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)  Appendices 1 – 5 to the report referred to in Minute No. 5, under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(5) and on the grounds that the appendices detail legal advice and related correspondence. As there is potential for legal action to be initiated by any of the interested parties, in that context, the public interest in allowing access to the specific legal advice to and analysis of the present position by Council officers, is outweighed by the need for the Council to be able to respond appropriately to any potential future legal challenge. Therefore, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time.

(b)  The appendix to the report referred to in Minute No. 24, under the  terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) 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 it contains information and financial details which, if disclosed would adversely affect the business of the Council and may also adversely affect the business affairs of the other parties concerned.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

The Chair admitted to the agenda the following late items of business:

(a)  Proposed Aire Valley Leeds Enterprise Zones (Minute No. 26 refers) 

Whilst the decision of the Local Enterprise Partnership on the 15^th June 2011 to submit the Aire Valley Leeds proposal to Government as the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone had been taken after the publication of the Executive Board agenda, it was determined essential that this matter was considered by the Board at the earliest opportunity in order to keep the Board informed of the progress made on this issue, whilst also seeking the Board’s endorsement to the approach taken and obtaining support for the further work required to deliver an Enterprise Zone in Aire Valley Leeds.

(b)  Closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre and Middleton Pool and Reduced Opening Hours of Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre (Minute No. 16 refers)

The report was not available for inclusion within the agenda papers, as the formal responses from the relevant directorate to the Scrutiny Board’s proposals were being compiled at that time. However, it was determined necessary that Executive Board consider the responses to the Scrutiny Board’s recommendations at the earliest opportunity, following the conclusion of the scrutiny inquiry.

(c)  Grants to Culture and Sport Related Organisations (Minute No. 18 refers)

The report was not available for inclusion within the agenda papers, as the formal responses from the relevant directorate to the Scrutiny Board’s proposals were being compiled at that time. However, it was determined necessary that Executive Board consider the responses to the Scrutiny Board’s recommendations at the earliest opportunity, following the conclusion of the scrutiny inquiry.

(d)  Response to the Review of Home Farm, Temple Newsam – Scrutiny Inquiry Report (Minute No. 17 refers)

The report was not available for inclusion within the agenda papers, as the formal responses from the relevant directorate to the Scrutiny Board’s proposals were being compiled at that time. However, it was determined necessary that Executive Board consider the responses to the Scrutiny Board’s recommendations at the earliest opportunity, following the conclusion of the scrutiny inquiry.

(e)  Little London and Beeston Hill and Holbeck PFI Housing Project – Value for Money (VFM) Review and Final Business Case Update (Minute No. 29 refers)

The report was not available for inclusion within the agenda papers, as the correspondence from the Homes and Communities Agency confirming that the project had passed the Value for Money test, subject to some amendments, was not received until the 20^th June 2011, and it was deemed necessary that Executive Board be formally provided with the latest position at the earliest opportunity.

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 A Carter declared a personal interest in the item entitled, ‘Local Sustainable Transport Fund Bid for West Yorkshire’, due to being a member of the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (Minute No. 23 refers).

Further declarations of interest were made at a later point in the meeting (Minute Nos. 12 and 17 refer).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th May 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th May 2011 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services providing an account of the negotiations held to date in line with the resolutions of the Executive Board in July 2010, detailing the final outcome of those negotiations and providing a recommendation on a potential way forward based on legal advice obtained by the Council.

Appendices 1 to 5 of the report are designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(5).

Further to Minute No. 34, 21^st July 2010, the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report providing an account of the negotiations held to date in line with the resolutions of the Executive Board in July 2010 in respect of Neighbourhood Networks, detailing the outcome of those negotiations, whilst also providing a recommendation on a potential way forward based upon legal advice obtained by the Council.

Correspondence received from the solicitors acting on behalf of Leeds Irish Health and Homes had been circulated to Board Members for their consideration prior to the meeting, with separate correspondence from the Chief Executive of the same company being tabled at the meeting.

The report provided details of the equality impact assessment which had been undertaken in respect of the original tendering exercise.

Following consideration of Appendices 1,2,3,4 and 5 to the submitted report, designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(5), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was 

RESOLVED -

(a)  That no contract (advertised under the overall tendering of Neighbourhood Network services in 2009/10) be awarded for the provision of Neighbourhood Network services in relation to those 5 areas of East Leeds specified in this report, namely Burmantofts, South Seacroft, Swarcliffe, Richmond Hill and Crossgates and District.

(b)  That the commencement of a renewed tendering exercise for the provision of Neighbourhood Network services in relation to those areas of East Leeds specified in the submitted report be approved.

(c)  That the tendering exercise be constructed in such a way as to take account of the lessons learnt in the original tender process, the analysis of the current position as set out in confidential Appendix 4 and arising from the specialist legal advice contained within exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report.

(d)  That it be noted that the services currently being delivered will continue through an extension of existing contracts to 31^st March 2012, pending the outcome of resolutions (b) and (c) above.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources presenting the Council’s financial outturn position for 2010/2011 in terms of revenue and capital, whilst also including the Housing Revenue Account.

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the Council’s financial outturn position for 2010/11, including both revenue and capital elements, in addition to the Housing Revenue Account. In addition, the report covered revenue expenditure and income compared to the budget, reported on the outturn for Education Leeds and the ALMOs, highlighted the position regarding other key financial health indicators and invited the Board to consider the approval, creation and usage of the Council’s reserves.

The Board thanked all of those officers who had been involved in managing the financial performance of the Council throughout the 2010/11 financial year and into 2011/12.

In response to Members’ enquiries regarding the issue of car parking charges, the Board noted that a further report regarding car parking policy was scheduled to be submitted to the September Board meeting.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

(b)  That the creation of an earmarked reserve for an early leavers scheme in 2011/12 be approved.

(c)  That the earmarked reserves, as detailed within Appendix 2 of the submitted report, be approved.

(d)  That the immediate release of £12,400,000 earmarked reserves as detailed in paragraph 6.9 of the submitted report be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources providing information as to both the context and the arrangements for the reporting of the Council’s financial health during the 2011/2012 municipal year.

The Director of Resources submitted a report providing information as to both the context and arrangements for the reporting of the Council’s financial health during 2011/2012.

In response to Members’ enquiries regarding the timescales for reporting the Council’s financial health to the Board, the Director of Resources undertook to ensure that each update report would contain the most up to date information possible.  

RESOLVED – Thatthe proposals for financial health reporting in 2011/2012, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) setting out the key stages of the development of several important plans, including the consultation undertaken with the public and partners, detailing how due regard needed to be given to equality and diversity in preparing them, whilst presenting the plans themselves for consideration and endorsement prior to formal approval by Full Council.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report outlining the key stages of the development of several of the Council’s important plans, including consultation undertaken with the public and with partners, detailing how due regard needed to be given to equality and diversity in preparing them, whilst presenting the plans themselves for consideration and endorsement prior to formal approval by Full Council.

The Chief Executive provided details of the changes which had been made to the city and council planning and partnership framework and highlighted the introduction of an outcomes based accountability approach which had been incorporated into the strategic planning and performance management arrangements.

The Board thanked all of those officers and partners who had been involved in the compilation of the Vision for Leeds 2011-30, the City Priority Plan 2011-15 and the Council Business Plan 2011-15.

The report provided details of the Equality, Diversity, Cohesion and Integration Impact Assessment which had been undertaken in respect of the New Vision and Strategic Plans.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030, City Priority Plan 2011 to 2015 and the Council Business Plan 2011 to 2015, as attached at appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed.

(b)  That Members of Full Council be recommended to approve the Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030, City Priority Plan 2011 to 2015 and the Council Business Plan 2011 to 2015 at their meeting on 13th July 2011.

(c)  That Members of Full Council be recommended to authorise Executive Board to make “in-year” amendments to these plans as may be necessary.

(d)  That the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) be authorised to complete the plans with any outstanding information prior to their submission for approval to Full Council on 13th July 2011.

(e)  That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Board in respect of the outcome based accountability approach being incorporated into the strategic planning and performance management arrangements. 

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

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing an update in respect of the improvement activities undertaken within Children’s Services.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing the Board with an update on the improvement activity that was continuing across children’s services in Leeds. The report particularly focussed upon the wider context, in view of a number of significant policy developments which had taken place, improvement and inspection activity and the Children’s Services Transformation Programme.

Members were provided with responses to enquiries raised regarding the replacement of the Electronic Social Care Recording system for Children’s Services.  

In response to enquiries, the Director of Children’s Services undertook to provide Members with a timetable detailing the proposed schedule for the roll out to a locality level of the outcomes based accountability methodology.  

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the submitted report be noted and that the continuing direction of travel across children’s services in Leeds along with the preparations being undertaken for a possible announced inspection during summer 2011 be supported.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services presenting to the Board for the purposes of endorsement and support, the final version of the Children and Young People’s Plan for the period 2011-2015.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report presenting the final version of the Children & Young People’s Plan (CYPP) and seeking  endorsement and support for the important statement of outcomes, priorities and indicators which had been agreed by all the Children Leeds partners as the framework for improving outcomes.

The report provided details of the Equality, Diversity, Cohesion and Integration Impact Assessment which had been undertaken in respect of the strategic planning approach and City Priority Plans. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Children and Young People’s Plan 2011-15, as attached at appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed and supported, subject to formal approval by full Council on 13July 2011.

(b)  That Executive Board Members contribute towards the delivery of the CYPP by using the CYPP 2011-15 as a key criterion in their scrutiny and evaluation of all issues relating to children and young people.

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

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

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

RESOLVED -  That the Statements of Purpose for both the Fostering and Adoption Services for Leeds City Council be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services proposing the  submission of the Stage 0 document to Partnerships for Schools in respect of the E-ACT Leeds East Academy, seeking the necessary authorities to spend in order to progress the initiative, whilst also proposing the disposal of Parklands Girls’ High School at nil consideration.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which sought approval to submit the Confirmation of Procurement Approval (Stage 0) Document to the Partnerships for Schools (PfS), for the injection of funding and ‘Authority to Spend’ for E-ACT Leeds East Academy (BSF Wave 1, Phase 5). In addition, the report also sought the relevant approvals in respect of the disposal of the leasehold interest of Parklands Girls’ High School at nil consideration.

Copies of the document entitled, ‘Confirmation of Procurement Approval for Subsequent Phases in a BSF Wave (Stage 0)’ had been provided to Board Members as part of their agenda packs.

The report advised that an Equality, Diversity, Cohesion and Integration Screening form had been completed for the project, which determined that it was not necessary to carry out a formal impact assessment.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the submission of the Stage 0 proposal to Partnerships for Schools be approved.

(b)  That the injection of £5,253,100 into scheme 16155 - E-ACT East Leeds Academy into the Council’s capital programme be approved, and that the Authority to Spend this additional funding also be approved.

(c)  That the disposal of the leasehold interest of Parklands Girls’ High School at nil consideration be approved.

(Councillors Gruen and Finnigan both declared personal interests in this item due to being members of Plans Panel (East))

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from Friends of Bramley Baths regarding the reduced hours at Bramley Baths.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 regarding the reduction of hours a Bramley Baths.

The report provided details of the outline Equality, Diversity, Cohesion and Integration Impact Assessment had been conducted.

RESOLVED -

a)  That the response to the deputation from the Friends of Bramley Baths be noted.

b)  That the process of advertising for expressions of interest in the Community Asset Transfer of this site, on the terms as described within the submitted report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from West Riding Track League outlining the league’s successes over the last 65 years and seeking Council support for the future of league and grass track racing on the historic track at Roundhay Park.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from the West Riding Track League highlighting the League’s success over the last 65 years, whilst also seeking Council support for the future of league and grass track racing on the historic  track at Roundhay Park.

The report provided details of the Equality Impact Assessment Screening Form which had been completed in respect of this matter.

RESOLVED - That the response detailed within the submitted report to the West Riding Track League’s deputation to Council of 6^th April 2011 be noted and endorsed.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development detailing the current position with regard to facilitating the installation of cremators with mercury filtration equipment at Rawdon crematorium, whilst also seeking approval to let the works contract and the incur the necessary expenditure to progress the matter.

Further to Minute No. 68, 25^th August 2011, the Acting Director of City Development submitted a report advising Members of the current position with regard to facilitating the installation of cremators with mercury filtration equipment at Rawdon crematorium and requesting that Members authorise the letting of the works contract and the incurring  of expenditure of £1,645,050, including fees from existing budget provision.

RESOLVED -

a)  That the works planned for Rawdon Crematorium be noted.

b)  That the award of the design and build contract in the sum of £1,445,050 be authorised.

c)  That authority to spend up to £1,645,050 on the scheme, including fees, be authorised.

To consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report inviting the Board to consider the recommendations of the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) following the Scrutiny Board’s consideration of issues relating to proposals regarding the closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre, Middleton Pool and the reduction in operating hours at Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre.

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

Copies of the report had been circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting for their consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) recommends that any proposals to reduce services should be fully consulted upon before the matter is referred to Executive Board for determination.

(b)  That it be noted that the former Scrutiny Board (City Development)  opposes the reduction in operating hours at Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre and the proposed Community Asset Transfer to the School Partnership Trust and the closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre and Middleton Pool.

To consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report inviting the Board to consider the recommendations of the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) following the conclusion of the Scrutiny Board’s inquiry entitled, ‘Review of Home Farm, Temple Newsam’.

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

Copies of the report and accompanying documents had been circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting for their consideration.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations of the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) and the directorate responses be noted, with a further report being submitted to a future meeting of the Board in order to further consider ways in which the operation of Home Farm can be developed in the future.

(Councillor Wakefield declared a personal interest in this item, as a member of Meanwood Valley Urban Farm)

To consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report inviting the Board to consider the recommendations of the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) following the Scrutiny Board’s consideration of issues relating to proposals regarding changes by the Arts Council and West Yorkshire Grants to their approach towards grant making.

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

Copies of the report and accompanying documents had been circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting for their consideration.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations of the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) and the directorate responses be noted.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from West Park Residents Association regarding the future use of the West Park Centre.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from the West Park Residents’ Association regarding the future use of the centre.

The report provided details of the  An Equality, Diversity, Cohesion and Integration impact assessment scheduled to be carried out as part of the options appraisal.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the response to the deputation from the West Park Residents’ Association be noted.

(b)  That officers be authorised to undertake an options appraisal in order to determine the future of the building and the future location of services currently provided on site, with the outcomes from the options appraisal being reported back to Executive Board with recommendations later in the year.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from Danoptra Limited regarding the draft Horsforth and Cragg Hill Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from Danoptra Ltd. regarding the draft Horsforth and Cragg Hill Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

RESOLVED - That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from Leeds Students’ Union  regarding houses of multiple occupation in Leeds.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council on 6^th April 2011 from Leeds Student Unions regarding the proposed Article 4 Direction affecting Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

RESOLVED –

(a)  That  the content of the submitted report which responds to issues raised by the Leeds Student Unions in relation to the proposed Article 4 Direction be noted.

(b)  That a report be submitted to a future meeting outlining the response to the Article 4 Direction consultation. 

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development providing an update on the outcome of an appeal relating to a substantial greenfield housing site at Grimes Dyke, East Leeds, and inviting the Board to consider any actions to be taken as a consequence of this decision by the Secretary of State.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the outcome of an appeal relating to a substantial greenfield housing site at Grimes Dyke, East Leeds. The report noted that the decision taken by the Secretary of State followed a series of similar cases determined by individual inspectors and invited consideration of the consequences arising from the decision in terms of the Council’s approach towards similar greenfield developments in the future.

Councillor A Carter emphasised the need to postpone the immediate release of all the Phase 2 and 3 housing allocations within the UDP, as recommended within the report, until after the outcomes from the related Inquiry undertaken by the Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) had been considered. 

Members highlighted the need for an all party lobbying exercise to be undertaken in order to relay the Council’s concerns in respect of this matter to the Minister for Housing and Local Government, with enquiries being made as to the possibility of involving other Local Authorities who were in a similar position.

Having highlighted the importance of maintaining the current balance between greenfield sites and urban settlements across the city, the Chief Executive highlighted the need for officers and Members to engage further with developers in order to move forward on this matter. 

RESOLVED -

(a)    That the outcome of the appeal at Grimes Dyke and the consequences for Council policy, as set out within the submitted report, be noted.

(b)    That the release of all the Phase 2 and 3 housing allocations in the UDP be agreed, subject to proposals coming forward being otherwise acceptable in planning terms.

(c)    That the withdrawal from the appeal on land at Whitehall Road, Drighlington, be agreed.

(d)    That approval be given to the Regional Spatial Strategy providing the basis for assessing the 5 year land supply pending the Core Strategy.

(e)    That the Prospectus, attached as Appendix A to the submitted report, be endorsed as the basis for informal consultation on the Core Strategy housing issues.

(f)    That Scrutiny Board (Regeneration) be invited to review and report on the population and household projection information that will underpin the Core Strategy, in addition to the land banking practices of developers, with such a review being undertaken as a matter of urgency in order to enable progress to be maintained according to the Core Strategy timetable, with the outcomes from the review being submitted to the Executive Board in due course.

(g)  That an all party lobbying exercise be undertaken in order to relay the Council’s concerns in respect of this matter to the Minister for  Housing and Local Government.

(The matters referred to in this minute were not eligible for Call In as there was a further, similar appeal case for which evidence was due, and it was important that the Council’s approach towards that case was established and confirmed at the earliest opportunity).

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development informing of the bid to the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund which has been prepared for West Yorkshire.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report providing details of the bid which had been prepared and submitted to the Department for Transport regarding the Local Sustainable Transport Fund project for West Yorkshire.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the preparation of funding bids for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and the submission of a Large Project bid made to the Government on 6th June 2011 be noted.

(b)  That the decision made by the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority Executive (Appointed Members) taken on 3rd June 2011 to approve the bid be noted.

(c)  That it be noted that the Council is a partner in a separate Thematic bid for travel to school, led and submitted by Sustrans in partnership with a consortium of local authorities.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development providing an update on the progress made in respect of the Elland Road Masterplan since its inclusion within the Informal Planning Statement for Elland Road which was adopted in 2007. The report also seeks approval of the revised Heads of Terms with the operator of the proposed ice rink on Elland Road, whilst also seeking an injection from the Capital Programme into the proposed realignment of Lowfields Road.

The appendix to this 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 the progress made in respect of the Elland Road Masterplan since its inclusion within the Informal Planning Statement for Elland Road, the acquisition of the Castle Family Trust land, developments regarding a potential park and ride facility and the sale of the former Greyhound Stadium. The report also sought approval of the revised Heads of Terms with the operator of the proposed ice rink on Elland Road, whilst also seeking an injection from the Capital Programme into the proposed realignment of Lowfields Road.

Following consideration of the Appendix 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 the continuing development of the Informal Planning Statement through the acquisition of the Castle Family land and the sale of the Greyhound Stadium to the West Yorkshire Police Authority for their new divisional headquarters be noted.

(b)  That the revised Heads of Terms and additional 6 month exclusivity period to the ice rink operator, as identified within the exempt appendix to the submitted report, be approved.

(c)  That approval be given to the injection of £500,000 from the Capital Programme as a contribution towards the implementation of the masterplan, allowing for the realignment of Lowfields Road on the terms identified within the exempt appendix to the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development providing details of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC), including the benefits of hosting the tournament. In addition, the report details the bidding process for potential Host Cities, whilst also seeking approval for the submission of a final bid and detailing the role of a consortium who will lead RLWC activity.

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report providing details of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) and the bidding process for potential Host Cities. In addition, the report sought approval for the submission of a final bid and provided details on the role of a consortium who would lead on RLWC activity.

Members thanked officers for the work which had been undertaken on this matter to date, given the restricted timescales involved.

The report provided details of the Equality, Diversity and Cohesion and Integration Impact Assessment (EDCI) which had been undertaken in respect of the bid process and of Leeds hosting the event.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

(b)  That approval be given for Leeds to submit a bid to be a Host City for the Rugby League World Cup 2013 on July 15^th 2011.

(c)  That the requirement for the consortium to take responsibility for the Rugby League World Cup bid and subsequent World Cup related activity be noted.

(d)  That approval be given for the consortium to progress contractual and commercial discussions with the Rugby Football League and for officers to report back to Executive Board with requirements once contractual and commercial details are known.

(The matters referred to in this minute were not eligible for Call In due to the imminent deadline for the submission of the final bid to become a Host City for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup) 

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development advising the Board of the submission to the Local Enterprise Partnership Board of the proposal for an Enterprise Zone in Leeds and welcoming the decision of the LEP Board; seeking endorsement to the approach taken and support for further work to deliver an Enterprise Zone in Aire Valley Leeds

The Acting Director of City Development submitted a report advising of the submission to the Local Enterprise Partnership Board of the proposal for an Enterprise Zone in Leeds, welcoming the subsequent decision of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board and seeking endorsement to the approach taken and support for the further work required to deliver an Enterprise Zone in Aire Valley Leeds.

Copies of the report and accompanying documents had been circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting for their consideration.

The Board emphasised the significance of the Enterprise Zone as a catalyst for growth throughout the whole of the Leeds City Region (LCR). In addition, Members highlighted the need to support each partner Local Authority within the LCR to help them deliver their strategic priorities, as this would be to the benefit of the whole of the region and underlined the important role that the Local Enterprise Partnership would play in this process.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the recommendation of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board be welcomed and that the further development of the Aire Valley Leeds Enterprise Zone proposal for submission to Government be agreed.

(b)  That the preparation of a Local Development Order be agreed, with the details of which being reported to Executive Board for approval.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods proposing a financial model which would allow Leeds City Council to consider unsupported borrowing to provide equity loans to vulnerable households.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report outlining proposals regarding a financial model which would enable Leeds City Council to deliver unsupported borrowing for the provision of equity loans to vulnerable households.

The report provided details of the Equality, Diversity and Community Cohesion Impact (EDCI) screening form which had been completed in respect of this matter.

RESOLVED -  That approval be given to the proposal to introduce an equity release loans scheme for vulnerable home owners, funded through unsupported borrowing, with the redeemed Leeds Loans used to subsidise costs, up to a limit of £500,000 per annum based upon the model set out within the submitted report for up to the next 4 years, subject to annual review of the scheme, in order to minimise the risk to the Council.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods regarding an initiative aimed at combating levels of burglary in Leeds.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an overview of the burglary problem in Leeds and outlining the key drivers in relation to this offence. In addition, the report sought agreement to the Leeds Burglary Reduction Strategy and approval to the allocation of £1,326,000 made available through the Community Safety Fund to support the delivery of the Leeds Burglary Reduction Programme.

In response to Members’ enquiries, officers undertook to provide Board Members with the burglary statistics broken down by Ward.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Leeds Burglary Reduction Strategy be agreed.

(b)  That the allocation of £1,326,000 of resources made available through the Community Safety Fund to support the delivery of the Leeds Burglary Reduction Programme be approved.

(c)  That  the annual funding allocations currently assigned to the Community Safety Fund for 2011/12 and 2012/13 be amended to make this more evenly split across the two financial years and aligned to the Burglary Reduction Programme, as outlined within section 5 of the submitted report.

(d)  That a further report on the progress made to reduce domestic burglary be submitted  to the Board in one year (June 2012).

To consider the report of the Director of Environments and Neighbourhoods.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing the Board of the progress made to date on the Little London and Beeston Hill and Holbeck PFI Housing Project, whilst focussing upon the status of the project in relation to the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Value for Money assessment of the programme and the remaining approval processes and likely timetable.

Copies of the report and accompanying documents had been circulated to Board Members prior to the meeting for their consideration.

RESOLVED -

(a)   That the contents of the submitted report be noted.

(b)  That the positive outcome for the project with regard to the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Value for Money review be noted.

(c)  That the impact of delays on the project and the likely programme to the financial close be noted.

(d)  That a further, more detailed report be submitted to the Board on 27^th July 2011 in order to confirm the final proposed scope and affordability of the project for further approval by the Government.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  24^TH JUNE 2011

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  1^ST JULY 2011 (5.00 P.M.)

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on 4^th July 2011)