Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor referred to the recent terrible events at Grenfell Tower in London, and the attacks that had taken place at the Concert in Manchester, London Bridge, London Borough Market and Finsbury Park and offered her sympathy to all of those affected by the events.

b)  The Lord Mayor also reported the recent deaths of Honorary Alderman Ted Hanley and Brooke Nelson and said a few words in respect of each Honorary Alderman.

Council Stood in silent tribute

c)  The Lord Mayor also paid tribute to the first responders who attended incidents such as those set out above and Council gave a minutes applause to all first responders in recognition of the work they do each and every day.  

d)  The Lord Mayor congratulated the following who were honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List:-

·  Dame Ingrid Roscoe 

·  Councillor Judith Blake CBE

·  Alan Gay OBE

·  Mrs Noor Jahan Ali BEM

·  Junier Browne MBE

·  Kevin Clancy MBE

·  Aqila Choudhry MBE

·  Rosie Godfrey ARRC

·  Barbara Hodkinson MBE

·  Dr Shah Noor Khan MBE

·  Mrs Ibolya Knill BEM

·  Edward Ziff OBE

e)  The Lord Mayor also referred to the recent General Election and congratulated those Councillors who had stood in the General Election particularly Councillor Sobel who had been elected as MP for the Leeds North West Constituency .

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 25^th May 2017.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th May 2017 be approved.

There were no declarations of interests.

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

The Chief Executive informed Council that responses to resolutions had been received from David Mowat MP , Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Community Health and Care in respect of the White Paper on the National Dental Performers List considered by Council in March, and from the Private Secretary at the Office of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment and Rural Life Opportunities in respect of the White Paper on Air Quality also considered by Council in March copies of which had previously been circulated to all Members of Council.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(d) Councillor Andrew Carter drew to the meetings attention communications which related to the Hilton Hotel Site at Portland Crescent, currently standing out of action. One was an email from the Executive Member to all Members relating to the current position in respect of that site and other correspondence was in respect of the provision of £4.8m of public monies by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in respect of the development, the issue of due diligence on whether the monies should be loaned and risks associated with such a loan.

Councillor Carter was concerned as to how the LEP’s money was used to fund the scheme, concerned in respect of the due diligence undertaken in respect of the loan and the difficulties he had encountered when trying to obtain information in respect of the scheme. 

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

The Leeds Youth Parliament deputation regarding the UK Youth Parliament National Campaign was admitted to the meeting and addressed Council and it was

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of the deputation be referred to the Director of Communities and Environment for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Council an amendment to the Leader’s executive arrangements for the 2017/18 Municipal year.

It was moved by Councillor Ogilvie seconded by Councillor Harland and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Council an amendment to the Leader’s executive arrangements for the 2017/18 Municipal year be noted including the additional amendment notified to Members at the meeting, that the Leader had appointed Councillor Ritchie as a Support Executive Member .

To consider the report of the City Solicitor presenting the Scrutiny Boards Annual Report to Council, prepared in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor, presenting the Scrutiny Boards’ Annual report to Council, prepared in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution, be received and noted.

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

Q1  Councillor Andrew Carter to the Leader of Council:-

Will the Leader of Council commit to an external inquiry into the conduct and history of former councillor Neil Taggart?

The Leader of Councilreplied.

Q2  Councillor Ryk Downes to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Does the executive member believe that the programme of public transport investment should be for the benefit of the whole city?

The Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning) replied.

Q3  Councillor Asghar Khan to the Executive Member (Communities):-

Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in Kensington please can the Executive Member update Councillors on fire safety in Leeds’ high rise blocks.

The Executive Member (Communities)replied.

Q4  Councillor Eileen Taylor to the Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults):-

Can the Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults comment on the government’s recent announcement in the Queen’s Speech to bring forward proposals for a consultation on social care?

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

Q5  Councillor Barry Anderson to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Would the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning confirm if the Council will be submitting an application for the £2.3 billion Government Infrastructure Investment fund?

The Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning) replied.

Q6  Councillor Jonathan Bentley to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Can the executive member provide an update on negotiations relating to the development of Headingley stadium?

The Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning) replied.

Q7  Councillor Mick Lyons to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Please can the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning provide an update on Temple Green Park and Ride?

The Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning) replied.

Q8  Councillor Al Garthwaite to the Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability):-

In light of the recent announcement by France, does the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability agree with me that the British Government is falling behind compared to our neighbours on tackling poor air quality?

The Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability) replied.

Q9  Councillor Neil Buckley to the Executive Member (Economy and Culture):-

Does the Executive Board Member for Culture believe that moving the Leeds Visitor Centre from the railway station to the art gallery has been a success?

The Executive Member (Economy and Culture) 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:-

Q10  Councillor Sue Bentley to the Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability):-

Q11  Councillor Graham Hyde to the Executive Member (Resources and Strategy).

Q12  Councillor Denise Ragan to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

Q13  Councillor Paul Wadsworth to the Executive Member (Environment and Sustainability).

Q14  Councillor Brian Cleasby to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

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 item Council adjourned from 16.30 to 16.55

To consider a report of the Chief Executive updating Members on matters in the Leeds City Region LEP and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, specifically this report provides details of the latest public combined authority meeting in April.

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 notes the 2016/17 outturn position of the Children and Families budget showing an overspend of £7.985m. Council further notes that after month 2 of the current financial year the same directorate has a projected overspend of £2.9m.

Council accepts that some of these pressures are demand led and believes that it is vital that children with care needs are looked after in the best way possible, and moreover that demand for these services is met.

However, Council is concerned at the impact that the last 4 years of budget overspends in Children and Families may be having on planning and service delivery in other council departments, and believes the time has come for greater scrutiny of this issue.

Council calls on the Director of Children and Families, in conjunction with the Director of Resources and Housing, to bring a report to Executive Board which sets out:

1. How the budget planning process can better distinguish between the demand-led and core elements of the Children and Families budget;

2. Why the Children and Families directorate’s projections around children looked after and fostering have repeatedly been out of sync with the actual figures, and what can be done to improve the accuracy of these projections in the future;

3.  What more the council can do to address the number of children looked after and other demand-led elements of the Children and Families budget, including an analysis of what options may exist for consolidation of services on a regional basis.

It was moved by Councillor Cohen, seconded by Councillor Robinson that this Council notes the 2016/17 outturn position of the Children and Families budget showing an overspend of £7.985m. Council further notes that after month 2 of the current financial year the same directorate has a projected overspend of £2.9m.

Council accepts that some of these pressures are demand led and believes that it is vital that children with care needs are looked after in the best way possible, and moreover that demand for these services is met.

However, Council is concerned at the impact that the last 4 years of budget overspends in Children and Families may be having on planning and service delivery in other council departments, and believes the time has come for greater scrutiny of this issue.

Council calls on the Director of Children and Families, in conjunction with the Director of Resources and Housing, to bring a report to Executive Board which sets out:

1. How the budget planning process can better distinguish between the demand-led and core elements of the Children and Families budget;

2. Why the Children and Families directorate’s projections around children looked after and fostering have repeatedly been out of sync with the actual figures, and what can be done to improve the accuracy of these projections in the future;

3.  What more the council can do to address the number of children looked after and other demand-led elements of the Children and Families budget, including an analysis of what options may exist for consolidation of services on a regional basis.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Mulherin, seconded by Councillor Pryor

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“……notes with disappointment the damaging £239m reduction in Government funding since 2010 and the impact this has had on the Council and other public sector bodies such as schools, the NHS and Police who play a crucial role in safeguarding and caring for children in Leeds.

Council notes the effort made to protect the most vulnerable with Children’s Services and Adult Social Care spend now accounting for 66% of the Council’s budget. 

Council further notes the impact of child poverty in Leeds and across the country as a result of the continued Government austerity measures.

Council notes the rapid improvement within Children’s Services, moving from ‘Inadequate’ in 2009/10 under the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Administration, to ‘Good’ with “Outstanding” leadership under this Labour Administration – the only Core City in the country to receive a “Good” rating across the board.

Council notes this has been recognised by the Conservative Government in their decision to award Leeds Partner in Practice status as they seek for Leeds to use its expertise to help drive improvement in other local authorities.

Council notes that nationally, spending on children’s social care has outstripped budgets by close to £1bn over the past three years with up to 90% of Councils reporting an overspend.

Council notes regular reports on financial performance are presented to Executive Board.

Council joins with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

This Council expresses its heartfelt sympathies for all those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire and believes every resident in Leeds has the right to live in safe and secure housing.

Council believes council housing is a vital part of the fabric of our society and calls on Government to give councils the finance and powers to build and manage safe and good quality housing to meet the needs of local residents.

This Council is committed to providing good quality, affordable homes for communities in Leeds. However, Council is dismayed by the Government’s attitude towards housing and finds it particularly damaging that the Right to Buy scheme prevents the sale of council homes at their true value, meaning social housing lost in this way cannot be adequately replaced. 

Council calls for urgent action from Government in terms of funding and legislation so that this Council can fulfil its commitment to provide the much needed affordable and safe housing the people of Leeds need.

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor R Lewis that this Council expresses its heartfelt sympathies for all those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire and believes every resident in Leeds has the right to live in safe and secure housing.

Council believes council housing is a vital part of the fabric of our society and calls on Government to give councils the finance and powers to build and manage safe and good quality housing to meet the needs of local residents.

This Council is committed to providing good quality, affordable homes for communities in Leeds. However, Council is dismayed by the Government’s attitude towards housing and finds it particularly damaging that the Right to Buy scheme prevents the sale of council homes at their true value, meaning social housing lost in this way cannot be adequately replaced. 

Council calls for urgent action from Government in terms of funding and legislation so that this Council can fulfil its commitment to provide the much needed affordable and safe housing the people of Leeds need.

An amendment was moved by Councillor B Anderson, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter

Delete all after ‘safe and secure housing’

Motion will read:

‘This Council expresses its heartfelt sympathies for all those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire and believes every resident in Leeds has the right to live in safe and secure housing.’

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Finnigan, seconded by Councillor Leadley

In final paragraph to add “funding, legislative changes and the repeal of the right to buy Legislation” after …in terms of….

Full motion to read:

“This Council expresses its heartfelt sympathies for all those affected by the

Grenfell Tower fire and believes every resident in Leeds has the right to live in

safe and secure housing.

Council believes council housing is a vital part of the fabric of our society and

calls on Government to give councils the finance and powers to build and

manage safe and good quality housing to meet the needs of local residents.

This Council is committed to providing good quality, affordable homes for

communities in Leeds. However, Council is dismayed by the Government’s

attitude towards housing and finds it particularly damaging that the Right to

Buy scheme prevents the sale of council homes at their true value, meaning

social housing lost in this way cannot be adequately replaced.

Council calls for urgent action from Government in terms of funding, legislative changes and the repeal of the right to buy legislation so that this Council can fulfil its commitment to provide the much needed affordable and safe housing the people of Leeds need.”

The amendments in the name of Councillors B Anderson and Finnigan were declared lost and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That this Council expresses its heartfelt sympathies for all those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire and believes every resident in Leeds has the right to live in safe and secure housing.

Council believes council housing is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

This Council will write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to rescind the current 1% public sector pay limit.

It was moved by Councillor Lay, seconded by Councillor Charlwood that this Council will write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to rescind the current 1% public sector pay limit.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Stephenson

Delete all after ‘Exchequer asking him to’ and replace with:

‘review public sector pay following the submission of recommendations from public sector independent pay bodies. Council believes that the current blanket approach to increases in basic pay favours high earners and a fairer settlement could be delivered to all staff in the public sector.

This Council underlines the importance of maintaining control of the public finances and not undoing the good work of the last 7 years.’

Motion will read:

‘This Council will write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to review public sector pay following the submission of recommendations from public sector independent pay bodies. Council believes that the current blanket approach to increases in basic pay favours high earners and a fairer settlement could be delivered to all staff in the public sector.

This Council underlines the importance of maintaining control of the public finances and not undoing the good work of the last 7 years.’

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

RESOLVED – That this Council will write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to rescind the current 1% public sector pay limit.

On the requisition of Councillor G Latty and J Procter the voting on the amendment in the name of Councillor Lamb was recorded as follows; 

YES – 16

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

NO – 71

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

ABSTAIN – 3

Elliott, Finnigan and Varley

On the requisition of Councillor Hyde and Harland the voting on the motion in the name of Councillor Lay was recorded as follows; 

YES – 71

Akhtar, Arif, J Bentley, S Bentley, A Blackburn D Blackburn, Blake, Bruce, Campbell, Chapman, Charlwood, Cleasby, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey, Dawson, C Dobson, M Dobson, Downes,  Dunn, Gabriel, Garthwaite, Golton, P Grahame, R Grahame, Groves, C Gruen, P Gruen, Hamilton, Harland, Harper, Hayden, Heselwood, A Hussain, G Hussain, Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Khan, Lay, Leadley, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lyons, Lowe, Macniven, Maqsood, J McKenna, S McKenna, Mulherin, Nagle, Nash, Ogilvie, Pryor, Rafique, Ragan, Renshaw, Ritchie, Selby, Smart,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.