Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that Councillor Gerry Harper who had recently been ill was now out of hospital and recovering at home.

b)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that Leeds had recently been voted one of the best places in the UK to live.

c)  The Lord Mayor informed Council of the recent success in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition, particularly the Gold Award in the Large City Category.

d)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that John Tinker the former Director of Parks had recently received a Royal Horticultural Society award for his services to Britain in Bloom.

e)  The Lord Mayor reminded all those present that the Council meeting was been webcast.

f)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that he had agreed to the inclusion of a late item in respect of the Combined Authority, details of which were not received until after the agenda had been despatched. 

To confirm the minutes of the Council Meetings held on Wednesday 11^th September 2013.

It was moved by Councillor Nash, seconded by Councillor G Latty and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of both meetings held on 11^th September 2013 be approved.

Councillor Asghar Khan declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in the White Paper Motion regarding Post Offices (minutes 62 refers) as an employee of the Royal Mail. Councillor Khan left the meeting during discussion on this item.

There were no communications.

Four deputations were admitted to the meeting and addressed Council, as follows:-

1)  20’s Plenty Campaign regarding speed limits on roads in Leeds

2)  Friends of Leeds Kirkgate Market

3)  MENCAP – Regarding Learning Disability Event at Leeds Civic Hall.

4)  The role of post offices within the community.

RESOLVED - That the subject matter in respect of the deputations be referred to the Executive Board for consideration.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor setting out recommendations from the General Purposes Committee on 28^th October 2013 to Full Council to amend the constitution to reflect the designation of functions in relation to the late night levy as Council functions, the report recommends provision in relation to the decision making and accountability framework relating to the Late Night Levy and does not consider at all any policy decisions relating to it.

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor Nash and

RESOLVED –

That the following recommendations of the General Purposes Committee regarding amendments to the following parts of the Constitution as set out in the relevant Appendix to this report be approved:-

·  Functions of Full Council – Part 3 Section 2A (Appendix A)

·  Terms of Reference for Licensing Committee – Part 3 Section 2B (Appendix B)

·  Officer Delegation Scheme – Council Functions – Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) – Part 3 Section 2C (Appendix C).

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration setting out recommendations from the General Purposes Committee on 28th October 2013 to Full Council to consider final proposals for the community governance review of all parish and town councils and agree the final proposals to be published on 25 November 2013.

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor Nash and

RESOLVED –

a)  That the recommended final proposals as set out in Appendix A of the report which were agreed with cross-party support at General Purposes Committee be approved.

b)  That the Officer recommendations for electoral arrangements in respect of proposal CGR12(c) attached at Appendix C of the report be approved.

c)  That the final proposals including Officer recommendations be approved.

d)  To note that the final proposals approved today will be published as part of the Council’s Final Notice of Joint Review on 25 November 2013.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development regarding the Consultation Response in respect of the Combined Authority.

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield , seconded by Councillor Nash and

RESOLVED –

a)  That the publication of the Government consultation paper which invites the submission of views by Thursday 2 January 2014 be welcomed ;

b)  That the proposed constitutional arrangements and functions of the Combined Authority as set out in the consultation paper be endorsed;

c)  That the proposed approach to responding to the consultation be approved;

d)  That the Chief Executive (in consultation with the City Solicitor and Leader)be authorised to make a formal response to DCLG confirming the Council’s support for the establishment of the Combined Authority and take such other steps as are considered appropriate to facilitate the preparation of the Order; and

e)  To note that the next steps and timetable and in particular that providing Government is satisfied that the proposals for a Combined Authority for West Yorkshire command wide local support and also meet the required statutory conditions, the Secretary of State will invite Parliament to approve the Order establishing the Combined Authority.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Nash, seconded by Councillor G Latty and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be approved, namely that;

·  That Councillor Pauleen Grahame be appointed to the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee to replace Councillor Ron Grahame.

·  That Councillor Robinson replace Councillor Buckley on Scrutiny Board(Safer and Stronger Communities)

·  That Councillor Buckley replace Councillor Robinson on Scrutiny Board (Health and Well-being and Adult Social Care).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking from Full Council the second resolution confirming the resolution to promote a Transport & Works Act Order for the New Generation Transport (NGT) Scheme.

It was moved by Councillor R Lewis , seconded by Councillor Nash and

RESOLVED -  That the resolution of 1 July 2013 authorising the joint promotion with the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive of an order made under the Transport and Works Act 1992 for the purposes of and in connection with the construction and operation of a trolley vehicle system in the city of Leeds comprising a northern route running from the city centre through Headingley to a park and ride site at Bodington and on to Holt Park, and a southern route running from the city centre to a park and ride site at Stourton; and to make provision in the city for the stopping up or diversion of existing rights of way, traffic regulation, street works, the construction of stops along the route, park and ride facilities, other associated and consequential works, the compulsory purchase of land and rights in land, the use of land permanently, the temporary possession of land and other works and provisions necessary for the purposes of, or for purposes ancillary to, the construction or operation of the trolley vehicle system, as now applied for be confirmed.

On the requisition of Councillors Nash and Hardy, the voting on the motion was recorded as follows:-

YES

Akhtar, Atha, Blake, Bruce, Campbell, A Carter, Charlwood, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Cummins, Davey, Dawson, Dobson, Downes, Dowson, Dunn, Gabriel, Golton, P Grahame, R Grahame, Groves, C Gruen, P Gruen, S Hamilton, Hardy, Harington, Harland, J Harper, A Hussain, G Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, Khan, Lay, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, Macniven, Maqsood, A McKenna, J McKenna, Mitchell, Morgan, Mulherin, Nagle, Nash, Ogilvie, J Procter, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Sobel, Taggart, E Taylor, Towler, Truswell, Urry, Wakefield, Walker, Walshaw and Yeadon. 

65

NO

Anderson, J Bentley, S Bentley, A Blackburn, Buckley, J L Carter, Chapman, Cleasby, Cohen, Elliott, Finnigan, Gettings, Fox, Lamb, G Latty, Leadley, Townsley, Varley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson.

20

ABSTAIN

Castle, M Hamilton, Harrand,    3

Q1  Councillor A Carter to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy):-

Will the Executive Member tell Council how much money was spent on the consultation for the now defunct proposal to charge for residents’ parking permits?

The Executive Member (Development and the Economy) replied.

Q2  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Health and Well-being):-

Could the Executive Board member for Health and Well-being tell Council what the total amount saved by renegotiating terms in public health contracts, renewed by Leeds City Council during the current financial year, is?

The Executive Member (Health and Well-being) replied.

Q3  Councillor Selby to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care):-

Will the Executive Member for Adult Social Care please share his views on commissioned homecare?

The Executive Member (Adult Social Care) replied.

Q4  Councillor Harland to Scrutiny Board Chair (Health and Well-being and Adult Social Care):-

Would Cllr Illingworth confirm the current position in relation to children’s heart surgery services in Leeds?

The Scrutiny Board Chair (Health and Well-being and Adult Social

Care)replied.

Q5  Councillor G Latty to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care):-

Does the Executive Member for Adult Social Care believe that the Council’s social care services  are adequately responding to the challenge of older people feeling isolated and lonely in their homes?

The Executive Member (Adult Social Care) replied.

Q6  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Environment):-

Is the Executive Board Member for Environment satisfied the service he is responsible for is geared up to expand the alternate refuse collection service in mid  November?

The Executive Member (Environment) replied.

Q7  Councillor Akhtar to the Executive Member (Leisure and Skills):-

Can the Executive Member for Leisure and Skills comment on the importance of Leeds retaining a vibrant cultural offer?

The Executive Member (Leisure and Skills) replied.

Q8  Councillor Maqsood to the Executive Member (Health and Well-being):-

Would the Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing comment on the financial challenges facing the delivery of healthcare in the city?

The Executive Member (Health and Well-being) 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 answers would be sent to each Member of Council:-

Q9  Councillor Lamb to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy):-

Q10  Councillor Cleasby to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services):-

Q11  Councillor S Hamilton to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services).

Q12  Councillor Iqbal to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy).

Q13  Councillor Cohen to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy).

Q14  Councillor S Bentley to the Executive Member (Environment).

Q15  Councillor Khan to the Executive Member (Environment).

Q16  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy).

Q17  Councillor Lamb to the Executive Member (Leisure and Skills).

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor Nash that the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

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

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 debate under minute 54 above, it was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Campbell that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 22.1 that Council Procedure Rule 3.3 be suspended to allow consideration of the Executive Board minutes for an additional 10 minutes until 4.20pm, comments on the other minutes will then follow until 4.40pm with the Leader of Council commencing his summing up at 4.40pm for a period up to 10 minutes.

Upon being put to the vote, the motion was carried.

To receive a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Finnigan in respect of the expansion of Cottingley Springs.

The City Solicitor provided Legal advice clarifying the position in relation to Back Bench Community Concerns and live planning applications following which Council received a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Finnigan in respect of the expansion of Cottingley Springs.

To receive a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Walshaw in respect of the use of 'rape culture' as a marketing tool for student nights.

Council received a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Walshaw in respect of the use of 'rape culture' as a marketing tool for student nights.

To receive a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Harland in respect of local concerns about Peckfield Landfill Site.

Council received a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Harland in respect of local concerns about Peckfield Landfill Site.

To receive a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Cohen in respect of issues created by orphan copses and overgrown trees in Alwoodley ward.

Council received a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Cohen in respect of issues created by orphan copses and overgrown trees in Alwoodley ward.

To receive a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Chapman in respect of issues relating to playground provision in Weetwood.

Council received a Community Concern in the name of Councillor Chapman in respect of issues relating to playground provision in Weetwood.

This Council confirms its support for HS2 and welcomes the investment this will bring to Leeds, Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East, and urges the Government to press ahead with the scheme, whilst keeping control of the costs and assessing the best possible route.

It was moved by Councillor A Carter, seconded by Councillor G Latty that this Council confirms its support for HS2 and welcomes the investment this will bring to Leeds, Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East, and urges the Government to press ahead with the scheme, whilst keeping control of the costs and assessing the best possible route.”

An amendment was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor J Bentley;

Insert at start of motion:

“This council recognises the importance of connectivity between cities to rebalancing the economy and welcomes the increased government investment in rail infrastructure in the region.”

Replace HS2 with “the principle of a new high speed rail line to Leeds”

Delete all after North East and insert:

“This Council calls on HS2 Ltd to confirm its commitment to a property bond for householders affected by the new line and for the Leader of Council to confirm his preference for a route following the existing M1/M621 corridor.”

The amended motion would read:

“This Council recognises the importance of connectivity between cities to rebalancing the economy and welcomes the increased government investment in rail infrastructure in the region.

“This Council confirms its support for the principle of a new high speed rail line to Leeds and welcomes the investment this will bring to Leeds, Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East.

“This Council calls on HS2 Ltd to confirm its commitment to a property bond for householders affected by the new line and for the Leader of Council to confirm his preference for a route following the existing M1/M621 corridor.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor R Lewis, seconded by Councillor Hardy;

This Council confirms its support for HS2 and welcomes the investment this will bring to Leeds, Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East, and urges the Government to press ahead with the scheme, whilst keeping control of the costs,

Delete all that follows and replace with:

“assessing the best possible route, protecting existing communities threatened by the route and ensuring a fair and equitable compensation package is provided for Leeds residents.

Council further recognises that major future investment is equally required to increase the capacity of local rail services that are unacceptably and increasingly overcrowded at peak times.

Council notes that the example of East Coast, together with the success of Network Rail, demonstrates the powerful case for returning the rail network to public ownership.”

The amendment in the name of Councillor Golton was declared lost.

The second amendment in the name of Councillor R Lewis was carried, and upon being put as the substantive motion, it was

RESOLVED -   That this Council confirms its support for HS2 and welcomes the investment this will bring to Leeds, Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East, and urges the Government to press ahead with the scheme, whilst keeping control of the costs,

Assessing the best possible route, protecting existing communities threatened by the route and ensuring a fair and equitable compensation package is provided for Leeds  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

This Council notes with alarm the speed with which the privatisation of Royal Mail was implemented and the potential risk that may now pose to jobs and post offices in Leeds.

Members remain deeply concerned that the financial undervaluing of the organisation has denied the Government much needed capital funds at a time of hugely damaging budget cuts elsewhere in the public sector.

The rush to privatise the organisation has irreparably damaged industrial relations and risks residents and businesses receiving a poorer service at increased cost.

Council remains concerned that our local communities, particularly in rural areas, could see post offices close and the current 6 days-a-week universal service under threat. 

Council requests that the Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and to all Leeds MPs to make its concerns clear.

It was moved by Councillor G Hyde, seconded by Councillor Nash that this Council notes with alarm the speed with which the privatisation of Royal Mail was implemented and the potential risk that may now pose to jobs and post offices in Leeds.

Members remain deeply concerned that the financial undervaluing of the organisation has denied the Government much needed capital funds at a time of hugely damaging budget cuts elsewhere in the public sector.

The rush to privatise the organisation has irreparably damaged industrial relations and risks residents and businesses receiving a poorer service at increased cost.

Council remains concerned that our local communities, particularly in rural areas, could see post offices close and the current 6 days-a-week universal service under threat. 

Council requests that the Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and to all Leeds MPs to make its concerns clear.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor Chapman

Delete all after “This Council notes” and replace with

“that the Royal Mail has now been separated from the Post Office Ltd, who have now been given a secure future thanks to a £1.3 billion support package from the coalition government.

Council notes that over 7,000 post offices closed under the previous government and welcomes the secure future that the coalition government has provided for both the Royal Mail and Post Office Ltd.  In particular council welcomes the commitment by Government that there will be no more Post Office closure programmes, and particular welcomes new investment in upgrading and refurbishing local post offices in areas across Leeds.

Council regrets that the current administration voted down proposals for the Council to support local post offices, through negotiations with Post Office Ltd to use the network of sub post offices across our community to deliver council services, in April 2011.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Cohen

Delete all after ‘This Council notes’ and replace with:

‘the recent steps to privatise the Royal Mail and welcomes the revenue this will generate for the public purse.

This Council further notes that the sale of Royal Mail is the final act in a reform programme initiated by the last Government in 2008 and as such is the culmination of work by successive governments of all political persuasions.

This Council is committed to supporting a first rate mail service for residents of Leeds and is re-assured by the protection currently offered to a 6 day postal service in Leeds through statute in the Postal Services Act (2011). Council also supports the continued Government involvement in the ownership of Post Offices and notes the record number of Post Office closures carried out by the last Labour Government.

This Council requests regular updates to be brought to the Resources and Council Services Scrutiny Board to ensure that communities in Leeds continue to have access to Post Office branches and a quality postal service. Where this is not the case the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

Whilst welcoming the recent announcement of the successful Leeds Cycle City bid including £18 million of government funding, Council notes the recommended level of expenditure on cycling in the all-party Get Britain Cycling report is £10 per head per year, a figure which is significantly higher than current expenditure in Leeds.

Council believes that the interest generated by the hosting the Grand Depart of next year's Tour de France represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to increase the number of active cyclists in Leeds and recognises that sustained investment in cycling infrastructure is necessary for many years to come if this is to become a regular mode of transport for more residents.

Given the many benefits that cycling can bring, Council commits to the principle of increasing investment in cycling in Leeds year on year, and asks officers to produce a report to Executive Board, which will feed into the Council's budget-setting process and inform future policy development at both a city and regional level, identifying:

a) Estimated current spending levels on cycling on a per capita basis in Leeds.

b) Spending levels required to achieve the £10 per head target figure.

c) How the gap between current spending levels and how the £10 per head target level might be achieved and a timescale for this.

It was moved by Councillor M Hamilton, seconded by Councillor S Bentley,

That whilst welcoming the recent announcement of the successful Leeds Cycle City bid including £18 million of government funding, Council notes the recommended level of expenditure on cycling in the all-party Get Britain Cycling report is £10 per head per year, a figure which is significantly higher than current expenditure in Leeds.

Council believes that the interest generated by the hosting the Grand Depart of next year's Tour de France represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to increase the number of active cyclists in Leeds and recognises that sustained investment in cycling infrastructure is necessary for many years to come if this is to become a regular mode of transport for more residents.

Given the many benefits that cycling can bring, Council commits to the principle of increasing investment in cycling in Leeds year on year, and asks officers to produce a report to Executive Board, which will feed into the Council's budget-setting process and inform future policy development at both a city and regional level, identifying:

a) Estimated current spending levels on cycling on a per capita basis in Leeds.

b) Spending levels required to achieve the £10 per head target figure.

c) How the gap between current spending levels and how the £10 per head target level might be achieved and a timescale for this.

An amendment was moved by Councillor R Lewis, seconded by Councillor Nash

Delete paragraph one.

Council believes that the interest generated by hosting the Grand Depart of next year's Tour de France represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to increase the number of active cyclists in Leeds and recognises that sustained investment in cycling infrastructure is necessary for many years to come if this is to become a regular mode of transport for more residents.

Delete all after and replace with:

Council recognises that the challenge of delivering long-term sustainable investment in cycling has been made substantially harder by the Government decision to reduce Local Transport Plan funding by 50% after 2010/11.

Despite the lack of certainty created by this withdrawal of Government funding and the consequential increase in reliance on project-specific grant funding, this Council reiterates its aspiration to becoming a Cycling City.

Council commits to working with the LEP and other partners to further regional ambitions to boost cycling, build upon growing public interest and maximise resources available locally, regionally and nationally.

Council notes that work is continuing on a dedicated Cycling Strategy and asks that the final report be presented to the Executive Board. 

A second amendment was moved by Councillor A Carter, seconded by Councillor G Latty

Delete 1st Paragraph.

In paragraph 2, delete after “in cycling infrastructure is” and replace with:

‘important if cycling is to continue to grow in Leeds.’

Delete all after “investment in cycling in Leeds” in paragraph 3 and replace with:

‘whenever budgets allow and to continue to bid for national funding pots, such as the recent Leeds Cycle City  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.