Agenda and minutes

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

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

There were no late items.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared at the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J Marjoram.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2013.

In relation to minute 57 – Work Schedule – Members noted that confirmation had been received from City Development that no existing residents’ parking permit schemes would be altered or rescinded without community consultation and the necessary legal processes.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2013 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive a briefing on the manufacturing sector in Leeds.

The Board discussed a briefing on the Manufacturing Sector in Leeds. In attendance to address the Board and answer Members’ queries were:

-  Councillor Richard Lewis, Executive Member for Development and the Economy

-  Tom Bridges, Chief Economic Development Officer

-  Phil Cole, Head of Business Support.

The following issues were highlighted by Tom Bridges and Councillor Lewis in introducing the report:

·  The importance of the sector to Leeds employment

·  The need to raise the profile of the Leeds manufacturing sector and its offer, in order to attract more investment

·  The strength of the research, development and innovation aspects of advanced manufacturing in Leeds

·  The need to invest in a highly skilled workforce

·  The need to develop export markets further

·  A need for suitable premises, especially for SMEs

·  The need to work with other sectors and partners to add value, especially the universities

·  The role of the government funded Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and the network being developed in Leeds through partnership between MAS, the council and the Chamber of Commerce

·  Grants available through the Leeds City Region

·  Examples of business support provided by the Council and the more proactive relationship being fostered with the manufacturing sector, including the support provided to Airedale Air Conditioning following the fire at their premises

The following issues were raised in discussion:

·  The fact that the diversity of the manufacturing base in Leeds can be seen as both a weakness - in terms of profile, lack of  ‘signature’ names and ability to attract government funding - but also as a real strength in terms of resilience and flexibility

·  The challenges arising from an ageing workforce and the opportunity to support young people into work through apprenticeships, especially if we take the initiative to identify future skills gaps and design apprenticeships to meet these needs

·  Early engagement with schools, including visits to businesses so that young people understand the opportunities available

·  The role of the council in supporting the expansion of the sector by a positive approach to new inquiries, involving other parts of the authority, especially in the planning arena

·  The potential for the council to develop new premises for SMEs as part of the Enterprise Zone

·  The need for a balanced approach to premises needs of businesses  as against housing in the city’s approach to the use of brownfield land

·  The need to exploit existing international links, such as through the twin towns, and to develop new links

·  Everyone’s role in shouting louder about the importance of manufacturing in Leeds

·  That the Board may consider undertaking further work in relation to manufacturing in Leeds in the next municipal year and would welcome further discussion about the potential scope for such work

RESOLVED – That the report be welcomed.

(Councillor A Khan joined the meeting at 11.10am and left at 11.45am, and Councillor M Lyons left the meeting at 11.30am during consideration of this item.)

To consider the Board’s requirements in relation to the revised corporate performance management framework.

The Board considered a report seeking Members’ views on a proposed framework for future performance reporting.

In attendance to address the Board and answer Members’ queries were:

-  Councillor Richard Lewis, Executive Member for Development and the Economy

-  Paul Maney, Head of Strategic Planning, Policy and Performance

-  Fiona McAnespie, Deputy Head of Policy, Performance and Improvement.

Members supported the proposals, but expressed some concern regarding the target to ‘aspire to achieve zero youth unemployment in Leeds’. Whilst very supportive of the sentiment, the Board felt that this was liable to always be rated red, and suggested that more thought should be given as to how to measure and report progress towards this target.

RESOLVED

a)  That a report is submitted to this Board each quarter which identifies areas where there is concern with progress against priorities, and also highlights any particularly noteworthy achievements; and

b)  That the report will be based on:

o  The Sustainable Economy and Culture Partnership Board quarterly progress update;

o  The relevant section of the Corporate Leadership Team ‘yes/no’ document; and

o  The City Development Directorate quarterly performance report.

(Councillor J McKenna left the meeting at 12.10pm at the conclusion of this item)

To consider the Board’s work schedule for the remainder of the municipal year.

The Board received a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development which set out the latest version of the Board’s work schedule.

Members were informed that, following the request for scrutiny presented by Mr Hall in October, confirmation had been received from City Development that the planning guide for pre-application engagement by developers had now been adopted as urged by the Board.

Members noted that the working group meeting with young people planned as part of the Board’s inquiry on apprenticeships had now been arranged for Thursday 16 January 2014 at 5pm.

The Board also noted that arrangements had now been made for joint scrutiny with the Housing and Regeneration Board of the proposed Leeds input to the Strategic Economic Plan. A joint meeting of the two Boards would be held on Tuesday 4 February 2014.

RESOLVED – That the work schedule be agreed.

Tuesday 21 January 2014 at 10.00am. (pre-meeting for all Board members at 9.30am)

Tuesday 21 January 2014 at 10.00am (a pre-meeting will start at 9.30am for Board members.)

(The meeting finished at 12.15pm)