Agenda and minutes

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED –  That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as exempt  on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt from publication on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

(A) That appendix 3 to the report entitled, ‘White Rose Railway Station’, referred to in Minute No. 20 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and considered in private on the grounds that the information contained within that appendix contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person (including the Council). It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of appendix 3 as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, as doing so would prejudice the Council’s commercial position and that of third parties should it be disclosed at this stage;

(B) That appendices 3, 3b and 3c to the report entitled, ‘Acquisition of Land for the A637 / A6120 Dawson’s Corner Junction Improvement Scheme’, referred to in Minute No. 22 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and considered in private on the grounds that the information contained within those appendices contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular organisation and of the Council. This information is not publicly available from the statutory registers of information kept in respect of certain companies and charities. It is considered that since this information was obtained through one to one negotiations for the proposed land exchange then it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time. Also, it is considered that the release of such information would, or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to other similar transactions in that prospective transacting parties for other similar sites would have access to information about the nature and level of consideration which  may prove acceptable to the Council. It is considered that whilst there may be a public interest in disclosure, much of this information will be publicly available from the Land Registry following completion of this transaction and consequently the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time;

(C) That appendix 7 to the report entitled, ‘Adults and Health Service Review 6: Care Delivery: Care Homes, Post Consultation Recommendations Report’, referred to in Minute No. 25 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and considered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Agenda Item 14 - Update on Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic – Response

and Recovery Plan

With the agreement of the Chair, a late item of business was admitted to the agenda entitled, ‘Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic – Response and Recovery Plan’.

Given the scale and significance of this issue, it was deemed appropriate that a further update report be submitted to this remote meeting of the Board. However, due to the fast paced nature of developments on this issue, and in order to ensure that Board Members received the most up to date information as possible, the report was not included within the agenda as originally published on the 15^th June 2021. (Minute No. 17 refers).

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

In relation to Agenda Item 5, ‘arts@leeds’ – Year 5 Extension’, Cllr Pryor declared an interest in this item, due to the fact that his partner was an employee of Phoenix Dance Theatre, and as such, Councillor Pryor did not participate in the consideration of that item, and left the meeting room for the duration of that consideration. (Minute No. 9 refers).

With regard to Agenda Items 18, ‘Disposal of Land at Dawson’s Corner by the Calverley Charity’ and 19, ‘Acquisition of Land for the A647 / A6120 Dawson’s Corner Junction Improvement Scheme’, Councillor A Carter brought to the Board’s attention his position as a Trustee of the Calverly Charity, as appointed to by the Outer West Community Committee and as registered within the ‘Other Registerable Interests’ section of his Register of Interests, and as such, declared an ‘Other Registerable Interest’ in those items.

As required by the Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’, where a Member has declared an ‘Other Registerable interest’, in order to enable Councillor Carter to remain in the room and speak on those items, Councillor Carter had applied for and been granted a dispensation on the grounds that without the dispensation, representation from his political group on the Executive Board would not be possible and in granting the dispensation it enabled Councillor Carter to speak in the interests of persons living in the authority’s area.  In doing so, Councillor Carter confirmed that whilst remaining in the room and speaking on Agenda Items 18 and 19, he would not be voting upon them. (Minute Nos. 21 and 22 refer).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 21^st April 2021 and 8^th June 2021.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meetings held on 21^st April 2021 and 8^th June 2021 respectively, be approved as correct records.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that seeks approval to extend the arts@leeds funding programme for a fifth year. Operated through funding rounds usually lasting between 3 to 4 years, a fifth year would extend the current round of funding to 31 March 2023.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to extend the arts@leeds funding programme for a fifth year, with it being noted that a fifth year would extend the current round of funding to 31 March 2023.

In considering the report, the Board received information regarding the reasons for the proposal from the Chief Officer Culture and Economy.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board noted that the decision to extend the funding programme did not have any implications for the Council’s budget setting process.

With regard to an enquiry regarding this proposal and the separate proposals relating to the provision of resource for ‘Leeds 2023’, a Member sought assurance that there would be no ‘double counting’ across these two areas in terms of grant funding provision. In response, it was undertaken that clarification would be provided to the Member in question.

RESOLVED – That an ‘in principle’ extension of the arts@leeds programme for a fifth year, to 31 March 2023, be approved.

(Further to the declaration of interest as detailed at Minute No. 7, Councillor Pryor took no part in the consideration of this matter and left the meeting room for the duration of this item)

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting the outcome of a consultation exercise regarding a proposal to expand secondary school provision at Allerton High School and which seeks approval to the publication of a statutory notice on that proposal.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting the outcome of a consultation exercise undertaken regarding a proposal to expand secondary school provision at Allerton High School and which sought approval to the publication of a statutory notice on that proposal.

In supporting the proposal, emphasis was placed upon the importance of ensuring that the traffic regulation orders for the area were implemented.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the publication of a statutory notice on a proposal to permanently expand secondary provision at Allerton High School from a capacity of 1100 to 1400 pupils by increasing the admission number in Year 7 from 220 to 280, with effect from September 2022, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the implementation of the proposal detailed would be subject to the response of the proposed statutory notice and on the outcome of further detailed design work and planning applications, as indicated at section 4.4 of the submitted report;

(c)  That it be noted that the proposal has been brought forward in time for places to be delivered for 2022;

(d)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting the outcomes from a consultation exercise regarding a proposal to permanently increase learning places at St Edward’s Catholic Primary School from September 2022, and which seeks approval to the publication of a Statutory Notice on that proposal.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting the outcomes from a consultation exercise undertaken regarding a proposal to permanently increase learning places at St Edward’s Catholic Primary School from September 2022, and which sought approval to the publication of a Statutory Notice on that proposal.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, assurance was provided that a full traffic assessment and transport statement would be produced, and that as far as possible, recommendations from that would be implemented.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the publication of a Statutory Notice on a proposal to permanently expand primary provision at St Edward’s Catholic Primary School and increase the number of places offered at the school in Reception from 20 to 30, with effect from September 2022, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the implementation of the proposal would be subject to the outcome of the proposed statutory notice and on the outcome of further detailed design work and planning applications, as indicated at section 4.4 of the submitted report;

(c)  That it be noted that the proposal has been brought forward in time for places to be delivered for 2022;

(d)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment that outlines a proposal to create a new 48 hectare park incorporating a Covid-19 memorial woodland on the site of the former South Leeds golf course.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report that presented a proposal to create a new 48 hectare park incorporating a Covid-19 memorial woodland on the site of the former South Leeds golf course.

In welcoming the report, a Member suggested that other appropriate proposals could potentially be considered in other areas of the city, with a view to accessing external funding streams where appropriate.

A Member highlighted the significant resource implication being proposed in an area with already considerable parkland facilities, and noted the proportion of the memorial woodland when considering overall size of the proposed new parkland.

Responding to an enquiry regarding public consultation, it was noted that the local and wider community would be appropriately consulted in relation to the proposals within this report.

The Board then discussed the current position with regard to the provision of grass cutting along highways in the city. 

RESOLVED – That the following be approved:-

(a)  The establishment of a formal partnership agreement between the Council and Leeds Hospitals Charity to create a Covid-19 memorial woodland;

(b)  The commencement of consultation on establishing up to 48 hectares of new parkland incorporating a Covid-19 memorial woodland and other recreational features, which will then form part of Middleton Park;

(c)  The injection of £700k into the Capital Programme in order to enable works to commence on establishing the Covid-19 memorial woodland, with authority to spend approval for the full scheme being delegated to the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment, and that the £30k annual revenue budget provision required to maintain the new parkland, be noted;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer for Parks and Countryside will be responsible for the implementation of the resolutions above, in line with the timetable, as set out in paragraph 31 of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval for the design and delivery of a package of 6 schemes to provide safe segregated facilities for cycling and walking around the city centre. These projects link existing cycle routes together to form a coherent network, facilitating active travel choices and reducing dependency on the private car for short and medium length journeys.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval for the design and delivery of a package of 6 schemes to provide safe, segregated facilities for cycling and walking around the city centre, with it being noted that these projects would link existing cycle routes together to form a coherent network, facilitating active travel choices and reducing dependency on the private car for short and medium length journeys.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the successful delivery of cycle infrastructure across Leeds as part of Leeds City Council’s ambition to encourage active sustainable transport and address the Climate Emergency, be noted;

(b)  That the principle and general layout of the six Transforming Cities Fund - Leeds City Centre Cycling projects, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the costs of £7.06M to design and deliver the 6 projects detailed in the submitted report will be entirely funded from the Transforming Cities Fund;

(d)  That it be noted that the construction of the detailed projects is expected to begin in early summer 2021 for completion in spring 2023;

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation) will be responsible for the implementation of such matters, and will receive further reports as necessary to facilitate these proposals and will give authority to spend for the individual projects.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that informs Executive Board of the proposed scope for the Local Plan Update, namely a focus on new or revised planning policy to help further address the climate emergency. On this basis, the report seeks approval to commence consultation on the proposed scope of the Local Plan Update, as detailed.

The Director of City Development submitted a report that presented details regarding the proposed scope for the Local Plan Update, namely a focus upon new or revised planning policy to help further address the Climate Emergency. On this basis, the report sought approval to commence consultation on the proposed scope of the Local Plan Update, as detailed.

In considering the report, a Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that the comments which would be received as part of the proposed consultation process were taken into consideration, as appropriate.

Emphasis was also placed upon the importance of ensuring that the methods used to conduct the consultation made the process as accessible as possible. In response, the Board was provided with details of the actions being taken with the aim of maximising accessibility.

Reference was also specifically made to the continued importance of flood prevention, and the need for due consideration to be given to this issue as part of this process.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed initial scope of the Local Plan Update, be agreed as follows:-

·  Update and create new policies; make consequential changes, within the Adopted Leeds Core Strategy (amended 2019), the Natural Resources and Waste Local Plan (2013) and Unitary Development Plan (2006) which focus on: carbon reduction, flood risk, green infrastructure, place-making and sustainable infrastructure in order to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the delivery of sustainable development within the Leeds Metropolitan District for a period of at least 16 years from Adoption;

(b)  That the commencement of consultation on this scope for a period of eight weeks using supporting topic papers (Appendices 1 and 2 within the submitted report), be agreed;

(c)  That the consultation documentation (Appendices 1 and 2 within the submitted report) be referred to the Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Board for the purposes of consultation in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework;

(d)  That the necessary authority be provided to the Chief Planning Officer, to enable the Chief Planning Officer, in liaison with the Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, to approve any amendments to the consultation material in advance of public consultation;

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Planning Officer is responsible for the implementation of the resolutions, as detailed above.

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, were not eligible for Call In, as Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 5.1.2 states that the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that presents the outcome of the design competition for the redevelopment of City Square, and which seeks approval to the appointment of the preferred designer who will work proactively with the Council and stakeholders to redevelop City Square from the design concept submitted as part of the design competition into an approved design.

The Director of City Development submitted a report that presented the outcome of the design competition for the redevelopment of City Square, and which sought approval to the appointment of the preferred designer, who in being appointed would work proactively with the Council and stakeholders to redevelop City Square from the design concept submitted as part of the design competition into an approved design.

In introducing the report and in providing assurance to Members, the Executive Member highlighted that the design which had been submitted as part of the associated competition was an indicative design and that the preferred designer would work proactively with the Council and partners in developing a final design.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the extent to which the design competition format provided value for money, it was noted that the level of cost was in line with what would be expected at this stage of design development for a scheme of this scale.

A Member’s suggestion regarding the potential for an appropriate Covid-19 memorial to form part of the design for City Square was noted, with an undertaking that it would be taken into consideration.

In conclusion, the Board received further details regarding the competition process, and the Executive Member emphasised the key importance of the new design, given that City Square was a gateway to the city centre.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the appointment of the preferred designer, Re-form Landscape Architecture, to develop the conceptual design proposals to the end of the RIBA Concept Design Stage, be approved;

(b)  That the Authority to Spend up to a maximum of £250k in order to develop the conceptual design to the end of the RIBA Concept Design Stage, be approved;

(c)  That the entering into a Professional Service Short Subcontract with Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering (BB) for the post-competition design fees up to the end of the RIBA Concept Design Stage, be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides an update regarding the Council’sFullerton Park ‘Parklife’ scheme and the outcome of recent discussions with Leeds United Football Club (LUFC) aroundtheir preference to preserve the potential for a disposal of the former Matthew Murray HighSchool site to LUFC, as part of the club’s ambition to relocate theirtraining ground facilities closer to Elland Road and also as part of proposals regarding the expansion of theElland Road stadium.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update regarding the Council’s Fullerton Park ‘Parklife’ scheme, together with the outcome of recent discussions with Leeds United Football Club (LUFC) around their preference to preserve the potential for a disposal of the former Matthew Murray High School site to LUFC, as part of the club’s ambition to relocate their training ground facilities closer to Elland Road and also as part of proposals regarding the expansion of the Elland Road stadium.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update regarding the timeframe for this proposal, with it being acknowledged that this was in response to a request made by LUFC, as a result of the club’s updated aspirations regarding stadium expansion.

With regard to an enquiry regarding the Woodhall Playing Fields site as part of the Parklife submission process, Members received an update regarding the current position, with it being undertaken that a further report regarding the Parklife scheme would be submitted to the Board at the appropriate time.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress which has been made to date with regard to the Fullerton Parklife scheme, be noted;

(b)  That the principle of the relocation of the Fullerton Parklife scheme to the former Matthew Murray High School site, in order to preserve the ambitions of Leeds United Football Club to achieve a 55,000 seater capacity stadium at Elland Road, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the principle approval above is subject to LUFC meeting Leeds City Council’s additional design costs that it will incur as a consequence of this change, as outlined in paragraph 23 of the Resources section of the submitted report;

(d)  That it be noted that the relocation proposals will provide the opportunity for an increased facility offer at Matthew Murray, including 4 full sized all-weather pitches and an increase space take up by the NHS;

(e)  That it be noted that the Football Foundation (the main grant funder for Parklife) and the NHS are fully supportive of the relocation and the positive impact that this will have on the Parklife business case;

(f)  That it be noted that the impact of the relocation of the Fullerton Parklife to Matthew Murray will result in a loss of the potential capital receipt to be realised from LUFC, however, it be noted that this will in part be offset from the realisation of a new capital receipt from Fullerton Park for land required as part of the Stadium expansion;

(g)  That it be agreed for Council officers to work in partnership with Leeds United Football Club on a revised masterplan for the Elland Road Stadium and Fullerton Park area, and that agreement be given for those draft proposals to be submitted to a future Executive Board in readiness for public consultation;

(h)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for this project and the key matters associated with it is the Head of Projects and Programmes in Asset  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the actions of the Leeds Health and Social Care system and Leeds City Council, working with broader partners, in response to and facilitating the recovery from the

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

(Report to follow)

Further to Minute No. 157, 21^st April 2021, the Chief Executive submitted a report providing an update on the work being undertaken as part of a multi-agency partnership approach in response to, and as part of the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Response and Recovery Plan, as the main reporting tool for ongoing work across the seven service areas, was appended to the submitted report at Annex A.  The report and annexes set out the broad range of activities being undertaken, including a summary plan on a page for the rest of 2021, delivery via vital partnership arrangements, and details of the continued proactive work to try and control the numbers of cases across the city and increase testing, tracing, isolating and vaccination uptake.

The Leader, together with the Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles introduced the report, providing an update on the current position in Leeds, with specific reference to the approach being taken towards addressing the recent increase in infection rates.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the latest version of the Response & Recovery Plan, as presented at Annex A to the submitted report, including a summary plan on page and risks, be noted;

(b)  That Annex B to the submitted report, which presented a summary of national developments since the last meeting of Executive Board, be noted, together with Annex C, which provided the monthly Coronavirus Dashboard.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting the Council’s final outturn position for the 2020/21 financial year in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account.  The report also seeks approval regarding the creation of earmarked reserves, as detailed.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report presenting the Council’s final outturn position for the 2020/21 financial year in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account. The report also sought approval regarding the creation of earmarked reserves, as detailed.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further detail on the overall amount of funding which had been received from Government in the form of Covid-19 financial support during the pandemic.

Responding to Members’ enquiries regarding whether, in light of the outturn position, consideration would be given to reviewing staffing levels in some front line services, or reconsidering some of the decisions taken as part of the 21/22 budget setting process, the Council’s continuing financial challenges were highlighted, with it also being undertaken that comprehensive reviews would also be undertaken as part of the budget setting process for next financial year.

In conclusion, the Executive Member for Resources extended her thanks to all employees for their continued efforts throughout this difficult time, including those who had left the Authority through the Early Leaver’s Initiative.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Council’s outturn position for the 2020/21 financial year, as presented in the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the creation of earmarked reserves, as detailed in paragraph 6.7 of the submitted report, be agreed, and that the necessary authority be delegated to the Chief Officer Financial Services, to enable the Chief Officer Financial Services to approve their release;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Financial Services will be responsible for the implementation of the above resolutions following the ‘call in’ period.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting the Council’s Treasury Management Outturn position for the 2020/21 financial year.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report presenting the Council’s Treasury Management Outturn position for the 2020/21 financial year.

In considering the report, Members discussed current costs with regard to Minimum Revenue Provision, and in response to a specific enquiry, the Board was provided with information on the actions being taken towards safeguarding against potential interest rate rises, when considering the Council’s borrowing costs.

In conclusion, the officers responsible for this area were thanked for the work they continued to do to ensure that treasury activity remained within the Treasury Management Strategy.

RESOLVED – That the Treasury Management outturn position for the

2020/21 financial year, as presented within the submitted report, be noted, with it also being noted that treasury activity has remained within the Treasury Management Strategy and Policy Framework.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development outlining a proposal for the Council to provide a loan facility to Munroe K, in compliance with subsidiary control, to finance Munroe K’s maximum contribution towards this scheme, and to provide the related necessary approvals to help facilitate this proposal.

(Please note that Appendix 3 to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

The Director of City Development submitted a report outlining a proposal for the Council to provide a loan facility to Munroe K, in compliance with subsidiary control, to finance Munroe K’s maximum contribution towards the scheme as presented, with the report also seeking the related necessary approvals to help facilitate this proposal.

Following consideration of Appendix 3 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Chief Officer Financial Services and the Executive Member for Resources, to develop and enter into a Loan facility Agreement of up to £4.5m with Munroe K, as per the Heads of Terms and principles detailed within exempt appendix 3 to the submitted report;

(b)  That approval be given to inject £4.5m into Capital Scheme Number 32774/WHI/000 in order to finance the loan facility; and that approval be given for the necessary authority to be delegated to the Director of City Development and the Chief Officer Financial Services to enable the Director and Chief Officer to provide ‘authority to spend’ up to that amount in order to provide the loan, subject to the completion of legal agreements with Munroe K;

(c)  That a future paper on the delivery of the economic masterplan and emerging spatial masterplan at the White Rose Park be submitted to the Board in due course.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer of Asset Management and Regeneration seeking approval of the terms of the sale of approximately seven acres of land at Dawson’s Corner, Pudsey. This land is privately owned by The Calverley Charity and this report is specifically for the purpose of Executive Board, on behalf of the Council, giving consideration to the proposal in the Council’s capacity as sole trustee of the charity.

The Chief Officer of Asset Management and Regeneration submitted a report which sought approval of the terms of the sale of approximately seven acres of land at Dawson’s Corner, Pudsey. The report noted that this land was privately owned by The Calverley Charity and as such, the submitted report was specifically for the purpose of Executive Board, on behalf of the Council and in the Council’s capacity as sole trustee of the charity, to give appropriate consideration to the proposal.

In considering the report, a Member highlighted the importance of the landscaping mitigation works which would need to be undertaken as part of the proposals detailed within Agenda Item 18 to ensure that safe pedestrian access was provided (Minute No. 22 refers), a matter on which the Member had directly contacted the Highways department about. 

In referencing the fact that in line with the Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’ Councillor Carter was required to seek a dispensation to enable him to speak on this matter, due to his ‘Other Registerable Interest’ he requested that consideration be given to reviewing the Code in light of this issue. In response, the Chair advised that if the Code is causing practical issues, then he was agreeable for it to be reviewed on a cross party basis.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Executive Board, on behalf of the Council acting as sole trustee of the Calverley Charity, approve the terms of the disposal of the Charity’s land at Dawson’s Corner, and that approval be given to delegate the approval of any variation to the final terms to the Chief Officer of Asset Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources, in so far as there is no conflict with regard to the delegation and the respective interests of the parties;

(b)  That it be noted that the officers responsible for this matter are the relevant Senior Land & Property Officer, City Development directorate, and Principal Legal Officer, Resources directorate, and upon approval of the sale terms by Executive Board (in resolution (a)), the sale will be progressed and completed in timescales to suit the Charity and the purchasing Highway Authority (with the aim of completion by end of 2021).

(As detailed within Minute No. 7, Councillor Carter, having declared an ‘Other Registerable Interest’ in this item, had applied for, and been granted a dispensation on the grounds that without the dispensation, representation from his political group on the Executive Board would not be possible and in granting the dispensation it enabled Councillor Carter to speak in the interests of persons living in the authority’s area.  In doing so, Councillor Carter confirmed that whilst remaining in the room and speaking on this item, he would not be voting upon it).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that seeks approval to acquire land from a third party to enable the A647 / A6120 Dawson’s Corner junction improvements to take place.

(Please note that Appendices 3, 3b and 3c to this report are designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to acquire land from a third party to enable the A647 / A6120 Dawson’s Corner junction improvements to take place.

Following consideration of Appendices 3, 3b and 3c to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the principle of acquiring third party land to enable the A647 / A6120 Dawson’s Corner junction improvements, be approved;

(b)  That the terms agreed for parcel A, as detailed in appendix 2 to the submitted report, and the terms for parcels B and C, as detailed in exempt appendix 3 to the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that should there be any changes to the agreed terms for parcels A, B and C, then these are to be approved by the Director of City Development under delegated powers;

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to officers to negotiate acquisition terms for parcel D, with agreement being given for those terms to be approved by the Director of City Development under delegated powers;

(e)  That with regard to the associated implementation timescales, it be noted that the intention is for third party land to be acquired by the end of 2021 and, subject to funding, junction improvement works beginning in either spring 2022 or spring 2023, with the construction period due to last around 12-18 months.

(As detailed within Minute No. 7, Councillor Carter, having declared an ‘Other Registerable Interest’ in this item, had applied for, and been granted a dispensation on the grounds that without the dispensation, representation from his political group on the Executive Board would not be possible and in granting the dispensation it enabled Councillor Carter to speak in the interests of persons living in the authority’s area.  In doing so, Councillor Carter confirmed that whilst remaining in the room and speaking on this item, he would not be voting upon it).

To consider the report of the Director of Resources which reviews the period 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 in terms of: the Council’s performance on health, safety and wellbeing. The report highlights the improvements which have been made and details the challenges ahead.

The Director of Resources submitted a report which provided an overview of the Council’s performance regarding health, safety and wellbeing for the period 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021. The report highlighted the improvements which have been made and detailed the challenges ahead.

In presenting the report the Executive Member for Resources provided an overview of the key information as presented, and extended her thanks to those officers responsible for this area of work for their continued efforts during a very challenging year.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report, be noted, with the Board recognising that a robust, yet proportionate approach towards risk management within the Councilcontinues to be applied.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presenting a proposal to cease with the ‘Managed Approach’ and replace it with the revised approach, as outlined in this report, to tackle and reduce on-street sex work in the city, subject to agreement by the Safer Leeds Community Safety Partnership.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting a proposal to cease with the ‘Managed Approach’ and replace it with a revised approach, as outlined within the submitted report, in order to tackle and reduce on-street sex work in the city. The report noted that this proposal was seeking Executive Board’s endorsement, given that the proposal was subject to agreement by the Safer Leeds Community Safety Partnership.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Resources highlighted that she had written to all Members notifying them about the submission of this report to Executive Board.

Members considered the proposals detailed within the report. In response to some Members’ comments and concerns, specifically with regard to the time taken to arrive at the current proposals, the Board was provided with further information regarding the following: the initial aims of the Managed Approach and how those initial aims and the overall Approach had continued to be reviewed and evolved; the consideration of the outcomes arising from processes such as the independent review which was presented to the Board in July 2020 and the ‘Listening Well’ campaign; and the combination of factors which had led to the current proposals being submitted to Executive Board for endorsement and to the Safer Leeds Community Safety Partnership for agreement.

In discussing the report, Members highlighted that, further to the information provided at the meeting, they looked forward to receiving more detail on the proposals moving forward and the package of multi-agency support which would continue to be put in place for those affected.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to now cease with the Managed Approach and replace it with the revised approach outlined within the submitted report to tackle and reduce on-street sex work in the city, be endorsed, with it being noted that such proposals are subject to agreement by the Safer Leeds Community Safety Partnership (LSP);

(b)  That the significance of the operational developments leading to the proposed revised approach, be acknowledged and noted;

(c)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment, and where appropriate, partner organisations and representatives, will be responsible for the delivery of the revised approach;

(d)  That it be agreed that members of the Executive Board be kept informed and updated on any key changes arising from the implementation of the new approach.

(At the conclusion of this item, the meeting was adjourned at 2.30pm for a period of 30 minutes, prior to reconvening at 3.00pm)

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health that presents the findings of the consultation undertaken regarding the proposals to close Home Lea House Long Stay Residential Care Home in Rothwell, and Richmond House Short Stay Residential Care Home in Farsley. In considering the information within the report, the Board are requested to determine the future of both care homes, with the recommended option being to decommission those care homes for the reasons as set out.

(Please note that Appendix 7 to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report that presented the findings of the consultation exercise undertaken regarding the proposals to close Home Lea House Long Stay Residential Care Home in Rothwell, and Richmond House Short Stay Residential Care Home in Farsley. In considering the information within the submitted report, the Board were requested to determine the future of both care homes, with the recommended option being to decommission those care homes for the reasons as set out.

In presenting the submitted report, the Executive Member for Adult and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships acknowledged the anxiety caused by the proposals and highlighted that such a recommendation to close the two homes had not been made lightly. However, the Executive Member went on to undertake that, should the recommendations be approved, then every effort would be made to support residents and their families, together with affected staff throughout the proposed process.

In addition, details of the range of factors which had been taken into consideration when coming to the conclusions within the report were highlighted. These included: the decline in demand for care home provision; the alternative provision which was available; the financial context and the increased budgetary challenges faced across social care; the increased demand levels in other areas of social care provision; the investment which was being made in other areas of social care, including the future use of the two sites in question.

In discussing the report, concerns regarding the following were raised and responded to:

-  The two homes’ occupancy levels referenced within the report and in discussion;

-  The levels of demand for care home provision generally, and the level of the two homes’ use by those in the local community;

-  The consultation process undertaken and the recommendations arising from it;

-  The discussions which had taken place with the NHS regarding the proposal to close Richmond House;

-  The timing of the proposals;

-  The budgetary challenges which continued to be faced by the Council and specifically with regard to social care provision, together with the proportion of resource provided in terms of both adult and children’s social care provision;

-  The proposals for the 2 sites moving forward, with it being undertaken that further detail would be provided to the Members in question regarding the advice which had been received that the respective footprints of the two sites were not large enough to provide extra care housing. 

Following consideration of Appendix 7 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the full consultation reports with stakeholders, (Appendix 3 to the submitted report), and the information contained within exempt Appendix 7 to the submitted report (Estimated Land Valuation), be noted;

(b)  That the recommendation to decommission services at Home Lea House Residential Long Stay Care  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families that provides an overview of ‘Thriving: The Child Poverty Strategy for Leeds’, and the work that sits underneath the strategy, including details of the response in this area during the pandemic.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided an overview of ‘Thriving: The Child Poverty Strategy for Leeds’, together with the work being undertaken as part of the strategy, including details of the response in this area during the pandemic.

The Executive Member presented the report highlighting the range of reasons why children and young people were living in poverty, with details also being provided on the impact of the pandemic upon such poverty levels.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry in respect of enabling educational achievement and the impact of home schooling during the pandemic on such matters, the Board was provided with details of the actions being taken to progress specific priorities which had been identified in light of the pandemic, and also further information specifically regarding the support provided to parents and carers in helping their children progress in the area of educational attainment.

The Board also discussed the nature of the update report provided and the range of measurable outcomes within it, with a suggestion that as part of the submission of the next scheduled update report, further detail could be included regarding the progress being made with regard to supporting children and their families in respect of educational attainment.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the strategic framework in place to mitigate the impact of child poverty, and the work being undertaken by the Council and other partners in the key areas of activity, as detailed within the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That the need to promote the work of the ‘Thriving’ strategy across the city and in particular in each respective Members’ portfolio in order to highlight the impact of poverty on children and their families, be acknowledged;

(c)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the strategy is the Deputy Director Children and Families; working in partnership across the Council directorates.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 25^TH JUNE 2021

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:   5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 2^ND JULY 2021