Agenda and minutes

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

b)  The Lord Mayor informed Council of the recent success of the City in the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards which included a Gold for Leeds in the Large City Award category.

c)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that Whips had again considered the method by which members who had previously reserved their right to speak in a debate then subsequently exercise that right, whips had agreed that it should continue to be the responsibility of the Member concerned to indicate to the Lord Mayor that they wished to exercise their right to speak and once the Lord Mayor had recognised that a member wishes to exercise their right to speak, the member will be invited by the Lord Mayor to speak next in the debate. 

There were no declarations of interests.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meetings held on 12^th July 2017.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meetings held on 12^th July 2017 be approved.

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 2 responses to Council resolutions had been received from Robert Goodwill MP, Minister of State for Children and Families in respect of the White Paper on the Children and Families Budget considered by Council in July and the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in respect of the White Paper on Housing also considered by Council in July.

The responses had previously been circulated to all Members of Council.

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

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

1)  Kirkstall Valley Development Trust

2)  A group regarding Bus Services in the Cross Green, East End Park, Saxton Gardens and Richmond Hill area. 

3)  Aire Street Workshops Committee – regarding a multi-tenancy building owned by the Council.

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputations 1, 2 and 3 be referred to the Director of City Development for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment 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 2016 to 2017 and gives examples 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 Director of Communities & Environment presenting to Council the Community Committees’ Annual report for 2016/17 be received and that the work now being progressed to further improve the effectiveness, community engagement role and improvement work of Community Committees be noted.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be approved, namely that Councillor G Latty replace Councillor J Procter on the Development Plan Panel.

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

Q1  In accordance with Councillor Procedure Rule 11.1(c) Councillor John Procter to the Executive Member (Resources and Strategy):-

Will the Executive Member for Resources and Strategy now confirm that the £4.8m loan given by the LEP and held by Leeds City Council for the Arena Hotel scheme has now been lost?

In accordance with Council procedure rule 11.3 (b) the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning)replied.

Q2  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Resources and Strategy):-

Would the Executive Member inform Council of the extent of its exposure to the commercial property sector and what independent advice has been taken to assess the risk of these investments?

The Executive Member (Resources and Strategy) replied.

Q3  Councillor Selby to the Leader of Council :-

Please will the Leader of Council update members on the city’s bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2023?

The Leader of Councilreplied.

Q4  Councillor D Blackburn to the Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee:-

Does the Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee agree that the only way the West Yorkshire Bus Strategy will be successful is for the operators here in Leeds and throughout West Yorkshire to actually deliver improvements, rather than just making promises?

The Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee replied.

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

Would the Executive Member for Children and Families like to comment on the impact of under resourcing of schools in Leeds?

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

Q6  Withdrawn

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

Given that Metro and then subsequently WYCA have been testing a YORCARD for approximately 10 years, what is the start date for its introduction across the whole of public transport in West Yorkshire?

In accordance with Council procedure rule 11.3 (b) the Chair of West

Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee replied.

Q8  Councillor Groves to the Executive Member (Resources and Strategy):-

Would the Executive Member like to comment on the number of taxi’s operating in Leeds who hold registered licenses in other authorities?

The Executive Member (Resources and Strategy) replied.

Q9  Councillor Venner to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Please can the Executive Member provide an update on Linton Bridge?

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

Q10  Councillor Stephenson to the Executive Member (Communities):-

Reflecting on reports of drug-related deaths at Leeds & Reading Festivals, does the Executive Member for Communities regret failing to give the support required for drug testing to be provided by drug safety charity 'The Loop' at this year's festival?

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:-

Q11  Councillor S Bentley to the Executive Member (Communities).

Q12  Councillor R Grahame to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

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 16.25 to 17.00

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 the report provides details of the latest public combined authority meeting in August.

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 welcomes the initial findings from the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) suggesting that the ruling Labour administration has indeed set a Core Strategy housing target far in excess of what the city actually required.

Council is concerned about the damage already done to communities in Leeds as a result of their 70,000 target and recalls the many warnings from opposition parties that the council leadership ignored over the past 5 years regarding this inflated figure.

70,000 houses was neither desirable nor deliverable and this Council looks forward to a housing target that is based on reality as opposed to a political view founded in the Regional Spatial Strategies of the Blair/Brown years.

It was moved by Councillor J Procter, seconded by Councillor B Anderson that this Council welcomes the initial findings from the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) suggesting that the ruling Labour administration has indeed set a Core Strategy housing target far in excess of what the city actually required.

Council is concerned about the damage already done to communities in Leeds as a result of their 70,000 target and recalls the many warnings from opposition parties that the council leadership ignored over the past 5 years regarding this inflated figure.

70,000 houses was neither desirable nor deliverable and this Council looks forward to a housing target that is based on reality as opposed to a political view founded in the Regional Spatial Strategies of the Blair/Brown years.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor J Bentley, ‘Delete all after “(SHMA)”

Amended Motion would read;

‘that this Council welcomes the initial findings from the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA)’

A second amendment was moved by Councillor R Lewis, seconded by Councillor C Gruen , Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“welcomes the Labour Administration’s decision to instigate a review of the government inspector-approved 70,000 housing target number in the Core Strategy.

Council notes the initial findings from the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMAA) and recognises that, in line with national guidance, it will take some time before the revised numbers can be used to take planning decisions. 

Council recognises the milestone made in submitting the Site Allocation Plan for examination in public and the importance that this process has in strengthening the ability to resist inappropriate planning applications, which cause anger and frustration in many areas of the city.

Council therefore calls on all political groups to put the clear interests of the city and our residents first and support the Site Allocations Plan.”

Amended Motion would read;

“This Council welcomes the Labour Administration’s decision to instigate a review of the government inspector-approved 70,000 housing target number in the Core Strategy.

Council notes the initial findings from the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMAA) and recognises that, in line with national guidance, it will take some time before the revised numbers can be used to take planning decisions. 

Council recognises the milestone made in submitting the Site Allocation Plan for examination in public and the importance that this process has in strengthening the ability to resist inappropriate planning applications, which cause anger and frustration in many areas of the city.

Council therefore calls on all political groups to put the clear interests of the city and our residents first and support the Site Allocations Plan.”

The amendment in the name of Councillor Campbell was declared lost

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

RESOLVED – That this Council welcomes the Labour Administration’s decision to instigate a review of the government inspector-approved 70,000 housing target number in the Core Strategy.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

This Council believes the economy of the North does not currently perform to its full potential due to a lack of investment in crucial infrastructure such as transport, education and housing.

Council believes as the UK moves closer to Brexit, significant investment is needed to increase economic growth across the North and rebalance the national economy which will benefit the wealth of the country as a whole.

Council believes this longstanding deficiency stops children and young people in Leeds making the most of their potential through life and discourages inward investment and economic growth. Evidence demonstrates inadequate transport networks limit journeys for freight and people, businesses cannot recruit qualified staff and low pay is endemic.

This Council regrets recent attempts by cabinet ministers to abdicate responsibility for addressing these issues and agrees to write to the Prime Minister to seek assurances on much-needed Government investment. 

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Pryor that this Council believes the economy of the North does not currently perform to its full potential due to a lack of investment in crucial infrastructure such as transport, education and housing.

Council believes as the UK moves closer to Brexit, significant investment is needed to increase economic growth across the North and rebalance the national economy which will benefit the wealth of the country as a whole.

Council believes this longstanding deficiency stops children and young people in Leeds making the most of their potential through life and discourages inward investment and economic growth. Evidence demonstrates inadequate transport networks limit journeys for freight and people, businesses cannot recruit qualified staff and low pay is endemic.

This Council regrets recent attempts by cabinet ministers to abdicate responsibility for addressing these issues and agrees to write to the Prime Minister to seek assurances on much-needed Government investment. 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor Lay, ‘in paragraph three, delete “children and young people in Leeds” and replace with “citizens in Leeds from”

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

Delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:

is concerned that the ruling administration continues to look to Government rather than delivering proactive and innovative ways of dealing with issues in Leeds. Council sees this as an attempt to abdicate responsibility for dealing with key issues here in our city as highlighted by the failure to secure a devolution deal for our region over the past 5 years.

Council welcomes record investment into the region under successive Conservative Governments, including the UK's largest Growth Deal agreed for the Leeds City Region and recalls the disappointing levels of investment in Leeds under the last Labour Government, highlighted by the last minute scrapping of the Supertram scheme.

Council notes the successes achieved here in Leeds thanks to the Conservative Government's long-term economic plan and competent stewardship of the public finances since 2010. This has resulted in Leeds experiencing the fastest private sector jobs growth of any UK city; having the largest concentration of financial and professional services and digital jobs in the UK outside of London; recording the second highest productivity levels of the core cities; and, in the Leader of Council's own words, delivering "a strong economy that has enabled the city to recover well from the recession.”

Council recognises that it is business and commerce, supported by central government economic policy that has contributed to record growth in the city and Council welcomes continued government investment into the region.

The amendments in the name of Councillor Campbell and Councillor Lamb were declared lost and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That this Council believes the economy of the North does not currently perform to its full potential due to a lack of investment in crucial infrastructure such as transport, education and housing.

Council believes as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

This Council calls on the Government to urgently undertake a review of the State Pension Laws 1995 and 2011 and how they impact on woman in Leeds born in the 1950s, who have found the goalposts moved in terms of when they receive their state pension.

Further, that this Council supports the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign group, which campaigns for justice for all women born in the 1950s affected by the changes to the State Pension Law (1995/2011 Acts).

The 1995 Pension Act included plans to increase women’s SPA (State Pension Age) to 65, the same as men’s. WASPI agrees with equalisation, but does not agree with the unfair way the changes are being implemented – with little or no personal notice (1995/2011 Pension Acts), faster than promised (2011 Pension Act), and no time to make alternative plans.

Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences.

WASPI is seeking to achieve fair state pension transitional arrangements for those women born in the 1950s, affected by those two pieces of legislation, who have already reached what would have been their state pension age.

This Council supports those aims and calls on the Government to act on legislation which has negatively affected often low paid women, who were relying on their state pension in retirement.

It was moved by Councillor Field, seconded by Councillor Campbell that this Council calls on the Government to urgently undertake a review of the State Pension Laws 1995 and 2011 and how they impact on woman in Leeds born in the 1950s, who have found the goalposts moved in terms of when they receive their state pension.

Further, that this Council supports the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign group, which campaigns for justice for all women born in the 1950s affected by the changes to the State Pension Law (1995/2011 Acts).

The 1995 Pension Act included plans to increase women’s SPA (State Pension Age) to 65, the same as men’s. WASPI agrees with equalisation, but does not agree with the unfair way the changes are being implemented – with little or no personal notice (1995/2011 Pension Acts), faster than promised (2011 Pension Act), and no time to make alternative plans.

Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences.

WASPI is seeking to achieve fair state pension transitional arrangements for those women born in the 1950s, affected by those two pieces of legislation, who have already reached what would have been their state pension age.

This Council supports those aims and calls on the Government to act on legislation which has negatively affected often low paid women, who were relying on their state pension in retirement.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Heselwood, 

Delete all after “alternative plans” and replace with:

“Many women born in the 1950's are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment.

Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60. It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute - it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time.

The issue is that the rise in the women's state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving women with no time to make alternative arrangements.

This council notes the Executive Member for Communities raised this at Full Council on 14^th September 2016, condemns the way the conservative government has implemented these changes, calls on the government to reconsider transitional arrangements for women born on or after 6th April 1951 so women do not live in hardship, and introduce legislation so accrued rights to the basic state pension cannot be changed in the future. “

Amended motion will read:

“This Council calls on the Government to urgently undertake a review of the State Pension Laws 1995 and 2011 and how they impact on women in Leeds born in the 1950s, who have found the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.