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Harington  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Illingworth  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  R Lewis  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Lyons  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  J McKenna  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Morgan  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Murray  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Nash  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Ogilvie  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Parker  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Taggart  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Gruen  -  ALMO Board Member

  Lowe  -  ALMO Board Member

  Driver  -  ALMO Board Member

  G Hyde  -  ALMO Board Member

  Hollingsworth  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Fox  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

  Latty  -  ALMO Area Panel Member

 

  Councillors A Hussain and Rafique declared personal and prejudicial interests in the same minute as private landlords.

 

(c)  Members declared personal interests in minute 54 of this meeting as follows:

 

  Lancaster  -  Member of West Yorkshire Police Authority

  Anderson  -  Member of Weetwood Police Forum

  J L Carter  -  Member of West Yorkshire Police Authority and Member of Association of Police Authorities (APA)

 

(d)  Members declared personal interests in minute 53 of this meeting as follows:

 

  Anderson  -  Director of Green Leeds Ltd

  -  Member of Regional Planning Forum and Member of Regional Planning Board

  Bale  -  Chartered Institute of Building

  -  Member of Board of Trustees and Society for the Environment (Chartered Environmentalist)

 

(e)  Members declared personal interests in minute 55 of this meeting as follows:

 

  J Lewis  -  Leeds Rhinos Season Ticket Holder

  Parker  -  Trustee of the Leeds Rugby Foundation

  Townsley  -  Leeds Rhinos Season Ticket Holder

 

(f)  Members declared personal interests in minute 56 of this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

45.

Deputations

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10

Minutes:

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

 

1  Communities Against Post Office Closures Regarding Post Office Branch Closures In Leeds

 

2  Woodkirk Valley Football Club Regarding the Council’s Policy  for the Letting of External Sports Pitches and Indoor Training Facilities throughout the Football Season

 

3  Middleton Community Group Regarding the Proposed Closure of Middleton Sports Centre

 

4  Garforth Residents Association Regarding the Potential Closure of Garforth Leisure Centre

 

5  SPLASH Regarding the Proposal to Close  South Leeds Sports Centre

 

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

 

46.

Reports pdf icon PDF 92 KB

To consider the following report admitted to the agenda by the Chief Executive under Council Procedure Rule 2.2(f))

 

a)  That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive(Corporate Governance) on appointments be approved.   

 

 

 

J PROCTER 

Minutes:

A report on the subject of appointments, admitted to the agenda in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(f) was considered as follows:

 

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 approved.

 

 

47.

Questions

To deal with questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11

Minutes:

1  Councillor J Lewis to the Leader of Council

 

  Given the current economic climate, can Councillor Brett reiterate the importance of effective fiscal management within the Council in order to prevent unnecessary financial waste?

 

  The Leader of Council replied.

 

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

 

Would the Executive Member for Children’s Service care to comment on the recent Judicial Review judgement regarding court costs for Children’s Services.

 

The Executive Member (Children’s Services) replied.

 

3  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (City Development)

 

  Would the Executive Board Member for City Development update us on the current status of the Eastgate and Harewood Quarter development?

 

  The Executive Member (City Development) replied

 

4  Councillor Rafique to the Leader of Council

 

  Can the leader of Council confirm his commitment to fairness in the city?

 

  The Leader of Council replied.

 

5  Councillor Hollingsworth to the Leader of Council

 

  Would the Executive Board Member for Central and Corporate extend his congratulations to the ICT staff who have been responsible for winning the Cabinet Office award - Contribution towards ICT professionalism in the public sector?

 

  The Leader of Council replied.

 

6  Councillor Lobley to the Executive Member (City Development)

 

  Would the Executive Board Member for City Development comment on the recent decision made regarding the site of the Arena development?

 

  The Executive Member (City Development) replied.

 

7  Councillor Ogilvie to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

 

  Can the Executive Board member for Environmental Services please confirm the city’s current recycling rate?

 

  The Executive Member (Environmental Services) replied.

 

8  Councillor Bentley to the Executive Member (Learning)

 

  Whilst welcoming the current refurbishment and rebuilding works taking place across the Secondary schools sector, would the Executive Member for Learning tells us when we can expect a similar programme across the Primary sector.

 

  The Executive Member (Learning) replied.

 

9  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (City Development)

 

Would the Executive Member for City Development like to give us his views on the amendment that was approved by the House of Lords through the Conservative Party to the Planning Bill, in respect of strengthening the powers of local Councils to protect urban space and gardens and restricting the power of the Government to interfere with Councils who want to protect their neighbourhoods.

 

  The Executive Member (City Development) 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:

 

10  Councillor A McKenna to the Leader of Council

11  Councillor Chastney to the Executive Member (Children’s Services)

12  Councillor Wadsworth to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

13  Councillor Morgan to the Chair of the Scrutiny Board (Health)

14  Councillor Cleasby to the Leader of Council

15  Councillor Shelbrooke to the Leader of Council

16  Councillor Lyons to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

18  Councillor Taggart to the Leader of Council

19  Councillor Illingsworth to the Executive Member (City Development)

 

(Question 17 in the name of Councillor Pryke  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

48.

Recommendations of the Executive Board pdf icon PDF 96 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive(Corporate Governance) presenting to Council a recommendation of the Executive Board in respect of the Financial Health Monitoring 2008/09 – Half Year Report.

 

 

 

        R BRETT

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor A Carter and

 

RESOLVED - That the recommendations of the Executive Board in respect of the Financial Health Monitoring 2008/09 – Half Year Report as detailed in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance)  be approved.

 

 

49.

Recommendations of the Constitutional Proposals Committee pdf icon PDF 90 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive(Corporate Governance) on recommendations of the Constitutional Proposals Committee in relation to the establishment of a General Purposes Committee, procedures for changing the form of the executive and amendments to the Call In process.

 

R BRETT

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor A Carter seconded by Councillor Brett and

 

RESOLVED - That the recommendations of the Constitutional Proposals Committee in relation to the establishment of a General Purposes Committee, procedures for changing the form of the executive and amendments to the Call In process as detailed in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) be approved.

 

 

50.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 45 KB

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

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor J Procter

 

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

 

In moving the motion the Leader of Council made a statement to Council with regard to the current economic situation.

 

An amendment (reference back) was moved by  Councillor R Lewis seconded by Councillor Wakefield

 

To add the following words at the end of item 9:

 

“but to ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to the Capital Programme Update 2008-2012 as contained in minute 98 of the Executive Board minutes  of 8th  October 2008”.

 

The amendment was lost.

 

An amendment (reference back) was moved by Councillor Lowe seconded by Councillor Yeadon

 

To add the following words at the end of item 9:

 

"but to ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to the Waste solution for Leeds – residual waste treatment PFI project – evaluation methodology and update as contained in minute 136 of the Executive Board Minutes of the 5th November 2008”

 

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

 

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

 

On the requisition of Councillors Gruen and Taggart the voting on the two amendments was recorded as follows:

 

Capital Programme Update

 

YES

 

Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Beverley, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, Gabriel, Grahame, Gruen, Hanley, Harington, Harper, A Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Jarosz, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, A McKenna, J McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, E Taylor, Wakefield, Yeadon

 

        41

 

NO

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, A Blackburn, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Cleasby, Elliot, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, Hamilton, Harker, Harrand, Harris, Hollingsworth, W Hyde, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Marjoram, Matthews, Monaghan, Parhham, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Rhodes-Clayton, Shelbrooke, Smith, A Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson

 

        51

 

Waste Solution for Leeds

 

YES

 

Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Beverley, A Blackburn, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, Gabriel, Grahame, Gruen, Hanley, Harington, Harper, A Hussain, G Hyde, Jarosz, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, A McKenna, J McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Parnham, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, E Taylor, Wakefield, Yeadon

 

        42

 

NO

 

Anderson. Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Cleasby, Elliot, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman,  R D Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, Hamilton , Harker, Harrand, Harris, Hollingsworth, W Hyde, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

51.

White Paper - Regional Spatial Strategy

That this Council believes that the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) targets of 4740 should be suspended with immediate effect due to the economic challenges this city currently faces.

 

This Council notes the housing crisis in this city and resolves to look at innovative ways of tackling this problemby adopting a plan of action that includes:-

 

·  Approaching local developers to see whether unsold properties can be leased by the local authority or local housing associations.

·  Working with local housing associations to ensure they maximise Leeds’ share of the funding available through the Government’s recent rescue package.

·  Working with owners of empty flats in the city centre to bring them into use for key workers and others in housing need.

·  Ensuring owner occupiers at risk of losing their homes receive high quality advice, including warnings about unscrupulous finance companies.

·  Lobbying central government to introduce more security and tenant protection in the private rented sector.

 

R LEWIS

 

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor R Lewis seconded by Councillor Blake

 

That this Council believes that the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) targets of 4740 should be suspended with immediate effect due to the economic challenges this city currently faces.

 

This Council notes the housing crisis in this city and resolves to look at innovative ways of tackling this problemby adopting a plan of action that includes:-

 

·  Approaching local developers to see whether unsold properties can be leased by the local authority or local housing associations.

·  Working with local housing associations to ensure they maximise Leeds’ share of the funding available through the Government’s recent rescue package.

·  Working with owners of empty flats in the city centre to bring them into use for key workers and others in housing need.

·  Ensuring owner occupiers at risk of losing their homes receive high quality advice, including warnings about unscrupulous finance companies.

·  Lobbying central government to introduce more security and tenant protection in the private rented sector

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor J L Carter seconded by Councillor A Carter

 

Delete all after “This Council” and insert:

 

“believes that the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) target of 4740 houses per year should be scrapped with immediate effect to allow local authorities to make a more realistic decision based on local economic factors and housing need.

 

This Council notes the comprehensive approach taken by this administration to address housing issues in the city, including:-

 

·  The continued development of the Easel Project

·  Wide ranging plans to tackle poor housing standards in the private sector with an initial focus on tackling excess cold

·  The development and establishment of an Affordable Housing Strategic Partnership to maximise the development and delivery of affordable housing in the city

·  The delivery of multi million pound Housing PFI projects in Swarcliffe, Little London and Beeston Hill and Holbeck, with further plans to secure £270m to tackle older people’s housing.

·  The delivery of the first new council homes in Leeds for over 20 years

·  Significant reductions in the number of homeless people living in the city

·  Continuing delivery of the Social Housing decency programme

·  Increased assistance to vulnerable people through disabled facilities grants

Furthermore this council notes the work already being undertaken to develop a flexible and innovative response to the recent financial crisis and knock on effects this has had on the housing market, that includes:

 

·  Approaching local developers to see whether unsold properties can be purchased by the local authority or local housing associations.

·  Working with local housing associations to ensure they maximise Leeds’ share of the funding available through the Government’s recent rescue package.

·  Working with owners of empty flats in the city centre to bring them into use for key workers and others in housing need.

·  Ensuring owner occupiers at risk of losing their homes receive high quality advice, including warnings about unscrupulous finance companies.

·  Continue to lobby Central Government on all aspects of housing in Leeds for the benefit of Leeds  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

52.

White Paper Motion - Backdating of Housing and Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credits

This Council deplores the decision implemented on 6th October 2008 to reduce the 12 months period previously allowed for the backdating of Housing and Council Tax Benefits and Tax Credits.

 

It, therefore, requests the Chief Executive to:

 

1)    Write to the Secretary of State for Works & Pensions requesting that the decision is reversed.

 

2)    Write to all Leeds MPs urging them to support our call for this reversal.

 

A BLACKBURN

 

Minutes:

Consent of Council was given under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10(a) for the mover to alter the motion by changing the reference to “Tax Credits” at the end of the first paragraph and replacing it with “Pension Credits”.

 

It was moved by Councillor A Blackburn seconded by Councillor Finnigan and

 

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY – That this Council deplores the decision implemented on 6th October 2008 to reduce the 12 months period previously allowed for the backdating of Housing and Council Tax Benefits and Pension Credits.

 

It, therefore, requests the Chief Executive to:

 

1)    Write to the Secretary of State for Works & Pensions requesting that the decision is reversed.

 

2)    Write to all Leeds MPs urging them to support our call for this reversal.

 

53.

White Paper Motion - Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment

This council expresses its concern at the Government imposed requirement for all Local Planning Authorities to compile a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment – Call for sites (SHLAA).

 

Noting Government advice, Local Planning Authorities cannot exclude green belt, greenfield sites or any other land protected by Council policy from the assessment.

 

This Council reinforces its commitment to vigorously protect its green heritage and to continue working within its established planning policies. It condemns the enforced stealth tactics employed by the Government which seeks to undermine the local planning policy which protects such areas of land and calls on the Government to reassess its unsustainable housing targets.

 

This council is also concerned that the SHLAA will raise false aspirations and may be misinterpreted by some that all land contained can be potentially built upon. Therefore the SHLAA for Leeds must state that it’s contents will not determine land allocated for housing development or undermine the Council’s pre-approved policies. 

 

A  CARTER

 

 

Minutes:

Authority having been given in writing by Councillor A Carter, in whose name the motion stood, in the terms of Council Procedure Rule 12.3(b), it was moved by Councillor Campbell seconded by Councillor Anderson

 

That this council expresses its concern at the Government imposed requirement for all Local Planning Authorities to compile a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment – Call for sites (SHLAA).

 

Noting Government advice, Local Planning Authorities cannot exclude green belt, greenfield sites or any other land protected by Council policy from the assessment.

 

This Council reinforces its commitment to vigorously protect its green heritage and to continue working within its established planning policies. It condemns the enforced stealth tactics employed by the Government which seeks to undermine the local planning policy which protects such areas of land and calls on the Government to reassess its unsustainable housing targets.

 

This council is also concerned that the SHLAA will raise false aspirations and may be misinterpreted by some that all land contained can be potentially built upon. Therefore the SHLAA for Leeds must state that it’s contents will not determine land allocated for housing development or undermine the Council’s pre-approved policies.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Gruen seconded by Councillor Taggart

 

Delete the following from paragraph 3

 

“It condemns the enforced stealth tactics employed by the Government which seeks to undermine the local planning policy which protects such areas of land”

 

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

 

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY - That this council expresses its concern at the Government imposed requirement for all Local Planning Authorities to compile a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment – Call for sites (SHLAA).

 

Noting Government advice, Local Planning Authorities cannot exclude green belt, greenfield sites or any other land protected by Council policy from the assessment.

 

This Council reinforces its commitment to vigorously protect its green heritage and to continue working within its established planning policies and calls on the Government to reassess its unsustainable housing targets.

 

This council is also concerned that the SHLAA will raise false aspirations and may be misinterpreted by some that all land contained can be potentially built upon. Therefore the SHLAA for Leeds must state that it’s contents will not determine land allocated for housing development or undermine the Council’s pre-approved policies.

 

(The provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4 providing for the winding up of business were applied to the conclusion of the debate on this item and to business thereafter)

 

54.

White Paper Motion - Policing Green Paper

That this Council notes with concern recommendations in the policing green paper which propose the direct election of individuals specifically and uniquely for the purpose of joining the Police Authority.

 

The Council recognises that increased police accountability and scrutiny will promote greater public confidence in both local and national policing. However, the Council also recognises that councillors play a vital role in establishing visible links between local people and the police, and do so with a thorough knowledge of wider neighbourhood issues.

 

We therefore call upon the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary and express that we are:

 

  • Opposed to the election of individuals specifically for the purpose of joining the police authority as referred to in the green paper.

 

  • Concerned that joined up approaches to tackling neighbourhood issues will be undermined if individually elected bodies become responsible for single local authority departments.

 

  • Convinced that councillors on the Police Authority play a vital role in representing the views of local people on a real range of issues.

 

R LEWIS

 

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor R Lewis seconded by Councillor Lowe and

 

RESOLVED - That this Council notes with concern recommendations in the policing green paper which propose the direct election of individuals specifically and uniquely for the purpose of joining the Police Authority.

 

The Council recognises that increased police accountability and scrutiny will promote greater public confidence in both local and national policing. However, the Council also recognises that councillors play a vital role in establishing visible links between local people and the police, and do so with a thorough knowledge of wider neighbourhood issues.

 

·  We therefore call upon the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary and express that we are Opposed to the election of individuals specifically for the purpose of joining the police authority as referred to in the green paper

·  Concerned that joined up approaches to tackling neighbourhood issues will be undermined if individually elected bodies become responsible for single local authority departments.

·  Convinced that councillors on the Police Authority play a vital role in representing the views of local people on a real range of issues.

 

55.

White Paper Motion Submitted Under the Provisions of Council Procedure Rule 3.1(d) - Leeds Rhinos

That this Council congratulates both players and staff of Leeds Rhinos’ on their historic two in a row Grand Final success.

 

Furthermore this Council underlines its commitment to providing the Rhinos with a Civic celebration worthy of their achievements at a suitable time for all parties.

 

K PARKER

 

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Parker seconded by Councillor J Lewis and

 

RESOLVED - That this Council congratulates both players and staff of Leeds Rhinos’ on their historic two in a row Grand Final success.

 

Furthermore this Council underlines its commitment to providing the Rhinos with a Civic celebration worthy of their achievements at a suitable time for all parties.

 

56.

White Paper Motion Submitted Under the Provisions of Council Procedure Rule 3.1(d) - Minimum Size Standards for Family Homes

This Council notes with concern that England and Wales are the only countries in Western Europe without minimum size standards for family homes. This has led to British Social Housing being on average 30% smaller than the equivalent on the continent. This council calls upon the government to  introduce minimum size standards in Britain for family homes.

 

J MONAGHAN

 

 

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Monaghan seconded by Councillor Pryke and

 

RESOLVED – That this Council notes with concern that England and Wales are the only countries in Western Europe without minimum size standards for family homes. This has led to British Social Housing being on average 30% smaller than the equivalent on the continent. This council calls upon the government to  introduce minimum size standards in Britain for family homes.

 

 

 

 

 

(Council rose at 7.10 pm)