Agenda and minutes

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 appendices 2 and 3 to the report entitled, ‘Accelerated Capital Receipts and Estate Rationalisation’, referred to in Minute No. 78 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and considered in private on the grounds that they contain information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council. 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. It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time.

Agenda Item 6 – Financial Health Monitoring 2020/21 – Month 6

Prior to the meeting, Board Members were in receipt of an addendum which supplemented the submitted report and which included updated information, and as a result, a set of revised recommendations for the Board to consider. (Minute No. 74 refers).

Agenda Item 18 - Update on Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic – Response and Recovery Plan

With the agreement of the Chair, a late item of business was admitted to the agenda entitled, ‘Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic – Response and Recovery Plan’.

Given the scale and significance of this issue, it was deemed appropriate that a further update report be submitted to this remote meeting of the Board.

However, due to the fast paced nature of developments on this issue, and in order to ensure that Board Members received the most up to date information as possible, the report was not included within the agenda as originally published on 10th November 2020. (Minute No. 86 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 21 October 2020.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21^st October 2020 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) that sets out for the Executive Board the Council’s projected financial health position for 2020/21 as at Month 6 of the financial year.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which set out the Council’s projected financial health position for 2020/21 as at Month 6 of the financial year. The report projected a gap of £30.5m, following the receipt of an additional £20.5m funding from the government.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members received an addendum to the submitted report, which provided updated information regarding how the Council intended to resolve the estimated 2020/21 budget gap due to the impact of COVID-19. The addendum highlighted the decision to utilise reserves to manage the financial position in 2020/21 and deliver a balanced budget. The Council, as a consequence, had withdrawn the application to Government for a capitalisation directive, with the addendum presenting the Board with a revised set of recommendations as a result.

Members welcomed the updated information which had been provided, acknowledged the significant work which had been undertaken throughout the pandemic to get the Council to the current position, and thanked all those involved for their efforts. It was also noted that, as referenced elsewhere on the agenda, work would continue with regard to the management of 2021/22 budget and beyond.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the reserves being used to deliver a balanced budget, specifically the planned application of an earmarked reserve of £25.65m, and the financial implications of that for the Council moving forward.

Also, in response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further details on the levels of inflation which were being experienced in terms of external residential placement costs and independent foster agency costs, with clarification being provided on the reasons for those increased costs and how such matters were being taken into consideration and managed as part of the directorate’s budget strategy for the current year and moving forward.  As part of this discussion, it was emphasised that similar to Leeds, other Local Authorities were experiencing costs pressures regarding external residential and independent foster agency placements.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry regarding the projected interest payments on the Council’s debts for the current financial year, and regarding the levels of projected inflationary pressures in the medium term, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with this information.

Whilst the separate tranches of Government funding received were welcomed, emphasis was placed upon the difficulties which continued to be experienced in managing the Council’s financial position. With that in mind, Members considered the principle of sending correspondence to the Treasury on a cross-party basis about the losses in Council Tax and Business Rates income that the Council has incurred. In considering this matter, Councillor A Carter advised that whilst he agreed with the principle of approaching the Treasury on this, the Conservative Group would make their own representations.

In taking into consideration the contents of the submitted report together with the addendum and the revised recommendations within it, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in noting the comments of Councillor A Carter, as outlined above, appropriate correspondence to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) which provides an update on the Council’s Capital Programme position as at quarter 2, whilst also seeking some specific approvals with regard to funding injections.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which provided an update upon the Council’s Capital Programme position as at quarter 2 of the financial year. The report also sought some specific approvals with regard to funding injections.

Responding to a specific Member’s enquiry regarding the extent to which the Council’s Capital Programme had increased by between 2014/15 and the current financial year, and the extent to which that increase was being paid for by borrowing, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with that detail following the meeting.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the latest position, as at quarter 2 of the financial year on the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programmes, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the net increase in the General Fund and HRA capital programme 2020-2025 of £143.0m since the capital programme setting in February 2020, be noted, with it also being noted that these injections do not increase the Council’s borrowing requirement and are listed within Appendix B to the submitted report;

(c)  That it be noted that the borrowing required to fund the capital programme in 2020-21 has reduced by £77.9m since the capital programme setting in February 2020, mainly by delaying schemes that require borrowing. With it also being noted that the capital programme remains affordable within the approved debt budget for 2020-21, and that further work is underway through regular capital programme reviews to ensure that future debt increases are limited;

(d)  That the following £9.55m of grants and contributions injections into the capital programme be approved, as set out below and as detailed within Appendix B to the submitted report:

·  £3.55m Funding swaps as part of the Capital Programme Review;

·  £2.747m School Condition Allocation additional grant from government;

·  £1.928m HRA Right to Buy receipts for council housing growth;

·  £0.51m WYCA Transport Challenge Funding Grant A64 York Road;

·  £0.41m WYCA grant for junction improvements Fink Hill;

·  £0.2m S106 Traffic Management 20/21 Programmes;

·  £0.16m WYCA grant for City Connect Schemes;

·  £0.043m Other smaller schemes.

(e)  That it be noted that the decision to inject funding, as detailed at resolution (d) (above), will be implemented by the Chief Officer Financial Services;

(f)  That the review of capital programme pressures from 2021/22 onwards and the prioritisation of proposals for consultation and inclusion in February 2021, as presented to September 2020 Executive Board, be noted.

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

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Financial Services which provides a review and update of the Treasury Management Strategy 2020/2021.

The Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report which presented a review and update of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy 2020/2021.

RESOLVED – That the update on the Treasury Management borrowing and investment strategy for 2020/21, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted.

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

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting the actions underway and proposed to address the financial gap for 2021/22 which is currently estimated at £118.8m. The report presents a series of savings proposals to contribute towards the Council achieving a balanced budget for 2021/22 Budget and, where appropriate, seeks agreement to begin meaningful consultation with staff, trade unions, service users and the public as required.

Further to Minute No. 68, 21^st October 2020, the Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which presented the actions which were underway and proposed to address the financial gap for 2021/22, which was currently estimated at £118.8m. The report also presented a series of savings proposals to contribute towards the Council achieving a balanced budget for 2021/22 and, where appropriate, sought agreement to begin meaningful consultation with staff, trade unions, service users and the public as required.

In considering the range of proposals within the submitted report and the ongoing service reviews taking place, a Member specifically emphasised the key role played by Neighbourhood Networks, and also the importance of services in communities, such as the provision of bowling greens.

The transparency of the approach being taken by the submission of reports to the Board for consideration was highlighted, whilst a Member noted what they deemed to be the varying approaches to this process being taken by the different directorates.

In conclusion, it was noted that further detail regarding the level of Local Government funding for next financial year was awaited ahead of the Chancellor’s Comprehensive Spending Review announcement, which was due later this month, and that available details would be provided to the Board in December.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the Council’s financial position for 2021/22, as outlined in the submitted report, be noted, with it also being noted that further savings are required to deliver a balanced budget position;

(b)  That the ‘Business as Usual’ savings, as detailed within the submitted report be noted, with it also being noted that decisions to give effect to them shall be taken by the relevant Director or Chief Officer in accordance with the Officer delegation scheme (Executive functions);

(c)  That the recommendations in the ‘Service Review’ proposals, as detailed at Appendix 2b to the submitted report, be agreed, and that agreement be given to the associated consultation commencing. The Board also notes that decisions to give effect to such matters shall be taken by the relevant Director or Chief Officer, following the consultation period, in accordance with the Officer delegation scheme (Executive functions) save where the Leader, relevant portfolio holder or Director considers that the matter should be referred to Executive Board for consideration.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, both Councillors A Carter and Golton required it to be recorded that they respectively abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that follows on from the reports presented to Executive Board in September and October 2020 regarding the approach to Estate Realisation and generating Capital Receipts. This report provides more details of the proposed next tranche of accelerated disposal properties which are targeting February auction dates, as well as properties being considered for release as part of phase 1 of the Core Office Review, and other vacant or void properties under review.

(Please note: Appendices 2 and 3 to this report are designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3)).

Further to Minute No. 69, 21^st October 2020, the Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the Council’s approach towards Estate Rationalisation and generating Capital Receipts. The submitted report provided more details of the proposed next tranche of accelerated disposal properties which were targeting February 2021 auction dates, as well as properties being considered for release as part of phase 1 of the Core Office Review, and other vacant or void properties under review.

As part of the introduction to the report, the Board was made aware of correspondence which had been received relating to some of the proposals detailed.

A Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that local Ward Councillors were briefed and consulted at an early stage as part of any proposals regarding property disposal. In response, it was undertaken that further liaison would be had with the Member in question about the timing of Ward Councillor consultation, especially in instances where proposals were not yet in the public domain.

Regarding the proposal in the submitted report on the disposal of four industrial units at Logic Leeds, in considering this specific proposal, a Member highlighted how in terms of the Council’s overall approach to such matters, the correct balance needed to be struck between keeping and disposing of properties with an income stream, in order to maximise the benefit for the Council.  Discussion was also had around a specific tenant which rented premises at the Logic Leeds site.

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

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the accelerated disposal of property, as set out in Table 3.1 of the submitted report, which have already been agreed as part of the Capital Receipt Programme, be supported;

(b)  That agreement be given to progress the disposal of four industrial units at Logic Leeds from the Council’s investment portfolio following the completion of the final letting, with the details, as set out in exempt Appendix 2 to the submitted report, being noted. Also, that subject to the value of the offers received and subject to both Councillors Carter and Golton being briefed on such matters prior to any final decision being taken, agreement be given for the final decision to sell to be delegated to the Director of City Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources;

(c)  That the recent work undertaken by Kirkstall Valley Development Trust at Abbey Mills, be noted, and that agreement be given to the property being disposed of by formal tender;

(d)  That the progression of work to vacate and release those properties set out in exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report, which are included within phase 1 of the Core Office Review, be supported;

(e)  That it be noted that the proposed disposal of properties, as set out in exempt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that seeks approval of the City Square Design Brief developed with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to support the design competition.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval of the City Square Design Brief, as developed with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to support the design competition.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, it was noted that public engagement on the concept design of the scheme would be undertaken prior to the stage at which a planning application would be considered. Also, in response to an enquiry, the Board received further detail on the funding which was in place to deliver the feasibility work for the scheme.

Also in response to a Member’s enquiries regarding the timing of this development, when considering the uncertain financial position of the Council, the Board was provided with information regarding the pivotal role that this scheme would play in the delivery of a number of the Council’s key strategies and priorities.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the textual content of Design Brief developed with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to support the design competition, as detailed at appendix B to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That approval of the fully designed brief (ie. layout design and photos) be delegated to the Director of City Development;

(c)  That it be noted that the outcome of the design competition will be presented to Executive Board for consideration and endorsement in June 2021.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, both Councillors A Carter and Golton required it to be recorded that they respectively abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development outlining the progress made on Connecting Leeds, Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) since it started in April 2017 and which includes an update on the first 18 months of construction during 2019/20 and 2020/21. The report also notes the financial consolidation and restated Connecting Leeds programme delivered by LCC on the work related to the LPTIP.

The Director of City Development submitted a report outlining the progress which had been made on ‘Connecting Leeds’, Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) since it started in April 2017 and which included an update on the first 18 months of construction during 2019/20 and 2020/21. The report also presented details of the restated ‘Connecting Leeds’ programme and its financial consolidation for Members’ consideration.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was advised that with regard to timescales, the Department for Transport had confirmed that provided schemes were in contract by the end of March 2021, funding would continue to be made available.

Members discussed and received further information regarding the extent to which schemes were being reviewed and evaluated in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, and also with regard to each scheme’s potential impact upon the retail sector. It was acknowledged that further consideration should be given to the latter although it was noted the assurance processes for this current programme of works was completed or nearing completion in most cases. It was also noted the schemes being delivered as part of this programme would offer improved transport options.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, the Board was provided with an update on, and subsequently considered the current position regarding the discussions which were taking place between the Council and the Combined Authority on a matter relating to the A647 cycle way between Leeds and Bradford.

A Member raised their concerns regarding the overall progress being made by the Connecting Leeds initiative and the programming and delivery of schemes within it. In response, the Board was provided with further detail on the work that continued to be undertaken as part of the programme and the significant level of schemes which had been or were being delivered.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the continued progress and affordability of the ‘Connecting Leeds’ programme (Bus Infrastructure, Rail and Bus Delivery), be noted, which looks to continue to ensure the realisation of the outcomes set out in the strategic outline business case to the Department for Transport;

(b)  That in taking account all of the additional external funding contributions secured since the last update report which now totals £33.82m, the financial consolidation and restated programme, as set out in section 4.4 of the submitted report, including funding movements between packages, be noted and agreed;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer for Highways and Transportation is responsible for this matter, and also, that a further update will be provided in Spring 2021.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, both Councillors A Carter and Golton required it to be recorded that they respectively abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families that provides an update on the trends in relation to elective home education and permanent exclusions in the academic year 2019/20 and to the verified fixed term exclusion data from 2018/19. Also included are the trends seen in autumn term 2019/20.

Further to Minute No. 72, 18^th September 2019, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report which presented the annual update on data and trends regarding Elective Home Education (EHE) and permanent exclusion for 2019/20 from the Local Authority’s direct reporting processes, and to provide the Department for Education (DfE) verified fixed term exclusion data for 2018/19.

Members acknowledged the ongoing inquiry being undertaken by the Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) into such matters.

Also, responding to a Member’s enquiry, clarification was provided that with regard to primary fixed term exclusions, Leeds had moved from Band A to Band B.

RESOLVED – That the following be noted:

(a)  The information contained within the submitted report;

(b)  The recommendations in the Timpson Review (as detailed in Appendix 1 to the submitted report) as outlined in the previous Executive Board report of September 2019;

(c)  That the issues raised by the Children’s Commissioner in her report: “Skipping School: Invisible Children - How children disappear from England’s schools” have not yet led to any significant change in legislation;

(d)  The response of teams to changes in policy and protocol during the Covid-19 pandemic and the trends currently emerging within the new academic year 2020/21;

(e)  That the Children and Families directorate has produced an annual report on the issue of exclusions and elective home education and will continue to provide an updated annual report;

(f)  That the remit for monitoring exclusions and elective home education falls under the responsibility of the Head of Learning Inclusion within Children and Families directorate.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment that sets out the annual progress against the Council’s Equality Improvement Priorities for 2018 – 2022. It also outlines the reviewed, amended and completed priorities.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report that presented the annual progress made against the Council’s Equality Improvement Priorities for 2018 – 2022. The report also outlined the reviewed, amended and completed Equality Improvement priorities.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information regarding the work being undertaken in relation to the support provided to younger people with a disability, with an undertaking that further detail could be provided to the Member in question outside of the meeting, if required.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Equality Improvement Priorities Annual Report 2019 – 2020, as submitted, be approved;

(b)  That agreement be given to sign off the completed priorities for 2019 – 2020, as detailed within the submitted report;

(c)  That the new and amended priorities for 2020 – 2021, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved;

(d)  That the proposed approach for the development of new Strategic Equality Improvement Priorities for 2021 – 2025, be approved;

(e)  That a further report be submitted to the Board in July 2021;

(f)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities and Environment is responsible for the implementation of decisions made by Executive Board in respect of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of Public Health that provides an update on the key actions taken in Leeds on the National Flu Immunisation Programme 2020 to 2021; to outline the changes in the programme from previous years and to share progress on the development of the Leeds Seasonal Flu Vaccination Plan.

The Director of Public Health submitted a report that provided an update on the key actions being taken in Leeds on the National Flu Immunisation Programme 2020 to 2021. In addition, the report also outlined the changes in the programme from previous years and detailed the progress made on the development of the Leeds Seasonal Flu Vaccination Plan.

Members highlighted the crucial importance of ensuring that uptake levels for the Coronavirus vaccination were maximised, when it became available. Also, again with regard to the Coronavirus vaccination, Members highlighted the vital importance of clear messaging on such matters and wherever possible, the correction of any misinformation within communities.  

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the National Influenza Immunisation Programme 2020 to 2021, in particular the expanded cohort, as appended to the submitted report., be noted;

(b)  That the Leeds Seasonal Flu Vaccination Plan, as appended to the submitted report, be noted, and that its recommendations, specifically in relation to ensuring equality of uptake amongst all key target groups and targeted support in areas of deprivation and in order to tackle health inequalities, be supported;

(c)  That agreement be given for an update on immunisation uptake in Leeds, in light of COVID-19, to be provided, with it being noted that the updated figures will be available in May 2021;

(d)  That it be noted that the Acting Chief Officer for Health Protection and Sexual Health will take the lead on such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment which provides an update on the development of the proposals for the Newmarket Approach development which will provide primary office and depot facilities for Environmental Services and local office accommodation and accessible facilities for other council departments. The report also seeks approval to the necessary injection into the capital programme, together with the necessary approvals regarding the related ‘Authority to Spend’ and incurring of expenditure for the proposed project.

Further to Minute No. 6, 21^st June 2017, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which provided an update on the development of proposals regarding the provision of primary office and depot facilities for Environmental Services and local office accommodation and accessible facilities for other Council departments. The report also sought approval of the necessary injection into the capital programme, together with the necessary approvals regarding the related ‘Authority to Spend’ and incurring of expenditure for the proposed project.

Members welcomed the proposals detailed within the report and received further information regarding the timeframe for the delivery of the scheme.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That authorisation be given to £5.066m of prudential borrowing funding to be injected into capital scheme number 32782/000/000, which will be fully funded from associated savings identified from with the Environmental and Fleet Services revenue budgets; with it being noted that this project will help realise efficiencies, saving and capital receipts in excess of the cost of borrowing for the revised full scheme cost;

(b)  That approval be given to the ‘Authority to Spend’ and to the incurring of expenditure of £9.076m from capital scheme number 32782/000/000 for the construction work and associated fees for the construction of the new facilities;

(c)  That it be noted that the appointment of a contractor will only occur once the implications of the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and the risks relating to the programme and costs have been resolved to the satisfaction of Legal and Procurement Officers;

(d)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities and Environment will be responsible for the delivery of the project, and that the necessary authorisation be provided to enable the Director to enter into all other agreements required to deliver this project efficiently.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment that invites endorsement of the ‘Keep it Local’ principles and support for the Council’s participation in a new ‘Keep it Local’ network of Local Authorities, with the aim of committing to the ‘Keep it Local’ principles and ways of working.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which invited endorsement of the ‘Keep it Local’ principles and support for the Council’s participation in a new ‘Keep it Local’ network of Local Authorities.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the ‘Keep it Local’ principles, as detailed within the submitted report, be endorsed, and that the Council’s membership of the ‘Keep it Local’ Network, be supported;

(b)  That it be noted that the Executive Member for Communities is the ‘Keep it Local’ Champion and that the Director for Communities and Environment is the officer champion, with it also being noted that the Chief Officer Communities is the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the actions of the Leeds Health and Social Care system and Leeds City Council, working with broader partners, in response to and facilitating the recovery from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

(Report to follow)

Further to Minute No. 64, 21^st October 2020, the Chief Executive submitted a report which provided an update on the continued Coronavirus (COVID-19) work being undertaken across the city including the recovery approach, outbreak management, and current issues and risks. The report also noted that the city’s multi-agency command and control arrangements continued to be used alongside the Response and Recovery plan with the aim of mitigating the effects of the pandemic on those in the city, especially the most vulnerable, and to help to continue to prepare for the longer term stages of recovery planning.

By way of introduction to the report and in response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update on the role of the Council and the co-ordinated approach it was taking with partner agencies to continue to deliver a broad range of services and actions across a range of key areas. Further information regarding the Government funding received to resource such actions was also provided. The importance of a localised approach being taken in key areas was highlighted, with it being noted that the Council would continue to work closely with Government and fully utilise the funding it received.

It was also noted that work continued with Government in order to gain further clarity upon the processes for coming out of the current lockdown, whilst it was acknowledged that we had reached a pivotal point given the progress which was being made in developing a vaccine. With this in mind, it was emphasised that the effective delivery of the vaccine would be key, when it became available.

As part of the wider discussion on such matters, Members highlighted the need for the communication of clear messaging across the city to continue with regard to the ongoing restrictions, whilst the importance of the discretionary grant funding scheme for businesses and the delivery of the self-isolation support scheme were also highlighted.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the national changes effective from 5th November 2020 when the country entered a second lockdown, and the impacts from this upon Council services, as outlined within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the extensive work being undertaken across the partnerships to control the spread of the virus and to support vulnerable people and businesses, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That agreement be given for the key issues of: service delivery change; local contact tracing; vaccine rollout; mass testing where appropriate; harm minimisation for the elderly and vulnerable; business support schemes; self-isolation compliance and support; preparing for the end of the university term; and targeted communications, to continue to be progressed;

(d)  That the concurrent pressures on the system, which include winter pressures on the health and care system, flood risk and extreme weather, local government finance and capacity concerns and uncertainty around exit from the EU, be noted;

(e)  That in respect of the financial implications for the Council arising from the Coronavirus pandemic, the contents of the submitted report be used as context  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive which provides an update on the current stage of Brexit negotiations during the Transition Period, and the preparations that Leeds City Council continues to make for the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Further to Minute No. 62, 21^st October 2020, the Chief Executive submitted a report which provided an update on the current stage of Brexit negotiations during the Transition Period, and the preparations that Leeds City Council continued to make for the UK’s exit from the European Union.

By way of an introduction to the report, the Board received an update on a number of the actions being taken by the Council in this area, including the liaison with representatives from business sectors, ongoing work with regard to the EU settlement scheme, the provision of information to communities across the city and the co-ordination work being undertaken with the NHS.

RESOLVED – That the current national position, and the Council’s next steps to prepare the Council and the city for the UK’s exit from the EU, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   FRIDAY, 20^TH NOVEMBER 2020

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:   5.00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, 27^TH NOVEMBER 2020