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.

There was no information contained within the agenda which was designated as being exempt from publication and which required exclusion of the press and public.

Agenda Item 12 - 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 13^th April 2021. (Minute No. 157refers).

Agenda Item 6 – Leeds Covid-19 Vaccine Health Inequalities Plan

With the agreement of the Chair, supplementary information in the form of Appendix 4 to the report had been circulated to Board Members following the despatch of the agenda, in order to provide Members with the latest information possible ahead of the meeting in respect of the work being undertaken with the aim of increasing the uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine across all communities in Leeds.  (Minute No. 153 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 17 March 2021.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17^th March 2021 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Public Health providing an overview of the Leeds Covid-19 Vaccination Programme’s ‘Leeds Covid-19 Vaccine Health Inequalities Plan’ and details the actions being taken with the aim of increasing the vaccination uptake across all communities of Leeds.

(A supplementary appendix providing the latest position is to follow)

The Director of Public Health submitted a report providing an update on the Leeds Covid-19 Vaccination Programme’s approach towards mitigating inequalities and ensuring that all communities have access to the Covid-19 vaccine through the ‘Leeds Covid-19 Vaccine Health Inequalities Plan’.

With the agreement of the Chair, supplementary information in the form of Appendix 4 to the report had been circulated to Board Members following the despatch of the agenda, in order to provide Members with an update on the main work streams of the Health Inequalities Vaccination Programme, including headline Covid-19 vaccination uptake data for the city.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted the range of actions being taken with partners and established community networks to increase the vaccination uptake across all communities in Leeds, in order to maximise the benefit of the current vaccination programme with the overriding principle that no one is left behind. As part of the introduction it was noted that 50% of Leeds’ adult population had now received a first Covid vaccination.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, the Board received further detail regarding the progress which had been made to date, and the range of work which continued in encouraging vaccination uptake in BAME communities, with specific reference being made to the older generation. It was noted as part of the discussion that this was an issue affecting other vaccinations and was not unique to the Covid programme. As such, it was highlighted that in addition to the approach being taken to address inequalities in the current Covid vaccination round, the programme of work moving forward would reflect the longer term nature of this issue. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report and appendices, together with the related ambitions, as set out within the report, be noted, together with Members’ comments on such matters;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Public Health is the senior responsible officer for the Leeds Covid-19 Vaccine Health Inequalities Plan;

(c)  That the Board’s continued support be provided in relation to the commitment of all directorates in delivering the Leeds Covid-19 Vaccine Health Inequalities Plan.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which sets out proposals for how the Council will respond to the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ Fund.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which set out proposals for how the Council intended to respond to the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ Fund, which was released as part of the March 2021 Budget, with it being noted that the related prospectus presented an opportunity to bid for significant capital investment for the delivery of projects from the 2021/22 financial year.

As part of the introduction to the report, the Board noted the intention for an additional meeting of the Board to be held prior to the submission of any bid(s) and before the 18th June 2021 Round 1 Levelling Up Fund submission deadline, to consider the proposals.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, in acknowledging the tight timeframe involved, the Board received further detail and assurance that consultation would take place with local MPs in line with the Fund’s requirements. In addition, it was noted that consultation would also take place with local Ward Councillors, initially with those Members affected by the proposals being considered for Round 1 submission, with the same principle for Ward Councillor engagement being used for future rounds when those details were known.

In considering the report a Member commented upon the need for all communities in Leeds to have equal opportunity to access this and other funding streams; highlighted the longer term and collaborative approach required to enable districts and communities to maximise the benefit from such funding, and enquired whether this could potentially be an area for future consideration by the Board.

In response, Members were provided with further detail regarding average levels of potential funding available per constituency and per Priority 1 Local Authority area, with any funding secured being subject to Leeds’ success in the bidding process. Also, emphasis was placed upon the importance of Leeds, and all communities within it, maximising the benefit from all external funding streams which were being made available, with the potential benefits from a longer term approach towards such matters being acknowledged.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the approach, as detailed within the submitted report, to bringing forward bids to the Levelling Up Fund, be noted and supported, with it being agreed that constituency MP’s within the Leeds Metropolitan District boundary are asked to indicate their priorities for investment, so that these can be taken into consideration by the Council;

(b)  That agreement be given for the Director of City Development to undertake an assessment and a prioritisation of projects for the Levelling Up Fund in consultation with relevant Executive Members, as set out in paragraphs 3.4 – 3.11 of the submitted report;

(c)  That agreement be given for proposals for Round 1 bids to be considered at an additional meeting of Executive Board to take place prior to the submission of any bid(s) and before the 18th June 2021 Levelling Up Fund submission deadline;

(d)  That the intention to bring a further report to Executive Board be noted, which will relate to the submission of bids for future rounds of the Levelling Up Fund and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 154.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the progress of the ‘Grey to Green’ infrastructure projects following the successful Getting Building Fund submission in September 2020 and the subsequent Full Business Case approval at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Investment Committee in February 2021. The report also seeks approval of the designs developed to date for each scheme and their progression into the detailed design and planning submission phase, together with the necessary ‘Authority to Spend’ of the allocated funding identified for each scheme.

Further to Minute No. 125, 10^th February 2021, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress of the ‘Grey to Green’ infrastructure projects following the successful ‘Getting Building Fund’ submission in September 2020 and the subsequent Full Business Case approval at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Investment Committee in February 2021. The report also sought approval of the designs developed to date for each scheme and their progression into the detailed design and planning submission phase, together with the necessary ‘Authority to Spend’ of the allocated funding identified for each scheme.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with information on how the principles of the proposed schemes remained appropriate when taking account of the current economic position and the evolving ways of working and living as a result of the pandemic.

Members also discussed the decision making processes by which the final business case for the projects had been approved by the Combined Authority and given the advanced stage at which these projects were at, it was felt that any risk of further intervention by the Combined Authority or Mayoral Authority was minimal.   

The Board discussed the associated timeframes for this funding process, whilst a Member reiterated his earlier comment about the need for communities outside of the city centre to have an opportunity to access appropriate funding streams moving forward.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress which has been made to date regarding the development of the ‘Grey to Green’ programme following the successful bid to the ‘Getting Building Fund’, be noted, with the development of the three projects, namely: Meadow Lane Greenspace; Sovereign Street Bridge and Crown Point Road calming and greening, also being noted;

(b)  That the design proposals developed for the creation of Meadow Lane Green Space as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the development of green infrastructure in the city centre to support the implementation of the ‘Our Spaces’ Strategy and the South Bank Regeneration Framework Supplementary Planning Document, be approved, and that approval also be given to the progression of the scheme, as presented, into the next phase of detailed and technical design;

(c)  That the design proposals developed to date for Sovereign Street Bridge, be approved, and that approval also be given for the submission of a planning application for the bridge, in order to enable the continued progression of the scheme;

(d)  That the indicative layout proposals developed to date for the Crown Point Road calming and greening scheme, be approved, and that approval also be given for the progression of the scheme into the next phase of design;

(e)  That it be noted that the Director of City Development will be responsible for the implementation of such matters, as detailed within the submitted report, and the resolutions, as above.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that seeks approval of the outline highway design concept for the closure of City Square and its subsequent implementation in readiness for the Year of Culture, and also approval of the preliminary design and implementation of Armley Gyratory as presented, subject to any Planning conditions and detailed design changes.

Further to Minute No. 79, 18^th November 2020, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval of the outline highway design concept for the closure of City Square and its subsequent implementation in readiness for the Year of Culture. The report also sought approval of the preliminary design and implementation of Armley Gyratory, subject to any Planning conditions and detailed design changes.

Regarding the potential inclusion of water features within the design for the City Square proposals, Members were assured that the images within the submitted report were indicative only and that the related design competition continued. However, should water features be included in the final design it was acknowledged that appropriate due diligence would need to be undertaken and resource allocated to ensure the long term maintenance of them. On this point, the Director of City Development offered to provide relevant Executive Members with further information regarding the specific challenges of maintaining public water features, if required.

In relation to the proposals, a Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that they did not deter visitors to the city centre via car or any other means of transport. Also, an enquiry was raised regarding how the proposals would impact upon the flow of traffic in the city centre and how they would affect air quality. In response, it was noted that detailed transport modelling work on issues such as air quality would continue as part of the respective Combined Authority and planning processes. Also, it was highlighted that the proposals would aim to maximise ‘movement capacity’ for all forms of transport, with it being emphasised that the proposals did not aim to stop cars from accessing the city centre.

Specifically regarding the proposals for Armley Gyratory, a Member highlighted the issue of users’ safety, with reference being made to those accessing the Gyratory via active travel and also when considering female users’ safety. In response, it was confirmed that such matters were being taken into consideration as part of the design work, with reference being made to landscaping, lighting, connectivity and users’ general visibility when travelling through the Gyratory. In conclusion, it was noted that Executive Members’ suggestions regarding the design proposals would be welcomed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in the context of previous decisions taken by Executive Board, and as outlined within the submitted report, the outline design for the closure of City Square to through traffic, as per the plan in Appendix 1, including the indicated bus and taxi only restrictions, be approved, with it being noted that at the discretion of the Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation), there may be further adjustments to the design in order to respond to stakeholders’ needs and the proposed public consultation;

(b)  That the preliminary design of Armley Gyratory, as shown in Appendix 1 to the submitted report and as presented in the recent engagement, be approved, subject to any changes arising from Planning conditions or the detailed design process;

(c)  That it be noted that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 156.

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. 144, 17th March 2021, the Chief Executive submitted a report which provided an update on the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Plan, as well as the Local Outbreak Management Plan, which in the last month had included: the safe reopening of businesses; continued work and proactive communications with communities and services in line with the national recovery roadmap; the vaccination rollout and the tackling of health  inequalities in this area; outbreak management work, including testing, tracing and support to self-isolate; and further action in the areas of compliance and enforcement.

With the agreement of the Chair, the submitted report had been circulated to Board Members as a late item of business prior to the meeting for the reasons as set out in section 11.12 of the submitted report, and as detailed in Minute No. 150.

By way of introduction to the report, it was highlighted that 1,608 people had died in the city as a result of Coronavirus to date. On behalf of the Council, the Leader extended his sympathies to the families and loved ones of all those who had lost their lives. 

The Leader also noted that over the past week, the infection rate in Leeds had reduced by 32%, which was below the Yorkshire and Humber average.

Responding to a Member’s enquiries, the Director of City Development undertook to provide further detail to relevant Executive Members regarding the grant which had been received from Arts Council England’s Cultural Recovery Fund, in terms of what the funding was intended to be used for and on which sites.

Also, further detail was provided regarding the ongoing citywide ‘conversation’ on the future use of city and local centres and how they will be used in the longer term as we continue to move through the pandemic, with the Director offering to provide the Member in question with a briefing on this matter, if required.

Regarding a Member’s enquiry on the current position relating to the backlogs for treatment in hospital settings, the Director of Public Health undertook to make enquiries on such matters and provide further detail to the Member in question.

Also, regarding the provision of grants for businesses which were administered by the Council, responding to an enquiry, the Board received an update on the current position regarding the allocation and distribution of grants, together with details on the actions being taken to deliver such funding as efficiently as possible, and working to the Government’s deadline of end of June 2021, with the Member in question being offered a separate briefing on such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Response and Recovery Plan, as appended at Annex A to the submitted report, together with the full range of activity taking place to prepare for the safe reopening of services and the economy in the coming months, be noted, with the focus on planning for the year ahead also being noted;

(b)  That the current position with regard to the four measures in the Roadmap, be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 157.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) that sets out for the Executive Board the Council’s provisional financial outturn position for 2020/21.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which set out the Council’s projected provisional financial outturn position for 2020/21 in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and also the Housing Revenue Account.

In considering the submitted report, Members welcomed the provisional balanced budget position for 2020/21 which was presented, and extended their thanks to all those who had helped achieve this position, given the significant challenges which had been faced throughout the year.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected provisional financial outturn for the Authority, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted, with the projected impact of COVID-19 on that position also being noted;

(b)  That with regard to the 2020/21 financial year, it be noted that the Authority is forecasting a balanced budget position.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families on the outcome of a statutory notice published under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 regarding a proposal to establish a 12 place Resource Provision for pupils with complex communication difficulties including Autistic Spectrum Condition at St. Margaret’s Church of England Primary School, and which seeks a final decision in respect of that proposal.

Further to Minute No. 127, 10^th February 2021, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting the outcomes from the statutory notice published under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 regarding a proposal to establish a 12 place Resource Provision for pupils with complex communication difficulties including Autistic Spectrum Condition at St. Margaret’s Church of England Primary School, and which sought a final decision in respect of that proposal.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to establish a 12 place Resource Provision for pupils with complex communication difficulties including Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) at St. Margaret’s Church of England Primary School in Horsforth with effect from September 2021, be approved;

(b)  That approval be given to exempt the resolutions arising from the submitted report, as detailed within this minute from the Call In process for the reasons as set out in paragraph 4.5.2 of that report;

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

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process by the decision taker if it is considered that the matter is urgent and any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with this, the resolutions contained within this minute were exempted from the Call In process, as per resolution (b) above, and for the reasons as detailed within section 4.5.2 of the submitted report)

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families that presents the findings from the review undertaken with regard to Youth Work, and outlines the vision for youth work and the proposals for future delivery.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report that presented the findings from the review which had been undertaken into Youth Work in Leeds, and which outlined the vision for youth work together with the proposals for future delivery.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted the extensive consultation which had been undertaken to inform the proposed model, and it was highlighted that no single Ward would receive any less Council delivered youth work provision than what was currently being received, but that moving forward a greater focus would be placed upon the city’s more deprived communities and neighbourhoods with the greatest need.

Members welcomed proposals to establish a more collaborative approach between communities and youth work provision, and in response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further detail on the provision that was currently in place and what was proposed as part of the new model to support those pockets of deprivation located in more affluent areas.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the comprehensive consultation and assessment work which has been undertaken to develop the vision for youth work in Leeds, be noted, and that the continuing commitment to youth services as a key strand of work to enable the most vulnerable young people in the city achieve their aspirations and ambitions, be endorsed;

(b)  That the proposed new model of youth work delivery, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved, and that support be given to further work being undertaken which will be led by the Youth Offer Lead in order to co-produce the enhanced youth work specification;

(c)  That it be noted that the new model of youth work delivery will be fully implemented by April 2022.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 23^RD APRIL 2021

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 30^TH APRIL 2021