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 as exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

(a)  Appendix 2 to the report referred to in Minute No. 225, under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(1) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information by reason of the fact that the information contained within the appendix relates to individuals who are current tenants of the properties leased by Leeds Federated Housing Association from the Council.

(b)  Appendix 1 to the report referred to in Minute No. 220, under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds thatthe information contained within the appendix relates to the financial or business affairs of the Council. It is considered that it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time as it could undermine the Council’s bid to the Department for Transport (DfT), particularly as the New Generation Transport bid will be submitted earlier than competing bids from other promoters. It is therefore considered that whilst there may be a public interest in disclosure, this information will be publicly available from the DfT after all bids from promoters have been received.

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

Councillors Wakefield, Ogilvie, Murray, Yeadon, R Lewis, Dowson, Gruen and Blake all declared personal interests in the item entitled, ‘Primrose High School’, due to their respective memberships of the Co-operative Group (Minute No. 223 refers).

Councillors Murray and Golton both declared personal interests in the item entitled, ‘Property Exchange with Leeds Federated Housing Association’, due to their respective positions as an Area Panel Member and a Board Director of Aire Valley Homes ALMO (Minute No. 225 refers).

Councillor Gruen declared a personal interest in the item entitled, ‘John Smeaton Academy’, due to his position as a Governor of John Smeaton High School (Minute No. 222 refers).

Councillor A Carter declared a personal interest in the item entitled, ‘Submission of the Best and Final Bid for the NGT Scheme’ due to being a member of the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (Minute No. 220 refers . 

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 30^th March 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 30^th March 2011 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing a summary of the responses to the recommendations arising from Scrutiny Board (City Development) inquiry into ‘Leeds Bradford International Airport: Provision for Public Hire Taxis’ and  inviting the Board to rule on the recommendation presented, in which agreement cannot be reached.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report providing a summary of the responses to the recommendations arising from Scrutiny Board (City Development) inquiry into ‘Leeds Bradford International Airport: Provision for Public Hire Taxis’ and inviting the Board to pronounce on the recommendation presented.

Councillor J Procter, the Chair of the Scrutiny Board (City Development) attended the meeting to present the Board’s findings.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the response to the Scrutiny Board (City Development) recommendation be noted.

(b)  That more detailed plans be drawn up for the provision of a hackney carriage stand at Whitehouse Lane adjacent to Leeds Bradford International Airport, with a further report being submitted to the September 2011 Board meeting, detailing the progress which has been made in respect of this matter and outlining a proposed way forward, with further negotiations being undertaken with all relevant parties in the meantime.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development detailing the outcomes from the consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document (DPD) and presenting the DPD to the Board with the request that it is recommended to Council for the purposes of formal submission to the Secretary of State for Independent Examination.

Further to Minute No. 108, 3^rd November 2010, the Acting Director of City Development submitted a report detailing the outcomes from the consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document (DPD) and presenting the DPD to the Board, with the request that it was recommended to Council for the purposes of formal submission to the Secretary of State for Independent Examination.

RESOLVED - That Council be recommended to approve the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document (together with the proposed changes, as detailed within Appendix 2 to the submitted report) for the purposes of submission to the Secretary of State for independent examination, pursuant to Section 20 of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

(The matters referred to in this minute, being matters reserved to Council, were not eligible for Call In)

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development providing an overview of the current energy saving initiatives embedded within the current street lighting service and outlining the possible opportunities for further reductions in energy consumption with recommendations as to how they may be achieved.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report providing an overview of the current energy saving initiatives embedded within the current street lighting service and outlining the possible opportunities for further reductions in energy consumption with recommendations as to how they may be achieved.

The Board emphasised the importance of Ward Members’ views being sought from the outset of the associated consultation exercise.

The report provided details of the Equality, Diversity, Cohesion and Integration Impact Assessment which had been undertaken in respect of the proposals on the 16^th March 2011.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the content of the submitted report and the efficiency measures already undertaken as part of the street lighting PFI be noted.

(b)  That the potential annual savings of the proposed programme of implementation, as outlined within paragraph 3.30 of the submitted report be noted.

(c)  That approval be given to officers beginning a process of consultation on the proposed programme of implementation, with a view to an injection into the capital programme of  £334,700 for 2011 to 2014, resulting in an estimated net saving from a reduction in energy consumption of £940,860 by 2021.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development seeking approval of the submission of the ‘Best and Final Bid’ for the New Generation Transport Scheme to the Department for Transport.

Appendix 1 to the report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on proposals regarding the development of a high quality public transport system in Leeds, outlining details of the next key stage of the project, namely, a ‘Best and Final Bid’ to the Secretary of State for Transport, whilst also seeking approval for this application to be made at the most appropriate time, following consultation being undertaken with the Department for Transport (DfT).

Following consideration of appendix 1 to the submitted report, designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the submission of the Best and Final Bid to the Department for Transport at the most appropriate time for the New Generation Transport scheme.

(b)  That the local contribution towards the scheme, as detailed within exempt appendix 1 to the submitted report, be agreed.

(c)  That agreement be given to the Council and Metro underwriting the risk of overspend on the project, as previously, any overspends have been reported as being shared 50/50 with the DfT.

(d)  That the development and undertaking of a lobbying campaign be agreed, which will support the Best And Final Bid from the wider Leeds community.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development providing details of the public consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the Draft Interim Affordable Housing Policy and seeking agreement of the proposed amendments to the policy and its immediate implementation.

Further to Minute No. 166, 11^th February 2011, the Acting Director of City Development submitted a report providing details of the public consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the Draft Interim Affordable Housing Policy and seeking agreement of the proposed amendments to the policy and its immediate implementation.

The Board emphasised the importance of the policy being kept under review, and that it remained flexible enough to adapt to changes within the housing market.

The report provided details of the equality, diversity, cohesion and integration  screening process which had been undertaken on the proposed policy. 

RESOLVED - That the proposed amendments to the draft Interim Affordable Housing Policy as set out within appendix A to the submitted report be agreed, and that approval be given to the draft Interim Affordable Housing Policy (as amended) being implemented with effect from 1^st June 2011  (the policy would therefore apply to all relevant decisions made on or after 1^st June 2011 – this allows for the call-in period after the Executive Board meeting on 18^th May).

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development seeking approval to the Heads of Terms for the leasehold disposal at nil consideration of John Smeaton Community College for the Academy scheme to John Smeaton Academy, who are the Council’s selected operator for an Academy at this school.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report seeking approval to the Heads of Terms for the leasehold disposal at nil consideration of John Smeaton Community College for the Academy scheme to John Smeaton Academy, who were the Council’s selected operator for an Academy at this school.

RESOLVED - That the disposal of John Smeaton Community College for the proposed Academy on a 125 year lease at nil consideration be agreed, and that the Acting Director of City Development be authorised to agree the final terms, as detailed within paragraph 3 of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development seeking approval to the Heads of Terms for the leasehold disposal at nil consideration of Primrose High School to the Co-operative Academy scheme, who are the Council’s selected operator for an Academy at this school.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report seeking approval to the Heads of Terms for the leasehold disposal at nil consideration of Primrose High School to the Co-operative Academy scheme, who were the Council’s selected operator for an Academy at this school.

In response to enquiries raised regarding the legal costs associated with the proposals detailed within Minute Nos. 222 and 223, officers undertook to provide details to the Member in question.

RESOLVED - That the disposal of Primrose High School for the proposed Academy on a 125 year lease at nil consideration be agreed, and that the Acting Director of City Development be authorised to agree the final terms as detailed within paragraph 3 of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods regarding the proposed disposal of land at West Grange Road, Belle Isle, to Leeds Federated Housing Association at less than best consideration.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report regarding the proposed disposal of land at West Grange Road, Belle Isle, to Leeds Federated Housing Association at less than best consideration.

RESOLVED - That the disposal of the land at West Grange Road, Belle Isle, at less than best consideration be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods detailing proposals regarding the transfer of 14 Council owned miscellaneous properties to Leeds Federated Housing Association in exchange for 15 properties, which would contribute towards the wider regeneration of the area.

Appendix 2 to the report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(1) and will be circulated and collected back in at the meeting.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report outlining proposals in relation to the transfer of 14 Council owned miscellaneous properties to Leeds Federated Housing Association (LFHA) in exchange for 15 properties, which would contribute towards the wider regeneration of the area.

The submitted report presented the following three options:

Option  A:  Do nothing

Option B: The purchase of LFHA properties within the Garnets demolition area

Option C: The exchange of LFHA properties within the Garnets demolition area for other council owned miscellaneous properties.

Following consideration of appendix 2 to the submitted report, designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(1), which was circulated, considered in private and subsequently retrieved at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the transfer of 15 LFHA properties in the Garnets clearance area to LCC in exchange for 14 Council owned miscellaneous properties to LFHA be authorised, with the difference in value being contributed by LFHA towards the costs of demolition on the scheme.

(b)  That all properties detailed within exempt appendix 2 to the submitted report be declared as surplus for disposal to LFHA.

(c)  That the Acting Director of City Development be authorised to approve the detailed terms of the transaction.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing the outcome of work undertaken following the consultation exercise on proposals to expand primary provision at three schools in Leeds from September 2012, whilst seeking permission to publish statutory notices for one of those proposals.

Further to Minute No. 203, 30^th March 2011, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report presenting the outcome of work which had been undertaken following the conclusion of the consultation exercise on proposals to expand primary provision at three schools in Leeds from September 2012. In addition, the report also sought permission to publish a statutory notice for one of those schools concerned.

RESOLVED -   

(a)  That individual approval be given to the publication of a statutory notice for the following:-

·  Proposal two: Change the age range of Roundhay School Technology and Language College to 4-18, with a reception admission limit of 60, and use land off Elmete Lane for the primary provision.

(b)  That it be noted that further work will be completed by officers prior to bringing forward a recommendation on the following:- 

·  Proposal three: Change the age range of Allerton Grange School to 4-18, with a reception admission limit of 60, and use land next to the school for the primary provision.

·  Proposal six: Expand the capacity of Little London Primary School from 210 to 630 using land off Cambridge Road.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on the feasibility work undertaken in respect of single sex education provision for girls at a central location in the city.

Further to Minute No. 220, 7^th April 2010, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing an update on the feasibility work undertaken in respect of single sex education provision for girls at a central location in the city.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the Local Authority does not move to establish girls-only education in Leeds at this time.

(b)  That the Local Authority continues to undertake a choice and diversity survey each year during its admissions process in order to inform its statutory duty.

(c)  That the Local Authority continues to take account of parental responses around choice and diversity, and effectively integrates emerging academies and free schools into strategic planning.

To consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing a summary of the responses to the recommendations arising from Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services) inquiry into Outdoor Education Centres and inviting the Board to consider the recommendations. 

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report providing a summary of the responses to the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services) inquiry into Outdoor Education Centres. 

RESOLVED - That the responses to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services) arising from its inquiry into Outdoor Education Centres be noted.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development providing the outcomes of the consultation exercise undertaken in relation to the proposals outlined within, ‘A New Chapter for Leeds Libraries’ and seeking to agree the resultant proposals for library provision in the city.

Further to Minute No. 135, 15^th December 2010, the Acting Director of City Development submitted a report providing the outcomes of the consultation exercise undertaken in relation to the proposals outlined within, ‘A New Chapter for Leeds Libraries’ and seeking the Board’s  agreement to the resultant proposals for future library provision in the city.

Further to the recommendations detailed within the submitted report, Members were asked to consider some updated proposals, specifically that Cow Close library remained open for a year whilst further consideration was given to its future, and that Rawdon library remained open for a year whilst further discussions were undertaken with interested parties regarding community asset transfer opportunities.

Members highlighted the importance of the mobile provision and the need to ensure that those users affected by the proposals were able to access such provision.

The report provided details of the reviews which had been undertaken in respect of the impact that the proposals would potentially have on various communities.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the recommendations, as defined within Section 7 of the submitted report, including the changes to the opening hours as identified within paragraph 7.2, modified by the impact of the inclusion of the updated proposals detailed above, be supported. 

(b)  That the change in the method of delivering the library service for 20 libraries, as outlined within paragraph 7.3.1 of the submitted report be approved, with the inclusion of the updated proposals detailed above and as reported at the meeting.

(c)  That mobile provision be developed across the City as outlined within paragraph 7.4 of the submitted report.

(d)  That, for a limited period, a consultation exercise be offered to the community on the asset transfer opportunities for the vacated libraries, and that after this designated period, the asset management team find the best solutions for the buildings.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development advising that at a meeting of Scrutiny Board (City Development) on 20^th April 2011, the Scrutiny Board resolved to refer back Executive Board’s decision of 30^th March 2011 on Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre, whilst recommending that the original decision taken by Executive Board be reaffirmed.

Further to Minute No. 205, 30^th March 2011, the Acting Director of City Development submitted a report advising that following the original decision taken by the Board, this matter was called in and subsequently considered by Scrutiny Board (City Development) on 20^th April 2011, who resolved to refer the decision back to Executive Board for further consideration.  The report recommended that the original decision taken on 30^th March 2011 by Executive Board was reaffirmed.

RESOLVED – That the decision taken by the Executive Board at its meeting on 30^th March 2011 regarding Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre (Minute No. 205 refers) be reaffirmed.

(The matters referred to in this minute, having been the subject of a previous Call In process, were not eligible for Call In)

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development advising that as a result of a call in meeting, Scrutiny Board (City Development) has referred back to Executive Board its decision concerning proposals to consult on the Draft Informal Planning Statement for Whinmoor Grange, including plans for a cemetery on the site.  The report considers the issues raised by the Scrutiny Board and details proposals in respect of how this matter can be progressed.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report advising that as a result of a call in meeting, Scrutiny Board (City Development) had referred back to Executive Board for further consideration, its decision concerning proposals to consult on the Draft Informal Planning Statement for Whinmoor Grange, including plans for a cemetery on the site.  In addition, the report considered the issues which had been raised by the Scrutiny Board during the Call In process and detailed proposals in respect of how such issues could be progressed.

The Board was informed that the duration of the consultation period had been extended from 4 weeks to 6 weeks, in order to ensure that all potential stakeholders had a greater opportunity to engage in the process.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Draft Informal Planning Statement for Whinmoor Grange be approved for the purposes of a public consultation exercise, which is to be undertaken over a six week period, with the findings being reported back to Executive Board in due course.

(b)  That the expenditure on Capital Scheme Number 1358 be held in abeyance pending the outcome of the consultation exercise referred to in resolution (a).

(The matters referred to in this minute, having been the subject of a previous Call In process, were not eligible for Call In)

To consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing a summary of the responses to the recommendations arising from Scrutiny Board (City Development) inquiry into ‘Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance’ and  inviting the Board to pronounce on the recommendation where there is a difference of opinion between the Scrutiny Board and the Director/Executive Member.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report providing a summary of the responses to the recommendations arising from Scrutiny Board (City Development) inquiry into ‘Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance’ and  inviting the Board to pronounce on the recommendation where there had been a difference of opinion between the Scrutiny Board and Director/Executive Member.

Councillor J Procter, the Chair of the Scrutiny Board (City Development) attended the meeting to present the Board’s findings.

Having discussed the process by which responses to Scrutiny Board inquiry reports were considered by the Executive, it was suggested that the Chair of the Scrutiny Board which had conducted the inquiry approved the summary covering report prior to its submission. In addition, responding to concerns raised, it was also suggested that further consideration was given to the extent and nature of the information provided to Executive Board Members when considering Scrutiny Board inquiries, in order to ensure that they had access to all relevant details.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the responses to the Scrutiny Board (City Development) recommendations arising from its inquiry into Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance be noted.

(b)  That in respect of recommendation two of the Scrutiny Board Inquiry Report, further work on this matter be undertaken with a report being submitted to a future meeting of the Executive Board outlining proposals for a way forward.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services advising that following the resolutions made by Executive Board at its meeting on 11^th February 2011 regarding mental health day service provision, representations have been made to the Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Care). In response, the report invites Executive Board to review the decisions made in February 2011. 

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report advising that following the resolutions made by Executive Board at its meeting on 11^th February 2011 (Minute No. 163 referred) regarding mental health day service provision, representations on such matters had been made to the Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Care) and therefore, the report invited Executive Board to review the decisions taken in February 2011. 

In response to enquiries, Members were provided with reassurance regarding the nature and extent of the consultation process which was proposed.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That in view of the issues highlighted within the submitted report, the decision of the February 2011 Executive Board regarding the consolidation of buildings based services to one site not be implemented.

(b)  That the Board’s support for the other recommendations, as outlined in paragraph 2.4 of the submitted report, regarding  the direction of travel for the modernisation of Mental Health Day Services in Leeds be noted and confirmed.

(c)  That it be noted that the consultation process regarding the decision to consolidate the day service buildings base will be specific and will focus upon an interim model of provision for in house service, and that the findings from the consultation process will be joined with the consultation on the future commissioning of all community based mental health services

(d)  That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board detailing the outcomes from the consultation process.

On behalf of the Board, the Chair paid tribute to and thanked Councillors Murray, Dowson and A Blackburn for their services to the Board, as this marked their final meeting as Executive Board Members.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   20^TH MAY 2011

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  27^TH MAY 2011 (5.00 P.M.)

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12noon on 31^st May 2011)