Agenda and minutes

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary or other 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 declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

To note for information the draft minutes of the Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Board meeting held on 7 April 2021.

RECOMMENDED – That the draft minutes of the meeting held 7^th April 2021 be noted.

To consider a report from the Head of Democratic Services presenting the Scrutiny Board’s Terms of Reference.

The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report that presented the Board’s terms of reference for information.

RECOMMENDED – That the Board’s terms of reference be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development, which presents a summary of 2020/21 performance data and provides an update on progress in delivering the relevant priorities in the Best Council Plan.

The Director of City Development submitted a report, which presents a summary of 2020/21 performance data and provides an update on progress in delivering the relevant priorities in the Best Council Plan.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate

-  Martin Farrington, Director of City Development

-  Eve Roodhouse, Chief Officer, Culture & Economy

-  Martin Elliot, Head of Strategic Planning

-  Paul Foster, Transport Planning Manager

-  Tim Rollett, Intelligence and Policy Manager

-  Chris Shillito, Intelligence and Policy Officer

-  Martyn Long, Head of Employment and Skills

Officers in attendance presented the highlights relating to each of the Key Performance Indicators as set out in the report.

Members discussed a number of matters, including:

·  Number of new business start-ups. In response to a query, members were advised that it is difficult to differentiate between nature of individual start-ups, and in recognition of this, teams in partnership with the University of Leeds are undertaking analysis focused on identifying high potential start-ups. It was confirmed that this information will be circulated to members when available.

·  Vacant positions within the hospitality sector. Members noted the challenges the hospitality industry are experiencing in Leeds to recruit, and were advised that this is often due to employers not utilising the furlough scheme and previous employees moving to other sectors, as well as employees who are EU citizens leaving the country as a result of Brexit. Members were advised that work is ongoing with organisations across Leeds to upskill and recruit through the employment and skills service, and longer-term plans considered as part of the Talent and Skills Plan refresh.

·  Quality of employment. Members queried whether data relating to quality of employment in Leeds is available to inform upskilling schemes, and were advised that the employment and skills service has recently secured funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority  to develop a targeted programme to reskill people in at risk or poorly paid jobs.

·  Outstanding capacity. In response to a query, members were advised that the number of developments that have received consent to proceed but have not yet done remains high at approximately 18,000, and that details of the time periods for delay will be circulated following the meeting.

·  Delivery of affordable housing. Members noted several challenges associated with the delivery of affordable housing across Leeds, and were advised that issues can be addressed through the Local Plan Review, as well as the Board’s previous ‘Housing Mix’ inquiry tracking item scheduled for later in the municipal year.

·  Percentage of working age Leeds’ residents with at least a Level 4 qualification. In response to a query, it was confirmed that the KPI for Level 4 qualifications is not exclusive to residents who have received their Level 4 qualification whilst living in Leeds.

·  Vision Zero Inquiry and KSI figures. It was suggested that the impact of school streets initiative and active travel neighbourhoods programme be included in the Board’s upcoming Vision Zero Inquiry.

·  Bus Patronage.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider a summary of the Connecting Leeds consultation results ahead of further analysis and a full consultation report.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that provides a summary of the Connecting Leeds consultation results ahead of further analysis and a full consultation report.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate

-  Paul Foster, Transport Planning Manager

-  Finn Campbell, Team Leader, City Development

The Team Leader introduced the report, providing an update on the key findings from the recent consultation, and the development of the new Transport strategy and action plan.

Members discussed a number of matters, including:

·  Digital access. Members recognised the challenge of conducting consultation exercises during a period of government restrictions in the height of the pandemic, however raised concerns around digital access for some groups, which is likely to have limited the representation of the respondents. It was confirmed that the demographic breakdown of respondents would be circulated to members following the meeting. Additionally, members were advised that copies of the Strategy alongside the questionnaire and a freepost return envelope which could be requested by email or dedicated phone line.

·  Better connectivity beyond the city centre. In response to a query, members were assured that better public transport availability between wards and to local services and amenities will be a key priority of the strategy and reflected within the action plan, including the development of a ‘door to door hub service’.

RECOMMENDED – That the contents of the report, along with Members comments, be noted.

To consider a report from the Director of City Development updating members on the Scrutiny Board’s 2019 recommendation that a trial of motorcycle access to bus lanes be established at a site in Leeds.

The Director of City Development submitted a report updating members on the Scrutiny Board’s 2019 recommendation that a trial of motorcycle access to bus lanes be established at a site in Leeds.

The following were in attendance:

-  Gillian MacLeod, Transport Services Development Manager

-  David O’Donoghue, Principal Transport Planner

-  Vivian Elby, Trainee Transport Planning Technician

The Transport Services Development Manager introduced the report, providing an update on the pilot scheme intended to be introduced on the A65 corridor in Kirkstall. Since the Board’s recommendation in September 2019, the pilot scheme had received objections from Kirkstall ward members. In addition, members were advised that there have been some changes to national guidance which limit the number of options for potential sites.

Members recognised and valued the views of local ward members in relation to the A65 route identified but expressed concern regarding the nearing 8-year delay to launching a pilot scheme, and the further delays associated with other potential sites.

RECOMMENDED – That a working group be arranged to consider alternatives to the previously identified A65 corridor site for the powered two-wheeler use of bus lanes pilot scheme.

To receive a report from the Head of Democratic Services on potential sources of work for the Scrutiny Board.

The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report on potential sources of work for the Scrutiny Board.

RECOMMENDED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider the Scrutiny Board’s work schedule for the 2021/22 municipal year.

The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report detailing the Scrutiny Board’s work schedule for the 2021/22 municipal year.

RECOMMENDED – That the draft work schedule for 2021/22 be noted.

The next meeting of the Environment, Housing and Communities Scrutiny Board will be held at 10.00am on Thursday 22 July. There will be a pre-meeting for all Board members at 9.45am.

The next consultative meeting of the Environment, Housing and Communities Scrutiny Board will be held at 10.00am on Thursday 22 July. There will be a pre-meeting for all Board members at 9.45am.