Agenda and minutes

In accordance with Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.5, in the absence of Councillor Wakefield, who had submitted his apologies for absence from the meeting, Councillor Blake presided as Chair of the Board for the duration of the meeting.

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 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:-

Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Lease at Less Than Best Consideration: Agreement to Lease 4 Miscellaneous Properties to GIPSIL on a 21 Year Lease Agreement’, referred to in Minute No. 68 is designated as exempt in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the information contained within the appendix relates to the financial or business affairs of particular persons, or organisations, 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 is to be used as part of one to one negotiations in respect of the leases of these properties in this report, 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 of other similar properties. It is therefore considered that this element of the report should be treated as exempt under Rule 10.4.3 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules.

There were no formal late items of business, however, it was noted that Board Members had been provided with correspondence received from the Education Funding Agency in respect of the agenda item entitled, ‘Transfer of the Former Fir Tree Primary School to the Khalsa Education Trust’ (Minute No. 78 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.

There were no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests declared at the meeting, however in relation to the agenda item entitled, ‘Allotment Rental Charges’, Councillor A Carter drew the Board’s attention to his position as President of the Calverley Horticultural Society.

Regarding the same item, Councillor Golton drew the Board’s attention to his position as Vice President of Leeds and District Allotment Gardeners’ Federation. Having sought advice at the meeting, it was confirmed to Councillor Golton that his position did not preclude him from participating in the relevant item (Minute No. 70 refers). 

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th July 2014

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16^th July 2014 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services introducing the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2013/2014 and providing an update on the ongoing work of the Board.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report which introduced the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2013/2014, presented the Board’s Business Plan for 2014/2015 and provided an update on the ongoing work of the Board.

Board Members were provided at the meeting with information packs which accompanied the submitted the report.

Dr Paul Kingston, Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board, was in attendance to introduce the key issues arising from the 2013/14 Annual Report, together with the Business Plan for 2014/15.

Members welcomed the report and received assurances in respect of the ongoing work and initiatives that continued to be undertaken and developed in this area of safeguarding.

In conclusion, the Board thanked the Chair together with the members of the Safeguarding Adults Board for their continued work in this field.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report, together with the appended 2013/14 Annual Report be noted, and that the 2014/15 work programme of the Safeguarding Adults Board be endorsed.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities reforms within the Children and Families Act 2014 that came into effect on the 1st September 2014. The report highlights the implications of the reforms on Children’s Services and partners, particularly the financial impact, and identifies the opportunities that the Act offers to maximise our resources in order to have a positive lifelong impact, to actively engage young people at risk of disenfranchisement and prepare them for adulthood and active citizenship.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which provided an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities reforms within the Children and Families Act 2014 that came into effect on the 1st September 2014. The report highlighted the implications of the reforms on Children’s Services and partners, particularly the financial impact, and identified the opportunities that the Act offered to maximise the Council’s resources in order to have a positive lifelong impact, to actively engage young people at risk of disenfranchisement and prepare them for adulthood and active citizenship.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made to implement the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities reforms as outlined in the Children and Families Act 2014 be noted;

(b)  That the progress made to develop and maintain high levels of engagement with partners, children, young people and families affected by the changes, be noted;

(c)   That the impact of the proposed changes on Council services and the resource implications, which will be kept under review (as detailed in sections 4.4.3 to 4.4.14 of the submitted report), be noted;

(d)  That it be noted that the Department for Education has made grant available to support the implementation;

(e)  That it be noted that the longer term financial implications, following the implementation of the Act will not be fully known in the short term, but that these will be kept under review;

(f)  That it be noted that the lead officer for these reforms is the Head of Complex Needs, Children’s Services.

To consider the joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive, the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development seeking approval to the delegations necessary to adopt a programme approach to the delivery of school places under the basic need programme.

Further to Minute No. 53, 17^th July 2013, the Deputy Chief Executive, the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which sought approval to the proposed delegations necessary to adopt a programme approach to the delivery of school places under the basic need programme.

Members emphasised the importance of cross-departmental working on such matters and highlighted the significant scale of the programme across the city.

Responding to an enquiry regarding Member engagement in the proposed delegated decision making process, officers assured the Board that any decisions taken regarding the approval of design and cost reports as part of the Basic Need scheme would first be subject to consultation with the relevant Executive Members. Furthermore, should there be any situation whereby an unforeseen release of funds was required, then prior to any decisions being made, this would be the subject of a separate consultation exercise with Executive Members. Finally, it was noted that any officer delegated decisions in respect of Basic Need schemes would be accompanied by a standard design and cost report and would be subject to the Council’s agreed delegated decision making procedures.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the adoption of an enhanced programme approach to the management of thebasic need schemes, be approved;

(b)  That additional authority to spend expenditure on the basic need programme of £28,250,000 which increases the overall approval on the schemes in the programme to £97,585,000 be approved, and that approval also be given to the fact that this additional authority to spend will include an allocation of up to £10,000,000 for the establishment of a basic need risk capital fund;

(c)  That the approval of design and cost reports for the schemes identified in Table 3 in Appendix A to the submitted report be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services, and that these approvals shall be subject to the agreement of the Director of City Development and the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the appropriate Executive Members and that these reports will be open to scrutiny by Members as explained within the submitted report;

(d)  That the management and use of the basic need risk capital fund be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services and that these decisions shall be subject to the agreement of the Director of City Development and the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the appropriate Executive Members and that decisions on with these matters will be open to scrutiny by Members as explained within the submitted report;

(e)  That the proposed governance and transparency arrangements in relation to the officer decisions for design and cost reports, together with the variations on projects, as set out within the submitted report, be approved;

(f)  That regular reports, at least every six months, be submitted to Executive Board on the progress made in delivering outcomes and on the overall programme approvals and budget;

(g)  That it be noted that the Head of Service, Strategic Development and Investment has client responsibility  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

To consider the report of the Director Children’s Services providing details of proposals brought forward to meet the local authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places. This report is divided in to two sections. Part A describes the outcome of statutory notices regarding proposals to expand primary school provision in Guiseley by establishing two 2 form entry primary schools from the existing three form entry Guiseley Infant and Nursery School and St Oswald’s C of E Junior Schools and seeks a final decision on the proposals.  Part B describes proposals to increase places at Gledhow Primary School and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary School, summarises the outcome of a consultation and seeks permission to publish a statutory notice in respect of Gledhow Primary School. 

Further to Minute No. 14, 25^th June 2014, the Director Children’s Services submitted a report providing details of proposals brought forward to meet the Local Authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places. The submitted report was divided in to two sections: Part A described the outcome of statutory notices regarding proposals to expand primary school provision in Guiseley by establishing two 2 form entry primary schools from the existing three form entry Guiseley Infant and Nursery School and St Oswald’s C of E Junior Schools and which sought a final decision on the proposals.  Whilst Part B described proposals to increase places at Gledhow Primary School and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary School, summarised the outcome of a consultation exercise and sought permission to publish a statutory notice in respect of Gledhow Primary School.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That changes to Guiseley Infant and Nursery School by increasing its capacity from 270 pupils to 420 pupils and raising the upper age limit from 7 to 11, therefore creating a primary school with an admission limit of 60 in reception, with effect from September 2015, be approved;

(b)   That changes to St Oswald’s Church of England Junior School, increasing its capacity from 360 to 420 and lowering the age limit from 7 to 4, therefore creating a primary school with an admission limit of 60 in reception with effect from September 2015, be approved;

(c)   That the publication of a Statutory Notice to expand Gledhow Primary School from a capacity of 420 pupils to 630 pupils, with an increase in the admission number from 60 to 90, with effect from September 2016, be approved;

(d)  That it be noted that the proposal in respect of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary School will not be progressed.

(e)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Capacity Planning and Sufficiency Lead.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which presents the contents of the Leeds Core Strategy Inspector’s Final Report, and which seeks authority from the Board to proceed to full Council with the recommendation that the Core Strategy be formally adopted.

Further to Minute No. 210, 5^th March 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report which presented the contents of the Leeds Core Strategy Inspector’s Final Report, and which sought authority from the Board to proceed to full Council with the recommendation that the Leeds Core Strategy be formally adopted.

Members discussed key issues arising from the submission of the Leeds Core Strategy and acknowledged that such matters would be considered in further detail at the next scheduled meeting of Council.

The Board thanked all of those who had been involved for their considerable efforts in getting the Leeds Core Strategy to its current position. 

RESOLVED – That the Inspector’s Final Report, including hisrecommendations and reasons be noted, and that the Executive Board recommends to Council that it adopts theCore Strategy (as submitted for examination and with modifications) pursuant toSection 23 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, both Councillor A Carter and Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that they respectively abstained from voting on the matters included within this minute)

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that the

power to Call In decisions does not extend to those made in accordance with

Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules (B&PFPRs). As the resolution relating to this minute (above) was being made in accordance with the Council’s B&PFPR’s, such matters were not eligible for Call In)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting the outcome of the Examiner’s report on the Leeds Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Draft Charging Schedule, the proposed minor modifications to the final Charging Schedule and associated policies, and proposes a formal adoption date of 6^th April 2015. 

Further to Minute No. 102, 9^th October 2013, the Director of City Development submitted a report which presented the outcome of the Examiner’s report on the Leeds Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Draft Charging Schedule, the proposed minor modifications to the final Charging Schedule and associated policies, and also proposed a formal adoption date of 6^th April 2015.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Executive Board recommend to Full Council that the contents of the Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule be approved;

(b)  That Executive Board recommend to Full Council that the Community Infrastructure Levy be formally adopted in Leeds from 6th April 2015;

(c)  That the contents of the Regulation 123 List, Exceptional Circumstances Policy, Instalments Policy and the Statement of Discretionary Charitable Relief, be approved;

(d)   That as required following monitoring, approval be given for the Chief Planning Officer under delegated authority to make revisions to any of the policies and procedures detailed in resolution (c) (above) going forward;

(e)   That it be noted that the following steps will be undertaken in order to deliver the decisions of the Board:-

i. The Charging Schedule will be submitted to Full Council on 12th November 2014 for resolution to adopt.

ii. The timescales for the implementation of the decisions are, subject to the agreement of Executive Board and Full Council, that Leeds City Council will start charging the CIL from 6th April 2015.

iii. The Chief Planning Officer is the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters.

(The matters referred to in resolutions (a) and (b) above were not eligible for Call In, given that the approval of such matters are for the determination of full Council only)

To consider the joint report of the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of City Development which seeks to provide a way forward for improving residential design throughout Leeds in order to ensure that we achieve quality and quantity in the delivery of new houses in Leeds through the development of linked activities brought together to form the “Leeds Standard”.

Further to Minute No. 20, 25^th June 2014, the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which sought to provide a way forward for improving residential design throughout Leeds in order to ensure that the Council achieved both quality and quantity in the delivery of new houses in Leeds through the development of linked activities brought together to form the “Leeds Standard”.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, officers provided the Board with information regarding how the ‘Leeds Standard’ would look to improve the quality of units provided by private developers. In addition, the Board also received information on the methods by which the provision, quality and development of greenspace could be maximised in the communities.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That officers be requested to prepare clarification of the ‘Neighbourhoods for Living’ guidance for residential design in Leeds, focusing on external design issues such as streets, spaces and architecture, layout and character, in line with the principles outlined within the submitted report in order to enable the Council as the Local Planning Authority to influence the delivery of high quality housing growth;

(b)   That the summary/review of existing local policy and guidance under the three themes of the ‘Leeds Standard’: Design Quality and Liveability, Space Standards and Sustainable design and construction, be noted;

(c)   That the progress made on the delivery of the Council Housing Growth Programme, including the development of the Leeds Standard be noted, together with the next stages of the programme and proposed procurement approach to support the adoption of the Leeds Standard through the construction of new council housing;

(d)   That the Director of City Development be requested to consider the required resources to support this approach to the delivery of quality housing growth, together with the key planning and design issues following the Farrell Review of architecture and the built environment;

(e)   That the proposed consultation exercise with developers, providers and others in the housing industry on the clarifications to Neighbourhoods for Living, be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing which seeks approval to surrender the committee tenancy arrangements between GIPSIL and Leeds City Council and formalise the use of the properties listed in the exempt appendix via standard 21 year lease agreements at less than best consideration.

(Appendix 1 to this report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which sought approval to surrender the committee tenancy arrangements between GIPSIL and Leeds City Council and to formalise the use of the properties listed in exempt appendix 1 to the submitted report via standard 21 year lease agreements at less than best consideration.

Following consideration of appendix 1 to the submitted report, designated as

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 meeting, it was

RESOLVED – That the surrender of the committee tenancy arrangements between GIPSIL and Leeds City Council for the properties listed in exempt appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved, and that approval also be given to the simultaneous re-grant of 21 year lease agreements at less than best consideration on the terms to be agreed by the Director of City Development.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing providing an update on the progress made towards the delivery of a district heating network linked to the Recycling & Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) as part of the Residual Waste Treatment Project, and on a range of potential benefits and options for achieving substantial cost reductions through this project. In addition, the report seeks approval and the delegation of appropriate authority to the relevant Directors to exercise specific contractual cost saving options, to instruct Veolia to install elements of infrastructure at the RERF necessary for the export of heat from the site, subject to further technical and financial assessment, and also to explore other potential value for money opportunities.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report providing an update on the progress made towards the delivery of a district heating network linked to the Recycling & Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) as part of the Residual Waste Treatment Project, and also on a range of potential benefits and options for achieving substantial cost reductions through this project. In addition, the report sought approval of the delegation of appropriate authority to the relevant Directors in order to exercise specific contractual cost saving options, to instruct Veolia to install elements of infrastructure at the RERF necessary for the export of heat from the site, subject to further technical and financial assessment, and also to explore other potential value for money opportunities.

Officers responded to Members’ enquiries around the Non-Reverting Asset option as detailed within the submitted report and also regarding how the energy used as part of the District Heating Scheme could be maximised.

In conclusion, Members welcomed the report and noted the wider opportunities, particularly in respect of infrastructure provision, that the initiative could potentially help to offer in the future.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That the contents of the submitted report, including the progress made on feasibility work for a district heating scheme linked to the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) as part of the Project, together with the community benefits associated with the Project, be noted;

(b)   That the Director of Environment and Housing be authorised to approve the installation of initial infrastructure at the RERF which will be necessary for the delivery of a district heating scheme (as described at sections 3.1.9-3.1.12 of the submitted report), subject to his receipt of a further satisfactory technical and financial assessment and subject to the timescales detailed within section 3.1.12 of the submitted report;

(c)   That approval be given for the implementation of the Non Reverting Asset option in relation to the Project (as described at sections 3.2.2-3.2.11of the submitted report), in order that the Director of Environment & Housing can take the decision subject to DEFRA approval and subject to the Deputy Chief Executive determining that there are no accounting treatment issues following consultation with the Council’s external auditors by the Extended Commissioning Date currently anticipated to be 25th March 2016, although subject to programme;

(d)   That following the agreement of resolution (c) above, it be noted that the Director of City Development will arrange for disposal of the RERF site for an additional 15 years at the appropriate time and in accordance with the Asset Management functions in the officer delegation scheme;

(e)   That approval be given to an injection into the City Council’s Capital Programme together with the associated  authority to spend £30,000,000 as a Capital Contribution to the Project (as described at sections 3.2.12-3.2.18 of the submitted report) by the Actual Full Payment Date (currently expected to be 8th July 2016, although subject to programme change and subject to DEFRA approval);

(f)   That the necessary authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing which seeks approval for a fresh decision on allotment rental charges following the outcome of a judicial review.

Further to Minute No. 63, 4^th September 2013, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which sought approval for a fresh decision on allotment rental charges following the outcome of a judicial review.

As part of the consideration of this matter, Members received information on the context and background to the recommended way forward, as detailed within the submitted report. In response, a concern was raised and a request was made for further dialogue to be undertaken with all relevant parties, prior to any final decisions being taken. Having noted the concern raised, at the conclusion of the debate it was 

RESOLVED – That the following be approved, without prejudice to the Council’s position that the decision made on 4th September 2013 was not unlawful and should not have been quashed:-

(a)  A phased rental increase commencing in autumn 2015, as set out in the following table, which starts for a full size plot in year 1 as £19.50 more per year (or £0.37 extra each week) to £33.50 more at the end of year three (which equates to £0.64 per week).

(b)  That a side letter be issued to each allotment association to confirm the

implementation of the provisions for concessions and that the reduction in the proportion of rental income that may be retained by the association should be deferred until the proposed new rental charges take effect;

(c)  That those sites managed by associations who fail to sign lease agreements on or before 15th October 2014 will automatically become directly managed by the Council and the Council will then offer a 12 month agreement to each plot holder on each site;

(d)  That following the Court ruling, it be noted that allotment rental charges in 2014/15 will be on the same basis as the previous year (2013/14), including the level of concessions;

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside will be responsible for implementing the recommendations in the timescales indicated.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, both Councillor A Carter and Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that they respectively voted against the matters included within this minute)

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing setting out proposals on the closure of Middleton Park Golf Course and Gotts Park Golf Course to convert them to semi-natural parkland. The report provides the background to the submitted proposals along with a summary of consultation undertaken and response to the issues and options raised.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which set out proposals to cease providing golf at Middleton Park Golf Course and Gotts Park Golf Course. The report provided the background to the submitted proposals along with a summary of consultation undertaken, together with responses to the alternative options proposed and issues raised as part of such consultation.

In considering the key aspects of the submitted report, emphasis was placed upon the need to ensure that Gotts Park Golf Club was provided with the appropriate opportunity to successfully manage Gotts Park Golf Course, should they confirm that they wish to lead on the management of the course. Furthermore, it was agreed that in the event that Gotts Park Golf Club did not come forward to lead on the management of the golf course, then prior to any final decisions being made, the Director of Environment and Housing submit a further report to Executive Board in order to provide the Board with the opportunity to consider the most appropriate way forward. 

Correspondence with Wade’s Charity, which reflected the need for their agreement to the proposals, was referred to during the discussion. With regard to the proposals relating to the future of Middleton Park, it was emphasised that the outline ideas for conversion of the course to park land were a basis for consultation and that the final form would be agreed in partnership with the local community, local Members and community groups to ensure that the future use of the park could be maximised for the benefit of the area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the Council to cease to provide golf at Middleton Park on 31^stOctober 2014;

(b)  That in the event that Gotts Parks Golf Club confirm that they wish to lead on managing the course, then this be approved in principle, subject to the Council entering into an agreement reviewable annually. With an annual grant of no more than the maintenance costs of semi natural parkland, currently £20,000, being made payable by the Council to the operator subject to meeting the terms of the agreement. The agreement should limit the Council’s future liability in the event that the venture is unsuccessful;

(c)  That in the event that Gotts Park Golf Club does not come forward, then the Director of Environment and Housing submit a further report to Executive Board in order to provide the Board with the opportunity to consider the most appropriate way forward;

(d)  That approval be given to invest £74,000 in the space currently occupied by Middleton Park Golf Club, with the investment to be shaped in consultation with local Members, Friends of Middleton Park, Wades and the local community, and that the ongoing costs of maintenance be limited to the costs of maintaining semi natural parkland, which is equivalent to £20,000 at current prices;

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Environment and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Cleaner, Stronger and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive on the Council’s projected financial position for 2014/15 after four months of the financial year.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report presenting the Council’s projected financial position for 2014/15 after four months of the financial year.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the authority after four months of 2014/15, as detailed within the submitted report be noted;

(b)  That the creation of an earmarked reserve using general fund reserves, as detailed in paragraph 3.3.5.1of the submitted report, be approved, and that the release of the reserve be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive.

(c)  That the release of reserves, as detailed in paragraph 3.3.5.2 of the submitted report, be noted.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing an update on the delivery of Phase 1 of the Transactional Web Services project.  In addition, the report seeks approval of a £4,866,000 injection into the Capital Programme, whilst also seeking authority for the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) to spend in order to deliver the second phase of the Transactional Web Services project.

Further to Minute No. 260, 16^th May 2012, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report providing an update on the delivery of Phase 1 of the Transactional Web Services project.  In addition, the report sought approval of a £4,866,000 injection into the Capital Programme, whilst it also sought authority for the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) to spend in order to deliver the second phase of the Transactional Web Services project.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made on the delivery of Phase 1 of the Transactional Web Services project, be noted;

(b)  That an injection of £4,866,000 into the Capital Programme be approved and that the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) be provided with the necessary authority to spend in order to deliver the second phase of the Transactional Web Services project, as detailed within the submitted report.

To consider the joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive, the Director of Adult Social Services and the Director of Children’s Services advising Members of the intention to create a specific Capital fund of £25million in order to support the City's ambitious plans to be the Best City in the country for Health and Wellbeing.

The Deputy Chief Executive, the Director of Adult Social Services and the Director of Children’s Services submitted a joint report which provided information on the proposal to create a specific Capital fund of £25,000,000 in order to support the City's ambitious plans to be the Best City in the country for Health and Wellbeing.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, officers provided the Board with an update on the evaluation work being undertaken around the most effective way to secure additional Intermediate Care beds across the city.

The Board emphasised the importance of partnership working across all relevant agencies when considering the most effective ways in which to meet the needs of residents throughout Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the creation of a £25,000,000 Capital Fund in support of health and social care initiatives, be approved;

(b)   That the schemes put forward so far and the benefits predicted for those schemes to deliver, be noted;

(c)   That approval be given to the release of a ‘pump priming’ fund of £100,000 in the first instance, to support business case development in relation to the schemes most likely to be brought forward quickly (More Independent Living Opportunities for People with Learning Disabilities (Building) & Investment in Technology Solutions - IT Hardware (Support Systems)), which is in addition to the £50,000 already committed by Leeds CCG’s for the PPPU evaluation of options in relation to Intermediate Care beds;

(d)   That further reports be submitted to the Board in future which seek agreement to commit capital as each scheme becomes ready.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing details of the actions taken by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to regulate the High Cost Short Term Credit (HCSTC) industry since 1^st April 2014, together with details of their consultation on the proposed cap on the total cost of high cost credit.

Further to Minute No. 48, 16^th July 2014, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report providing details of the actions taken by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to regulate the High Cost Short Term Credit (HCSTC) industry since 1^st April 2014, together with details of their consultation on the proposed cap on the total cost of high cost credit.

Members welcomed the positive action which had been taken by the FCA and noted the Council’s response to the FCAs associated consultation exercise, as appended to the submitted report.

In terms of future communications by the Council regarding the regulation of the high cost short terms credit market, emphasis was placed upon the need to highlight the stark figures around borrowing charges, as detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, particularly Leeds City Council’s response to the FCA consultation, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the Chief Executive be requested to write to all Leeds MPs asking them to consider Leeds City Council’s response to the FCA consultation, as set out in appendix 1 to the submitted report, and urge them to take up the issues raised within the Council’s response.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an overview of the work undertaken to prepare a Neighbourhood Framework for the Beckhills area. The report presented the proposed final version of the document for the purposes of approval, whilst agreement was sought on the phased approach to the delivery of improvements across the area.

Further to Minute No. 8, 25^th June 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an overview of the work undertaken to prepare a Neighbourhood Framework for the Beckhills area. The submitted report presented the proposed final version of the document for the purposes of approval, whilst agreement was sought on the phased approach to the delivery of improvements across the locality.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further information on how the Framework would inform the views of Plans Panel when determining planning matters in the area.

The Board discussed the ways in which an expression of interest for the possible establishment of a Neighbourhood Framework could be made. In addition, Members also discussed the funding sources which had been used in respect of the Beckhills Neighbourhood Framework. In conclusion, invitations were extended to any neighbourhoods that wished to submit an expression of interest in establishing a Neighbourhood Framework in the future.

RESOLVED - 

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

(b)  That the Beckhill Neighbourhood Framework be approved as informal planning guidance to support the area’s regeneration;

(c)  That support be given on the approach to prioritisation, phasing and funding the delivery improvements to the Beckhill area, as set out in paragraphs 3.9 – 3.12 of the submitted report, which is to be led by the Chief Asset Management and Regeneration Officer.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which sought approval of a package of support to traders during the period of construction works to refurbish and improve Kirkgate Market.

Further to Minute No. 227, 2^nd April 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval for a package of support for traders during the period of construction works to refurbish and improve Kirkgate Market.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with assurances around the levels of contact and consultation undertaken with the Friends of Kirkgate Market group, both generally and specifically in respect of the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the injection of, and authority to spend £395,800 in respect of the financial assistance at Kirkgate Market, be approved;

(b)  That the injection of, and authority to spend £100,000 in respect of the upgrade of stalls to aid the temporary relocation of the Fish and Game row tenants, be approved;

(c)  That as Kirkgate Market is a Grade 1 listed building, it be noted that  the proposed works to the existing Butchers Row in order to facilitate the temporary decant have been discussed with the Local Planning Authority and English Heritage who are supportive of the proposals;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Economic Development Officer will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Children’s Services presenting information and background to the use, and potential disposal of the site previously used for Fir Tree Primary School, Alwoodley.

Further to Minute No. 30, 16^th July 2014, the Director of City Development and the Director of Children’s Services submitted a joint report presenting information and background to the use, and potential disposal of the site previously used for Fir Tree Primary School, Alwoodley. The report provided details of the options open to the Council in respect of this matter.

It was noted that at the commencement of the meeting, Board Members had been provided with correspondence received from Education Funding Agency (EFA) in respect of the submitted report. 

In discussing the matter, Members considered a range of issues, including:-

·  The recent correspondence which had been received from the EFA and the extent to which it provided any further clarity on the current position;

·  The clarification which was still required on whether the Government’s legal powers would enable a ‘scheme’ to be served upon the Council which compelled it to transfer the freehold of the site to the Khalsa Education Trust, and the need for further dialogue to be held between the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) legal representatives and the Council,

·  The level of contact and discussion which had taken place between the Council and the DfE on this issue to date, the nature of such contact and the associated timeframe in which this had taken place;

·  The need to ensure that in order to progress this matter, a collaborative approach was adopted by all relevant parties; 

·  With regard to education provision in the area, the extent to which this specific site would best meet the needs of the local community.

At the conclusion of the discussion on the submitted report, it was formally moved by Councillor A Carter and seconded by Councillor Golton that the former Fir Tree Primary School site be transferred on a leasehold basis to the Khalsa Education Trust. On being put to the vote, this motion was lost, and it was

RESOLVED – That further information and clarification be sought from the Department for Education in respect of those matters considered during the meeting, specifically as to whether the Government’s legal powers enabled a ‘scheme’ to be served on the Council which would compel it to transfer the freehold of the site in question to the Khalsa Education Trust.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, both Councillor A Carter and Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that they respectively voted against the matters included within this minute)

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    FRIDAY, 19^TH SEPTEMBER 2014

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  FRIDAY, 26^TH SEPTEMBER 2014 AT 5.00 P.M.

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Monday, 29^th September 2014)