Agenda and minutes

Under the provisions of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, Councillor B Anderson was invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillor A Carter, who had submitted his apologies for absence from 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 from publication on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

(a)  That Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Temple Green Park and Ride: Land Purchase to Support Expansion’, referred to in Minute No. 122 be 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 the information contained within that appendix relates 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 negotiations for the disposal 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 owners of other similar properties would have access to information about the nature and level of consideration which the Council is prepared to pay to acquire land. It is considered that whilst there may be a public interest in disclosure, much of this information will be publicly available from the Land Registry following completion of this transaction and consequently the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time;

(b)  That Appendix B to the report entitled, ‘Design and Cost Report and Tender Acceptance Report for the Learning Places Expansion of Allerton Church of England Primary School’, referred to in Minute No. 123 be 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 the information contained within that appendix relates to the financial or business affairs of any particular person or organisation (including the authority holding that information) which, if disclosed to the public, would, or would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of that person, organisation or of the Council. It is therefore deemed not to be in the public interest to disclose this information at this time;

(c)  That Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Lineham Farm: Assignment of Lease and Financial Implications’, referred to in Minute No. 138 be 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 the information contained within that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117.

With the agreement of the Chair, a late item of business was admitted to the agenda entitled, ‘Update on Leeds City Council’s response to the UK’s decision to leave the European Union’. The report could not have been included within the agenda as originally published on 11^th December, given the uncertain and fast-developing nature of this issue at a national level, which impacts upon the preparations being made locally. This is in addition to the fact that prior to being postponed, the parliamentary vote on the Withdrawal Deal was scheduled for 11^th December. Also, it was felt that given the UK’s exit date from the EU is 29^th March 2019, and given how quickly the situation was developing, it was felt that this report could not be delayed until the next scheduled meeting of the Board.  (Minute No. 133 refers).

Also with the agreement of the Chair, a further late item of business was admitted to the agenda entitled, ‘Ofsted Inspection Report’. The report could not have been included within the agenda as originally published on 11^th December, given that the report had been embargoed until 18^th December 2018. In addition, it was felt that due to the importance of the findings, and the implications arising from the report to the Council, its priorities and its partners, the matter could not be delayed until the next scheduled meeting of the Board.  (Minute No. 121 refers).

Although not a formal late item of business, the Chair also agreed to accept an addendum to the report entitled, ‘Initial Budget Proposals for 2019/20’ which provided an update on the key features of the provisional Local Government Financial Settlement for 2019/20 as had recently been announced and which highlighted the implications for the Council. (Minute No. 135 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.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st November 2018

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21^st November 2018 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting the findings of the recent OfSTED inspection of children’s services in Leeds.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which presented the findings of the recent OfSTED inspection of Children’s Services in Leeds.

With the agreement of the Chair, the submitted report had been circulated to Board Members as a late item of business prior to the meeting for the reasons as set out within Minute No. 118.

The Board welcomed the outcomes of the Ofsted Inspection, which had rated the overall effectiveness of the service as being ‘Outstanding’, and thanked Members for their continued cross-party support in this area and for their role as corporate parents. Also, the Board paid tribute to officers, partners and all other parties for their dedication and contribution towards this significant achievement.

As part of the discussion, Members highlighted the commitment in Leeds which aimed to ensure that the needs of children, young people and families were at the heart of the actions it took, emphasised the importance of early support with a view to preventing the need for more intensive interventions, and reiterated how the ambitious approach towards improvement in this area would continue.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That, in noting the contents of the submitted report, the Board’s appreciation and thanks be formally placed on record for the following:-

(i)  Front line staff and managers whose often challenging day to day work has made such a difference to the lives of children and families in Leeds;

(ii)  Elected Members across all parties and senior officers of the Council who have prioritised children and led the change;

(iii)  The support of individuals, third sector partners, businesses and communities across the city who have supported this work through the Child Friendly Leeds initiative.

(b)  That Ofsted’s recognition that decisions made to invest in early help, prevention and workforce development have significantly contributed to this judgement, be noted;

(c)  That the Board’s continuing support for the ongoing improvement of Children’s Services in the city be confirmed, as the Council seeks to ensure that Leeds is the best city for children to grow up in.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development advising of the success of the Park & Ride facilities in Leeds and providing details of the opportunity for the Temple Green facility to be extended.

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

Further to Minute No. 18, 15^th July 2015, the Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update regarding the success of the Park & Ride facilities in Leeds and which provided details of the opportunity for the Temple Green facility to be extended.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, it was noted that the current Park and Ride schemes in Leeds were operating on a ‘profit share’ basis between the Council and the bus operator, with the Director of City Development undertaking to provide the Member in question with further detail on the performance of the ‘profit share’ model with regard to the Temple Green site.

The Executive Member responded to a Member’s comments regarding the need to strike the correct balance between the expansion of the bus lane network and also ensuring sufficient capacity for other traffic, and the considerations which would be given to ensuring that any current or future Park and Ride sites could adapt and fit with the evolving public transport network in Leeds.

Following the 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 successes of the Temple Green Park and Ride facility, be noted;

(b)  That the terms set out in exempt Appendix 1 to the submitted report for the acquisition of land upon which the Temple Green Park and Ride can be extended, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the acquisition will be funded from the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP);

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director City Development in order to enable the Director to approve any subsequent changes to the terms for the acquisition and which also authorises the Director to complete the acquisition;

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable the Director to approve at the appropriate time the authority to spend the capital necessary to complete the land acquisition.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Children and Families on proposals to expand Allerton Church of England Primary School and which seeks the necessary approvals.

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

Further to Minute No. 161, 21^st March 2018, the Director of City Development and the Director of Children and Families submitted a joint report detailing proposals to expand Allerton Church of England Primary School and which sought the necessary approvals to progress this proposal.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the timing of the report submission to Executive Board, with it being noted that the proposed timeframe for the expansion was for it to be operational from September 2019.

Following the consideration of Appendix B 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 expenditure of £4,696,805.64 from capital scheme number 32655/ACE/000 for the construction work and associated fees for the expansion of Allerton Church of England Primary School, necessary for occupation from September 2019, be approved;

(b)  That the acceptance of the tender submitted via the Leeds Local Education Partnership in the sum of £3,846,842.89 inclusive of all professional design fees, development costs and surveys incurred by the contractor, be authorised, with it also being noted that although this figure includes the previously approved sum of £492,929.56 for the completion of the necessary ‘Early Works’ packages, the release of funding for the construction costs will be subject to valuations completed and validated by NPS Ltd. (Leeds);

(c)  That the requirement to enter into a contractual agreement with Leeds D&B One Co. to deliver the development at Allerton Church of England Primary School, be authorised, which will take the form of a JCT 2016 head contract between the authority and Leeds D&B One Ltd. for the sum of £3,846,842.89;

(d)  That approval be given for the resolutions, as minuted, from this report to be exempted from the ‘Call-In’ process, on the grounds of urgency, as detailed within section 4.5 of the submitted report;

(e)  That the estimated scheme cost of £4,696,805.64 be noted, with it also being noted that this includes: £3,846,842.89 for construction works (this is the contract / tender submission value inclusive of £492,929.56 of previously approved ‘Early Works’ costs); professional fees and survey costs of £391,571; £30,000 for loose furniture & equipment; £43,707 for supporting costs and a client held contingency commensurate to the scale and complexity of the project;

(f)  That it be noted that the officer(s) responsible for the implementation of such matters are: the Head of Service Learning Systems and the Head of Projects and Programmes, Asset Management & Regeneration, with approval being given to provide them with the necessary authority to enter into all other agreements required to deliver this project.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process if it is considered that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with this, the resolutions contained within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which sets out proposals regarding the renovation of the Highwood Public House to allow it to be utilised as a Community Hub, with the report also seeking the necessary approvals to progress this proposal.

Further to Minute No. 67, 19^th September 2018, the Director of City Development submitted a report which detailed proposals regarding the renovation of the Highwood Public House in order to enable it to be utilised as a Community Hub. The report also sought the necessary approvals to progress this proposal.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board noted the actions which would be taken with the aim of ensuring that the project remained within budget. Members also received further information on the considerations which had been taken to put forward this proposal of renovating the public house as the most appropriate way forward.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the expenditure of £800,000 from capital scheme number 32737/MAL/CHI & 32737/MAL/COM for the construction work and associated fees for the renovation of the Highwood Public House for use as a combined Community Centre and Children’s Centre, necessary to facilitate the forthcoming expansion of Moor Allerton Hall Primary School, be approved;

(b)  That the acceptance of the tender submitted via the Leeds Local Education Partnership in the sum of £590,938.70, inclusive of all design fees, development costs and surveys, be authorised, with the release of funding for the construction costs being subject to valuations completed and validated by NPS Ltd. (Leeds);

(c)  That the requirement to enter into a contractual agreement with D&B One Co. to deliver the development at the Highwood Public House, be authorised, which will take the form of a JCT 2016 head contract between the authority and Leeds D&B One Ltd. for the sum of £590,938.70, with it being noted that there will be a pass-down contract between Leeds D&B One Ltd. and Walter West Builders Limited;

(d)  That approval in principle be given to the granting of a lease to the Brackenwood Community Association at less than best consideration of the new premises at the renovated Highwood site, and that the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in order to enable the Director to agree detailed terms (including at a less than best consideration) of the lease and for the surrender of current occupation at the school;

(e)  That it be noted that the officer(s) responsible for the implementation of such matters are the Head of Service Projects & Programmes, Asset Management and Regeneration and the Head of Learning Systems, Childrens and Families.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the review of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), which forms part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework. The report recommends the release of the updated LFRMS for the purposes of consultation.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting the review of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), which formed part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework. The report recommended the release of the updated LFRMS for the purposes of consultation.

Members welcomed the submission of the comprehensive report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress which has been made regarding the implementation of the 2012 LFRMS, be noted;

(b)  That agreement be given to releasing the updated LFRMS (2018) for the purposes of consultation, including Scrutiny Board consideration;

(c)  That agreement be given to the Board reviewing the updated LFRMS (2018) following the consultation process, with a view to it being implemented following proposed adoption by the Full Council in March 2019;

(d)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Director of City Development.

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure

Rules, were not eligible for Call In, as Executive and Decision Making

Procedure Rule 5.1.2 states that the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on progress made by the Council’s on the strategic approach towards flood risk management within the Wyke Beck and the emergence of a catchment wide approach. The report also seeks related approvals regarding investment into the project.

Further to Minute No. 74, 21^st September 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress made by the Council on the strategic approach being taken towards flood risk management within the Wyke Beck, with the report also highlighting the emergence of a catchment wide approach. Also, the report sought related approvals regarding investment into the project.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information regarding the £1.6m allocation from the Capital Programme towards the delivery of this scheme which had been previously authorised by the Board.

Also, with regard to the East Leeds Orbital Road (ELOR) development, the Board was advised that it was felt that the ELOR development would not impact upon this project.

Finally, Members welcomed the co-ordinated approach which was being taken between the Council and partners in the development of this project.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That an injection of £0.45m into the Capital Programme, be approved;

(b)  That authority to spend £3.15m on the Wyke Beck Valley project be approved, with it being noted that Executive Board has previously provided authority to spend of £1.6m;

(c)  That authority to enter in to a funding agreement with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, be granted;

(d)  That authority to spend S106 greenspace and drainage contributions on the project, as set out in the submitted Design and Cost Report, be approved;

(e)  That it be noted that the project has already started and that it will be completed by March 2021, with it also being noted that the Council’s Flood Risk Manager and Natural Environment Manager are responsible for the implementation and management of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health informing of the outcomes from the further consultation which has been undertaken on this issue, and which seeks approval of a series of proposed revisions to the service.

Further to Minute No. 20, 27^th June 2018, the Director of Adults and Health submitted a report presenting the outcomes from the further consultation which had been undertaken on the community based respite service, and in light of such consultation sought approval for a series of proposed revisions to the service.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was advised that the £40,000 non-recurrent investment to the ‘Carers Leeds’ organisation, as referenced within the submitted report, was to be made available next year also.  In addition, Members also received further information on the nature and benefit of the one-off payments to carers of up to £200 as a contribution towards the increased costs of caring over the winter months.

Also, Members received further information on the actions which would be taken to provide help and guidance to those who under the proposals would be charged an amount which they were assessed as being able to afford, or to those who did not want to pay a charge at all.

Finally, the Board paid tribute to the vital role which was played by carers throughout the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the associated consultation undertaken be noted, with the potential impact on current customers of the community based respite services arising from the proposed changes being implemented also being noted;

(b)  That the following be approved from commencement in April 2019:

(i)  Access to the commissioned community based short break service will be via a needs assessment or carers’ assessment as laid out in the Care and Support (Assessment) Regulations 2014, and will be prioritised for people who meet the eligibility criteria for care and support as laid out in Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations 2014;

(ii)  The person with care needs will be charged the amount they are assessed as being able to afford as laid out in the Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of Resources) Regulations 2014;

(iii)  People who are deemed not to have eligible needs will be supported to find other ways to have a break;

(iv)  That the name of the service be changed to the ‘Community Based Short Break Service’;

(c)  That approval be given to the following:

(i)  That an investment of a further £170k per annum be added to the contract value of the community-based respite service thereby providing an additional 11,296 hours of support per year/ 217 hours per week;

(ii)  That a further investment of £30K be made for Tier 2 Targeted Short Break services.

(d)  That the following be noted:

(i)  That an investment of £40k on a non-recurrent basis will be made to Carers Leeds to provide: (a) £8845 for additional carer support worker capacity at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust over the winter period; and (b) £31,155 to provide a one-off payment to carers of up to £200 as a contribution to increased costs of caring over the winter months;

(ii)  That the Director of Adults and Health is responsible for the implementation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health which provides an update on each element of the Leeds Recovery Service; describing how they work together to provide a co-ordinated offer to people who need a short term intervention to support their recovery after a health issue or a significant change in their social circumstances. The report also outlines plans for the continued development of the Recovery Service and its links with partners.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report which provided an update on each element of the Leeds Recovery Service; described how they worked together to provide a co-ordinated offer to people who need a short term intervention to support their recovery after a health issue or a significant change in their social circumstances, and which outlined plans for the continued development of the Recovery Service and its links with partners.

Members welcomed the submitted report and paid tribute to the collaborative approach that was being taken to deliver the service and the vital role it was playing in realising the ambition of enabling people to remain in their own home and reducing the need for ongoing long term care. The Board highlighted how this service was a further example of the ‘invest to save’ approach, and how it looked to put the needs of the individual at the heart of the service.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the average length of stay for users of the service, with examples also being provided of how the investment which was being made into the service was delivering value for money. 

In conclusion, the Chair, on behalf of the Board extended her thanks to the staff who were delivering the Leeds Recovery Service.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the strategic significance of the Recovery Service to the Leeds system, be noted;

(b)  That the progress made within the Leeds Recovery Service be noted, together with the positive outcomes for customers and family carers that have been achieved through the service changes which have been made;

(c)  That it be noted that the Director of Adults and Health is responsible for the implementation of the services outlined within the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which provides an overview of the partnership approach that Leeds is developing to tackle both the stigma around periods and also to provide free sanitary products for those who have difficulty accessing them.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided an overview of the partnership approach that Leeds was developing in order to tackle both the stigma around periods and also to provide free sanitary products for those who have difficulty accessing them.

Responding to a Member’s comments regarding the need for the proposed scheme to be developed further, the Board received detailed information on the actions which were being taken, including the ongoing engagement and consultation with children and young people and partners, to ensure that the scheme was appropriate and that it effectively met the needs of all those affected across the city.

In conclusion, it was noted that further detail would be submitted to the Board, as the scheme developed. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed approach towards tackling period poverty in Leeds, together with the comments made by Members during the discussion, be noted;

(b)  That the approach proposed in the submitted report to working with partners to address period poverty in the city, be endorsed;

(c)  That the intention to lobby the Government to remove VAT on sanitary products, be supported;

(d)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Chief Officer Partnerships and Health.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment providing an update on the Council’s strategic approach to tackling poverty in Leeds. This report also seeks endorsement of an approach to tackling poverty which places inclusive growth and the health and wellbeing of citizens at its centre, and outlines a number of areas in which the Council’s cross-cutting approach to tackling poverty could be further strengthened to maximise the positive impact that can be delivered with the resources available.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report providing an update on the Council’s strategic approach towards tackling poverty in Leeds. The report also considered the role of Executive Board, Health and Wellbeing Board and the proposed Inclusive Growth Delivery Partnership in helping to achieve the aims in this area, and which proposed a range of further work to be undertaken and submitted to the Board over the next 12 months.

As part of the introduction to the report, the Executive Member for ‘Communities’ highlighted that the second recommendation in the submitted report, when making reference to the suggested areas of further work for the initiative, should read 3.4.10, and not 3.4.9, as detailed.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further information on how future work in this area was intended to be reported back to the Board, and it was undertaken that when future reports were submitted, detail would be provided which was quantifiable and which allowed Members to review the progress being made.

Also in response to a Member’s comments, it was reiterated to the Board that the aim of the initiative was to both reduce the number of people living in poverty and also to mitigate the negative impacts that living in poverty was having on people’s lives.

In addition, Members also received further information on the areas which were proposed to be the focus over the next 12 months and how progress in those areas would be aligned to the work and/or the priorities of the Best Council Plan, the Child Poverty Impact Board and the Inclusive Growth Strategy.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the strategic framework in place to tackle poverty and inequality across the city, together with the work being undertaken by the Council and its partners in the key areas of activity, be noted;

(b)  That in noting the minor correction to the submitted report as outlined above, the suggested areas for further work, as referenced in sections 3.4.10 of the submitted report, be agreed, and that the relevant Director be requested to bring forward reports to Executive Board as appropriate in the next twelve months.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of Adults and Health and the Director of City Development providing an update on progress of the delivery of the extra care housing programme for older people across the city as part of the Council House Growth Programme and supporting the Better Lives Programme. In addition, the report sets out recommendations to enable the delivery of the programme to progress at pace.

Further to Minute No. 46, 17^th July 2017, the Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of Adults and Health and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report providing an update on the progress made regarding the delivery of the extra care housing programme for older people across the city as part of the Council House Growth Programme and in support of the Better Lives Programme. In addition, the report presented recommendations to enable the delivery of the programme to progress at pace.

The mixed tenure approach which was being taken in respect of extra care housing provision was welcomed.

Responding to a Member’s comments regarding the role that extra care housing would play in the future provision of accommodation for older people, it was highlighted that the aim was to modernise the offer being provided and that this was being realised through the establishment of extra care housing provision where residents could remain independent but also access support when required. It was also noted that this offer would work alongside complementary services, such as the Leeds Recovery Service, as discussed earlier in the meeting.

In addition, it was emphasised as part of the discussion that there were currently no plans to change the Council’s residential care offer.

Finally, the Board received clarification that with regard to the housing delivered via Package 1 of the scheme there was a contractual requirement to ensure that a minimum of 35% of each new scheme would be for affordable homes for rent.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made regarding the delivery of the extra care housing programme, be noted;

(b)  That approval be given for the north of Cartmell Drive South to be dedicated to the delivery of extra care housing;

(c)  That approval be given for part of the Throstle Recreation Ground site to be dedicated to the delivery of extra care housing;

(d)  That the Adult Social Care system cost savings which are estimated to be generated from Package 1, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(e)  That the likely position in relation to capital receipts arising from the programme be noted, with it also being noted that the Director of City Development will negotiate the detailed terms including the financial consideration for the disposal of each site in Package 1, and that the Director will seek the approval of Executive Board to the final terms of each disposal.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment which provides details of an opportunity to prepare funding applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) under the Future Parks Accelerator initiative and Resilient Heritage grant fund respectively.

Further to Minute No. 143, 7^th February 2018, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which provided details of an opportunity to prepare funding applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) under the Future Parks Accelerator initiative and Resilient Heritage grant fund respectively.

In response to an enquiry regarding the potential levels of match funding which could be utilised, it was highlighted that the detailed work with regard to match funding would be undertaken over the coming weeks prior to the bid being finalised.

Members discussed the role of the Parks and Greenspace Forum and the significant level of voluntary hours that the organisation provided throughout the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to submit a bid to the Future Parks Accelerator initiative of up to £1m to help develop a parks and green space strategy to 2030 based upon exemplar case studies delivered as part of the submission;

(b)  That approval be given to submit a bid to the Resilient Heritage Fund of up to £250k to build capacity to develop a significant grant bid to restore heritage features at Temple Newsam Estate;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside is responsible for the submission of the bids in line with required timescales in mid-January 2019.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the steps that the Council, working closely with partners and other agencies, has taken since the EU Referendum, and details the ongoing preparedness to examine both the opportunities and the risks to the Council as a result of Brexit.

Further to Minute No. 41, 27^th July 2016, the Chief Executive submitted a report providing an update on the steps that the Council, working closely with partners and other agencies, had taken since the EU Referendum in June 2016, and details the ongoing preparations being made to examine both the opportunities and the risks to the Council as a result of Brexit.

With the agreement of the Chair, the submitted report had been circulated to Board Members as a late item of business prior to the meeting for the reasons as set out in section 4.5 of the submitted report, and as detailed in Minute No. 118. 

By way of introduction to the report, the Leader and the Chief Executive highlighted the wide range of actions that were being taken as part of the preparations, which included:

·  The work of the cross-party working group which had held a number of meetings focussed on specific sectors, with the aim of ensuring that the city was in the best place to face any challenges arising from Brexit and also to be well positioned to pursue any appropriate opportunities;

·  The ongoing work undertaken with the Local Government Association with the aim of safeguarding any current grants and funding received from the EU, so that they continued to be directed to those communities for which it was meant;

·  The ongoing work relating to the promotion of community cohesion and the reassurance in this area which was being provided to the people of Leeds;

·  The Council’s offer of assistance to Council employees from the EU, in respect of EU Settlement Scheme applications - a gesture which it was noted, had been welcomed;

·  The promotion of Local Government’s key role in circumstances such as this, as a conduit between different sectors and agencies across the city to help address the needs of the city’s population;

·  The multi-agency approach being taken to prepare for potential scenarios, such as a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU and/or any potential economic downturn.

Members briefly discussed the current uncertainty regarding the preparations being made within the EU regarding any EU settlement scheme for UK citizens.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the ongoing work being undertaken to prepare the Council and the city for the UK’s exit from the European Union on 29 March 2019, be noted;

(b)  That the outline of medium term activity aimed at mitigating risks and maximising opportunities in the period immediately following the UK’s exit from the EU, be noted.

(Councillor Mulherin left the meeting at the conclusion of this item)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out the proposed framework and underpinning partnership arrangements for the delivery of the Inclusive Growth Strategy and which seeks support for the proposed approach.

Further to Minute No. 37, 17^th July 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report setting out the proposed framework and underpinning partnership arrangements for the delivery of the Inclusive Growth Strategy and which sought support for the proposed approach.

Members welcomed the ‘Measuring Success’ aspect of the submitted report, the Outcome Based Accountability model and the annual review of progress which was proposed.  The Board also considered the role of the ‘Ambassadors’, with a Member emphasising the need to maximise the positive impact that the Ambassadors’ creativity and expertise would bring to the process. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the delivery approach for the Inclusive Growth Strategy, be approved;

(b)  That the proposals detailed within the submitted report for an Inclusive Growth Delivery Partnership to drive forward the delivery of inclusive growth in Leeds, be approved;

(c)  That the creation of the Inclusive Growth Delivery Partnership be delegated to the Director of City Development;

(d)  That the proposed approach for the appointment of ‘Ambassadors’, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services presenting the initial budget proposals for 2019/20, and seeking agreement for them to be submitted to Scrutiny for consideration and used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

The Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a report presenting the initial budget proposals for 2019/20, and which sought agreement for them to be submitted to Scrutiny for consideration, and also used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

It was noted that prior to the meeting, an addendum to the report had been submitted to Board Members for consideration, which provided an update on the key features of the provisional Local Government Financial Settlement for 2019/20 as had been recently announced by Government, and which highlighted the implications for the Council. It was noted that this had included confirmation that the Council’s application to pilot 75% business rates retention as an expanded North and West Yorkshire business rates pool in 2019/20 had been successful.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the initial budget proposals be agreed and that agreement also be given for them to be submitted to Scrutiny for consideration, and also be used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders;

(b)  That the assumptions contained within the proposals, as detailed within the submitted report, together with the updated information as contained within the addendum to the report (which had been circulated to Board Members following the announcement of the provisional Local Government Financial Settlement for 2019/20), which included confirmation of: the Council’s Settlement Funding Assessment for 2019/20; Leeds’ allocation of Winter Pressure and Social Care Grant; the parameters by which the Authority could raise Council Tax without the need for a referendum and the Authority’s successful application to pilot 75% Business Rate Retention, be noted;

(c)  That given that the bid to pilot 75% Business Rate Retention had been successful, then agreement be given that Leeds becomes a member of the new North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Pool and acts as lead authority for it. With it being noted that notwithstanding this resolution, the establishment of this new Pool will be dependent upon none of the other member authorities choosing to withdraw within the statutory period after designation;

(d)  That approval be given for the Authority to implement the new business rates reliefs, as announced at the Autumn Budget, with it also being noted that Leeds will be compensated in full by Government for any resultant loss of income.

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

Also, it was noted that whilst Councillor B Anderson was attending the Board meeting in a non-voting capacity, were he able to, he would have abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

(The resolutions referred to within Minute No. 135 (a) and (b), given that these were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, were not eligible for Call In, as Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 5.1.2 states that the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions made in accordance with the Budget and Policy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 135.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing setting out proposals to refresh the Best Council Plan for the period 2019/20 – 2020/21, and which seeks approval to undertake engagement with Scrutiny Boards on the emerging Best Council Plan in accordance with the Budget & Policy Framework Procedure Rules.

Further to Minute No. 147, 7^th February 2018, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report presenting proposals to refresh the Best Council Plan for the period 2019/20 – 2020/21, and which sought approval to undertake engagement with Scrutiny Boards on the emerging Best Council Plan in accordance with the Budget & Policy Framework Procedure Rules.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That engagement with Scrutiny Boards on the emerging Best Council Plan, in accordance with the Budget & Policy Framework Procedure Rules, be approved;

(b)  That the approach to refresh the Best Council Plan for 2019/20 – 2020/21, as set out in the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted and approved that the Director of Resources and Housing will be responsible for developing the Best Council Plan for its consideration by this Board and Full Council in February 2019 alongside the supporting 2019/20 Budget.

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure

Rules, were not eligible for Call In, as Executive and Decision Making

Procedure Rule 5.1.2 states that the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and

Policy Framework Procedure Rules)

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting the Council’s projected financial health position for the 2018/19 financial year as at Month 7.

The Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a report which presented the Council’s projected financial health position for 2018/19, as at Month 7 of the financial year.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the budgetary pressures within the Children and Families directorate with regard to non-demand led services.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the authority as at Month 7 of the financial year, be noted;

(b)  That Directors be requested to identify and implement appropriate measures so that a balanced budget position can be delivered.

To consider the joint report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) and the Director of City Development which seeks approval to the assignment of the leases for the Lineham Farm Centre to the newly established Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm, to include a number of revisions, and to agree to write off the going-concern funding made available by the City Council to the current Lineham Farm Children’s Centre charity, upon that charity’s impending dissolution.

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

The Chief Officer Financial Services and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which sought approval to: assign the leases for the Lineham Farm Centre to the newly established charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) ‘Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm’; to include a number of revisions to the leases, as detailed within the report, and which also sought agreement to writing off the going concern funding made available by the City Council to the current ‘Lineham Farm Children’s Centre’ charity, upon that charity’s impending dissolution.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board noted the intention for the new CIO was for it to continue to provide services for schools, a matter which Members were advised featured within the objects of the new charity.

With regard to the Council’s involvement in the Board of the new CIO, Members noted that by law, trustees of a CIO were required to act in the best interests of the charity and as such, the current course of action being progressed was for the trustees to be drawn from the 2 original charities and not from officers or Members of the Council. 

Following the 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 Board’s consent be provided to the assignment of leases in respect to the Lineham Farm centre to the Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm, with approval also being given to the proposed variations to the leases, as referenced within the submitted report;

(b)  That agreement be given for the financial assistance made available to the ‘Lineham Farm Children’s Centre’ charity over the last few years to be written off upon the charity’s dissolution, in order to maintain the centre as a going concern.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing detailing proposals to review the Council’s Procurement Strategy with a view to supporting more fully the Council’s aims.  The report also includes a review of governance to clarify the procedures relating to waivers. 

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report detailing proposals to review the Council’s Procurement Strategy with a view to it being further aligned to the Council’s aims. The report also included a review of the use of Council waivers of the Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs), and the actions being taken to minimise the inappropriate use of such waivers.

Responding to a Member’s enquiries, the Board noted the discussions which had been previously held by the Board regarding the Council’s role as a landlord for businesses located in the city. Also, the Executive Member, reiterated some of the key actions being taken by the Council to progress the delivery of social value as an employer and through procurement.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed key areas which will form the New Procurement Strategy, as detailed within the submitted report, be supported;

(b)  That the intention to consult further regarding the New Procurement Strategy before returning to Executive Board with a final strategy in April 2019, be noted;

(c)  That the progress made to date in respect of social value aspects of procurement, together with the proposals detailed within the submitted report to further strengthen this work, be noted;

(d)  That the work which has been undertaken to date in respect of minimising the inappropriate use of waivers of CPRs, be noted;

(e)  That the proposals, as detailed within the submitted report, regarding changes to processes to ensure greater control over waivers of CPRs, be supported.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   FRIDAY, 21^ST DECEMBER 2018

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 PM, MONDAY 7^TH JANUARY 2019