Agenda and minutes

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

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

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

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

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

(A)  That appendix B to the report entitled, ‘Capital Receipts Programme Update’, referred to in Minute No. 107 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and considered in private on the grounds that this appendix contains information relating to the financial and business affairs 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 property transactions. It is therefore considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time.

There were no late items of business submitted to the Board for consideration.

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

There were no interests declared at the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th December 2022.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th December 2022 be approved as a correct record.

At the commencement of the meeting, the Chair, on behalf of the Board paid tribute to Cath Roff, Director of Adults and Health, given that this marked her final Executive Board meeting in her role as Director.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presenting the Annual Report of the Safer Leeds Executive for 2021/22 and which provides an update on the progress being made in relation to the Safer Leeds Executive’s current 3 year plan and the 9 key priorities within it regarding the promotion of community safety in Leeds.   

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting the Annual Report of the Safer Leeds Executive (SLE) for 2021/22 and which provided an update on the progress being made in relation to the Safer Leeds Executive’s current 3 year plan and the 9 key priorities within it regarding the promotion of community safety in Leeds.

By way of introduction to the annual report, the Executive Member for Resources highlighted that this was the first Safer Leeds Executive annual report to be submitted to the Board and that the intention was to submit a report to Executive Board on an annual basis moving forward. As part of the introductory comments, Members received an overview of the SLE’s key areas of work and achievements to date, whilst the importance of continued partnership working in this area was emphasised in order to ensure that progress continued. 

Members welcomed Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds, West Yorkshire Police to the meeting, who provided the Board with information regarding key trends and challenges being experienced from a Police perspective across the city and a summary of the actions being taken to prioritise and address such challenges. 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) levels in the city, the Board received further detail on how such incidents were recorded and the approach taken to tackle the issue of ASB in communities. In addition, assurance was provided that addressing ASB remained a priority in Leeds.

Also in response to Members’ enquiries, emphasis was placed upon West Yorkshire Police’s commitment to neighbourhood policing and as part of that, the provision of PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers), given the key role that they played in this area. Separately, it was noted that the resourcing of neighbourhood policing continued to be a priority.

Further to this, and in response to specific enquiries, the Board received updates and reassurance from a West Yorkshire Police perspective on the effective processes in place regarding the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board and the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Regarding the Leeds Festival, assurance was provided on the Police’s role in ensuring that the festival was delivered in line with all relevant requirements, with the multi-agency approach that continued to be taken in relation to such matters also being noted.

In conclusion, on behalf of the Board, the Chair extended his thanks to Chief Superintendent Dodds and the West Yorkshire Police for the service they provided across the city.

RESOLVED – That the content of the Safer Leeds Executive Annual Report for 2021/22, as appended to the submitted report, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources which, further to the report considered by the Board in October 2022, seeks the Board’s agreement to proceed with Phase 2 of the Core Business Transformation programme, together with the necessary approvals required to facilitate this.

Further to Minute No. 65, 19 October 2022, the Director of Resources submitted a report which sought the Board’s agreement to proceed with Phase 2 of the Core Business Transformation (CBT) programme, together with the necessary approvals required to facilitate this.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received information on how the CBT programme would not only establish new technology, but would also look to ensure the effective delivery of the new processes and that the benefits from them were maximised by the Council. 

Also in response to a Member’s enquiry, reassurance was provided that in procuring the solution, the issue of security and the mitigation of risk from cyber attacks would be taken into account, with further explanation being given that systems were being replaced on a regular basis to ensure that they remained secure.  

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the Core Business Transformation Programme to proceed with Phase 2 of delivery requiring additional Authority to Spend of £8.0m funded from Capital Receipts in accordance with the Government’s Flexible Use of Capital Receipts statutory guidance (updated August 2022) and issued under section 15(1)(a) of the Local Government Act 2003, with this forming part of a wider programme of works estimated to cost a total of £18.5m (Phase 1 of which (£10.48m) was approved by the Executive Board on 19th October 2022, Minute No. 65 refers);

(b)  That it be noted that Phase 2 of the programme will initially replace the Council’s core HR and Payroll systems, followed by the replacement of related Health and Safety, Learning and Development, Occupational Health and Job Search, Recruitment, Selection, On-Boarding and Induction applications;

(c)  That authority be given to procure the new core HR and Payroll system(s) via an open procedure process, providing the award remains within the margins of the indicative costs; and also to waive Contract Procedure Rule (CPR) 15.2(c) in respect of the minimum points for price, with the evaluation criteria being: 60% quality, 30% price and 10% social value;

(d)  That it be noted that subsequent procurement and implementation of the related Health and Safety, Learning and Development, Occupational Health, Job Search, Recruitment, Selection, Onboarding and Induction applications will be undertaken by the Director of Resources, the Chief Officer Human Resources and Chief Officer Strategy and Policy, with the project sponsor being the Chief Officer Financial Services.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting an update and overview of the Council’s Capital Receipt Programme, following consideration of the last report in February 2022. 

(Please Note: Appendix B to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

Further to Minute No. 113, 9^th February 2022, the Director of City Development submitted a report presenting an update and overview of the Council’s Capital Receipt Programme and which recommended to the Board a number of related approvals with regard to the programme.

It was noted that a footnote, as referenced in Appendices A and B, relating to Otley Lido had been included in error and therefore should be disregarded, with it being noted that the current position in relation to Otley Lido remained as reported to the Board in the Capital Receipts Programme report last year.

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

RESOLVED –

(a)  That subject to the correction regarding Otley Lido as detailed above, the contents of the submitted report, together with the details of the previous Key Decisions which have been taken in relation to the disposal of assets, as set out at paragraph 4, be noted;

(b)  That the progress which has been made and the successes achieved since Executive Board considered the last report on 9 February 2022, be noted;

(c)  That those assets identified in Appendix A and exempt Appendix B to the submitted report as “Proposed for Inclusion” be declared as surplus and that approval be given to the disposal of those assets; with approval also being given to their addition to the Council’s Capital Receipts Programme of surplus properties for disposal;

(d)  That the withdrawal of properties from the Capital Receipts Programme, as set out in Appendix A and exempt Appendix B to the submitted report, be approved, with such matters being implemented by the Director of City Development.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Financial Services presenting an update on the financial health of the Authority in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account, as at the end of Month 9 of the 2022/23 financial year.

The Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a report presenting an update on the financial health of the Authority in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account, as at the end of Month 9 of the 2022/23 financial year.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Resources provided an overview of the key information within it, which included reference to the fact that an overspend of £13.4m was projected for the Authority’s General Fund services, as at month 9 of 2022/23.

In noting that the intention was to utilise the Council’s strategic contingency reserve to deliver a balanced budget, a Member highlighted the impact that this would have on the Council’s strategic contingency reserve levels, and emphasised the need for that to be taken into consideration as part of any budget preparation processes moving forward.

Also, responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update on the reasons for the improved position regarding the projected overspend, when compared to the previous month’s financial health monitoring report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that at Month 9 of the financial year (December 2022) the Authority’s General Fund services are forecasting an overspend of £13.4m and that the Housing Revenue Account is forecasting a balanced position;

(b)  That it be noted, that where an overspend is projected, directorates, including the Housing Revenue Account, are required to present action plans to mitigate their reported pressures, in line with the Revenue Principles agreed by Executive Board in 2019; with it also being noted that proposals received to date are included in the submitted report, as at Appendix 4, and that further action plans will be received at the March 2023 meeting of Executive Board;

(c)  That it be noted that known increased inflation and known impacts of the rising cost of living, including the agreed 2022/23 pay award, have been incorporated into this reported financial position, with it also being noted that these pressures will continue to be assessed, with the latest position being incorporated into future reports to be received by Executive Board.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health presenting the 2021/22 Annual Report of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board which outlines the Board’s work from that year and provides an update on the progress made towards taking forward the Board’s aims and ambitions.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report that presented the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board’s (LSAB) Annual Report for 2021/22, which summarised the Board’s achievements and ongoing areas of work over the relevant 12 month period and provided an update on the intended plans moving forward, in line with the Board’s strategic plan.

By way of introduction to the annual report, the Executive Member highlighted the key areas which had been focussed upon during 2021/22, including the launch of a cross-cutting strategy to tackle the issue of self-neglect and promoting the accessibility of safeguarding across the diverse communities of Leeds.

The Board welcomed Richard Jones CBE, Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board to the meeting, who was in attendance in order to introduce the key points of the annual report, the objectives of the Board and to highlight key priorities moving forward. Concluding, the Independent Chair extended his thanks to his Board colleagues, all frontline staff for their contribution in this area and also to the Director of Adults and Health, given that this was her final Board meeting.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the role of the LSAB and its sub group in considering safeguarding concerns raised, and the process and criteria by which a Safeguarding Adult Review, arising from such a concern, could be initiated.  Further to this discussion, it was suggested that future LSAB annual reports could make reference to such matters moving forward, including the number of concerns considered and the resulting actions taken.

In acknowledging the challenges that continued to be faced in the area of safeguarding, the importance of the partnership approach being taken was emphasised, together with the focus that the LSAB was placing upon equality and diversity.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2021/22, as appended to the submitted report, together with the comments made during the discussion, be noted;

(b)  That the strategic aims and ambitions of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board, as set out in the accompanying Strategic Plan, as appended and linked to the submitted report, be supported;

(c)  That it be noted that the Safeguarding Board will develop an action plan in response to the Peer Challenge which will be set out in the Annual Report for 2022/23.

(Councillor Coupar left the meeting at the conclusion of this agenda item)

a)  2023/2024 Revenue Budget and Council Tax

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2023/2024 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied in 2023/2024. 

b)  Capital Programme Update 2023 – 2027

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) on the Capital Programme for the period 2023 – 2027 and which also includes a specific update on the 2022/2023 programme.

c)  Treasury Management Strategy 2023/2024

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting the Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/2024, whilst also providing an update on the implementation of the 2022/2023 strategy.

Further to Minute No. 91, 14th December 2022, the Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a suite of reports regarding: proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2023/24 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied during the same period; proposals regarding an updated Capital Programme for 2023 – 2027 and also a proposed updated Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24.

The Board was advised that the budget proposals as detailed within the submitted report were based upon the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement. However, it was noted that following the publication of the submitted agenda papers, the final Local Government Finance Settlement had been received, which was consistent with the initial Settlement in all but two areas:

1)  Regarding the Services Grant, it was noted that the Council would be in receipt of a further £253,000 in 2023/24, and that the intention was for this sum be allocated to the Strategic Contingency Reserve balance; and

2)  Regarding the surplus on the Business Rates Levy Account, it was noted that the surplus was to be allocated to Local Authorities, and as a result, Leeds would receive £1.3m in the current financial year which would therefore contribute towards the currently projected overspend. It was also noted that the next financial health monitoring report would reflect the updated position.

In addition, it was noted that a correction was required within the submitted 2023/24 Revenue Budget and Council Tax cover report, specifically section 3(j) (page 241 of the agenda pack) should read: ‘Looking ahead, Appendix 1 presents Provisional Revenue Budgets for 2024/25 and 2025/26. These update the position set out in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy received in September 2022, with latest forecast gaps of £43.0m in 2024/25 and £28.7m in 2025/26’.

(A)  2023/24 Revenue Budget and Council Tax

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Council be recommended to note the recommendation of the Council’s statutory officer (the Chief Officer – Financial Services) that the Budget proposals for 2023/24 are robust and that the proposed level of reserves is adequate, as set out at Part 7 of Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(b)  That, subject to the inclusion of the updated position and correction as referenced above, the Council be recommend to adopt the following:-

(i)  That the revenue budget for 2023/24 totalling £573.4m be approved. This means that the Leeds element of Council Tax for 2023/24 will increase by 2.99% plus the Adult Social Care precept of 2.00%. This excludes the police and fire precepts which will be incorporated into the Council Tax report to be submitted to Council on 22nd February 2023;

(ii)  That approval be given to grants totalling £69.6k to be allocated to parishes, as shown at Appendix 5 to the submitted report;

(iii)  That approval be given to the strategy at Appendix 9 of the submitted report in respect of the flexible use of capital receipts - specifically the additional planned use in 2022/23 of £2.7m and planned use in 2023/24 of £19.0m;

(iv)  That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive which, following the report considered in December 2022, presents further details regarding an initial Action Plan in response to the findings and recommendations arising from recent the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge. 

Further to Minute No. 90, 14 December 2022, the Chief Executive submitted a report presenting for consideration the initial Action Plan which had been drawn up in response to the findings and recommendations arising from recent the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge which took place in November 2022.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made in developing the LGA Peer Challenge Action Plan (as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report) in response to the findings and recommendations of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that the initial Action Plan, alongside the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge final report will be considered by Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board at their February 2023 meeting, in line with the Executive Board resolution of 14 December 2022 (Minute No. 90(c) refers);

(c)  That it be noted that the Peer Challenge Action Plan will inform organisational and financial planning as well as the Best City Ambition refresh, and that monitoring and reporting will be undertaken through existing routes, such as the Annual Performance Report.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out the proposed consultation material regarding the update to the Leeds Local Plan. Specifically, the report seeks approval to the proposed initial scope of the Leeds Local Plan 2040, to the commencement of consultation on this scope for a period of six weeks and to refer the consultation documentation to the Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Board for consideration as part of such consultation.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which set out the proposed consultation material regarding the update to the Leeds Local Plan. Specifically, the report sought approval to the proposed initial scope of the Leeds Local Plan 2040, to the commencement of a consultation exercise for a period of six weeks and to refer the consultation documentation to the Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Board for consideration as part of such consultation.

A Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that the consultation was comprehensive and that the level of response was monitored, with a request that action be taken to ensure an appropriate level of response was achieved, if necessary. In response, assurance was provided that the consultation response would be monitored to ensure that the process was consistent with the established Statement of Community Involvement.

The Board acknowledged a Member’s comments regarding the need to ensure that the approach being taken in relation to the role of town and local centres was widened to consider social, cultural and wellbeing aspects, with it being undertaken that such matters would be taken into consideration as the consultation process progressed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed initial scope of the Leeds Local Plan 2040 be agreed as follows:-

·  Update by deleting, creating or amending policies within the Local Plan for Leeds (namely the Adopted Leeds Core Strategy (amended 2019), the Natural Resources and Waste Local Plan (2013), Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan (2017), Site Allocations Plan (2019) and Unitary Development Plan (2006)) that relate to the spatial strategy, housing, economic development, the role of centres, minerals and waste, transport and accessibility and ‘other’ topics areas (including heritage, landscape, rural development, community facilities, contaminated land and hazardous substances, and open land and green corridors in urban areas);

(b)  That the commencement of a consultation exercise on the scope, as presented to the Board, for a period of six weeks using supporting topic paper (as detailed at appendix 1 to the submitted report), be agreed;

(c)  That the consultation documentation (as detailed at appendix 1 to the submitted report) be referred to the Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Board for consultation in accordance with the requirements of the Budget and Policy Framework;

(d)  That the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report (as detailed at Appendix 2 to the submitted report) be published for comment as part of the consultation;

(e)  That it be noted that a ‘Call for Sites’ will be undertaken alongside the consultation process;

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

(g)  That it be noted that the Chief Planning Officer is responsible for the implementation of the resolutions above.

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which outlines the annual progress made on the Connecting Leeds, Transport Strategy Action Plan since its approval in October 2021.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which outlined the annual progress which continued to be made in relation to the Connecting Leeds, Transport Strategy Action Plan, following the Board’s approval of the Action Plan in October 2021.

In presenting the report, the challenges that continued to be faced in relation to longer term planning and ambitions in this area were highlighted, with the Executive Member emphasising the impact of the current national funding model on such matters. 

In response to a Member’s comments regarding the impact of development works whilst they were being carried out, the Board was advised that whilst works were planned as much in advance as possible and in a co-ordinated a way as possible, there were a number of external factors, such as the timeframe by which funding needed to be spent and emergency utility works, that often influenced the approach taken. 

Members received an update on footfall statistics for the city centre together with bus and rail patronage levels, with it being noted that current levels in Leeds were approaching, or in some cases equal to that of 2019. It was also noted that the rate of the increase being experienced in Leeds was faster than in a number of other areas in the country.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update regarding the ‘20 Minute Neighbourhood’ initiative and how that connected with such matters, with it being noted that there was expected to be further reference to the provision of ‘20 Minute Neighbourhoods’ in next year’s annual update report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy annual progress report, together with the associated Action Plan 2021-2024, as presented, be noted;

(b)  That the progress made and successes achieved against the key measures outlined in the Action Plan and the submitted report, be noted, together with how these impact on the wider context of the Leeds City Council Best City Ambition;

(c)  That the progress made against the interim datasets and associated key performance indicators which are used to develop the Connecting Leeds Action Plan that support the aims and objectives of the Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting an update on the progress made in relation to the Connecting Leeds, Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) since it began in April 2017, including an update on the full programme to its majority completion on site in November 2022.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting an update on the progress made in relation to the Connecting Leeds, Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP), which covered the period between the last update presented to the Board in November 2020 up to the completion of the majority of all construction and project delivery, as at November 2022.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member extended her thanks to all of those involved in the delivery of this very significant programme of works, which it was noted was undertaken within a very challenging timescale. The Executive Member also provided an overview of the programme’s key achievements.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry questioning the reference in the report on the undertaking of schemes to improve neighbourhood transport hubs at Rothwell and Robin Hood, it was undertaken that such references would be checked with a response being provided to the Member in question.

There was a discussion regarding the recent scheme inflation review which had been undertaken by the Combined Authority and, in response to Members’ enquiries, a brief update was provided on the latest position of a scheme within a specific Member’s area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the completion of the majority of construction/project delivery work undertaken on the Connecting Leeds Programme (Bus Infrastructure, Rail and Bus Delivery packages) to ensure the realisation of the outcomes, as set out in the strategic outline business case to the Department for Transport (DfT), be noted;

(b)  That the latest financial position of the programme, be noted; and that agreement be given for the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, to make any further residual movements within budget, which are needed on completion of the programme between packages and taking account of all the additional external funding opportunities secured since the last update report.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment and the Director of Resources which presents a refreshed approach towards Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including a Vision Statement and Action Plan for consideration and adoption.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment and the Director of Resources submitted a joint report which presented a refreshed approach towards Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including a Vision Statement and Action Plan for consideration and adoption.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member emphasised the partnership approach which had been taken in compiling this refreshed approach and thanked those who had been involved in the engagement process. In addition, the 5 priorities across each of the 3 strands were highlighted, with it being noted that the refreshed approach would support rather than replace existing arrangements.

Members supported the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Vision and Action Plan for 2023 – 2025, as appended to the submitted report, be adopted;

(b)  That the proposals for new performance reporting against the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda, be noted;

(c)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment and the Director of Resources are responsible for leading this work through the Council’s Safer Stronger Communities and Human Resources teams.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment providing an update and assurances regarding the current position in respect of damp and mould within Council managed homes, together with the approach being taken to tackle such matters and ensure that robust measures are in place.  The report also provides an update on the actions being taken by the Council with regard to the private rented sector.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report providing an update and assurances to the Board regarding the current position in respect of damp and mould within Council managed homes, together with the approach being taken to tackle such matters and ensure that robust measures were in place. The report also provided an update on the actions being taken by the Council with regard to the private rented sector.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding a press release from the Housing Ombudsman, the Board received further information and context in relation to that specific case, with it being noted that the Ombudsman’s findings had been accepted, that the Council had apologised to the individual concerned and that lessons had been learned and were being acted upon.

Also in response to a Member’s enquiries and concerns, assurance was provided on the actions that were being taken to address this issue within the level of resource and regulatory framework available to the Authority. It was noted that this included the widening of training across a range of teams in the service, increased communications with residents, the provision of increased resource specifically to address this issue and working with energy suppliers to help tenants heat their homes more effectively. In addition, the Board received an update on the proactive work which was taking place in the private rented sector and in terms of housing associations.

Members received clarification on the resourcing of inspection works carried out by the Council within the private rented sector.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the measures which have been put in place to reduce damp and mould in tenants’ homes and to improve how reports of damp and mould in tenants’ homes are managed, be supported.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which, further to the report considered by the Board in December 2022, presents the findings from the consultation exercise undertaken on the potential introduction of a new container food, beverage and entertainment offer on part of the Open Market at Leeds Kirkgate Market and which sets out a series of proposed ‘next steps’ for consideration.

Further to Minute No. 96, 14 December 2022, the Director of City Development submitted a report which presented the findings from the consultation exercise undertaken on the potential introduction of a new container food, beverage and entertainment offer on part of the Open Market at Leeds Kirkgate Market and which set out a series of proposed ‘next steps’ for consideration.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member provided an overview of the support which had been provided to the market in recent years, with it being highlighted that the aim of the submitted proposals was to secure the long term future of the market.  Members also received an overview of the findings from the consultation exercise, with it being noted that there had been over  2,000 responses to the online survey with 71.5% being generally supportive of the proposals. Finally, it was noted that assurance had been provided to traders that where detail on the proposals was yet to be confirmed, this would be undertaken in consultation with traders.

In considering the report, a Member highlighted that whilst he thought there had been a lack of response to the consultation from traders, he was supportive of the proposals. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the findings from the approved consultation exercise regarding the introduction of a new container food, beverage and entertainment offer on part of the Open Market at Leeds Kirkgate Market, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That in noting the outcome of the agreed consultation exercise, it be noted that the overall findings can be broadly categorised as:-

·  Trader Consultation Outcome;

·  Public/Shopper Outcome;

·  Partner/Stakeholder Outcome.

(c)  That in taking into account resolutions (a) and (b) above, the following next steps be approved:-

·  To continue to engage with market traders around the concerns some of them have with the proposal, specifically around the need for any development to be as complementary as possible to the market;

·  To delegate approval to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Deputy Leader of Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, to market the site as a suitable location for a potential container led food, beverage and entertainment offer;

·  To delegate approval to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Deputy Leader of Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, for the selection of a potential operator;

·  To progress the potential delivery of the proposal in accordance with the Council’s standard processes for a land and property transaction.

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

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which presents for consideration the proposed admission arrangements (admission policy) for September 2024, with it being noted that the admission policy applies to all Leeds community and voluntary controlled maintained schools (100 schools) to ensure that places are allocated in a fair and transparent way.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which sought approval of the proposed Leeds City Council admission arrangements (admission policy) for September 2024, with it being noted that the admission policy applied to all Leeds community and voluntary controlled maintained schools (100 schools) in the city.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted that, in response to the reduced birth rate in Leeds, the submitted report did contain proposals to reduce the published admission number (PAN) in 3 primary schools, with it being noted that each of the Governing Bodies had given majority support for the proposals concerning their school.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in determining the school admissions arrangements for the academic year 2024/25, the admissions policies for the Leeds Community and Voluntary Controlled maintained Primary and Secondary schools (as detailed at Appendices A, B and C to the submitted report), be approved;

(b)  That the resolutions within this minute be exempted from Call In for the reasons of urgency, as set out in paragraphs 46 and 47 of the submitted report;

(c)  That the necessary authority be provided to the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service, to enable that officer to take any actions should there be a need to revise these arrangements after they have been determined, where this revision is necessary to give effect to a mandatory requirement of the Admission Code, admissions law, a determination of the Schools Adjudicator or any misprint in the admission arrangements, under regulation 19 of the School Admissions Regulations 2012;

(d)  That the following be noted:-

(i)  The Coordinated scheme for admissions arrangements for entry in September 2024 (as detailed in Appendix D to the submitted report) has been set;

(ii)  That the officer responsible for this work is the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service;

(iii)  That the statutory date for implementation (i.e. determination of the policies) is no later than 28 February 2023, with the arrangements being published by 15 March 2023.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process by the decision taker if it is considered that the matter is urgent and any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with this, the resolutions contained within this minute were exempted from the Call In process, as per resolution (b) above, and for the reasons as detailed above and as set out within sections 46 - 47 of the submitted report)

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 10^TH FEBRUARY 2023

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:   5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 17^TH FEBRUARY 2023