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.)

In accordance with his powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair agreed to accept the following late report:

·  Report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presenting draft terms of reference for forthcoming Scrutiny inquiries linked to waste management issues (Minute no. 37 refers).

The above report was not available at the time of agenda despatch, but was subsequently made available on the Council’s website.

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 to the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor M Robinson.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2014.

Further to Minute no. 25 ‘Request for Scrutiny’, the Chair explained that a working group meeting was held on 6^th October 2014 to discuss the potential scope of the Board’s forthcoming inquiry regarding Peckfield landfill site.  Draft terms of reference relating to this inquiry would now be brought to the Board’s November meeting for consideration and agreement.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th September 2014 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presenting an update on progress made in responding to the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny review aimed at tackling illegal money lending in Leeds.

The report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presented an update on progress made in implementing the Board’s recommendations linked to its earlier review around tackling illegal money lending.

The following were in attendance for this item:

Neil Evans, Director of Environment and Housing

Dave Roberts, Financial Inclusion Strategy Manager

Gail Webb, Head of Learning Improvement, Children’s Services

Hilary Farmery, Communications Manager, Corporate Communications

Tim Taylor, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager

Mike McAughtrie, LIASE, Yorkshire and Humberside, Illegal Money Lending Team

In consideration of the report, the following issues were raised by the Board:

·  Publicity campaign – in acknowledging the level of investment given towards the major publicity campaign launched in March 2014 around tackling high cost and illegal money lending, the Board sought assurance that there would also be sufficient investment in actively campaigning leading up to the Christmas period.

·  Campaign video – it was highlighted that a recent Leeds case had produced a witness willing to discuss his experiences as part of campaign video, similar to the video promoted by Radio Aire, which was shared with the Board.  Members picked up on the sound quality of the Radio Aire video and emphasised the importance of ensuring that the voice of the witness is clearly heard in future campaign videos.

·  Dealing effectively with perpetrators - the Board emphasised the importance of publicising successful prosecution cases linked to illegal money lending to encourage more reporting, but were concerned to learn that two recently convicted loan sharks were given suspended sentences.

·  Money Information Centre (MIC) – Members were informed that further work was being undertaken to develop a recognised brand associated with the MIC in continuing to actively promote alternative options to high cost lending and illegal lending. Following its launch in March 2014, the Board noted that an evaluation of the MIC was being undertaken and would be available shortly.

·  Commitment across directorates - Members welcomed the progress made in implementing its recommendations and praise was also given by the Illegal Money Lending Team for the level of commitment demonstrated across directorates in assisting them in tackling illegal money lending.

·  Raising awareness in schools – linked to recommendation 4, it was highlighted that significant work had been undertaken by Children’s Services in raising greater awareness in local schools.  However, it was noted that further joint working with Children’s Services was needed to ensure that front line staff, and particularly Children Social Workers, were being engaged in relevant training and awareness programmes in line with recommendation 3.  As such, Members agreed to continue monitoring recommendations 3 and 4.

·  Credit Union – Members discussed how the public can access the services of the Credit Union and the financial challenges associated with running branch services, of which there are now six in the city.  Whilst Members advocated that opportunities should be explored to provide more branch services, the Board was pleased to learn that the membership of the city’s credit unions is now one of the highest in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Environment and Housing and Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) on the Best Council Plan Scorecard and priorities relevant to the Board.

The report of the Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Environment and Housing and Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) provided an overview of the 40 Best Council Plan indicators selected by the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team for quarterly monitoring (referred to as the Scorecard).  The report also gave an overview of the Best Council Plan priorities and deliverables relevant to the remit of the Scrutiny Board.

The following were in attendance for this item:

Neil Evans, Director of Environment and Housing

Coral Main, Principal Risk Management Officer

In consideration of the report, the following issues were discussed by the Board:

·  The level of detailed performance information shared with the Corporate Leadership Team surrounding the Best Council Plan Scorecard.

·  The flexibility to add or remove indicators in the Scorecard to reflect changing priorities.

·  The role of Scrutiny, working in conjunction with directorates, in performance monitoring other relevant indicators outside of the Scorecard.  It was also noted that the Resources and Council Services Scrutiny Board had agreed to receive quarterly updates on the Scorecard indicators.

·  Making performance information publically accessible.

·  Members also discussed particular issues linked to the Best Council Plan Objective: ‘Dealing effectively with the city’s waste’

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presenting draft terms of reference for forthcoming scrutiny inquiries linked to waste management issues.

(Report to follow)

The report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presented draft terms of reference relating to the following forthcoming Scrutiny inquiries for the Board’s consideration and agreement:

·  Integrated Waste Strategy

·  Determining recycling options for non-AWC households

RESOLVED – That the terms of reference for the Board’s forthcoming inquiries on the Integrated Waste Strategy and determining recycling options for non-AWC households be agreed.

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

The report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presented the Board’s current work schedule.  The minutes of the Executive Board meeting held on 17^th September 2014 were also appended to this report for Members’ information.

RESOLVED – That the Board’s work schedule and the Executive Board minutes be noted.

Monday, 10 November 2014 at 10.00 am in the Civic Hall, Leeds

(Pre-meeting for Board Members at 9.30 am)

Monday 10^th November 2014 at 10.00 am.  (Pre-meeting for all Board Members at 9.30 am)

(The meeting concluded at 11.35 am)