Agenda and minutes

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

b)  The Lord Mayor congratulated the future heir to the throne HRH Prince Charles on his 70^th birthday.

c)  The Lord Mayor also congratulated Councillor Ryan Stephenson on his recent engagement.  

d)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that Councillor Caroline Gruen had returned home following recent surgery and wished her a speedy recovery.

e)  The Lord Mayor reported the recent death of the following Honorary Aldermen Dr Jeffrey Sherwin, David Schofield and Brenda Lancaster.

Council stood in silent tribute.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12^th September 2018.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th September 2018 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.

The Chief Executive informed Council that the a response to a Council resolution has been received from the Rt Hon Damian Hinds, Secretary of State  for Education in respect of the White Paper on Education Standards considered by Council in September 2018.

The response had previously been circulated to all Members of Council.

Council were also informed that the Leader of Council had recently received correspondence from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment in respect of the recent cross party meeting on flooding which is believed to be the Government’s response to the White Paper resolution in September and the letter would be circulated to all Members of Council.   

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2 (d) Councillor James Lewis made a communication to Council in respect of correspondence received from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment in respect of matters in relation to the Clean Air Zone, Councillor Andrew Carter responded to the Communication.

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

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

1)  Leeds Children’s Mayor

2)  Leeds Community Foundation

3)  Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network

4)  A group for a Clean Air Zone in South Leeds

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 be referred to the Director of Children and Families for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, that the subject matter in respect of deputations 2 and 3 be referred to the Director of Communities & Environment for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member and that the subject matter in respect of deputation 4 be referred to the Director of Resources & Housing for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To consider the report of the Director Communities and Environment setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 17^th October 2018 to Full Council to approve the Safer Leeds Community Safety Strategy (2018-2021).

The report of the Director of Environment and Communities seeking Council approval of the Safer Leeds Community Safety Strategy was moved by Councillor Coupar and seconded by Councillor Dowson, and

RESOLVED – That the submission of the Safer Leeds Community Safety Strategy be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 17^th October 2018 to Full Council to approve the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2021 as the new policy to have effect from 31 January 2019.

The report of the Director of Environment and Communities seeking Council approval of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2021 as the new policy to have effect from 31 January 2019 was moved by Councillor J Lewis and seconded by Councillor Harland.

RESOLVED – That the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2021 be approved as the new policy to have effect from 31 January 2019.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities and Environment setting out recommendations from the Licensing Committee on 2^nd October 2018 to Full Council to approve the amended Licensing Policy as its Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2023.

The report of the Director of Environment and Communities seeking Council approval to approve the amended Licensing Policy as its Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2023 was moved by Councillor J Lewis and seconded by Councillor Harland.

RESOLVED – That the amended Licensing Policy be approved as the Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2023.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be approved, namely that Councillor R Grahame replace Councillor J Goddard on Scrutiny Board (Strategy & Resources) and Councillor Harland to replace Councillor Ritchie on Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing & Communities)

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2017-18 Plans Panels annual report.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2017-18 Plans Panel annual report be received and noted.

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

Q1  Councillor Neil Buckley to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning)

  Does the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning believe that public consultation should play an important role in the development of proposals for the A61 Harrogate Road through Alwoodley, to which over 2,200 people have signalled their opposition by signing a petition against the plans?

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

Q2  Councillor Campbell to the Executive Member (Environment and Active Lifestyles):-

Given this years repeated failure of the brown bin collection routes in Otley and Yeadon ward would the Executive Member investigate the failures with a view to preventing there repetition next year?

  The Executive Member (Environment and Active Lifestyles) replied.

Q3  Councillor Wakefield to the Leader of Council:-

In welcoming the major boost the Channel 4 announcement brings to the city of Leeds, please could the Leader of Council update members on what it will mean for the creative sector in the city, including the impact on jobs and opportunities for young people?

The Leader of Councilreplied.

Q4  Councillor Leadley to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport & Planning):-

What steps have been taken to protect from demolition or other harm City Council buildings identifiable as non-designated heritage assets before they are sold to others?

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

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

Please can the Executive Member for Communities provide an update on affordable housing and schemes in place for this?

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:-

Q6  Councillor Barry Anderson to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning)

Q7  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport & Planning)

Q8  Councillor P Wray to the Executive Member Resources and Sustainability)

Q9  Councillor Dobson to the Leader of Council

Q10  Councillor Heselwood to the Executive Member (Learning, Skills and Employment)

Q11  Councillor Stephenson to the Leader of Council.

Q12  Councillor Bentley to the Executive Member (Environment & Active Lifestyles).

Q13  Councillor P Gruen to the Executive Member (Health, Wellbeing and Adults).

Q14  Councillor Arif to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

Q15  Councillor Robinson to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q16  Councillor P Gruen to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q17  Councillor Garthwaite to the Executive Member (Environment and Active Lifestyles).

Q18  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning).

Q19  Councillor Robinson to the Leader of Council.

Q20  Councillor Robinson to the Executive Member (Resources and Sustainability).

It was moved by Councillor Dowson, seconded by Councillor Cohen that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule(CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 3.3 (time limits for business) be suspended to allow the Executive Board minutes to be heard for a period of 45 minutes which will include the summing up time for the relevant Executive Member and the Leader of Council and it was;

RESOLVED – That Council Procedure Rule(CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 3.3 (time limits for business) be suspended to allow the Executive Board minutes to be heard for a period of 45 minutes which will include the summing up time for the relevant Executive Member and the Leader of Council.

The Lord Mayor reported that this would be the last meeting that Jill Mason the verbatim recorder would be attending as she was retiring and on behalf of the Council the Lord Mayor presented Jill with a civic gift.

At the conclusion of the presentation Council adjourned from 16.20 to 16.35.

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).

To consider a report of the Chief Executive updating Members on matters relating to the progress of Devolutionand matters regarding the Leeds City Region LEP and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

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.

This Council notes the mounting objections to the Managed Approach in Holbeck and further notes growing evidence of resident and business dissatisfaction with this policy. This Council agrees with the concerns of the Member of Parliament for Leeds Central and believes it is time for the ruling administration to prove to residents and businesses that they can make the Managed Approach work, or suspend it.

It was moved by Councillor Amanda Carter, seconded by Councillor Lamb that 

this Council notes the mounting objections to the Managed Approach in Holbeck and further notes growing evidence of resident and business dissatisfaction with this policy. This Council agrees with the concerns of the Member of Parliament for Leeds Central and believes it is time for the ruling administration to prove to residents and businesses that they can make the Managed Approach work, or suspend it.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Scopes

Remove all after “This Council…” and replace with:

acknowledges it is important to continuously work closely with both sex workers and the community on the Managed Approach to reduce the negative impacts of their work on residents and businesses, ensuring that Holbeck is a safe area to reside and work in.

Council is aware that since the introduction of the Managed Approach, sex workers are engaging with specialist organisations and professionals, creating a safer environment and arrangements for them to operate in. Safeguarding vulnerable women involved in street-based activity is a high priority and working in partnership with third sector organisations ensures this support is being delivered, resulting in a positive impact.

Council notes the commitment of the work Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and Safer Leeds are undertaking with the Managed Approach. The programme of enhanced activity and intensive partnership work is providing the opportunity to tackle the significant issues that are experienced as a result of the Managed Approach by those living and working in Holbeck.

Council notes the commitment by Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and Safer Leeds to undertake an Independent Review of the Managed Approach once the enhanced activity has been given time to take effect. 

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

RESOLVED – That this Council acknowledges it is important to continuously work closely with both sex workers and the community on the Managed Approach to reduce the negative impacts of their work on residents and businesses, ensuring that Holbeck is a safe area to reside and work in.

Council is aware that since the introduction of the Managed Approach, sex workers are engaging with specialist organisations and professionals, creating a safer environment and arrangements for them to operate in. Safeguarding vulnerable women involved in street-based activity is a high priority and working in partnership with third sector organisations ensures this support is being delivered, resulting in a positive impact.

Council notes the commitment of the work Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and Safer Leeds are undertaking with the Managed Approach. The programme of enhanced activity and intensive partnership work is providing the opportunity to tackle the significant issues that are experienced as a result of the Managed Approach by those living and working in Holbeck.

Council notes the commitment by Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and Safer Leeds to undertake an Independent Review of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

This Council remains deeply concerned by the potentially devastating impact the full roll out of Universal Credit will have on vulnerable people and low income families in Leeds, despite the Chancellor’s recent budget announcement.

Council is appalled by reports that Universal Credit:

·  Exacerbates poverty and hardship, including child poverty

·  Makes low income working families poorer

·  Forces people to choose between food and rent

·  Places people into debt because of delayed payments

·  Leads to increased rent arrears for tenants in social housing

·  Makes it harder for victims of domestic violence to leave abusive relationships 

·  Disadvantages non-IT literate people

Council notes that Universal Credit is likely to impact 85,000 people/families in Leeds when fully rolled out, with 10,000 affected in the first 12 months.

Council therefore calls on the Government to stop the roll out of Universal Credit without delay.

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Mulherin that this Council remains deeply concerned by the potentially devastating impact the full roll out of Universal Credit will have on vulnerable people and low income families in Leeds, despite the Chancellor’s recent budget announcement.

Council is appalled by reports that Universal Credit:

·  Exacerbates poverty and hardship, including child poverty

·  Makes low income working families poorer

·  Forces people to choose between food and rent

·  Places people into debt because of delayed payments

·  Leads to increased rent arrears for tenants in social housing

·  Makes it harder for victims of domestic violence to leave abusive relationships 

·  Disadvantages non-IT literate people

Council notes that Universal Credit is likely to impact 85,000 people/families in Leeds when fully rolled out, with 10,000 affected in the first 12 months.

Council therefore calls on the Government to stop the roll out of Universal Credit without delay.

An amendment was moved by Councillor B Anderson, seconded by Councillor Robinson

Delete all after ‘This Council remains’ and replace with:

committed to helping and supporting all the citizens of Leeds who may experience difficulties either claiming or whilst in receipt of Universal Credit and welcomes the recent funding announcement from Government that will see an additional £1.7bn per year invested into the programme.

Council is committed to liaising with local Jobcentres in Leeds to ensure the right support at the right time whether that is help to claim or to meet their obligations in looking for work or to keep up rent payments or support to budget their household expenditure. We are committed to providing support to make sure that people are claiming everything they are entitled to during the time they have to be on Universal Credit.

This Council supports the overarching ambition of the Government to make work pay.

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

RESOLVED – That this Council remains deeply concerned by the potentially devastating impact the full roll out of Universal Credit will have on vulnerable people and low income families in Leeds, despite the Chancellor’s recent budget announcement.

Council is appalled by reports that Universal Credit:

·  Exacerbates poverty and hardship, including child poverty

·  Makes low income working families poorer

·  Forces people to choose between food and rent

·  Places people into debt because of delayed payments

·  Leads to increased rent arrears for tenants in social housing

·  Makes it harder for victims of domestic violence to leave abusive relationships 

·  Disadvantages non-IT literate people

Council notes that Universal Credit is likely to impact 85,000 people/families in Leeds when fully rolled out, with 10,000 affected in the first 12 months.

Council therefore calls on the Government to stop the roll out of Universal Credit without delay.

On the requisition of Councillors Lamb and Robinson the voting on the amendment in the name of Councillor B Anderson was recorded as follows;

YES – 21

B Anderson, C Anderson, Buckley, Amanda Carter, Andrew  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

This Council adopts the full IHRA working definition of antisemitism, including the 11 contemporary examples of antisemitism, as resolved in the May 2016 plenary session of the IHRA.

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter, supported by Councillor Golton and  

RESOLVED – That this Council adopts the full IHRA working definition of antisemitism, including the 11 contemporary examples of antisemitism, as resolved in the May 2016 plenary session of the IHRA.

On the requisition of Councillors Dobson and Field the voting on the motion in the name of Councillor Blake was recorded as follows;

YES – 95

Akhtar, Almas, B Anderson, C Anderson, Arif, Bentley, Bithell, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Brooks, Bruce, Buckley, Campbell, Carlill, Amanda Carter, Andrew Carter, Charlwood, Cohen, Collins, Coupar, Dawson, Dobson, Field, Firth, Flynn,  Dowson,  Drinkwater, Dye, Elliott, Gabriel, Garner, Garthwaite, Gettings, M Gibson, J Gibson, Golton, P Grahame, R Grahame, Groves, P Gruen, Hamilton, Harland, Harper, Harrand, Harrington, C Harrison, M Harrison, Hayden, Heselwood, Hussain, Hutchison, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jenkins, Khan, Kidger, Knight, Lamb, P Latty, Lay, Leadley, Lennox,  J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, Maqsood, McCormack,  McKenna, Mulherin,  Nash, Pryor, Rafique, Ragan, Renshaw, Ritchie, Robinson, Scopes, Seary, Shahzad, Shemilt, Smart, Stephenson, E Taylor, J Taylor,  Truswell, Tunnicliffe, Venner, Wadsworth, Wakefield, Walshaw, Wenham, Wilkinson and Wray.

NO – 0

ABSTAIN – 0

The Lord Mayor informed Council that today was National Diabetes Awareness Day and the Civic Hall and Town Hall would be lit with blue lights in support of the day.