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)  That Appendix B to the report entitled, ‘Capital Receipts Programme Update’, referred to in Minute No. 101 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and be considered in private. This is on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council. It is considered that the release of such information would, or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to property transactions. It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time.

Supplementary Information – Agenda Item 13A - 2024/2025 Revenue Budget and Council Tax

With the agreement of the Chair, supplementary information was circulated to Board Members and published ahead of the meeting for inclusion within agenda item 13A, ‘2024/2025 Revenue Budget and Council Tax’ in the form of Annex 2 which provided a statement of 2023/24 and 2024/25 budgets by service and also a revised Appendix 10 which presented budgeted movements in Earmarked Reserves 2024/25. The supplementary information was considered by the Board as part of agenda item 13A. (Minute No. 99 refers).

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

Regarding agenda item 13 entitled, ‘2024/25 Revenue Budget and Council Tax Report including Reports on the Capital Programme and Treasury Management Strategy’, Councillor Rafique drew the Board’s attention to the fact that he is a Trustee of Wade’s Charity in a personal capacity. As such, Councillor Rafique advised the Board that he would leave the meeting room for the duration of the Board’s consideration of that item (Minute No. 99 refers).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meetings held on 13^th December 2023 and also 15^th January 2024.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meetings held on 13^th December 2023 and 15^th January 2024 be respectively approved as correct records.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting to the Board the key judgements and full report of the recent full Ofsted inspection of the Employment and Skills Service, Adult Learning and Employer Provider Apprenticeship programmes.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which presented to the Board the key judgements and full report of the recent full Ofsted inspection of the Employment and Skills Service, Adult Learning and Employer Provider Apprenticeship programmes.

By way of introduction to the report, the Executive Member advised the Board that the Council had been found to be ‘Outstanding’ in all areas, following the recent Ofsted inspection of the Employment and Skills Service, Adult Learning and Employer Provider Apprenticeship programmes. It was noted that Leeds was the first Local Authority to achieve this ‘Outstanding’ judgement since the new Inspection Framework commenced in September 2019.

Members welcomed the report and congratulated all involved in achieving this ‘Outstanding’ outcome, which it was highlighted was in such a key service area. The Board extended its thanks to all who had contributed to this achievement. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted, with the fact that Leeds City Council is the first Local Authority to achieve the ‘Outstanding’ judgement since the new Education Inspection Framework (EIF) commenced in September 2019, being celebrated;

(b)  That it be noted that the Employment and Skills Service has improved from its previous inspection and judgement of ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’;

(c)  That it be noted that there are no areas identified for improvement;

(d)  That Executive Board’s appreciation and congratulations be formally recorded and extended to all those involved in the inspection.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families seeking approval of the Leeds City Council admission arrangements (admission policy) for September 2025. The admission policy applies to all Leeds community and voluntary controlled maintained schools.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which sought approval of the Leeds City Council admission arrangements (admission policy) for September 2025.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member specifically highlighted that these arrangements applied to all Leeds community and voluntary controlled maintained schools, and not to schools that are an academy, voluntary aided, foundation trust or free schools, as these schools must set their own arrangements annually. The Board’s attention was also drawn to the proposals regarding reductions in the published admission numbers (PAN) for some specific schools as identified within the report, which had been incorporated into the proposed admission arrangements for 2025/26.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in determining the school admissions arrangements for the academic year 2025/26, the admissions policies for the Leeds Community and Voluntary Controlled maintained Primary and Secondary schools (as detailed at Appendices A, B, and C to the submitted report), be approved;

(b)  That the resolutions within this minute be exempted from Call In for the reasons as set out within paragraphs 48 and 49 of the submitted report;

(c)  That any necessary authority be delegated to the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service, to enable that officer to take any actions should there be a need to revise these arrangements after they have been determined, where this revision is necessary to give effect to a mandatory requirement of the School Admission Code 2021, admissions law, a determination of the Schools Adjudicator or any misprint in the admission arrangements, under regulation 19 of the School Admissions Regulations 2012;

(d)  That the following be noted:-

(i)  The Coordinated scheme for admissions arrangements for entry in September 2025 (as detailed in Appendix D to the submitted report) has been set;

(ii)  That the officer responsible for this work is the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service;

(iii)  That the statutory date for implementation (i.e. determination of the policies) is no later than 28 February 2024, with the arrangements published by 15 March 2024.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process by the decision taker if it is considered that the matter is urgent and 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, as per resolution (b) above, and for the reasons as detailed above and as set out within sections 48 - 49 of the submitted report)

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment which provides an update on the progress being made by the Green Spaces Service and which responds to the Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing & Communities) statement and recommendations as referenced at Appendix 1.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report which presented an update on the progress being made by the Green Spaces Service and which provided a response to a statement of the Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities) entitled, ‘Plans for Community Parks’ and its associated recommendations.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member drew the Board’s attention to the key points within it and the actions for the service which were proposed to be undertaken in response to the Scrutiny Board’s recommendations.  Details of proposed changes to the Leeds Quality Park Assessment process were also highlighted.

The Board welcomed Councillor Stewart Golton to the meeting, as Chair of the Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities), who was in attendance to introduce the Scrutiny Board statement and its recommendations, as referenced at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

Members welcomed the report and extended their thanks to the Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities) for the work undertaken and the statement produced on this issue. Thanks was also extended to the team of Council officers delivering the Green Spaces service.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Statement of the Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities), as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted, and that the response provided, as detailed in section 17 of the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That approval be given to the reduction in frequency of the Leeds Quality Park Assessment to once every three years, which is more in line with how Green Flag assessments are undertaken;

(c)  That the Board’s continued support for community food growing in areas of land managed by the Green Spaces Service, which builds upon the approach as set out in paragraph 14 of the submitted report, be confirmed;

(d)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment is responsible for the implementation of the resolutions above.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment on how the Council can respond to new approaches to protecting and enhancing biodiversity in Leeds that have been brought about by the Environment Act 2021, including setting up a Habitat Banking Vehicle for the Council, which would enable direct investment in strategic nature recovery. 

The Director of City Development and the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a joint report presenting details to the Board on how the Council could respond to new approaches to protecting and enhancing biodiversity in Leeds which have been brought about by the Environment Act 2021. The report proposed the principle of establishing a Habitat Banking Vehicle (HBV) for the Council, which would enable direct investment in strategic nature recovery.

By way of introduction to the report, the Board received details of the relevant requirements arising from the Environment Act 2021 and how the proposals within the report responded to those requirements.

Responding to an enquiry raised, assurance was provided that in line with Government guidance and the Council’s draft Local Plan Update the delivery of the biodiversity net-gain would be onsite wherever possible. Regarding sites where this was not possible and off-site biodiversity was delivered, it was noted that the Council’s draft Local Plan Update emphasised that this should be within the locality where possible.

Emphasis was placed upon the importance of this issue and Members extended their thanks to officers for the proactive work which had been undertaken in developing such proposals.

In response to a further enquiry regarding the potential involvement of Parish and Town Councils, it was noted that there was the opportunity of working in partnership with other stakeholders so that their land could potentially be included within the HBV process.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the principle of establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (a Habitat Banking Vehicle (HBV)) be approved so that the sale of habitat units can be undertaken by the HBV in line with the Environment Act 2021;

(b)  That approval be given to delegate the necessary authority to the Director of City Development and the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment regarding the establishment and operation of the HBV, in consultation with the City Solicitor, Section 151 officer and the Executive Members for ‘Sustainable Development & Infrastructure’ and ‘Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space’;

(c)  That it be noted by Executive Board that an annual report will be provided which details the performance of the HBV for the previous financial year and which presents the future plans for the next financial year.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which seeks agreement to ‘care experience’ being recognised as a locally protected characteristic by Leeds City Council and which sets out the reasons for this proposal. The report also recommends a series of actions arising from that proposed designation.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which sought agreement to ‘care experience’ being recognised as a locally protected characteristic by Leeds City Council and which presented the reasons for this proposal. Further to this, the report also recommended a series of actions arising from that proposed designation.

By way of introduction to the report, the Executive Member highlighted the significance of the proposals, which followed the deputation presented to Full Council by care leavers on 17^th January 2024. It was noted that the designation of care experience as a locally protected characteristic was part of a national campaign, and if adopted Leeds would be the 77^th Local Authority to do so. It was also noted that the report recommended the establishment of an implementation group to develop and deliver this work, with an undertaking being given that care leavers would be invited to play a key role in that process.

Members welcomed the proposals within the report and reiterated their thanks to the care leavers who presented their deputation to Full Council. 

Responding to an enquiry, it was confirmed that provision would be made to enable cross-party representation on the implementation group.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be recognised that care experienced people are a group likely to face discrimination;

(b)  That ‘care experience’ be enshrined as a locally protected characteristic, and that all other local organisations and partners be called upon to treat ‘care experience’ as a locally protected characteristic to be adopted with the Corporate Parenting Principles;

(c)  That it be agreed that the Council will amend its Equality and Diversity Policy to include ‘care experience’ as a Locally Protected Characteristic;

(d)  That it be agreed that the Council will amend its Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) process and associated guidance, to include ‘care experience’ as an additional category to be considered for any changes or improvements to future services and policy;

(e)  That it be agreed that the Council will include ‘care experience’ in the publication and review of Equality Objectives and annual information relating to protected characteristics;

(f)  That agreement be given to delegate responsibility to the Director of Children and Families, in consultation with the Executive Member for ‘Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships’, to set up a time limited implementation group which will develop an action plan, co-produced with care experienced individuals, to support Council services to embed the amended Equality and Diversity Policy and EIA guidance and establish a cross-Council approach to creating opportunities for care experienced people.

To consider the report of the Director of Children & Families seeking approval to recommendations for providing an uplift in the weekly fees and maintenance allowances paid to Leeds foster carers with the aim of ensuring that cost-of-living increases do not disadvantage and impact negatively on Leeds foster carers. The report also sets out a proposal in future years for a process to be established regarding an annual uplift to be delegated to the Director of Children and Families.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which sought approval to recommendations for providing an uplift in the weekly fees and maintenance allowances paid to Leeds foster carers with the aim of ensuring that cost-of-living increases do not disadvantage and impact negatively on Leeds foster carers. The report also presented a proposal for a process to be established for future years regarding the approval of an annual uplift being delegated to the Director of Children and Families.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted the importance of the role undertaken by foster carers, and how this proposed uplift was something that the Council ‘could not afford not to do’, as it was vitally important to continue to recruit and retain foster carers. The significant demand for foster carers being experienced nationally was noted. It was highlighted that whilst foster carers provided the best outcomes for Looked After Children, foster care was also the most financially sustainable way of caring for those children.

Members welcomed the proposals and extended their thanks to foster carer community in Leeds for the vital role that they played.

Whilst supporting the proposals, a Member made enquiries regarding what further actions could be taken to provide greater support and incentives to foster carers, with an offer to work on a cross-party basis, as appropriate. In response, the Board received further detail on the actions being taken in this area, which included ‘invest to save’ initiatives such as the proposed establishment of an additional level of foster carer for adolescents. Members also noted that work continued to build upon Leeds’ positive performance regarding in-house foster carer levels when compared to other Core Cities and statistical neighbours. Further detail was also given on the wider support and enrichment package being provided to foster carers in Leeds, and also the work being undertaken which aimed to enhance the provision for children’s social care more generally.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That a 5% increase for the fee element paid to Leeds foster carers, to be implemented retrospectively from the 1st April 2023, be agreed;

(b)  That a 7% increase for the maintenance allowance element paid to Leeds foster carers, to be implemented retrospectively from the 1st April 2023, be agreed;

(c)  That given the need to annually review foster carer fees and allowances, it be agreed that the approval of changes in fee levels in subsequent years be delegated to the Director of Children and Families, in consultation with the Executive Member for Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships, the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Resources and the Chief Officer, Financial Services.

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources which presents the final proposals for the 2024 update of the Leeds Best City Ambition. The report seeks the Board’s endorsement of the Leeds Best City Ambition update and that the Board recommends to Full Council that Council adopts the updated version.

Further to Minute No. 80, 13^th December 2023, the Director of Strategy and Resources submitted a report which presented the final proposals for the 2024 update of the Leeds Best City Ambition. The report sought the Board’s endorsement of the Leeds Best City Ambition update and that the Board recommends to Full Council that the updated version is adopted.

Responding to a specific enquiry, the Board noted that the Council’s Communications team would undertake the graphic design work referenced within the report, which would be consistent with the approach previously taken in relation to the Council’s other strategy documents.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Best City Ambition update final proposals, as presented within Appendix 1 to the submitted report, together with the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board response, as detailed at Appendix 4, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that graphic design work will continue to be developed prior to the publication of the updated Best City Ambition around 1st April 2024, which may include some amendments to wording;

(c)  That the Best City Ambition update, as presented in the submitted report, be endorsed, and that Full Council be recommended to adopt the updated Leeds Best City Ambition;

(d)  That it be noted that the Director of Strategy and Resources is responsible for the next steps, as outlined in paragraphs 10-14 of the submitted report, including bringing forward an update of the ‘Being Our Best’ organisational plan to Executive Board in March 2024.

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, were not eligible for Call In, as Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 5.1.2 states that the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules)

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

(A)  2024/2025 Revenue Budget and Council Tax

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2024/2025 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied in 2024/2025.

(Annex 2 to this report – to follow)

(B)  Capital Programme Update 2023 – 2028

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) on the Capital Programme for the period 2024 – 2028 and which also includes a specific update on the 2023/2024 programme.

(C)  Treasury Management Strategy 2024/2025

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting the Treasury Management Strategy for 2024/2025, whilst also providing an update on the implementation of the 2023/2024 strategy.

Further to Minute No. 81, 13^th December 2023, the Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a suite of reports regarding: proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2024/25 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied during the same period; proposals regarding an updated Capital Programme for 2024 – 2028 and also a proposed updated Treasury Management Strategy for 2024/25.

With the agreement of the Chair, supplementary information was circulated to Board Members and published ahead of the meeting for Members’ consideration as part of agenda item 13A (2024/25 Revenue Budget and Council Tax), in the form of Annex 2 which provided a statement of 2023/24 and 2024/25 budgets by service and also a revised Appendix 10 which presented budgeted movements in Earmarked Reserves 2024/25.

The Board was advised that the budget proposals as detailed within the submitted report were based upon the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement. However, it was noted that following the publication of the submitted agenda papers, the final Local Government Finance Settlement had been received, which was consistent with the initial Settlement in all but the following elements: it was confirmed that additional resources had been received from the Services Grant of £98k and Social Care Grant of £97k, with a reduction in the New Homes Bonus Grant of £6k, totalling an additional £189k for 2024/25. Executive Board was asked to note this updated position and that this additional funding was proposed to be allocated to the Council’s reserves to deal with in year pressures within Social Care.

Responding to a specific enquiry, the Board received an update on the Government’s recent announcement regarding additional funding for Local Authorities, the level of funding being received by Leeds and how this was being managed in terms of the budget proposals.

(A)  2024/2025 Revenue Budget and Council Tax

RESOLVED –

(a)  That, subject to the inclusion of the updated position as referenced above,  Council be recommended to note the recommendation of the Council’s statutory Section 151 officer (the Chief Officer – Financial Services) that the Budget proposals for 2024/25 are robust and that the proposed level of reserves is adequate, as set out at Part 7 of Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(b)  That, subject to the inclusion of the updated position as referenced above,  Council be recommended to adopt the following:-

(i)  That the revenue budget for 2024/25 totalling £622.0m be approved. This means that the Leeds element of Council Tax for 2024/25 will increase by 2.99% plus the Adult Social Care precept of 1.99% from 2023/24. This excludes the police and fire precepts which will be incorporated into the Council Tax report to be submitted to Council on 21st February 2024;

(ii)  That approval be given to grants totalling £73.1k to be allocated to parishes, as shown at Appendix 5 to the submitted report;

(iii)  That approval be given to the revised virement rules at Appendix 7 to the submitted report - Virement Decisions to Amend Approved Budgets, specifically that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting an update on the financial position of the Authority as at Month 9 of the 2023/24 financial year.

The Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a report which presented the Council’s financial position as at the end of the first 9 months of the 2023/24 financial year. Specifically, the report reviewed the current position against the 2023/24 Budget, provided an update on the use of other funding resources and also updated the Board on the current position regarding the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the Council Tax and Business Rates Collection Fund.

In presenting the report the Executive Member provided an overview of the key points which included the current forecasting of an overspend of £39.0m for the General Fund as at month 9 of the financial year. The measures being taken to manage this position were highlighted, but with it being noted that the use of the Council’s reserves to achieve a balanced position for 2023/24 would be necessary, which would have an impact upon the resources available for 2024/25 and beyond. 

Members further discussed the Council’s current financial position and the financial outlook for the coming year, noted the range of actions being taken to manage that position and also considered the financial challenges being faced by Local Authorities nationally. The increasing pressures arising from key areas of demand such as children’s social care were highlighted, with Members also referencing the national funding model for such areas.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that at Month 9 of the financial year (December 2023), the Authority’s General Fund revenue budget is forecasting an overspend of £39.0m for 2023/24 (6.8% of the approved net revenue budget) within a challenging national context, with it also being noted that a range of actions are being undertaken to address this position;

(b)  That it be noted that at Month 9 of the financial year (December 2023) the Authority’s Housing Revenue Account is forecasting an overspend of £1.4m for 2023/24 (0.5% of the approved gross budget);

(c)  That it be noted that known inflationary increases, including demand and demographic pressures in Social Care, known impacts of the rising cost of living, including the NJC pay settlement of £1,925 and the JNC pay settlement of 3.5%, have been incorporated into this reported financial position, as submitted. That it also be noted that these pressures will continue to be reviewed during the year and reported to future Executive Board meetings as more information becomes available, and that proposals would need to be identified to absorb any additional pressures;

(d)  That it be noted that where an overspend is projected, directorates, including the Housing Revenue Account, are required to present action plans to mitigate their reported pressures and those of the Council’s wider financial challenge where possible, in line with the Revenue Principles agreed by Executive Board in February 2023 through the annual Revenue Budget report;

(e)  That the Month 9 positions regarding the use of Invest to Save, Covid Backlog and Flexible Capital Receipt resources be noted, and that the additional planned use of £0.3m of Capital Receipts in 2023/24 also be noted, which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which presents an update on the Capital Receipts Programme following the report submitted to the Board in February 2023 and which seeks a number of approvals from the Board in relation to the programme. 

(Please note that Appendix B to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

Further to Minute No. 107, 8^th February 2023, the Director of City Development submitted a report presenting an update and overview of the Council’s Capital Receipts Programme and which recommended to the Board a number of related approvals in relation to the programme.

The Board noted that further to the submitted report, ‘Pudsey Bolton Royd Primary School - Caretaker's Property, Moorland Grove, Pudsey, LS28 8EP’ was to be withdrawn from Table 2 (properties proposed for inclusion in the Capital Receipts Programme) due to further discussions to be undertaken with the school.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member provided an overview of the actions which were ongoing in relation to the Capital Receipts Programme, which given the financial challenge being faced by the Council was with the aim of having a smaller estate that was more fit for purpose. It was also noted that further reports were expected to be submitted to Executive Board on such matters, as and when appropriate.

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

RESOLVED –

(a)  That, subject to the removal of ‘Pudsey Bolton Royd Primary School - Caretaker's Property’ from properties proposed for inclusion in the Capital Receipts Programme, the contents of the submitted report and its appendices be noted, together with the previous Key Decisions which have been taken in relation to the disposal of assets, as set out at paragraph 16 of the submitted report;

(b)  That the progress made and achieved since Executive Board considered the last report on 8 February 2023, be noted;

(c)  That, subject to the removal of ‘Pudsey Bolton Royd Primary School - Caretaker's Property’ from properties proposed for inclusion in the Capital Receipts Programme, those assets identified in Appendix A and exempt Appendix B of the submitted report as “Proposed for Inclusion” be declared surplus and that approval be given to their disposal. Also, agreement be given to their addition to the Council’s Capital Receipts Programme of surplus properties for disposal;

(d)  That, subject to the removal of ‘Pudsey Bolton Royd Primary School - Caretaker's Property’ from properties proposed for inclusion in the Capital Receipts Programme, the withdrawal of properties from the Capital Receipts Programme, as set out in Appendix A and exempt Appendix B to the submitted report, be approved, which will be implemented by the Director of City Development;

(e)  That the approach being taken in relation to the review of Locality buildings across the city, be supported, with support also being given to how this approach will be informed by the review of locality service delivery.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Lamb 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 Strategy and Resources which presents an update and assurance on health, safety and wellbeing matters for the period 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2023. The report summarises the Council’s performance and main achievements as well as looking ahead at any challenges and identifies priorities for the next two years.

The Director of Strategy and Resources submitted a report which presented an update on the current position and provided assurance to the Board in respect of health, safety and wellbeing matters for the period 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023. The report summarised the Council’s performance and main achievements, as well as looking ahead at any challenges and identified priorities for the next two years.

By way of introduction to the report, the Executive Member provided an update on some of the key points arising.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiries, the Board was advised that health, safety and wellbeing performance data was shared with Scrutiny for consideration. In terms of the timeliness of the data presented, it was noted that whilst the submission of the report to Executive Board was slightly later than it would normally be, given the availability of the data, the period that it covered was as timely as possible.

Members also noted that Corporate Leadership Team considered such matters regularly, with specific reference being made to the issue of violence, abuse and aggression against staff, which was a specific area of focus.

Thanks was extended to all officers involved for their role in this important area and for the work that would continue with the aim of delivering further progress and improvement.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That it be recognised that a robust, yet proportionate approach to health, safety and wellbeing risk management continues to be applied within the Council, in order to enable the Council do the best it can with the resources and information available.

(Councillor J Pryor left the meeting during the consideration of this item)

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY 2024

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:   5.00PM, FRIDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY 2024