Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds

Contact: Kevin Tomkinson, Governance & Scrutiny Support Unit 

Media

Items
No. Item

54.

Announcements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

a)  The Lord Mayor invited the City Solicitor to address Council regarding the appropriate levels of debate within the meeting as the meeting was taking place in the pre-election purdah period.

 

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

 

c)  The Lord Mayor reported the recent deaths of former Lady Mayoress Mrs Robinson and Councillor Gerald Wilkinson, the Lord Mayor invited Councillor Andrew Carter to pay tribute to Councillor Wilkinson on behalf of the Council.

 

Councillor Andrew Carter addressed Council and then a minutes silence was observed.

55.

Minutes of the last Meeting pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 11th September 2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 11th September 2019 be approved.

 

56.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interests.

 

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:

The Chief Executive informed Council that a response to a Council resolution in September on the situation in Kashmir has been received from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

 

 

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

 

58.

Deputations

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

1)  Leeds Children’s Mayor

 

2)  Leeds Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain

 

3)  A group regarding the problem of plastics in rivers

 

4)  ‘SOWHAT’ a group regarding HS2

 

 

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 be referred to the Director of Children & 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 City Development for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

 

 

 

59.

Report - Plans Panels Annual Report 2018-19 pdf icon PDF 37 KB

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2018-19 Plans Panels annual report.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2018-19 Plans Panel Annual Report be received and noted.

 

 

60.

Executive Questions

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Q1  Councillor Andrew Carter to the Leader of Council:-

 

Will the Leader of Council circulate, marked “private and confidential” if necessary, the details of any written contract between Leeds City Council and First Bus in which First Bus set out their commitments in return for the Council’s substantial investment in Connecting Leeds?

 

The Leader of Council replied.

 

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

 

In view of the ongoing housing expansion in Adel, is the Executive Member confident that there is sufficient GP capacity to meet existing and future needs?

 

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

 

Q3  Councillor McKenna to the Leader of Council:-

 

Please could the Leader of Council update members on the celebrations to mark the centenary of Leeds United Football Club?

 

The Leader of Council replied.

 

Q4  Councillor Finnigan to the Leader of Council:-

 

Was the Leader of Council aware of the recent visit by Jeremy Corbyn to Rodillian Academy to address Labour Party Members?

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.3(b) the Executive Member (Learning, Skills and Employment) replied.

 

Q5  Councillor Marshall Katung to the Executive Member (Learning, Skills and Employment):-

 

Can the Executive Member update Council on recent events held in the City Centre?

 

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

 

Q6  Councillor Collins to the Leader of Council:-

 

In February, the Leader of Council said “Leeds Bradford Airport is a key element of our local and regional economy, and plans to improve road and rail access together with local network upgrades will bring significant benefits as well as helping the airport to grow”. Is this still the policy of this Administration?

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.3(b) the Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development) replied.

 

Q7  Councillor Bentley to the Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development):-

 

Would the Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development inform the Council when the public consultation will start on the plans for public transport improvements on the A660 from Lawnswood to Headingley?

 

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

 

Q8  Councillor Jenkins to the Executive Member (Resources):-

 

Could the Executive Member please comment on the pay claim from the three largest local government unions calling for a ten per cent pay rise for local government workers?

 

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

 

Q9  Councillor Forsaith to the Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development):-

 

How many mature trees will be cut down during the construction of the East Leeds Orbital Road and how will that loss of carbon capture immediately be mitigated?

 

   The Executive Member (Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development) 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 60.

61.

Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Executive Board pdf icon PDF 257 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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 16.20 to 16.55

62.

Report on Devolution pdf icon PDF 377 KB

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

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.

63.

White Paper Motion (in the name of Councillor Andrew Carter) - Temple Newsam Golf pdf icon PDF 182 KB

This Council is concerned at the administration’s proposals to close Temple Newsam golf course.

 

Temple Newsam and its wider estate is a key asset for the city. Council is disappointed at the limited scope of the report considered by the Executive Board in October containing, as it did, only one option in relation to the development of facilities at Temple Newsam. Council is also concerned that the final decision on this important issue would have been left to council officers, via delegated decision, had it not been for the intervention of the Leader of the Opposition.

 

Council notes reports from golf club members that all but essential maintenance works on the golf courses have ceased. Council believes that this seriously undermines the consultation process as it suggests that a decision has already been taken about the future of golf at Temple Newsam.

 

This Council believes that that there is sufficient scope for both golf and other facilities, including cycling, to be developed at Temple Newsam and calls for the proposals to close the golf facilities to be reversed with immediate effect.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Andrew Carter, seconded by Councillor Wadsworth that this Council is concerned at the administration’s proposals to close Temple Newsam golf course.

 

Temple Newsam and its wider estate is a key asset for the city. Council is disappointed at the limited scope of the report considered by the Executive Board in October containing, as it did, only one option in relation to the development of facilities at Temple Newsam. Council is also concerned that the final decision on this important issue would have been left to council officers, via delegated decision, had it not been for the intervention of the Leader of the Opposition.

 

Council notes reports from golf club members that all but essential maintenance works on the golf courses have ceased. Council believes that this seriously undermines the consultation process as it suggests that a decision has already been taken about the future of golf at Temple Newsam.

 

This Council believes that that there is sufficient scope for both golf and other facilities, including cycling, to be developed at Temple Newsam and calls for the proposals to close the golf facilities to be reversed with immediate effect.

 

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

 

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

 

“… notes the commitment to invest £1.35m to improve facilities on the Temple Newsam estate, one of Leeds’ greatest historical assets, and believes the best way to decide what improvements should be made is to first ask local residents through a public consultation.

 

Council notes the consultation exercise has been extended to ensure consideration of concerns expressed by members of Temple Newsam Golf Club. Council is committed to ensuring all Leeds residents are able to access a municipal golf course and notes any decision about the future of Temple Newsam Golf Club will not be taken until the results of the consultation have been fully considered by the Executive Board.

 

Council notes that all Administration members of Executive Board voted to ensure the final decision in relation to the Golf Course is taken by Executive Board.

 

This Council calls for all views and responses from Leeds residents on the future of the facilities on the Temple Newsam estate to be given full consideration by Executive Board following the conclusion of the consultation exercise.”

 

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

 

RESOLVED – That this Council notes the commitment to invest £1.35m to improve facilities on the Temple Newsam estate, one of Leeds’ greatest historical assets, and believes the best way to decide what improvements should be made is to first ask local residents through a public consultation.

 

Council notes the consultation exercise has been extended to ensure consideration of concerns expressed by members of Temple Newsam Golf Club. Council is committed to ensuring all Leeds residents are able to access a municipal golf course and notes any decision about the future of Temple Newsam  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

64.

White Paper Motion (in the name of Councillor Finnigan) - West Yorkshire Police pdf icon PDF 88 KB

This Council believes West Yorkshire Police must enforce the law without fear or favour. This Council agrees to write to the Chief Constable to confirm this is the view of Leeds City Council.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Finnigan, seconded by Councillor Hutchison that this Council believes West Yorkshire Police must enforce the law without fear or favour. This Council agrees to write to the Chief Constable to confirm this is the view of Leeds City Council.

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

 

Insert as Paragraph 1:

‘This Council fully commits to delivering against the aims and objectives set out in the declared Climate Emergency. Council notes the importance of gaining widespread public support for action on this agenda and is concerned that disruptive protests may be counter-productive to achieving these ambitions.’

Motion will read:

‘This Council fully commits to delivering against the aims and objectives set out in the declared Climate Emergency. Council notes the importance of gaining widespread public support for action on this agenda and is concerned that disruptive protests may be counter-productive to achieving these ambitions.

This Council believes West Yorkshire Police must enforce the law without fear or favour. This Council agrees to write to the Chief Constable to confirm this is the view of Leeds City Council.’

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor Golton

 

In paragraph one of the motion, insert between must and enforce in the first line:

 

“be funded adequately to ensure it can”

 

The motion will then read:

 

“This Council believes West Yorkshire Police must be funded adequately to ensure it can enforce the law without fear or favour.

 

This Council agrees to write to the Chief Constable to confirm this is the view of the City Council”

 

A third amendment was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Ragan

 

 Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

 

“...notes the recent High Court ruling that a Metropolitan Police ban on an Extinction Rebellion protest was unlawful.

 

“Council believes effective partnership working between Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police is key to providing safe communities across Leeds and notes the strong partnership arrangements already in place through Safer Leeds, the Police and Crime Panel and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

 

“Council supports continued close working with West Yorkshire police and other partners, including when lawful protests are taking place in Leeds, to ensure minimal disruption and the safety of our residents.

 

“This Council commits to maintaining and strengthening its partnership with West Yorkshire Police and will write a letter to the new Chief Constable to underline the strength of that commitment.”

 

The amendments in the name of Councillors Lamb and Campbell were declared lost, the amendment in the name of Councillor Coupar was carried and upon being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED – That this Council notes the recent High Court ruling that a Metropolitan Police ban on an Extinction Rebellion protest was unlawful.

 

Council believes effective partnership working between Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police is key to providing safe communities across Leeds and notes the strong partnership arrangements already in place through Safer Leeds, the Police and Crime  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

65.

White Paper Motion (in the name of Councillor Lewis) - Public Works Loan Board pdf icon PDF 183 KB

This Council is concerned by the Government’s recent decision to restrict council investment in desperately needed new affordable housing, infrastructure, schools and regeneration schemes in Leeds by increasing the interest rate for borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board.

 

Council is particularly concerned the Government took this decision without any warning and without consultation. Council believes this is symbolic of a national administration that has no concern for good financial planning among councils, as evidenced by its continuing failure to provide certainty of long term funding for councils.

 

Council therefore calls on the Government elected on 12th December to provide long term, sustainable funding for councils. 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor A Khan that this Council is concerned by the Government’s recent decision to restrict council investment in desperately needed new affordable housing, infrastructure, schools and regeneration schemes in Leeds by increasing the interest rate for borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board.

 

Council is particularly concerned the Government took this decision without any warning and without consultation. Council believes this is symbolic of a national administration that has no concern for good financial planning among councils, as evidenced by its continuing failure to provide certainty of long term funding for councils.

 

Council therefore calls on the Government elected on 12th December to provide long term, sustainable funding for councils.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Robinson, seconded by Councillor Lamb

 

Delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:

 

‘notes the potential impact on future borrowing in Leeds as a result of the 1% increase in the interest rate from the Public Works Loan Board.

 

However this Council is concerned by borrowing levels in Leeds since 2010 and the impact this is having on the revenue budget in the city. Council believes this is a direct result of the ruling administration’s Treasury Management policy and notes with alarm the projections contained in the Medium Term Financial Strategy presented to Executive Board in July 2019 that 22% of the net revenue charge will be used on debt repayments, based on the 2019/20 revenue budget this amounts to £113m per year.

 

Council therefore calls on the ruling administration, through a communication in forthcoming bills, to be open and transparent with Leeds Council Tax and Business Rate payers by clearly explaining that in under three years’ time 22% of the local tax they pay will be spent on servicing debt.’

 

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Bentley, seconded by Councillor Campbell

 

After the first paragraph of the motion, insert:

 

“Council understands that some local authorities are using low cost finance to make high risk investments.  However, to double interest rates for all borrowing is short sighted and counter- productive”.

 

In the final paragraph of the motion, remove all after 12 December and insert:

 

“to introduce differential interest rates based on quality and risk to ensure continued investment in essential assets”

 

The motion will then read:

 

This Council is concerned by the Government’s recent decision to restrict council investment in desperately needed new affordable housing, infrastructure, schools and regeneration schemes in Leeds by increasing the interest rate for borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board.

 

Council understands that some local authorities are using low cost finance to make high risk investments.  However, to double interest rates for all borrowing is short sighted and counter productive

 

“Council is particularly concerned the Government took this decision without any warning and without consultation. Council believes this is symbolic of a national administration that has no concern for good financial planning among councils, as evidenced by its continuing failure to provide certainty of long term funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.