Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor reminded those present that the meeting was to be webcast.

b)  The Lord Mayor congratulated Councillor Gerry Harper on his selection as Lord Mayor elect for 2016/17.

c)  The Lord Mayor congratulated to the following who were honoured in the Queen’s New Year Honours List:-

·  Dorothy Brown CBE

·  Prof Susan Price CBE

·  Neil Clephan OBE

·  Cllr Keith Wakefield OBE

·  Jeffrey Brownhut MBE

·  Clare Harrigan MBE

·  Satpal Singh Nahl MBE

·  Asad Razzaq MBE

·  Hillary Willmer MBE

·  Maureen E Brewer BEM

·  Sandie Keene CBE

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 11^th November 2015.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th November 2015 be approved.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chief Executive informed Council of the receipt of correspondence from George Osborne MP in respect of the new HS2 Hub Station in Leeds a copy of which had been circulated to all Members of Council.

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor Selby that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs),

·  that CPR 12 (Motions on Notice) (White Paper Motions) be suspended to allow the introduction of a White Paper in the name of Councillor Blake and all subsequent amendments.

·  to suspend CPR 11.2(Notice of questions) to allow the questions to be taken in an order different to that notified. Q10 to Q5, Q5 to Q8 and Q8 to Q10 (as set out in the order paper)

·  to suspend CPR 3.3 (time limits) to allow an extra 30 minutes on Executive Board Minutes.

Upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED -  

a)  that CPR 12 (Motions on Notice) (White Paper Motions) be suspended to allow the introduction of a White Paper in the name of Councillor Blake and all subsequent amendments.

b)  to suspend CPR 11.2(Notice of questions) to allow the questions to be taken in an order different to that notified. Q10 to Q5, Q5 to Q8 and Q8 to Q10 (as set out in the order paper)

c)  to suspend CPR 3.3 (time limits) to allow an extra 30 minutes on Executive Board Minutes.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Golton that this Council is grateful for the outstanding response of council workers, other public services and community volunteers to the devastating floods in Leeds

over the Christmas period.

Council notes the support made available to those affected, but believes further Government funding is urgently needed to help residents and businesses recover as soon as possible.

This Council is committed on a cross party basis to work with Government and other partner agencies to bring forward much needed comprehensive flood defence measures for Leeds without delay.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Andrew Carter seconded by Councillor J Procter

Add the following to the end of the motion:

“This Council also believes that it has a major role to play in taking actions which will limit the effect of flooding on the residents of the city, and calls upon the Leader and Chief Executive to bring forward proposals that the Council can initiate in order that the City plays its full role in mitigating the effects of flooding.”

Motion would the read:

“This Council is grateful for the outstanding response of council workers, other public services and community volunteers to the devastating floods in Leeds over the Christmas period.

“Council notes the support made available to those affected, but believes further Government funding is urgently needed to help residents and businesses recover as soon as possible.

“This Council is committed on a cross party basis to work with Government and other partner agencies to bring forward much needed comprehensive flood defence measures for Leeds without delay.

“This Council also believes that it has a major role to play in taking actions which will limit the effect of flooding on the residents of the city, and calls upon the Leader and Chief Executive to bring forward proposals that the Council can initiate in order that the City plays its full role in mitigating the effects of flooding.”

The amendment in the name of Councillor Andrew Carter was declared lost and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED - That this Council is grateful for the outstanding response of council workers, other public services and community volunteers to the devastating floods in Leeds over the Christmas period.

Council notes the support made available to those affected, but believes further Government funding is urgently needed to help residents and businesses recover as soon as possible.

This Council is committed on a cross party basis to work with Government and other partner agencies to bring forward much needed comprehensive flood defence measures for Leeds without delay.

On the requisition of Councillors G Latty and Lamb, the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows;

YES – 19

B Anderson, C Anderson, Buckley, Amanda Carter, Andrew Carter, Castle, Cohen, Collins, ,Flynn, Harrand , Lamb, G Latty, P Latty, J Procter, R Procter, Robinson, Wadsworth, Wilkinson and Wood.

ABSTAIN – 8

A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Elliott, Finnigan, Gettings, Leadley, Varley and Wilford  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

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

1)  Children’s Mayor regarding the Global Families of Leeds Project

2)  Leeds Youth Parliament wishing to bring an end to Racism and religious discrimination.

3)  USDAW, the retail & distribution workers union regarding the deregulation of Sunday Trading.

4)    Weetwood Residents’ Association regarding safety considerations for residents and pedestrians along parts of Weetwood Lane resulting from overspill and unreasonable car parking.

RESOLVED – That the subject matters in respect of deputation 1 be referred to the Director of Children’s Services for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member that the subject matter in respect of deputation 2 be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities)for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member and the subject matter in respect of deputations 3 and 4 be referred to the Director of City Development for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To consider the joint report of the Head of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing and Section Head Legal Services setting out recommendations from the General Purposes Committee on 8^th December 2015 to Full Council in respect of changes to the Constitution to enable cross authority monitoring and enforcement of Taxi and Private Hire activity.

It was moved by Councillor J Lewis, seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

RESOLVED –

a)  To agree that the Taxi and Private Hire enforcement powers as set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report are delegated by Leeds City Council to the following local authorities, namely: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council; Wakefield Metropolitan District Council; Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council; Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council and City of York Council as well as retaining those functions within Leeds City Council.  To agree to Leeds City Council receiving similar delegated enforcement powers from those named Authorities.

b)  To approve the necessary changes to the Constitution as at Appendix A and Appendix B of the report.

c)  That the Section Head Taxi and Private Hire Licensing continues enquiries with other councils (including Manchester City Council and Rossendale Borough Council) to agree in principle to the same arrangements. Subject to agreement being reached in principle with those councils for full Council to delegate like powers to those Councils, and to receive the same, and note that the City Solicitor will use her delegated authority under Article 15.2 to give effect to the decision and maintain the Constitution up to date by including reference to those councils at Part 3 Section 2D.

d)  That Officers report back to the Licensing Committee on the effectiveness of the arrangements as part of the updates they provide to the Licensing Committee on Taxi and Private Hire monitoring.

e)  To note that on recommendation from the Council’s Licensing Committee that any necessary changes to the Council’s Licensing Polices arising from the proposed changes will be approved by the Council’s Executive.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking agreement to the 2016/17 council tax bases for Leeds and the parish/town councils as set out in the report and providing indicative business rates shares for 2016/17 and to request Council to give delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to finalise the shares and to submit them in the National Non-Domestic Rates Return 1 2016-17 on or before31^st January 2016.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

RESOLVED -

a)  To agree that, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012,  the amount calculated by the Council as its council tax base for the year 2016/17 shall be 218,267.1 for Leeds and for each parish as listed in Section 3.5, of the report , and detailed in Appendix 1 of the report;

b)  To note the indicative business rates shares set out in Section 3.8, and delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to make the detailed calculations and to submit the final figures to the Department for Communities and Local Government on or before 31^st January 2016.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor setting out amendments to the Officer Delegation Scheme (Executive Functions) and Executive Member Oversight of Officer Executive Delegations approved by the Leader with effect from 1^st January 2016.

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor Selby and

RESOLVED - To note the amendments to:-

·  the Executive Members Oversight of Officer Executive Delegations as shown at Appendices A of the report;

·  Officer Delegation Scheme (Executive Functions) shown at Appendices B to L of the report, all of which took effect from 1st January 2016; and

·  Article 12 “Officers” shown at Appendix M of the report;

To consider a report of the Inner North West Community Committee

It was moved by Councillor Pryor, seconded by Councillor Walshaw and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Inner North West Community Committee be noted.

To consider a report of the Outer North West Community Committee

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

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

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor Selby and

RESOLVED –

a)  To note that on 16^th December 2015 Councillor Andrea McKenna resigned as Chair of the Outer East Community Committee, as a member of the Standards Committee and as a member of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee.

b)  To approve that;

·  Councillor Ingham replace Councillor Andrea McKenna on the Standards Committee.

·  Councillor Hyde replace Councillor Andrea McKenna on the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor R Grahame required it to be recorded that he voted against the decisions referred to in this minute)

Q1  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Will the Executive Board member responsible for planning enforcement please advise why planning enforcement are unable to enforce the most basic planning conditions that planning approval was based upon?

In accordance with CPR 11.3(b) Councillor Harper replied on behalf of the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q2  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community Safety):-

Could the executive member for environmental protection please update council on progress with the implementation of the clean air zone the government has imposed on Leeds.

The Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community Safety) replied.

Q3  Councillor Harington to the Executive Member (Children and Families):-

Could the Executive Member for Children and Families update Council on the Prime Minister’s recent announcement regarding Children’s Social Care?

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

Q4  Councillor Leadley to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning state the monitored gross number of new dwellings completed in Leeds in each of the years 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, the net additional number of dwellings in each of those years, and the latest estimates of gross and net figures so far in 2015/16?

In accordance with CPR 11.3(b) Councillor Walshaw replied on behalf of the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q5  Councillor Dawson to the Chair of the Transport Committee at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority:-

Could the Chair of the Transport Committee at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please update members on the proposed HS2 station in Leeds?

The Chair of the Transport Committee at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority replied.

Q6  Councillor G Latty to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Is the Executive Board Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning confident that the locations proposed for the 70,000 additional houses in the Site Allocations Plan are sufficiently resilient to the risk of flooding?

In accordance with CPR 11.3(b) Councillor Congreve replied on behalf of the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q7  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults):-

Could the executive member for health, wellbeing and adults please confirm that she is still committed to the goals of the Commission for Local Government?

The Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults) replied.

Q8  Councillor Macniven to the Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults):-

Does the Executive Member with responsibility for Health, Wellbeing and Adults agree with the report, supported by Age UK, which says that “the future of adult social care looks bleak”?

The Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults) 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 A Blackburn to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning)

Q10  Councillor Venner to the Executive Member (Environmental Protection and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Charlwood 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.

At the conclusion of this Council adjourned from 17.05 to 17.30

The Lord Mayor informed Members that she would be taking part in a Charity Fire walk in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Charity and Councillor Stuart McKenna would be working with her on this.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive update Members on matters in the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and details of the latest public combined authority meeting in November.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor J Lewis and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Executive updating Members on matters in respect of devolution be received.

It was moved by Councillor J Bentley, seconded by Councillor Campbell that under the provisions of Council procedure Rule 14.10 that leave of Council be given to withdraw the motion in my name on PCSOs.

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor Selby that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule(CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 3.4 (time limits for business) be suspended to allow up to 55 minutes on the White Paper motion in the name of Councillor B Anderson and all subsequent amendments, at the conclusion of which voting will commence.

Upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED -

a)  That leave of Council be given to withdraw the motion in the name of Councillor J Bentley on PCSOs.

b)  That leave of Council be given to suspend Council Procedure Rules to allow up to 55 minutes on the White Paper motion in the name of Councillor B Anderson and all subsequent amendments, at the conclusion of which voting will commence.

This Council calls on the ruling administration to make every effort to maintain PCSOs numbers in Leeds. Council believes that the budget freeze granted to police forces in the recent CSR could offer a possible opportunity to attract additional funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

This Council also believes the administration should consider additional resources from its own budget.

Recent worldwide events raise a number of questions about security arrangements in the UK and Leeds, as a major UK and European city. Council therefore calls for the establishment of a cross party working group on public safety in Leeds with a view to addressing possible increased security risks and to consider how PCSO funding might be maintained.

It was moved by Councillor B Anderson, seconded by Councillor Amanda Carter that this Council calls on the ruling administration to make every effort to maintain PCSOs numbers in Leeds. Council believes that the budget freeze granted to police forces in the recent CSR could offer a possible opportunity to attract additional funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

This Council also believes the administration should consider additional resources from its own budget.

Recent worldwide events raise a number of questions about security arrangements in the UK and Leeds, as a major UK and European city. Council therefore calls for the establishment of a cross party working group on public safety in Leeds with a view to addressing possible increased security risks and to consider how PCSO funding might be maintained.

An amendment was moved by Councillor J Bentley seconded by Councillor Campbell

Delete first two paragraphs and replace with:

This council values the hard work and dedication of the city’s 236 remaining police community support officers and their vital role in helping all of our communities to be safe.

This council believes it important that all council co-funded PCSOs be deployed on an equal basis per ward.

This council therefore commits to do all in its power to retain the current level and deployment of PCSO provision in 2016/2017 and future years and resolves to work closely with the West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner to achieve this aim.

The amended motion would read:

This council values the hard work and dedication of the city’s 236 remaining police community support officers and their vital role in helping all of our communities to be safe.

This council also believes it important that all council co-funded PCSOs are deployed on an equal basis per ward.

This council therefore commits to do all in its power to retain the current level and deployment of PCSO provision in 2016/2017 and future years and resolves to work closely with the West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner to achieve this aim.

Recent worldwide events raise a number of questions about security arrangements in the UK and Leeds, as a major UK and European city.  Council therefore calls for the establishment of a cross party working group on public safety in Leeds with a view to addressing possible increased security risks and to consider how PCSO funding might be maintained.

A second amendment was moved by Councillor M Dobson seconded by Councillor Lowe

Delete all after the first “This Council” and replace with:

commits to making every effort to maintain PCSOs numbers in Leeds.

Council recognises Leeds’ approach to continue the Local Authority contribution for PCSOs in Leeds, at a time when government funding is being significantly reduced. Indeed, Council notes the ambition to maintain funding for PCSOs in the face of this year’s £34 million grant cut, rather than the expected £24 million.

Recent worldwide events raise a number of questions about security arrangements in the UK and Leeds, as a major UK and European  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

This council remains committed to supporting the creation of affordable accommodation to buy and rent in Leeds.

Council notes with concern the continued actions of central government to reduce the housing options available to residents with a sustained attack on the availability of affordable rented housing in the city. This has most recently been highlighted by the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, which concentrated yet again on creating opportunities for people on higher incomes to buy property. The government’s interpretation of a ‘starter home’ being valued at up to £250,000 demonstrates the disconnect between their policy and the reality for most people here in Leeds.

In the context of more Leeds people now living in private rents than council homes and the cost of renting privately now standing at an average of £206pw compared to just £75pw for a council rent, Council believes that there is still a role for affordable rented accommodation in the city. Council again reiterates our commitment to increasing the provision of council housing for the benefit of people on the lowest income who need affordable rented accommodation and who should not be forgotten in central government policy making.

Council notes the research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Cambridge University showing that 75,000 low cost homes to let could be lost over the next 5 years due to the expansion of Right to Buy. Council is concerned about the impact of this development on the lowest paid, who are most in need of access to social rents, and who will be forced into high cost private rented accommodation. Furthermore, Council is dismayed at the recent government decision to abolish lifetime tenancies which provide security for families and help support the creation of sustainable communities.

Council asks that the Director of Environment and Housing prepares a report for Executive Board showing the impact of the changes proposed in the Housing and Planning Bill and the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. Council requests that the Leader of the Council raises this with all Leeds MPs at their next meeting so that they can be aware of the impact on Leeds when voting on national legislation, and writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to express this Council’s concerns.

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Walshaw that this council remains committed to supporting the creation of affordable accommodation to buy and rent in Leeds.

Council notes with concern the continued actions of central government to reduce the housing options available to residents with a sustained attack on the availability of affordable rented housing in the city. This has most recently been highlighted by the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, which concentrated yet again on creating opportunities for people on higher incomes to buy property. The government’s interpretation of a ‘starter home’ being valued at up to £250,000 demonstrates the disconnect between their policy and the reality for most people here in Leeds.

In the context of more Leeds people now living in private rents than council homes and the cost of renting privately now standing at an average of £206pw compared to just £75pw for a council rent, Council believes that there is still a role for affordable rented accommodation in the city. Council again reiterates our commitment to increasing the provision of council housing for the benefit of people on the lowest income who need affordable rented accommodation and who should not be forgotten in central government policy making.

Council notes the research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Cambridge University showing that 75,000 low cost homes to let could be lost over the next 5 years due to the expansion of Right to Buy. Council is concerned about the impact of this development on the lowest paid, who are most in need of access to social rents, and who will be forced into high cost private rented accommodation. Furthermore, Council is dismayed at the recent government decision to abolish lifetime tenancies which provide security for families and help support the creation of sustainable communities.

Council asks that the Director of Environment and Housing prepares a report for Executive Board showing the impact of the changes proposed in the Housing and Planning Bill and the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. Council requests that the Leader of the Council raises this with all Leeds MPs at their next meeting so that they can be aware of the impact on Leeds when voting on national legislation, and writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to express this Council’s concerns.

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

To insert at the end of the motion:

“This council pledges that should the government legislate to abolish lifetime tenancies, Leeds City Council will do everything in its power to ensure that all current and future council tenants who continue to meet the obligations detailed in the existing secure tenancy agreement will not face the risk of eviction.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor B Anderson seconded by Councillor J Procter,

Delete all after the first line and replace with:

“Council notes the Government’s plans to build 200,000 affordable starter homes by 2020. This ambition is to be supported through planning reforms, billions of pounds of investment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

This council values the hard work and dedication of the city’s 236 remaining police community support officers and their vital role in helping all of our communities to be safe.

This council believes it is important that all council co-funded PCSOs are deployed on an equal basis per ward.

This council therefore commits to do all in its power to retain the current level and deployment of PCSO provision in 2016/2017 and future years and resolves to work closely with the West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner to achieve this aim.

*In accordance with CPR 12.3(b)(c) leave of Council may be required in respect of this motion.

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10, and with the consent of the seconder, leave of Council was given to withdraw the motion in the name of Councillor J Bentley.