Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the Scrutiny Board (Central and Corporate) Call-In meeting.  In particular, the Chair welcomed Councillor Kendall to her first meeting of the Board.

In accordance with his powers under Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair admitted to the agenda the following additional information:-

• Marketing Leeds – Business Plan 2008/09;
• Marketing Leeds – Activity and Events Strategy 2008/09; and
• Marketing Leeds – Statutory Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2008;

These papers were unavailable at the time of agenda despatch, but were considered to be relevant evidence to the Call-In request being considered at the meeting.

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.

There were no declarations made at this point, however a declaration of interest was made at a later point in the meeting (Minute No. 28 refers).

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors P Davey and J Dowson.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report regarding the procedural aspects of the Call-In process.

Members were advised that the options available to the Board in respect of this particular called-in decision were:-

Option 1 – Release the decision for implementation.  Having reviewed the decision, the Scrutiny Board (Central and Corporate) could decide to release it for implementation.  If this option was chosen, the decision would be released for immediate implementation and the decision could not be called-in again.

Option 2 – Recommend that the decision be reconsidered.  Having reviewed the decision, the Scrutiny Board (Central and Corporate) could recommend to the Chief Executive that the decision be reconsidered.  If the Scrutiny Board (Central and Corporate) chose this option, a report would be submitted to the Chief Executive within three working days of this meeting.  The officers would reconsider their decision and would publish the outcome of their deliberations on the delegated decision system.  The decision could not be called-in again whether or not it was varied.

RESOLVED – That the report outlining the Call-In procedures be noted.

In accordance with the Scrutiny Board Procedure Rules, to review the decision of the Chief Executive taken on 18^th August 2008 to approve a grant of £400,000 to Marketing Leeds in 2008/09 for them to provide a range of activities on behalf of the Council.

Enclosed are :-

• Cover report of Head of Scrutiny and Member Development
• Copy of Call-In request form
• Copy of Delegated Decision Form dated 18^th August 2008 of the Chief Executive, together with a copy of the accompanying report on which the decision was based.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report, together with relevant background papers, relating to an officer delegated decision,  D34227 of the Chief Executive as follows:

Grant Agreement to Marketing Leeds 2008/09

‘In accordance with the Council’s agreed budget for 2008-09, a grant of £400,000 is payable to Marketing Leeds Limited to undertake a range of activities as detailed in the attached grant agreement.’

The decision had been called-in for review by Councillors J Lewis, J Dowson, L Mulherin, E Nash and L Yeadon on the following grounds:-

‘I would like the Scrutiny Board to investigate whether the key aims of the partnership between the Council and Marketing Leeds have been, and will continue to be, achieved.’

The Board considered the following written evidence:-

• A copy of the Call-In request form; and
• A copy of the Delegated Decision Form dated 18^th August, 2008 of the Chief Executive, together with a copy of the accompanying report on which the decision was based.

The Board also considered the following additional information:-

• Marketing Leeds – Business Plan 2008/09;
• Marketing Leeds – Activity and Events Strategy 2008/09; and
• Marketing Leeds – Statutory Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2008;

Councillors J Lewis and L Mulherin attended the meeting to present evidence to the Board.  Councillor J Lewis gave a presentation outlining the reasons for the call-in request. 

The following officers were also in attendance to respond to Members’ queries and comments:-

• Paul Rogerson, Chief Executive;

• James Rogers, Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement);
• Jean Dent, Director of Development Services; and
• Deborah Green, Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds.

The Board then questioned Officers at length on the information provided and evidence submitted.

RESOLVED – That the report and information appended to the report be noted.

(Councillor A Lowe declared a personal interest in this item due to her employment as Chief Executive of Touchstone).

(Councillor A Lowe left the meeting at 12.30 pm during the consideration of this item).

(Councillor Atha left the meeting at 12.56 pm and re-joined at 1.11 pm during the consideration of this item).

In accordance with the Scrutiny Board Procedure Rules, to consider the Committee’s formal conclusions and recommendation(s) arising from the consideration of the Called-In decision.

Following consideration of evidence presented and the options available to them, as outlined in Minute No. 27, the Board resolved that option 1, was the most appropriate action.

RESOLVED –

(a)  To note the Board’s support for Marketing Leeds;

(b)  That the Officer Delegated Decision D34227 be immediately released for implementation;

(c)  That the Chief Executive reports back to the Scrutiny Board (Central and Corporate) at the October meeting regarding amendments to paragraphs 6 (Obligations of Marketing Leeds) and 8 (Performance Monitoring) of the funding agreement between Leeds City Council and Marketing Leeds;

(d)  That the Scrutiny Board (City and Regional Partnerships) consider a broader inquiry into the work and positive achievements of Marketing Leeds; and

(e)  That the draft funding agreement between Leeds City Council and Marketing Leeds for 2009/10 be brought before the relevant Scrutiny Board for comment prior to agreement.

(The meeting concluded at 1.25 pm)