Agenda and minutes

a) The Lord Mayor welcomed members to this meeting of Full Council and reminded those present that the meeting was to be streamed live.

b) The Lord Mayor informed Council that the meeting would be adjourned for a short break at an appropriate time in the afternoon.

c) The Lord Mayor informed Council that she had agreed for the inclusion at the meeting a late item which wasn’t available at the time of the agenda despatch - A report on changes to the Executive Arrangements. 

d) The Lord Mayor informed Council that she was delighted today to be wearing a very special garment designed by artist Keith Khan and featuring 33 unique motifs, each unique motif celebrating each of our 33 wardsacross Leeds as part of LEEDS 2023 project.

e)  The Lord Mayor informed Council that she would be participating in 2 events for the Lord Mayor’s Charity, Simon on The Streets Sleep Out on Thursday 19 October and the Abbey Dash on Sunday 22 October.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12^th July 2023.

It was moved by Councillor Flint, seconded by Councillor Stephenson and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th July 2023 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 made at this point in the meeting, during the course of the meeting Councillor Dobson declared an interest see minute 44 for further details.

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

There were no communications.

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

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

1)  Residents of Inner North-West Leeds.

2)  A deputation on behalf of Plant based councils.

3)  Leeds City of Sanctuary

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 be referred to the Director of  City Development and the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment  for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Members, that the subject matter in respect of deputation 2 and 3 be referred to the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To note changes to the Executive Arrangements.

It was moved by Councillor Lewis seconded by Councillor Flint and

RESOLVED – That the amendment to Part 3 Section 3F Appointment to West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee be noted.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Flint, seconded by Councillor Stephenson and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be approved, namely;

·  That Cllr Flynn replace Cllr Alderson on Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment & Inclusive Growth)

·  That Cllr Alderson replace Cllr Firth on Scrutiny Board (Adults, Health & Active Lifestyles)

·  That Cllr Firth replace Cllr Flynn on Scrutiny Board (Strategy and Resources).

·  That Cllr Firth replace Cllr Flynn on the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee.

·  That Cllr Firth fill the Conservative Group vacancy on the Licensing Committee.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presenting to Council the Community Committees’ Annual Report which looks at the progress made over the last twelve months the report also looks forward and mentions the challenges & next steps for the committees. In particular it sets the scene for the Community Committee Review that will take place over the coming months. The review will also support the actions identified through the LGA Peer Review and will consider how the committee infrastructure can improve community engagement and empower people so that they can become more involved in their local community and influence how services are delivered.

It was moved by Councillor Harland, seconded by Councillor Coupar and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presenting to Council the Community Committees’ Annual Report for 2022/23 be received and that the work now being progressed to further improve the effectiveness, community engagement role and improvement work of the Community Committees, via the Community Committee Review be noted.

At the conclusion of this item Council had a brief adjournment 15:10 to 15:25. 

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services presenting to Council the Annual Report of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee, Council are requested to receive and consider the annual report reflecting the work of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee in the 2022-23 municipal year.

It was moved by Councillor France-Mir, seconded by Councillor Coupar 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 2022-23 municipal year be noted.

It was moved by Councillor Stephenson, seconded by Councillor Alderson that leave of Council be given to suspend Council Procedure Rule 11.2 (Notice of Questions) to allow;

·  Question 16 in the name of Cllr Stephenson to be heard as Q1

·  Q1 in the name of Cllr Lamb to be heard as Q6  

·  Q6 in the name of Cllr Alderson to be heard as Q16.

Upon being put to the vote the Procedural Motion was lost.

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

Q1  Councillor Lamb to the Executive Member (Sustainable Development & Infrastructure):-

Does the Executive Member for Sustainable Development & Infrastructure stand by her statements that “elected members should not need to see their resident’s comments to form an opinion about a planning application” and “you should use the values you have as a party to determine whether a planning application should go ahead”?

The Executive Member (Sustainable Development & Infrastructure) replied.

Q2  Councillor Campbell to the Executive Member (Sustainable Development & Infrastructure):-

18 months ago a cycle path was installed at Wharfemeadows Park in Otley.  When the path was complete the Council failed to install the appropriate signage.  Following pressure from ward members signage was eventually installed but unfortunately in the wrong location.  For the last eight months or so, ward members have sent e-mails, met with officers and even asked a question in Council but the signs still direct cyclists through a children's play area.

Could the Executive member please inform Council what major issue prevents these three signs from being located in the positions shown on the original plan?

The Executive Member (Sustainable Development & Infrastructure) replied.

Q3  Councillor Wilson to the Executive Member (Sustainable Development & Infrastructure):-

Would the Executive Member please give an update on the Public E Bike Hire Scheme coming to Leeds? 

The Executive Member (Sustainable Development & Infrastructure) replied.

Q4  Councillor Carlisle to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space):-

Given that DEFRA announced in June that Councils would have to scrap DIY waste charges for residents at recycling sites, by the end of this year, can the Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space confirm when Leeds is going to stop charging these fees?

  The Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space) replied.

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

Could the Executive Member please give an update on the housing of refugees and migrants within Leeds?

The Executive Member (Communities) replied.

Q6  Councillor Alderson to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Since coming into operation on 1 April 2023, please can the Executive Member for Resources provide Council with the number of Fixed Penalty Notices, or convictions of a criminal offence, that have been issued across the city and in particular in my ward of Guiseley & Rawdon, as part of the PSPO for vehicular nuisance?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

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

Could the Executive Member inform me what the Council is doing / plans to do to support local communities that no longer have access to a local bank providing cash deposit and banking / financial advice as well as cash withdrawal services as a result of the closure of bank branches?

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

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

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Flint 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

This Council in principle rules out the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds.

It was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Buckley that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 13.2(d) and 14.10 that leave of Council be given to withdraw the motion in his name and that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 12.1(a) (motions on notice) be suspended to allow the introduction of a motion at short notice.

Leave of Council was given to withdraw the motion and therefore the 3 submitted amendments associated with the original white paper motion fell.

The original motion and amendments are set out below in italics

That this Council in principle rules out the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds.

An amendment was submitted by Councillor Blackburn

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with

“… notes that vehicle emissions not only damage our environment, but also have serious impact upon the health of our citizens. Council therefore resolves to do all that is reasonably possible to reduce the level of these emissions in our city.

Furthermore, this Council decries the increasing ‘weaponisation’ of social issues like the ULEZ in the pursuit of mindless culture wars, that distract us from the important work of building a fair and sustainable society.”

The amended White Paper will then read:

This Council notes that vehicle emissions not only damage our environment, but also have serious impact upon the health of our citizens. Council therefore resolves to do all that is reasonably possible to reduce the level of these emissions in our city.

Furthermore, this Council decries the increasing ‘weaponisation’ of social issues like the ULEZ in the pursuit of mindless culture wars, that distract us from the important work of building a fair and sustainable society.

A second amendment was submitted by Councillor Golton;

Delete all after ‘This Council”

and replace with ‘believes that all Leeds citizens have the right to breathe clean air’

The amended White Paper will then read:

This Council believes that all Leeds citizens have the right to breathe clean air.

A third amendment was submitted by Councillor Rafique

In the first paragraph, after “This Council in principle rules out introduction of” insert:

“vehicle and road use charges as part of….”

In the first paragraph, after “an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds”  insert:

“….and commits to improving air quality across the city.

However, Council notes this issue could be taken out of our hands as it was in 2017 when the Conservative Government directed the Council to consider measures to improve Air Quality in Leeds including through a charging Clean Air Zone. Council further notes in 2020 other actions taken by this Council to improve air quality meant the Government agreed a Clean Air Zone was no longer necessary. 

Council welcomes measures set out in the Leeds Air Quality Strategy and Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy that are helping to improve air quality in Leeds. Council is concerned the Government’s failure to support some measures identified  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

This Council recognises the immense importance of building a strong local economy. We celebrate work including the Inclusive Growth strategy, but note that established economic systems are failing to enact broad social, economic, and environmental benefits – locally, and across the world.

We are committed to deepening our relationship with and commitment to the work of bodies including the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and the New Economics Foundation, especially around the unique importance of ‘community wealth building’. Local authorities have a key part to play in recalibrating local economies, to ensure maximum wealth, opportunities, and wellbeing for local communities.

Council will therefore create a 10 year strategy – with clear and measurable outcomes – based upon the so-called Preston Model, to become the UK core city with the most locally-focused economy, rooted in systemic commitments to redirect investment into the local economy, and thereby help build a fairer and more resilient city and region.

It was moved by Councillor Carlisle, seconded by Councillor Blackburn that this Council recognises the immense importance of building a strong local economy. We celebrate work including the Inclusive Growth strategy, but note that established economic systems are failing to enact broad social, economic, and environmental benefits – locally, and across the world.

We are committed to deepening our relationship with and commitment to the work of bodies including the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and the New Economics Foundation, especially around the unique importance of ‘community wealth building’. Local authorities have a key part to play in recalibrating local economies, to ensure maximum wealth, opportunities, and wellbeing for local communities.

Council will therefore create a 10 year strategy – with clear and measurable outcomes – based upon the so-called Preston Model, to become the UK core city with the most locally-focused economy, rooted in systemic commitments to redirect investment into the local economy, and thereby help build a fairer and more resilient city and region.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Pryor, seconded by Councillor Martin

Delete All after “This Council recognises” and replace with:

“…. the necessity of building a strong local economy through Community Wealth Building Strategies.  Council is proud of our Leeds Model.

Council notes there is a long tradition of Community Wealth Building across the Labour, Co-Operative and Trade Union Movement and Leeds has seen the benefit of this.

Leeds aims to become a Real Living Wage City and Council is proud to have been paying the Living Wage Foundation Real Living Wage since 2015, to all council workers, including apprentices and homecare workers who work for external providers commissioned by the Council.

During a time of outsourcing and privatisation by many local authorities, Council takes pride in the fact that the vast majority of Leeds City Council services are provided by in-house teams, with one of the largest in-house workforces of any council in the UK.

Leeds Anchor Network brings together 14 of the city's biggest institutions to maximise the benefits of employment, procurement, infrastructure, service delivery behaviours for local people.

Council is aligned to the TUC’s ‘Great Jobs Agenda’, ensuring that jobs are good jobs and has policy against detrimental practices such as ‘fire and rehire’.  Council will continue to work with the whole Leeds Anchor Network through its Employment Group to adopt best practice in areas including recruitment, mental health, and pay and conditions.

As part of the Leeds Best City Ambition launched in May 2022, Council is also working with the Anchor Network in several areas.

• A project funded by the Health Foundation aims to improve health inequalities in the most disadvantaged communities, connecting people to quality jobs and identifying new pathways to employment.  

• Work is ongoing to ensure that investments help reach the Carbon Net Zero by 2030 target, working with Leeds City College to develop a pipeline of projects around green jobs to create good employment for the present and the future that also secures the local economy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

It has been reported that when he was Chancellor, Rishi Sunak refused to properly fund a school rebuilding programme.

Council utterly condemns this and calls on the Government to urgently fund vital school repair projects in Leeds. 

It was moved by Councillor Pryor, seconded by Councillor Sewards that it has been reported that when he was Chancellor, Rishi Sunak refused to properly fund a school rebuilding programme.

Council utterly condemns this and calls on the Government to urgently fund vital school repair projects in Leeds.

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

Delete all and replace with the following:

“This Council welcomes significant investment in Leeds schools, academies, free schools and colleges in recent years.

“This includes a share of the £1.8 billion in funding from the School Rebuilding Programme for Holy Trinity Church of England Academy (Rothwell), Mount St. Mary’s Catholic High School, John Jamieson School, St. Mary’s Menston, Oulton Academy, Brigshaw High School and Wetherby High School.

“Council further welcomes a share of the £8.5 billion funding from the Free Schools Programme for Co-op Academy Brierley, Leeds Mathematics School, Terry Elliot Academy, Thorpe Park College, Leeds Jewish Free School, Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, University Technical College Leeds, the Ruth Gorse Academy, Trinity Academy Leeds, Temple Learning Academy Free School, Dixon’s Trinity Chapeltown, Primley Wood Primary School, Nightingale Primary School, Lane End Primary, Elements Primary School, Elliot Hudson College, Lighthouse School Leeds, The Elland Academy, and The Stephen Longfellow Academy.

“Council also notes significant funding awarded to Leeds schools via Basic Need Grant Funding and directly to Leeds academies through the Condition Improvement Fund, which has delivered building extensions, repairs and improvements including decarbonisation.

“Council recognises that many schools and academies in Leeds are still grappling with budget pressures arising directly from the last Labour government’s decision to award costly Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts for school building programmes. As a direct result of these contracts and the excessive cost of varying deeds, funding intended for the education of children and young people in Leeds is instead diverted to private equity firms. Council therefore calls on the Conservative government to continue funding school repairs, rebuilds and improvements through the programmes listed in this motion and rejects any proposal to return to Labour’s regressive PFI programme.”

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

RESOLVED – That it has been reported that when he was Chancellor, Rishi Sunak refused to properly fund a school rebuilding programme.

Council utterly condemns this and calls on the Government to urgently fund vital school repair projects in Leeds.

On the requisition of Councillor Pryor and Lewis the voting on the motion in the name of Councillor Pryor was recorded as follows;

YES – 68

Akhtar, Ali, Almass, Arif, Bithell, Bowden, Bromley, Brooks, Burke, Carlill, Coupar, Dowson, Dye, Edwards, Farley, Flint, France-Mir, Garvani, Gibson, Grahame, Gruen, Hamilton, Hannan, Harland, Hayden, Heselwood, Hinchcliffe,  A Hussain, Z Hussain, Iqbal, Jenkins, Jones, Khan, Lennox, Lewis, Maloney, Manaka, Marshall-Katung, Martin, McCluskey, McKenna, Millar, Parnham, Pryor, Rafique, Renshaw, Ritchie, Rontree, Scopes, Sewards, Shahzad, Sharpe, Taylor, Thomson, Tudor, Venner, Wilson, Wray, Dixon, Pogson-Golden, Campbell, Blackburn, Carlisle, Chapman, Downes, Golton, Hart-Brooke and Lay  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.