Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds

Contact: Governance Services Unit 

Media

Items
No. Item

54.

Announcements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

b)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that she had written to Lizzie Armitstead congratulating her on winning the Women’s Road Race World Championship and inviting her to a Civic Reception.  

 

c)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that she would be hosting a Civic reception on Monday 16th November 2015 to congratulate the Yorkshire County Cricket Team as well as the women’s team and girls under 15s and 13s on winning their respective County Championships.

 

d)  The Lord Mayor reported the recent death of Lord Denis Healey an Honorary Freeman of the City and Council stood in silent tribute.   

55.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 66 KB

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 16th September 2015.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 16th September 2015 be approved.

 

56.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Bruce declared an interest on the minutes of the South & West Plans meeting of the 22nd October 2015 where a personal planning application was considered..

 

57.

Communications

To receive such communications as the Lord Mayor, the Leader,  Members of the Executive Board or the Chief Executive consider appropriate

Additional documents:

Minutes:

a)  The Chief Executive informed Council that a response to a Council resolution has been received from Jane Ellison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health in respect of a White Paper resolution on health funding passed by the Council in September 2015 and that the response had previously been circulated to all Members of Council.

 

b)  The Chief Executive informed Council that a questionnaire on the Boundary Commission Review had been left on each Members seat in the Chamber and he asked members to complete the questionnaires and return them to the Group Office.

 

c)  Councillor Andrew Carter informed Council that he had that morning received a copy of a letter from the Regional Director of Ofsted to the Chief Executive which highlighted serious deficiencies in some primary schools across Leeds and expressed his disappointment that this information had not been shared with Members. The Chief Executive informed Council that he would ensure that a full briefing for all group Leaders would take place in respect of this matter within the next 48 hours.

58.

Deputations

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

1)  Headingley residents for the protection of Headingley Hill

 

2)  Leeds Skyline Service users

 

3)  Leeds against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

 

RESOLVED – That the subject matters in respect of deputations 1 and 3 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 2 be referred to the Director of Adult Social Services for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

59.

Recommendations of the Executive Board - Safer Leeds Strategy 2015/16 pdf icon PDF 154 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Housing setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 23rd September 2015 to Full Council in respect of the Safer Leeds Strategy 2015/16.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor M Dobson seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

 

RESOLVED – That the Safer Leeds Strategy 2015/16 be approved as the city’s Crime and Disorder Strategy for 2015-16.

60.

Recommendations of the Executive Board - Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy pdf icon PDF 106 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 21st October 2015 to Full Council in respect of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor J Lewis seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

 

RESOLVED – That the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2016 – 2018 be approved as the new policy to have effect from 31st January 2016.

61.

Recommendations of the General Purposes Committee - nominations from Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Services, Public Health, NHS) - West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee pdf icon PDF 117 KB

To consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development putting forward recommendations of General Purposes Committee in relation to a West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and associated membership nominations, as identified by Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Services, Public Health, NHS) at its meeting on 20 October 2015.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood seconded by Councillor Selby and

 

RESOLVED –

(a) to appoint a West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee together with the authorities listed at paragraph 6.1 of the submitted report.

(b) That the terms of reference for the West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee set out at Appendix 1 of the submitted report be approved.

(c) To delegate relevant functions, as set out in Appendix 1 of the submitted report, that shall be exercisable by the West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, subject to the terms and conditions specified.

Council agrees to appoint such members to the West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as nominated by the Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Services, Public Health, NHS), namely:

·  The Chair – Councillor Peter Gruen; and,

·  Councillor Billy Flynn. 

 

62.

Recommendations of the General Purposes Committee - Community Governance Review of Guiseley pdf icon PDF 123 KB

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) presenting recommendations from the General Purposes Committee on 19 October 2015 regarding the Community Governance Review of Guiseley.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Blake seconded by Councillor Charlwood and

 

RESOLVED – To approve General Purposes Committee’s recommendation that a new town council for Guiseley is not created on the basis that the current community governance arrangements in the area under review adequately reflect the identities and interests of the community in that area, and are effective and convenient, as reflected by the number of representations received against the proposal for a new town council from electors in the area.

 

63.

Report on the Leeds Award pdf icon PDF 89 KB

To consider the report of the City Solicitor in respect of the Leeds Award.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED – That the recommendation of the Leeds Award Panel and the decision to approve the award taken by the Chief Executive to award Kevin Sinfield MBE the Leeds Award, as presented by the report of the City Solicitor, be noted. 

 

64.

Report on Appointments pdf icon PDF 91 KB

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be approved, namely that Councillor Buckley replace Councillor Amanda Carter on Scrutiny Board (Citizens and Communities).

 

65.

Report on the Electoral Review of Leeds City Council pdf icon PDF 137 KB

To consider the report of the Chief Executive giving details of the arrangements and timetable for the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) Electoral Review of Leeds City Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Executive on the arrangements and timetable for the Electoral Review be noted.

 

 

 

 

66.

Report on the Inner West Community Committee pdf icon PDF 299 KB

To consider a report in respect of the Inner West Community Committee

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Ritchie, seconded by Councillor Venner and

 

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

 

67.

Report on the Inner South Community Committee pdf icon PDF 128 KB

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

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Gabriel, seconded by Councillor Truswell and

 

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

 

68.

Questions

To deal with questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Q1  Councillor Andrew Carter to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

 

Will the Executive Board Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning confirm that he will instruct council officers to cease using the term ‘PAS land’ to describe safeguarded land, bringing us into line with terminology used in the rest of the country?

 

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

 

Q2  Councillor Lay to the Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults):-

 

Can the executive member for health, wellbeing and adults reassure council about the future of the St Anne’s alcohol rehab service in the light of recent speculation about its potential closure?

 

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

 

Q3  Councillor C Gruen to the Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community Safety):-

 

Does the Executive Member with responsibility for Community Safety have concerns about Police provision for next year?

 

The Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community Safety) replied.

 

Q4  Councillor A Blackburn to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning):-

 

Can the Executive Member please update Council as to when the Elland Road Match Day Residents Permit Parking Scheme will be introduced on the identified roads in the Wortley area?

 

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

 

Q5  Councillor Heselwood to the Executive Member (Resources and Strategy):-

 

Can the Executive Member for Resources and Strategy give an assessment of the impact of the proposed Trade Union Bill on the Council’s relationship with Trade Unions?

 

The Executive Member (Resources and Strategy) replied.

 

 

Q6  Councillor P Harrand to the Chair of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel:-

 

Will the Chair of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel update council on the present state of negotiations between the police service and the fire service about the development of the site at Weetwood, which have been going on for eighteen months and seem to be getting nowhere?

 

The Chair of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel replied.

 

Q7  Councillor Townsley to the Executive Member (Children and Families):-

 

Could the executive member for children please update council on the status of talks between asset management and Leeds City College regarding the potential acquisition of the Leeds City College Horsforth campus site for educational purposes?

 

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

 

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

 

Does the Executive Member with responsibility for housing growth feel that Council tenants are on a “high income” if they earn £30,000 a year?

 

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

 

Q9  Councillor Gettings to the Executive Member (Children and Families):-

 

In a child friendly city how important is it for the City Council to acknowledge young people’s achievements and to hear their voice?

 

The Executive Member (Children and Families) replied.

 

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

 

Will the Executive Member for Communities comment on the importance of investment into the new Horticultural Nursery at Whinmoor Grange?

 

The Executive Member (Communities)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

69.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 2 MB

To receive the following minutes in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i):-

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

An amendment(reference back) was submitted by Councillor J Bentley,  to add the following at the end of item 15:

 

‘To ask the Executive Board to reconsider the decision in relation to Improving Air Quality within the City, contained in minute 64 of the Executive Board minutes of 21st October 2015.’

 

The amendment (reference back) was declared lost and upon being put to the vote it was

 

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

70.

Report on Devolution pdf icon PDF 138 KB

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

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor J Lewis and

 

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

 

 

71.

White Paper Motion (in the name of Councillor B Anderson) - Public Health and Planning pdf icon PDF 54 KB

This Council notes the recommendations made in the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report, approved at Executive Board in September 2015, particularly around planning and engagement with communities.

 

Council is concerned that the proposal to deliver 70,000 new homes in Leeds, with a possible increase in population of 150,000, could lead to an adverse impact on public health in the city. It could affect the ability of residents to access already stretched GPs and dental surgeries but also impact negatively on communities through increased road congestion, reduced air quality and loss of Greenbelt and open space. Council further notes the existing problems the Council is dealing with in relation to air quality and possible associated financial penalties.

 

The Public Health Annual Report goes on to set out how the Council aims to engage with communities. This Council is concerned that the consultation on the site allocations process does not meet those aims. Namely it does not:

 

  • make it easy for everyone to take part

  make the engagement meaningful and honest

  involve people at the earliest possible stage

  show everyone the impact the engagement has had

 

This Council remains concerned about the plan to deliver 70,000 new homes and the process of consultation that underpins it.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor B Anderson, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter  that  this Council notes the recommendations made in the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report, approved at Executive Board in September 2015, particularly around planning and engagement with communities.

 

Council is concerned that the proposal to deliver 70,000 new homes in Leeds, with a possible increase in population of 150,000, could lead to an adverse impact on public health in the city. It could affect the ability of residents to access already stretched GPs and dental surgeries but also impact negatively on communities through increased road congestion, reduced air quality and loss of Greenbelt and open space. Council further notes the existing problems the Council is dealing with in relation to air quality and possible associated financial penalties.

 

The Public Health Annual Report goes on to set out how the Council aims to engage with communities. This Council is concerned that the consultation on the site allocations process does not meet those aims. Namely it does not:

 

  • make it easy for everyone to take part

  make the engagement meaningful and honest

  involve people at the earliest possible stage

  show everyone the impact the engagement has had

 

This Council remains concerned about the plan to deliver 70,000 new homes and the process of consultation that underpins it.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor R Lewis, seconded by Councillor Mulherin

 

Delete all after “with communities” and replace with:

 

Council further notes that the consultation on the draft Site Allocation Plan and Aire Valley Action Plan are ongoing- and suggests that anyone wishing to make a comment is able to do so at www.leeds.gov.uk/yourcity or using the other contact methods available. Council notes the end date of this consultation is 16 November 2015.

 

Council is committed to ensuring that public health is a key focus for action in planning in Leeds, with a clear need to consult with all stakeholders on new planning applications and guidance.

 

Council appreciates the recognition within the Director of Public Health’s report that the environment in which we live is a major determinant of health and wellbeing. Council recognises that health considerations are part of both the adopted Core Strategy and the Leeds Standard for Housing, showing commitment to Public Health for new developments in Leeds. Council further notes the work being done to improve air quality, including the promotion of cycling and walking both for new developments and as part of existing infrastructure.

 

Council is therefore deeply concerned that the ambitions set out in the report are put at risk by the proposed Housing and Planning Bill 2015-16, especially the provisions to:

  • Give automatic planning permission on brownfield sites, without detailed local planning decision making on whether these sites are suitable.
  • Place “Starter Homes” on equal footing with truly affordable Council and Housing Association homes.
  • Impose Right to Buy on Housing Associations.
  • Demand Local Authorities sell “high value” Council homes, with the potential to remove social housing from many areas.
  • Give powers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

72.

White Paper Motion (in the name of Councillor Finnigan) - Welfare Reform pdf icon PDF 71 KB

This Council accepts the necessity of welfare reform but believes any new welfare system must provide fair financial support for both hard working families and the vulnerable people of Leeds. The proposed Tax Credit reforms do not achieve these objectives and in light of this we call on the Chief Executive to write to the Government asking them to abandon them.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Finnigan, seconded by Councillor Golton that this Council accepts the necessity of welfare reform but believes any new welfare system must provide fair financial support for both hard working families and the vulnerable people of Leeds. The proposed Tax Credit reforms do not achieve these objectives and in light of this we call on the Chief Executive to write to the Government asking them to abandon them.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor A Blackburn seconded by Councillor D Blackburn

 

After “This Council” delete “accepts the necessity of welfare reform but”.

 

Motion would read:

 

“This Council believes any new welfare system must provide fair financial support for both hard working families and the vulnerable people of Leeds.  The proposed Tax Credit reforms do not achieve these objectives and in light of this we call on the Chief Executive to write to the Government asking them to abandon them.”

 

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Coupar seconded by Councillor Yeadon,

 

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

 

“…remains incredibly concerned about the impact on households in Leeds of Government’s plans to remove up to £13billion nationally in support from some of the most vulnerable people by 2020/21. Council is particularly disappointed to learn that the promise to avoid cuts to tax credits has been broken.

 

This Council has noted analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the Resolution Foundation and others which demonstrates that tax and wage changes will not offset the shortfall from tax credit cuts in full, particularly with lengthy delays before the minimum wage increase could reach £9 per hour.

 

Council believes children will suffer the most as a result of this decision given that 77% of in work families claiming tax credits have a household income of less than £20,000 a year, and 83% of those in-work families have at least one child. Locally in Leeds this Council continues to work hard to give children the best start in life but is concerned that Government has decided to withdraw vital support from families working hard for low pay.

 

Council notes that this Government has failed to achieve its own deficit reduction targets set out in 2010 and the national debt doubled over the last Parliament. In that context, Council does not believe it is the right priority for Government to help the wealthiest 4% of the population to benefit from tax changes, whilst placing the burden of its own failure on hard working families in Leeds. This Council calls on Government to withdraw these damaging cuts and maintain vital support for those who need it in our city. Council asks that the Executive Board member for Communities writes to central government to notify them of this resolution.”

 

Full motion will then read:

 

“This Council remains incredibly concerned about the impact on households in Leeds of Government’s plans to remove up to £13billion nationally in support from some of the most vulnerable people by 2020/21. Council is particularly disappointed to learn  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

73.

Motion to Suspend Council Procedure Rules

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Yeadon that under the provisions of Council procedure Rule 14.10 that leave of Council be given to withdraw the motion in my name on Tax Credits.

 

Upon being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED – That leave of Council be given to withdraw the motion in the name of Councillor Coupar.

 

74.

White Paper Motion (in the name of Councillor Coupar) - Tax Credits pdf icon PDF 60 KB

This Council remains incredibly concerned about the impact on households in Leeds of Government’s plans to remove up to £13billion nationally in support from some of the most vulnerable people by 2020/21. Council is particularly disappointed to learn that the promise to avoid cuts to tax credits has been broken.

 

This Council has noted analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the Resolution Foundation and others which demonstrates that tax and wage changes will not offset the shortfall from tax credit cuts in full, particularly with lengthy delays before the minimum wage increase could reach £9 per hour.

 

Council believes children will suffer the most as a result of this decision given that 77% of in work families claiming tax credits have a household income of less than £20,000 a year, and 83% of those in-work families have at least one child. Locally in Leeds this Council continues to work hard to give children the best start in life but is concerned that Government has decided to withdraw vital support from families working hard for low pay.

 

Council notes that this Government has failed to achieve its own deficit reduction targets set out in 2010 and the national debt doubled over the last Parliament. In that context, Council does not believe it is the right priority for Government to help the wealthiest 4% of the population to benefit from tax changes, whilst placing the burden of its own failure on hard working families in Leeds. This Council calls on Government to withdraw these damaging cuts and maintain vital support for those who need it in our city. Council asks that the Executive Board member for Communities writes to central government to notify them of this resolution.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10, and with the consent of the seconder, leave of Council was given to withdraw the motion in the name of Councillor Coupar.

 

75.

Motion to Suspend Council Procedure Rules

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Charlwood, seconded by Councillor Selby 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 White Paper in the name of Councillor Richard Lewis and all subsequent amendments.

 

Upon being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED – That leave of Council be given to introduce a motion in the name of Councillor R Lewis and all subsequent amendments.

 

76.

Replacement White Paper Motion(in the name of Councillor R Lewis) - Fracking

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor R Lewis, seconded by Councillor Renshaw that this Council opposes the current exploration licenses for fracking in the Leeds area.

 

Council believes that these plans have been promoted and supported by central government, who are in the process of considering onshore oil and gas exploration applications for 159 areas of the Country, including a large section of South and East Leeds. Council laments that at the same time as this support, proposed changes to feed in tariffs and the end of funding for Green Deal are reported to be forcing companies working on renewable energy out of business.

 

Council notes the significant concerns about health, ecology and environment that require much further investigation before fracking can be justified near to residential areas. Council notes that Rothwell Country Park, Rothwell Pastures and the St Aidan’s reserve are all in the proposed exploration area.

 

Council believes that if planning applications are made for fracking then they should be considered thoroughly, with full local consultation. Council therefore opposes changes that “fast-track” planning applications for fracking sites, including greater powers for the Secretary of State, at the cost of local decision making.

 

Council therefore calls on central government to:

  • Withdraw the exploration licenses for fracking covering the Leeds district until the serious concerns about environment and health have been comprehensively addressed.
  • Ensure that local people are given a say on these significant planning applications by reversing the policy to “fast-track” fracking applications and remove the threat of the Secretary of State making local planning decisions.
  • Provide the conditions for British companies working on renewable energy to thrive in order to reduce dependence on non-renewables.

 

Council requests that the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning writes to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to confirm this resolution and calls on all members and officers to work towards these outcomes.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor J Bentley seconded by Councillor Golton,

 

To insert at the end of the motion:

 

“Council resolves to develop a council policy on shale gas and coal bed methane extraction by referring this motion for a full scrutiny inquiry into the issue of fracking including the evidence of ecological, geological and environmental impacts associated with this method and to report back to full council as soon as possible.

 

“Council further resolves to increase its own commitment to non-fossil fuel electricity generation and requests that a report is brought to Executive Board at the earliest opportunity detailing how the council can help increase the city’s energy capacity from renewable sources including wind, solar and anaerobic digestion.”

 

A second amendment was moved by Councillor B Anderson seconded by Councillor Wadsworth,

 

Delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:

 

opposes the current exploration licenses for fracking in the Leeds area until such time as concerns about health, ecology and environment have been fully addressed.

 

This Council notes the increasingly urgent need for enhanced energy production in the UK as highlighted by the recent use  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

77.

Motion to Suspend Council Procedure Rules

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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 an additional White Paper (not for debate).

 

Upon being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED – That leave of Council be given to introduce an additional White Paper (not for debate).

 

78.

*White Paper Motion (in the name of Councillor Andrew Carter) - Lizzie Armitstead pdf icon PDF 46 KB

This Council congratulates Lizzie Armitstead on her fantastic recent achievement in becoming only the fourth British woman to win the road cycling world championship following in the footsteps of Beryl Burton as the second woman from Leeds to achieve this magnificent feat.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor J Procter , seconded by Councillor Blake , and supported by Councillors Lay, Elliott and D Blackburn and

 

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY – That this Council congratulates Lizzie Armitstead on her fantastic recent achievement in becoming only the fourth British woman to win the road cycling world championship following in the footsteps of Beryl Burton as the second woman from Leeds to achieve this magnificent feat.