Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor referred to the recent deaths of former Councillors Eileen Moxon and Brian Baines Barker and to that of the former Director of Galleries, Robert Rowe and Council stood in silent tribute.

b)  The Lord Mayor reported that Councillor Denise Atkinson had personally contacted her to report that she would be unable to attend the meeting.

c)  The Lord Mayor reported that Stuart Simmons of Adult Social Services had won the national award of Council Worker of the Year.  Mr Simmons was present in the Chamber and Council applauded him upon his achievement.

To confirm the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 21^st May 2009.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 21^st May 2009 be approved.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) referred to the listed declarations of school governorships associated with minute 32 of this meeting and advised that any Members holding such governorships, additional to those listed, did not need to declare in this respect.

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 Conduct were made as follows:-

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

b)  Councillor Anderson declared a personal interest in minute 29 of this meeting as Director of Green Leeds.

c)  Members declared personal interests in minute 32 of this meeting as follows:-

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

1)  North Hyde Park Residents’ Association and Friends of Woodhouse Moor regarding the Councils’ proposal to establish barbeque areas on Woodhouse Moor.

2)  Residents concerned at levels of local authority provision for the travelling community.

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

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

a)  That the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, as presented by the report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer, be approved and that the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) be authorised to make any consequential changes to the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

R BRETT

b)  That the Scrutiny Board’s Annual Report to Council, prepared in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution, be approved.

R BRETT

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

J PROCTER

d)  That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on amendments to the officer delegation scheme (executive functions) in accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 1.4 be noted

J PROCTER

a)  Members’ Allowance Scheme

It was moved by Councillor Brett, seconded by Councillor A Carter that the report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the Members’ Allowance Scheme be approved.

An amendment was moved by Councillor A Blackburn seconded by Councillor D Blackburn to delete the words “the recommendations” in line 1 and replace with “recommendation (b) only”.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the Members’ Allowance Scheme be approved.

b)  Scrutiny Boards’ Annual Report

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on appointments be approved subject to the addition of the following:-

Councillor S Smith replace Councillor S Bentley on Scrutiny Board (City Development) and Councillor S Bentley replace Councillor C Townsley on Scrutiny Board (Health)

Councillor D Coupar to replace Councillor J Dowson on Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services)

Councillor J Dowson to replace Councillor D Coupar on Scrutiny Board (Environment and Neighbourhoods)

d)  Amendments to the Officer Delegation Scheme

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on amendments to the Officer Delegation Scheme (Executive Functions) be noted.

To deal with questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.

1)  Councillor Lyons to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

Can the Executive Board Member for Environmental Services please tell me where his Administration plan to site their proposed incinerator?

The Executive Member (Environmental Services) replied.

2)  Councillor Hamilton to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

Would the Executive Member for Environmental Services indicate the cost to the Council of sending domestic waste to landfill in 2008/09?

The Executive Member (Environmental Services) replied.

3)  Councillor Bale to the Deputy Leader of Council

Would the Deputy Leader of Council like to share his views on the recent media coverage casting doubt on the proposed kidney dialysis unit for the LGI?

The Deputy Leader of Council replied.

4)  Councillor J Lewis to the Leader of Council

Does the Leader of Council agree with me that transparency is an important part of the Council’s communication with the public?

The Leader of Council replied.

5)  Councillor A Blackburn to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

Can the Executive Member for Environmental Services explain why the 'Waste Solution for Leeds' is now going to take waste from neighbouring authorities as well as commercial waste from Leeds?

The Executive Member (Environmental Services) replied.

6)  Councillor Iqbal to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

Can the Executive Board Member for Environmental Services confirm that the highest possible standards in health and cleanliness are being observed in his Department?

The Executive Member (Environmental Services) replied.

7)  Councillor Ewens to the Leader of Council

Would the Leader of Council comment on the proposals to promote a Year of Volunteering in Leeds in 2010?

The Leader of Council replied.

8)  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (Development and Regeneration)

Does the Executive Member for City Development & Regeneration know if the Government has agreed the financial support package submitted by Yorkshire Forward as a contribution towards the Leeds Arena Project?

The Executive Member (Development and Regeneration) replied.

9)  Councillor Renshaw to the Leader of Council

Will the Leader of Council confirm his commitment to health equality across the city?

The Leader of Council replied.

10)  Councillor Beverley to the Leader of Council

Can the Leader of Council please comment on the recent admission by Gordon Brown that his government's housing policies discriminate against the ethnic English population of this country, and his claim that this will be corrected so that immigrants and asylum seekers will no longer be put to the front of the housing queue, and can he tell us what implications this will have for the housing policies of Leeds City Council?

The Leader of Council replied.

11)  Councillor Jarosz to the Leader of Council

Can the Leader of Council reiterate the importance of effective fiscal management with the Council, particularly given the current economic circumstances?

The Leader of Council 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.

12)  Councillor Cleasby to the Leader of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

a)  That the Health and Wellbeing Partnership Plan 2009 to 2012 be approved.

R BRETT

b)  That the Children and Young People’s Plan 2009/14 be approved.

R BRETT

c)  That the draft of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy be approved for the purposes of consultation.

R BRETT

a)  Health and Wellbeing Partnership Plan

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

RESOLVED –That the Health and Wellbeing Partnership Plan be approved in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance).

b)  Children and Young People’s Plan

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

RESOLVED – That the Children and Young People’s Plan 2009/14 be approved in accordance with the recommendation of the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance).

c)  Draft of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy

It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor A Carter that the draft of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy be approved for the purposes of consultation in accordance with the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) subject to consent of Council under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10 to amend the text of the draft Statement of Licensing Policy by replacing the text at Section 12 with that contained in the interim consultation report which is also included in the papers before Council.

Consent of Council was given and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That the draft of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy be approved for the purposes of consultation in accordance with the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) subject to the amendment of the text of the draft Statement of Licensing Policy by replacing the text at Section 12 with that contained in the interim consultation report which was also included in the papers before Council.

That the annual report of the Standards Committee be received in accordance with the recommendations of the the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance).

C CAMPBELL

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

RESOLVED – That the annual report of the Standards Committee be received in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance).

That the recommendations of the General Purposes Committee, as contained in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) be approved.

A CARTER

(Report to follow.)

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

RESOLVED - That the recommendations of the General Purposes Committee on amendments to the Member Management Committee’s terms of reference as detailed in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) be approved.

That the annual report of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee be received in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance).

J BALE

It was moved by Councillor Bale seconded by Councillor Campbell and

RESOLVED - That the annual report of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee be received in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance)

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

R BRETT

It was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor J Procter

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

An amendment (reference back) was moved by Councillor J Lewis seconded by Councillor Lowe to the following at the end of item 11:

"but to ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to the Procurement of a Corporate Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Solution as contained in Minute 23, page 444 of the Executive Board minutes of the 17^th June 2009.”

The amendment was declared lost.

A second amendment (reference back) was moved by Councillor Dowson seconded by Councillor Murray to add the following at the end of item 11:-

"but to ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to Expanding Primary Place Provision ascontained in Minute 15, page 441 of the Executive Board minutes of the 17^th June 2009.”

The second amendment was declared 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.

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

On the requisition of Councillors Gruen and Atha the voting on the amendments was recorded as follows:-

First Amendment

YES

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

43

NO

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

49

ABSTAIN

T Leadley.

1

Second Amendment

YES

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

39

NO

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Cleasby, Downes, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, Hamilton, Harker, Harrand, Hollingsworth, K Hussain, W Hyde,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

That this Council condemns the recent service changes imposed on tax payers in this city. This Council believes the citizens of Leeds are entitled to Council services that will be delivered on time and meet the highest possible standards.

Specifically this council commits itself to a Leeds Waste Pledge which promises that:

1.  All bins will be collected on the day promised.

2.  There will always be a weekly ordinary waste collection.

3.  Every household will have a recycling waste collection.

This Council believes if the ruling administration are fining residents £75 for leaving their wheelie bins on the street, then it is also appropriate for residents to be refunded if their bins are not collected.

J LEWIS

It was moved by Councillor J Lewis seconded by Councillor Lowe

That this Council condemns the recent service changes imposed on tax payers in this city. This Council believes the citizens of Leeds are entitled to Council services that will be delivered on time and meet the highest possible standards.

Specifically this council commits itself to a Leeds Waste Pledge which promises that:-

1.  All bins will be collected on the day promised.

2.  There will always be a weekly ordinary waste collection.

3.  Every household will have a recycling waste collection.

This Council believes if the ruling administration are fining residents £75 for leaving their wheelie bins on the street, then it is also appropriate for residents to be refunded if their bins are not collected.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Monaghan seconded by Councillor Wadsworth to delete the first sentence of the motion, delete all after the end of the second sentence and replace with new paragraphs as follows :-

“Council therefore confirms its commitment to the Waste Strategy agreed at the Executive Board Meeting on the 11^th September 2007 and promises to continue to support measures to maintain and improve the efficiency of Streetscene Services.

Furthermore this Council reiterates its commitment to a weekly waste collection.”

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

RESOLVED – That this Council believes the citizens of Leeds are entitled to Council services that will be delivered on time and meet the highest possible standards.  Council therefore confirms its commitment to the Waste Strategy agreed at the Executive Board Meeting on the 11^th September 2007 and promises to continue to support measures to maintain and improve the efficiency of Streetscene Services.  Furthermore this Council reiterates its commitment to a weekly waste collection.

On the requisition of Councillors Gruen and Atha the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows:-

YES

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

49

NO

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

43

On the requisition of Councillors Bentley and Hamilton the voting on the substantive motion was recorded as follows:-

YES

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

That this Council agrees that the Neighbourhood Wardens do an excellent and essential job in the local areas which they currently cover and calls upon the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing to ensure that warden coverage remains in these areas.

A BLACKBURN

It was moved by Councillor A Blackburn seconded by Councillor Parnham

That this Council agrees that the Neighbourhood Wardens do an excellent and essential job in the local areas which they currently cover and calls upon the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing to ensure that warden coverage remains in these areas.

An amendment was moved by Councillor J L Carter seconded by Councillor Monaghan to delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“recognises the excellent work carried out by Neighbourhood Wardens and regrets the fact that the Government is stopping the funding that helped to pay for them. Council therefore resolves to proceed with the planned restructure of the service, which will ensure that the new Community Environment Officers continue to work at neighbourhood level, supporting local communities in the most deprived areas of the city.”

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

RESOLVED -  That this Council recognises the excellent work carried out by Neighbourhood Wardens and regrets the fact that the Government is stopping the funding that helped to pay for them. Council therefore resolves to proceed with the planned restructure of the service, which will ensure that the new Community Environment Officers continue to work at neighbourhood level, supporting local communities in the most deprived areas of the city.

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

On the requisition of Councillors J Procter and J L Carter, the voting on the substantive motion was recorded as follows:-

YES

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

49

NO

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

39

ABSTAIN

Beverley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Parnham.  4

That this Council reiterates its view that Leeds deserves a first class transport system and welcomes the Regional Transport Board’s proposed investment in ‘New Generation Transport’ which represents a key element of such a system, along with improved commuter rail and bus services.

Council therefore supports the NGT proposals drawn up for Leeds and welcomes, as a starting point, the consultation exercise currently being undertaken by the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority.  This Council believes that such proper public and political consultation should be undertaken for all major transport proposals affecting Leeds.

Any major transport project in Leeds is dependent on Government support therefore this Council calls upon Leeds’ MPs to campaign vigorously to ensure NGT will get the necessary funding from this and all future Governments.

Furthermore, this Council reiterates its all party commitment to the NGT project at both city and regional level.

R DOWNES

It was moved by Councillor Downes seconded by Councillor A Carter

That this Council reiterates its view that Leeds deserves a first class transport system and welcomes the Regional Transport Board’s proposed investment in ‘New Generation Transport’ which represents a key element of such a system, along with improved commuter rail and bus services.

Council therefore supports the NGT proposals drawn up for Leeds and welcomes, as a starting point, the consultation exercise currently being undertaken by the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority.  This Council believes that such proper public and political consultation should be undertaken for all major transport proposals affecting Leeds.

Any major transport project in Leeds is dependent on Government support therefore this Council calls upon Leeds’ MPs to campaign vigorously to ensure NGT will get the necessary funding from this and all future Governments.

Furthermore, this Council reiterates its all party commitment to the NGT project at both city and regional level.”

An amendment was moved by Councillor D Blackburn seconded by Councillor A Blackburn to delete all after ‘That this Council ’ and replace with:-

“Believes that all the citizens of Leeds deserves an accessible, state of the art 21st Century Public Transport System, which should include improved rail and bus services and the principle of a sustainable trolley bus system.

Council therefore calls upon all Leeds MP's to campaign vigorously in support of gaining the appropriate funding from this and future Governments to achieve these ends.”

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.11, with the consent of the seconder, leave of Council was given to Councillor R Lewis to withdraw the amendment in his name.

The amendment in the name of Councillor D Blackburn was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY – That this Council believes that all the citizens of Leeds deserves an accessible, state of the art 21st Century Public Transport System, which should include improved rail and bus services and the principle of a sustainable trolley bus system.

Council therefore calls upon all Leeds MP's to campaign vigorously in support of gaining the appropriate funding from this and future Governments to achieve these ends.

This Council believes that taking away free transport for post 16 school and college students would have disastrous consequences for young people, as it would seriously damage this Council’s ability to fulfil our commitment to the new 14-19 agenda. Furthermore it would limit choice and punish hardest those who most need our help. Therefore this Council resolves that travel to school or college will remain free in this city.

J DOWSON

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10 with the consent of the seconder leave of Council was given to Councillor Dowson to alter the motion by addition of the words “the Executive Board be informed that so far as Council is concerned“ between the words ”resolves that” and “travel”.

It was moved by Councillor Dowson seconded by Councillor Blake

That this Council believes that taking away free transport for post 16 school and college students would have disastrous consequences for young people, as it would seriously damage this Council’s ability to fulfil our commitment to the new 14-19 agenda. Furthermore it would limit choice and punish hardest those who most need our help. Therefore this Council resolves that the Executive Board be informed that, so far as Council is concerned, travel to school or college will remain free in this city.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Harker seconded by Councillor Lamb to Delete all after This Council and replace with:-

‘This Council is committed to ensuring that Leeds has a sustainable home to school/college transport policy that provides for all our young people to have access to a first class academic or vocational provision. 

Council welcomes the recent consultation exercise, the outcome of which has shown providing a free transport services is popular.  Therefore, Council calls on government to create a level playing field for all authorities to provide funding for home to school/college transport.

We further note the reluctance of central government to fund the costs of their vocational and academic programme.’

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

RESOLVED – That this Council is committed to ensuring that Leeds has a sustainable home to school/college transport policy that provides for all our young people to have access to a first class academic or vocational provision. 

Council welcomes the recent consultation exercise, the outcome of which has shown providing a free transport services is popular.  Therefore, Council calls on government to create a level playing field for all authorities to provide funding for home to school/college transport.

We further note the reluctance of central government to fund the costs of their vocational and academic programme.

That this Council condemns the recent decision by First Bus to cut bus services to communities throughout the city and resolves to do everything within its power to ensure that those services are reinstated.

Council welcomes the announcement by Metro that they intend to provide temporary funding to protect some of these services on a trial basis from mid-July and also the moves by Geldard Coaches, TLC Travel and Harrogate Coach Travel to protect other threatened routes.

This Council further resolves to explore all possible funding avenues to ensure that a fit for purpose 21^st century bus service is provided to the residents of Leeds, with or without the support of First Bus.

A SHELBROOKE

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.11, with the consent of the seconder, leave of Council was given to Councillor Shelbrooke to withdraw the motion in his name.

That this Council is concerned that despite the reduction in interest earned on savings that the Government continues to use a notional income from savings, which historically has been greater than that earned, when considering Council Tax Benefits.

This Council calls on the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council to write to the Government requesting that the notional income from savings is brought into line with prevailing interest rates to enable more people to claim Council Tax Benefits and help reduce poverty in this City.

S BENTLEY

It was moved by Councillor Bentley seconded by Councillor Fox

That this Council is concerned that despite the reduction in interest earned on savings that the Government continues to use a notional income from savings, which historically has been greater than that earned, when considering Council Tax Benefits.

This Council calls on the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council to write to the Government requesting that the notional income from savings is brought into line with prevailing interest rates to enable more people to claim Council Tax Benefits and help reduce poverty in this City.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Lowe seconded by Councillor Jarosz to delete all after “This Council” and replace with:-

“This Council welcomes Government plans to raise the lower capital threshold used in the calculation of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit by 66% for all those of pension age from November 2009.

This council recognises this will enable even more elderly people to claim both Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit, which will help reduce poverty in this city.

This council further acknowledges the importance of ensuring stability in benefit calculation to enable accurate financial forecasting by both individuals and public bodies.”

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

RESOLVED – That this Council is concerned that despite the reduction in interest earned on savings that the Government continues to use a notional income from savings, which historically has been greater than that earned, when considering Council Tax Benefits.

This Council calls on the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council to write to the Government requesting that the notional income from savings is brought into line with prevailing interest rates to enable more people to claim Council Tax Benefits and help reduce poverty in this City.

Council rose at 7.15 pm.