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)  Appendix 3 to the report entitled, ‘City Centre Park Delivery’, referred to in Minute No. 132 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is therefore considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of the appendix as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information;

(b)  Appendix 3 to the report entitled, ‘Land at East Leeds Extension and Thorpe Park, Leeds’, referred to in Minute No. 133 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular people, and of the Council. It is considered that the release of such information would or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to potential transactions, and as such it is considered that it is in the public interest to maintain the content of the appendix as exempt from publication;

(c)  Appendix 2 to the report entitled, ‘Acquisition of Land for Vehicle Fleet Alternative Fuel Filling Station’, referred to in Minute No. 134 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person, 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 discussions for the acquisition of the property/land, 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 purchasers of other similar properties 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127.

No formal late items of business were added to the agenda, however, prior to the meeting, with the agreement of the Chair, Board Members were in receipt of a supplementary addendum together with associated revised recommendations in respect of agenda item 19(A) (2018/2019 Revenue Budget and Council Tax) arising from the late receipt of information regarding the level of resources available to the Authority.  (Minute No. 144 refers).

In addition, again with the agreement of the Chair, Board Members were in receipt of correspondence from the ‘Save Moor Allerton Hall Primary School’ Group which related to agenda item 13 (Outcome of Consultation to join Moor Allerton Hall Primary School with Allerton Grange School as a Through-School and to Increase Primary Learning Places).  (Minute No. 138 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, ‘Grants to Arts and Cultural Organisations', Councillor Yeadon drew the Board’s attention to her respective roles as a member of the Yorkshire Dance Board of Management and also as a member of the Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House Board of Management.  (Minute No. 145 refers).

In addition, again, although no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests were declared, in relation to the agenda item entitled, ‘Improving Standards in the Private Rented Sector – Consideration for Selective Licensing', Councillors Coupar and Rafique drew the Board’s attention to the fact that they had respective interests in properties that they did not live in and were not located within the proposed areas for potential introduction of the scheme. Similarly, Councillor Andrew Carter drew the Board’s attention to the fact that his wife (Councillor Amanda Carter) had an interest in property in which they did not reside and which were not located within the proposed areas for potential introduction of the scheme.  (Minute No. 141 refers).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th December 2017.

(Copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on the 13^th December 2017 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to publish detailed revisions to the policies which are subject of the Core Strategy Selective Review (CSSR) for the purposes of a six week of consultation exercise.

Further to Minute No. 147, 8^th February 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to publish detailed revisions to the policies which were the subject of the Core Strategy Selective Review (CSSR) for the purposes of a six week of consultation exercise.

In presenting the report to the Board it was clarified that Members were being recommended to refer the Publication Draft to Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure and Investment), and not Scrutiny Board (City Development), as detailed within the submitted report.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board noted that in terms of approximate timescales, it was expected that a revised housing requirement figure for Leeds would be adopted into the Core Strategy by Spring 2019.

Also in response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further information on the actions being taken to maximise the delivery of affordable housing in Leeds, with specific reference to Leeds’ performance when compared to the data within a report published by Shelter in November 2017.

In addition, regarding a Member’s reference to the potential provision of more accommodation for older people in the city centre, it was noted that the ambition was to deliver a wider mix of accommodation in the city centre, which included provision for older people.

The Board extended its thanks to Development Plan Panel for the work it had undertaken to help progress the development of the CSSR to its current position.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed revised Publication Draft policies and supporting paragraphs of the Core Strategy Selective Review, as set out within Appendix 1 and the Sustainability Appraisal as set out in Appendix 3 to the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That a 6 week consultation exercise on the proposed revised Publication Draft policies and supporting paragraphs of the Core Strategy Selective Review, as set out within Appendix 1 and the Sustainability Appraisal as set out in Appendix 3 to the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That the additional draft supporting documents listed in paragraph 7.0 of the submitted report, including background evidence on the Council’s website, be noted;

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer in consultation with the relevant Executive Member to make factual and other minor changes to the proposed consultation material;

(e)  That further to the correction to the report, as referenced above, the Publication Draft Plan be referred to the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure and Investment) in line with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, following the public consultation;

(f)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the delivery of the resolutions (above) is the Head of Strategic Planning.

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

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 131.

To consider the joint report of report of Director of City Development and Director of Communities and Environment seeking approval of the proposed next steps to facilitate the delivery of the long term ambition for a City Centre Park.

(Appendix 3 is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

Further to Minute No. 83, 18^th October 2017, the Director of City Development and the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a joint report seeking approval of the proposed next steps to facilitate the delivery of the long term ambition for a City Centre Park.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report and highlighted how the establishment of the park would look to improve the connectivity with the South Bank area and promote a more family-friendly environment. Members also noted how the progression of this project during the earlier stages of the South Bank’s development had enabled local communities residing in and around the area to be involved in the associated engagement process. 

Following consideration of Appendix 3 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 –

(a)  That agreement be given for the Council to take steps, as set out at section 3.2 of the submitted report, to support the delivery of a City Centre Park in the South Bank;

(b)  That the Heads of Terms as detailed within exempt Appendix 3 to the report be agreed, with it being requested that legal agreements are developed and finalised between the Council and Vastint, using the principles as set out within the Heads of Terms and as at section 3.8 of the submitted report, in order to guide the development of legal agreements;

(c)  That the principles contained within section 3.14 of the submitted report for the redevelopment of Council land at Meadow Lane be agreed, and it be requested that further work takes place in order to develop proposals for new development and green space at this site;

(d)  That the City Centre Park design principles, as contained within appendix 2 to the submitted report be approved as the basis for the development of the detailed design;

(e)  That a report be submitted to a future Executive Board meeting in order to consider the detailed design that is developed and also to receive an update on the progress being made on such matters;

(f)  That the following be noted:-

(i)  The Director of City Development and the Director of Communities and Environment are responsible for implementing resolutions (a), (b), (d) and  (e), in consultation with the Director of Resources and Housing, the Executive Member for ‘Regeneration, Transport and Planning’, and the Executive Member for ‘Environment and Sustainability’;

(ii)  The Director of City Development is responsible for the implementation of resolution (c).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to assemble land to facilitate delivery of the East Leeds Orbital Road (ELOR) in respect of the property interests held by Scarborough Group International (SGI)/Thorpe Park Developments Limited (TPDL). The report also seeks the necessary approval of the terms.

(Appendix 3 is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

Further to Minute No. 19, 21^st June 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to assemble land in order to facilitate the delivery of the East Leeds Orbital Road (ELOR) in respect of the property interests held by Scarborough Group International (SGI) / Thorpe Park Developments Limited (TPDL). In addition, the report also sought the necessary approvals of the terms, as set out within the exempt Appendix 3.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, assurance was provided that the currently envisaged timescale for completing the ELOR scheme by 2021 remained on track.

Following consideration of Appendix 3 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 –

(a)  That the terms, as set out in the exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report, in respect of the Land Agreement with Scarborough Group International / Thorpe Park Developments Limited, be agreed;

(b)  That agreement be given for the costs associated with the financial settlement are injected into the Council’s Capital Programme with funding in part to come from the West Yorkshire Transport Fund Grant; and that following the injection of funds into the Capital Programme by the Executive Board, the necessary ‘Authority to Spend’ be delegated to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Chief Officer Financial Services in order to complete the transaction;

(c)  That in the event that there are any variations to the terms as set out within the exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report, agreement be given for the necessary authority to be delegated to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Chief Officer Financial Services and the Executive Member for ‘Regeneration, Transport and Planning’ to approve them;

(d)  That when a proposed agreement with relevant parties had been finalised in respect of the required land assembly proposals, the terms for which were detailed within exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report, Group Leaders be briefed on the terms of that proposed agreement.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Resources and Housing on the proposed acquisition of land to facilitate the delivery of an alternative fuelling station to serve the Council’s and the city’s vehicle fleets.

(Appendix 2 is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

The Director of City Development and the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a joint report on the proposed acquisition of land to facilitate the delivery of an alternative fuelling station to serve the Council’s and the city’s vehicle fleets.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report. In noting the strategic location of the site, the Board acknowledged the significant potential that the project had in terms of being an alternative fuel filling station not solely for the Council’s fleet, but also for other vehicle fleets.

Members also highlighted how the proposals would positively contribute towards the improvement of the city’s air quality.

Following consideration of Appendix 2 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 –

(a)  That the draft Heads of Terms, as set out within the exempt Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be agreed, and that the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development to enable the acquisition of the site to be progressed on these or amended terms, should it be commercially acceptable and to protect the Council’s interest, in order to facilitate the delivery of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project;

(b)  That should the CNG project not proceed for any reason, it be noted that the site acquisition will have strategic value in the future reconfiguration and use of Council assets within the area;

(c)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in consultation with the Director of Resources and Housing to enable the Director to sign off the lease or alternative arrangement negotiated with the selected station provider through the competitive process, in order to ensure that it provides value for money to the Council;

(d)  That the injection of funding into the Capital Programme and the related ‘Authority to Spend’ as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be agreed;

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in consultation with the Director of Resources and Housing in order to enable the Director to inject and approve ‘Authority to Spend’ for any additional funding required to acquire the site, so long as this can be demonstrated to be commercially acceptable.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health providing an update on the progress being made in exploiting digital solutions that promote the health and wellbeing of Leeds citizens, with the report illustrating what has been achieved through innovative partnerships, but also providing details on some of the challenges being faced in taking this agenda forward.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report providing an update on the progress being made in maximising the use of digital solutions that promote the health and wellbeing of Leeds citizens. In addition, the report illustrated what had been achieved through innovative partnerships, but also provided details on some of the challenges being faced in taking this agenda forward.

Members welcomed the content of the submitted report and the further health and wellbeing benefits that could potentially be realised by the continued development of the digital support agenda. However, a Member highlighted the need to ensure that as the agenda developed, users of the new technology, particularly older people, were provided with appropriate guidance to help them make safe choices.

In conclusion, it was requested that a demonstration of the new developments in this area was provided to Board Members for their information.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress being made in embracing digital opportunities in order to improve the health and wellbeing of Leeds citizens, be noted;

(b)  That the areas for future development, as detailed within the submitted report, together with the comments made by the Board on such matters, be noted.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of Children and Families and the Director of City Development providing an update on the Learning Places Capital Programme and SEMH programme, presenting the progress made on the projects currently forming part of the Programmes, and seeking relevant approvals to increase the budget for three schemes.

Further to Minute No. 8, 21^st June 2017, the Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of Children and Families and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report providing an update on the Learning Places Capital Programme and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Programme, presenting the progress made on the projects currently forming part of the Programmes, and seeking relevant approvals to increase the budget for three specific schemes.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board noted the current balance of the programme’s Capital Risk Fund, and was advised that the Risk Fund balance was expected to increase as well as decrease during the life of the programme, as schemes were completed.

In addition, it was noted that officers were confident that the further 16 schemes which were programmed to be delivered in 2018 would be delivered in line with scheme estimates, as detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following be approved:-

(i)  an increase in the capital spending approval of £3.75m to reset the budget envelopes on completion of robust feasibility studies for the Beecroft, Greenside and Iveson schemes; and

(ii)  a reduction in the total held in the programme risk fund, seeing £3.003m being returned to support the Council’s capital programme commitments elsewhere, with the revised Programme Capital Risk Fund total being reset at £7.540m.

(b)  That the following be noted:-

(i)  The good progress made on this challenging programme of work, which is currently valued at £97.899m;

(ii)  That the following benefits have been delivered from the Projects commissioned via the programme from 2014 onwards. These have been called off through either the YORbuild arrangements and/or in conjunction with the Leeds Local Education Partnership (LLEP): The programme has in total supported 76 new and or existing apprentices in their training as well as successfully assisting 116 people into permanent employment. These figures relate to employees of both main contractors and their supply chains. These schemes have also recycled or reused a minimum of 95% of the waste generated during the construction process;

(iii) That the projected funding deficit which currently stands at £71.7m is primarily based on Education Funding Agency rates, and that with this in mind, Executive Board support be given to the arrangement of a meeting between the Executive Member for Children’s and Families and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families seeking approval of the local authority admissions policy and admissions arrangements for entry to school in 2019, describing the changes to the policy. The report also describes changes to the published admission number for two All-through schools, in line with their previously published statutory notices, and asks the Board to note the co-ordination arrangements.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which sought approval of the Local Authority admissions policy and admissions arrangements for entry to school in 2019. The report described the changes to the policy, described changes to the published admission number for two all-through schools in line with their previously published statutory notices, and invited the Board to note the co-ordination arrangements.

RESOLVED – That the school admission arrangements for 2019 be determined as follows:

(a)  That the Admissions Policy, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved, with the following being noted:-

·  the wording in relation to Children Looked After will be amended to reflect current legislation and practice;

·  PAF (Postcode Address File) will no longer be the main source of data for our measuring system, being replaced by LLPG (Local Land and Property Gazzetteer);

·  The policy will include clarity that the Local Authority may withdraw an offer if it is found that a family have used a false address on their application;

(b)  That the changes to the admission number for 2 all-through schools at their secondary phase of admission, be noted;

(c)  That the co-ordinated scheme for admissions arrangements for entry in September 2019 be noted, with it also being noted that there are no changes to the 2018 arrangements other than the updating of timelines;

(d)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for such matters is the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service, and that the date for implementation (ie determination of any revised policy) is by no later than 28 February 2018;

(e)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the publication of the determined arrangements is the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service, and that the date for implementation (ie publication) is by no later than 15 March 2018.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families describing the outcome of the consultation undertaken regarding proposals to join together Moor Allerton Hall Primary School with Allerton Grange School as a through-school, and to expand primary school provision within the through-school. In addition, the report seeks permission to publish a statutory notice in respect of revised proposals following the large number of responses made during the consultation period.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report describing the outcome of the consultation undertaken regarding proposals to join together Moor Allerton Hall Primary School with Allerton Grange School as a through- school, and to expand primary school provision within the through-school. In addition, the report sought permission to publish a statutory notice in respect of revised proposals following the large number of responses made during the consultation period.

With the agreement of the Chair, Board Members were in receipt of correspondence from the ‘Save Moor Allerton Hall Primary School’ Group regarding the proposals detailed within the submitted report. In response, the Chair thanked all relevant parties who had contributed towards the related consultation process to date.

The Executive Member for Children and Families advised the Board that since the publication of the submitted report, further discussions had taken place with relevant parties including Roundhay and Moortown local Ward Councillors and the School Council, Governors and the Senior Leadership Team of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School, and in response to the feedback received, it was proposed that the report’s recommendations, as submitted, be withdrawn, with a proposal to commence a further round of consultation in order to gain the views of a wider range of stakeholders on the proposed expansion of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School as a stand-alone three form entry school (rather than a through-school), prior to any final decisions being made.

Members welcomed the revised proposal, as set out by the Executive Member.

RESOLVED - That a further round of consultation be undertaken in order to gain the views of a wider range of stakeholders on the proposed expansion of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School as a stand-alone three form entry school (rather than a through-school), prior to any final decisions being made.

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

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which provides an overview of the main findings from the public consultation on the Strategic Review of Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) provision available to young people (0-25) in Leeds. Approval is also sought for the DfE capital grant to be allocated against the priorities identified in the report.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided an overview of the main findings from the public consultation undertaken on the Strategic Review of Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) provision available to young people (0-25) in Leeds. In addition, the report set out proposals and specific priorities for the allocation of the Department for Education (DfE) capital grant.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further detail on the assessment procedures which were in place to deliver SEND provision to children and young people across the city, with assurances being provided around the robustness of those procedures. However, it was highlighted that additional funding for the High Needs Block of the Designated Schools Grant had recently been announced, which, when received would be used to assist with the delivery of related provision.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the details of the consultation and the final version of the Strategic Review of provision for children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities, as detailed within Appendix A to the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that the DfE capital grant of £3,237,000 will be utilised over the next three years, following the five priorities as detailed within the submitted report;

(c)  That the proposed allocation of the DfE capital grant of £1,079,000 for the financial year 2018/19, as detailed within Section 4.4 of the submitted report, be approved;

(d)  That it be noted that the overall responsible officer for the implementation of the Strategic Review and the publishing of the plan is the Head of Complex Needs.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing on proposals for a collaborative approach between the Council, St George’s Crypt and LATCH (Leeds Action to Create Homes) to seek loan funding of £3.03m from the Council for the provision and development of new supply affordable, supported housing.

(Appendix 2 of the report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report regarding proposals for a collaborative approach between the Council, St. George’s Crypt and LATCH (Leeds Action to Create Homes) in order to seek loan funding of £3.03m from the Council for the provision and development of a new supply of affordable and supported housing.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the Council’s delivery programme for the provision of affordable housing via the Housing Revenue Account, and how the Council continued to explore other approaches to contribute towards the future delivery of that provision.

In addition, the Board received further details of the types of accommodation which were being proposed as part of this scheme, and the ways in which they would benefit vulnerable people in Leeds.

In conclusion, on behalf of the Board the Chair extended her thanks to St. George’s Crypt and LATCH for the crucial work they continued to undertake in this area.

Following consideration of Appendix 2 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 –

(a)  That support be given to the proposals as outlined within the submitted report and exempt Appendix 2 for the Council to provide total loan funding of £3.03m split as follows:

-  loan funding of £2.354m to St George’s Crypt; and

-  loan funding of £0.676m to LATCH;

(b)  That agreement be given for the Council to enter into legal agreements with St George’s Crypt and LATCH for the provision of new supply affordable housing;

(c)  That the approval of the detailed terms and conditions be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing in conjunction with the Council’s Chief Finance Officer and the Council’s Chief Legal Officer.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing regarding the development of business case(s) for selective licensing, with the report noting that any business case would need to be considered in the future by the Council on its merits based on the criteria in Government guidance prior to any designation.

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report regarding the development of business case(s) for the selective licensing initiative, with the report noting that any business case would need to be considered in the future by the Council on its merits based on the criteria as detailed within in Government guidance prior to any designation. The report also noted that the proposed areas for the potential introduction of any scheme were based upon the Council’s priority locality agenda in Harehills and Beeston Hill.

A concern was raised that the proposals detailed within the report were not for the establishment of a citywide scheme, however it was noted that although the submitted report had identified Harehills and Beeston Hilll as proposed areas for the potential introduction of any scheme, at this stage it was only recommending the development of potential business cases, with the matter intended to be re-submitted to the Board once the final business cases had been drawn up.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the development of potential business cases under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 for selective licensing schemes for Harehills and Beeston Hill for the purposes of future consideration by the Council, be approved;

(b)  That agreement be given for the Executive Board to consider the matter again at a future date once the final business case(s) have been fully developed and agreed, in order to assist with the long term development of such business case(s);

(c)  That it be noted that the business case(s) will be developed in line with the timescales as detailed at section 3.8 of the submitted report and will be the responsibility of the Service Managers in Private Sector Housing, Housing Leeds.

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

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment providing an update on the progress made to date on the Community Hub programme and specifically the delivery of Phase 2. In addition, the report seeks approval of proposals regarding the Phase 3 Community Hub programme to form Community Hubs in a number of key local buildings, mainly existing Libraries and One Stop Centres to support the delivery of integrated and accessible services.

Further to Minute No. 15, 22^nd June 2016, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report providing an update on the progress made to date on the Community Hub programme and specifically the delivery of Phase 2. In addition, the report sought approval of proposals regarding the Phase 3 Community Hub programme to form Community Hubs in a number of key local buildings, mainly existing Libraries and One Stop Centres to support the delivery of integrated and accessible services.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member for Communities extended her thanks to the significant role that Scrutiny had played in the development of this project to date.

Responding to a Member’s concerns regarding the programme and including a specific design issues in respect of an existing hub, emphasis was placed upon the overarching aim of the programme which was to benefit the community by providing integration across a wide range of services and partners, with it being noted that should there be any design issues in respect of a specific project, then these could be brought to the attention of the Executive Member or relevant officers for consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, specifically the progress made on delivering the Community Hubs as part of Phase 1 and Phase 2, together with the Mobile Community Hub approach, be noted;

(b)  That the delivery of the Phase 3 Community Hub schemes over the next 3 years, be supported;

(c)  That an injection into the capital programme of £3.03m for Phase 3 - Year 1 (2018/19) schemes of the Community Hub programme be authorised, with it being noted that updated business cases for individual Hub schemes will require ‘authority to spend’ in line with the current capital approvals process;

(d)  That it be noted that further Phase 3 business cases will be submitted to request further injections of funding, with Phase 3 Projects included in Year 2 (2019/20) and 3 (2020/21);

(e)  That it be noted that the two proposed Community Hub schemes in Crossgates and Burmantofts, which are being developed jointly with the NHS, will be subject to a separate report;

(f)  That approval be given for the properties released as part of the Phase 3 (Year 1 2018/19) programme, to be declared as surplus to Council requirements and passed to the Capital receipts programme.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment on the prospect of a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) led bid to restore key features at Temple Newsam Estate thus enabling people to better engage with how the site has developed over many hundreds of years; as well as securing the heritage features for future generations.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report outlining the prospect of a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) led bid to restore key features at Temple Newsam Estate, which was aimed at  enabling visitors to better engage with how the site had developed over many hundreds of years, as well as securing the heritage features for future generations.

Members welcome the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following be approved:-

(i)  The submission of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) ‘Heritage Grants’ programme;

(ii)  The injection of £100k into Capital Scheme No. 32890, together with associated ‘authority to spend’ in order to support the bid submission;

(b)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (Parks and Countryside) is responsible for the implementation of such matters, with the initial deadline of August 2018 to consider round 1 submissions also being noted;

(c)  That agreement be given to a future report being brought to Executive Board outlining detailed arrangements and match funding proposals, should the bid be successful.

a)  Leeds City Council Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2018/2019

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2018/2019 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied on 2018/2019

b)  Capital Programme Update 2018 – 2021

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services on the Capital programme for the period 2018 – 2021

c)  Treasury Management Strategy 2018/2019

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services on the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for 2018/2019

Further to Minute No.124, 13th December 2017, the Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report regarding the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2018/2019 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied in 2018/2019.

With the agreement of the Chair, Board Members were in receipt of a supplementary addendum together with associated revised recommendations arising from the late receipt of information regarding the level of resources available to the Authority.

The updated information highlighted that the level of additional resource available to the City Council in respect of the 2018/19 revenue budget was £2,825k, and due to the short notice at which this information had become available, it was proposed for the purposes of recognising this additional resource in the 2018/19 budget, that £756k of it should be placed within the Council’s General Reserve (which would increase the overall budgeted contribution to £1,756k in 2018/19) and £2,069k should be placed within an earmarked reserve for Adult Social Care, with proposals to use the additional resource being developed as appropriate.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further detail on the total sum of Business Rates Retention monies that the Council would receive in 2018/19.

(A) 2018/2019 Revenue Budget and Council Tax

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Executive Board recommends to Council the adoption of the following, subject to the inclusion of the proposed changes to the submitted 2018/19 Revenue Budget as set out within the addendum:-

i)  That the revenue budget for 2018/19 totalling £510.9m be approved. This means that the Leeds element of the Council Tax for 2018/19 will increase by 2.99% plus the Adult Social Care precept of 2%. This excludes the Police and Fire precepts which will be incorporated into the report to be submitted to Council on the 21st February 2018. The proposed changes to the submitted 2018/19 Revenue Budget, as set out within the addendum will also be incorporated into the report to be submitted to Council;

ii)  That approval be given for grants totalling £70k to be allocated to parishes;

iii)  That approval be given to the strategy at Appendix 9 of the submitted report in respect of the flexible use of capital receipts;

iv)  That, in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Council be recommended to approve the budget with:-

·  A reduction of 1% in dwelling rents in non-Private Finance Initiative areas.

·  An increase of 3% in dwelling rents in PFI areas.

·  A 3.9% increase in district heating charges.

·  That service charges for multi-story flats are increased by £2 per week.

·  That service charges for low/medium rise properties are increased by 3.9%.

·  That the charge for tenants who benefit from the sheltered support service currently paying £4 a week be increased to £6 per week.

·  That any overall increase to tenants in respect of rents, service and sheltered support charges will be no more than £5 per week.

(b)  That officers be authorised to begin consultations without delay on the proposals to increase existing fees and charges;

(c)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval of the allocation of the 4 year arts@leeds grants for the period 2018-22.

(Appendix 1 is designated as 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 of the allocation of the 4 year arts@leeds grants for the period 2018 - 2022.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update regarding the current position in respect of the discussions currently taking place with Leeds Community Arts Network (LCAN) and the organisation’s use of facilities within the Carriageworks.

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 –

(a)  That the level of support for individual organisations over the 4-year arts@leeds programme, as listed at section 3.4 of the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Culture and Sport is responsible for the implementation of resolution (a) above.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development summarising the operational plan for the skills academy, the Centre for Retail and Hospitality Excellence (CORHE), which is an employer-led initiative sponsored by the Council, LeedsBID and a consortia of providers which aims to deliver a range of bespoke services to attract, retain and develop employees and foster and develop skills training that keeps pace with innovations in these sectors and looks to maximise their relevance for Leeds businesses.

Further to Minute No. 159, 8^th February 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report which presented the operational plan for a skills academy, the Centre for Retail and Hospitality Excellence (CORHE), which was an employer-led initiative sponsored by the Council, LeedsBID and a consortia of providers which aimed to deliver a range of bespoke services to attract, retain and develop employees and foster and develop skills training that kept pace with innovations in these sectors and looked to maximise their relevance for Leeds businesses.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the balance of representation on the board of management from both large and smaller independent businesses in the target sectors, which was aimed at ensuring that provision met a wide range of needs and that all would have the opportunity to access the services offered.  

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the partnership proposals to establish the employer-led skills academy, the Centre for Retail and Hospitality Excellence, be endorsed;

(b)  That expenditure of £195,000 to support the establishment and operation of the skills academy, be authorised;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Employment and Skills will be responsible for the implementation of the resolutions above.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing presenting the Best Council Plan 2018/19 to 2020/21 for the purposes of consideration and approval that it be recommended for adoption by Council on 21 February 2018.

Further to Minute No. 109, 13th December 2017, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which presented the Best Council Plan 2018/19 to 2020/21 for the purposes of consideration, and which sought approval that it be recommended for adoption by Council on 21 February 2018.

Members welcomed the proposal that ‘Child Friendly City’ remained as a ‘Best City Priority’ in the 2018/19 – 2020/21 Plan.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That full Council be recommended to adopt the Best Council Plan 2018/19 to 2020/21, as detailed at Annexe 1 to the submitted report;

(b)  That the Board’s thanks be extended to Scrutiny Boards and others for their comments throughout the consultation process which have informed the proposed Best Council Plan 2018/19 to 2020/21;

(c)  That it be noted that further development and graphic design work will take place prior to the publication of the updated Best Council Plan in March 2018.

(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)

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Financial Services which sets out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2017/18 as at month 9 of the financial year.

The Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report which set out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2017/18, as at month 9 of the financial year.

Emphasis was placed upon the extent of the impact that variations in the total rateable value of business properties in Leeds could have upon the Council, when considering the potential levels of income that the Council received from Business Rates. It was highlighted that this needed to be an area which continued to be monitored.

RESOLVED – That the projected financial health position of the Authority, as at month 9 of the financial year, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides an update on key developments and progress since the adoption of the Leeds ‘Cycling Starts Here’ Strategy in 2017. The report also identifies and seeks endorsement to make further progress in two key areas - a new partnership agreement with British Cycling; and taking forward the current opportunity to establish a public bike share scheme in the city.

Further to Minute No. 16, 21^st June 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on key developments and progress made on the Leeds ‘Cycling Starts Here’ Strategy. The report also identified and sought endorsement to make further progress in two key areas: (i) a new partnership agreement with British Cycling; and (ii) progressing the current opportunity to establish a public bike share scheme in the city.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report and highlighted how this was further evidence of the cycling legacy being built in Leeds following the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart.

Regarding the proposed establishment of a bike share scheme, it was noted that the Council was not procuring the bike share scheme and it was also recommended that should such a scheme be implemented by Ofo, then any issues arising be monitored, with lessons being learned from other areas where such schemes were operational.

Also, responding to an enquiry, the Board received an update on the current position regarding the development of a new partnership between the Council and British Cycling, with Members being encouraged to provide any suggestions they had in terms of potential community activity that the partnership with British Cycling could be involved in.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made in respect of delivering the Leeds ‘Cycling Starts Here’ Strategy be noted, and that:-

(i)  the offer of a new formal partnership between British Cycling (BC) and Leeds City Council be welcomed; and that the heads of terms, as expressed in Table 1 of the submitted report, be agreed;

(ii)  the Chief Officer Culture and Sport be authorised to oversee the final negotiations with British Cycling, based on the terms agreed (above), and upon their satisfactory conclusion consent be provided to enter into the final Agreement;

(b)  That in relation to the proposed bike share scheme for Leeds:-

(i)  The Board’s endorsement be given to the establishment of a bike share scheme in Leeds and the proposal to work towards reaching an early agreement with an operator for a scheme to commence in Leeds;

(ii)  That agreement be given for officers to initiate further discussions with the preferred operator (ofo) with a view to them becoming the city’s bike share partner, starting on a trial basis for 12 months from spring 2018;

(iii)  That authority be provided to the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation, to oversee the establishment, monitoring and review of a partnership arrangement, and to enter into agreements for a bike share scheme with the operator (ofo), in accordance with the principles as set out in section 3.15 of the submitted report.

To consider the update report of the Director of Resources and Housing which seeks support to commit the Council to a Memorandum of Agreement with Health partners to make strategic digital and information decisions supporting the delivery of integrated health and care through city partnership governance. The report also seeks support for the decision to enter into a public co-operation agreement, effective from 1st April 2018 with the Health partners in the City for the delivery of shared digital and information services (where appropriate).

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which sought support to commit the Council to a Memorandum of Agreement with Health partners in order to make strategic digital and information decisions supporting the delivery of integrated health and care through city partnership governance. The report also sought support for the decision to enter into a public co-operation agreement, effective from 1st April 2018 with the Health partners in the city for the delivery of shared digital and information services (where appropriate).

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that the Director of Resources and Housing will commit the Council to a ‘Memorandum of Agreement’ in order to make strategic digital and information decisions supporting the delivery of integrated health and care through city partnership governance, with it also being noted that the Council’s Officer Delegation Scheme will be updated to reflect this agreement;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Resources and Housing will enter into a public co-operation agreement effective from 1st April 2018 with the Health partners in the city for the delivery of shared digital and information services (where appropriate), in order to best support the delivery of integrated health and care, and/or where this is economically advantageous and it is in the interests of the Leeds pound;

(c)  That it be noted that the Director of Resources and Housing and the Chief Digital and Information Officer will take any decision to enter into any shared service schedules under the Council’s existing Officer Delegation Scheme.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   FRIDAY, 9^TH FEBRUARY 2018

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 16^TH FEBRUARY 2018