Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds

Contact: Governance Services 

Media

Items
No. Item

110.

Substitute Member

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Under the provisions of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, Councillor B Anderson was invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillor A Carter, who had submitted his apologies for absence from the meeting.

111.

Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt 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 entitled, ‘Supporting the Delivery of Housing Mix: Outcome of Marketing of Council Owned Sites’, referred to in Minute No. 122 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it relates to the financial or business affairs of a particular person, and of the Council. This information is not publicly available from the statutory registers of information kept in respect of certain companies and charities. It is considered that since this information was obtained through the inviting of best and final offers for the property/land then it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time as this could lead to random competing bids which would undermine this method of inviting bids and affect the integrity of disposing of property/land by this process.

 

It is also considered that the release of such information would or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to other similar transactions in that prospective purchasers of other similar properties would have access to information about the nature and level of offers which may prove acceptable to the Council. It is considered that whilst there may be a public interest in disclosure, much of this information will be publicly available from the Land Registry following completion of this transaction and consequently the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time.

 

(b)  Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Design and Cost Report for the Acquisition of a Property for the Council’s Investment Portfolio’, referred to in Minute No. 123 is designated as exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular organisation and of the Council. The property has been offered to the Council to acquire on a one to one basis off the market, rather than being put to the open market. It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of the appendix as exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information due to the impact that disclosing the information would have upon the Council and third parties.

 

 

112.

Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

 

113.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 96 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 16th November 2016

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16th November 2016 be approved as a correct record.

HEALTH, WELLBEING AND ADULTS

Additional documents:

114.

Time to Shine Project pdf icon PDF 270 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of Adult Social Services and the Director of Public Health providing details on the ‘Time to Shine’ project and the progress which has been made in tackling social isolation and loneliness in Leeds. The report describes the work undertaken since the last report to Executive Board in December 2015 and the impact it has had so far.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 102, 16th December 2015, the Director of Adult Social Services and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report providing details on the ‘Time to Shine’ project and the progress which had been made in tackling social isolation and loneliness in Leeds. The report also described the work which had been undertaken since the previous update report and the impact that it has had so far.

 

In considering this item, the Board received a presentation entitled, ‘Time to Shine: Leeds Community Connect: The Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Approach’ and viewed a short film entitled, ‘Loneliness and Me’.  As part of this presentation, the Board also received further information from Bill Rollinson, Chair of Leeds Older People’s Forum; Sharon Middling, of Community Connect at Rural Action Yorkshire and Jude Woods of Sage at Yorkshire MESMAC on the role that their respective organisations, as delivery partners, were playing in tackling social isolation and loneliness in Leeds as part of the Time to Shine programme.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the actions being taken to monitor and evaluate the outcomes from the schemes involved in the programme, and how that data was being utilised for the purposes of future provision. Officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further information, if required.

 

Emphasis was also placed on the importance of Community Committees’ continued involvement in this field at a local level, whilst also noting some examples of such involvement, as detailed within the submitted report.

 

Members also discussed the potential for widening the scope of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, and considered how such innovative approaches could become more established. Officers also provided further information on the extent to which the funding received for the Time to Shine programme had attracted further investment into this area of work.

 

In conclusion, the Chair thanked those present, together with all those involved in the programme for the valuable work they undertook. The Chair also highlighted the huge potential of the programme and emphasised how tacking social isolation and loneliness continued to be a key priority for the Council.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the submitted report, together with the presentations and film,  updating the Board on the progress of the project, be noted;

 

(b)  That the progress made in the development and delivery of the ‘Time to Shine’ project, be welcomed;

 

(c)  That the positive impact that the work on tackling loneliness and social isolation will have, together with the contribution it will make towards the breakthrough project ‘Making Leeds the Best City to Grow Old In’, be recognised;

 

(d)  That the excellent work of the Leeds Older People’s Forum in leading the project be commended;

 

(e)  That it be noted that the lead officers responsible for ensuring updates are brought are the Consultant in Public Health (Older People) and the Interim Chief Officer Commissioning, Adult Social Care;

 

(f)  That the added value and impact that this area of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITY

Additional documents:

115.

West Yorkshire Area Based Review of Post 16 Education and Training pdf icon PDF 145 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing the background to the national framework and process of Area Based Reviews of Post 16 education and training. The report also provides information on the recommendations arising from the West Yorkshire Area Based Review, in particular the recommendations that relate to Leeds based providers. 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing the background to the national framework and process of Area Based Reviews for

Post 16 education and training. In addition, the report also presented information on the recommendations arising from the West Yorkshire Area Based Review, with particular reference to the recommendations that relate to Leeds based providers.

 

In considering the report, Members noted the limited scope of the review which had taken place, and highlighted the need to continue the collaborative working at a local level in order to further develop a place based approach towards post 16 education and training, with the aim of ensuring that such provision was as effective as possible.

 

RESOLVED –That the outcome of the West Yorkshire Area Based Review of Post 16 education and training be noted.

RESOURCES AND STRATEGY

Additional documents:

116.

Financial Health Monitoring 2016/17 - Month 7 pdf icon PDF 488 KB

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which sets out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2016/17 as at month 7.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report setting out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2016/17 as at month 7 of the financial year. The report also reviewed the position of the budget and highlighted any potential risks and variations after 7 months of the year.

 

RESOLVED –That the Council’s projected financial position for 2016/17, at month 7 of the financial year, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted.

117.

Safeguarding in Taxi & Private Hire Licensing - 12 month review of progress to December 2016 pdf icon PDF 156 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) on the progress of safeguarding policies and improvements that have been implemented in the preceding two years and how the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing service contributes to public safety generally.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 109, 16th December 2015, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report outlining the progress which had been made in respect of safeguarding policies and improvements in the area of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing, and highlighted how this service was contributing towards public safety generally.

 

The Board received an update upon the work which continued to be undertaken at a West Yorkshire level in order to improve safeguarding arrangements in the field of taxi and private hire licensing. Also, responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, the Board received further information on the actions being taken to work collaboratively with Local Authorities outside of the West Yorkshire boundary on such matters, and the progress which had been made as a result.

 

Members were provided with assurances around the consistency of approach taken in respect of driver checking processes, whilst the Board was also provided with further information and assurances on the actions which had been taken since the submission of the last update report in order to ensure that improved mechanisms had been put in place around Police disclosure of information.

 

In conclusion, the Board noted that the issue of safeguarding, together with ensuring the highest standards in terms of licensing remained a key priority of the Council, with emphasis being placed upon the robust and cross-party approach which was taken by the Licensing Committee in dealing with such matters.

 

RESOLVED – That the direction which the relevant officers and Members of Licensing Committeehave taken, be noted and endorsed, together with the progress which has been made towards beneficial safety improvements for safeguarding in the area of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing.

 

118.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Performance and Assurance Report pdf icon PDF 296 KB

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which provides a review in terms of the Council’s performance in 2015/16 on health, safety and wellbeing matters. The report details the improvements that have been made and also provides information on the challenges ahead.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which provided a review on the Council’s performance throughout 2015/16 with regard to health, safety and wellbeing matters. In addition, the report detailed the improvements that had been made during this period and also highlighted priorities, together with any potential future challenges.

 

Emphasis was placed upon the importance of this area of work, whilst Members noted a number of key priorities for the coming year.

 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report be noted, with the recognition that a sensible approach towards the management of health and safety risk will continue to be applied.

 

119.

Vision for Leisure and Wellbeing Centres 2016 pdf icon PDF 253 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development outlining the current challenges in terms of investment in leisure centres and proposing a revised “Vision for Leisure and Wellbeing Centres” for 2016 onwards. Given the direct correlation between the quality of existing leisure centre buildings and the ability of the service to attract and retain customers (and therefore income), the report addresses the remaining investment challenges within the context of strategic supply and demand, whilst simultaneously establishing the framework upon which the services’ future revenue budget can be set.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report outlining the current challenges faced in terms of investment in leisure centres and proposed a revised “Vision for Leisure and Wellbeing Centres” for 2016 onwards, which together with an accompanying set of proposals, aimed to take the service forward by meeting wider Council outcomes, meeting austerity challenges whilst also responding to future demands.

 

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Resources and Strategy proposed the establishment of a cross-party working group in order to ensure that moving forward all political groups were involved in the development of the vision.

 

Members welcomed the proposals detailed, and discussed the nature of the fitness market, and the future role that the Council could play in that market.

 

In conclusion, the Chair took the opportunity to pay tribute to the City of Leeds Diving Club based at the Council’s John Charles Centre for Sport, highlighting the extraordinary sporting success and recognition that the club had brought to the city.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That a long term vision to secure a network of high quality, affordable, accessible and financially sustainable leisure and wellbeing centres (in particular public swimming pools) for the benefit of all the people of Leeds, be endorsed;

 

(b)  That the principles for determining the location of leisure and wellbeing centres be agreed, as follows:-

(a)  on a main arterial route;

(b)  in a town or district centre; and

(c)  co-located and in partnerships with schools, health services, day centres, libraries or other complementary community facilities;

 

(c)  That the Director of City Development be requested to bring forward detailed proposals in 2017 for two new Wellbeing Centres to be built: one in Inner East Leeds and one in Rothwell, and that approval be given for the provision of £100k to be made within the Capital Programme in order to support the feasibility studies to this end;

 

(d)  That approval be given for the hours of operation at Kippax Leisure Centre to be reduced to approximately 58 hours, to commence from April 1st 2017, and that the Director of City Development be requested to bring forward a feasibility report into the re-provision of a swimming pool within the catchment area.

 

(e)  That the realising of the capital receipt from the sale of the existing Kippax Leisure Centre be approved, and that approval also be given to bringing forward new investment proposals in line with the overall strategy, as set out within the submitted report;

 

(f)  That the need to support continued prioritised investment in the other existing leisure centres, in order to maximise income and usage, as set out within section 4 of the submitted report, be noted;

 

(g)  That approval be given to extend the existing capital provision for sport maintenance of £500k per annum for a further 3 years from 2017/18;

 

(h)  That a cross-party working group be established in order to ensure that moving forward all political groups are involved in the development of the vision.

 

120.

Best Council Plan Refresh for 2017/18 - Initial Proposals pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive setting out an approach for the refresh of the Best Council Plan, which is aligned to the Initial Budget Proposals for 2017/18.

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which set out an approach for the refresh of the Best Council Plan, which was aligned to the Initial Budget Proposals for 2017/18.

 

Members welcomed the proposed refresh of the Plan, together with the proposal to incorporate into this process any findings from the planned refresh of the Commission on the Future of Local Government.

 

RESOLVED – That the following be approved:-

(a)  Engagement with Scrutiny Boards on the emerging Best Council Plan, in accordance with the Budget & Policy Framework Procedure Rules;

 

(b)  That the revision of the longer-term contextual narrative section of the Best Council Plan be brought forward to next year as part of the 2018/19 refresh;

 

(c)  The approach, as set out in the submitted report, to update the annual section of the Best Council Plan for 2017/18 which balances continuity of the Best City (Strong Economy and Compassionate City) / Best Council (Efficient and Enterprising Organisation) vision and ambitions with further refinement of the Council’s priorities;

 

(d)  That the Deputy Chief Executive will be responsible for developing the Best Council Plan for 2017/18 for its consideration by this Board and Full Council alongside the supporting 2017/18 Budget.

 

 

REGENERATION, TRANSPORT AND PLANNING

Additional documents:

121.

Transport Conversation update and Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme pdf icon PDF 183 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out the strategic case and emerging proposals for the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme, which will be supplemented by private sector investment. The report also sets out progress in taking forward the city’s longer term transport strategy which will be developed next year, including a clear ambition to consider again the case for mass transit provision to meet the future needs of the city. Furthermore, the report also sets out the results so far from the Transport Conversation and shows how this has guided the approach for scheme selection within the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme.

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report which set out the strategic case and emerging proposals for the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme.  The report also provided an update on the progress in taking forward the city’s longer term transport strategy which would be developed next year, including a clear ambition to consider again the case for mass transit provision in order to meet the future needs of the city. Furthermore, the report also set out the results so far from the ‘Transport Conversation’ and showed how this process had guided the approach for scheme selection within the Leeds Public Transport Investment

Programme.

 

Given the significant nature of this matter, it was requested that consideration be given to a period of time being designated at full Council in order to provide Political Group Leaders with an opportunity to discuss key issues arising from the Transport Conversation and the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme. In response, it was undertaken that liaison would take place with Political Group Leaders in order to discuss this matter further.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board discussed the actions and approach to be taken with bus operators in the city with a view to ensuring that improved service provision was achieved in Leeds.

 

Members discussed how the proposals, amongst other things, aimed to significantly improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, whilst also reducing congestion.  

 

The Board received further information on the associated wide ranging consultation and communications process which had taken place to date in terms of getting to the current position regarding the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme, with the restricted timescales associated with this process being noted. Assurances were also provided in respect of the inclusive consultation exercise which would continue as part of the Transport Conversation, which would play a key role in developing a long term transport strategy for the city, and which would help to maintain and develop strong relationships with partners, which would be key to the successful delivery of the strategy.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the programme of schemes to be included in the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (as detailed within the submitted report),which will utilise the £173.5m of Department for Transport funding and bring in significant complementary private sector investment, be agreed;

 

(b)  That the submission of an Outline Strategic Case to the Department for Transport for spending the £173.5m allocated to Leeds, be approved;

 

(c)  That the feedback from the ‘Transport Conversation’ and how this has shaped the proposed Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme, be noted;

 

(d)  That approval be given for officers to return to Executive Board in Autumn 2017 with a further update on the ‘Transport Conversation’ and the draft 20 year Transport Strategy, including commentary on the progress on development of mass rapid transit options;

 

(e)  That approval be given for £8.8m of Leeds City Council capital monies earmarked for NGT to be included in this programme, excluding an allowance for NGT funding which is committed to the Clay  ...  view the full minutes text for item 121.

122.

Supporting the delivery of housing mix: Outcome of marketing of Council owned sites pdf icon PDF 138 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting the outcome of the marketing exercise undertaken in respect of five Council owned sites. The report details the range of offers received for consideration by the Board.

 

(Please note that Appendix 2 to this report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

 

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting the outcomes from a marketing exercise undertaken in respect of five Council owned sites. The report detailed the range of offers received, invited the Board to consider those offers and made recommendations in respect of progressing the matter.

 

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report, including those to help deliver extra care housing. Also, responding to a Member’s comment, it was undertaken that consideration would be given to alternative ways in which brownfield sites could potentially be marketed in the future.

 

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

 

RESOLVED –

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

 

(b)  That the recommended offers, as contained within exempt appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved;

 

(c)  That the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, be requested to progress the scheme proposals and the disposal of the Council sites, as set out within the submitted report;

 

(d)  That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board outlining the Council’s strategy to facilitate and support the delivery of housing with care.

123.

Design and Cost Report for Acquisition of a Property for the Council's Investment Portfolio pdf icon PDF 122 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Deputy Chief Executive seeking approval to the purchase of an investment property that has been offered to the Council generating additional income in order to support the revenue requirements of the Council as set out in the Initial Budget Strategy.

 

(Please note that Appendix 1 to this report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development and the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a joint report which sought approval for the purchase of an investment property that had been offered to the Council which would generate additional income in order to support the revenue requirements of the Council, as set out in the Initial Budget Strategy.

 

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

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the acquisition of the property, on the terms outlined within exempt appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved;

 

(b)  That the injection into the Capital Programme of the sums detailed within exempt appendix 1 be approved, with the ‘authority to spend’ such sums also being approved;

 

(c)  That the Director of City Development, under the scheme of delegation, be authorised to approve any changes to the recommended terms which may be necessary prior to completion, and that the Director of City Development also be authorised to complete the acquisition;

 

(d)  That the submitted report, together with the resolutions above, be designated as exempt from the Call In process for those reasons as set out in paragraph 4.5.3 of the submitted report (detailed below).

 

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from Call In by the decision taker if it is considered that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with resolution (d) above, the resolutions contained within this minute were exempted from the Call In process, given that the terms provisionally agreed for the property (detailed in the exempt appendix to the submitted report) have been concluded on the basis that contracts are exchanged before the end of December 2016. In addition, this particular property was put to the Council very recently. Should the Council seek to delay the consideration of the acquisition to next year it is likely that the seller will offer the property to other parties. Also should the sale not complete within the above timescale, then the Council would be at risk of the sale and the purchase price being re-opened for negotiation in open competition with other parties)

 

 

124.

Renewing Planning Applications for City Centre Commuter Car Parks pdf icon PDF 86 KB

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out an approach to dealing with planning applications which may be expected to extend the temporary planning permissions given for 12 cleared sites in the City Centre to be used for commuter car parking, contrary to planning policy.  The temporary period comes to an end in March 2017.  The report also seeks endorsement of this approach as a material consideration for determining the renewal planning applications.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting a proposed approach towards dealing with those planning applications which may be expected to be received by the Council in order to extend the temporary planning permissions which had been given in 2012 for 12 cleared sites in the city centre to be used for commuter car parking provision, contrary to planning policy. The report noted that the temporary permissions were due to come to an end in 2017, and as such, the report also sought endorsement of this approach as a material consideration for determining the renewal planning applications.

 

In noting that the expectation was for these sites to be gradually developed, Members discussed the process by which the overall level of city centre car parking provision would be managed in the longer term.

 

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following approach, as set out below, as a material consideration in the determination of any renewal planning applications for the 12 temporary City Centre commuter car parks approved in 2012:-

i.  Subject to the full range of planning considerations appropriate for each site, renewals of consent on the sites previously granted temporary planning permission will be favourably considered in principle for a further period of up to 5 years from April 2017;

 

ii.  In each case there will be an expectation that developers will continue to bring forward the sites for development as soon as possible and that as a result car parking will remain a temporary and diminishing use of the site;

 

iii.  Each consent will include conditions and/or be subject to a S106 agreement to set out a phased programme of reducing long stay commuter spaces as improvements in public transport come forward and in light of landowner’s own development plans during the life of the extended permission;

 

iv.  The Council will reserve the right to take enforcement action if appropriate phasing reductions are not met, and to refuse to grant further renewals in due course if it considers that development is not progressing as expected.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Additional documents:

125.

Regionalisation of Adoption pdf icon PDF 220 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services providing information on the progress made regarding the regionalisation of adoption services and to seek a formal decision regarding the arrangements for the delegation of the adoption service to a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA).

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing information on the progress made in respect of the regionalisation of adoption services and which sought a formal decision regarding the arrangements for the delegation of the adoption service to a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA).

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the arrangements for the new Regional Adoption Agency, as detailed within the submitted report, be endorsed, and that, contingent upon all the other partner authorities also agreeing these recommendations, the following be agreed:-

 

(i)  With effect from 10th January 2017:

o  Formally appoint the West Yorkshire Adoption Joint Committee (‘the Joint Committee’);

o  Approve and delegate to the Joint Committee the functions, as set out in the Terms of Reference document, as detailed at Appendix 1C to the submitted report;

o  Approve the Constitution and Procedure Rules of the Joint Committee, as detailed at Appendices 1A and 1B to the submitted report;

 

(ii)  Formally agree that Leeds City Council hosts the West Yorkshire Adoption Agency that is a shared service and that the name of the Agency is ‘One Adoption West Yorkshire’;

 

(iii)Authorise the Director of Children’s Services to progress this matter with the other local authorities in order to implement the Regional Adoption Agency;

 

(b)  That the following be noted:-

(i)  That the Leader will appoint the Executive Member for Children and Families as a principal Elected Member to the Joint Committee, and the Deputy Executive Members for Children and Families as substitutes;

 

(ii)  The principles of the partnership agreement, as set out in Section 4.5 of the submitted report, together with the process for setting the budget, as set out in section 3.21 of the submitted report. It also be noted that the Director of Children’s Services has the authority to approve the Regional Adoption Agency funding formula, terms and signature of the partnership agreement through their existing delegated powers;

 

(iii)  That the Joint Committee will be invited to delegate responsibility to the Director of Children’s Services for adoption services including:

o  the recruitment and approval of potential adopters;

o  identification of potential matches between children and adopters;

o  provision of adoption panels; and

o  provision of adoption support services to adopters, adoptees, birth families and relevant professionals;

 

(iv)  The transfer of staff via TUPE from other Local Authorities into the employment of Leeds City Council to work within the RAA;

 

(v)  The creation of an organisational unit within Leeds City Council for the West Yorkshire Adoption Agency. The lead officer for this will be the Director of Children’s Services (DCS) and the unit will sit within Children’s Services;

 

(c)  That it be noted that the submitted report discusses further work required regarding non agency adoption and support for special guardians, and therefore, agreement be provided that the DCS can make further arrangements for extending the breadth of the delegation to this aspect of the function following agreement by the management board and the Joint Committee, as the project develops.

126.

Outcome of Statutory Notices on proposals to increase primary learning places in Hunslet, Kirkstall and Gipton & Harehills pdf icon PDF 121 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services which contains details of proposals brought forward to meet the local authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places, and which support the achievement of the Best Council priority to improve educational achievement and close achievement gaps. This report is divided into sections in order to describe the outcome of each of the statutory notices published in respect of proposals to expand Hunslet St Mary’s Church of England Primary School; Beecroft Primary School and Hovingham (Community) Primary School. The report seeks final decisions on each of these proposals.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report detailing proposals brought forward in order to meet the Local Authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places. Specifically, this report was divided into sections in order to describe the outcome of each of the statutory notices published in respect of proposals to expand: Hunslet St Mary’s Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Primary School; Beecroft (Community) Primary School and Hovingham (Community) Primary School. The report sought final decisions on each of those proposals.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to expand Hunslet St Mary’s Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Primary School by increasing its capacity from 210 pupils to 315 pupils, which would increase the admission number from 30 to 45, with effect from September 2017, be approved;

 

(b)  That the proposal to expand Beecroft (Community) Primary School by increasing its capacity from 210 pupils to 315 pupils, which would increase the admission number from 30 to 45, with effect from September 2017, be approved;

 

(c)  That the proposal to expand Hovingham (Community) Primary School by increasing its capacity from 420 pupils to 630 pupils, which would increase the admission number from 60 to 90, with effect from September 2017, be approved;

 

(d)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

127.

Learning Places Programme - Capital Programme Update pdf icon PDF 169 KB

To consider the joint report of the Director of Children’s Services, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of City Development providing: an update on the three year strategy for providing sufficient school places in the city, an update on the progress of those projects currently forming part of the Learning Places Programme and the SEMH Programme; seeking approval for further authority to spend, and approval to reset the capital risk fund; whilst also providing an update on the applications for access to the programme capital risk fund since the last Executive Board update report.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 9, 22nd June 2016, the Director of Children’s Services, the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report presenting an update on the three year strategy for the provision of sufficient school places in the city. The report also provided an update on the progress of those projects currently forming part of the Learning Places Programme and the Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) Programme; and sought approval for further authority to spend, and also to reset the capital risk fund.

 

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Children and Families highlighted the overall deficit in funding which existed in this area.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That ‘Authority to Spend’ on the Learning Places Programme for the ten schemes, as detailed within the submitted report, at a total value of £40.5m, be approved;

 

(b)  That approval be given for the balance of the programme capital risk fund to be reset from £4.068m to £6.7m, in order to facilitate effective risk management at programme level, whilst approval also be given for the ‘Authority to Spend’ on the increase of £2.632m;

 

(c)  That it be noted that Children’s Services Projects in 2014 onwards and called off through YORbuild have supported 69 new and existing apprentices and 92 people into employment;

 

(d)  That the projected funding deficit which currently stands at £84.6m, based on Education Funding Agency rates, be noted, with Members also noting that this is likely to increase due to a number of factors, as set out within the submitted report;

 

(e)  That it be noted that in the current reporting period there has been one request to access the programme capital risk fund for Hovingham Primary School, totalling £287,868, which was approved in accordance with the Executive Board governance arrangements;

 

(f)  That it be noted that any savings made from applications on the programme capital risk fund are returned to the risk fund in order to support continued management of programme risks;

 

(g)  That it be noted that the Head of Learning Systems is responsible for capacity and sufficiency planning of school places and delivery of the Bulge Cohort programme, and that the Chief Officer, Projects, Programmes & Procurement Unit (PPPU) is responsible for the delivery of permanent Learning Places expansion projects once the viability and scope has been agreed between the Schools and Children’s Services.

COMMUNITIES

Additional documents:

128.

Consultation outcomes on Local Council Tax Support scheme 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 283 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) providing the Board with information to recommend a local Council Tax Support Scheme for adoption by Full Council by 31 January 2017. The report sets out scheme options which reflect both the consultation feedback and also budget position facing the Council.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 16, 22nd June 2016, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report providing the Board with information to recommend a local Council Tax Support Scheme for adoption by Full Council by 31st January 2017, which looked to reflect both the consultation feedback received together with the budget position facing the Council. In addition, the report also set out a series of scheme options which had been considered as part of the process to develop a recommended scheme.

 

The Board thanked the Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities) for the comprehensive and valued work which it had undertaken as part of the review into the Council Tax Support Scheme.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in considering the work of the Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities):

(i)  the support of the Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities) to the proposed new changes to the Council Tax Support scheme, as presented as part of its review, be acknowledged;

(ii)  agreement be given to undertake a further review of the new Council Tax Support Scheme during the summer of 2018, when the number of Universal Credit claimants is expected to be more significant in Leeds and the Council will be in a good position to gauge the extent to which the new scheme is achieving its overall aim;

(iii)  agreement be given to explore other potential scheme saving options when undertaking a wider review of the new Council Tax Support scheme during 2018.

 

(b)  That in considering recommendation 3 of the Scrutiny Board Inquiry Report (as detailed at Appendix D to the submitted report), and in noting the comments of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.18 of the submitted report, approval be given not to support the removal of protections for all customers on 1 April 2017;

 

(c)  That in taking into account the consultation process undertaken, including the work of the Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities), and in light of the above resolutions, approval be given for the Board to recommend to Full Council the adoption of a new Local Council Tax Support Scheme that:

 

a)  Replaces the current Council Tax Support scheme with a Council Tax Support that is aligned with Universal credit, as set out in appendix B to the submitted report;

 

b)  Moves customers onto the new scheme when they are due to transfer to Universal Credit and maintains the current scheme in the meantime;

 

c)  Replaces the scheme of automatic protections with a discretionary hardship scheme with the exception of customers in receipt of Armed Forces Compensation Payments;

 

d)  Moves eligible customers off the scheme of automatic protections when they are due to transfer to Universal Credit;

 

e)  Delegates the design and value of the discretionary hardship scheme to the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) with a requirement that the hardship scheme is taken to Scrutiny Board;

 

f)  Aligns the treatment of changes in Council Tax Support with the treatment of changes in Housing Benefit; and

 

g)  Delegates  ...  view the full minutes text for item 128.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Additional documents:

129.

Cutting Carbon Breakthrough Project Annual Report pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing outlining future carbon reduction priorities, strategy and targets for the period up to 2030. In addition, the report presents information on the creation of the university-led Leeds Committee on Climate Change, outlines the progress which the Council has made in reducing carbon emissions through the schemes in the Cutting Carbon Breakthrough Project and provides some insight into the progress of the city as a whole. Furthermore, the report presents the updated Affordable Warmth Strategy 2017-30 for the purposes of adoption.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 109, 16th November 2016, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report outlining future carbon reduction priorities, strategy and targets for the period up to 2030. In addition, the report also presented information on the creation of the university-led Leeds Committee on Climate Change (LCCC), outlined the progress which the Council had made in reducing carbon emissions through the schemes in the Cutting Carbon Breakthrough Project and provided some insight into the progress made across the city as a whole. Furthermore, the report presented the updated Affordable Warmth Strategy 2017-30 for the purposes of adoption.

 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the range of actions that the Council was taking as part of the Cutting Carbon Breakthrough Project, with the leading role it played in this field being highlighted.

 

Members also highlighted the importance of collaborative, cross-party working in this area and emphasised the importance of effective communications processes to accompany the delivery of those initiatives which formed part of this breakthrough project.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Board continue to support the delivery of the carbon reduction schemes within Cutting Carbon and Improving Air Quality Breakthrough Project, and that the progress made to date in this area, be noted;

 

(b)  That approval be given to supplement the city’s Climate Change Strategy with an interim target to reduce citywide CO2 emissions by 60% by 2030 from a 2005 baseline;

 

(c)  That the creation of the university-led Leeds Committee on Climate Change be supported, with the Council working with the LCCC and partners in order to advise on how the city’s carbon reduction targets can be achieved;

 

(d)  That the updated Affordable Warmth Strategy 2017-30, as appended to the submitted report, be adopted;

 

(e)  That it be noted that all of the resolutions (above) will be delivered from 2017 onwards by the Sustainable Energy & Climate Change team, led by the Executive Programme Manager, within the Projects, Programmes & Procurement Unit.

ECONOMY AND CULTURE

Additional documents:

130.

Initial Budget Proposals for 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive presenting the initial budget proposals for 2017/18 and seeking agreement for them to be submitted to Scrutiny for consideration and used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which sought the Board’s agreement to the Council’s initial budget proposals for 2017/18, as detailed within the submitted paper.  The report sought approval for those proposals to be submitted to Scrutiny and also used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

 

In presenting the submitted report, the Chair highlighted the scale of the financial challenge which the Council continued to face.  It was noted that whilst the 2017/18 Local Government Finance Settlement was still to be received, the Board received an update on a Government announcement regarding proposals to enable local authorities to increase the ‘Adult Social Care precept’ from 2% to 3%, and it was noted that all such matters, when confirmed, would be taken into consideration when developing the final budget proposals, which were scheduled to be submitted to Executive Board and Council in February 2017, following the associated consultation exercise.

 

RESOLVED – That the initial budget proposals, as set out within the submitted report, be agreed, and that approval be given for the proposals to be submitted to scrutiny and also used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

 

(In accordance with the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Procedure

Rules, decisions as to the Council’s budget are reserved to full Council. As such, the resolution above is not subject to call in, as the budget is a matter that will ultimately be determined by full Council, and the submitted report is in compliance with the relevant Procedure Rules as to the publication of initial budget proposals two months prior to adoption).

 

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

 

 

 

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   FRIDAY, 16TH DECEMBER 2016

 

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, 23RD DECEMBER 2016