Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the November meeting of the Scrutiny Board (City Development).

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstance shall be specified in the minutes.)

The Chair agreed to accept the following document as supplementary information:-

• Scrutiny Board (City Development) – Inquiry to Consider the Future of Kirkgate Market – Revised Terms of Reference (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 66 refers)

The updated document replaced the original appendix previously circulated with the papers.

To declare any personal / prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

The following personal interests were declared at the meeting:-

• Councillor J Akhtar in his capacity as a regular user of Kirkstall Leisure Centre (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 64 refers)
• Councillor M Coulson in his capacity as a Member on the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 67  refers)
• Councillor J Lewis in his capacity as a Member on the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 67 refers)
• Councillor J Akhtar in his capacity as a Private Hire Driver (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 67 refers)

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors D Atkinson, J Elliott and M Rafique.

Notification had been received for Councillor J Lewis to substitute for Councillor D Atkinson and for Councillor M Coulson to substitute for Councillor M Rafique.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th October 2010.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th October 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

To consider a report of he Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on a request for Scrutiny of the Withdrawal of Remaining Creche Provision at Leisure Centres.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on a request for Scrutiny of the Withdrawal of Remaining Creche Provision at Leisure Centres.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• A request for scrutiny received from Councillor M Lobley and Councillor J Matthews – Letter dated 18^th October 2010
• Delegated Decision Notification – Withdrawal of remaining creche provision at leisure centres dated 11^th October 2010
• Report of Head of Sport and Active Recreation – Withdrawal of remaining crèche provision at leisure centres

The following representatives were in attendance:-

Councillor M Lobley, Roundhay Ward Member

Councillor A Olilvie, Executive Member with a portfolio

responsibility for leisure

Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer, City Development

Ian Waller, Sports Operation Manager, City Development

Prior to considering the request for scrutiny, the Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser outlined the Constitutional arrangements and sought the approval of the Board that the request for scrutiny was not subject to call-in as it was not a key or major decision.

The Board accepted that this request was not subject to call-in.

The Chair invited the above attendees to provide relevant background information and to highlight key issues in relation to the request for scrutiny and Board Members sought clarification on the points raised.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• the background to Councillor Lobley’s request for Scrutiny concerning the closure of crèche provision in leisure centres
• details of how many members of the community were consulted  regarding the closure of the remaining crèche provision in leisure centres
• a view that the financial case put forward for closure of the remaining crèche provision at leisure centres was weak and did not include other income generated in the centre by users of the crèche facilities
• an outline by the Executive Board Member of the rationale behind the decision to close the remaining crèche provision in the context of the Government Spending Review and his meetings with users and members of the early years team
• discussed the net direct cost of providing this service in 2009/10 which equates to a subsidy £10.22 per visit 
• clarification as to whether the department had undertaken any promotional initiatives to try and address falling numbers using the crèche provision in these centres
• clarification of the user figures identified within the report
• reference to the wider public health agenda and the need for the department to do more in promoting this agenda at leisure centres
• clarification of the Bodyline Service, with particular reference to deprived areas
• clarification of the previous numbers/areas which had been subject to crèche closures
• concern expressed about the lack of reference to income projections within the report and the failure to identify or offer any alternative models that could be introduced that retains crèche provision for customers visiting the Council’s leisure centres whilst reducing costs
• clarification of the role of Children’s Centres/Manager’s and whether or not they had been involved in the consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on a request for Scrutiny of the Leeds Libraries and Information Service – Proposed Staffing Structure.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on a request for Scrutiny of the Leeds Libraries and Information Service, Proposed Staffing Structure.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• A request for scrutiny received from Councillor P Wadsworth – Letter dated 18^th October 2010
• Delegated Decision Notification – Leeds Libraries and Information Service, Proposed Staffing Structure dated 5^th October 2010
• Report of Chief Libraries, Arts and Heritage Officer – Leeds Libraries and Information Service – Proposed Structure

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

Councillor P Wadsworth, Guiseley and Rawdon Ward Member

Councillor A Olilvie, Executive Member with portfolio responsibility for leisure

Martin Farrington, Acting Director of City Development

Catherine Blanchard, Chief Libraries, Arts and Heritage Officer, City Development

Prior to considering the request for scrutiny, the Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser outlined the Constitutional arrangements and sought the approval of the Board that the request for scrutiny was not subject to call-in as it was not a key or major decision.

The Board accepted that this request was not subject to call-in.

The Chair invited the above attendees to provide relevant background information and to highlight key issues in relation to the request for scrutiny and Board Members sought clarification on the points raised.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• clarification on the outcome of consultation with users and trade union representatives
• clarification if there would be an opportunity for a further restructure of the Leeds Libraries and Information Service arising from implementation of the proposals
• clarification of the workforce implications outlined in Section 4.5 of the report and on how the department would react to a withdrawal in external funding when recruiting staff
• clarification of the 8% high vacancy factor proposals outlined in Section 3.2 of the report
• clarification of the current position in relation to implementing the new staffing structure for the Leeds Libraries and Information Service

(The Board noted that the staffing structure had already been implemented)

The Chair then allowed Councillor Wadsworth to sum up prior to making a  decision on the request for scrutiny.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That the request for scrutiny from Councillor P Wadsworth for a Scrutiny Inquiry into the decision by the Council to restructure the Leeds Libraries and Information Service be refused.

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on the Board’s Inquiry to consider the future of Kirkgate Market.

Referring to Minute 55 of the meeting held on 5^th October 2010, the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on the Board’s Inquiry to consider the future of Kirkgate Market.

Appended to the report was a copy of the revised terms of reference for the Inquiry to consider the future of Kirkgate Market for the information/comment of the meeting.

The following representatives attended the meeting and responded to Board Members’ questions and comments:-

Martin Farrington, Acting Director of City Development

Cath Follin, Head of City Centre and Markets, City Development

It was suggested that the terms of reference should include the effect that the proposed Eastgate development would have on the market.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That the revised terms of reference for the Inquiry to consider the future of Kirkgate Market be approved in accordance with the report now submitted, subject to the addition of reference to the effect that the Eastgate development would have on the market.

To consider a report of the Acting Director of City Development on a consultation document for the Local Transport Plan Strategy for 2011-2026.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report on a consultation document for the Local Transport Plan Strategy for 2011-2026.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• Local Transport Plan Strategy for 2010-26 – Document for Consultation October – December 2010 – Summary Version
• Local Transport Plan Strategy for 2011-26 – Consultation Document October – December 2010 – Detailed Version – Draft dated 22^nd October 2010

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

Martin Farrington, Acting Director of City Development

Andrew Hall, Acting Head of Transport Policy, City Development

Helen Standing, Local Transport Plan 3 Team Project Leader, Metro

Andy Chymera, Local Transport Plan 3 Communication Lead, Metro

In summary, summary specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• clarification as to progress of the quality bus contracts
• reference to cross ticketing and the concerns around potential price increases
• the view that the Council ought to be implementing more park and ride sites throughout the city, especially on the Outer Ring Road to encourage people not to bring their cars in to the city centre
• the need to have a ‘Plan C’ and to look at other solutions around the implementation of a Super trolleybus scheme for the city
• to welcome the development of integrated ticketing
• clarification of the enhancements outlined in the Summary Consultation document
• the need to invite a representative from First Bus to attend a future Board meeting
• clarification as to whether or Private Hire vehicles could share bus lanes to alleviate congestion
• the need to address the issue of extending the provision of a late night bus service within the city
• the need for the consultation process to address such pending issues as fuel duty rebates/concessionary fare funding mechanisms
• the need to have low tech information available to members of the public at bus stops covering details of bus numbers/times/routes etc
• clarification if renewable energy/solar power had been developed within this area and to seek officers views on those current underground transportation systems operated in Glasgow/Newcastle
• clarification as to whether or not the department had considered introducing ‘Boris bikes’ as operated in London with a view to improving cycling provision within the city

Following discussions, officers from both Leeds City Council and Metro noted the individual comments made by Board Members and agreed to take them forward as part of the on-going consultation exercise.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That this Board notes that a report on the final proposals in relation to implementing a Local Transport Strategy for 2011-2026 would be submitted to this meeting for consideration/comment in January 2011.

c)  That the Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser be requested to invite a senior representative from First Bus to attend a future meeting and to update the Board’s work programme accordingly.

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing the Board with a financial position for the City Development Directorate at period 6 and projection for period 7.

Referring to Minute 56 of the meeting held on 5^th October 2010, the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report providing the Board with a financial position for the City Development Directorate at period 6 and projection for period 7.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘ City Development Directorate; 2010/Budget – Period 6 Report’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments:-

Martin Farrington, Acting Director of City Development

Simon Criddle, Head of Finance, City Development

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices and arising from the presentation of the figures, the Board noted that the City Development department had a current overspend of ½ million.

Specific concern was also raised with regards to the reduction in spend on the book fund of £300k.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on a guide for Elected Members on Section 106 and 278 Agreements.

Referring to Minute 31 of the meeting held on 7^th September 2010, the Chief Planning Officer on a guide for Elected Members on Section 106 and 278 Agreements.

Appended to the report was a copy of the guide entitled ‘A Guide to Section 106’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

Phil Crabtree, Chief Planning Officer, City Development

Helen Cerroti, Development Project Manager, City Development

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• the need for the first paragraph of the guide entitled ‘What is a Planning Obligation?’ to be re-drafted in plain English

(The Chief Planning Officer responded and agreed to undertake this request)

• clarification of the protocol behind Green space and the need to remove the words ‘where appropriate’

(The Chief Planning Officer responded and agreed to undertake this request)

• the comment that some Members were not receiving updates showing section 106 monies which was available in their wards

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report, together with the guide be received and noted.

a)  Grants to Culture and Sport Related Organisations Working Group

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on the Grants to Culture and Sport Related Organisations Working Group

b)  Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance Working Group

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance Working Group

a) The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report updating the meeting on the Grants to Culture and Sport Related Organisations Working Group for the information/comment of the meeting.

     RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted.

b) The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report updating the meeting on the Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance Working Group for the information/comment of the meeting.

    RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on the Board’s work programme, together with a copy of the latest Executive Board minutes and the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report providing Members with a copy of the Board’s current Work Programme. The Executive Board minutes of 23^rd September 2010, together with the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1^st November 2010 to 28^th February 2011 were also attached to the report.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That the Executive Board minutes of 23^rd September 2010, together with the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1^st November 2010 to 28^th February 2011  be noted.

c)  That the Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser be requested to update the

  work programme to include the following items:-

·  Local Transport Strategy for 2011-2026 (January 2011)

·  Update on Section 106 monies divided by ward

a)  To note that the next meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday 7^th December 2010 at 10.00 am with a pre meeting for Board Members at 9.30 am.

b)  To note the dates and times of the following Board meetings for the remainder of the year:-

Tuesday 7^th December 2010 at 10.00am

Tuesday 11^th January 2011 at 10.00am

Tuesday 8^th February 2011 at 10.00am

Tuesday 8^th March 2011 at 10.00am

Tuesday 5th April 2011 at 10.00am

(N.B. Pre meetings for Board Members at 9.30am)

RESOLVED - To note the dates and times of the following Board meetings for the remainder of the year:-

Tuesday 7^th December 2010 at 10.00am

Tuesday 11^th January 2011 at 10.00am

Tuesday 8^th February 2011 at 10.00am

Tuesday 8^th March 2011 at 10.00am

Tuesday 5th April 2011 at 10.00am

(N.B. Pre meetings for Board Members at 9.30am)

(The meeting concluded at 12.50pm)