Agenda and minutes

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, 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 so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED –  That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as exempt information 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 the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:

(a)  Appendices A to E to the report referred to in minute 184 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of third parties, and of the Council, and the release of such information would be likely to prejudice the interests of all the parties concerned. Whilst there may be a public interest in disclosure, in all the circumstances of the case maintaining the exemption is considered to outweigh the public interest in disclosing this information at this time.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

Councillor Wakefield declared a personal interest in the items relating to Developing and Responding to new Governance Arrangements for Schools in Leeds (minute170) and National Challenge and Structural Change to Secondary Provision in Leeds (minute 171) as a schools and college governor; he also declared a personal interest in the item relating to Transforming Day Opportunities for People with Learning Disabilities (minute 180) as a member of Meanwood Valley Urban Farm.

Councillor Blake declared a personal interest in the item relating to The Leeds Physical Activity Strategy (minute 179) as an NHS Leeds Board member.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd December 2008.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd December 2008 be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds in response to the deputation to Council from local Hyde Park residents on 10^th September 2008 following the deferral of the initial response submitted to Executive Board on 5^th November 2008.

Further to minute 122 of the meeting held on 5^th November 2008 the Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council from local Hyde Park residents on 10^th September 2008.

RESOLVED – That the response of Education Leeds to the concerns raised by the deputation be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods in response to the deputation to Council from ‘Communities Against Post Office Closures’ on 19^th November 2008.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council from ‘Communities Against Post Office Closures’ on 19^th November 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the request and petition received from ‘Communities Against Post Office Closures’ for the Council to reopen and run closed Post Office branches be noted.

(b)  That a further report be brought to the Board on cost effective ways of working with Post Office Ltd to safeguard and enhance the provision of essential services to communities across the city.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting the conclusions and recommendations from an assessment of UDP policies introduced or updated as part of the 2006 UDP review.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the conclusions and recommendations from an assessment, undertaken in accordance with government advice, of Unitary Development Plan policies introduced or updated as part of the 2006 UDP review.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That proposals to save and delete UDP (Review 2006) policies as set out in the appendix to the report be approved.

(b)  That the proposals to save and delete UDP (Review 2006) policies as set out in the appendix be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting the  comments received following the consultation exercise undertaken as part of Regional Spatial Strategy Review.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the comments received following the consultation exercise undertaken as part of the Regional Spatial Strategy Review.

RESOLVED – That the consultation response as appended to the report be approved for submission to the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development in response to the White Paper Motion relating to Fish Migration which was moved at the meeting of Council held on 2^nd July 2008.

Further to the decision of Council at the meeting held on 2^nd July 2008 the Director of City  Development submitted a report in response to the resolution relating to Fish Migration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That contributions towards the provision of fish passes be sought from appropriate developments in line with current policy and Supplementary Planning Document.

(b)  That the City Council continues to work in partnership with the Environment Agency and British Waterways to achieve fish migration throughout Leeds.

(c)  That support for the provision of fish passes be included within the relevant Area Action Plans.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining proposals to undertake an appraisal of the options available for investment in council housing following the completion of the decency programme in 2010/11.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on proposals to undertake an appraisal of the options available for investment in council housing following the completion of the decency programme in 2010/11.

The report presented the following four main categories into which options for consideration would fall:

1  Return the stock to the Council

2  The continuation of an ALMO model

3  Transfer the ownership of the stock to a Housing Association created for the purpose of the transfer

4  A mixed approach that could involve ALMOs, PFI, transfer and return to the Council parts of the stock

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the commencement of an options appraisal on the future investment in Council housing.

(b)  That an update report be brought to this Board in May 2009.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds in response to the deputation to Council from Woodkirk Valley Football Club on 19^th November 2008.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council from Woodkirk Valley Football Club on 19^th November 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the concerns expressed by the deputation and the intention of Education Leeds to meet with representatives of the club be noted.

(b)  That the wider policy issues be subject to further consideration by the Directors of Children’s Services and City Development which should include reference to access arrangements to PFI schools playing fields and to the potential for Area Committee involvement in the letting arrangements.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds presenting a draft Memorandum of Understanding which seeks to maximise the City Council’s opportunities to contribute towards and influence the governance of Academies. The report also outlines a policy position that supports and encourages moves by schools to adopt Trust Status where appropriate.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report presenting a draft Memorandum of Understanding seeking to maximise the City Council’s opportunities to contribute towards and influence the governance of Academies and outlining a policy position to support and encourage  moves by schools to adopt Trust Status where appropriate.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the opportunities and implications for governance of the academies and trust schools programmes be noted.

(b)  That the draft Memorandum of Understanding, attached to the report, intended to maximise the opportunities available to the City Council to contribute to and influence the governance of academies, be approved.

(c)  That approval be given to a policy position that supports and encourages moves by schools to adopt Trust Status where a proposal demonstrates:

·  a willingness to engage the City Council as a key partner in any Trust, including having a representative appointed as a trustee

·  collaboration between schools and partners to improve outcomes for young people

·  a willingness to engage constructively with the City  Council to reach agreement on the transfer of assets and the use of capital receipt from any future land/building sale, to ensure that the Council’s strategic priorities can be addressed.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds providing an update on the progress made in developing the recommended options for delivering the next phase in structuring secondary provision in Leeds, particularly in response to the National Challenge.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report providing an update on the progress made in developing the recommended options for delivering the next phase in structuring secondary provision in Leeds, particularly in response to the National Challenge.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made in exploring the range of options for secondary provision in the identified areas be noted.

(b)  That a final report with full recommended options be brought to the March 2009 meeting of the Board.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Wakefield required it to be recorded that he voted against this decision).

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds outlining a proposed scheme to undertake extension works at Clapgate Primary School in order to establish two forms of entry.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on a proposed scheme to undertake extension works at Clapgate Primary School in order to establish two forms of entry.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the scheme to carry out extension works at Clapgate Primary School to provide sufficient teaching accommodation to support an increase in school capacity to two forms of entry be approved.

(b)  That approval be given to incur expenditure of £850,000 in respect of these works from capital scheme number 13924/CLA/000

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds outlining a proposed scheme to undertake extension works at Windmill Primary School in order to establish two forms of entry.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on a proposed scheme to undertake extension works at Windmill Primary School in order to establish two forms of entry.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the scheme to carry out extension works at Windmill Primary School to provide sufficient teaching accommodation to support an increase in school capacity to two forms of entry be approved.

(b)  That approval be given to incur expenditure of £850,000 in respect of these works from capital scheme number13624/WIN/000.

(A) UPDATE ON THE PHASE 3 CHILDREN’S CENTRE PROGRAMME

To consider the report of the Acting Chief Officer for Early Years and Integrated Youth Support Service providing an update on the proposed locations for the phase three children’s centres to be built between 2008 and April 2010 and seeking approval to progress the programme on the proposed sites.

(B) DESIGN AND COST REPORT: BOSTON SPA CHILDREN’S CENTRE

To consider the report of the Acting Chief Officer for Early Years and Integrated Youth Support Service on proposals to create a new Boston Spa Children’s Centre on the site of the Deepdale Community Centre.

(a)  Update on the Phase 3 Children’s Centre Programme

  The Acting Chief Officer for Early Years and Integrated Youth Support Service submitted a report providing an update on the proposed locations for the phase three children’s centres to be built between 2008 and April 2010.

  RESOLVED – That the proposed location of nine of the phase three children’s centres be approved and that the preferred option for  tenth site be noted.

(b)  Design and Cost Report: Boston Spa Children’s Centre

  The Acting Chief Officer for Early Years and Integrated Youth Support Service submitted a report on proposals to create a new Boston Spa Children’s Centre on the site of the Deepdale Community  Centre.

  RESOLVED – That approval be given to transfer £455,000 from the Phase 3 Children’s Centre Parent (capital scheme 14778) and £100,000 from the GSSG Extended Services Parent 2008-2010 (capital scheme 14777) and that authority be given to incur expenditure on construction  £440,000, equipment £40,000 and fees £75,000.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on proposed revised statements of purpose for Leeds City Council’s Fostering and Adoption Services. 

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on proposed revised statements  of purpose for Leeds City Council’s Fostering and Adoption Services.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Statements of Purpose for both the fostering and adoption services of the Council, as appended to the report, be approved.

(b)  That the Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services) be requested to examine the criteria for the consideration of applications for adoption and the manner in which they are applied.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing a summary and analysis of the 2008 OfSTED Annual Performance Assessment (APA) of the council’s children’s services, and secondly to set out an action plan to drive the reform and integration in services needed to improve safeguarding and outcomes.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing a summary and analysis of the 2008 OfSTED Annual Performance Assessment (APA) of the Council’s children’s services, and presenting an action plan to drive the reform and integration in services needed to improve safeguarding and outcomes.

RESOLVED – That the report be received, that the actions proposed in sections 4 to 9 thereof be approved, that, in addition the Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services) be requested to monitor progress and that progress reports be brought to this Board on a quarterly basis.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development in response to the following deputations to Council on 19^th November 2008:

• Middleton Community Group regarding the Proposed Closure of Middleton Sports Centre;
• Garforth Residents’ Association regarding the Potential Closure of Garforth Leisure Centre;
• SPLASH regarding the Proposal to Close South Leeds Sports Centre.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an initial response to the following deputations to Council on 19^th November 2008:

(1)  Middleton Community Group regarding the Proposed Closure of Middleton Sports Centre

(2)  Garforth Residents Association regarding the Potential Closure of Garforth Leisure Centre

(3)  SPLASH regarding the Proposal to Close South Leeds Sports Centre.

RESOLVED – That a substantive response to the three deputations made about the Council’s Draft Vision for Leisure Centres at the Full Council meeting on 19^th November 2008, be included in the comprehensive report on this matter scheduled for Executive Board later this year.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the proposals to submit firm applications to Government with respect to the Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme by the 31^st January 2009 deadline.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the proposals to submit firm applications to Government with respect to the Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme by the 31st January 2009 deadline.

RESOLVED – That the Director of City Development be authorised to submit final bids in respect of Scott Hall and Sound and Light systems as set out in 4.1 of the report for the 2009/2010 round of Free Swimming Capital Modernisation programme, by 31^st January 2009.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Adult Social Care providing an overview of the key elements of the new physical activity strategy for Leeds entitled “Active Leeds: A Healthy City”.

The Director of City Development and the Director of Adult Social Care submitted a joint report providing an overview of the key elements of the new physical activity strategy for Leeds entitled “Active Leeds: A Healthy City”

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Leeds Physical Activity Strategy – “Active Leeds: A Healthy City” be endorsed.

(b)  That the report be referred to Area Committees for consideration and that further reports on  progress be brought to this Board.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services outlining the national and local  expectations in relation to the provision of day support for people with learning disabilities and proposing how the vision for such provision can be progressed.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report outlining the national and local expectations in relation to the provision of day support for people with learning disabilities and proposing how the vision for such provision can be progressed.

RESOLVED-

(a)  That the requirement to deliver a more personalised approach to day opportunities for people with a learning disability to meet the aspirations of customers, carers and other stakeholders be noted.

(b)  That approval be given to the vision for a more personalised approach to delivering day opportunities for people with learning disabilities in Leeds as outlined in the report and that the range of work being planned and taken forward in order to achieve this be noted.

(c)  That approval be given to the proposal to undertake a comprehensive transformation of the service including a move away from large segregated buildings to the utilisation of community based locations and the increased involvement of external providers following market testing as appropriate for a range of services.

(d)  That the South East of the City be approved as the first area selected for a comprehensive change programme which will comprise:

·  Working in partnership with customers and their carers to introduce a personalised day service

·  Adoption of the outline requirements for community buildings as a basis for more detailed work and planning

·  Full engagement of customers, carers and in particular the Learning Disability Partnership Board

(e)  That a further report be brought to the Board in six months which will provide an update on progress made in delivering the day opportunities vision detailed in the report.

(f)  That the submitted report be shared with stakeholders including the Leeds Learning Disability Partnership Board and the Leeds Learning Disability Partnership Executive.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Wakefield required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on this decision).

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) on proposals regarding the release and expenditure of £996,040 from the Business Transformation allocation of the Strategic Development Fund within the Capital Programme for the delivery of the facility. The report also proposes that the revenue costs for running the facility be funded through re-charging directorates and services, as an alternative to their having to fund bespoke arrangements.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report on proposals for the release and expenditure of £996,040 from the Business and Transformation allocation of the Strategic Development Fund within the Capital Programme for the delivery of a Corporate Records Management facility and on proposals for the revenue costs of running the facility.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the release of £996,040 from the Strategic Development Fund within the Capital Programme be approved.

(b)  That the expenditure of £996,040 for this project be authorised.

(c)  That the proposal that the revenue costs for running the facility be funded through recharging directorates and services, as an alternative to their having to fund bespoke arrangements, be noted.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) on proposals regarding the release and expenditure of £903,100 over a two year period from the Business Transformation allocation of the Strategic Development Fund for the development of those projects which will form phase 2 of the Council’s customer services transformation programme.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report on proposals for the release and expenditure of £903,100 over a two year period from the Business Transformation allocation of the Strategic Development Fund for the development of those projects which will form Phase 2 of the Council’s customer services transformation programme.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the release of £903,100 (over a two year period) from the Business Transformation allocation of the Strategic Development Fund for the further development of the customer services transformation programme.

(b)  That authority be given to incur expenditure on implementing the projects which form Phase 2 of the customer services transformation programme.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) outlining the Council’s current performance against the improvement priorities in the Leeds Strategic and Council Business Plans 2008 to 2011 as at Quarter 2 of 2008/09. 

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report outlining the Council’s current performance against the improvement priorities in the Leeds Strategic and Council Business Plans 2008 to 2011 as at Quarter 2 of 2008/09.

RESOLVED – That the quarter 2 performance report in respect of the Leeds Strategic Plan and Council Business Plan 2008-2011 be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources seeking approval to grant consents and agree variations to the Council’s Loan Agreement with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, pursuant to the development of the Headingley Cricket Ground.

Appendices A - E to this report are designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

The Director of Resources submitted a report on proposals to grant consents and agree variations to the Council’s Loan Agreement with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, pursuant to the development of the Headingley Cricket Ground.

Appendices A to E to the report, were designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), and were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting.  The Chief Officer (Financial Management) reported on a further option advanced since the despatch of the agenda which could potentially affect the  arrangements in a manner beneficial to the Council’s interests.

RESOLVED – That the necessary consents and agreements to vary the Council’s loan agreement be granted, including the rescheduling of the loan, so as to facilitate Yorkshire County Cricket Club entering into transactions referred to in the report pursuant to the Carnegie Pavilion development, with further delegations as outlined in paragraph 6.2 of the report and extended to include as an option those matters reported by the Chief Officer (Financial Management) at this meeting.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  16^TH JANUARY 2009

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN :  23^RD JANUARY 2009 (5.00 PM)

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items Called In by 12.00 noon on 26^th January 2009)