Agenda and minutes

(a)  The Lord Mayor welcomed members to this meeting of Full Council and also any members of the public who were joining the meeting and reminded those present that the meeting was to be streamed live.

(b)  The Lord Mayor also welcomed Students from Leeds Beckett University who were observing the meeting and 2 students shadowing Councillor Cohen

(c)  The Lord Mayor informed Council of the risk management work that had been undertaken to ensure the safety of the Chamber and that the ventilation system was working well and both he and whips would be kept informed of the  CO2 levels within the Chamber. 

 (d)  The Lord Mayor also congratulated Councillor Smart and her husband on the birth of their son Oscar.

(e)  The Lord Mayor also reminded Members that there would be a short service at the war memorial on the 11^th November for Armistice Day and a larger parade on Sunday for Remembrance Sunday.

(f)  The Lord Mayor informed Council of the recent death of Honorary Alderman Lorna Cohen, Former Lady Mayoress Marjorie Rushworth and the tragic death of Sir David Amess MP.

 Council stood in silent tribute.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 14^th September 2021.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th September 2021 be approved.

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

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 a response to a Council resolution had been received from Will Quince MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families in respect of the White Paper considered by Council in September 2021 on the Ofsted visit to Children’s Services.

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

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

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

1)  Leeds Childrens Mayor

2)  GALBA

3)  Students at Abbey Grange Academy

4)  ‘A Place to Sit’

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 and 3 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 deputation 2 be referred to the Director of Resources and City Development 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.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 20 October 2021 to Full Council to consider approving the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2024 to have effect from 31^st January 2022.

The report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment seeking Council approval of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2024 to have effect from 31^st January 2022 was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Wray and

RESOLVED - That the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2024 be approved to have effect from 31st January 2022.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Strategy and Improvement setting out recommendations from the General Purposes Committee on 25 October 2021 to Full Council to make amendments to the Constitution as set out in Appendix 1 to the Budget and Policy Framework in Part 2, Article 4.1 (ii) of the council’s constitution and to receive a further report in February 2022 detailing the full proposals for the adoption of the Best City Ambition.

The report of the Chief Officer Strategy and Improvement setting out recommendations of General Purposes Committee in relation to proposed amendments to Part 2, Article 4.1 (ii) of the council’s constitution to specify the Best City Ambition as part of the Budget and Policy Framework was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Coupar and

RESOLVED –

a)  That the recommendations of General Purposes Committee to make the amendments set out in Appendix 1 to the Budget and Policy Framework in Part 2, Article 4.1 (ii) of the council’s constitution be accepted.

b)  To agree that a further report be received in February 2022 detailing the full proposals for the adoption of the Best City Ambition.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Lennox, seconded by Councillor Coupar that the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be approved as follows;

 RESOLVED – That in accordance with Community Committee Procedure Rule 2.4 the Members of the Inner East Community Committee appointed Councillor Arif Hussain as Chair of the Inner East Community Committee.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor setting out that amendments had been made to Part Section 3B(c) Deputy Support to Executive Members at the Leader’s discretion.

It was moved by Councillor Lewis seconded by Councillor Lennox that the report of the City Solicitor setting out the amendments the Leader has made to the Executive arrangements and presenting them to Council in accordance with Rule 1.3 of the Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules be noted.

RESOLVED – To note that an amendment to Part 3 Section3B(c) Deputy Support to Executive Members has been made with effect from the 2nd November 2021.

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2020-21 Plans Panel annual report.

It was moved by Councillor Hayden, seconded by Councillor Walshaw and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2020-21 Plans Panel and Development Plan Panel Annual Report be received and noted.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services presenting to Council the Annual Report of Corporate Governance and Audit Committee which demonstrates how the committee has discharged its responsibilities in accordance with best practice. 

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

RESOLVED - That the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services be received and the matters set out in the annual report reflecting the work of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee in the 2020-21 municipal year be noted.

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

Q1  Councillor Amanda Carter to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Would the Executive Member for community safety explain why the Council feels it is acceptable to lease a shop unit that is used to sell, among other items, machetes, swords, and tomahawks?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q2  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Environment and Housing)

Given the fact that Wakefield has suffered no ‘Covid-related’ disruption to waste collections this year, and the city recently announced an extension of citywide garden waste collection, can the Executive Member for Environment and Housing please confirm whether he is willing to consult his equivalent in Wakefield to better understand how to improve waste collection performance?

The Executive Member (Environment and Housing) replied.

Q3  Councillor Ragan to the Executive Member (Public Health and Active Lifestyles):-

Please could the Executive Member with responsibility for sport comment on the city’s relationship with Yorkshire County Cricket Club?

The Executive Member (Public Health and Active Lifestyles) replied.

Q4  Councillor Gabriel to the Executive Member (Communities):-

Could the Executive Member please update Council on the impact of the Government’s Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 on Leeds’ low-paid and vulnerable residents?

The Executive Member (Communities) replied.

Q5  Councillor Wadsworth to the Executive Member (Environment and Housing):-

Would the Executive Member for Environment and Housing please provide a full breakdown of the projected £5.1m overspend in the refuse department for the current year, with particular reference to the amounts spent on staff overtime and on agency workers.

The Executive Member (Environment and Housing) replied.

Q6  Councillor Golton to the Leader of Council:-

Can the Leader of Council confirm that his front bench provide oversight of the written responses to Elected Members’ questions made at Full Council to ensure that what is received is both truthful and timely?

The Leader of Councilreplied.

Q7  Councillor Marshall-Katung to the Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education):-

Can the Executive Member update Council on school funding?

The Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education) 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:-

Q8  Councillor Ragan to the Executive Member (Public Health and Active Lifestyles):-

Q9  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Infrastructure & Climate).

Q10  Councillor Bentley to the Leader of Council

Q11  Councillor Jenkins to the Executive Member (Adult & Children’s Social Care & Health Partnerships).

Q12  Councillor Flynn to the Executive Member (Resources).

Q13  Councillor Campbell to the Executive Member (Public Health and Active Lifestyles).

Q14  Councillor Firth to the Executive Member (Infrastructure & Climate).

Q15  Councillor Hart-Brooke to the Executive Member (Public Health and Active Lifestyles).

Q16  Councillor D Seary to the Executive Member (Resources).

Q17  Councillor Campbell to the Leader of Council.

Q18  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Infrastructure & Climate).

Q19  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education).

Q20  Councillor B Anderson to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

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

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Lennox 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 16.18 to 16.50

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

RESOLVED - That 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 White Paper which would be heard first.

This Council regrets that the current Administration’s delivery of affordable housing for the people of Leeds has been sub-optimal, and in particular has led to a worsening shortage of affordable homes to rent and buy:

The Council’s mismanagement of the much-vaunted Council Housing Growth program has delivered considerably less than the promised 300 homes per year; The Housing Company promised to help deliver affordable homes has been abandoned before even being constituted; the tendency to accept commuted sums, and the Council’s reliance on city centre schemes to achieve its citywide housing targets has allowed the lowest percentage of affordable homes built through private development for years.

Council therefore calls on the Administration to review its current Council Housing Growth Strategy to:

Vary the housing delivery options allowed within the business model; constitute a housing company to enable council housing growth opportunities in communities with little council owned land; commit to refurbishing properties to create new council housing; ensure that policy compliant affordable housing is built within and reflects the needs of individual local communities; commit to delivery of new Council housing in every Leeds City Council ward within the next five years.

It was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor Campbell that this Council regrets that the current Administration’s delivery of affordable housing for the people of Leeds has been sub-optimal, and in particular has led to a worsening shortage of affordable homes to rent and buy:

The Council’s mismanagement of the much-vaunted Council Housing Growth program has delivered considerably less than the promised 300 homes per year; The Housing Company promised to help deliver affordable homes has been abandoned before even being constituted; the tendency to accept commuted sums, and the Council’s reliance on city centre schemes to achieve its citywide housing targets has allowed the lowest percentage of affordable homes built through private development for years.

Council therefore calls on the Administration to review its current Council Housing Growth Strategy to:

Vary the housing delivery options allowed within the business model; constitute a housing company to enable council housing growth opportunities in communities with little council owned land; commit to refurbishing properties to create new council housing; ensure that policy compliant affordable housing is built within and reflects the needs of individual local communities; commit to delivery of new Council housing in every Leeds City Council ward within the next five years.

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

Delete all after ‘homes to rent and buy’.

And replace with:

Council recognises the use of innovative measures such as commuted sums, which can enable funding to be prioritised to sites and areas that need affordable housing the most and also notes that City Centre and Inner Area development has, following the regrettable involvement of the High Court, led to reduced development on Greenfield and Greenbelt sites in the city. However, Council is concerned that the Council Housing Growth programme has delivered considerably less than the promised 300 homes per year and is disappointed by the failure to constitute a housing company after finally appearing to agree with opposition groups that have been proposing one for years.

Council notes the lack of attendance at the recent SAP remittal public inquiry, which confirmed the removal of Greenbelt sites from the Site Allocations Plan, from both the Administration and Liberal Democrat Group.

Council calls on the Administration to review its current Council Housing Growth Strategy to:

Vary the housing delivery options allowed within the business model; constitute a housing company to enable council housing growth opportunities in communities with little council owned land; commit to refurbishing properties to create new council housing; ensure that policy compliant affordable housing is built within and reflects the needs of individual local communities; commit to the delivery of the right homes in the right places in every ward in the city.’

Motion will read:

‘This Council regrets that the current Administration’s delivery of affordable housing for the people of Leeds has been sub-optimal, and in particular has led to a worsening shortage of affordable homes to rent and buy.

Council recognises the use of innovative measures such as commuted sums, which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

This Council calls on the administration to make community safety and the prevention of crime and disorder a priority for funding and resources.

Council remains concerned about the administration’s February budget decision to cut funding for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). At a time when residents are concerned about crime and disorder, and when central government is providing substantial funds to recruit more police officers, the local Leeds decision to cut community safety funding will seem inexplicable to many communities, and risks undermining wider efforts to build back better after the pandemic.

Whilst supporting the right to peaceful protest, Council also notes events in other parts of the country which have highlighted concerns about some protest groups, whose extreme actions threaten to damage the economy and cause an unacceptable level of disruption to the public.

Council also notes recent tragic events which have highlighted the specific threats posed to elected representatives carrying out their duties on behalf of the public.

Council calls on the administration to work with the West Yorkshire Mayor and other partners to urgently action the following:

1. Reverse the budget cut to PCSOs and uphold the long-standing Leeds commitment to financially support PCSO deployment across the city to boost community safety for residents;

2. Put in place local measures and allocate sufficient resources to ensure Leeds is prepared to respond effectively if disruptive protests of the type seen elsewhere come to the streets of Leeds and threaten to damage the city’s post-pandemic recovery;

3. Ensure the appropriate level of resources are provided for the safety and protection of council officers in front-line roles and elected members carrying out their responsibilities.

It was moved by Councillor Andrew Carter, seconded by Councillor Lamb that this Council calls on the administration to make community safety and the prevention of crime and disorder a priority for funding and resources.

Council remains concerned about the administration’s February budget decision to cut funding for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). At a time when residents are concerned about crime and disorder, and when central government is providing substantial funds to recruit more police officers, the local Leeds decision to cut community safety funding will seem inexplicable to many communities, and risks undermining wider efforts to build back better after the pandemic.

Whilst supporting the right to peaceful protest, Council also notes events in other parts of the country which have highlighted concerns about some protest groups, whose extreme actions threaten to damage the economy and cause an unacceptable level of disruption to the public.

Council also notes recent tragic events which have highlighted the specific threats posed to elected representatives carrying out their duties on behalf of the public.

Council calls on the administration to work with the West Yorkshire Mayor and other partners to urgently action the following:

1. Reverse the budget cut to PCSOs and uphold the long-standing Leeds commitment to financially support PCSO deployment across the city to boost community safety for residents;

2. Put in place local measures and allocate sufficient resources to ensure Leeds is prepared to respond effectively if disruptive protests of the type seen elsewhere come to the streets of Leeds and threaten to damage the city’s post-pandemic recovery;

3. Ensure the appropriate level of resources are provided for the safety and protection of council officers in front-line roles and elected members carrying out their responsibilities.

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

Delete the whole of Paragraph 3 and the whole of the second bullet point.  The amended White Paper would then read:

This Council calls on the administration to make community safety and the prevention of crime and disorder a priority for funding and resources.

Council remains concerned about the administration’s February budget decision to cut funding for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). At a time when residents are concerned about crime and disorder, and when central government is providing substantial funds to recruit more police officers, the local Leeds decision to cut community safety funding will seem inexplicable to many communities, and risks undermining wider efforts to build back better after the pandemic.

Council also notes recent tragic events which have highlighted the specific threats posed to elected representatives carrying out their duties on behalf of the public.

Council calls on the administration to work with the West Yorkshire Mayor and other partners to urgently action the following:

1. Reverse the budget cut to PCSOs and uphold the long-standing Leeds commitment to financially support PCSO deployment across the city to boost community safety for residents;

2. Ensure the appropriate level of resources are provided for the safety and protection of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

This Council notes the crucial UN Climate Change Conference summit (COP26) currently underway in Glasgow aimed at limiting global temperature rise to 1.5⁰C. Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency in March 2019, with the target of 2030 for achieving carbon neutrality, recognising the part Leeds has to play in this global challenge.

Council recognises that some communities in Leeds have far larger carbon footprints than others. Climate change is already affecting most those who are least able to pay, whilst those with higher incomes add proportionally more to carbon emissions in the City. Council therefore understands that positive actions by more affluent communities and sectors to reduce their carbon emissions can contribute most effectively to ensuring our City reaches net zero carbon by 2030.

Whilst supporting the current work of Leeds City Council on a range of issues that includes fuel poverty reduction and home insulation, Council resolves to focus Leeds City Council carbon reduction plans, and any related policies, on those sectors and those communities that through reducing their high carbon footprints will contribute most to reaching our carbon neutral target. In this way, Council’s response can aim to deliver climate and social justice together with carbon neutrality by 2030.

It was moved by Councillor Forsaith, seconded by Councillor A Blackburn that  this Council notes the crucial UN Climate Change Conference summit (COP26) currently underway in Glasgow aimed at limiting global temperature rise to 1.5⁰C. Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency in March 2019, with the target of 2030 for achieving carbon neutrality, recognising the part Leeds has to play in this global challenge.

Council recognises that some communities in Leeds have far larger carbon footprints than others. Climate change is already affecting most those who are least able to pay, whilst those with higher incomes add proportionally more to carbon emissions in the City. Council therefore understands that positive actions by more affluent communities and sectors to reduce their carbon emissions can contribute most effectively to ensuring our City reaches net zero carbon by 2030.

Whilst supporting the current work of Leeds City Council on a range of issues that includes fuel poverty reduction and home insulation, Council resolves to focus Leeds City Council carbon reduction plans, and any related policies, on those sectors and those communities that through reducing their high carbon footprints will contribute most to reaching our carbon neutral target. In this way, Council’s response can aim to deliver climate and social justice together with carbon neutrality by 2030.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Hart-Brooke, seconded by Councillor Howley

Remove all after the first paragraph and insert:

Council recognises that all residents and communities have a part to play in effectively ensuring our City reaches net zero by 2030. Those who pollute most have the most change to make. The city has a vital role in providing residents the systems and infrastructure to enable a greener more pleasant environment for all.

Council therefore calls on the administration to:

·  Take clear steps to reverse the cities decline in recycling by introducing city wide glass and food waste collections.

·  Roll out Hubbub style yellow and orange recycling bins to all community centres to establish habits in readiness for Deposit Return Scheme introduction.

·  Work with Universities and businesses to develop our own infrastructure for biogas generation and renewable energy production using council land.

·  Introduce a clean air zone that would see heavily polluting commercial vehicles charged to go through the city centre.

The amended White Paper would then read as follows:

This Council notes the crucial UN Climate Change Conference summit (COP26) currently underway in Glasgow aimed at limiting global temperature rise to 1.5⁰C. Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency in March 2019, with the target of 2030 for achieving carbon neutrality, recognising the part Leeds has to play in this global challenge.

Council recognises that all residents and communities have a part to play in effectively ensuring our City reaches net zero by 2030. Those who pollute most have the most change to make. The city has a vital role in providing residents the systems and infrastructure to enable a greener more pleasant environment for all.

Council therefore calls on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

This Council regrets the additional funding identified by the cross-party Local Government Association as essential to help councils maintain services just at 2019/20 levels wasn’t in the Chancellor’s budget. Council is very concerned by the effect this will have on services for the people of Leeds and calls on the Government to rethink.

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Lewis that this Council regrets the additional funding identified by the cross-party Local Government Association as essential to help councils maintain services just at 2019/20 levels wasn’t in the Chancellor’s budget. Council is very concerned by the effect this will have on services for the people of Leeds and calls on the Government to rethink.

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

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“welcomes the new government grant funding of £4.8bn for councils over the next three years to support vital local services, and the £2.6 billion for school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

“Council also welcomes other funding announcements in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement that will benefit Leeds and the wider region, as part of the government’s support for levelling up across the UK. This includes:

·  £20m from the Levelling Up Fund to deliver improved transport connections across West Leeds;

·  £830 million for West Yorkshire as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement;

·  £16 million for the Northern Forest to support new woodland creation;

·  £77 million for the redevelopment of the British Library Boston Spa.

“Leeds will also benefit from its share of national programmes, including over £2.6 billion for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, focused on helping people into jobs, including giving adults the opportunity to develop their numeracy skills through the Adult Numeracy Programme ‘Multiply’.

“Council further notes the huge amount of Covid-related financial support provided by the government, amounting to £618.81m in grants to the Leeds City Region, helping to support the Council, external bodies, businesses, and other programmes, including:

·  £7.6m Council Tax Support hardship funding;

·  £79.5m in Business Rate grants;

·  £99.63m to support additional expenditure and loss of income incurred by the Council due to Covid;

·  £283.26m in grants for businesses.

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

RESOLVED – That this Council regrets the additional funding identified by the cross-party Local Government Association as essential to help councils maintain services just at 2019/20 levels wasn’t in the Chancellor’s budget. Council is very concerned by the effect this will have on services for the people of Leeds and calls on the Government to rethink.

On the requisition of Councillors Lennox and Coupar the voting on the motion in the name of Councillor Coupar was recorded as follows;

YES – 52

Akhtar, Arif, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Brooks, Burke, Carlill, Charlwood, Coupar, Cunningham, Dowson, Dye, Flint, Forsaith, Gabriel, Garthwaite, Gibson, Goddard, P Grahame, Groves, C Gruen, Hamilton, Harland, Hayden, Heselwood, A Hussain, Z Hussain, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jenkins, Lennox, Lewis, Maqsood, Marshall-Katung, Martin, McKenna, Midgley, Mulherin, Nash, Pryor, Rafique, Ragan, Renshaw, Ritchie, Scopes, Shahzad, Sharpe, E Taylor, Truswell, Venner, Walshaw and Wray.

NO - 20

Alderson, B Anderson, C Anderson, Buckley, Amanda Carter, Andrew Carter, Cohen, Collins, Firth, Flynn, Harrington, Lamb, G Latty, Robinson, D  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.