Decision details

To inject capital to a maximum of c£36m to finance the taxi/private hire loan scheme (subject to Government approval of the CAZ full business case).

Further to Minute No. 15, 27^th June 2018, the Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of City Development, the Director of Communities and Environment and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report providing an overview of the statutory consultation process undertaken on the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) proposal and the key findings; outlining the details of all of the proposed financial support packages for each affected sector; detailing the key timescales up to the proposed “go live” date of the CAZ, together with the key risks to successful implementation. In addition, the report outlined details of the vehicle anti-idling scheme and other actions to improve air quality.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members had been in receipt of a revised extract from the submitted report, which replaced paragraphs 3.33 to 3.36 of the original covering report.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding whether there was any intention to include private vehicles within the proposed Clean Air Charging Zone (CAZ), the Board was provided with assurance that the basis of the proposals detailed in the submitted report were to deliver compliance with the UK’s objectives without the inclusion of private vehicles in the CAZ initiative.

Also, responding to an enquiry relating to the feasibility of retro-fitting Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), the Board received an update regarding the current position on the development of viable retro-fit options for HGVs and the ongoing liaison with Government on this matter. In addition, Members also noted the work which continued regarding the flexible and responsive approach being taken when considering solutions to such issues.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the issue of potential future legal challenge on the actions being taken to deliver compliance with UK standards in Leeds. In considering this matter, emphasis was placed upon the proportionate approach being taken by the Council.

Members also discussed Leeds’ position when considering the national context for the clean air agenda. The Board also noted the progress being made and the further options available to deliver wider behavioural changes with the aim of improving air quality in the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing to enable the Director to approve the Final Business Case for submission to the Government;

(b)  That subject to Government funding approval, approval be given to a capital injection of up to £24,000,000 to finance the taxi/private hire loan fund scheme;

(c)  That subject to approval of the Final Business Case by Government, the necessary ‘authority to spend’ be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing in conjunction with the Chief Officer Financial Services and in consultation with the relevant Executive Members, for the final taxi and private hire loan scheme;

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing to enable the Director to approve any decisions required to issue the funding received from the Government;

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Communities and Environment to enable the Director to enforce under the relevant legislation vehicle anti-idling measures and the Clean Air Charging Zone measures;

(f)  That it be noted that the draft Transport Charging Order for the Clean Air Zone will be submitted to the Executive Board in November 2018, including information around its operation as part of the proposals intended to be included in the submitted Final Business Case.

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

Public consultation (already commenced, CAZ consultation)

The general public