Agenda and minutes

Although no formal late items of business had been submitted to the Board for consideration, prior to the meeting Board Members had been provided with colour versions of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board 2016/17 Annual Report together with colour copies of the ‘easy read’ version. (Agenda Item 14, and Minute No.84 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, however, in relation to the agenda item entitled, ‘Leeds United Football Club’s Training Ground Proposals’, Councillor Blake drew the Board’s attention to her position as a Trustee of the Leeds United Foundation, whilst in relation to the same item, Councillor J Lewis drew the Board’s attention to the fact that he was a Leeds United season ticket holder.  (Minute No. 80 refers).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th September 2017

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20^th September 2017 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval of the Leeds bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023 for submission to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport by the 27^th October 2017.

Further to Minute No. 35, 17^th July 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval of the Leeds bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023 for the purposes of submission to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) by the 27thOctober 2017. The bid document was appended to the submitted report.

As part of the introduction to the submitted report, the Board viewed a short film entitled, ‘I Am A Spark’, which had been produced to accompany and support the city’s bid.

In presenting the report, the Chair conveyed her appreciation, on behalf of the Board, for the supportive cross-party approach which had been taken throughout the preparation of the bid, and also to the pivotal role played by the Leeds 2023 Independent Steering Group, which had recently recommended the bid document to Executive Board for approval.

Members noted the wide ranging support and positive attention that the bid had received since its recent publication; noted the commitment that the bid was being submitted on behalf of and reflected the whole city; and highlighted the range of opportunities including the positive legacy and economic benefits that being European Capital of Culture could potentially bring.

In addition, the Board’s approval was sought for the Chief Officer (Culture and Sport) to make any minor amendments and clarifications to the bid document which were required, prior to the document’s formal submission to the DCMS.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the Council submitting the bid for European Capital of Culture, as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, for submission to the DCMS by 27th October 2017;

(b)  That the Board’s thanks be expressed to the Independent Steering Group and all of the organisations and individuals in the city who have contributed over the last three years;

(c)  That for the reasons detailed within the ‘Legal Implications, Access to Information and Call In’ section of the submitted report, the resolutions made by the Board within this minute be exempted from the Call-in process;

(d)  That should Leeds be shortlisted to the second stage, the following be agreed:-

(i)  It be noted that a second and final application will need to be submitted during 2018, incorporating further developments and feedback from the judging panel;

(ii)  That the Chief Officer Culture and Sport be requested to support a recruitment process in order to appoint a Chair of Leeds Culture Trust;

(iii)That the Chief Officer Culture and Sport be requested to initiate a ‘Readiness Board’ within the Authority across the different Directorates in order to start to plan for supporting the delivery of the year.

(e)  That the Chief Officer (Culture and Sport) be provided with the necessary authority to make any minor amendments and clarifications to the bid document which were required, prior to the document’s formal submission to the DCMS.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the work undertaken in the last 12 months in support of the key work streams of the ‘More Jobs, Better Jobs’ Breakthrough Project.

Further to Minute No. 68, 21^st September 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the work which had been undertaken, together with the achievements made over the past 12 months in support of the key work streams of the ‘More Jobs, Better Jobs’ Breakthrough Project.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for ‘Employment, Skills and Opportunities’ paid tribute to the recently deceased Professor Mike Campbell OBE for the integral role he had played in the work of the More Jobs, Better Jobs Research Partnership.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further detail on the actions which were being taken to ensure that a collaborative approach continued to be developed in order to ensure that the positive results arising from the breakthrough project were being maximised, whilst the Board also considered how the Council’s role in the area of job retention and creation would continue to evolve in the future.

With regard to measuring the outputs arising from the breakthrough project and the related supporting data to illustrate performance comparative to other Core Cities and Local Authorities, Members were provided with further detail on this during the consideration of the item. However, it was acknowledged that consideration would be given as to how such data could be communicated more effectively, and what metrics could be used in the future in order to measure the progress that was being made.

RESOLVED – That the comments made by the Board be noted, together with the progress which has been made to date in taking forward the ‘More Jobs, Better Jobs’ Breakthrough Project.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services, setting out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2017/18, as at month 5 of the financial year.

The Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a report which set out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2017/18, as at month 5 of the financial year.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with information regarding the proactive approach being taken to reduce employee sickness levels in the Council, with it being undertaken that relevant officers would brief the Member in question on such matters.

Members also received clarification with regard to the current level of expenditure in respect of agency staffing.

In addition, responding to an enquiry, it was undertaken that a briefing would be provided to the Member in question regarding the budget forecast variation as detailed within the submitted report in respect of Children’s Centres.

RESOLVED – That the projected financial health position of the authority, as at month 5 of the financial year, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking agreement to the terms for a letting of space at John Charles Centre for Sport to Hunslet RLFC, on the terms as detailed within the report.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to the letting of space at the John Charles Centre for Sport to Hunslet Rugby League Football Club, on the terms which were detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED – That in supporting the principles of the arrangement outlined withinthe submitted report, the Director of City Development be authorised to agree new leaseand licence terms which are in accordance with the Heads of Terms, as outlined withinthe submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development informing of Leeds United Football Club’s proposals to relocate their training, Leeds Community Foundation and Academy facilities closer to Elland Road, at both Fullerton Park and the former Matthew Murray High School site.

The Director of City Development submitted a report informing of Leeds United Football Club’s proposals to relocate their training, Leeds Community Foundation and Academy facilities closer to Elland Road, at both Fullerton Park and the former Matthew Murray High School site.

In considering the report, the Board noted the potential opportunities arising from the club’s proposals; highlighted the club’s long term vision; discussed the proposals regarding the Elland Road site at Fullerton Park and considered the issue of car parking provision in the area; and made reference to the implications of the proposals for the Thorp Arch Academy site. In addition, it was emphasised that effective communication between the local community, the Council and the football club would be key to the progression of any such proposals.

Concluding the discussion, it was suggested that at the appropriate time, representatives of the football club be invited to a future Executive Board meeting in order to provide an opportunity for them to address the Board and set out their vision for the club and its contribution towards local communities and also the city as a whole.

Finally, it was brought to the Board’s attention that paragraph 2.12 of the submitted report should read: ‘Elland Road has recently been listed as an Asset of Community Value. Nominated by Leeds United Supporters' Trust...’, rather than stating: ‘Leeds United Supporters’ Club’ as detailed within the published report. In noting this correction, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That, in noting the correction to the submitted report as detailed above, the principle of the Council formally entering into one-to-one negotiations with Leeds United Football Club for the development of new football training facilities at Elland Road and the Matthew Murray site for use by Leeds United Football Club and Leeds United Foundation, be agreed;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of City Development is responsible for progressing resolution (a) above.

(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 City Development requesting Executive Board grant consent on behalf of the Council, as Local Highway Authority, to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State to establish Transport for the North (TfN) as a Sub – National Transport Body under section 102J of the Local Transport Act 2008.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought the Board’s consent on behalf of the Council, as Local Highway Authority, to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State to establish Transport for the North (TfN) as a Sub – National Transport Body under section 102J of the Local Transport Act 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Board provide formal consent under section 102J of the Local Transport Act 2008 to the making by the Secretary of State of Regulations to establish Transport for the North as a Sub-National Transport Body, whilst also giving TfN concurrent highway powers with Leeds City Council as the local highway authority;

(b)  That the resolutions made within this minute be exempted from the Call In process, for the reasons as detailed within section 4.6.1 of the ‘Legal Implications, Access to Information and Call In’ section of the submitted report;

(c)  That the City Solicitor be instructed to notify the Department for Transport (DfT) of the decision made in respect of resolution (a) above.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process if it is considered that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with this, the resolutions contained within this minute were exempted from the Call In process given that, as stated within the submitted report, the DfT has requested that Authorities confirm their decisions no later than the 20^th October 2017. It was considered that the implication of not exempting such decisions from Call In could jeopardise the Authority’s ability to meet the deadline of 20^th October 2017, which would prejudice the making of the Regulations and therefore the process for designating TfN as a statutory body. In addition, it was noted that the matter could not have been submitted to an earlier scheduled Board meeting, and therefore enabling it to be made available for Call In, as the DfT only confirmed on 21st September 2017 that the constituent Highway Authorities within those areas covered by a Combined Authority must also give their prior consent to the making of the regulations).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the preparations for bringing HS2 to the region: including the draft HS2 Growth Strategy and the Leeds Station Integrated Masterplan principles. In addition, the report also seeks endorsement to work undertaken to date and relevant approvals for the proposed next steps, including public consultation.

Further to Minute No. 51, 27^th July 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the preparations being made for bringing HS2 to the region: including the draft HS2 Growth Strategy and the Leeds Station Integrated Masterplan principles. In addition, the submitted report also sought endorsement of the work which had been undertaken to date and for the relevant approvals for the proposed next steps, which included a public consultation exercise.

Members highlighted the significance and ambitious nature of the project, and emphasised the inextricable link between this project and the South Bank Leeds Framework Plan. In acknowledging the scale of the proposals, the Board noted the range of challenges which would be faced during the development process, with emphasis being placed upon the need for the masterplan to be flexible enough to overcome such challenges. In addition, the key importance of ensuring that Members were kept informed of the progress being made was highlighted.

A concern was raised by a Member regarding the route of HS2 in its approach to the city, and the affect that this could have on local communities, with a suggestion that a report be submitted to a future Board meeting regarding the potential environmental and economic impact that the construction of the HS2 project may have on affected communities.

In conclusion, Members highlighted the whole range of potential opportunities and economic benefits that this development would bring to the city and the wider region, with emphasis being placed upon the need for the Council to continue to be ambitious in respect of such matters, whilst also listening to the views of local communities.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the draft Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan principles, as contained within section 3.1 of the submitted report be endorsed, as a basis for public consultation;

(b)  That the principles of the emerging Leeds City Region HS2 Growth Strategy and proposed next steps, as contained within sections 3.3 and 3.4 of the submitted report, be supported;

(c)  That following resolutions (a) and (b) above, the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Leader of the Council; the Executive Member for ‘Regeneration, Transport and Planning’; and the Director of Resources and Housing, be requested to:

(i)  further develop the Council’s input into the Leeds City Region HS2 Growth Strategy and to report back to Executive Board with a proposed final version of the Growth Strategy, with such a report to include proposed delivery, funding and implementation plans for projects involving the Council;

(ii)  undertake consultation with central Government and city partners on the Growth Strategy proposals alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority ahead of a final strategy being developed;

(iii) continue collaboration with partners in order to bring forward the delivery of the Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan Vision; and

(iv) provide an update to Executive Board in 2018 on the progress made on matters contained within the submitted report.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor S Golton required it to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the outcome of the public consultation undertaken on the draft South Bank Leeds Framework Plan in Autumn/Winter 2016. The report outlines how the consultation results have informed a revised version of the Framework and seeks approval to undertake a 6 week consultation on an amended version of the South Bank Leeds Regeneration Framework with a view to formally adopting the framework as a Supplementary Planning Document.

Further to Minute No. 51, 27^th July 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report presenting the outcomes from the public consultation exercise on the draft South Bank Leeds Framework Plan undertaken during Autumn/Winter 2016. The submitted report outlined suggested amendments to the Plan in response to the representations received via the consultation process, and sought approval to undertake a further 6 week consultation on an amended version of the South Bank Leeds Regeneration Framework, with a view to formally adopting the framework as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with assurances that the proposed process of adopting the South Bank Leeds Framework Plan as a Supplementary Planning Document would work alongside the proposals regarding the Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan and the Leeds City Region HS2 Growth Strategy.

Members highlighted the ambitious nature of the vision for the South Bank area, with specific reference being made to the plans regarding the creation of a city park.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, which summarises the feedback from the public consultation exercise, be noted;

(b)  That the Board’s agreement be given for the draft South Bank Leeds Framework Plan to be updated in order to reflect representations which have been received through the consultation exercise, as set out at paragraph 3.11.4 and 3.12.2 of the submitted report; and that support be given to the proposal to amend the Framework Plan, in order for it to become a Supplementary Planning Document;

(c)  That following resolution (b) (above), the Chief Planning Officer be requested to undertake a six week consultation exercise on a revised draft South Bank Leeds Regeneration Framework Supplementary Planning Document;

(d)  That following the consultation period, and subject to any amendments required having regard to the representations received, approval be given for the Chief Planning Officer to adopt the SPD.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health which introduces the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2016/17 summarising the Board’s achievements during the last 12 months. The Strategic Plan is also included which sets out the ambitions for the next three years.

Further to Minute No. 100, 16^th November 2016, the Director of Adults and Health submitted a report presenting the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) Annual Report for 2016/17, and which summarised the Board’s areas of focus and achievements over the past 12 months. The Strategic Plan was also included which presented the ambitions for the next three years.

The Board welcomed Richard Jones CBE, Independent Chair of the Leeds

Safeguarding Adults Board to the meeting, who was in attendance in order to introduce the key points of the annual report and to highlight key priorities.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board received information on the approach being taken to further address the issue of social isolation, whilst information was also provided to the Board by the Independent Chair of the LSAB on the key challenges that the Safeguarding Board currently faced. In addition, Members also received information regarding the level of comparative data which was available in order for the Safeguarding Board to assess Leeds’ performance against other Core Cities and Local Authorities.

In conclusion, the Chair, on behalf of Executive Board, thanked Richard Jones, together with all other members of the LSAB for the crucial work which they continued to undertake.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the LeedsSafeguarding Adults Board 2016/17 Annual Report and the Board’s Strategic Plan, as presented within the submitted report and appendices, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which presents the Cultural Cohesion Quality Mark (CCQM) scheme; and which seeks approval for Children and Families directorate to resource, manage and deliver the scheme.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which introduced the Cultural Cohesion Quality Mark (CCQM) scheme, and which sought approval for Children and Families directorate to resource, manage and deliver the scheme.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report. However, responding to specific concerns which had been raised by a Board Member, assurances were provided regarding the aims, remit and proposed operation of the scheme. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Cultural Cohesion Quality Mark be approved, and that Leeds City Council (Children and Families directorate) be enabled to initially resource the scheme, which will include financing, hosting, managing and delivering the CCQM;

(b)  That the following be noted:

(i)  the next steps required to implement the CCQM, as per paragraph 3.3 of the submitted report;

(ii)  the proposed timescales of the CCQM, as per paragraph 3.3.3 of the submitted report;

(iii)the officer responsible for the implementation of the CCQM shall be the Chief Officer Learning Improvement, Children and Families.

(c)  That Executive Board receive annual reports regarding the CCQM’s impact and effectiveness in relation to reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for Leeds citizens.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor S Golton 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 which presents an overview and supporting statistical information regarding the outcome of the Admissions Round for 2017 entry into Reception and Year 7, whilst also providing data relating to the in-year admissions functions.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which presented an overview of, and supporting statistical information regarding the outcome of the Admissions Round for 2017 entry into Reception and Year 7, whilst also providing data relating to the in-year admissions functions.

RESOLVED – That the following be noted:-

·  The number of applications received for places in Reception and Year 7 for September 2017; and that 87% of Reception children and 85% of Year 7 children were offered a place at their first preference school;

·  The number of children receiving an offer at one of their top 3 preferred schools was 95% for Reception and 95% for Year 7;

·  That requests for in-year transfers continues to rise, with 7,455 children requesting new school places in Leeds schools between September 2016 and July 2017 – some being new arrivals in the city and some being requests to move within the city;

·  That the officer responsible for this area of work is the Lead for the Admissions and Family Information Service.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing setting out proposed amendments to the Council’s lettings policy, and also to provide an update on the Housing and Planning Act in relation to the Council’s Tenancy Agreement and Tenancy Strategy.

Further to Minute No. 138, 10^th February 2016, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report setting out proposed amendments to the Council’s Lettings Policy, and which also provided an update on the Housing and Planning Act in relation to the Council’s Tenancy Agreement and Tenancy Strategy.

With regard to the review of the Policy, Members noted that the initial intention was for this to be co-ordinated with the Housing and Planning Act 2016, and the publication of related guidance and regulations by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). However, given that currently there were no confirmed timescales for the release of such documents, the proposal was to commence such a review, with any new regulations being taken into consideration once issued.

It was also highlighted that the lobbying of Government would continue with the aim of the Council gaining further resource and freedoms to provide greater housing provision in the city, given the significant demand which existed.

In noting the significantly lower levels of temporary accommodation placements in Leeds when compared with other Core Cities, Members paid tribute to the work undertaken by the Council’s Housing Options team for the preventative approach which they took, and which continued to achieve very positive results.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed amendments to the Council’s Lettings Policy, as set out in sections 4.7 – 4.46 of the submitted report, to be implemented from February 2018 by the Chief Officer, Housing Management, be noted;

(b)  That the developments regarding the Tenancy Agreement review, as set out in section 5 of the submitted report be noted; and that the review of the Council’s existing Introductory and Secure Tenancy Agreement be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing, to commence from November 2017;

(c)  That the proposal set out within section 5.6 of the submitted report to extend the Council’s current Tenancy Strategy to 30th September 2018 be noted, with it also being noted that a further report will be submitted to the Board by the Director of Resources and Housing in September 2018 on the implications of the Housing and Planning Act along with the proposed changes to the Tenancy Strategy.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment regarding the potential submission of a bid to the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme, with the aim of further developing the tourism offer at Lotherton Wildlife World.

Further to Minute No. 84, 19^th October 2016, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report regarding the potential submission of a bid to the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme, which was administered via the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), with the aim of further developing the tourism offer at Lotherton Wildlife World.

Members paid tribute to the ongoing work of the Parks and Countryside team, with specific reference to all those who had been involved in the recent development and opening of the Leeds Arium.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the submission of an expression of interest to the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside will be responsible for the implementation of resolution (a) (above), with a submission ahead of the deadline of 31st January 2018.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 20^TH OCTOBER 2017

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  FRIDAY, 27^TH OCTOBER 2017