Agenda item

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. Members suggested that the pre-pandemic target for bus patronage in Leeds should be reviewed to reflect the changes in travel behaviour due to government restrictions.

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