Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor congratulated the 23 Leeds athletes on their success at the recent Commonwealth Games.

b)  The Lord Mayor congratulated the Leeds Rhinos on winning the 2014 Challenge Cup.

c)  The Lord Mayor reported that John Kearsley had retired on 5^th September 2014.

d)  The Lord Mayor reported the recent death of former Lady Mayoress Mrs Gwen Landers who was Lady Mayoress in 1960/61.

e)  The Lord Mayor reminded Members that the Memorial Service for Ann Maguire would take place on 29 September at Leeds Town Hall.    

To approve the minutes of the Council Meetings held on 2^nd July 2014.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meetings held on 2^nd July 2014 be approved.

There were no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests made during the meeting however Councillor Cleasby declared that his daughter was an allotment holder in respect of minute 39, 44 and 45. 

a)  The Chief Executive informed Council that he had received a large amount of correspondence congratulating the Council for organising and hosting the Tour de France Grand Depart on the 5^th July 2014,  and that was available to Members should they wish to see it.

b)   The Chief Executive also informed Council that a response to a Council resolution has been received from Earl Howe, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Quality with regard to a White Paper in respect of the NHS considered at Council in July 2014 and that the response has previously been circulated to all Members of Council.

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

1)  Feed Leeds regarding a new food strategy for Leeds 

2)  Leeds Suicide Prevention Group regarding prevention and support.

3)  The Have a Voice(Children in Care) Council regarding ‘the promise’

4)  Leeds and District Gardeners Federation regarding allotments in Leeds

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 and 2 be referred to the Director of Public Health for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member ,that the subject matter in respect of deputation 3 be referred to the Director of Children’s Services for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member and that the subject matter in respect of deputation 4 be referred to the Director of Environment and Housing for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.  

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 appointment referred to in paragraph 4 of the report be approved, namely that Councillor Illingworth be appointed to replace Councillor Truswell on Scrutiny Board(Housing & Regeneration) and Councillor A McKenna be appointed to replace Councillor S McKenna on the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens & Communities) presenting to Council the Area Committees’ Annual Report for 2013/14 and the work now being progressed to further improve the effectiveness, profile and community engagement role of community committees.

It was moved by Councillor P Gruen, seconded by Councillor Nash and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) presenting to Council the Area Committees’ Annual report for 2013/14 be received and that the work now being progressed to further improve the effectiveness, profile and community engagement role of Community Committees be agreed.

To consider a report in respect of the Outer North East Community Committee

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

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Outer North East Community Committee be noted.

To consider a report in respect of the Outer East Community Committee

It was moved by Councillor A McKenna, seconded by Councillor Harland and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Outer East Community Committee be noted.

Q1  Councillor Wadsworth to the Executive Member (Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities inform Council how much Leeds City Council paid in legal costs associated with the recent judicial review carried out by allotment holders and associations in Leeds?

The Executive Member (Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities) replied.

Q2  Councillor J Bentley to the Leader of Council :-

Could the Leader of Council explain how his administration can justify the subsidies provided to Trade Unions by Leeds City Council in light of those Trade Unions failing to engage in constructive dialogue over Terms and Conditions of employment as outlined in the Deputy Chief Executives letter to staff?

The Leader of Councilreplied.

Q3  Councillor K Ritchie to the Executive Member (Digital & Creative Technologies ,Culture and Skills):-

Can the Executive Member with responsibility for sport comment on the important role played by Leeds in Team England’s success at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games?

The Executive Member (Digital & Creative Technologies ,Culture and Skills) replied.

Q4  Councillor J McKenna to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care):-

Please can the Executive Member for Adult Social Care update Council on the bid for Big Lottery Funding to tackle loneliness and social isolation among older people in the city?

The Executive Member (Adult Social Care) replied.

Q5  Councillor A Lamb to the Executive Member (Children and Families):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Children’s Services assure council that she is doing everything possible to ensure value for money for the tax payer in her department?

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

Q6  Councillor S Golton to the Executive Member (Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities):-

Could the Executive Board member for Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities explain why the Council is not willing to sit down with the LDAGF to resolve their differences?

The Executive Member (Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities) replied.

Q7  Councillor M Rafique to the Executive Member ( Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities) :-

  Can the Executive Member responsible tell us what action can be taken to reduce the number of instances of domestic violence in Leeds?

The Executive Member (Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities) 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:-

Q8  Councillor Charlwood to the Executive Member(Children and Families)

Q9  Councillor G Latty to the Executive Member(Adult Social Care)

Q10  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member(Adult Social Care)

Q11  Councillor Maqsood to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel).

Q12  Councillor Sobel to the Executive Member (Health and Well- being).

Q13  Councillor Robinson to the Leader of Council.

Q14  Councillor Townsley to the Executive Member (Transport and the Economy).

Q15  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel).

Q16  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Health and Well- being).

Q17  Councillor Anderson to the Leader of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

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 45 above, it was moved by Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor J Bentley that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 13.2 (c) that the order of business be changed so that the reference back in the name of Councillor Golton falling within the Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel portfolio of the Executive Board minutes be heard first within the Executive Board minutes(prior to the Digital & Creative Technologies, Culture & Skills portfolio).

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

To receive Community Concerns in respect of:-

1)  Councillor A McKenna - Concerns about the GP practice in Swillington.

2)  Councillor Venner –  Suicide in West Leeds

3)  Councillor Cleasby – To raise issues regarding parking around rail  stations and other planned transport infrastructure.

4)  Councillor Varley – Japanese Knotweed on land in Morley South.

5)  Councillor Collins – To address concerns around changes to land designation that could lead to reduced protection for important green spaces in Horsforth (and the city), particularly land with historical and ecological significance.

6)  Councillor A Blackburn -  Telecommunications Cabinets on Pavements in Farnley and Wortley

Council heard the following Community Concerns;

1)Councillor A McKenna  - Concerns about the GP practice in Swillington.

2)Councillor Venner  - Suicide in West Leeds.

3)Councillor Townsley  – To raise issues regarding parking around rail stations and other planned transport infrastructure.

4)Councillor Varley – Japanese Knotwood on land in Morley South.

5)Councillor Collins – To address concerns around changes to land designation that could lead to reduced protection for important green spaces in Horsforth (and the city), particularly land with historical and ecological significance.

6)Councillor A Blackburn – Telecommunications cabinets on pavements in Farnley and Wortley.

During the consideration of Community Concerns, the meeting was suspended at 5.00 pm and resumed at 5.30 pm

Following the unveiling of the Roll of Honour the Lord Mayor invited Councillors A Carter, Hanley, Lay, Leadley and D Blackburn to address Council on the work of Councillor Fox.

a)  The Lord Mayor congratulated Councillor Dan Cohen and Mrs Cohen on the recent birth of their daughter.

b)  The Lord Mayor also congratulated Councillor Dowson on her recent marriage.

This Council extends its thanks and appreciation to all the organisers, council staff and volunteers who helped make the Tour de France Grand Depart such a wonderful success for Leeds and the region.

It was moved by Councillor J L Carter, seconded by Councillor Wadsworth and

RESOLVED - That this Council extends its thanks and appreciation to all the organisers, council staff and volunteers who helped make the Tour de France Grand Depart such a wonderful success for Leeds and the region.

Council welcomes Government recognition of our exceptionally strong case for greater devolution of financial powers as reflected in the Growth Deal agreed by Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership in July 2014.

However, in order to provide long-term growth and a genuine rebalancing of the national economy, this must be the start and not the end of the further devolution of power and resources to cities and city regions.

This Council therefore commits to:

§  Deliver increased jobs and drive growth through continued and sustained local investment.

§  Build on our proven track record of delivering effective local outcomes through strong partnerships.

In order to enable the Leeds City Region to fulfil its economic potential Council also calls on Government to:

§  Rapidly implement the Growth Deal in full and immediately engage in negotiation regarding the next round of Growth Deals.

§  Commit to true devolution without any imposition of politically motivated conditions.

Support the proposals set out by England’s nine largest cities for greater financial freedoms and local control over how finance is raised and invested.

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.9(a), leave of Council was given to alter the wording of the motion in the name of Councillor Wakefield to include the final paragraph of the submitted amendment in the name of Councillor Andrew Carter.

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 13.2(d) and 14.10 and with the consent of the seconder, leave of Council was given to Councillor Andrew Carter to withdraw the amendment in his name.

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor A Carter and

RESOLVED - That this Council welcomes Government recognition of our exceptionally strong case for greater devolution of financial powers as reflected in the Growth Deal agreed by Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership in July 2014.

However, in order to provide long-term growth and a genuine rebalancing of the national economy, this must be the start and not the end of the further devolution of power and resources to cities and city regions.

This Council therefore commits to:

·  Deliver increased jobs and drive growth through continued and sustained local investment.

·  Build on our proven track record of delivering effective local outcomes through strong partnerships.

In order to enable the Leeds City Region to fulfil its economic potential Council also calls on Government to:

·  Rapidly implement the Growth Deal in full and immediately engage in negotiation regarding the next round of Growth Deals.

·  Commit to true devolution without any imposition of politically motivated conditions.

·  Support the proposals set out by England’s nine largest cities for greater financial freedoms and local control over how finance is raised and invested.

·  Consult widely on the need to introduce an elected decision making body at City Region level in order to establish democratic legitimacy and public scrutiny

This Council notes with concern the recent events in South Yorkshire with regard to the Police Commissioner for that area.  This Council believes these events and the inability to be able to remove Police and Crime Commissioners in such circumstances prove that the present situation is woefully inadequate.

This Council, therefore, requests the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary calling for the return of properly accountable Police Committees made up of elected councillors, and for procedures to be introduced in the interim to give the Secretary of State the power to remove any Police and Crime Commissioner, if the circumstances prove it necessary.

It was moved by Councillor A Blackburn , seconded by Councillor Campbell that this Council notes with concern the recent events in South Yorkshire with regard to the Police Commissioner for that area.  This Council believes these events and the inability to be able to remove Police and Crime Commissioners in such circumstances prove that the present situation is woefully inadequate.

This Council, therefore, requests the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary calling for the return of properly accountable Police Committees made up of elected councillors, and for procedures to be introduced in the interim to give the Secretary of State the power to remove any Police and Crime Commissioner, if the circumstances prove it necessary.

An amendment was moved by Councillor J L Carter, seconded by G Latty

 Delete all after “for that area” and insert the following:

“and calls on the South Yorkshire Police Commissioner to immediately resign.

“This Council believes the inability to be able to remove Police and Crime Commissioners in such circumstances proves that the present situation is inadequate.

“This Council, therefore, requests the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary asking that powers be given to the Police and Crime Panels, to be able to remove a Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Council also requests the Chief Executive to write to the South Yorkshire Police Commissioner advising him it is the view of this Council he should immediately resign."

Motion would read:

“This Council notes with concern the recent events in South Yorkshire with regard to the Police Commissioner for that area and calls on the South Yorkshire Police Commissioner to immediately resign.

“This Council believes the inability to be able to remove Police and Crime Commissioners in such circumstances proves that the present situation is inadequate.

“This Council, therefore, requests the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary asking that powers be given to the Police and Crime Panels, to be able to remove a Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Council also requests the Chief Executive to write to the South Yorkshire Police Commissioner advising him it is the view of this Council he should immediately resign."

The amendment in the name of Councillor J L Carter was carried and upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED  -  That this Council notes with concern the recent events in South Yorkshire with regard to the Police Commissioner for that area and calls on the South Yorkshire Police Commissioner to immediately resign.

This Council believes the inability to be able to remove Police and Crime Commissioners in such circumstances proves that the present situation is inadequate.

This Council, therefore, requests the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary asking that powers be given to the Police and Crime Panels, to be able to remove a Police and Crime Commissioner.

Council also requests the Chief Executive to write to the South Yorkshire Police Commissioner advising him it is the view of this Council he should immediately resign.