Agenda and minutes

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

There were no late items as such, however, it was noted that 2 pages which due to a printing error had been omitted from paper copies of the agenda, had been circulated prior to the meeting for consideration (Minute No. 197  referred). 

In addition, with the agreement of the Chair, a response to agenda item 13 entitled, ‘Deputation to Council: 16^th November 2011: National Federation of the Blind’, from the Leeds Branch of the National Federation of the Blind had been circulated to Board Members at the meeting for their consideration (Minute No. 187 referred).

Although no declarations of interest were made at this point  in the meeting, declarations were made at later points in the meeting (Minute Nos. 190 and 201 referred respectively).

In responding to enquiries which had been recently raised, the Chief Executive confirmed that all statutory requirements had been fulfilled with respect to Background Papers on the current Executive Board agenda, but emphasised that further work would be undertaken into how the referencing of such background documents could be improved in the future. 

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th January 2012.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th January 2012 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services providing a detailed response to the Deputation made to Full Council by members of the National Federation of the Blind on 16 November 2011.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report responding to the deputation made to Council on 16th November 2011 by the Leeds Branch of the National Federation of the Blind. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

With the agreement of the Chair, a response received from the Leeds Branch of the National Federation of the Blind had been circulated to Board Members at the meeting for their consideration.

Clarification was provided by the Director of Adult Social Services that the reference within Appendix 2 to the submitted report should read as ‘Action for Blind People’ and not ‘Action for the Blind’. 

Having responded to Members’ enquiries regarding the transfer of information which had occurred between contractors, the Executive Member for Adult Health and Social Care together with the Director of Adult Social Services assured the Board that dialogue would continue with all relevant parties in order to address the concerns which remained in respect of this issue.

In concluding the discussion, it was requested that Scrutiny Board (Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care) continued to be involved in the resolution of this matter, and that Executive Board Members, together with Group Leaders were kept informed of any further developments. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted;

(b)  That the actions currently being undertaken by Adult Social Care and Leeds Vision Consortium to address the points raised by the Deputation be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources setting out the Council’s projected financial health position after nine months of the financial year. The report reviews the position of the budget after nine months and comments on the key issues impacting on the overall achievement of the budget for the current year.

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the Council’s projected financial health position after nine months of the financial year.  The report reviewed the position of the budget after eight months and commented on the key issues impacting on the overall achievement of the budget for the current year. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members highlighted the positive impact of the one-off sources income received by the Council during the financial year upon the current budgetary position. 

In responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods undertook to provide the Member in question with a briefing on an ongoing litigation matter within Housing.

In conclusion, the Board paid tribute to the robust management of the budget which had taken place throughout the current financial year.

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position of the authority after the three quarters of the financial year be noted.

(a)  Leeds City Council Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2012/13

To consider a report on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2012/13 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied in 2012/13.

(b)  Capital Programme Update 2011-2014

To consider the report of the Director of Resources on the Capital Programme for the period 2011-2014.

(c)  Treasury Management Strategy 2012/13

To consider a report on the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for 2012/13.

(Budget Papers are contained within a separate pack attached to this agenda)

(A)  Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2011/2012

Further to Minute No. 154, 14^th December 2011, the Director of Resources submitted a report on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2012/2013, on the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied in 2012/2013 and on Council House rents for 2012/13, which had been prepared in the context of the Council’s initial budget proposals agreed by Executive Board in December 2011, the Local Government Finance settlement and the results of the budget consultation. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Whilst introducing the report, the Chair paid tribute to all of those who had been involved in preparing the Council’s budgetary proposals.

In responding to Members’ enquiries, the Board received an update in respect of the current position regarding shared services with other local authorities, and an undertaking was given that a briefing note would be provided to Group Leaders on this matter. In addition, the Board also received clarification with regard to the Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme, which was to confirm that the scheme did not apply to the sale of assets already assumed within the Capital Programme. It was also confirmed that the budget proposed did not reduce current Area Management funding.

Members welcomed the proposed Council Tax freeze for 2012-13 and requested that representations were made to the Government regarding the need for such funding from the Government to continue into future years. 

The Board highlighted the significant achievement that despite the Council’s reduced workforce in recent years, there had been no enforced redundancies.  The Chief Executive then paid tribute, both to those employees who had left the authority in recent years and also to those who remained.

Members discussed the proposed increase in the proportion of the Council’s budget which was dedicated to Children’s Services and Adult Social Care and also considered the impact of the increasing number of schools becoming academies upon the budget.

RESOLVED  -

(a)  That Council be recommended to approve the Revenue Budget for 2012/2013 totalling £563,114,000, as detailed and explained within the submitted report and accompanying papers, with no increase in the Leeds’ element of the Council Tax for 2012/13.

(b)  That in respect of the Housing Revenue Account, Council be recommended to: -

(i) approve the budget at the average rent increase figure of 6.82%;

(ii) increase the charges for garage rents to £6.93 per week;

(iii) increase service charges in line with rents (6.82%).

(B)  Capital Programme Update 2011-2014

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the updated draft capital programme for 2011-2014, which included forecast resources for that period. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following be recommended to Council:

(i)  That the capital programme, as attached to the submitted report, be approved;

(ii)  That the Executive Board be authorised to approve in year amendments to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 189.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources setting out the overall strategy for ensuring that customers, service providers and stakeholders are prepared for, and able to respond to, the issues and requirements arising from the welfare reform programme.

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the overall strategy for ensuring that customers, service providers and stakeholders were prepared for, and able to respond to, the issues and requirements arising from the welfare reform programme. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

The Board welcomed the proactive approach which was being taken to ensure that all parties were prepared for the implications arising from the introduction of the welfare reform programme.

Following several detailed enquiries, officers undertook to provide a briefing on related matters to any Board Member who wanted one.

Members highlighted the increased demand which had already been experienced on some Council services as a result of the programme, emphasised the important role which could be played by Area Committees in this area and received details on the likely impact of the welfare reforms upon young people.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the welfare reform strategy be approved.

(b)  That updates on progress with the strategy be received in due course.

(c)  That a welfare reforms’ communications strategy to deliver timely, targeted information to customers and stakeholders, from March 2012, be supported.

(d)  That the proposal to work with Area Committees in order to ensure that the strategy reflects and meets needs at a local level, be supported.

(e)  That activity to ensure face to face services fully support customers and service users in meeting the requirements of Universal Credit, be supported.

(f)  That the exploration of opportunities to get involved with pilots around Universal Credit delivery where the Council would be able to add value and localise delivery arrangements, be approved.

(Councillor A Carter declared a personal interest in this matter, as his step-daughter was in receipt of benefits and would potentially be affected by the change in legislation)

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) providing the background to the State of the City report and detailing the key cross cutting issues arising from the report, with recommendations to refer relevant issues to Leeds Initiative Board and/or the Strategic Partnership Boards. The report also reviews the first State of the City Full Council meeting which took place on 7^th December 2011 and makes recommendations for this to become an annual event.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report providing the background to the State of the City report and detailed the key cross cutting issues arising from the it, with recommendations to refer relevant issues to Leeds Initiative Board and/or the Strategic Partnership Boards.  The report also reviewed the first State of the City Full Council meeting which took place on 7^th December 2011 and which made recommendations for this to become an annual event. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members generally supported the principle of the State of the City Council meeting, but a view was put forward that further thought was needed in respect of the format used in future.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That, based on the issues highlighted in the State of the City report, particularly those relating to deprivation:-

i)  a quality and completeness check be undertaken to ensure that each of the Strategic Partnership Boards have actions in place to address the relevant issues;

ii)  the outcome of this work be reported back to the Leeds Initiative Board.

(b)  That an overview of progress on deprivation and poverty related issues across the city be reported to the Leeds Initiative Board after the 2011/12 year end, and through the publication of the next State of the City Report in the Autumn of 2012.

(c)  That a special additional Full Council meeting be held annually (a provisional date of 28 November has been set for 2012) to consider the State of the City report, with the active involvement of partners and with a number of changes being incorporated into the 2012 meeting based on feedback from participants:

·  the question session is dropped to allow further time for the seminar sessions;

·  the seminar themes are better integrated to reflect the issues highlighted in the State of the City report;

·  there is greater Member engagement in the preparation and design of the event; and

·  consideration is given to further ways to support members getting more involved in key strategic issues affecting the city.

(d)  That the key messages from the break-out sessions be shared with Members, partners and colleagues across the Council.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview of the performance of primary schools at the end of the academic year 2010-11 as demonstrated through statutory national testing and teacher assessment. In addition, the report also outlines the action taken by the Council to fulfil its responsibilities to support, monitor, challenge and intervene as necessary.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing an overview of the performance of primary schools at the end of the academic year 2010-2011, as demonstrated through statutory national testing and teacher assessment.  In addition, the report also outlined the action taken by the Council to fulfil its responsibilities to support, monitor, challenge and intervene as necessary.  In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

In responding to Members’ enquiries, emphasis was placed upon the pivotal role of the Leeds Education Challenge and assurances were given in respect of the initiative’s communications strategy.

RESOLVED – That the following be endorsed and supported:-

(a)  The progress which has been made at all key stages and in those areas that need further improvement;

(b)  The future provision of support, challenge and intervention in Leeds to ensure that progress continues to be made;

(c)  The centrality of the Leeds Education Challenge in securing improvement.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services summarising the progress in secondary school improvement in Leeds, with a particular focus on the outcomes achieved by pupils in 2011. The annexes to the report include a detailed statistical report and summaries of the outcomes of recent Ofsted inspections.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report summarising the progress achieved in secondary school improvement in Leeds, with a particular focus upon the outcomes achieved by pupils in 2011.  In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Responding to Members’ enquiries, assurances were provided on the momentum of change and focus being placed upon the educational element of Children’s Services.

Following Members’ questions, the Board received an update on the actions being taken to improve attainment levels within mathematics and also on the causal factors of the varying attendance levels amongst different ethnic groups.

RESOLVED – That the following be endorsed and supported:-

(a)  The progress which has been made, specifically in areas that need further improvement;

(b)  The future provision of support, challenge and intervention in Leeds to ensure that progress continues to be made;

(c)  The centrality of the Leeds Education Challenge in securing improvement.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services detailing the work of Leeds City Council Adoption Service from April 2011 to September 2011 inclusive. The purpose of the report is to consider the activity of the service in relation to the implementation and progression of children’s care plans, the service offered to those seeking to adopt and the services offered to those affected by adoption through the provision of adoption support. It is also to identify any significant  trends within adoption and how Leeds can continue to meet the changing demands within adoption.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report detailing the work of Leeds City Council Adoption Service from April 2011 to September 2011 inclusive.  The report considered the activity of the service in relation to the implementation and progression of children’s care plans, the service offered to those seeking to adopt, in addition to those affected by adoption through the provision of adoption support. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

(b)  That the work of the Adoption Team continue to be supported in order to ensure that adopted children receive the best possible support.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services introducing the Local Account of Adult Social Care Services for its citizens. The report provides an explanation of the new responsibilities placed upon Councils, whilst detailing the Local Account’s contribution towards enhancing local accountability to the public and as a tool to support sector led service improvement. The report also offers a highlighted summary of the main areas of achievement of Adult Social Care and indicates areas of service identified within the Leeds Local Account as requiring further development to sustain or improve performance.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report introducing the Local Account of Adult Social Care Services for its citizens.  The report provided an explanation of the new responsibilities placed upon Councils, whilst detailing the Local Account’s contribution towards enhancing local accountability to the public, and as a tool to supporting sector led service improvement.  In addition, the report provided a summary of the main areas of achievement of Adult Social Care and indicated areas of service identified within the Leeds Local Account as requiring further development in order to sustain or improve performance. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the submitted report, together with the attached Local Account for Leeds, entitled ‘Living Life Your Own Way’, be noted.

(b)  That the statement by the LINk, as appended to the submitted report, on their perspective of the Council’s progress and the extent to which local people have been actively engaged in prioritisation and planning, be noted.

(c)  That the areas for improvement, as set out within the attached Local Account be referred to the Scrutiny Board (Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care) for their oversight of performance.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development updating Executive Board on the progress of proposals to provide flood defences for the City, and seeking approval to a phased approach to providing flood defences, with the aim being to complete Phase 1, to achieve a 1 in 75 year Standard of Protection for the city centre area (between Leeds Station and Knostrop Weir), by the end of 2015.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress of proposals to provide flood defences for the city. In addition, the report sought approval to a phased approach to providing flood defences, the aim being to complete Phase 1 to achieve a 1 in 75 year Standard of Protection for the city centre area (between Leeds Station and Knostrop Weir), by the end of 2015. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

The Board welcomed the phased approach which had been proposed and emphasised the vital importance of an effective flood alleviation scheme for both the city and the regional economy.  In addition, Members highlighted the inflexible nature of the criteria applied by DEFRA to flood alleviation and requested that representations were made to DEFRA on this matter.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be acknowledged that the original comprehensive flood defence scheme, costing £188,000,000 (whole life costs at 2011 figures), which would provide a 1 in 200 year standard of flood protection, will not be funded in the near future.

(b)  That in light of resolution (a) above, approval be given to a phased approach to providing flood defences as the most pragmatic way forward at this time, with the aim being to complete Phase 1 to achieve a 1 in 75 year Standard of Protection for the City Centre area, from Leeds Station  to Knostrop Weir by the end of 2015.

(c)  That, should it be affordable and practicable, elements of Phase 1, as outlined within paragraph 3.9 of the submitted report, be progressed at the earliest opportunity.

(d)  That it be agreed that Leeds City Council, as lead Local Flood Authority, working with partners, should lead and procure further work to develop proposals and to secure funding in order to progress Phase 1, currently estimated by the Environment Agency at £75,800,000.

(e)  That Leeds MPs continue to liaise proactively with Defra and the Environment Agency in order to support Leeds City Council in its ambition to progress a flood defence project for the city by providing minimum match funding, seconding technical staff and sharing all relevant technical information.

(f)  That expenditure of £500,000, made available from the Council’s Capital allocation of £10,000,000 to progress the recommendations of the submitted report, including further feasibility and associated work, be authorised.

(g)  That the phased approach, as highlighted within paragraph 3.9 of the submitted report be agreed, subject to detailed technical assessment.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting for approval the Core Strategy, together with the sustainability appraisal report and other relevant supporting documents for the purposes of public consultation and also to formally invite representations.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting the Core Strategy, together with the sustainability appraisal report and other relevant supporting documents, for the purposes of public consultation and the formally invitation of  representations. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Two pages from this report, which due to a printing error had been omitted from paper copies of the agenda, had been circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting for their consideration.

Responding to Members’ enquiries, the Board received clarification in respect of Protected Areas of Search (PAS) sites. In addition, having emphasised the importance of local community and local Ward Member input within the consultation process, the Board received reassurances in respect of such matters. 

Members’ concerns regarding the projected population growth forecasts, and the basing of the proposed strategy on such forecasts were acknowledged, however, emphasis was placed upon the need for a Core Strategy to be established, which would be done using the most up to date statistics available.

The Chief Executive emphasised the extent to which pre-consultation had already taken place during the compilation of the strategy. It was noted that during such consultation, the issue of windfalls, the importance of local distinctiveness and the need for further co-operation and communication between developers and the locality, were all matters which had been highlighted.

RESOLVED – That the publication of the Core Strategy, together with the sustainability appraisal report and other relevant supporting documents, for the purposes of public consultation and the formal invitation of representations, be approved.

(The Development Plan Document is prepared within the context of the LDF Regulations and statutory requirements, and as the DPD is a Budgetary and Policy Framework document, the matters referred to within this minute were not eligible for Call In)

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Finnigan required it to be recorded that he voted against the decisions referred to within this minute)  

To consider the report of the Director of City Development advising of the background to the proposed scheme for the refurbishment of street lighting on High Street, Boston Spa, whilst also seeking approval to continue with the installation of the latest scheme proposals, which are in accordance with British Standards for the design of road lighting but contrary to local community representatives wishes.

The Director of City Development submitted a report advising of the background to the proposed scheme for the refurbishment of street lighting on High Street, Boston Spa, and which sought approval to continue with the installation of the latest scheme proposals, which were in accordance with British Standards for the design of road lighting, but contrary to local community representatives wishes. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED – That the installation of the latest scheme proposals for High Street, Boston Spa, which is in accordance with British Standards for the design of road lighting, but contrary to local community representatives wishes, be approved.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development responding to the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) in conclusion to its scrutiny of the full design option for the provision of a taxi facility on Whitehouse Lane at Leeds Bradford International Airport, as reported to the 12^th October 2011 Executive Board meeting.

Further to Minute No. 95, 12^th October 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report responding to the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) following its inquiry into the full design option for the provision of a taxi facility on Whitehouse Lane at Leeds Bradford International Airport. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

In considering this matter, Members highlighted the need to secure a more flexible and inclusive approach towards taxi access at the airport and urged for an holistic and satisfactory resolution, befitting the airport’s status. In this regard, Members made reference to the Forecourt Management Plan. The recommendations made by Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) were noted and it was highlighted that such recommendations could be revisited, should the need arise.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, together with the response made to the Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) report and comments, be noted.

(b)  That the Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) recommendations arising from their review of the design option previously prepared for providing a taxi facility on Whitehouse Lane at Leeds Bradford International Airport be noted.

To consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development requesting that consideration be given to the major concerns of the Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) regarding the consultant’s report on the future operation and management of Kirkgate Market.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report requesting that consideration was given to the major concerns of the Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) regarding the consultant’s report on the future operation and management of Kirkgate Market. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

On behalf of the Board, the Chair thanked Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) for the work which it had undertaken on this matter. This was followed by Councillor J Procter, Chair of the Scrutiny Board, attending the meeting to present the Board’s findings and key concerns.

RESOLVED – That the comments and observations of Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) on the consultant’s proposals for the future operation and management of Kirkgate Market, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the strategy for Kirkgate Market, the recommendations of Quarterbridge Project Management Ltd on the future management and ownership model for Kirkgate Market, its optimum size and various other matters to secure the Market’s future, together with the capital maintenance works programmed for Kirkgate Market. In addition, the report also outlines proposals for taking forward some of the recommendations from Quarterbridge’s report regarding the replacement of some areas of the market and the refurbishment of other halls, and proposes further consideration of the future management and ownership of the market.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the strategy for Kirkgate Market, the recommendations of Quarterbridge Project Management Ltd. on the future management and ownership model for the market, its optimum size and various other matters which would secure it’s future. In addition, the report also detailed the capital maintenance works programmed for the market, whilst also outlining proposals for progressing some of the recommendations from the consultant’s report regarding the replacement of some areas of the market and the refurbishment of other halls, together with proposed further consideration of the market’s future management and ownership. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

In considering the consultant’s recommendations, the Board noted that such recommendations did not commit the Council to a single course of action and that all such recommendations would not be accepted as a matter of course.  Responding to Members’ comments and concerns, assurances were provided that the market would remain within Council ownership, that it was viewed as a great asset to the city and that it needed to adapt in order to meet the new challenges from within retail sector. Clarification was also given to the Board following enquiries in respect of a perceived conflict of interest regarding the consultants.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the recommendations from market specialists,Quarterbridge Project Management Ltd. be noted.

(b)  That the Council’s commitment to ensure a sustainable future for Kirkgate Market be reaffirmed.

(c)  That agreement in principle be given to the market being reduced by 25% and to proceed with a full feasibility study for a modern extension to replace the 1976, 1981 and George Street shops halls and for the refurbishment of 1904 and 1875 halls.

(d)  That agreement be given to retaining the open market and relocating it, following the redevelopment of the indoor market, so that it remains adjacent to the indoor market.

(e)  That agreement be given to hypothecate a proportion of the markets surplus in 2012/13 as a contribution towards the potential revenue and capital costs of redevelopment and refurbishment and to the injection of a scheme into the capital programme, in order to enable a full feasibility study to be undertaken.

(f)  That officers be requested to report back on the outcome of the feasibility study in order to advise the Board on the scope, scale and financial implications of the redevelopment and refurbishment proposals.

(g)  That officers be instructed to explore the advantages and disadvantages of a commercial partnership against the option of the market remaining in the Council’s sole ownership and management.

(h)  That officers be instructed to consider further the feasibility of implementing other matters recommended by Quarterbridge.

(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) 

(Councillor Golton declared a personal interest in this item, due to his involvement in the Markets  ...  view the full minutes text for item 201.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) providing an early stage review of the delegation of environmental services and articulates the views of Elected Members across the ten Area Committees as reported by the three Area Support Teams (previously known as Area Management) in ENE, SE, and WNW Leeds. The report lends heavily from a range of discussions at environmental sub groups, tasking meetings, area committee meetings, ward meetings, the views of our Environmental Champions and from the Area Committee Chairs’ Forum meeting.

Further to Minute No. 199, 30^th March 2011, the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report providing an early stage review of the delegation of environmental services and which articulated the views of Elected Members across the ten Area Committees, as reported by the three Area Support Teams.  The report lent heavily on a range of discussions at environmental sub groups, tasking meetings, Area Committee meetings, ward meetings, the views of the Environmental Champions and from the Area Committee Chairs’ Forum meeting.  In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members welcomed the progress which had been made in this area, but emphasised the need to ensure that there was sufficient resource available to undertake the delegated provision and the importance of a cohesive approach to be taken between directorates. In addition, Members highlighted the benefits that a performance management tool may have in respect of the effectiveness of the service.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the gradually improving confidence of Elected Members in the delegated service be welcomed.

(b)  That activities which will do more to embed the service locally, be endorsed.

(c)  That the constitutional amendment, as shown within Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved.

(d)  That officers be authorised to set out and agree with Area Committees other appropriate delegations for a further service level agreement in respect of Ginnel/Gully Cleansing and Graffiti.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presenting for approval the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. In addition, the report provides detail of the key findings, priorities and principles contained within the Plan.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report presenting for approval the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan.  In addition, the report provided details of the key findings, priorities and principles contained within the Plan. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

The Board welcomed the proposals regarding the more structured, longer term strategy for rent increases. In addition, Members requested that a programme of housing stock improvements was considered which would ultimately lead to ‘component decency’ being achieved, whilst Members were assured that work continued in order to ensure that any budgetary shortfall experienced by an ALMO would be addressed equitably. 

In conclusion, it was suggested that as this matter progressed, a Member seminar on this issue was scheduled.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the HRA Business Plan, as appended to the submitted report, be approved.

(b)  That the key priorities and actions, as set out within the Plan, be approved.

(c)  That the rent strategy outlined for the next 5 years be approved in order to deliver essential investment.

(d)  That approval be given to ALMO cash reserves being utilised as required, in order to sustain the essential investment standard.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an overview of affordable housing delivery in Leeds since 2008, detailing the context for ongoing discussions about investment and outlining the proposed approach to the delivery of priorities for affordable housing investment in Leeds going forward.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided an overview of affordable housing delivery in Leeds since 2008, detailed the context for ongoing discussions about investment, and moving forward, outlined the proposed approach to the delivery of priorities for affordable housing investment in Leeds. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members welcomed the number of affordable housing units which had been delivered as part of the Affordable Homes Programmes and considered the levels of new residential schemes established via Section 106 agreements.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the affordable housing investment which Leeds has been successful in attracting over the period since 2008 be noted.

(b)  That investment in affordable housing delivery in Leeds be directed towards identified gaps and meeting the priorities, as identified within the Leeds Housing Investment Plan (LHIP).

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  14^TH FEBRUARY 2012

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  21^st FEBRUARY 2012

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00 p.m. on 22^ND February 2012)