Agenda and minutes

Under the provisions of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, at the point at which Councillor A Carter left the meeting (Minute No. 82 refers), Councillor Lamb was invited to attend for the remainder of the meeting on behalf of Councillor Carter.

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 1 to the report entitled, ‘Update on the HS2 Growth Strategy, HS2 and Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan’, referred to in Minute No. 80 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 the information contained within that appendix is commercially sensitive and relates to the business affairs of the Council and third parties, publication of which at this time may prejudice the Council’s negotiating position if published at this stage. It is therefore considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption at this time outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

No formal late items of business were added to the agenda, however, prior to the meeting, Board Members were in receipt of a revised extract from the ‘Improving Air Quality within the City’ report which replaced sections 3.33 to 3.36 of the original covering report. (Minute No. 77 refers).

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.

There were no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests declared at the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 2018

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19^th September 2018 be approved as a correct record.

Minute No. 65, 19^th September 2018 (West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation and Abuse Team)

A Member raised a concern regarding the budgetary pressures being experienced by West Yorkshire Trading Standards, with reference to the fact that such issues were not mentioned as part of the above report considered at the previous meeting, and highlighted the need for Executive Members and Members on relevant Boards to be briefed and kept informed on such issues.

In response, officers undertook to provide Executive Board Members with a briefing on such matters, further reinforce to West Yorkshire Joint Services officers the need for timely and accurate reporting procedures for relevant joint committees and keep Executive Board informed and briefed, as appropriate. Also, it was noted that the budgetary pressures which had been referenced largely related to next financial year.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment advising of the triennial statutory review of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2019 - 2021 which is underway with the public consultation having taken place. The report presents the Policy review based on comments received and requests the Board considers the contents of the report and refer the Policy to Council for adoption in line with the Budgetary and Policy Framework.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report providing details of the triennial statutory review of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy, which having taken into consideration the outcomes of the review, sought the Board’s agreement to refer the proposed Policy to Council for the purposes of adoption in line with the Council’s Budgetary and Policy Framework Procedure Rules.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the limited response that the Council had received to the consultation exercise undertaken, the Board was provided with details of the actions which had been taken both in terms of liaising with relevant partners when developing the updated policy and also in the publicising of the statutory consultation.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That having considered the contents of the submitted report, approval be given to refer the Statement of Licensing Policy to Council, with a recommendation that the Policy be approved in line with the Council’s Budgetary and Policy Framework Procedure Rules;

(b)  That it be noted that if the policy is approved by Council in November 2018, the Council must advertise the publication of the policy on the Council’s website and by way of notices in the public buildings, describing where a copy can be viewed for a period of 30 days before the policy is implemented, with it also being noted that such actions will be implemented by the Principal Licensing Officer, Entertainment Licensing on 2^nd January 2019.

(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 Chief Officer, Financial Services, setting out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2018/19 as at month 5 and seeking approval to the release of reserves as necessary.

The Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report which presented the Council’s projected financial health position for 2018/2019, as at month 5 of the financial year. In addition, the report sought the Board’s approval to the release of specific reserves.

Responding to Members’ enquiries, the Board was provided with further information on the extensive cross-party and cross-boundary political agreement which had been achieved in respect of the Business Rates Retention Pilot 2019/20 submission. Also, clarification was provided to the Board that the proposal to release £1.7m from the general fund reserve in 2018/19 was in response to the Department for Education’s re-profiling of the final payment from the Partners in Practice initiative.

In noting the reference in the submitted report to the pressures regarding external residential placements within Children and Families directorate, a Member suggested that consideration be given to the further provision of such placements in Leeds.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board received an update on the current budgetary position regarding the Council’s commercial asset portfolio which sat within the City Development directorate.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the authority, as at Month 5 of the financial year, be noted;

(b)  That the release of £1.7m from the General Fund Reserve in 2018/19 be approved, in order to address the income pressure in the Children and Families budget arising as a consequence of the re-profiling of the final payment of the Partners in Practice Project by the Department for Education, and that this amount be repaid to the reserve in 2019/20 once received, with it being noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of this resolution is the Chief Officer, Financial Services, and that the release from the reserves will be actioned before the next reporting period;

(c)  That the release of £1.0m from the General Insurance Reserve in 2018/19 be approved, following a review of the level of the reserve, with it being noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of this resolution is the Chief Officer, Financial Services, and that the release from reserves will be actioned before the next reporting period;

(d)  That Directors be requested to identify and implement appropriate measures so that a balanced budget position can be delivered.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of City Development, the Director of Communities and Environment and the Director of Public Health providing an overview of the statutory consultation process undertaken on the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) proposal and the key findings; outlining the details of all of the proposed financial support packages for each affected Sector; detailing the key dates up until the proposed “go live” date of the CAZ and the key risks to successful implementation; and outlining details of the vehicle anti-idling scheme and other actions to improve air quality.

Further to Minute No. 15, 27^th June 2018, the Director of Resources and Housing, the Director of City Development, the Director of Communities and Environment and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report providing an overview of the statutory consultation process undertaken on the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) proposal and the key findings; outlining the details of all of the proposed financial support packages for each affected sector; detailing the key timescales up to the proposed “go live” date of the CAZ, together with the key risks to successful implementation. In addition, the report outlined details of the vehicle anti-idling scheme and other actions to improve air quality.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members had been in receipt of a revised extract from the submitted report, which replaced paragraphs 3.33 to 3.36 of the original covering report.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding whether there was any intention to include private vehicles within the proposed Clean Air Charging Zone (CAZ), the Board was provided with assurance that the basis of the proposals detailed in the submitted report were to deliver compliance with the UK’s objectives without the inclusion of private vehicles in the CAZ initiative.

Also, responding to an enquiry relating to the feasibility of retro-fitting Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), the Board received an update regarding the current position on the development of viable retro-fit options for HGVs and the ongoing liaison with Government on this matter. In addition, Members also noted the work which continued regarding the flexible and responsive approach being taken when considering solutions to such issues.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the issue of potential future legal challenge on the actions being taken to deliver compliance with UK standards in Leeds. In considering this matter, emphasis was placed upon the proportionate approach being taken by the Council.

Members also discussed Leeds’ position when considering the national context for the clean air agenda. The Board also noted the progress being made and the further options available to deliver wider behavioural changes with the aim of improving air quality in the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing to enable the Director to approve the Final Business Case for submission to the Government;

(b)  That subject to Government funding approval, approval be given to a capital injection of up to £24,000,000 to finance the taxi/private hire loan fund scheme;

(c)  That subject to approval of the Final Business Case by Government, the necessary ‘authority to spend’ be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing in conjunction with the Chief Officer Financial Services and in consultation with the relevant Executive Members, for the final taxi and private hire loan scheme;

(d)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing to enable the Director to approve any decisions required to issue the funding received from the Government;

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to the design and implementation of a scheme to convert existing street lighting to LED technology. The report also considers the added benefit of incorporating ‘Smart City’ remote connectivity (CMS) to the street lights at the same time and seeks authority to conclude contract negotiations with the Street Lighting PFI provider and implement the conversion of street lights to LED technology.

Further to Minute No. 22, 21^st June 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval to the design and implementation of a scheme to convert existing street lighting to LED (light emitting diode) technology. The report also considered the added benefit of incorporating ‘Smart City’ remote connectivity (Central Management System (CMS)) to the street lights at the same time and sought authority to conclude contract negotiations with the Street Lighting PFI provider and implement the conversion of street lights to LED technology.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, Board Members were assured that liaison would take place with Ward Councillors regarding any operational and roll out proposals.

The Board discussed the proposals to introduce ‘Smart City’ capabilities as part of the initiative, with Members considering the implications of this and receiving further information on what the ‘Smart City’ technology would achieve.

The Chair welcomed Dr Paul Marchant, Leeds Beckett University, who was in attendance at the meeting, with it being noted that related technical data had been submitted by Dr Marchant to Board Members, and that such correspondence would be taken into consideration in the development of the programme, as appropriate.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That having considered the submitted information, the business case to invest in the conversion of street lights to LED, at an estimated cost of £25.4m, be approved;

(b)  That having considered the submitted information, the business case and additional benefits to invest in the conversion of street lights to LED with remote control (CMS) at an estimated additional cost of £5m, be approved, subject to assurances from the CMS provider that the data collected can be made openly available to the Council;

(c)  That approval be given to inject £25.4m into the Capital Programme, with ‘approval to spend’ also being granted, in order to deliver the conversion of 86,000 street lighting units to LED technology;

(d)  That approval be given to inject an additional £5m into the Capital Programme, with ‘approval to spend’ also being granted, in order to add ‘Smart City’ remote control (CMS);

(e)  That the Director of City Development be granted approval and the necessary authority to conclude the contractual changes required in the Street Lighting PFI contract (and to agree any related or ancillary documents); with the Director also being provided with the necessary authority to implement the conversion to LED street lighting with or without remote control;

(f)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

(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 City Development on proposals for the establishment of a West Yorkshire Urban Traffic Management and Control (West Yorkshire UTMC) Service. The report sets out the background to the development of the proposal, arrangements for its funding and requests endorsement to the principle of Leeds City Council hosting the proposed service and authority to progress with arrangements for establishing it.

The Director of City Development submitted a report outlining proposals for the establishment of a West Yorkshire Urban Traffic Management and Control (West Yorkshire UTMC) Service. The report set out the background to the development of the proposal, arrangements for its funding and which also requested endorsement to the principle of Leeds City Council hosting the proposed service and which sought authority to progress arrangements for its establishment.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the establishment of a joint West Yorkshire UTMC service be approved in principle, subject to the outcome of the consideration of the Outline Business Case by the Combined Authority;

(b)  That should a joint West Yorkshire UTMC service be established, in principle approval be given to Leeds City Council becoming the host authority for service delivery;

(c)  That approval be given to the development of a combined joint service operational resource budget (less traffic signal energy costs) for 2019/20 with the West Yorkshire Councils; and that the contribution from the Leeds City Council annual budget for this service be agreed in the annual budget round; with it being noted that arrangements for an annual review will be captured in the proposed Service Level Agreement between the West Yorkshire Councils and the City Council as the Host Authority;

(d)  That the proposed creation of an organisational unit within the City Development directorate of the Council be approved, which will host the West Yorkshire UTMC service and undertake the development, operation and maintenance of the traffic signal systems in West Yorkshire;

(e)  That the commencement of formal processes, including informing and consulting with Trade Union representatives leading up to the transfer of identified staff via TUPE from Bradford, Kirklees and Wakefield Councils into the employment of Leeds City Council to form the new functional West Yorkshire UTMC service, be noted;

(f)  That the proposal that any potential West Yorkshire UTMC service may be based at the Joint Services building in Morley be noted, with it also being noted that the capital costs for the establishment of the combined service will be met by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, subject to approval of the Business Case and completion of all necessary legal agreements;

(g)  That the actions as described within the submitted report to progress the establishment of the West Yorkshire UTMC service be noted, and that once final agreement has been reached in relation to the operational and revenue financial arrangements for this service, a further report will be presented to the Executive Board for consideration;

(h)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation will be responsible for the further progression of this proposal in consultation with counterparts in the four West Yorkshire Councils involved.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the preparations for bringing HS2 to the region, and delivering transformational change of the existing station to put Leeds integrated station at the centre of the city, the City Region and the Northern Powerhouse. The report includes an update on the South Bank SPD, Station Masterplan, the HS2 Growth Strategy, and delivery arrangements.

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

Further to Minute No. 82, 18^th October 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the preparations for bringing HS2 to the region, and delivering transformational change of the existing train station. In addition, the report included an update on the South Bank Supplementary Planning Guidance, Station Masterplan, the HS2 Growth Strategy, together with delivery arrangements.

In considering the submitted report, Members highlighted the wide ranging benefits that HS2 would bring to both the city and the wider region, emphasising the links between HS2 and the development of key infrastructure to support the growth of the Leeds City Region economy.  In discussing such benefits, Members highlighted that the focus should not simply be on improved rail journey times.

Whilst acknowledging the benefits outlined within the submitted report, a Member highlighted the significant impact on some, where the line entered the city. In response, the importance of such concerns and the associated compensation packages for relevant parties were acknowledged, with the significant levels of consultation being undertaken by HS2 with relevant communities being noted.

Following the consideration of Appendix 1 to the submitted report designated as being 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 progress update in respect of the HS2 Growth Strategy, as submitted, which responds to the HS2 design and prepares for the Hybrid Bill process, and also the South Bank Regeneration Framework, be noted;

(b)  That approval be given to the Council and partners submitting the Station Masterplan Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) to the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, based on the principles as detailed in exempt Appendix 1 to the submitted report, with the necessary authority being delegated to the Director of City Development (in consultation with the Council’s Executive Member for ‘Regeneration, Transport and Planning’, the Chief Financial Services Officer as section 151 officer, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail) to approve the submission of the final SOBC;

(c)  That the principle of the Council entering into Joint Venture Agreements with London & Continental Railways, be approved, subject to a report on the heads of terms being brought back to Executive Board for approval;

(d)  That the principles, as set out at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, regarding the HS2 Growth Strategy be endorsed; with the necessary authority being delegated to the Director of City Development to enable the Director to endorse the final document;

(e)  That an injection of £150k into the capital programme for 2018-19 to support the establishment of a dedicated delivery team, be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development report seeking an injection into the 2018/19 Capital Programme to cover the budget shortfall for Phase 1 of the City Centre Vehicle Access Management Scheme following an increase in material prices received during procurement. In addition, the report also seeks an injection into the 2018/19 Capital Programme and associated authority to progress the detailed design and implementation of a system to manage and control vehicular access at Leeds Playhouse courtyard and Greek Street and authority to undertake feasibility studies and option appraisals for other locations deemed at risk.

Further to Minute No. 20, 21^st June 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought an injection into the 2018/19 Capital Programme to cover the budget shortfall for Phase 1 of the City Centre Vehicle Access Management Scheme following an increase in material prices received during the procurement process. In addition, the report also sought an injection into the 2018/19 Capital Programme and associated authority to progress the detailed design and implementation of a system to manage and control vehicular access at Leeds Playhouse courtyard and Greek Street, whilst the report also sought authority to undertake feasibility studies and option appraisals for other locations deemed at risk.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the injection and expenditure of an additional £490,000 into the 2018/19 Capital Programme to cover the shortfall in funding for the implementation of Phase One of the scheme, be approved;

(b)  That the injection and expenditure of a further £270,000 into the 2018/19 Capital Programme for the detailed design and implementation of Phase Two of the scheme, along with associated works to the Leeds Playhouse, be approved;

(c)  That the undertaking of feasibility studies and options appraisals of an automated vehicle access system to control vehicle access at other key locations within the City Centre, as identified in section 3.2 of the submitted report, where vehicle access is restricted, be authorised;

(d)  That the Director of City Development be instructed to expedite the implementation of all reasonable measures in the most timely manner as possible; with the necessary authority being delegated to the Director of City Development to enable the Director to approve, consult and implement such measures, as identified in section 3.2 of the submitted report;

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of Public Health and the Director of Children and Families which provides a mid-term update and information on the successes and progress made so far in delivering the Leeds Breastfeeding Plan. The report also outlines plans to develop further work based on consultation and to maintain progress by gaining support for a wider environmental and cultural approach to promoting breastfeeding.

The Director of Public Health and the Director of Children and Families submitted a joint report which provided a mid-term update and information on the successes and progress made to date in delivering the Leeds Breastfeeding Plan. The report also outlined plans to develop further work based upon consultation and to maintain progress by gaining support for a wider environmental and cultural approach towards the promotion of breastfeeding.

In presenting the submitted report, the Executive Member for ‘Health, Wellbeing and Adults’ highlighted how Leeds Community Health Care Services, supported by Public Health, had achieved the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative Gold Award. In addition, emphasis was placed upon the key health and wellbeing benefits arising from breastfeeding, and as such the cultural change which was needed in order to further promote breastfeeding across the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Leeds Breastfeeding Plan, as detailed within the submitted report, together with the impact of implementing the priority actions to date, be acknowledged;

(b)  That a wider environmental and cultural approach towards the promotion of breastfeeding be supported;

(c)  That Members’ comments regarding the proposed Leeds Breastfeeding Plan priority actions for 2018/19 be noted, and that the delivery of the priorities through Council work programmes (e.g. Increasing Breastfeeding Friendly venues and spaces within the Local Authority), be supported;

(d)  That the opportunity to be involved in consultation and engagement about the Breastfeeding Plan priorities for 2019/20, be noted;

(e)  That support be provided for the development of further preventive health initiatives targeting Leeds’ most deprived communities, which is in line with the Health and Wellbeing Board’s commitment and plan to improve the health of the poorest fastest;

(f)  That the Board’s agreement be given to lobby Government to passport the tax raised from the advertising of infant formula, in order to provide more funding for peer support and public health initiatives which support breastfeeding;

(g)  That it be noted that the Director of Public Health and the Director of Children and Families will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

(At the conclusion of this item, Councillor A Carter left the meeting, and in line with Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, and at this point Councillor Lamb was invited to attend for the remainder of the meeting on behalf of Councillor Carter)

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health on the impact of the ‘Making Leeds the Best City to Grow Old’ project as one strand of work to achieve the priority of Leeds being an age friendly city where people age well. The report also provides an update on the related work being undertaken with partner organisations.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report highlighting the impact of the ‘Making Leeds the Best City to Grow Old’ project as one strand of work being undertaken to achieve the priority of Leeds being an age friendly city where people age well. The report also provided an update on the related work being undertaken with partner organisations.

Responding to a Member’s comments regarding the ‘wheel out’ of bins as part of the refuse collection service, officers undertook to look into the actions which could be taken to raise older people’s awareness of the ‘wheel out’ service, so that older people knew that such support was available, should they need it.

Members also discussed and received further information on the proposed pilot scheme, initially to take place in Beeston, with a view to improving community transport provision for older people across the city.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further information on the actions being taken to help address the need for further appropriate housing and accommodation provision for older people across Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the impact of the age friendly programme of work as part of the International Day of Older People (1st October 2018) detailed within the ‘Making Leeds the Best City to Grow Old in’ Annual Report, as appended to the submitted report, be noted and celebrated;

(b)  That the contribution that the partnership with the Centre for Ageing Better has already brought to the delivery of plans for Making Leeds the Best City to Grow Old In, be noted and celebrated;

(c)  That consideration be given to key priorities for how the partnership (referenced in (b) above) could develop further in the future;

(d)  That the discussions on the key priorities for how this partnership could develop further in the future, be noted;

(e)  That it be noted that suggested priorities for the partnership together with agreed timescales will be discussed by the Director of Adults and Health, the Director of Public Health, Directors at the Centre for Ageing Better and Leeds Older People’s Forum at the formal review of the partnership in November 2018, with it being noted that the agreed priorities will be implemented by the authors of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families on Leeds’ success in gaining ‘Earned Autonomy’ from central government for its work in support of the national programme. The report also seeks approval of delegated responsibility for the Director of Children and Families to manage the implementation plans developed with local partners.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report outlining Leeds’ success in gaining ‘Earned Autonomy’ from Government for its work in support of the national programme. The report also sought approval to delegate responsibility to the Director of Children and Families to manage the implementation plans which had been developed with local partners.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the ways in which the outcomes from the initiative and the Authority’s ‘Earned Autonomy’ status would be monitored and measured, with assurances being provided that Scrutiny would continue to be involved in such matters. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the plans for ‘Earned Autonomy’ be noted and approved;

(b)  That responsibility for the implementation of such matters be delegated to the Director of Children and Families.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which looks to identify and implement a plan for the capital grant programme for community and voluntary aided schools in Leeds in accordance with the Department for Education’s requirements around the Healthy Pupil Capital Programme.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which looked to identify and implement a plan for the capital grant programme for community and voluntary aided schools in Leeds, in accordance with the Department for Education’s (DfE) requirements around the Healthy Pupil Capital Programme.

In considering the proposed approach towards the allocation of the funding, Members discussed and received further information on the grants based element, as proposed within the submitted report. The Board noted Members’ comments in respect of that approach and also regarding a suggested alternative method of allocation.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, officers undertook to provide further information to Board Members regarding the levels of Healthy Pupil Capital Funding grants that had been received by Academies in Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed model for the allocation of the Healthy Pupil Capital Fund capital grant for community schools in Leeds, which is in accordance with DfE requirements around the Healthy Pupil Capital Programme, be approved;

(b)  That approval be given to incur capital expenditure of £635,210 from the approved capital programme;

(c)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning for Life, by March 2019.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment recommending the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition on antisemitism. In addition, the report presents an overview of the Jewish community in Leeds and explains some of its significant contributions to the city. It also defines ‘hate crime’ and the latest picture in Leeds, and includes the full IHRA definition on antisemitism with the IHRA’s accompanying examples.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which recommended the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition on antisemitism. In addition, the report also presented an overview of the Jewish community in Leeds and explained some of its significant contributions to the city. It also defined ‘hate crime’ and the latest picture in Leeds, and included the full IHRA definition on antisemitism with the IHRA’s accompanying examples.

The Board supported the proposed adoption of the IHRA definition on antisemitism, and in response to a Member’s request, an assurance was provided that the matter would be submitted to Council, in the form of a ‘not for debate’ White Paper Motion.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition on antisemitism be adopted for use across the Council;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities and Environment will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

At this point, Councillor 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 for the remainder of the meeting.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which provides a summary of the outcomes of the Admissions functions undertaken by the Local Authority in the academic year 2017/18. The report includes statistical information on the annual admissions round for entry to Reception and Year 7 for September 2018. In addition, information is provided about the admission of pupils ‘in-year’ where pupils have moved into, or within the city during the academic year 2017/18.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided a summary of the outcomes from the Admissions functions undertaken by the Local Authority in the 2017/18 academic year. The report included statistics on the annual admissions round for entry into Reception and Year 7 for September 2018. In addition, information was provided regarding the admission of pupils ‘in-year’ during the 2017/18 academic year.

With regard to the forthcoming consultation exercise to be undertaken on admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools, with specific reference to the defining of catchment areas for those schools, an assurance was provided that such consultation would include local Ward Members and also Scrutiny.

Members made reference to statistics which had been published regarding Leeds’ performance nationally on the allocation of school places in those instances where parent’s preferences were not met.

RESOLVED – That the following be noted:-

(a)  88% of Reception children and 82% of Year 7 children were offered a place at their first preference school;

(b)  The number of children receiving an offer at one of their top 3 preferred schools was 95.5% for Reception and 92.4% for Year 7;

(c)  Requests for in-year transfers continue to rise, with 7909 (+454 compared to the previous year) children requesting new school places between September 2017 and July 2018 – some being new arrivals in the city and some being requests to move within the city;

(d)  That a consultation on the Leeds City Council Admissions Policy for 2020/21 will be launched in October 2018; and

(e)  That the officer responsible for this area of work is the Lead for the Admissions and Family Information Service.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families detailing the outcome of a consultation exercise regarding a proposal to expand secondary school provision at Benton Park Secondary School and which seeks a decision to publish a statutory notice under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 in respect of this proposal.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report detailing the outcome of a consultation exercise regarding a proposal to expand secondary school provision at Benton Park Secondary School and which sought a decision to publish a statutory notice under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 in respect of this proposal.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, assurance was provided that the undertaking of associated building works, as referenced within the submitted report, were a priority.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the publication of a Statutory Notice on a proposal to permanently expand secondary provision at Benton Park Secondary School from a capacity of 1225 pupils to 1500 pupils, with an increase in the admission number from 245 to 300, with effect from September 2021, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the implementation of the related decisions are subject to feasibility and planning permission, as indicated at paragraph 4.4.1 of the submitted report, and that it also be noted that the proposal has been brought forward in time for places to be delivered for 2021;

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

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment which presents the Council’s Safer Leeds Community Safety Strategy for the period 2018-21, for the purposes of endorsement and recommendation to Council that it formally adopts the proposed strategy.

Further to Minute No. 37, 25^th July 2018, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which presented the Council’s Safer Leeds Community Safety Strategy for the period 2018-2021, for the purposes of endorsement and a recommendation to Council that it formally adopted the proposed strategy.

Regarding the priority around improving road safety, reducing road casualty, enforcement of speed limits and vehicular related anti-social behaviour, the Board received assurance that the Executive Member for ‘Communities’ had undertaken to progress this as a priority, which included liaison with West Yorkshire Police and also Community Committee ‘Community Safety Champions’.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the continued role of the ‘Managed Approach’ towards prostitution, it was noted that work continued to be undertaken with the local community and businesses on this matter in order to work through any issues which were being experienced, with confirmation being received that the ‘Managed Approach’ was continuing.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to formally endorse the Safer Leeds ‘Community Safety Strategy’ for 2018-21, as appended to the submitted report, and that the Strategy be referred to full Council with a recommendation that it is formally adopted by the Council.

(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 City Development on the growth of the Run Leeds programme and outlines plans for how the successful award of significant Sport England external funding will be programmed.

The Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the growth of the Run Leeds programme and outlined plans for how the significant Sport England external funding which had been received was proposed to be programmed.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the proposals within the submitted report, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with a separate briefing on how the initial areas had been prioritised, who were target participants and how further roll out of initiatives was envisaged.

In discussing the submitted report, Members highlighted the wide ranging benefits that increased levels of physical activity and participation in sport would have, and as such, emphasised the need to ensure that the opportunity of creating a step-change in this area was not missed. In addition, the Board also considered how this initiative was one example of the ‘Physical Activity and Sport’ ambition which was being developed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the successful award of external grant funding from Sport England, be noted;

(b)  That the associated programme of work, as outlined within the submitted report, be supported;

(c)  That a progress report be submitted to Executive Board by June 2021;

(d)  That it be noted that the Head of Active Leeds is responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides an update on the successful bid to the West Yorkshire Business Rate Pool entitled, ‘Transforming Leeds events’ which looked to secure funding over the next 3 years to provide added value to the curation and provision of major events in Leeds as well as providing support to secure existing events and also for the provision of ‘Leeds 2023’.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on the successful bid to the West Yorkshire Business Rate Pool entitled, ‘Transforming Leeds Events’ which looked to secure funding over the next 3 years to provide added value to the curation and provision of major events in Leeds, together with providing support to secure existing events and also for the provision of the ‘Leeds 2023’ initiative.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the successful bid to the Business Rate Pool be noted, with it also being noted that this has secured the World Triathlon Series in Leeds for a further 2 years, in 2019 and 2020;

(b)  That further to resolution (a) above, the necessary authority be delegated to the Chief Officer, Culture and Sport, in order to enable the Chief Officer to enter into an agreement with British Triathlon to this end;

(c)  That the Director of City Development be requested to return to Executive Board next month (November 2018) with details of Leeds’ bid to be a host of the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   FRIDAY, 19^TH OCTOBER 2018

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 PM, FRIDAY, 26^TH OCTOBER 2018