Agenda and minutes

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

 

b)  The Chair congratulated all of the athletes on their recent medal successes at the Olympics and Paralympics in Rio.

 

c)  The Chair informed Council of the recent success of the City in the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards which included a Gold for Leeds in the City category.

 

d)  The Chair reported the retirement of Nigel Richardson, Director of Children’s Services and Peter Marrington, Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

 

e)  The Chair reported the recent death of Harry Jepson OBE, president of the Leeds Rhinos.

 

f)  The Chair also informed Council that this would be the last Council meeting attended by John Wilson, Sergeant at Mace before his retirement and thanked John on behalf of all former Lord Mayors for the support provided over the years.

 

Councillors Blake, Andrew Carter, Golton, Leadley and D Blackburn also paid tribute to John Wilson and the support he had given to all Members of council in his role as Sergeant at Mace over the last 25 years. 

 

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 29^th June 2016.

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

 

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 29^th June 2016 be approved.

 

There were no declaration of interests.

 

To receive such communications as the Lord Mayor, the Leader,  Members of the Executive Board or the Chief Executive consider appropriate.

There were no communications

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

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

 

1)  A group of students regarding student safety in Leeds.

 

 

2)  A Group concerned about the sale of puppies in Leeds

 

 

3)  A group wanting to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

 

 

4)  A group concerned about the general degradation of the Mabgate area

 

 

RESOLVED - That the subject matter in respect of deputations 1 and 2 be referred to the Director of Environment and Housing for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, that the subject matter in respect of deputations 3 be referred to the Director of Public Health for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member and the subject matter in respect of deputation 4 be referred to the Directors of City Development and Environment and Housing for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member(s).

 

 

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 27 July 2016 to Full Council to approve the submission of the Draft Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan and the Sustainability Report to the Secretary of State for independent examination pursuant to Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

 

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

 

RESOLVED – That the submission of the Draft Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan and the Sustainability Report to the Secretary of State for independent examination pursuant to Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 be approved.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) setting out recommendations from the Licensing Committee on 20 May 2016 to Full Council regarding the Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 2014-18.

 

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

 

RESOLVED - That the amended Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 2014-18 be approved as the new policy with effect from 14^th September 2016.

 

 

To note the report of the City Solicitor setting out amendments made to the Leader’s executive arrangements to ensure that they remain up to date and fit for purpose.

It was moved by Councillor Ogilvie, seconded by Councillor C Dobson and

 

RESOLVED - That the report of the City Solicitor on amendments to the Executive Arrangements be noted.

 

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens & Communities) bringing the Community Committees’ Annual Report to the attention of council. It looks at progress over the last twelve months, outlines the changes which have taken place during 2015 to 2016 and gives a flavour of some of the work the community committees have carried out within their communities to improve the lives of local people.

 

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Ogilvie and

 

RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) presenting to Council the Community Committees’ Annual report for 2015/16 be received and that the work now being progressed to further improve the effectiveness, profile and community engagement role of Community Committees be noted.

 

 

 

 

Q1  Councillor Robinson to the Leader of Council:-

 

Will the Leader of Council take this opportunity to rule out a Leeds "congestion charge"?

 

The Leader of Council replied.

 

Q2  Councillor Cleasby to the Executive Member (Regeneration Transport and Planning):-

 

Could the executive member for transport please advise council of the level of usage of the new Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge stations?

 

The Executive Member (Regeneration Transport and Planning) replied.

 

Q3  Councillor Ritchie to the Leader of Council :-

 

Can the Leader of the Council update Members on proposals for the Olympic Homecoming event?

 

The Leader of Council replied.

 

Q4  Councillor D Blackburn to the Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability):-

 

Could the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability tell me what procedures, if any, are in place for dealing with side waste that is left by refuse collection crews?

 

The Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability) replied.

 

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

 

Would the Executive Member care to comment on the Government’s vision for school improvement and standards?

 

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

 

Q6  Councillor Stephenson to the Executive Member (Communities):-

 

Will the Executive Board Member for Communities inform Council how many older people are currently on a waiting list for sheltered or independent living accommodation in Leeds?

 

The Executive Member (Communities) replied.

 

Q7  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Children and Families):-

 

Could the executive member please confirm her support for the expansion of St Chad’s school in my ward on to lands covered by fields in trust?

 

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

 

Q8  Councillor Harland to the Executive Member (Communities):-

 

Can the Executive Member offer her support to the WASPI campaign to bring in transitional arrangements to support women negatively affected by state pension equalisation?

 

The Executive Member (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:-

 

Q9  Councillor A Blackburn to the Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability)

 

Q10  Councillor Arif to the Executive Member (for Employment, Enterprise and Opportunity)

 

Q11  Councillor C Anderson to the Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability).

 

Q12  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Communities).

 

Q13  Councillor C Gruen to the Executive Member (Regeneration Transport and Planning).

 

Q14  Councillor Gettings to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

 

Q15  Councillor Jarosz to the Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults).

 

Q16  Councillor Robinson to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

 

Q17  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Regeneration Transport and Planning).

 

Q18  Councillor M Dobson to the Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability).

 

Q19  Councillor D Blackburn to the Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability).

 

Q20  Councillor Smart to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

 

Q21  Councillor Robinson to the Leader of Council.

 

Q22  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Regeneration Transport and Planning).

 

Q23  Councillor C Anderson to the Executive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

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

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Ogilvie 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 16.20 to 16.50

 

To consider a report of the Chief Executive updating Members on  matters in the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), the main issues described in this report are from the latest public WYCA meeting in July.

 

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.

This Council believes it is vital that elections are conducted in a legal, fair and transparent manner. We note that when these principles are compromised, as happened in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, there can be a damaging breakdown of trust which undermines people’s confidence in local democracy.

 

This Council therefore welcomes the recommendations made in the recent ‘Securing the Ballot’ review into electoral fraud carried out by Sir Eric Pickles.

 

We call on officers within the Elections, Licensing and Registration Service to work closely with Government and the Electoral Commission to ensure that Leeds is ready and able to respond to the review’s recommendations and any changes to legislation or guidance that follow.

 

Council asks that a report is prepared for Executive Board, or the relevant committee, setting out what actions are necessary to ensure we continue to safeguard the integrity of the election process in Leeds.

 

It was moved by Councillor Andrew Carter, seconded by Councillor Wadsworth that this Council believes it is vital that elections are conducted in a legal, fair and transparent manner. We note that when these principles are compromised, as happened in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, there can be a damaging breakdown of trust which undermines people’s confidence in local democracy.

 

This Council therefore welcomes the recommendations made in the recent ‘Securing the Ballot’ review into electoral fraud carried out by Sir Eric Pickles.

 

We call on officers within the Elections, Licensing and Registration Service to work closely with Government and the Electoral Commission to ensure that Leeds is ready and able to respond to the review’s recommendations and any changes to legislation or guidance that follow.

 

Council asks that a report is prepared for Executive Board, or the relevant committee, setting out what actions are necessary to ensure we continue to safeguard the integrity of the election process in Leeds.

 

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor J Bentley, seconded by Councillor Chapman , in second paragraph following “welcomes the” insert: “majority of the” In second paragraph following “Sir Eric Pickles” insert : “but is concerned that proposals to fragment the current role of the Electoral Commission will weaken that organisation rather than strengthen it.”

 

“Council further believes that the recommendations of the Pickles Review will fail to substantially improve democracy in the absence of a wider programme of electoral reform at both local and national level.”

 

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

 

 

RESOLVED - That this Council believes it is vital that elections are conducted in a legal, fair and transparent manner. We note that when these principles are compromised, as happened in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, there can be a damaging breakdown of trust which undermines people’s confidence in local democracy.

 

This Council therefore welcomes the recommendations made in the recent ‘Securing the Ballot’ review into electoral fraud carried out by Sir Eric Pickles.

 

We call on officers within the Elections, Licensing and Registration Service to work closely with Government and the Electoral Commission to ensure that Leeds is ready and able to respond to the review’s recommendations and any changes to legislation or guidance that follow.

 

Council asks that a report is prepared for Executive Board, or the relevant committee, setting out what actions are necessary to ensure we continue to safeguard the integrity of the election process in Leeds.

 

This Council believes the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Governments made the wrong political choice to cut the council’s core grant funding by £214m since 2010 with £100m still to be taken away from the Council’s budget.  Council is pleased to note the Chancellor of the Exchequer who presided over the last six years of austerity is no longer in post.

 

Council notes that the Government's decision to impose such a sustained and counterproductive period of austerity had an unfair and damaging impact on the city and the effects have been felt hardest by our most deprived and vulnerable residents in Leeds, with 14,000 more people in the city now living in deprivation compared to 2010. 

 

Council further notes that had Leeds received the same level of government funding per person as Wokingham in Berkshire, the council with the lowest levels of cuts, we would have an additional £100 million per annum in our budget.

 

Council calls on the new Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure the council receives a much needed increase in core grant funding through a fair funding allocation to take account of deprivation and need. This should include the direct reallocation of funding repatriated from the European Union to local councils to tackle poverty and deprivation and support economic growth. 

 

Council further calls for HM Treasury to agree to allow councils to delay making a decision on whether or not to accept a four year funding settlement until after the Autumn Statement has been delivered.

 

It was moved by Councillor James Lewis, seconded by Councillor Coupar that this Council believes the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Governments made the wrong political choice to cut the council’s core grant funding by £214m since 2010 with £100m still to be taken away from the Council’s budget.  Council is pleased to note the Chancellor of the Exchequer who presided over the last six years of austerity is no longer in post.

 

Council notes that the Government's decision to impose such a sustained and counterproductive period of austerity had an unfair and damaging impact on the city and the effects have been felt hardest by our most deprived and vulnerable residents in Leeds, with 14,000 more people in the city now living in deprivation compared to 2010. 

 

Council further notes that had Leeds received the same level of government funding per person as Wokingham in Berkshire, the council with the lowest levels of cuts, we would have an additional £100 million per annum in our budget.

 

Council calls on the new Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure the council receives a much needed increase in core grant funding through a fair funding allocation to take account of deprivation and need. This should include the direct reallocation of funding repatriated from the European Union to local councils to tackle poverty and deprivation and support economic growth. 

 

Council further calls for HM Treasury to agree to allow councils to delay making a decision on whether or not to accept a four year funding settlement until after the Autumn Statement has been delivered.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor Campbell :

 

Delete first four paragraphs and replace with:

 

Council notes that all parties agreed on the need for extensive cuts to services to stabilise public finances before the 2010 election, with Alistair Darling pledging to impose budget cuts deeper and tougher than those of Margaret Thatcher, but regrets the government’s counter-productive and ideologically driven pursuit of a budget surplus from 2015 onwards.

 

Council further notes the economic uncertainty created by the EU referendum and calls on the government to clarify how it will ensure that local government funding reform provides a stable platform on which services can flourish.

 

Council restates the conclusion of the Commission for Local Government that councils must respond to the challenge of funding cuts by empowering individuals, communities and the third sector to pioneer more efficient, locally focussed service delivery.

 

 

 

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Andrew Carter, seconded by Councillor J Procter:

 

Delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:

 

‘notes the efforts of the Joint Administration in Leeds between 2004 and 2010 to ‘narrow the gap’ in the city and is concerned that 14,000 more people now live in deprivation since the current Labour administration assumed control in Leeds in 2010.

 

Council recognises the difficult position that public finances were in in 2010 and believes that measures introduced by the Government to bring the budget deficit and public spending under control  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

This council welcomes the strong economy compassionate city agenda and believes that good quality jobs are essential to ensuring inclusive economic growth.

 

Council notes that a BBC investigation into a UK based Amazon warehouse found conditions that a stress expert said could cause “physical and mental illness” and supports the GMB campaign for improved working conditions at Amazon warehouses.

 

Council believes it is hypocritical for the Labour administration to have purchased the Amazon warehouse at Logic Leeds without making any efforts to improve working conditions for employees at that site and that having done so undermines the strong economy compassionate city strategy.

 

Council therefore calls on the Labour administration to use its position as landlord to secure improved working conditions for employees at the Amazon facility at Logic Leeds.

 

Council further instructs the executive to devise and implement an ethical employer policy to apply to commercial tenants of buildings owned by Leeds City Council that addresses issues of low pay, exploitative working practices and trade union recognition.

 

Prior to debate on this Motion Councillor Lamb sought clarification form the City Solicitor in respect of any interests Members may have in this matter particularly as it relates to Trade Unions. The City Solicitor advised the meeting. 

 

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.9 (a) leave of Council was given to Councillor Golton to alter the wording of the motion in his name to include the amendment in the name of Councillor J Bentley.

 

On the requisitions of Councillors Campbell and Cleasby the voting on this procedural motion was recorded as follows;

 

YES – 71

 

Akhtar, Arif, J Bentley, S Bentley, A Blackburn, Blake, Bruce, Campbell,  Chapman, Charlwood, Cleasby, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey , Dawson, M Dobson, Downes, Dowson ,Dunn, Elliott, Field, Gabriel, Garthwaite, Golton, P Grahame, R Grahame, C Gruen,  P Gruen, Groves, Hamilton, Harland, Hayden, Heselwood, A Hussain, G Hussain, Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, A Khan, Leadley ,J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, Macniven, Maqsood, S McKenna, Mulherin, Nagle, Nash, Ogilvie, Pryor, Rafique, Ragan, Renshaw, Ritchie, Selby, Smart, Sobel, E Taylor, Towler, Truswell, Tunnicliffe, Venner, Walker, Walshaw, Wakefield ,Wilford and Yeadon. 

 

NO – 0

 

ABSTAIN – 0 

 

It was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor Wilford that this council welcomes the strong economy compassionate city agenda and believes that good quality jobs are essential to ensuring inclusive economic growth.

 

Council notes that a BBC investigation into a UK based Amazon warehouse found conditions that a stress expert said could cause “physical and mental illness” and supports the GMB campaign for improved working conditions at Amazon warehouses, noting that similar campaigns have had a positive effect, in particular the recent success of the Unite campaign that has forced Sports Direct to improve conditions for workers in its warehouses.

 

Council believes it is hypocritical for the Labour administration to have purchased the Amazon warehouse at Logic Leeds without making any efforts to improve working conditions for employees at that site and that having done so undermines the strong economy compassionate city strategy.

 

Council therefore calls on the Labour administration to use its position as landlord to secure improved working conditions for employees at the Amazon facility at Logic Leeds.

 

Council further instructs the executive to devise and implement an ethical employer policy to apply to commercial tenants of buildings owned by Leeds City Council that addresses issues of low pay, exploitative working practices and trade union recognition.

 

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 13.2 (d)(motions without notice) and 14.10 (withdrawal of motion) and with the consent of the seconder leave of Council was given to Councillor R Lewis to withdraw the amendment in his name.

 

On the requisitions of Councillors Campbell and Cleasby the voting on this procedural motion was recorded as follows;

 

YES – 72

 

Akhtar, Arif, J Bentley, S Bentley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Bruce, Campbell,  Chapman, Charlwood, Cleasby, Coulson, Coupar, Davey , Dawson, C Dobson, M Dobson, Downes, Dowson ,Dunn, Elliott, Field, Gabriel, Garthwaite,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.