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 the 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 1 and Annex 1 to the report referred to in Minute No. 66 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the publication of the documentation could prejudice the City Council’s commercial interests as, Appendix 1, and the Final Business Case include matters where final negotiations on the contract are not yet complete, and these negotiations are confidential between the City Council, the LEP and the E4L Consortium. In addition, both the Appendix and the Final Business Case contain sensitive commercial information supplied to the City Council by E4L. In such circumstances it is considered that the public interest in not disclosing this commercial information outweighs the interests of disclosure.

(b)  Appendix 2 to the report referred to in Minute No. 68 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(5) on the grounds that it contains information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings. In addition, Appendix 3 to the report referred to in the same minute is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3) on the grounds that it contains financial information relating to individual homes.  The information in both appendices is exempt if, and for so long as in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

(c)  Appendix 1 to the report referred to in Minute No. 73 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3) on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person or company (including the authority holding that information) which may result in prejudicial trading of that company. It is considered not to be in the public interest to release such information at this time, as this would compromise the Council’s position.

(d)  Appendix 1 to the report referred to in Minute No. 79 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(2) and 10.4(3), as it contains information, which if disclosed to the public would, or would be likely to lead to the identification of an individual or individuals.  In addition to the fact that the terms of the disposals are subject to further negotiation and publication may prejudice those negotiations and the commercial confidentiality of financial information held by the Council and Unipol. In addition, Appendix 2 to the report referred to in the same minute is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3) on the grounds that it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

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

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

There were no late items as such, however, it was noted that the following supplementary information had been circulated to Board Members following the despatch of the agenda:

(a)  A Statement by the Scrutiny Board (Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care) which accompanied the report entitled, ‘Better Lives for Older People: Future Options for Long Term Residential and Day Care Services’ (Minute No. 67 refers).

(b)  Additional correspondence which was designated as exempt under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(1) and (2), accompanying the report entitled, ‘Public Reports of the Local Government Ombudsman regarding Complaints’ (Minute No. 83 refers).

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 Gruen and Finnigan both declared personal interests in the item entitled, ‘E-ACT Leeds East Academy Final Business Case’, due to being members of Plans Panel (East), as the Panel was scheduled to formally consider the matter of full planning approval for the development later in the year (Minute No. 84 refers).

The Chief Executive declared a personal interest in the item entitled, ‘Building Intelligence Capacity for the City and the City Region’, due to being a former employee of Yorkshire Forward (Minute No. 70 refers).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th July 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th July 2011 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services in response to the deputation to Council on the 13^th July 2011 from Tenfold, the Leeds Learning Disability Forum regarding people with learning disabilities who live in Leeds.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report responding to the deputation to Council on the 13^th July 2011 from Tenfold, the Leeds Voluntary Sector Learning Disabilities Forum, regarding people with learning disabilities living in Leeds and also in respect of the ‘Council Takeover Day’ which the group undertook in January 2011. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the positive impact that the ‘Council Takeover Day’ had on people with learning disabilities living in Leeds be noted.

(b)  That agreement be given to support a similar event to be held in the autumn of 2011 and thereafter on an annual basis.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services outlining the progress made in relation to the transformation of day services for adults with learning disabilities whilst seeking approval to implement the next phase of activity.

Further to Minute No. 113, 3^rd November 2010, the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report outlining the progress made to date in respect of the day services transformation and changing places programme, whilst also seeking approval to implement the next phase of activity. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Having received reassurances in response to the enquiries which had been raised during the course of the discussion, Members emphasised their support for the proposals detailed within the report.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, together with the progress which has been made to date in the day services transformation and changing places programme, be noted.

(b)  That in relation to West North West Leeds, approval be given to the proposals which will by June 2012 lead to Horsforth Fulfilling Lives Centre becoming surplus to requirements through the creation of new community fulfilling lives service bases and the refurbishment of Bramley Fulfilling Lives centre, as detailed within the submitted report.

(c)  That in relation to Wetherby, the Board’s endorsement be given to further work being undertaken in Wetherby in order to develop a proposal in consultation with stakeholders, with this proposal forming the basis of a further report to Executive Board in due course.

(d)  That in relation to South South East Leeds, the proposed investment into the Rothwell Fulfilling Lives West building be noted, which will allow Adult Social Care to complete the transformation of services in the South and by April 2013 lead to West Ardsley Fulfilling Lives Centre and Rothwell Fulfilling Lives East building becoming surplus to requirements.

(e)  That an injection of £1,332,000 into the capital programme be approved to facilitate the delivery of the remaining asset requirements within the strategy, funded by the ring-fencing of future capital receipts, as identified within the submitted report.

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Adult Social Services providing an update on the progress of the procurement via the Local Education Partnership (LEP) of the Holt Park Wellbeing Centre. In addition, the report seeks confirmation and approval of the final scope of the project, the maximum affordability position for the City Council and the process which will facilitate the project’s Commercial and Financial Close.

Appendix 1 and Annex 1 to this report are designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

Further to Minute No. 15, 22^nd June 2010, the Director of City Development and the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a joint report providing an update on the progress of the procurement via the Local Education Partnership (LEP) of the Holt Park Wellbeing Centre. In addition, the report sought confirmation and approval of the final scope of the project, the maximum affordability position for the City Council and the process which would facilitate the project’s Commercial and Financial Close. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members received reassurance in respect of the provision of dedicated accommodation for young people as part of the proposed development. 

The Director of Adult Social Services highlighted that there were several minor drafting errors within the report’s recommendations which would be corrected via the formal minutes of the meeting.

The Board requested that correspondence was forwarded on behalf of the Council to Greg Mulholland MP in respect of the development.

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

RESOLVED –

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

(b)   That the final scope of the Holt Park Wellbeing Centre Project (Project), as set out within the submitted report be confirmed and noted.

(c)  That the financial implications for the Council of entering into the Project be approved, and that agreement be given to the maximum affordability ceiling for the Leeds City Council contribution in relation to the PFI of £484,000 in the first full year of service commencement (2014/15), as set out within exempt Appendix 1 of the submitted report, but subject to resolution (e) below, should the SWAP rate exceed 5.00%.

(d)  (Noting that financial close cannot take place until and unless the Government confirms the availability of PFI Credits and the FBC approval), that approval be given to the arrangements to Financial Close and the implementation of the Project to include (but not by way of limitation) the award/entry into a PFI Project Agreement to a special purpose company to be established under terms agreed between the City Council and the Leeds Local Education Partnership (LEP), and

in connection therewith, confirmation be given to the arrangements at paragraph 4.8.5 of the submitted report, and that (for the avoidance of doubt) the necessary authority be delegated for the functions, as set out at Part 3 section 3E of the Constitution (Officer Delegation Scheme (Executive Functions)) in relation to Public Private Partnerships/Private Finance Initiative and other Major Property and Infrastructure Related projects, to be exercised in relation to this Project by the Director of City Development (or delegee) in consultation with the Director of Adult Social Services (or delegee).

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development or his nominee to approve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services on the extensive consultation exercise that has been undertaken in relation to proposals for a number of residential care homes and day centres for older people, advising of the outcomes from the consultation and detailing a number of recommendations for either closure or retention of each unit. 

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report on the extensive consultation exercise that had been undertaken in relation to proposals regarding a number of residential care homes and day centres for older people. The report advised of the outcomes from the consultation exercise and detailed a number of recommendations for either closure or retention of each unit. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Following the introduction of the report, a detailed discussion ensued, with several specific enquiries and suggestions being made regarding a number of homes affected by the proposals. In summary, the main points of discussion were as follows:-

• Concerns were raised in respect of the caveats which accompanied some of the proposals, specifically with regard to NHS funding arrangements, with a request that Board Members were kept informed of any developments which occurred in respect of such NHS funding arrangements.
• Clarification was sought on the provision of independent sector beds in respect of specific homes and the criteria used to generate the data, as detailed within the report
• Emphasis was placed upon the need for residents to be allocated accommodation of their choice, prior to their movement and upon the need for residential and day care services provision to be based upon a mixed economy model and not solely via the private sector.
• Members discussed the proposed Community Asset Transfer of one of the homes in question and highlighted the role of Ward Members in this process, acknowledged the varying standard of provision which currently existed in the city and emphasised the need to ensure that the level of care for all was raised throughout Leeds.

Responses and assurances were provided to those representations which had been received following the publication of the agenda papers and also to those concerns which had been raised by Members during the discussion. It was emphasised that residents would be allocated accommodation of their choice prior to their movement, that the standards of care for all needed to be raised across the city and that all actions taken in respect of the proposals would be in line with the ‘Care Guarantee’, as appended to the report.

Specific emphasis was upon the commitment made during the discussion that residents would not be moved until it was confirmed that they were happy with the alternative accommodation proposed.

Copies of the documents accompanying the submitted report, namely, the Consultation Report and the Equality Impact Assessment, which framed the recommendations within the report, had been included within the agenda papers, whilst a statement of the Scrutiny Board (Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care) responding to the proposals contained within the report was tabled at the meeting for Members’ consideration.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the very extensive and wide ranging consultation exercise undertaken be noted, and that all contributors be thanked for their thoughtful and helpful comments which have informed the recommended outcomes.

(b)  That the commitment and process which will be followed to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services providing information on the current position in achieving procurement efficiency targets in respect of fees paid to Leeds independent sector residential and nursing care homes, detailing issues that have arisen since the original budget setting process for 2011/12 was concluded, and recommending ways forward in seeking to drive forward efficiency, service modernisation and quality in this sector.

Appendix 2 to the report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(5) and Appendix 3 is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report providing information on the current position in achieving procurement efficiency targets in respect of fees paid to Leeds independent sector residential and nursing care homes, detailing issues that had arisen since the original budget setting process for 2011/12 was concluded, and recommending ways forward in seeking to progress efficiency, service modernisation and quality in the sector. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members received information regarding the circumstances which had led to the current position.

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

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the difficulties in achieving the targeted procurement efficiencies in fees paid to independent sector providers to support publicly funded residents of residential and nursing care homes for older people in Leeds be noted.

(b)  That the immediate commencement of a negotiated implementation of a revised temporary fee structure for publicly funded residents taking up placements in Leeds homes from October 1^st this year be approved.

(c)  That the content of exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report be noted, which sets out the indicative level of temporary fees that will be negotiated with Independent sector providers following the adoption of  resolution (b) above.

(d)  That the inflationary payment standstill, initiated in April 2010, be confirmed.

(e)  That the establishment by the Director of Adult Social Services of an advisory board to include representatives of all groups with a direct interest in commissioning, providing and receiving sustainable high quality care for older people, be approved.

(f)  That the advisory board membership, as referred to in resolution (e) above, be agreed with the Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Services.

(g)  That approval be given to the negotiation of the terms of reference for the board established at resolutions (e) and (f) above, which will include:-

(i) that the Board be given the primary remit of bringing forward a long term sustainable fee settlement framework which incorporates the development of a quality framework linked to the fee settlement;

(ii) whilst also including proposals to deal with the issue of sector inflation against a background of reducing Council funding in the medium term, to ensure that any equality issues arising out of its work are assessed and addressed; and

(iii) to examine, with reference to best practice examples elsewhere in the country, the means by which quality standards could be embedded within the overall fee settlement framework.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services providing an update on the changes to the NHS following the publication of Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS and, in particular, outlining the progress made to establish a shadow Health and Wellbeing Board for Leeds. In addition, the report also highlights the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) since 2010 and the emerging themes, whilst outlining the future central role of the JSNA within the new Health and Wellbeing Boards and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report providing an update on the changes to the NHS following the publication of Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS and, in particular, outlining the progress made to establish a shadow Health and Wellbeing Board for Leeds. In addition, the report also highlighted the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) since 2010 and the emerging themes, whilst outlining the future central role of the JSNA within the new Health and Wellbeing Boards and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

The Executive Member for Adult Health and Social Care clarified that in respect of the proposed membership for the Shadow Board, this would include the opposition group Leaders, or their representatives.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the progress which has been made in developing a shadow Health and Wellbeing Board for Leeds be noted.

(b)   That the recent clarification of public health functions to be transferred to the Local Authority be noted along with the intention to submit further reports on issues and implications once further information is known.

(c)  That the progress which has been made in delivering the work programme identified in the first JSNA report in April 2009 be noted along with the implications of the new role of the JSNA as central to the new commissioning structures.

(d)    That it be noted that a further update on the JSNA will be published in the autumn as part of the State of the City report.

(e)   That the ongoing refinement of the priorities and indicators within the City Priority Plan, following NHS Leeds Board, partnership and scrutiny contributions, be agreed.

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) outlining the rationale underpinning the proposal to transfer Yorkshire Forward’s Chief Economists Unit to the Council, detailing the actions being taken to secure an appropriate operating and funding model, whilst seeking formal agreement to transfer the Chief Economists Unit to the Council, effective from 1st November 2011.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report outlining the rationale underpinning the proposal to transfer Yorkshire Forward’s Chief Economists Unit to the Council, detailing the actions being taken to secure an appropriate operating and funding model, whilst seeking formal agreement to transfer the Chief Economists Unit to the Council from 1st November 2011. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Emphasis was placed both upon the importance of possessing high quality intelligence in order to inform the Council’s strategic and operational planning and also upon the opportunities that this initiative would offer the Council and others.

In response to Members’ comments that this initiative needed to be self financing, assurances were received that it was anticipated that this would be the case and that a further report would be submitted to the Board in March 2012, in respect of such matters.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the rationale underpinning the proposal to transfer Yorkshire Forward’s Chief Economists Unit to the Council be noted.

(b)  That the actions being taken to secure an appropriate operating and funding model which will fully mitigate the financial impact on the Council be noted.

(c)  That the transfer of the Chief Economists Unit to the Council, subject to satisfactory consultation with the trade unions, effective from 1st November 2011, be formally agreed.

(d)  That a further report be submitted to the Board in March 2012 in respect of the initiative.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources setting out the authority’s projected financial health position for 2011/12, after four months of the financial year.

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the authority’s projected financial health position, after four months of the 2011/2012 financial year. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

The Board received an update in respect of income generation from events and in response to a specific enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with a breakdown of the financial details regarding the projected shortfall in respect of car parking income.

Enquiries were made regarding the Council’s attempts to recruit greater numbers of foster carers in Leeds and it was proposed that a further report was submitted to the Board on this matter in due course.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the authority after four months of the 2011/12 financial year be noted.

(b)  That the release of £800,000 from Housing Revenue Account reserves be approved in order to fund the remaining acquisition and demolition costs as outlined in paragraph 3.4 of the submitted report.

(c)  That approval be given to the budget adjustments, as detailed within paragraph 3.5 of the submitted report.

(d)  That a report be submitted to the Board in due course, regarding the Council’s attempts to recruit greater numbers of foster carers in Leeds.

To receive a report of the Director of Resources presenting the Sex Establishment Statement of Licensing Policy for formal adoption ready for the start of the transitional period on 1st October 2011, whilst also presenting the related Working Group report for approval as the Council’s response to the public consultation on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy.

The Director of Resources submitted a report presenting the Sex Establishment Statement of Licensing Policy for the purposes of formal adoption, ready for the start of the transitional period on 1st October 2011, whilst also presenting the related Working Group report for approval as the Council’s response to the public consultation on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Copies of the Sex Establishment Statement of Licensing Policy, together with the report of the Working Group had been circulated to Board Members for their consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report of the Working Group be endorsed as the Council’s response to the public consultation on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy.

(b)  That the Sex Establishment Statement of Licensing Policy be approved.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Resources and the Director of City Development seeking approval of a funded injection into the Capital Programme and the related Authority to Spend, in respect of the move and upgrade of the Urban Traffic Management Control Unit.

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

The Director of Resources and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report seeking approval of a funded injection into the Capital Programme and the related authority to spend, in respect of the move and upgrade of the Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) Unit. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

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 an injection into the capital programme of £2,321,000 be approved, of which £716,000 is allocated from the Changing the Workplace Programme, £244,200 is contributed by Calderdale Council, with the balance of £1,360,800 being the subject of a prudential borrowing business case, and funded by annual revenue savings accruing from the project.

(b)  That authority to spend the amount of £2,480,000 on the relocation of UTMC and provision of upgraded and new UTMC infrastructure be approved.

(c)  That by giving the authority to spend as detailed at resolution (b) above, it be noted that the Board are committing £716,000 to complete the UTMC relocation, in advance of the formal consideration of the Changing the Workplace business case later in the year. 

To consider the report of the Director of City Development in response to the deputation to Council on 13^th July 2011 from Carr Manor Road Safety Group regarding road safety issues in the Carr Manor area.

The Director of City Development submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council on 13^th July 2011 from Carr Manor Road Safety Group regarding road safety issues in the Carr Manor area. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the concerns of the local residents, as raised within the deputation to Council on the 13^th July 2011 be acknowledged and recognised.

(b)  That it be noted that the approval of the proposal for additional primary provision does not presuppose the outcome of the planning application.

(c)  That as part of any planning application submission for new primary provision, road safety issues of concern be addressed as part of the transport statement

To receive a report of the Director of City Development seeking approval for the submission of the Best and Final Bid for the A58M Leeds Inner Ring Road Highways Structures Essential Maintenance Scheme to the Department for Transport by 9th September 2011, whilst alsoseeking agreement on the level of local contributions needed to ensure that the scheme has the best possible chance of securing government funding.

The Director of City Development submitted a report seeking approval for the submission of the Best and Final Bid for the A58M Leeds Inner Ring Road Highways Structures Essential Maintenance Scheme to the Department for Transport by 9th September 2011, whilst alsoseeking agreement on the level of local contributions needed to ensure that the scheme had the best possible chance of securing government funding. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the submission of the Best and Final Bid for the A58M Inner Ring Road Highways Structures Essential Maintenance Scheme to the Department for Transport by 9^th September 2011 be approved.

(b)  That the local contribution to the scheme of £3,000,000 be agreed and that approval be given to the injection of this funding into the Inner Ring Road scheme within the approved capital programme.

(The matters referred to in this minute, were not eligible for Call In due to the external deadline set by the Department for Transport for the submission of Best and Final Bids, which if not met, would have negative implications upon the funding of the scheme)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to introduce an informal interim policy to deal with commuter car parking sites in the city centre.

The Director of City Development submitted a report seeking approval to introduce an informal interim policy to deal with commuter car parking sites in the city centre. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members discussed the process and the timescales by which the informal interim policy had been developed, in addition to the level of cap on spaces which had been proposed.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the City Centre Commuter Car Parking Policy, as set out within Appendix A to the submitted report be approved as a material consideration in planning decisions.

(b)  That as a temporary policy, officers be requested to monitor the impact of the policy in the context of public transport improvements and development in the city centre.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) in response to the deputation to Council on 13^th July 2011 from the Lingfields and Fir Trees Residents Group regarding resources in the Moor Allerton area with particular reference to the Open House Community Centre.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report in response to the deputation to Council on 13^th July 2011 from the Lingfields and Fir Trees Residents Group regarding resources in the Moor Allerton area with particular reference to the Open House Community Centre. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

It was noted that local Ward Members had been involved in the drafting of the report and that further consultation would be had with them in due course.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the Area Leader, East North East Leeds, in consultation with the relevant Ward Members, develop an interim package to ensure the continued operation of the Open House community centre until end of March 2012.

(b)  That the options for the future, long term management arrangements for the Open House community centre be explored, involving and including a consultation with local residents.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an overview of progress being made to develop more joined-up working arrangements between locality based services and PCSOs.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an overview of the progress which was being made to develop more joined-up working arrangements between locality based City Council services and Police Community Safety Officers (PCSOs). In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Superintendent Simon Whitehead, Chief Officer Leeds Community Safety, was in attendance at the meeting to respond to Members’ enquiries.

Members highlighted the vital role played by PCSOs in respect of combating crime of all levels and regarding information gathering, whilst also emphasising the role played by PCSOs in other areas such as the children’s agenda. In addition, the superintendent stressed the vital nature of the cross partnership approach which was needed to effectively combat crime in the city.

In response to Members’ enquiries, the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Regeneration undertook to progress the formalisation of the joint protocols between the Council and West Yorkshire Police in respect of PCSOs.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the progress which has been made to develop more joined up working within localities between Leeds City Council services and Police Community Safety Officers be noted.

(b)  That a report be tailored for each Area Committee on Police Community Safety Officers and the proposed areas of closer working for local environmental priorities.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods setting out a proposal for Unipol Student Homes (Unipol) to lease 73 council properties and purchase 15 of these properties from the Council over a 4 year period.

Appendix 1 to the report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rules 10.4(2) and 10.4(3), whilst appendix 2 is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report presenting a proposal for Unipol Student Homes to lease 73 Council properties and purchase 15 of such properties from the Council over a 4 year period. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

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

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the granting of a 21 year lease at less than best consideration for 73 properties to Unipol be approved. 

(b)  That the sale of 15 of the properties referred to in resolution (a) to Unipol Student Homes on an individual market value basis over the next 4 years be approved, the first of such properties has been declared surplus by the Director of Environments & Neighbourhoods. 

(c)  That approval be given for the Director of Environments and Neighbourhoods to authorise future surplus declarations for those properties identified to be sold, through the Delegated Decision process. 

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an up-to-date picture of the claimant rates for out of work benefits and achievements under current programmes to support priority groups back into employment, summarising the Government’s revised delivery framework of employment support activity and the changes required in local provision to more effectively align this with national programmes, whilst also identifying key initiatives to be taken forward by the Council in partnership with others to respond to business needs, support recovery and growth and maximise opportunities for local people to secure employment.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an update on current claimant rates for out of work benefits, detailing the progress achieved under current programmes to support priority groups back into employment, summarising the Government’s revised delivery framework of employment support activity and the resultant changes required in local provision. In addition, the report also identified key initiatives proposed to be taken forward by the Council in partnership with others in response to business needs, whilst also supporting recovery and growth and maximising opportunities for local people to secure employment. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members emphasised the need for a partnership approach to be taken between participating companies, agencies and the Council, in order to ensure that the apprenticeship opportunities provided were in line with demand.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the activity undertaken to date to support local people to improve their skills and secure employment be noted.

(b)  That in principle support be given to the proposals to develop an Apprenticeship Training Agency and further develop the Retail Academy in order to provide a national centre of excellence, subject to the consideration of further detailed feasibility and delivery plans. 

Following the high levels of attainment which had been achieved in the examination results over the summer, the Executive Member for Children’s Services paid tribute to and congratulated all of the students and staff involved.

To receive a report of the Director of Children’s Services reporting on the outcome of statutory notices for the expansion of primary provision in 2012 (Roundhay School) and seeking a final decision on the proposal.

Further to Minute No.226, 18^th May 2011, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report detailing the outcomes arising from the publication of the statutory notices regarding the expansion of primary provision in 2012 and sought a final decision on the proposal in respect of Roundhay School Technology and Language College. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED - That the age range of Roundhay School Technology and Language College be changed from 11-18 to 4-18 years, with a reception admission limit of 60, and with the expansion of the school’s capacity using land off Elmete Lane for the primary provision.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services informing Members of a recent finding of maladministration with injustice in three reports issued by the Local Government Ombudsman.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing details of a recent finding of maladministration with injustice in three reports issued by the Local Government Ombudsman. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

In presenting the report, the Chair and the Board conveyed their unreserved apologies for the service which the children involved and their families had received. In addition, tribute was paid to the families for their resilience and determination throughout the process. The Director of Children’s Services also took the opportunity to outline the actions which had been and continued to be taken to ensure that such instances of maladministration did not occur again.

Following consideration of the supplementary information tabled at the meeting, designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(1) and (2), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the covering report along with the three Ombudsman reports be noted.

(b)  That the actions taken by the Council to remedy the issues raised be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services presenting the Final Business Case for the E-ACT Leeds East Academy for the purposes of approval and submission to the Partnerships for Schools.

Further to Minute No. 12, 22^nd June 2011, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report presenting the Final Business Case for the E-ACT Leeds East Academy for the purposes of approval and submission to the Partnerships for Schools. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED - That the submission of the Final Business Case to the Partnerships for Schools (PfS) for E-ACT Leeds East Academy (BSF Wave 1, Phase 5) be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development considering the recommendations arising from the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) inquiry into ‘Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance’ and setting out proposals in the light of recommendations made, with particular reference to recommendation 2 of the inquiry report.

Further to Minute No. 232, 18^th May 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report further considering the recommendations arising from the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) inquiry into ‘Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance’ and detailing proposals in response to the recommendations made, with particular reference to recommendation 2 of the inquiry report. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED - That the report be withdrawn from the agenda, with a further report being submitted for consideration in due course.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   9^TH SEPTEMBER 2011

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  16^TH SEPTEMBER 2011  (5.00 P.M.)

(Scrutiny support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00 p.m. on 19^th September 2011)