Agenda and minutes

(a)  The Lord Mayor welcomed members to this meeting of Full Council and also any members of the public who were joining the meeting and reminded those present that the meeting was to be streamed live.

(b)  The Lord Mayor informed members that the Chamber now had new technology and explained in brief some of the functionality.

(c) The Lord Mayor referred to the recent death of former Councillor Sherry Bradley and referenced that it was the 23^rd Anniversary of 9/11 and Council stood in silent tribute. 

(d) The Lord Mayor informed Council that during September Councillor Coupar, Councillor Rae, Councillor Lewis and Councillor Downes would be celebrating their birthdays and wished them a happy birthday.

(e) The Lord Mayor informed Council of the forthcoming Festive Ball in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Charity.

(f) The Lord Mayor congratulated Olympians on their efforts in the recent games.

(g)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that Councillor Smart had recently given birth to Arthur and wished Councillor Smart, Mark and Oscar congratulations.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 10^th July 2024.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th July 2024 be approved.

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

The Lord Mayor announced that a list of written declarations submitted by Members in respect of the White Paper Motion in the name of Councillor Lamb in respect of the winter fuel allowance was on display in the ante-chamber and invited Members to declare any further interests.

The following Members had made the declaration;

Councillors Gettings, Harrington, Flynn, L Buckley, N Buckley, Carter, Dowson, Campbell, Scopes, Jones, Kidger, Lennox, Parnham, Harland, Brown, Carlill, Jenkins, Newton, Akhtar, Dye, Hamilton, M Ali, France-Mir, Taylor, Thomson, Pogson-Golden, Grahame, Coupar.

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

There were no communications.

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

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

1) Leeds leads against Antisemitism 

2) Leeds Fairtrade Steering Group 

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 be referred to the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member and that the subject matter in respect of deputation 2 be referred to the Director of Strategy and Resources for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To consider the report of the Chief HR Officer inviting Council to approve the recommendation of the Employment Committee to appoint Mariana Pexton to the role of Interim Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief HR Officer be noted and the recommendation of the Employment Committee of 2 September 2024 to appoint Mariana Pexton to the post of Interim Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service be approved.

To consider the joint report of the City Solicitor and Chief HR Officer seeking approval to the change of payment date for Member Allowances from 16^th of the month to on or around the 26^th of the month and approval that the Member Allowance Scheme will be amended to reflect the change of payment date from 16^th to 26^th of the month within the Constitution.

Prior to consideration of the item Councillor Flynn, seconded by Councillor Stephenson in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2(d) and 14.10 sought leave of Council to withdraw the amendment in his name.

Upon being put to the vote leave of Council was given and the amendment withdrawn. 

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Flint that the recommendations as set out in the joint report of the City Solicitor and Chief HR Officer be approved;

a)  That the contents of the report be noted,

b)  That the change of payment date for Members Allowances from 16^th of the month to on or around the 26^th of the month be approved.

c)  To approve that the Members’ Allowance Scheme be amended to reflect the change of payment date from 16^th to on or around the 26^th of the month as set out in Appendix C to the report.

Upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED - 

a) That the contents of the report be noted,

b) That the change of payment date for Members Allowances from 16^th of the month to on or around the 26^th of the month be approved.

c) To approve that the Members’ Allowance Scheme be amended to reflect the change of payment date from 16^th to on or around the 26^th of the month as set out in Appendix C to the report.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Flint, seconded by Councillor Farley that in accordance with Community Committee Procedure Rules where the nomination for the Chair of a Community Committee is unopposed, the Lord Mayor invited those Members of the Community Committee present at the Council meeting to vote in respect of that nominee.  

Upon being put to the vote those Members listed to vote in respect of the appointment of the Chair for the Outer West Community Committee

RESOLVED – That Councillor McCluskey be appointed as Chair of the Outer West Community Committee.

The Lord Mayor reported that this would be the last Council Meeting attended by the Chief Executive, Tom Riordan and the Director of City Development, Martin Farrington.

Members thanked both officers for their valuable service to the City over many years.

At the invitation of the Lord Mayor both Mr Riordan and Mr Farrington addressed Council.

At the conclusion of this item there was a short adjournment whilst the outgoing Chief Executive , Tom Riordan was replaced in the meeting by the Interim Chief Executive, Mariana Pexton.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presenting to Council the Community Committees’ Annual Report.  

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presenting to Council the Community Committees’ Annual Report for 2023/24 be received and that the work now being progressed to further improve the effectiveness, community engagement role and improvement work of the Community Committees, via the Community Committee Review be noted.

At the conclusion of this item Council adjourned from 15.01 to 15.12.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services presenting to Council the Annual Report of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee, Council are requested to receive and consider the annual report reflecting the work of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee in the 2023-24 municipal year.

Prior to commencement of the item the Interim Chief Executive, Mariana Pexton addressed the Council meeting in respect of her appointment.

The item was moved by Councillor France-Mir, seconded by Councillor Coupar and

RESOLVED - That the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services be received and the matters set out in the annual report reflecting the work of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee in the 2023-24 municipal year be noted.

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

Q1  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Equality, Health and Wellbeing):-

Can the Executive Member for Equality, Health and Wellbeing list those organisations she has invited to attend the International Day of Older People event at Headingley Stadium on Tuesday 1st October?

The Executive Member (Equality, Health and Wellbeing) replied.

Q2  Councillor Campbell to the Executive Member (Economy,Transport & Sustainable Development):-

Could the Executive Member in form Council when the historic steps (part of the adopted highway) at the junction of High Street and Town Street Yeadon will be repaired.

The Executive Member (Economy,Transport & Sustainable Development) replied.

Q3  Councillor McCluskey to the Executive Member (Economy, Transport, Sustainable Development):-

Could the Executive Board Member for Economy, Transport, Sustainable Development provide an update on improvements to bus routes in my ward of Farnley and Wortley?

The Executive Member (Economy, Transport, Sustainable Development) replied.

Q4  Councillor Dobson to the Executive Member (Economy, Transport & Sustainable Development):-

Does the Executive Member for Economy, Transport & Sustainable Development agree with the Prime Minister that we should 'back the builders and not the blockers'?

The Executive Member (Economy, Transport & Sustainable Development) replied.

Q5  Councillor Tudor to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Spaces):-

Can the Executive Member update Council on the recent introduction of glass collections in Leeds?

The Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Spaces) replied.

Q6  Councillor Lamb to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space):-

Would the Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space like to take this opportunity to rule out the introduction of car parking charges at any further district car parks, including the Wilderness and & Station Gardens in Wetherby?

The Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space) replied.

Q7  Councillor Hart-Brooke to the Executive Member (Resources):-

At a time when we are constantly told that difficult decisions have to be made, when community and heritage buildings are being sold and care homes closed to save money this Council apparently values a number plate so highly it hasn't even tried to get a valuation despite promises to do so months ago.  Could the Executive Member for Resources confirm that she is still committed to obtaining a valuation and potentially a sale this fiscal year?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q8  Councillor Bowden to the Executive Member (Housing):-

Please can the Executive Member update Council on delivery of new housing in Leeds? 

The Executive Member (Housing) replied.

At the conclusion of question time, the following questions remained unanswered and it was noted that, under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11.6, written answers would be sent to each Member of Council:-

Q9  Councillor Dobson to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space):-

Q10  Councillor Thomson to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

Q11  Councillor L Buckley to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space).

Q12  Councillor Campbell  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

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

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

An amendment (reference back) was submitted by Councillor Finnigan, seconded by Councillor Senior to add the following at the end of item 11:

‘To ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to the ‘Adults & Health – In House Care Homes Service Review: Knowle Manor and Dolphin Manor, post consultation recommendations report.’ contained in minutes 21(a) and 21(c) of the Executive Board minutes of 24^th July  2024.

The amendment (reference back) was declared lost and upon being put to the vote it was

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.

On the requisition of Councillor Finnigan and Senior the voting on Councillor Finnigan’s amendment (reference back) was recorded as follows;

YES -31

Campbell, Chapman, Downes, Golton, B Anderson, C Anderson, L Buckley, N Buckley, Cohen, Firth, Flynn, Harrington, Lamb, D Seary, S Seary, Stephenson, Kidger, Smith, Chesterfield, Dixon, Cunningham, Brown, Finnigan, Newton, M Ali, Cunningham, Goodall, Carlisle, Stables, McCormack, Field

NO – 55

Akhtar, A Ali, S Ali, Arif, Bowden, Bromley, Brooks, Bruce, Carlill, Coupar, Dowson, Dye, Edwards, Farley, Flint, France-Mir, Gibson, Grahame, Haigh, Hannan, Harland, Hayden, Heselwood, Hinchcliffe, Holroyd-Case, Z Hussain, Iqbal, Jenkins, Jones, Khan, Leighton, Lennox, Lewis, Lloyd, Maloney, Manaka, Martin, McCluskey, Millar, Parnham, Pryor, Rae, Rafique, Renshaw, Ritchie, Rontree, Scopes, Shahzad, Taylor, Thomson, Timmins, Tudor, Venner, Wilson, Wray,

ABSTAIN – 0

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

This Council believes the pensioners' winter fuel allowance is an invaluable lifeline to thousands of older people in Leeds at risk of not being able to heat their homes.

Council therefore opposes the proposal to scrap this vital pensioner benefit and calls on the Government to honour the pre-election promise made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to fully fund the winter fuel allowance.

It was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor L Buckley that this Council believes the pensioners' winter fuel allowance is an invaluable lifeline to thousands of older people in Leeds at risk of not being able to heat their homes.

Council therefore opposes the proposal to scrap this vital pensioner benefit and calls on the Government to honour the pre-election promise made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to fully fund the winter fuel allowance.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Harland, seconded by Councillor Coupar

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“….notes the Labour Government’s work to return stability to the economy and address the £22bn budget black hole left by the previous Conservative Government. 

Council notes the Labour Government’s commitment to ensure all pensioners eligible for Pension Credit are signed up to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment and other benefits linked to Pension Credit. Council also notes the Labour Government’s commitment to extend the Household Support Fund which will further help support those in need in Leeds this winter.  

Council regrets the voting record of the Conservative Group in the Council chamber including voting 9 times since 2017 against or not supporting motions calling for the extension of the Household Support Fund; provide support with energy costs; tv licences for pensioners; and reduce the impact of universal credit cuts. 

Council further notes comments by a Conservative leadership candidate calling for Winter Fuel Payments to be means tested. 

Council remains committed to working with partners to signpost residents to local support available to older people across Leeds and encouraging eligible pensioners to claim Pension Credit.

Council calls on the government to maintain the Winter Fuel Payment for those pensioners that need it, put in place a programme to insulate homes, extend the Warm Homes Discount, a windfall tax on giant oil and gas companies and to reduce everyone’s energy bills for good with clean homegrown energy.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Goodall, seconded by Councillor Cunningham

In the second paragraph, delete all after “Council therefore opposes” and replace with:

“such a harsh change to the allowance, which will particularly affect those with incomes just above the pension credit income threshold.”

Add an additional third paragraph:

“Council calls on the government to raise the pension credit threshold to allow more people to receive the winter fuel allowance and to introduce a wealth tax to tackle income inequality for all, including older people.”

The amended White Paper will then read:

This Council believes the pensioners' winter fuel allowance is an invaluable lifeline to thousands of older people in Leeds at risk of not being able to heat their homes.

Council therefore opposes such a harsh change to the allowance, which will particularly affect those with incomes just above the pension credit income threshold.

Council calls on the Government to raise the pension credit threshold to allow more people to receive the winter fuel allowance and to introduce a wealth tax to tackle income  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

This Council acknowledges that during this spring and summer the refuse service has continuously underperformed and has now dipped below any reasonable standard, taking into account and accepting the many complexities around service delivery in Leeds.

Council further accepts that attempts to instigate positive change through scrutiny have proved largely ineffective and that the necessary tools to drive forward improved delivery are already, broadly, in place.

With that in mind, Council therefore resolves to immediately form a cross-party working group to work with the service to bring about meaningful and sustainable change.

Council commits to working collegiately to ensure that the mechanisms that are currently in place to support improved service delivery are fully adhered to and adopted and to further ensure that the people of Leeds are obtaining the best possible service.

It was moved by Councillor Dobson, seconded by Councillor Dixon that this Council acknowledges that during this spring and summer the refuse service has continuously underperformed and has now dipped below any reasonable standard, taking into account and accepting the many complexities around service delivery in Leeds.

Council further accepts that attempts to instigate positive change through scrutiny have proved largely ineffective and that the necessary tools to drive forward improved delivery are already, broadly, in place.

With that in mind, Council therefore resolves to immediately form a cross-party working group to work with the service to bring about meaningful and sustainable change.

Council commits to working collegiately to ensure that the mechanisms that are currently in place to support improved service delivery are fully adhered to and adopted and to further ensure that the people of Leeds are obtaining the best possible service.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Harrington, seconded by Councillor Firth  

Insert the following between original paragraphs 1 and 2:

“Council does not believe that End of Day figures always reflect the reality on the ground in terms of all missed streets, particularly given that bins are not regarded as missed if recovered within 48 hours.”

Insert the following between original paragraphs 3 and 4:

“The working group should look to develop options that will achieve the following:

·  Improved communication with residents who report missed collections and faster notification to ward members;

·  A commitment to recover all missed bins within 24 hours;

·  Every missed collection to be recorded rather than just those that are not recovered within 48 hours;

·  Any addresses that are missed consecutively to be the subject of an action plan to identify and resolve problems.”

Insert the following after “best possible service”:

“Council calls on the administration to show greater leadership and ambition for this key service and respond to local concerns, bringing a report to Executive Board to update members on the establishment of the working group, its remit, and timetable for conducting its work.”

Motion would read:

“This Council acknowledges that during this spring and summer the refuse service has continuously underperformed and has now dipped below any reasonable standard, taking into account and accepting the many complexities around service delivery in Leeds.

“Council does not believe that End of Day figures always reflect the reality on the ground in terms of all missed streets, particularly given that bins are not regarded as missed if recovered within 48 hours.

“Council further accepts that attempts to instigate positive change through scrutiny have proved largely ineffective and that the necessary tools to drive forward improved delivery are already, broadly, in place.

“With that in mind, Council therefore resolves to immediately form a cross-party working group to work with the service to bring about meaningful and sustainable change.

“The working group should look to develop options that will achieve the following:

·  Improved communication with residents who report missed collections and faster notification to ward members;

·  A commitment to recover all missed bins within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

This Council is proud to represent a city built on the values of unity, acceptance and togetherness and believes these values are key to promoting community cohesion and resisting those who seek to create division and undermine community relations.

Council welcomes Executive Board’s agreement at its July meeting to zero tolerance to all forms of discrimination and hatred, including discrimination based on religion such as anti-muslim prejudice, antisemitism, or any other religious prejudice.  Council further welcomes the Administration’s commitment to deliver a new cohesion strategy for Leeds that will be shaped with input from community groups, stakeholders, partners and young people, and will be reported to future meetings.

Council is grateful to those working to safeguard vulnerable people, the police, community leaders, third sector organisations, local councillors, council staff and other agencies for their response to incidents over summer, and for their ongoing work to support community relations and keep our city safe.

Council believes the existing strong local partnerships with community and faith leaders are a huge asset in Leeds and we will continue working alongside all partners to show resilience, strength and solidarity.  Council is clear that racism, prejudice, intolerance and hatred have no place in Leeds and Council reaffirms our commitment to the values of unity, acceptance, togetherness and celebrating diversity.

It was moved by Councillor Arif, seconded by Councillor Lewis that this Council is proud to represent a city built on the values of unity, acceptance and togetherness and believes these values are key to promoting community cohesion and resisting those who seek to create division and undermine community relations.

Council welcomes Executive Board’s agreement at its July meeting to zero tolerance to all forms of discrimination and hatred, including discrimination based on religion such as anti-muslim prejudice, antisemitism, or any other religious prejudice.  Council further welcomes the Administration’s commitment to deliver a new cohesion strategy for Leeds that will be shaped with input from community groups, stakeholders, partners and young people, and will be reported to future meetings.

Council is grateful to those working to safeguard vulnerable people, the police, community leaders, third sector organisations, local councillors, council staff and other agencies for their response to incidents over summer, and for their ongoing work to support community relations and keep our city safe.

Council believes the existing strong local partnerships with community and faith leaders are a huge asset in Leeds and we will continue working alongside all partners to show resilience, strength and solidarity.  Council is clear that racism, prejudice, intolerance and hatred have no place in Leeds and Council reaffirms our commitment to the values of unity, acceptance, togetherness and celebrating diversity.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor Golton

Append the words “commit the Council” after “meeting to” in the second paragraph.

Insert the following new paragraph after “… religious prejudice.” In the second paragraph:

“Council takes this opportunity to recommit to The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Definition of Antisemitism first adopted in 2018 and the Anti-Muslim Prejudice report of 2022”.

Finally, delete the word “Administration’s” from the original third paragraph.

The amended White Paper would thus read:

This Council is proud to represent a city built on the values of unity, acceptance and togetherness and believes these values are key to promoting community cohesion and resisting those who seek to create division and undermine community relations.

Council welcomes Executive Board’s agreement at its July meeting to commit the Council to zero tolerance to all forms of discrimination and hatred, including discrimination based on religion such as anti-muslim prejudice, antisemitism, or any other religious prejudice.

Council takes this opportunity to recommit to The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Definition of Antisemitism first adopted in 2018 and the Anti-Muslim Prejudice report of 2022.

Council further welcomes the commitment to deliver a new cohesion strategy for Leeds that will be shaped with input from community groups, stakeholders, partners and young people, and will be reported to future meetings.

Council is grateful to those working to safeguard vulnerable people, the police, community leaders, third sector organisations, local councillors, council staff and other agencies for their response to incidents over summer, and for their ongoing work to support community relations and keep our city safe.

Council believes the existing strong local partnerships with community and faith  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.