Agenda and minutes

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

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.

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 from publication 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)  That Appendix 2 to the report entitled, ‘Redevelopment of the former Kirkstall District Centre’, referred to in Minute No. 46 be 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 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 is subject to one to one discussions with Artisan, it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time. Also it is 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 consideration 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.

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.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th June 2018

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27^th June 2018 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting an update on the European Structural and Investment Funds Programme for Leeds City Region and which provides information on progress made by the Council in developing and implementing the approved projects. Also, the report highlights the success and achievements to date.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which presented an update on the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Programme for Leeds City Region, detailing the progress which had been made by the Council in developing and implementing the approved projects, and which highlighted the success and achievements to date.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the actions being taken to access alternative funding streams once the programme had concluded, the Board was provided with further information on this, with it being noted that Councillor Blake, in her position as Chair of Core Cities UK, had been invited to attend future meetings regarding such matters, which were organised via the Local Government Association.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the update on the progress made to date by the Council in developing projects funded by the ESIF Programme, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That support be provided to the Leeds City Council applications in appraisal, in particular Phase 2 bids for Ad:Venture and Digital Enterprise, which are aligned to the delivery of the Inclusive Growth Strategy.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment which presents the initial proposals for the Safer Leeds Community Safety Strategy, in order to seek the Board’s comment and agreement for the draft document to be released for the purposes of consultation.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which presented the initial proposals for the Council’s Safer Leeds Community Safety Strategy, in order to seek the Board’s comment and agreement for the draft document to be released for the purposes of consultation.

In presenting the submitted report, the Executive Member for Communities welcomed Steve Cotter, newly appointed Chief Superintendent for Leeds, West Yorkshire Police, together with Paul Money, Chief Officer, Safer Leeds, to the meeting.

Acknowledging a Member’s suggestion, officers undertook to include within the associated consultation exercise for the draft strategy, the issue of using vehicles for anti-social and criminal behaviour.   

In response to a Member’s comments, the Board received further information regarding the ongoing work being undertaken with local communities in respect of the managed area for prostitution, with assurance being provided that this was an area which was being continually monitored.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the draft Safer Leeds Community Safety Strategy for 2018–21, as appended to the submitted report, be approved for the purposes of consultation with the relevant Scrutiny Board and other stakeholders;

(b)  That support be provided for the Community Safety Partnership in its further consultation on the Strategy, prior to its resubmission to Executive Board before the draft is submitted to Full Council for approval;

(c)  That the funding allocations from West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner for 2018/19, as outlined within the submitted report, be noted;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer for Community Safety (Safer Leeds) will be responsible for the implementation of the Strategy through the Safer Leeds Executive, over the next three years.

(The matters referred to within this minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, were not eligible for Call In, as Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 5.1.2 states that the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules)

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment providing an overview of migration activities being delivered both citywide and with supported migrant populations.

Further to Minute No. 45, 17^th July 2017, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report providing an overview and update of migration activities, together with the support to migrant communities being delivered in Leeds. The report also highlighted the related opportunities and challenges which were being addressed by the service.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was advised that the submitted report aimed to provide a succinct overview of the wide range of work being undertaken in this area, with Board Members being offered the opportunity to receive further briefing on such matters, if required.

Regarding a Member’s comments on the issue of migrants’ access to healthcare and the role of community pharmacists, the Board was advised that the Health and Wellbeing Board had established a Migrant Health Board (MHB) to consider such issues, and although it was highlighted that the MHB’s initial priority was around regulation changes to the charging for health care services, the MHB would be considering other related issues in due course.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update regarding new asylum contracts for the Yorkshire and the Humber region, and the fact that to date, the Home Office had been unable to award such contracts. The Board noted that the Council had raised its concerns with the Home Office in respect of such matters, with a reassurance being provided by the Home Office that the issue would be addressed shortly.

In conclusion, Members highlighted the valuable work undertaken by Scrutiny with regard to migration, and emphasised the partnership approach which had been taken by the Executive, officers and Scrutiny.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the continuation of the strengthened arrangements, which were developed following the Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities) inquiry into migration, and which aims for a more strategic, co-ordinated and inclusive approach towards migration, with the Board also providing its endorsement of the current and future work that is planned;

(b)  That the responsibility of the Director of Communities and Environment and the Executive Member for Communities for leading this work through the Council’s Stronger Communities Breakthrough Programme be noted, with it also being noted that the Chief Officer (Communities) is responsible for leading on the work of the Strategic Migration Board;

(c)  That a further update report regarding the progress made in respect of migration activities in Leeds be submitted to Executive Board in July 2019.

(During the consideration of this item, Cllr Blake vacated the Chair and left the meeting. In accordance with Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.5, in the absence of Councillor Blake, Councillor Coupar presided as Chair of the Board whilst Cllr Blake was absent from the meeting)

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing which provides an update on the delivery of each of the High Rise Strategy priorities, and where available, outlines the impact that the actions have had on resident satisfaction and management issues. In addition, the report also provides an update on the actions which have been undertaken following the fire at Grenfell Tower in London last year.

Further to Minute No. 96, 19^th October 2016, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report providing an update on the delivery of each of the High Rise Strategy priorities, and where available, outlined the impact that the actions have had on resident satisfaction and management issues. In addition, following the Board’s consideration of a report entitled, ‘Grenfell Tower Update’ on 17^th July 2017 (Minute No. 44 refers), the submitted report also provided information on the actions which had been taken in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update on the actions being taken to address any potential fire risk in respect of waste management and the use of refuse chutes within high rise blocks.

In addition, responding to a Member’s comment, it was acknowledged that although resident wardens for older residents had been withdrawn, Support Officers were now in place to provide regular ongoing support to residents,  with examples of such provisions being provided.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made in delivering the different areas of the High Rise Strategy, be noted;

(b)  That the Director of Resources and Housing be requested to continue to monitor the progress being made in delivering the High Rise Strategy and submit a  further update report to the Board in 12 months’ time;

(c)  That the Board’s support for the proposal to continue the concierge service pilot during 2018/19, be confirmed;

(d)  That the Board’s support for the proposal to continue ‘Operation Leodis’ during 2018/19, be confirmed.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing providing details of the citywide clean air strategy, aside from the clean air charging zone; highlights the proposed partnership between Highways England and the Council to deliver a centre of excellence for ultra-low emissions vans in the south of the city and provides information on the associated public engagement campaign.

Further to Minute No. 15, 27^th June 2018, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which provided details of the citywide clean air strategy, separate to the clean air charging zone provisions. The report highlighted the proposed partnership between Highways England and the Council to deliver a centre of excellence for ultra-low emissions vans in the south of the city and provided information on the associated public engagement campaign.

A Member made reference to work place levy schemes and suggested an initiative involving the Council working in partnership with private firms to promote the use of electric vehicles as part of their respective company car schemes. In response, the Board noted the suggestions, highlighting that the Council was open to looking at new ways of encouraging greater use of electric vehicles.

In response to Members’ comments, the Board considered the need to strike the correct balance between establishing short term goals in order to improve the city’s air quality to achieve compliance in line with Government regulation, with a longer term vision to ensure that further improvements were made to air quality.

Emphasis was placed upon the role of scrutiny in this area and the value of the work which had been undertaken in respect of air quality. Also, as part of the discussion, the reasons and rationale for the proposed amendment to the CAZ boundary, as discussed at the previous meeting, were reiterated.

In conclusion, the Chair emphasised the importance of a continued cross-party approach when lobbying Government to provide the Local Authority with appropriate assistance in this area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing, in order to:-

(i)  enter into the required legal agreement to support the partnership with Highways England; and

(ii)  approve the authority to procure for the low emissions vehicles, the business engagement partner and the  associated electric charging infrastructure to support the regional ultra-low emissions vehicle centre.

(b)  That a campaign to focus on anti-idling outside schools, be endorsed;

(c)  That the Highways Service be requested to examine traffic restrictions on Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), with particular focus on the areas that are now excluded from the CAZ (Clean Air Zone) in the modified boundary;

(d)  That support be provided for a publicity campaign which would provide advice on cleaner travel alternatives;

(e)  That the Government be requested to provide a targeted scrappage scheme which is aimed at the most polluting older vehicles.

(During the consideration of this item, Councillor Blake returned to the meeting and resumed her position as Chair of the Board, for the remainder of the meeting.  At this point, Councillor Coupar left the meeting)

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing which presents the annual update of the Council’s most significant corporate risks and which details the arrangements in place, together with the further activity planned during 2018/19 to manage them.

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report presenting the annual update of the Council’s most significant corporate risks and which detailed the arrangements in place, together with the further activity planned during 2018/19 to manage them.

RESOLVED – That the annual risk management report, as submitted, together with the assurances given on the Council’s most significant corporate risks, be noted, in line with the authority’s Risk Management Policy and the Board’s overarching responsibility for their management.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Financial Services which presents the Council’s projected financial health position for 2018/19, as at Quarter 1.

The Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report which presented the Council’s projected financial health position for 2018/19, as at the conclusion of the financial year’s first quarter.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the budget pressures in respect of Children Looked After (CLA), the Board received further details on the range of actions and resultant improvements that had been made by the Council in this field, with it being highlighted how Leeds had bucked the national trend by reducing the number of CLA in the city in recent years.

Members noted that the planned efficiency in 2018/19 arising from the changes to Transport provision was still projected to be achieved from the 18/19 Children and Families directorate budget despite the current pause on SEND transport changes. Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding this, the Board was provided with further information and context on the rationale for introducing such measures for the longer term.

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position of the authority, as at Quarter 1 of 2018/19, be noted.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Financial Services providing an update on the Council’s Capital Programme, as at Quarter 1 of the 2018/19 financial year, which includes details of capital resources, progress on spend and a summary of the economic impact of the capital programme.

The Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report providing an update on the Council’s Capital Programme, as at Quarter 1 of the 2018/19 financial year, which included details of capital resources, progress on spend and a summary of the economic impact of the capital programme. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the injection of £629.6k in relation to Capital Receipts to be utilised by Ward Councillors under the Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme (CRIS), as detailed within Appendix C of the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the latest position on the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programmes, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That it be noted that the above resolution to inject funding of £629.6k, as detailed within the submitted report, will be implemented by the Chief Officer, Financial Services.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Financial Services which presents the Council’s proposed Medium Term Financial Strategy (2019/20 – 2021/22) for the Board’s consideration.

The Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report which presented the Council’s proposed Medium Term Financial Strategy (2019/20 – 2021/22) for the Board’s consideration and approval.

Following a recent announcement by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government relating to the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2019/20, the Chief Officer, Financial Services provided the Board with details of the announcement. Specifically regarding the Business Rates Retention pilot for 2019/20, the Board noted that Government had confirmed that invitations for the pilot in 2019/20 would be sought, and that the Leeds City Region would not automatically be accepted onto the scheme and would need to submit a bid. It was also noted that the 2019/20 initiative would be for the retention of 75% of Business Rates and not 100%, as in previous years.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information regarding the projections within the report regarding the level of resource allocation to the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP), with details being provided on the approach which had been agreed by the Council on the MRP policy in the 4 year period leading up to 2020/21.

In response to an enquiry, the Board received further information on the provision in the Medium Term Financial Strategy for pay awards and the Leeds Living Wage. In addition, responding to the recent Government announcement regarding an increase in public sector pay, although it was noted that Local Government salaries were separate to Government negotiations, should there be any implications for the Council arising from the recent announcement, then the Board would be kept informed, as appropriate. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the 2019/20 – 2021/22 Medium-Term Financial Strategy for both  General Fund services and the Housing Revenue Account, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that further proposals will be brought forward to address the current identified shortfall as part of the Council’s budget process;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Financial Services will be responsible for the implementation of the above resolutions.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the significant scheme and package development during 2017/18 and the first quarter of 2018/19, and which sets out the next steps for delivering the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme.

Further to Minute No. 17, 21^st June 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the significant scheme and package development of the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) during 2017/18 and the first quarter of 2018/19, and which also set out the next steps for delivering the programme.

The Board welcomed Mr Nigel Foster, Chair of the associated independent Expert Advisory Panel, who was in attendance at the meeting in order to provide detail on the composition of, and role played by the Panel. Mr Foster also introduced the key points of the Panel’s report.

The Board noted the significant level of consultation which had been undertaken when developing the proposals, with the valuable role of the Expert Panel being highlighted.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further details regarding the aims of the proposed bus priority improvement schemes, with increased reliability and resilience to services being highlighted. In addition, with regard to comments made on the provision of bus services in more rural communities, the Board noted that work continued to be undertaken with bus operators and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) on this issue. 

With regard to HS2, Members received further information on the actions being taken to ensure that the HS2 station in Leeds would be integrated with the rest of the local and regional public transport network, with the development of the Integration Masterplan being highlighted. 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further details on the contractual arrangements in place between the Council, WYCA and the bus operator regarding the provision to share profits earned from park and ride facilities at Elland Road and Temple Green, with it being noted that Board Members could be provided with details of the relevant patronage levels required for such arrangements to be activated. Members were also advised that the bus operator bore the financial risk, should either of those two sites not break even. Finally, it was noted that in terms of the proposed Stourton site, such issues would be discussed with the relevant parties as part of any contractual negotiations.

In conclusion, it was highlighted to the Board that should the recommendations within the submitted report be agreed, then the Board would be giving its approval to submit the planning applications for the expansion of the Elland Road Park and Ride site and a new Park and Ride site at Stourton.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made since April 2016 on developing proposals and the public consultations, be noted;

(b)  That the report of the independent Expert Advisory Panel, as appended to the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That the development work undertaken on the popular Park and Ride sites be noted; and that support be given on the continued roll out of the park and ride programme including:-

(i)  Progress on the feasibility work at Alwoodley Gates in the North of the city;

(ii)  Approval of the submission of a planning application for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the development schemes emerging for the former Kirkstall District Centre site and which seeks approval to the draft terms of disposal of the Council’s land interests which form part of the site.

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

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the development schemes emerging for the former Kirkstall District Centre site and which also sought approval for the draft terms of disposal of the Council’s land interests which form part of that site.

Responding to a concern raised by a Member in respect of the proposals, the Board received further information and context regarding the location, ownership and composition of the site, which had led to the recommended approach, as detailed within the submitted report.

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 positive progress achieved in securing a redevelopment scheme for land in the heart of Kirkstall, be noted;

(b)  That all Council owned land within the site, as detailed within the red line boundary shown in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, including that leased to Tesco, be declared as operationally surplus;

(c)  That the disposal of the Council’s freehold interest in land forming the site to Artisan Real Estate UK Limited on the draft terms, as set out in exempt appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved;

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development to enable the Director, with the concurrence of the Executive Member for ‘Regeneration, Transport and Planning’, to approve the final disposal boundary and terms.

(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)

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families providing a summary of progress made in respect of the Children and Families directorate’s Innovation Programme, together with an update on Leeds’ support for sector led improvement as a ‘Partner in Practice’.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report providing a summary of the progress made in respect of the Children and Families directorate’s Innovation Programme. In addition, the report provided an update on Leeds’ support for sector led improvement as a ‘Partner in Practice’.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Children and Families provided examples of key areas where innovative work continued to be developed and undertaken.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the work that continued to be undertaken by Children and Families in its role in developing sector led improvement, but also on the continued work to support the children and young people of Leeds, with tangible outcomes from that work being provided to the Board. It was highlighted that the Council’s service provision in this field had been the subject of external evaluation, and was scheduled to be in the future, with it being noted that when the results of such evaluation were known, they would be submitted to the Board for consideration.

In response to a Member’s enquiry regarding Leeds’ capacity at a senior management level to deliver its own services when also providing support to Kirklees, the Board received assurances that the Authority continued to have sufficient capacity in this area, with it being highlighted that since the Council’s involvement with Kirklees, the Council had received a positive outcome from an unannounced Ofsted inspection into service provision for children in care. It was also noted that agreement had now been reached with the Department for Education (DfE) for Kirklees Council to recruit its own Director of Children’s Services, with it being highlighted that such recruitment was underway.

RESOLVED –That the progress made in Leeds’ Children’s Services Innovation and Sector Led Improvement work, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment which seeks approval of the Council’s Equality Improvement Priorities Annual Report for 2017 – 2018, together with the Council’s revised Equality Improvement Priorities for the period: 2018 – 2022.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report presenting for the Board’s consideration and approval the Council’s Equality Improvement Priorities Annual Report for 2017 – 2018, together with the Council’s revised Equality Improvement Priorities for the period: 2018 – 2022.

Members welcomed the comprehensive report which had been submitted.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Equality Improvement Priorities Annual Report 2017 – 2018, as appended to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the revised Equality Improvement Priorities 2018 – 2022, as appended to the submitted report, be approved.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   FRIDAY, 27^TH JULY 2018

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M., FRIDAY 3^RD AUGUST 2018