Agenda and minutes

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

b)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that she would be hosting an afternoon tea on Monday 3^rd August 2015 in aid of her chosen Charity.

c)   The Lord Mayor congratulated the following who were honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List:-

Sir Gary Verity,  Knighthood

Richard Matthew Jeavons,  CBE

Peter Roberts,  CBE

Roger Marsh,   OBE

Robert Mark Greenhill Semple,  OBE

Jennifer Lizzie Ngulube,  MBE

Robert Anthony Smith TD DL  MBE

Robin Clayton,  BEM

Dr Peter John Hine,  BEM 

d)  The Lord Mayor and those present remembered those who lost their lives and suffered terrible injuries in the London terrorist attacks 10 years ago on 7 July 2005.

e)  The Lord Mayor referred to the terribIe events in Tunisia and offered her sympathy to those affected by the events. 

Council stood in silent tribute.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 21^st May 2015

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st May 2015 be approved subject to the addition of Cllr Caroline Anderson’s surname into the attendance.

There were no member declarations of interest, however the Lord Mayor reported that with regard to Item 6 (amendments to the Constitution)(minute 23 refers) , both the Chief Executive and the City Solicitor were declaring personal interests in the decision as it concerned changes to the disciplinary procedures affecting both the Head of Paid Service and the Monitoring Officer.

The Chief Executive informed Council that responses to Council resolutions had been received from the Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education and the Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP, Minister of State for Community and Social Care in respect of 2 White Paper resolutions passed by the Council in April 2015 and that the responses have previously been circulated to all Members of Council.

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

1)  A660 Joint Council regarding the route for the proposed trolleybus  scheme.

2)   Fair Access to Schools Group regarding the provision of school places in Leeds.

3)  Friends of Redhall playing Fields regarding the future use of the playing fields.

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

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 24^th June 2015 to Full Council in respect of the Children and Young People’s Plan.

It was moved by Councillor Yeadon seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

RESOLVED – That the draft Children and Young People’s Plan 2015-19 be approved for dissemination and publication.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (HR) setting out recommendations from the General Purposes Committee on 16 June 2015 to Full Council in respect of amendments to the Constitution.

It was moved by Councillor Blake seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

RESOLVED –

1  That the amendments to the Employment Committee Terms of Reference as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report be approved.

2  That the amendments to the Officer Employment Procedure Rules as set out at Appendix B to the submitted report with the additional wording shown at paragraph 2.2 (c ) of that Appendix to reflect the changes suggested by the General Purposes Committee be approved.

3  That a panel be established to comprise of a minimum of two Independent Persons with the Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix C to the submitted report.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood , seconded by Councillor Selby and

RESOLVED – That the appointments made by the City Solicitor in consultation with Group Whips and set out in paragraph 1.2 of the report be noted as follows;

·  Councillor Jarosz to replace Councillor Dawson on Scrutiny Board (Strategy and Resources)

·  Councillor C Dobson to replace Councillor Khan on Scrutiny Board (Strategy and Resources)

·  Councillor Dawson to replace Councillor Jarosz on Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services)

·  Councillor Khan to replace Councillor Akhtar on Scrutiny Board (Environment and Housing)

·  Councillor A McKenna to replace Councillor C Dobson on Plans Panel North and East

·  Councillor Walshaw to replace Councillor Davey on City Plans Panel

·  Councillor Ingham to replace Councillor C Dobson on Licensing Committee

·  Councillor S Bentley to replace ‘whips nominee’ on Scrutiny Board (Strategy and Resources)

·  Councillor C Campbell to replace ‘whips nominee’ on Scrutiny Board (Citizen and Communities)

·  Councillor Selby to replace Councillor Harington on Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Services, Public Health and NHS)

·  Councillor Harington to replace Councillor Selby on Scrutiny Board (City Development)

·  Councillor Hamilton to replace Councillor Hyde on the Housing Advisory Board

To consider a report in respect of the Outer North East Community Committee.

It was moved by Councillor Wilkinson, seconded by Councillor Buckley and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Outer North East Community Committee be noted.

To consider a report in respect of the Outer East Community Committee.

It was moved by Councillor A McKenna, seconded by Councillor Harland and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Outer East Community Committee be noted.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor presenting the Scrutiny Boards’ Annual report to Council, prepared in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution, be approved.

It was moved by Councillor J Lewis, seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor, presenting the Scrutiny Boards’ Annual report to Council, prepared in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution, be received and noted.

Q1  Councillor A Carter to the Leader of Council :-

Will the Leader of Council tell me whether she believes the original letter sent out on behalf of Leeds City Council to people in receipt of the single person’s council tax benefits was appropriate or acceptable?

The Leader of Council replied.

Q2  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community Safety):-

Can the Executive Member for Environmental Protection and Community Safety please advise council on the estimated number of deaths believed to have been caused by poor air quality in Leeds since the July Council meeting last year?

The Executive Member (for Environmental Protection and Community  Safety) replied.

Q3  Councillor Jarosz to the Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults) :-

Would the Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults like to comment on the Chancellor’s recent announcement regarding Public Health funding?

The Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults) replied.

Q4  Councillor Leadley to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Following the return of planning to his portfolio, does the Executive Board Member for (Regeneration, Transport and Planning) believe that the LDF Core Strategy target to build 74,000 new homes in Leeds is a reasonable reflection either of need or of likely achievement?

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

Q5  Councillor Renshaw to the Executive Member (Communities):-

Would the Executive Member for Communities comment on efforts to tackle food poverty in the city?

The Executive Member (Communities) replied.

Q6  Councillor A Carter to the Leader of Council:-

Will the Leader of Council please tell me what steps she is taking to bring about a standard set of terms and conditions across the Combined Authority area for issuing of private hire vehicle and taxi licences?

The Leader of Council replied.

Q7  Councillor Cleasby to the Executive Member (Children and Families):-

Could the Executive Member for Children please confirm what steps are being taken to avoid a shortage of school places across the city next year? 

The Executive Member (Children and Families) 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:-

Q8  Councillor Towler to the Executive Member (Employment, Enterprise and Opportunity):-

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

Q10  Councillor Robinson to the Executive Member (Resources and Strategy):-

Q11  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q12  Councillor Nagle to the Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community  Safety) replied.

Q13  Councillor Harington to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

Q14  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q15  Councillor Campbell to the Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community  Safety)

Q16  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

Q17  Councillor S Bentley to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q18  Councillor Robinson to the Executive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Charlwood 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 16.30 to 17.00.

During the debate under minute 29 above, it was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor Selby that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 22.1 that Council Procedure Rule 4 1(winding up of business) and 14.1(h)(period permitted for speeches) be suspended to allow the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board to sum up on the Health and Wellbeing Board Minutes for a period of up to 4 minutes.

Upon being put to the vote, the motion was carried

To consider a report of the Chief Executive updating Members on matters in the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Wakefield and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Executive updating Members on matters in respect of devolution be received.

This Council believes that every child in the city should have the option of going to a good local school.

Council therefore regrets the situation that arose in North Leeds during this year’s allocation of school places, where nearly 90 families did not receive any of their five primary school preferences.

Council welcomes the subsequent steps taken to secure more school places in the areas affected, but believes that recent events have illustrated the sheer scale of the challenge facing the city over the lack of school places. Parents and children across the city deserve nothing less than a comprehensive and far-reaching response.

Council recognises the reservations from some quarters to certain types of school governance, but believes that the authority needs to look at all viable options that could help the city meet demand for school places.

Council therefore calls on the Director of Children’s Services to bring a report to Executive Board which:

• explains how the authority can take a more pragmatic approach to addressing the basic need issue, embracing the full range of options and tools available;

• reviews the systems used to plan for school places in the city and sets out what steps can be taken in the short and long terms to ensure that the authority is effectively anticipating demand, so there is no repeat of this year’s problems in North Leeds.

It was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Cohen that this  Council believes that every child in the city should have the option of going to a good local school.

Council therefore regrets the situation that arose in North Leeds during this year’s allocation of school places, where nearly 90 families did not receive any of their five primary school preferences.

Council welcomes the subsequent steps taken to secure more school places in the areas affected, but believes that recent events have illustrated the sheer scale of the challenge facing the city over the lack of school places. Parents and children across the city deserve nothing less than a comprehensive and far-reaching response.

Council recognises the reservations from some quarters to certain types of school governance, but believes that the authority needs to look at all viable options that could help the city meet demand for school places.

Council therefore calls on the Director of Children’s Services to bring a report to Executive Board which:

• explains how the authority can take a more pragmatic approach to addressing the basic need issue, embracing the full range of options and tools available;

• reviews the systems used to plan for school places in the city and sets out what steps can be taken in the short and long terms to ensure that the authority is effectively anticipating demand, so there is no repeat of this year’s problems in North Leeds.

An amendment was moved by Councillor J Bentley, seconded by Councillor Campbell that;

Delete all after ‘should have’ in para 1 and replace with ‘a good local school to attend.’

Insert two new paras, after para 1, to read:

“Council notes the recent report from the National Audit Office which confirmed the positive impact that Pupil Premium funding has had on narrowing the attainment gap, helping to increase standards across the city.

However, Council also recognises the challenges presented by this Government’s removal of the ring-fencing from the national education budget, with the resulting increase in uncertainty around school planning that this has caused.”

Delete all after ‘arose in’ in para 2 and replace with ‘in Leeds during this year’s allocation of school places, where 550 families across the city did not receive any of their five primary school preferences.”

Delete para 4

Remove first bullet point.

Delete ‘North’ in second bullet point.

Insert two new bullet points after second bullet point, to read:

• sets out how attainment will be increased in all schools so that they all deliver the same high standard of education, reducing the need for parents to choose schools based on performance; and
• sets out the improvements planned for the communication strategy so that all parents can clearly see how attainment has improved in their local schools, reducing historic-based bias towards and against specific schools.

Revised motion would read:

This Council believes that every child in the city should have a good local school to attend.

Council notes the recent report from the National Audit Office which confirmed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

This council notes the increased investment in cycling during recent years and congratulates those involved for the success of both the Tour de France and its continuing legacy, the Tour de Yorkshire.  In particular Council congratulates Sir Gary Verity on his knighthood.

Council notes that while great achievements have been made possible, there is an opportunity to build upon these successes through the development of an Olympic standard Velodrome, to help Leeds support and develop its considerable local talent, as well as provide a venue for a wide range of both cultural and other events.

Council therefore calls on the Executive Board to instruct officers to work with partners in the Leeds City Region to identify a suitable site and funding opportunities to build a Velodrome for West Yorkshire.

It was moved by Councillor Cleasby, seconded by Councillor Campbell that this council notes the increased investment in cycling during recent years and congratulates those involved for the success of both the Tour de France and its continuing legacy, the Tour de Yorkshire.In particular Council congratulates Sir Gary Verity on his knighthood.

Council notes that while great achievements have been made possible, there is an opportunity to build upon these successes through the development of an Olympic standard Velodrome, to help Leeds support and develop its considerable local talent, as well as provide a venue for a wide range of both cultural and other events.

Council therefore calls on the Executive Board to instruct officers to work with partners in the Leeds City Region to identify a suitable site and funding opportunities to build a Velodrome for West Yorkshire.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Mulherin, seconded by Councillor R Lewis that

Delete all after “ on his knighthood” and replace with:

“along with all of the local authorities who came together to successfully deliver the Tour.

In order to build on these successes and ensure Leeds remains a centre for world class sporting events, Council celebrates the significant achievements of attracting the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and the ITU World Triathlon Series to the city in 2016. 

Council further notes that Leeds University has a stated aspiration within its Sport Strategy to develop cycling facilities and is actively exploring how to realise this with partners, including British Cycling, at the present moment.

Council therefore calls on officers to prepare a report for Executive Board on the development of cycling facilities in Leeds, including in particular how the Council can work collaboratively with its partners, including the Sport Leeds Board, to ensure the success of world class sporting events in the city continues to be built on.” 

Full Motion will then read:

“This council notes the increased investment in cycling during recent years and congratulates those involved for the success of both the Tour de France and its continuing legacy, the Tour de Yorkshire.  In particular Council congratulates Sir Gary Verity on his knighthood, along with all of the local authorities who came together to successfully deliver the Tour.

In order to build on these successes and ensure Leeds remains a centre for world class sporting events, Council celebrates the significant achievements of attracting the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and the ITU World Triathlon Series to the city in 2016. 

Council further notes that Leeds University has a stated aspiration within its Sport Strategy to develop cycling facilities and is actively exploring how to realise this with partners, including British Cycling, at the present moment.

Council therefore calls on officers to prepare a report for Executive Board on the development of cycling facilities in Leeds, including in particular how the Council can work collaboratively with its partners, including the Sport Leeds Board, to ensure the success of world class sporting events in the city continues to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

This Council notes that the Leeds economy has achieved significant economic growth in recent years, outperforming national comparators and demonstrating the hard work of businesses in Leeds as well as the success of the vision pursued by the Council since 2010 to ensure Leeds remains “open for business”, despite the challenging economic outlook nationally.

Council believes that the cost of living crisis means now, more than ever, is the time for all communities in our diverse city to share in the benefits of the city’s economic growth. Council believes that businesses in the city have a pivotal role to play to ensure this happens, through an ethical and civic approach to doing business in Leeds.

Council confirms its major priority for the year ahead is to work to transform Leeds into a compassionate, caring city where all its residents benefit from the effects of the city’s economic growth.  Council will focus on creating the right conditions for the economy of Leeds to prosper, but will also work to ensure a consequence of that growth is a reduction in the inequalities that exist in Leeds.

Council therefore calls on the Chief Executive to bring forward an Executive Board report on a strategy to enable elected members on behalf of Leeds City Council to work with businesses and organisations to help communities across Leeds share in the economic success of the city, through measures that include: the Living Wage, reducing corporate tax avoidance, supporting local skills and employment initiatives, the Mindful Employer’s initiative, fully meeting planning process obligations for community infrastructure and providing affordable housing. 

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor R Lewis and

RESOLVED - That this Council notes that the Leeds economy has achieved significant economic growth in recent years, outperforming national comparators and demonstrating the hard work of businesses in Leeds as well as the success of the vision pursued by the Council since 2010 to ensure Leeds remains “open for business”, despite the challenging economic outlook nationally.

Council believes that the cost of living crisis means now, more than ever, is the time for all communities in our diverse city to share in the benefits of the city’s economic growth. Council believes that businesses in the city have a pivotal role to play to ensure this happens, through an ethical and civic approach to doing business in Leeds.

Council confirms its major priority for the year ahead is to work to transform Leeds into a compassionate, caring city where all its residents benefit from the effects of the city’s economic growth.  Council will focus on creating the right conditions for the economy of Leeds to prosper, but will also work to ensure a consequence of that growth is a reduction in the inequalities that exist in Leeds.

Council therefore calls on the Chief Executive to bring forward an Executive Board report on a strategy to enable elected members on behalf of Leeds City Council to work with businesses and organisations to help communities across Leeds share in the economic success of the city, through measures that include: the Living Wage, reducing corporate tax avoidance, supporting local skills and employment initiatives, the Mindful Employer’s initiative, fully meeting planning process obligations for community infrastructure and providing affordable housing.