Agenda and minutes

(a)  The Lord Mayor welcomed members to this meeting of Full Council and also journalism students from Leeds Beckett University and reminded those present that the meeting was to be streamed live.

(b) The Lord Mayor informed Council that he would adjourn the meeting for a comfort break at an appropriate time in the afternoon.

(c ) The Lord Mayor informed Council that it was Councillor Salma Arif’s birthday and he also congratulated her on her engagement.

(d) The Lord Mayor informed Council that this would be the last meeting of Council for a number of Councillors as they would not be standing at the local elections in May, The Lord Mayor thanked the following Councillors concerned for many years of public service;

Councillor Forsaith

Councillor Harrand

 Councillor Illingworth

Councillor Maqsood

Councillor Midgley

Councillor Mulherin

Councillor Ragan

Councillor Truswell

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 22^nd February 2023.

It was moved by Councillor Lennox, seconded by Councillor Cohen and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd February 2023 be approved.

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

Councillor Smart declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as she was employed by Zarach, one of the deputations council was to receive today. Councillor Smart did not vote on the motion to receive the three deputations and vacated the chamber for the Zarach deputation and the subsequent vote to refer the matter to the relevant Director. Minute 93 refers.

To receive such communications as the Lord Mayor, the Leader,  Members of the Executive Board or the Chief Executive consider appropriate.

The Chief Executive informed Council that;

1) Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire will be attending the Council meeting in July to introduce herself and take questions from Members. 

2) a response to a Council resolution in January on Public Services had been received from the Treasury and had been circulated to all Members of Council.

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

Three deputations were admitted to the meeting and addressed Council, as follows:-

1)  A Group regarding green policies and planning decisions

2)  Friends of Woodhouse Moor

3)  Leeds based children’s charity Zarach

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 and deputation 2 be referred to the Director of City Development for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, that the subject matter in respect of deputation 3 be referred to the Director of Children and Families for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Lennox, seconded by Councillor Flint and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be approved, namely:

·  That Caroline Baria be appointed to the Health and Wellbeing Board following the appointment of Caroline Baria as the Interim Director of Adults and Health.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory presenting to Council the annual report of Entertainment Licensing and Taxi and Private Hire Licensing.

It was moved by Councillor Gibson, seconded by Councillor Coupar and

RESOLVED – That the Licensing Annual report be received.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Full Council the annual report of the Chair of the Standards and Conduct Committee  relating to matters within the committees terms of reference.

It was moved by Councillor Mulherin, seconded by Councillor Coupar and

RESOLVED - That the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Full Council the annual report of the Chair of the Standards and Conduct Committee be received and the matters set out in the annual report be noted.

At the conclusion of this item Council had a brief adjournment at 14:55 to 15:05.

To deal with executive questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.

Q1  Councillor Smith to the Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education):-

To ask the Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, how much the council has spent in the last five years on legal fees defending a) cases at the special educational needs and disabilities first tier tribunal; b) cases at the high court related to Section 42 of the Children & Families Act 2014 and/or Section 19 of the Education Act 1996; and how much is the total amount of claimant costs awarded by the court, at the council's expense, over the same period?

The Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education) replied.

Q2  Councillor Howley to the Executive Member (Infrastructure  and Climate):-

Would the Executive  Member for Infrastructure  and Climate  please provide the current budgets for each of the Traffic schemes for Lawnswood Roundabout, Meanwood Junction, Shaw Lane/Otley Rd and the A660 Shaw Lane to St Mark’s Rd?

The Executive Member (Infrastructure and Climate) replied.

Q3  Councillor Ritchie to the Executive Member (Infrastructure and Climate):-

Please could the Executive Member provide an update on the state of the Bus Recovery Grant for passengers in Leeds?

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.3(b) Cllr Carlill replied

Q4  Councillor Carlisle to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Many of us are concerned about the risk of disenfranchisement of voters, with the new requirement for voters to bring photo ID starting this May. Can the Executive Member for Resources tell me what if any steps Council are taking to record the number of people who turn up wanting to vote, can’t through lack of suitable ID, and don’t return?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q5  Councillor Jenkins to the Executive Member (Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships):-

Could the Executive Member for Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships comment on the implementation of the Children’s Social Care Review and its impact in Leeds?

The Executive Member (Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships) replied.

Q6  Councillor Richards to the Executive Member (Public Health and Active Lifestyles):-

Can the Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles please tell us how many sites have been identified and how many trees have been successfully planted in the Outer North East Area during this financial year?

The Executive Member (Public Health and Active Lifestyles) replied.

Q7  Councillor Chapman to the Executive Member (Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships):-

Home Lea House has been standing empty for several months whilst Dolphin Manor is effectively closed to new admissions.  This adversely impacts on the provision of care for potential new residents care as well as losing revenue.  Could the Executive Member explain why Home Lea House was closed so quickly when the refurbishment plan for Dolphin Manor wasn’t in place and confirm when Dolphin Manor will finally begin to accept new patients including in the new Dementia facility?

The Executive Member (Adult and Children’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

To receive the minutes in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Lennox that the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

RESOLVED – That the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

Council Procedure Rule 4, providing for the winding up of business, was applied prior to all notified comments on the minutes having been debated.

At the conclusion of this item Council adjourned from 16.20 to 16.52

This Council formally recognises the publication of the Leeds Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Child Safeguarding Practice Review - “Ruby” (www.leedsscp.org.uk/ruby).

Council believes there should be no circumstances in which convicted child sex offenders are given custody of a child and calls on the Executive Member for Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships to bring an urgent report to Executive Board setting out what actions the Council can take to help ensure no child in Leeds is placed into the care of a convicted child sex offender again. 

Prior to the moving of the Motion the City Solicitor provided legal advice and guidance to Members in terms of their contributions to this debate. 

It was moved by Councillor Stephenson, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter that  this Council formally recognises the publication of the Leeds Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Child Safeguarding Practice Review - “Ruby” (www.leedsscp.org.uk/ruby).

Council believes there should be no circumstances in which convicted child sex offenders are given custody of a child and calls on the Executive Member for Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships to bring an urgent report to Executive Board setting out what actions the Council can take to help ensure no child in Leeds is placed into the care of a convicted child sex offender again. 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Dobson, seconded by Councillor Field

Insert after the last paragraph:

“Council notes the findings of the 2014 independent enquiry into child sex exploitation in Rotherham and believes openness and transparency is critical for both independent and democratic scrutiny of children’s safeguarding.  Council has valued the role of the Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and commits to continuing the current model of independent oversight.”

The motion will read:

“This Council formally recognises the publication of the Leeds Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Child Safeguarding Practice Review - “Ruby” (www.leedsscp.org.uk/ruby).

Council believes there should be no circumstances in which convicted child sex offenders are given custody of a child and calls on the Executive Member for Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships to bring an urgent report to Executive Board setting out what actions the Council can take to help ensure no child in Leeds is placed into the care of a convicted child sex offender again. 

Council notes the findings of the 2014 independent enquiry into child sex exploitation in Rotherham and believes openness and transparency is critical for both independent and democratic scrutiny of children’s safeguarding.  Council has valued the role of the Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and commits to continuing the current model of independent oversight.”

The amendment in the name of Councillor Dobson was declared carried and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That this Council formally recognises the publication of the Leeds Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Child Safeguarding Practice Review - “Ruby” (www.leedsscp.org.uk/ruby).

Council believes there should be no circumstances in which convicted child sex offenders are given custody of a child and calls on the Executive Member for Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships to bring an urgent report to Executive Board setting out what actions the Council can take to help ensure no child in Leeds is placed into the care of a convicted child sex offender again. 

Council notes the findings of the 2014 independent enquiry into child sex exploitation in Rotherham and believes openness and transparency is critical for both independent and democratic scrutiny of children’s safeguarding.  Council has valued the role of the Independent Chair of the Leeds  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

This Council notes that a 100% Council Tax Premium applied to second homes in the Leeds City Council area would currently raise £3 million annually. Council calls upon the ruling administration to make the necessary arrangements to make this change happen at the soonest possible date to better safeguard Leeds residents from future cuts to public services.

* In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.3(b) the member submitting the motion shall ask leave of Council to introduce the motion.  

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.3(b)(c) Councillor Golton sought leave of Council to introduce the following motion in his name;

This Council notes that a 100% Council Tax Premium applied to second homes in the Leeds City Council area would currently raise £3 million annually. Council calls upon the ruling administration to make the necessary arrangements to make this change happen at the soonest possible date to better safeguard Leeds residents from future cuts to public services.

Leave of Council was granted and the motion was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor Campbell.

An amendment was moved by Councillor B Anderson, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“notes that the government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill includes proposals that would allow councils to introduce a Council Tax premium of up to 100% in respect of second homes. This aims to help address the negative impact of second homes on the supply of homes available to meet local housing need.

“Council calls upon the ruling administration to bring a report to Executive Board setting out how such a policy might be implemented in Leeds, as soon as full details of the scheme are published.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Bithell

Remove All after “This Council” and replace with:

“…notes that a 100% Council Tax Premium applied to second homes in the Leeds City Council area would raise additional income, but this would only be a small fraction of the £181.9m annual Government funding cut from Leeds by the Liberal Democrats while in Coalition Government with the Conservatives.

Council further notes that the delayed implementation of the Government’s Fair Funding Review continues to deny council services in Leeds more than £45m a year.

Council recognises that the legislation to allow Local Authorities to apply the proposed 100% Council Tax premium to second homes, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, is currently progressing through Parliament and that it would not be lawful for the Council to make a determination before the Bill becomes law and receives Royal Assent.

Council therefore commits to the consideration of the proposed new legislative powers as soon as possible if and when they become law.

Council welcomes strong action taken by this Administration under existing legislation to enforce extra charges on Long Term Empty Homes. Council notes that this has generated just over £4.4m in additional income in the last 3 years.

Council further calls on Government to fully implement the Fair Funding Review to ensure Council can continue to provide vital frontline services and support the citizens of Leeds through a cost of living crisis that has been caused by the mismanagement of the economy by the Conservative Government.”

The amendment in the name of Councillor B Anderson was declared lost, the amendment in the name of Councillor Coupar was carried and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED –

That this Council notes that a 100%  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

This Council is concerned at the obscene profits recently announced by energy companies during a cost of living crisis when average annual energy costs for Leeds residents have increased by around £1000 since 2019.

Council is further concerned this comes at a time when the Government is ending the energy bill support scheme, further increasing pressures on household budgets for families in Leeds during the cost of living crisis.

This council has supported a network of Warm Spaces to mitigate the impact of this national crisis, which we know has been a vital service for people this winter. However, this should never have been necessary, because people deserve to be able to heat their own homes.

Council calls on the Government to extend the windfall tax on energy companies and use the funding to freeze energy bills now and provide further support for households in Leeds struggling in the cost of living crisis. Council further calls on the Government to move to publicly owned clean energy provision for the future.

It was moved by Councillor Lennox, seconded by Councillor Truswell that this Council is concerned at the obscene profits recently announced by energy companies during a cost of living crisis when average annual energy costs for Leeds residents have increased by around £1000 since 2019.

Council is further concerned this comes at a time when the Government is ending the energy bill support scheme, further increasing pressures on household budgets for families in Leeds during the cost of living crisis.

This council has supported a network of Warm Spaces to mitigate the impact of this national crisis, which we know has been a vital service for people this winter. However, this should never have been necessary, because people deserve to be able to heat their own homes.

Council calls on the Government to extend the windfall tax on energy companies and use the funding to freeze energy bills now and provide further support for households in Leeds struggling in the cost of living crisis. Council further calls on the Government to move to publicly owned clean energy provision for the future.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Howley, seconded by Councillor Hart-Brooke;

Delete the final paragraph and replace with:

“Council calls on the Government to extend the windfall tax on energy companies by removing the super-deduction for oil and gas companies and use the funding to reduce energy bills further and continue support for households beyond July and until lower energy costs feed through to Leeds residents. Council further calls on the Government to remove the windfall tax on renewable electricity generators to enable further investment in the cleanest and cheapest forms of energy production.”

The amended White Paper will then read:

This Council is concerned at the obscene profits recently announced by energy companies during a cost of living crisis when average annual energy costs for Leeds residents have increased by around £1000 since 2019.

Council is further concerned this comes at a time when the Government is ending the energy bill support scheme, further increasing pressures on household budgets for families in Leeds during the cost of living crisis.

This council has supported a network of Warm Spaces to mitigate the impact of this national crisis, which we know has been a vital service for people this winter. However, this should never have been necessary, because people deserve to be able to heat their own homes.

Council calls on the Government to extend the windfall tax on energy companies by removing the super-deduction for oil and gas companies and use the funding to reduce energy bills further and continue support for households beyond July and until lower energy costs feed through to Leeds residents. Council further calls on the Government to remove the windfall tax on renewable electricity generators to enable further investment in the cleanest and cheapest forms of energy production.

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Firth

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“notes global economic challenges as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.