Agenda and minutes

The Lord Mayor welcomed members to this remote meeting of Full Council and also any members of the public who were joining the meeting and reminded everyone present that the meeting would be streamed live.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meetings held on 15^th July and 1^st September 2020.

It was moved by Councillor Dowson, seconded by Councillor Cohen and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meetings held on 15^th July and 1^st September 2020 be approved.

There were no declarations of interests.

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

a)  In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(d) the Leader of Council provided Council with an update in respect of ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’ and Councillor Andrew Carter replied.

b)  Further to minute 16 of the meeting held on 1^st September 2020 the Chief Executive provided Council with a further update on the current position in the City with regard to Covid-19 , infection rates and testing.

It was moved by Councillor Dowson, seconded by Councillor Cohen and

RESOLVED – That Council Procedure Rules 2.2 (e ),(g), 3.3, 3.4, 11.1 (c ), 12.2 and 14.1 (b), (c), (d), (e ) & (f)  be suspended and agree that;

·  all business other than White Papers be concluded by 4.15pm at which point there will be a scheduled break followed by White Papers.

·  White Papers – for a maximum of 30 minutes per White Paper - speakers to have up to 3 minutes with each group having the opportunity to speak if required.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Dowson, seconded by Councillor Scopes that the report of the City Solicitor on appointments and the additional recommendation on the order paper be noted and approved as follows;

RESOLVED –

(a)   That the appointment of Dr Jason Broch as the representative of NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group on the Health & Wellbeing Board be noted.

(b)  That Cllr Midgley be appointed to replace Cllr Cunningham on the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board 

(c)  That in accordance with Community Committee Procedure Rule 2.4 the  Members of the Inner East Community Committee appointed Councillor Denise Ragan as Chair of the Inner East Community Committee.

To note the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services setting out amendments to the Leader’s executive arrangements for the 2020/21 Municipal Year.

It was moved by Councillor Dowson, seconded by Councillor Scopes and

RESOLVED – To note the report of the Chief Financial Officer setting out that the Leader had;

a) made an amendment to Part 3, Section 3E Officer Delegation Scheme (Executive Functions), with consequential amendments to Part 3 Section 3B(b) the Executive Member Oversight of Officer Executive Delegations with effect from 23rd July 2020 and that arrangements are now as shown at Appendix A to F appended to the report;

b) made an amendment to Part 3, Section 3B(c) Deputy Support to Executive Members with effect from 16th September 2020, as shown at Appendix G appended to the report.

Members of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Groups present at the meeting voted against the recommendations.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Council the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2019/20. It also provides opportunity to further update members on the role of scrutiny during the initial period of response to, and subsequent recovery from, the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Dowson and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor presenting the Scrutiny Boards Annual Report to Council be received and noted.

To deal with executive questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.

Q1  Councillor Harrington to the Leader of Council:-

Will the Leader of Council comment on the independent report into alleged harassment within the GMB Union?

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.3(b) the Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q2  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development):-

Does the Council regret the decision to rely on Nottingham Council to deliver a Council approved affordable energy supplier for the people of Leeds?

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.3(b) the Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q3  Councillor Akhtar to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Could the Executive Member for Resources please update members on the current situation regarding Leeds’ Clean Air Charging Zone?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q4  Councillor Dobson to the Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development):-

Would the Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development update Council on the demise of White Rose Energy

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.3(b) the Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q5  Councillor Brooks to the Executive Member (Communities):-

Please can the Executive Member for Communities comment on how the rejection by Government of an amendment that would have sped up new fire safety measures for high rise flats will impact on the residents of Leeds?

The Executive Member (Communities) replied.

Q6  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development):-

Would the Executive Member responsible care to comment on the situation regarding White Rose Energy?

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.3(b) the Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q7  Councillor Downes (on behalf of Cllr Campbell) to the Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development):-

Could the Executive Member remind Council of the 2020/21 budget for repainting Traffic Regulation Order road markings such as yellow lines, inform Council what percentage of that has been spent to date and provide a figure for the outstanding backlog of such works?

The Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development) replied.

Q8  Councillor Shahzad to the Executive Member (Learning, Skills and Employment):-

Could the Executive Member update Council as to how the return to school has gone in Leeds?

The Executive Member (Learning, Skills and Employment) replied.

Q9  Councillor Finnigan (on behalf of) Councillor Hutchison to the Executive Member (Communities):-

As a result of Gildersome Parish Council formally retracting their request of an asset transfer of Gildersome meeting hall due to delays. 

Could the Executive Member Cllr Coupar confirm that the whole sum received by Leeds City Council when they sold the old meeting hall leaving many community groups with no meeting place, will be invested in Gildersome to the benefit of the community?

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:-

Q10  Councillor Garthwaite to the Executive Member (Environment and Active Lifestyles).

Q11  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

To receive the minutes in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Dowson 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 16.15 to 16.30.

This Council welcomes the £7.8 million provided by Government to Leeds for the COVID-19 Discretionary Grant Fund but notes that as of 31^st August £4 million was unspent.

Council notes that Local Authorities had significant discretion when it came to setting the eligibility criteria for their discretionary grants. Although the Government encouraged Local Authorities to focus on small businesses which faced high fixed property-related costs and which had missed out on the main business grant schemes due to the way they interacted with the business rates system, Local Authorities were able to pay grants to other kinds of businesses, according to their assessment of local economic need. Council is disappointed that no support has been offered by Leeds City Council to small businesses which operate from the owner’s home, despite neighbouring Councils amending their schemes to do so.

Council also regrets that the administration has decided to reintroduce parking charges across the city, at a time when local businesses could have benefited from visitors being able to park for free.

Council calls on the ruling administration to do more to help businesses recover from the pandemic, including by:

1) Implementing a one-off discretionary payment scheme for businesses as a matter of urgency;

2) Reintroducing free parking in council car parks in the run up to Christmas to boost local trade;

3) Considering how it can develop a local version of the “National Time Out” proposals, so that hospitality, leisure and retail businesses are given a nine-month rent free holiday in order to stabilise their finances.

It was moved by Councillor Robinson, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter that this Council welcomes the £7.8 million provided by Government to Leeds for the COVID-19 Discretionary Grant Fund but notes that as of 31^st August £4 million was unspent.

Council notes that Local Authorities had significant discretion when it came to setting the eligibility criteria for their discretionary grants. Although the Government encouraged Local Authorities to focus on small businesses which faced high fixed property-related costs and which had missed out on the main business grant schemes due to the way they interacted with the business rates system, Local Authorities were able to pay grants to other kinds of businesses, according to their assessment of local economic need. Council is disappointed that no support has been offered by Leeds City Council to small businesses which operate from the owner’s home, despite neighbouring Councils amending their schemes to do so.

Council also regrets that the administration has decided to reintroduce parking charges across the city, at a time when local businesses could have benefited from visitors being able to park for free.

Council calls on the ruling administration to do more to help businesses recover from the pandemic, including by:

1) Implementing a one-off discretionary payment scheme for businesses as a matter of urgency;

2) Reintroducing free parking in council car parks in the run up to Christmas to boost local trade;

3) Considering how it can develop a local version of the “National Time Out” proposals, so that hospitality, leisure and retail businesses are given a nine-month rent free holiday in order to stabilise their finances.

An amendment was moved by Councillor D Blackburn, seconded by Councillor Forsaith;

 Delete all after “This Council” and add

“welcomes the unprecedented efforts made by both central government and local government to support business and employment during the current pandemic.

During this period, where many have needed to work from their homes and continue to do so, it has become very clear that broad band in some areas of the City is not up to the necessary standard. These inadequacies have caused significant problems for small businesses, single traders and many people working from home, including students and pupils trying to access learning materials during lockdown.

Bearing in mind the current level of infection and the likelihood of a second wave, Council believes this situation needs to be resolved urgently. Council, also notes the efforts already made by Leeds City Council, but believes that firm action is required nationally.

Council therefore requests the Chief Executive to write to the Prime Minister asking him and his government to put pressure on the broad band providers to rectify this situation by providing superfast broadband in all areas of the country.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Pryor, seconded by Councillor Marshall-Katung;

Delete All and Replace with:

“This Council notes it is on course to allocate over £6.4m of its COVID-19 Discretionary Grants Fund to local businesses across the city by the Government’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

This Council welcomes the Government measures such as the Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme brought in to provide financial help for individuals and businesses suffering as a result of the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Council recognises that as the Government’s income protection schemes are wound down, individuals who do not return to their previous employment will suffer significant financial loss. Meanwhile, the millions not covered by the Government’s measures will have endured months of hardship. Additionally, the economy will need a demand boost to avoid a prolonged recession and to give businesses the confidence to reopen and begin hiring people again.

Council recognises that the Covid 19 crisis is taking place at a time of climate emergency, and that there needs to be a Green recovery if Leeds City Council is to meet its target of Leeds becoming zero carbon by 2030. Payment of a Universal Basic Income could be an important factor in providing the stimulus needed within that green recovery, for entrepreneurship and green jobs.

The Council believes that the current benefits system is not capable of dealing with the potential large volume of claims that could arise. It is already failing residents in Leeds, with Universal Credit causing hardship to many communities through the combination of low payment levels, payment delays, sanctions and complex bureaucracy.

Therefore, in order to provide financial security for households during the critical post-Covid period, as well as delivering a vital stimulus to the economy, the Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions proposing the implementation of a Recovery Universal Basic Income which would be universal, individual and unconditional. 

Additionally, this Council supports in principle a permanent Universal Basic Income, recognising the need for a radical overhaul of the welfare system and the positive impact this would have on poverty alleviation, inequality, well-being, mental health and the effects on the workforce of increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence. 

Council offers to work with government, local authorities, universities, the UBI Lab Network and other institutions to investigate the feasibility of such scheme. With a strong economy, an ambitious Council and a diverse population, Leeds would be an ideal City to choose for the first UBI pilot in the UK. 

It was moved by Councillor Bentley, seconded by Councillor Forsaith that this Council welcomes the Government measures such as the Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme brought in to provide financial help for individuals and businesses suffering as a result of the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Council recognises that as the Government’s income protection schemes are wound down, individuals who do not return to their previous employment will suffer significant financial loss. Meanwhile, the millions not covered by the Government’s measures will have endured months of hardship. Additionally, the economy will need a demand boost to avoid a prolonged recession and to give businesses the confidence to reopen and begin hiring people again.

Council recognises that the Covid 19 crisis is taking place at a time of climate emergency, and that there needs to be a Green recovery if Leeds City Council is to meet its target of Leeds becoming zero carbon by 2030. Payment of a Universal Basic Income could be an important factor in providing the stimulus needed within that green recovery, for entrepreneurship and green jobs.

The Council believes that the current benefits system is not capable of dealing with the potential large volume of claims that could arise. It is already failing residents in Leeds, with Universal Credit causing hardship to many communities through the combination of low payment levels, payment delays, sanctions and complex bureaucracy.

Therefore, in order to provide financial security for households during the critical post-Covid period, as well as delivering a vital stimulus to the economy, the Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions proposing the implementation of a Recovery Universal Basic Income which would be universal, individual and unconditional. 

Additionally, this Council supports in principle a permanent Universal Basic Income, recognising the need for a radical overhaul of the welfare system and the positive impact this would have on poverty alleviation, inequality, well-being, mental health and the effects on the workforce of increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence. 

Council offers to work with government, local authorities, universities, the UBI Lab Network and other institutions to investigate the feasibility of such scheme. With a strong economy, an ambitious Council and a diverse population, Leeds would be an ideal City to choose for the first UBI pilot in the UK. 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Buckley, seconded by Councillor Stephenson 

Delete all after “schemes are wound down” and replace with:

“new initiatives will be needed to help protect jobs, boost the economy and give businesses the confidence to reopen and begin hiring people again. However Council is not convinced by arguments advancing the idea of a Universal Basic Income in general, and does not believe they offer a solution to the particular circumstances we now face. At a time when people are being encouraged to go back to work in order to help revive the economy, there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

This Council considers the proposals in the government White Paper “Planning for the Future” to be an assault on local democracy, creating a licence for ill-considered development without local community input.

The government proposals would undermine local policies including those to tackle the Climate Emergency and fail to tackle the housing delivery issue the government says they are intended to address.

We call on the government to scrap their ill-thought-out plans and work with local Councils and the LGA to tackle the real issues with delivering the homes our communities need.

It was moved by Councillor Mulherin, seconded by Councillor Walshaw that this Council considers the proposals in the government White Paper “Planning for the Future” to be an assault on local democracy, creating a licence for ill-considered development without local community input.

The government proposals would undermine local policies including those to tackle the Climate Emergency and fail to tackle the housing delivery issue the government says they are intended to address.

We call on the government to scrap their ill-thought-out plans and work with local Councils and the LGA to tackle the real issues with delivering the homes our communities need.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter

Delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:

‘is concerned that the Government White Paper ‘Planning for the Future’ could lead to reduced local community input into planning decisions and commits to lobby Government to remove these proposals during the consultation period.

Council deeply regrets the flawed, confusing, often inaccurate and now unlawful planning process that has taken place in Leeds over the past 10 years. The ruling administration has presided over one confusing and embarrassing mistake after another the latest example being the Aireborough Planning Judgement which has led to elements of the Site Allocation Plan being remitted back to the Secretary of State and could lead to yet more Greenbelt land being ear marked for development.

Council believes that many communities in Leeds have been let down by the planning process in Leeds not least residents of Ardsley and Robin Hood Ward who have vociferously campaigned against development at Haigh Wood. Council considers the final decision to allow that development to go ahead to be an assault on local democracy and regrets its, and many other sites, inclusion in the Site Allocations Plan based on flawed and out of date housing projections.

This Council commits to lobby Government throughout the ‘Planning for the Future’ consultation process to ensure that local community input is maintained in the planning process and asks the Leader of Council to form a cross party working group to develop a consultation response and meet with Government to outline these concerns.’

The amendment in the name of Councillor Lamb was declared lost and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That this Council considers the proposals in the government White Paper “Planning for the Future” to be an assault on local democracy, creating a licence for ill-considered development without local community input.

The government proposals would undermine local policies including those to tackle the Climate Emergency and fail to tackle the housing delivery issue the government says they are intended to address.

We call on the government to scrap their ill-thought-out plans and work with local Councils and the LGA to tackle the real issues with delivering the homes our communities need.

It was moved by Councillor Dowson, seconded by Councillor Scopes and

RESOLVED – That under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 12.2 (motions and amendments) be suspended to allow the introduction of an additional ‘not for debate’ White Paper on Leeds United.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter and supported by Councillor Downes, Councillor Kidger, Councillor Dobson and Councillor D Blackburn and

RESOLVED –

That this Council congratulates Leeds United Football Club on its promotion to the Premier League. 

Council commends Andrea Radrizzani, Marcelo Bielsa and all those at the club who worked so hard to deliver this fantastic achievement that means so much to so many in this city and elsewhere.

Council commits to continue to work with the club to ensure the benefits of Premier League football are delivered to communities across Leeds.

The Lord Mayor informed Council that a request had been received from Councillor Stephenson under Council Procedure Rule 14.9(a) to alter the motion in his name and that had been circulated to all Members during the course of the afternoon.

The Lord Mayor informed Council that firstly she would invite Councillor Cohen to move the procedural motion set out on the order paper and if this was carried she would invite Councillor Stephenson to seek leave of Council. 

It was moved by Councillor Cohen, seconded by Councillor B Anderson that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 12.2 (motions and amendments) be suspended to allow the introduction of an additional ‘not for debate’ White Paper on China along with any associated amendments.

Upon being put to the vote the procedural motion was lost.

RESOLVED – That Council Procedure Rules would not be suspended.