Agenda and minutes

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED –  That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as exempt  on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt from publication on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

(a)  Appendices 1 and 4 to the report entitled, ‘Development of a District Heating Network’, referred to in Minute No. 32are designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that:

(i)  Appendix 1 contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). Appendix 1 contains detailed pricing information underpinning the Council’s heat sales business case, which if disclosed could damage the commercial interests of the Council. Disclosure of this information would seriously harm the Council’s negotiating position when discussing heat sales with potential customers. Therefore it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of Appendix 1 as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosure of the information.

(ii)  Appendix 4 contains information which is commercially sensitive and which details the value of Council owned property.  Disclosure of which may prejudice future property development and disposals. As such, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of Appendix 4 as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosure of the information.

(b)  Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Leeds 2023 European Capital of Culture Bid: Interim Report’, referred to in Minute No. 35is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the information contained in Appendix 1 relates to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of Appendix 1 as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, as it provides details of the proposed budget to be included in the Council’s application to a competitive bidding process, and as such the release of such information at this time would prejudice the Council’s position.

With the agreement of the Chair, a late item of business was admitted to the agenda entitled, ‘Grenfell Tower Update’. This was to provide the Board with the latest position regarding the implications arising and actions being taken by the Council, as a result of the recent Grenfell Tower fire. The report advised that given the fast changing nature of the issues involved, in order to provide Board Members with the most up to date information possible, the report was not included within the agenda papers as published on 7^th July 2017. However, it was deemed appropriate that the Board was provided with a formal report regarding such matters at the earliest opportunity.  (Minute No. 44 refers).

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 confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st June 2017

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21^st June 2017 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting the respective Annual Reports of the Fostering and Adoption services, whilst  the report also seeks approval of the revised Statements of Purpose for those services.

Further to Minute No. 8, 22^nd June 2016, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report which presented the respective Annual Reports of the Fostering and Adoption services. In addition, the report also sought approval of the revised Statements of Purpose for those services.

In considering the establishment of the regional adoption service, it was undertaken that annual reports would be submitted to the Board, in order to make the Executive aware of the progress being made by the agency.

Members discussed the resource implications arising from the provision of demand-led services, such as those needed to care for looked after children. In addition, the Board considered the actions being taken to look to address any related resource pressures, such as via the recruitment of foster carers, and in response to an enquiry, received further information and context on the proportion of placements that were ‘in house’ foster carer placements, as opposed to independent foster agency placements.

In conclusion, the Chair thanked all of those people across the city who undertook foster carer duties, and to those who also played a crucial role as fostering ambassadors.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the respective Statements of Purpose for both the Fostering and Adoption Services for Leeds City Council, be approved;

(b)  That in noting and reviewing the annual fostering and adoption report, the Board continues to support the work of the adoption and fostering service in order to ensure that children receive the best possible support.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families advising of the outcome of the associated consultation process, and also to seek approval to implement a new transport offer for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs or Disabilities) in post-16 education.

Further to Minute No. 114, 16^th December 2015, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report advising of the outcome of the associated consultation process, and which sought approval to implement a new transport offer for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs or Disabilities) in post-16 education.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Children and Families highlighted how the submitted proposals differed from those that had been originally set out, as a result of the feedback received from the associated consultation exercise.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received assurances regarding the communication which had taken place with affected individuals and families to date, together with the individual assessment for each young person that was intended to be undertaken, should the submitted policy be approved.

Members thanked the Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) for the valuable work which had been undertaken by Board in this area, which included the Scrutiny Board statement, as appended to the submitted report. The Chair of the Scrutiny Board provided a brief summary of the statement, together with the accompanying recommendations, which the Executive Board was supportive of.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed Children’s Transport policy, 17th July 2017, as detailed at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved. With it being noted that:  Personal Travel Allowances will be offered to eligible young people with SEND in post-16 education as an alternative to providing transport. Young people with the very highest level of need, however, will continue to receive bespoke transport. Transport assistance would in future be made available on the following basis, depending on the level of transport need, as detailed in the policy and assessed by Children’s Transport:

A: Independent Travel Training and a free bus pass (or equivalent cost) for a young person who is able to travel independently or could make the journey to their learning setting on public transport accompanied by an adult as necessary.

B: A Lower Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) equivalent to £1 per mile for 2 single journeys per day.

C: An upper PTA equivalent to £1.50 per mile for 2 single journeys per day.

D: Provision of Bespoke Transport.

(b)  That the new arrangements be introduced from September 2017, with it being noted that phasing arrangements, as detailed at paragraphs 3.42 – 3.45 of the submitted report, will mean that young people with SEND entering post-16 education for the first time from September 2018 onwards will be the first to receive transport assistance under the new policy.

(c)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Head of Commissioning and Contracting.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Carter required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families on the development of Child Friendly Leeds over the last 5 years since it was launched on 19 July 2012.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided details regarding the development and key achievements of the Child Friendly Leeds initiative, in order to mark the 5^th anniversary since Leeds established itself as a child friendly city on 19^th July 2012.

Board Members had been in receipt of further information, in the form of a booklet entitled, ‘Making Leeds a Child Friendly City’, which had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Members discussed the achievements which had been made since the establishment of the initiative, and discussed the challenges in this area that the Council still faced and the ongoing work which continued in order to address such challenges.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following be endorsed:

·  The contribution that Child Friendly Leeds makes to improving outcomes for children and young people, particularly the most vulnerable in our city;

·  The variety and breadth of activities which now comprise the Council’s Child Friendly Leeds offer (as detailed at appendix 2 to the submitted report);

·  The feedback the Council is receiving on this in terms of the value it represents for those involved (as detailed at appendix 3 to the submitted report);

·  The contribution Child Friendly Leeds has made to improving outcomes for children and young people in the city (as detailed at appendix 4 to the submitted report);

·  The impact, as further demonstrated by the January – March 2017 Child Friendly Leeds report card (as detailed at appendix 5 to the submitted report);

·  The key information which demonstrates that the ambition is enabling the Council to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and families in the city, including partner offers and enrichment projects (as respectively detailed at appendix 6 and appendix 7 to the submitted report).

(b)  That the following be supported:

·  The various activities planned to celebrate the 5th birthday;

·  The Council’s plans to further embed the ambitions for Leeds to be a child friendly city under the banner of ‘Child Friendly Leeds II’;

·  The social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter: by Executive Members posting and tweeting themselves, and also by liking and reposting posts and tweets made by other organisations and individuals.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing detailing the progress made regarding the district heating project; advising of the outcome of the evaluation process undertaken in respect of the tenders received for the two procurements that will deliver the District Heating Network; outlining the funding arrangements and the business case that supports the project, and the associated construction programme and communications strategy for the next phase; and which seeks approval to proceed with the project, subject to certain conditions being met.

(Please Note – Appendices 1 and 4 to this report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

Further to Minute No. 141, 10^th February 2016, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report detailing the progress which had been made in respect of developing a district heating network. In addition, the report detailed the outcome of the evaluation process undertaken in respect of the tenders received for the two procurements that would deliver the District Heating Network; outlined the funding arrangements and the business case that supported the project, and which sought approval to proceed with the project, subject to certain conditions being met.

Members acknowledged the ambitious nature of the scheme, and responding to a Member’s enquiry, further information and assurance was provided in respect of the scheme’s business plan and the actions which would be taken in order to mitigate any associated risk.

As part of the reassurance provided on such matters, although the recommendations within the submitted report were to delegate necessary authority to the Director of Resources and Housing to deliver the project, it was undertaken that prior to doing so under such delegated authority, consultation would be undertaken with the Leader of Council, the Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability and those Opposition Group Leaders on Executive Board.

Following consideration of Appendices 1 and 4 to the submitted report designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, including the appendices, be noted;

(b)  That the injection of £0.276m into the Capital programme in order to provide the balance of funding to deliver the district heating network programme, be approved;

(c)  That authority to spend for the following be approved:

(i)  The construction of the Spine District Heating Network of £21.276m funded through £17.276m supported prudential borrowing and £4m of grant from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA);

(ii)  The connection of the council housing District Heating Network of £17.42m funded through £11.3m of HRA capital and £5.774m of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF);

·  With the above being subject to:- 

-  the Director of Resources and Housing being satisfied with the outcome of the external due diligence on the business case and securing the required heat loads; and

-  the approval of the grant from the WYCA.

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing to enter into a contract with Vital Energi Utilities Ltd. for a maximum sum of £2m for a limited scope of works and services for the housing District Heating Network, as described at paragraph 3.8 of the submitted report;

(e)  That the necessary authority be provided in order to enter into the leases of the Sites for the energy centres based next to the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (referenced as site A within the submitted report) and at Saxton Gardens, and including the disposal of Site A at an undervalue;

(f)  That the necessary authority be provided in order  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing setting out the background to the proposed establishment of a trading company, with a business case to support that which has already been approved in principle by the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee. The report seeks approval for Leeds City Council to participate in that company.

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report setting out the background to the proposed establishment of a West Yorkshire Joint Services trading company. Appended to the submitted report was a business case to support the proposal which had been approved in principle by the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further information and assurance regarding the level of political oversight that Members would have on the operation of the trading company, in addition to any associated tax liabilities.

As part of such assurances, should the trading company be established, it was proposed that an annual update report on the performance of that company be submitted to Executive Board in order keep the Board informed on such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the legal position, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted, in particular that the company will be a controlled company for the purposes of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989;

(b)  That it be noted that the Council will provide an indemnity to its appointed representative, under the terms of The Local Authorities (Indemnities for Members and Officers) Order 2004;

(c)  That the Business Case, as detailed at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, which is in support of the proposal to trade through the establishment of a trading company, be approved;

(d)  That approval be given to the formation of a Holding Company, to be limited by shares wholly owned by the founding members of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, (i.e. Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield) which will protect the business of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee; and to 4 subsidiary companies for Materials Testing, Calibration Services, Archaeological Services and Business Hive, to be owned by the Holding Company;

(e)  That approval be given to the Council being involved as a shareholder in the West Yorkshire Joint Services Trading Company and its’ subsidiaries, on the basis as set out within the submitted report;

(f)  That approval be given for the Council to participate as Directors of the Company on the basis, as set out within the submitted report;

(g)  That the proposed governance and funding arrangements for the company, as set out within the submitted report be noted and agreed;

(h)  That approval be given to participate through a shareholders agreement, on the terms as set out in draft in the submitted report, and that the City Solicitor be authorised to agree final terms and execute the agreement on behalf of the Council which should be on the same basis as the contribution rates payable to West Yorkshire Joint Services;

(i)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the City Solicitor in order to agree terms and enter into an agreement with the other 4 constituent authorities to indemnify Wakefield Council against any loss incurred as a result of making a working capital and investment loan to West Yorkshire Joint Services HoldCo up to a value of £1m,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing a brief on the development of a new Culture Strategy for Leeds 2017-2030. The report requests the adoption of the strategy, and seeks a commitment to a culture-led narrative and focus for the city.

Further to Minute No. 137, 8^th February 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the development of a new Culture Strategy for Leeds 2017-2030. The report recommended the adoption of the strategy, and sought a commitment to a culture-led narrative and focus for the city.

Members highlighted the importance of the cultural strategy for Leeds and the need to ensure that it was intrinsically linked to city’s economic strategy. In welcoming the proposals, Members highlighted the need to progress the strategy, and noted that the next steps would be the development of a Delivery Plan.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the new definition, values, aims, objectives and five areas of focus for the Leeds Culture Strategy 2017-2030, be adopted;

(b)  That a new narrative for the city, placing culture at the heart of all future major policy decisions, be adopted;

(c)  That officers be requested to continue the work with stakeholders in order to develop a delivery plan to implement the strategy;

(d)  That directorates be requested to consider how their challenges and opportunities could be reframed in light of the new Culture Strategy for Leeds 2017-2030 and how their service areas could contribute towards the Delivery Plan;

(e)  That the Director of City Development be requested to return to Executive Board with an update on the Delivery Plan later in the year;

(f)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Culture and Sport will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an interim report on the work being undertaken towards the preparation of a Leeds bid for European Capital of Culture 2023 and which seeks approval for the associated recommendations, as detailed.

(Please Note: Appendix 1 to this report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

Further to Minute No. 137, 8^th February 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the work being undertaken towards the preparation of a Leeds bid for European Capital of Culture 2023 and which sought approval for the associated recommendations, as detailed.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report and noted that the deadline for initial bid submissions was 27^th October 2017.

Following consideration of Appendix 1 to the submitted report designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the overall progress made over the past twelve months, be noted;

(b)  That the incorporation of Leeds Culture Trust be noted, and that the process goingforward of developing appropriate governance structures, be approved;

(c)  That the budget proposals, as detailed within exempt appendix 1 to the submitted report, for the delivery of EuropeanCapital of Culture in 2023, be approved;

(d)  That officers be requested to return to Executive Board in October 2017 with the full and final detailed bid in advance ofthe deadline for the first stage submission of 27th October 2017;

(e)  That it be noted that should Leeds be shortlisted, then a second and final application will need tobe submitted by mid-2018.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides background information on the current arts funding delivered by Leeds City Council with a proposal for the scheme moving forward.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which presented background information on the current arts funding delivered by Leeds City Council, with a proposal to update and revise the arts@leeds scheme moving forward.

In presenting the report, it was brought to the Board’s attention that at section 2.9.6 of the submitted report, the financial investment bracket for tier 2 of the programme should read: ‘£4,000 - £50,000’, and not ‘£4,000 - £30,000’, as detailed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the establishment of a revised 4-year arts@leeds programme, as described in the submitted report, be approved, subject to the inclusion of the correction referenced during the meeting (section 2.9.6 of the submitted report refers), to reflect that the financial investment bracket for tier 2 of the programme should read: ‘£4,000 - £50,000’, and not ‘£4,000 - £30,000’, as detailed;

(b)  That subject to the Council’s annual budget setting process, approval be given to maintain the current total level of investment in the arts@leeds and ‘Leeds Inspired’ schemes for the period 2018/19 to 2021/22, in support of the City Council’s medium term financial plan;

(c)  That a further report be submitted later this financial year in order to propose the investment levels for individual arts organisations through the arts@leeds scheme;

(d)  That funding for the Leeds West Indian Carnival and the Black Music festival be transferred to the city’s annual events programme, rather than being considered through the arts@leeds grant funding scheme;

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Culture and Sport is responsible for theimplementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out the recent work undertaken to review and replace the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy for 2017 – 2023, specifically outlining the work done so far in preparation of the draft, the summer consultation process and the approach towards proposed publication in the autumn.

Further to Minute No. 102, 16^th November 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report presenting the recent work undertaken in order to review and replace the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy for 2017 – 2023, specifically outlining the work undertaken to date in preparation of the draft, the proposed summer consultation process and the approach towards proposed publication in the autumn.

In referencing the ‘Inclusive Growth’ section of the consultation draft of the strategy, a Member highlighted: the need to ensure that all parts of the city benefited from the initiative; the value of community assets in helping to promote growth in a locality; and the importance of town and district centres.

Members also emphasised the need to ensure that this strategy was developed in partnership with the Council’s other key strategies and plans, and was linked to relevant national initiatives.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the publication of the draft Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy be approved forthe purposes of consultation;

(b)  That the approach proposed by officers to engage with business andstakeholders, seeking specific commitments for the strategy, be supported;

(c)  That agreement be given for a final draft of the strategy to be published in the autumn of 2017;

(d)  That agreement be given for the Chief Officer Economy and Regeneration to continue tolead on the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy throughout the remainingconsultation period and publication.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment setting out the annual progress made against the Council’s Equality Improvement Priorities for 2016 – 2017. The report also outlines the new priorities for City Development and Resources and Housing directorates, the reviewed priorities for City Development and Public Health directorates and the completed City Development directorate Equality Improvement Priority.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report setting out the annual progress which had been made against the Council’s Equality Improvement Priorities for the period 2016 – 2017.

Members welcomed the submitted annual report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Equality Improvement priorities Annual Report 2016 – 2017, be approved;

(b)  That the new Equality Improvement Priorities for the City Development directorate and the Resources and Housing directorate, be approved;

(c)  That the refreshed Equality Improvement Priorities for the City Development directorate and the Public Health directorate, be approved;

(d)  That approval be given to sign off the completed City Development directorate Equality Improvement Priority.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting details regarding the Council’s proposed medium term financial strategy for the period 2018/19 – 2020/21.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report presenting details of the Council’s proposed medium term financial strategy for the period 2018/19 – 2020/21.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the 2018/19 – 2020/2021 Medium-Term Financial Strategy be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that further proposals will be brought forward in order to address the current identified shortfall;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Financial Services will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) which presents the financial health position of the Council as at the end of the first quarter of the 2017/18 financial year. In addition, the report reviews the position of the budget and highlights potential key risks and variations.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which presented the financial health position of the Council as at the end of the first quarter of the 2017/18 financial year. In addition, the report also reviewed the position of the budget and highlighted any potential key risks and variations.

Responding to concerns raised regarding the projected Children and Families directorate overspend and how such matters could be discussed and addressed moving forward, those concerns were acknowledged, and it was undertaken that further information and proposals, which would look to address such budgetary pressures would be submitted to the Board as part of the 2018/19 budget setting process.  

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position of the Authority as at quarter 1, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing seeking approval to the investment of the Community Infrastructure Levy strategic fund for monies accumulated up until November 2016.

Further to Minute No. 156, 11^th February 2015, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which sought approval for the investment of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Fund monies which had been accumulated for the period up to November 2016.

In considering the submitted report, a Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that the process for determining which sites would benefit from CIL Strategic Fund investment was simple and transparent.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the investment of the CIL Strategic Fund, as set out in Table 1 of the submitted report (up to November 2016), to be used to contribute towards the learning places deficit for schools;

(b)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (Financial Services) is responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the annual report of the Director of Resources and Housing which provides an update on the Council’s most significant corporate risks and details the arrangements currently in place, together with the further activity planned during 2017/18 to manage such risks.

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which provided an update on the Council’s most significant corporate risks and which detailed the arrangements currently in place, together with the further activity planned during 2017/18 to manage such risks.

Responding to an enquiry, assurance was provided that current arrangements would continue for the briefing of Group Leaders in respect of risk management issues.

RESOLVED – That the annual risk management report be noted, together with the assurances provided on the Council’s most significant corporate risks, in line with the authority’s Risk Management Policy and the Executive Board’s overarching responsibility for their management.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing inviting the Board to receive the draft Best Council Plan annual performance report and to note the progress made against the 2016/17 Best Council Plan.

Further to Minute No. 139, 8^th February 2017, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report inviting the Board to receive the draft Best Council Plan annual performance report and to note the progress made against the 2016/17 Best Council Plan.

In considering the submitted report, it was suggested that the Best Council Plan could look to provide further detail on those areas where challenges continued to exist, in order to enable further monitoring of performance management in those areas.

RESOLVED – That the draft Best Council Plan annual performance report be received, and that the progress made against the 2016/17 Best Council Plan be noted. In addition, it also be noted that further design work will take place and that some of the information included may change between this draft and the final design version being published as full-year results are finalised.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing which describes activity and the current position in Leeds regarding the response to the events of the Grenfell Tower fire. Whilst still fast moving at this stage, the report outlines some issues for consideration both in the immediate term and over the coming months.

The Director of Resource and Housing submitted a report which provided the Board with details of the activity being undertaken and the current position in Leeds regarding the response to the events of the Grenfell Tower fire. Whilst the report acknowledged that such matters were still fast moving at this stage, it provided an outline of some key issues for consideration, both in the immediate term and over the coming months.

For those reasons set out within the submitted report, and as detailed at Minute No. 26, the Chair agreed for this report to be considered as a late item of business at the meeting. Copies of the submitted report and appendix had been provided to Board Members prior to the meeting.

By way of introduction to the submitted report, the Executive Member for Communities provided the Board with a detailed update which included: the partnership approach being undertaken with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service; the current position regarding associated safety checks and inspections; together with details of the ongoing engagement programme with tenants, private landlords, schools, hospitals and universities. The Board also received further information regarding the ongoing investment into fire safety measures, and responding to an enquiry, the Board also received further detail regarding the provision of sprinkler systems in high rise blocks, with clarification being provided around prioritisation of such provision.

It was also emphasised that further updates would be provided to the Board in due course, whilst Members also noted that a related cross-party piece of work was currently being undertaken by the Local Government Association.

In conclusion, on behalf of the Board, Members thanked all officers involved for their considerable efforts in the associated communication and engagement strategy, which was ongoing.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made on delivering the action plan (annex 1 to the submitted report) be noted, and that support be given to the ongoing prioritisation of the post-Grenfell work, noting the early implications and issues for consideration, as detailed within the submitted report;

(b)  That in relation to the role of Scrutiny Boards, the following Scrutiny Boards be requested to pick up scrutiny of the relevant actions / emerging issues:-

(i)  Scrutiny Board (Strategy and Resources) – emergency planning;

(ii)  Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure and investment) – private sector properties and building control;

(iii)Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities) – Council housing stock safety, resident engagement and investment decisions;

(c)  That further updates and reports on issues with implications for the city be submitted to Executive Board, as and when required.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment which  provides an overview of the arrangements that have oversight responsibility for migration activity in the city and which seeks approval for the strategic, co-ordinated and inclusive approach towards migration proposed.

Further to Minute No. 63, 21^st September 2016, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which provided an overview of the arrangements in place with respect to migration activity across the city, and which sought approval of a further strengthened approach towards such arrangements.

The Executive Member for Communities extended her thanks to the Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities) for the work that the Board had undertaken in this area, and the significant contribution that the Scrutiny Board had made to the submitted proposals.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the strengthened arrangements developed following the Citizen’s and Communities Scrutiny Board inquiry into migration be approved, with the aim of ensuring a more strategic, co-ordinated and inclusive approach to migration, with the current and future work that is planned on such matters being endorsed;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities and Environment and the Executive Member for Communities are responsible for leading this work through the Council’s ‘Stronger Communities’ Breakthrough Programme;

(c)  That an update report on the progress being made in this area, be submitted to the Executive Board in July 2018.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of City Development and the Director of Adults and Health sets out proposals for the delivery of extra care housing for older people across the city as part of the Council House Growth Programme and supporting the Better Lives Programme. The report also sets out recommendations to enable the project to progress, including the use of Council owned sites which have been identified as suitable for delivery of extra care, the commitment of funding for the project from the Council House Growth Programme and the intended delivery strategy.

The Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of City Development and the Director of Adults and Health submitted a joint report which set out proposals for the delivery of extra care housing for older people across the city as part of the Council House Growth Programme and in support of the Better Lives Programme. In addition, the report also set out recommendations in order to enable the project to progress, including the use of Council owned sites which had been identified as suitable for delivery of extra care, the commitment of funding for the project from the Council House Growth Programme and the intended delivery strategy.

Members discussed the pace at which the programme was progressing, and highlighted the importance of using the initiative to encourage developers to bring their own land and schemes forward for the purposes of extra care provision. The Board also noted the cross-directorate working which continued in this area to progress the initiative.

In considering the sites detailed within the submitted report and the geographical spread of them, it was noted that the sites referenced were simply a shortlist which had been drawn up for extra care provision.

In conclusion, it was suggested that a cross-party working group could be established in order to assist with the progression of this scheme.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the investment being made in the delivery of extra care housing as part of the Council House Growth Programme be noted;

(b)  That agreement be given that the sites included in section 3.13 of the submitted report should be dedicated to the delivery of the extra care housing programme, and that it be noted that any decisions on the disposal of Council land to enable this will be taken by the Director of City Development;

(c)  That the intended procurement strategy for the delivery of extra care housing, as set out at paragraphs 3.15-3.20 of the submitted report, be agreed;

(d)  That the needs assessment already undertaken to provide the evidence base for extra care delivery be noted;

(e)  That the potential revenue savings to the Council, which will result from the provision of additional extra care housing places across the city be noted, and that it also be noted that these will be accrued through the use of sites that would otherwise be disposed of to generate a capital receipt;

(f)  That the potential reduction in forecast capital receipts arising from the inclusion of the identified sites in the extra care programme be noted, together with the fact that this will be kept under review, but will be offset by future annual revenue savings and any additional land receipts arising from the delivery approach;

(g)  That a further report on progress regarding the delivery of the programme be submitted to the Executive Board in June 2018;

(h)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Director of Resources and Housing.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment on the work undertaken to secure Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding for Leeds. The report also seeks approval to enter into contracts with the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver CLLD.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report regarding the work which had been undertaken to secure Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding for Leeds. The report also sought approval to enter into contracts with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in order to deliver the CLLD programme.

Members welcomed the content of the submitted report, highlighted the need to ensure that the Leeds City Region continued to benefit from the receipt of similar funding following Brexit, and noted the clear funding criteria and framework which had been used in this process.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Council expenditure for the three CLLD Programmesof £1,093k, be authorised;

(b)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Communities and Environment in order to enter intocontracts with DCLG and DWP for the CLLD Programmes in the Inner East,Inner South and Inner West areas.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to submit a Stage 2 application to Arts Council England for grant support towards the cost of the proposed refurbishment works, whilst also seeking relevant authority for an injection into the Capital Programme and associated authority to spend. In addition, the report also outlines proposals for the Council, supported by stakeholders, to progress associated public realm improvements.

Further to Minute No. 28, 15^th July 2015, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to submit a Stage 2 application to Arts Council England for the purposes of grant support towards the cost of the proposed West Yorkshire Playhouse refurbishment works, whilst also seeking the relevant authority for an injection into the Capital Programme and associated authority to spend. In addition, the report also outlined proposals for the Council, supported by stakeholders, to progress associated public realm improvements.

Members noted the wider public realm works which were proposed to accompany the Playhouse refurbishment scheme, highlighted the importance for the Playhouse building to have good quality architectural design, whilst also considered the financial aspects of the proposals.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the submission of a Stage 2 application to Arts Council England for a grant of £6.330m towards the cost of refurbishing and reconfiguring the West Yorkshire Playhouse, be authorised;

(b)  That an injection of £13.040m into the Capital Programme (Capital Scheme No. 32019) be authorised, subject to the City Council’s Stage 2 grant application to Arts Council England for £6.3m being successful;

(c)  That ‘Authority to Spend’ of £13.040m from Capital Scheme No. 32019 for the proposed refurbishment and reconfiguration works to the West Yorkshire Playhouse be approved, subject to the City Council’s Stage 2 grant application to Arts Council England and the tender for the proposed works being within the project’s cost plan allowance;

(d)  That the award of the contract for the proposed refurbishment and reconfiguration works at the West Yorkshire Playhouse be authorised, subject to the tender for the proposed works being within the project’s cost plan allowance;

(e)  That the inclusion of the proposed public realm improvement works to Gateway Court in the contract for the proposed works to the West Yorkshire Playhouse be approved in principle, and that it be noted that a further report detailing the proposed public realm improvement works will be presented to Executive Board for approval in due course;

(f)  That approval be given to bringing forward for disposal for residential use the site on Quarry Hill previously held for use as a coach layover facility, and approval also be given to use the subsequent capital receipt in order to contribute towards the cost of the proposed public realm improvement works at Gateway Court;

(g)  That subject to consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, the Director of City Development be authorised to negotiate and approve the final terms of all legal agreements associated with the delivery of the project, in accordance with the Council’s officer delegation scheme;

(h)  That the actions required to implement the above resolutions, together with the proposed timescales to progress the project (as detailed in paragraph 3.6 of the submitted report) be noted, and that it also be noted that the Chief Officer Culture and Sport will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to grant a 50 year lease at peppercorn consideration to Health for All (Leeds) Ltd for land at Beeston Village Community Centre, St Anthony’s Drive, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 8AB. The report also seeks approval to grant permission for Health for All (Leeds) Ltd to demolish the existing Beeston Village Community Centre building.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to grant a 50 year lease at peppercorn consideration to Health for All (Leeds) Ltd. for land at Beeston Village Community Centre, St Anthony’s Drive, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 8AB. In addition, the report also sought approval to grant permission for Health for All (Leeds) Ltd. to demolish the existing Beeston Village Community Centre building.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to grant a 50 year ground lease to Health for All (Leeds) Ltd. for a peppercorn consideration for land at Beeston Village Community Centre, St Anthony’s Drive, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 8AB, in order to enable a new community centre to be built using external funding;

(b)  That approval be given for Health for All (Leeds) Ltd. to demolish the existing Beeston Village Community Centre building;

(c)  That it be noted that the Head of Asset Management will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Public Health, the Director of Children and Families and the Director of Adults and Health presenting the draft ‘Leeds Health and Care Plan on a Page’ together with the accompanying narrative, and which seeks approval for the use of those documents as a basis for a proposed engagement and consultation exercise with citizens regarding the future development and delivery of related services.

The Director of Public Health, the Director of Children and Families and the Director of Adults and Health submitted a joint report presenting the draft ‘Leeds Health and Care Plan on a Page’ together with the accompanying narrative, and which sought approval for the use of those documents as a basis for a proposed engagement and consultation exercise with citizens regarding the future health and care in Leeds.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the ways in which the success of associated outcomes would be measured, and how the plan would help enable the development of more efficient ways of working and the prioritisation of service provision.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in considering the draft narrative for the Leeds Health and Care Plan (as appended to the submitted report), the contents be noted, together with the comments made by the Board during the meeting, which can be incorporated into future iterations and which can be used in the Council’s conversation with citizens about the future of health and care in Leeds;

(b)  That the plans to progress a conversation with the public, based around the content of the submitted summary report, and delivered in conjunction with the ‘Changing Leeds’ discussion, be supported;

(c)  That it be noted that the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board will continue to provide strategic leadership for the Leeds Health and Care Plan;

(d)  That the continued availability of staff and resources from Leeds City Council to support and inform the development and implementation of the Leeds Health and Care Plan, be noted.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Adults and Health and the Director of City Development presenting the progress made by the Leeds Academic Health Partnership to establish a programme of active projects to deliver the Partnership’s priorities, whilst also describing the support required to ensure its performance is sustained in the long term.

Further to Minute No. 166, 20^th April 2016, the Director of Adults and Health and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report presenting the progress made by the Leeds Academic Health Partnership (LAHP) to establish a programme of active projects to deliver the Partnership’s priorities. In addition, the report also described the support required in order to ensure that LAHP’s performance is sustained in the long term.

A Member highlighted the value of the ‘One Leeds Workforce’ initiative which was outlined within the report, emphasising how it linked well to the Council’s ‘inclusive growth’ ambitions.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made by the Leeds Academic Health Partnership and its programme be noted, which looks to deliver better health outcomes, reduced health inequality and more jobs, whilst also stimulating investment in health and social care within the city’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy;

(b)  That the extension of the period covered by the City Council’s contribution towards the running costs of the LAHP and delivery of the LAHP’s programme of work from one year to three years in order to give certainty and reflect the long term impact of its priority project, be supported;

(c)  That support be given to the principle of the Academy, which is a tool for better managing workforce challenges, and that officers be delegated, in consultation with the lead Member, the task of taking forward the Council’s involvement whilst also keeping the Executive Board involved;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Health Partnerships Team will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the programme by the LAHP.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    WEDNESDAY, 19^TH JULY 2017

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00P.M., WEDNESDAY, 26^TH JULY 2017