Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor reminded those present that the meeting was to be webcast.

b)  The Lord Mayor congratulated Leeds Rhinos on winning the Challenge Cup 2015

c)  The Lord Mayor congratulated Yorkshire County Cricket Club on retaining the County Championship

d)  The Lord Mayor also reported that the Yorkshire womens cricket team were County Champions

e)  The Lord Mayor also reported that the former Yorkshire County Cricket captain Brian Close CBE had recently passed away.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 8^th July 2015.

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor G Latty and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th July 2015 be approved.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chief Executive provided all members of Council with an update in respect of recent discussions in respect of the Boundary Commission Review. 

The Leader of Council provided all members of Council with an update in respect of Leeds’ response to the current refugee crisis.

Three deputations were admitted to the meeting and addressed Council, as follows:-

1)  RadhaRaman Society regarding the RadhaRaman Festival

2)   Meanwood Valley Partnership regarding the Highbury Cricket Club site. 

3)  Young People regarding the National Citizen Service

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputations 1 and 2 be referred to the Director of City Development for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member and that the subject matter in respect of deputation 3 be referred to the Director of Children’s Services for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor Selby and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be approved, namely that Councillor Ingham replace Councillor Dawson on the Member Management Committee.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens & Communities) presenting to Council the Community Committees’ Annual Report for 2014/15 and the work now being progressed to further improve the effectiveness, profile and community engagement role of community committees.

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) presenting to Council the Community Committees’ Annual report for 2014/15 be received and that the work now being progressed to further improve the effectiveness, profile and community engagement role of Community Committees be agreed.

To consider a report in respect of the Outer West Community Committee.

It was moved by Councillor Coulson, seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Outer West Community Committee be noted.

To consider a report in respect of the Inner East Community Committee.

It was moved by Councillor A Khan, seconded by Councillor Ingham and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Inner East Community Committee be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking Council approval to adopt Policies Minerals 13 and 14 and their supporting text as part of the Natural Resources and Waste Local Plan following independent examination and the receipt of the Inspector’s Report.

It was moved by Councillor R Lewis , seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

RESOLVED -  That Council adopt Policies Minerals 13 and 14 and the supporting text as part of the Natural Resources and Waste Local Plan (the submitted Policies and modifications), with 16th September 2015 as the date of Adoption, pursuant to Section 23 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

Q1  Councillor Robinson to the Executive Member (Children and Families):-

Does the Executive Board Member for Children and Families believe that changes to the Council’s home to school transport funding arrangements have been properly implemented and are fair on parents and students?

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

Q2  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Does the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning share my concern over the possible granting of fracking licences in Rothwell and other areas in the south of the city and will he pledge to oppose fracking in these areas by all available means?

The Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning)  replied.

Q3  Councillor Smart to the Executive Member (Children and Families):-

Can the Executive Member for Children and Families please update council on this year’s exam results?

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

Q4  Councillor D Blackburn to the Leader of Council:-

Does the Leader of Council share my concerns about the adverse impacts that the introduction of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership could have on the ability of Leeds City Council to deliver local services?

The Leader of Council replied.

Q5  Councillor Nagle to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Please can the Executive Member with responsibility for sustainability update council on the possibility of shale gas exploration in Rothwell Ward?

The Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning) replied.

Q6  Councillor Buckley to the Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults take this opportunity to welcome the NHS Chief Executive’s comments about the sale of unhealthy foods in hospitals?

The Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults) replied.

Q7  Councillor J Bentley to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Has the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning assessed the impact on the council housing growth programme of the government’s proposal of an annual 1% reduction to social housing rents?

The Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning) replied.

Q8  Councillor Sobel to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

Will the Executive Member with responsible for sustainability please update Council on Central Government’s cuts to the Green Deal?

The Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning) replied.

Q9  Councillor D Blackburn to the Leader of Council:-

Will the Leader of Council agree that no firm decision should be made on any proposals of an Elected Mayor without the agreement of the people of Leeds in a referendum.

  The Leader of Council replied.

Q10  Councillor Urry to the Executive Member (Communities):-

Can the Executive Member for Communities update Council on the impact of the Chancellor’s recent welfare and wage changes on people in Leeds?

The Executive Member (Communities) replied.

At the conclusion of question time, the following questions remained unanswered and it was noted that, under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11.6, written answers would be sent to each Member of Council:-

Q11  Councillor Lamb to the Executive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Charlwood that the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

RESOLVED – That the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i)

Council Procedure Rule 4, providing for the winding up of business, was applied prior to all notified comments on the minutes having been debated.

At the conclusion of this item Council adjourned from 16.20 to 16.50.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive updating Members on matters in the Leeds City Region LEP and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, specifically this report provides details of the latest public combined authority meeting in July.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Wakefield and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Executive updating Members on matters in respect of devolution be received.

The Lord Mayor informed Council that Councillor Graham Hyde was absent from todays Council as he had recently had a fall and fractured his skull and she would write to Councillor Hyde on behalf of Council wishing him a speedy recovery.  

This Council believes it is in the best interest of the citizens of Leeds to be part of a devolved authority made up of West Yorkshire Councils, North Yorkshire Councils, and the East Riding and Hull.

This would create a Northern Powerhouse able to compete, not only on a local and regional scale, but on a national and international scale and would provide a devolved authority area stretching from the Pennines to the sea.

It was moved by Councillor Andrew Carter, seconded by Councillor J Procter that this Council believes it is in the best interest of the citizens of Leeds to be part of a devolved authority made up of West Yorkshire Councils, North Yorkshire Councils, and the East Riding and Hull.

This would create a Northern Powerhouse able to compete, not only on a local and regional scale, but on a national and international scale and would provide a devolved authority area stretching from the Pennines to the sea.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor J Lewis

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“notes the Chancellor set a deadline of 4^th September for areas to submit bids for devolution to Government and that members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the North Yorkshire District Councils of Craven, Harrogate and Selby, and City of York Council reached agreement to submit proposals based on the Leeds City Region geographic area.

Council believes that the Leeds City Region strongly aligns with the economic and practical realities of the day to day lives of people who live and/or work in Leeds. Council recognises the improved outcomes already delivered through devolution to the Leeds City Region, such as through the Devolved Youth Contract and support to business growth through the Local Enterprise Partnership Investment Panel.  Council notes that the Leeds City Region geography matches the area covered by the Local Enterprise Partnership, which was itself initiated by central Government. 

Council further notes the Chancellor’s insistence that mayoral governance form part of any devolution agreement, despite the people of Leeds rejecting a mayor in the 2012 referendum. This Council is clear that any acceptance of this form of governance will only be considered if significant powers and resources are devolved by Whitehall, rather than taken up from Leeds City Council, as part of any agreement. 

This Council believes that regardless of the geography and governance arrangements of any devolution deal, Leeds City Council should itself continue to collaborate with partners across the city, regionally, nationally and internationally in order to produce the conditions to grow the Leeds economy and create much needed jobs for Leeds’ residents.”

Full motion would then read:

“This Council notes the Chancellor set a deadline of 4^th September for areas to submit bids for devolution to Government and that members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the North Yorkshire District Councils of Craven, Harrogate and Selby, and City of York Council reached agreement to submit proposals based on the Leeds City Region geographic area.

Council believes that the Leeds City Region strongly aligns with the economic and practical realities of the day to day lives of people who live and/or work in Leeds. Council recognises the improved outcomes already delivered through devolution to the Leeds City Region, such as through the Devolved Youth Contract and support to business growth through the Local Enterprise Partnership Investment Panel.  Council notes that the Leeds City Region geography matches the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

This Council is appalled that the Conservative’s General Election 2015 manifesto promise to “support people to stay healthy” has been so quickly disregarded through the announcement of in-year cuts of £200million of Health funding that is being clawed back from local authorities.

Council notes this betrayal is part of a fast growing list of broken promises from this Government that directly affects the lives and wellbeing of the people of Leeds. This includes not progressing with the promised electrification of the transpennine rail route or the promise to cap care costs and the in-year cut to Youth Offending spending.

Council calls on the Government to rethink its approach to funding cuts in preparing its Comprehensive Spending Review, in line with Conservative party promises made to Leeds residents only a matter of months ago.

Council believes the damage that will be done by Government decisions announced to date cannot be overestimated and will work with partners in the city on the effects of the cuts. 

Council calls on officers to make representations to ministers on behalf of the people of Leeds to ensure the Government recognises the needs of the city and the impact their approach to funding can have, especially in relation to the protection of vulnerable people.

It was moved by Councillor Mulherin, seconded by Councillor Yeadon that this Council is appalled that the Conservative’s General Election 2015 manifesto promise to “support people to stay healthy” has been so quickly disregarded through the announcement of in-year cuts of £200million of Health funding that is being clawed back from local authorities.

Council notes this betrayal is part of a fast growing list of broken promises from this Government that directly affects the lives and wellbeing of the people of Leeds. This includes not progressing with the promised electrification of the transpennine rail route or the promise to cap care costs and the in-year cut to Youth Offending spending.

Council calls on the Government to rethink its approach to funding cuts in preparing its Comprehensive Spending Review, in line with Conservative party promises made to Leeds residents only a matter of months ago.

Council believes the damage that will be done by Government decisions announced to date cannot be overestimated and will work with partners in the city on the effects of the cuts. 

Council calls on officers to make representations to ministers on behalf of the people of Leeds to ensure the Government recognises the needs of the city and the impact their approach to funding can have, especially in relation to the protection of vulnerable people.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Lay, seconded by Councillor Campbell to ;

Delete final paragraph and replace with:

Council therefore calls on the Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care to show the political leadership necessary to deal with the challenge this presents to the city and bring forward proposals at the earliest opportunity setting out potential means by which the council may absorb these cuts to the public health budget.

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Buckley, seconded by Councillor Robinson;

Delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:

‘notes the success of the Conservative Manifesto in May 2015 and the failure of the Labour Party to present credible policies that appealed to the British public.

Council further notes the difficult financial position inherited in 2010 and the long term economic plan that is being delivered to repair the British economy.

However, this Council is concerned that the electrification of the Trans-Pennine route between Leeds and Manchester has been delayed and recognises the challenges in year funding reductions, particularly those in health, could create for services in Leeds. Council is concerned that in year funding reductions could impact on the excellent work done by, for instance, Neighbourhood Networks and Children’s Centres and would be concerned if any funding reductions were implemented against these budgets.

Council believes that constructive dialogue with the Government could lead to the Trans-Pennine rail plans being resurrected through the ongoing and ground breaking Government led devolution negotiations, and that those same negotiations have the potential to provide greater control over health budgets in Leeds.

This Council therefore calls on the ruling administration to work constructively with government and partners to minimise  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

This Council notes:

• The Government cancelling the introduction of Zero Carbon Home Standards in 2016.
• The negative impact this will have on householders at risk of fuel poverty in new housing.
• The missed opportunity to reduce carbon emissions in new developments.
• The loss of income to the local economy as a result of these lower energy efficiency standards, as householders’ income is spent paying energy bills rather than in local shops and on local services.

This Council believes:

• That under the principle of ‘localism’ councils can determine their own standards on land that they own if those standards comply with UK Building Regulations.
• That the internationally recognised ‘Passivhaus Standard’ offers an alternative to the UK’s diminished energy efficiency ambitions for new-build housing.
• That the Passivhaus Standard complies with UK Building Regulations and can deliver heating bills of less than £100/year for the average three bedroom terrace house.

This Council, therefore, requests that an early report is brought to the Executive Board to specify Passivhaus Standards on all new buildings on council-owned land and as a condition of sale on any council land.

It was moved by Councillor A Blackburn, seconded by Councillor Wilford that this Council notes:

• The Government cancelling the introduction of Zero Carbon Home Standards in 2016.
• The negative impact this will have on householders at risk of fuel poverty in new housing.
• The missed opportunity to reduce carbon emissions in new developments.
• The loss of income to the local economy as a result of these lower energy efficiency standards, as householders’ income is spent paying energy bills rather than in local shops and on local services.

This Council believes:

• That under the principle of ‘localism’ councils can determine their own standards on land that they own if those standards comply with UK Building Regulations.
• That the internationally recognised ‘Passivhaus Standard’ offers an alternative to the UK’s diminished energy efficiency ambitions for new-build housing.
• That the Passivhaus Standard complies with UK Building Regulations and can deliver heating bills of less than £100/year for the average three bedroom terrace house.

This Council, therefore, requests that an early report is brought to the Executive Board to specify Passivhaus Standards on all new buildings on council-owned land and as a condition of sale on any council land.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Sobel, seconded by Councillor C Gruen;

Insert after “local services”:

• “From January 2016 the Government have proposed the lowest feed in tariff rate will be just 1.63p per kWh - as opposed to the current 12.47p for the smallest producers, usually single homes. This has the potential to devastate the domestic solar renewable market and cause a drastic drop in solar photovoltaic retrofitting in both private and social housing.”

Delete all after “three bedroom terrace house.” and replace with:

“This Council also notes that the Leeds Standard for Housing aims to improve the quality of building, with energy efficiency as a central component of these changes. This approach has emphasised the needs for all housing -whether on Council land or not- to meet high quality energy efficiency standards.

Given Central Government’s clear movement away from policies designed to improve energy efficiency, the Council resolves to ensure practical action takes place at a local level to secure a sustainable future.

Council therefore requests that officers investigate the need for even more challenging, locally set building standards, whilst also promoting and supporting self-builders, community-builders  and developers who will seek to build to Passivhaus or similar standards. Council requests that Executive Board receive a report on this within the current municipal year.”

The motion would therefore read:

“This Council notes:

• The Government cancelling the introduction of Zero Carbon Home Standards in 2016.
• The negative impact this will have on householders at risk of fuel poverty in new housing.
• The missed opportunity to reduce carbon emissions in new developments.
• The loss of income to the local economy as a result of these lower energy efficiency standards, as householders’ income is spent paying energy bills rather than in local shops and on local services.
• From January 2016 the Government have proposed the lowest feed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor G Latty that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule(CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 12 (Motions on Notice) (White Paper Motions) be suspended to allow the introduction of a fourth White Paper (not for debate) and in accordance with CPR 14.9(a) seek leave of Council for Councillor Blake to alter the wording of the motion in her name by the  inclusion of an additional (the final) paragraph.

Upon being put to the vote, the motion was carried.

This Council congratulates Leeds Rhinos on their superb victory in the recent Challenge Cup final and recognises the continuing pride that the whole city feels from their achievements.

This victory is just the latest in a long line of phenomenal successes for the current team over more than a decade.

As well as the achievements on the pitch, this Council would like to take the opportunity to thank the club for its continued support to young people and families in the city and its continuing commitment to community engagement at the widest level.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter, and supported by Councillors Campbell, Gettings and D Blackburn and

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY – That this Council congratulates Leeds Rhinos on their superb victory in the recent Challenge Cup final and recognises the continuing pride that the whole city feels from their achievements.

This victory is just the latest in a long line of phenomenal successes for the current team over more than a decade.

As well as the achievements on the pitch, this Council would like to take the opportunity to thank the club for its continued support to young people and families in the city and its continuing commitment to community engagement at the widest level.

This Council also wishes to take this opportunity to extend its congratulations to Yorkshire County Cricket Club on its wonderful and second consecutive County Championship win.