Agenda and minutes

a) The Lord Mayor welcomed members to this meeting of Full Council and informed Members that due to some technical issues the operation of the microphones, timing lights and the recorded vote system would be different at todays meeting  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 made a brief statement around the events in Israel on the 7^th October 2023 and the events in Gaza since then and the impact on Communities in the City. The Lord Mayor called for a minutes silence to reflect on the situation in the Middle East.

Council observed a minutes silence.

d) The Lord Mayor extended a warm welcome to journalism students from Leeds Beckett University, a student from the Ruth Gorse Academy and three mayoral student consorts.

e)  The Lord Mayor informed Council of some forthcoming events that would be taking place for the Lord Mayor’s Charity.

f) The Lord Mayor wished Councillor Hayden a happy birthday.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 13^th September 2023.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th September 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.

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 in September on School Buildings had been received from Baroness Barran, Minister for the School System and Student Finance.

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

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(d) Councillor Pryor shared with Council correspondence from the Department for Education in response to his letter on the situation with regard to school buildings and RAAC in Leeds and Councillor Stephenson replied.   

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)  Baby Basics Leeds

3)  Walksafe - reducing violence against women and girls.

4)  *Wellbeing Zones and traffic calming

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputations 1 and 2 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 3 be referred to the Director of Communities, Housing & 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.

*In seconding the resolution in respect of Deputation 4 Councillor Stephenson asked that the relevant ward members be included in any consultation on these matters.   

To consider the report of the Director of City Development setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 18^th October 2023 to Full Council in respect of the Transpennine Route Upgrade – Transport and Works Act Order Representation.

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

RESOLVED –

a)  That the Council’s overall strategic support for the outcomes proposed from the Leeds to Micklefield element of the Transpennine Route Upgrade be noted..

b)  That the contents of the report and the ‘holding objection’ (as per Appendix A to the report) submitted by the Council to the Secretary of State in response to Network Rail's application for the Transport and Works Act Order(TWAO) and justifications for this be noted. 

c)  That the recommendation of Executive Board of 18th October 2023 for Full Council to approve the submission of a formal objection pursuant to s239 of the Local Government Act 1972 be noted.

d)  That the submission of a formal objection to specific elements of the TWAO pursuant to s239 of the Local Government Act 1972 be approved.

e)  That authority be delegated to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, to continue negotiations with relevant stakeholders to seek to agree the withdrawal of the objection should sufficient agreement on the issues raised be reached. 

On the requisition of Councillor Flint and Stephenson the voting on the recommendations were recorded as follows;

YES – 92

Akhtar, Ali, 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, Holroyd-Case, 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, Smart, Taylor, Thomson, Tudor, Venner, Wilson, Wray, Alderson, B Anderson, C Anderson, L Buckley, N Buckley, Amanda Carter, Andrew Carter, Cohen, Flynn, Foster, Harrington, D Seary, S Seary, Smith,  Stephenson, Campbell, Chapman, Downes, Golton, Hart-Brooke, Lay, Finnigan, Gettings, Hutchison, Kidger, Senior, Dobson, Field,  McCormack, Carlisle, Stables, Dixon and Pogson-Golden.

NO – 0

ABSTAIN - 0 

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health setting out recommendations from the General Purposes Committee on 18^th October 2023 to Full Council to establish a joint committee (an integrated care partnership), approve the proposed Terms of Reference, ensure that the necessary changes be made to the Council’s constitution, note the appointment of one member of the Partnership Board, namely the Council Leader, by General Purposes Committee (subject to Council resolving to approve recommendations a, b and c), and note the separate appointment of the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Council Chief Executive as members of the Partnership Board, by the Partnership Board.

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

RESOLVED –  

a.  To establish a joint committee (an integrated care partnership) called the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership Board for the area of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) together with the ICB and the other responsible local authorities in the ICB’s area.

b.  That the proposed Terms of Reference (attached as Appendix 1 to the report) of the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership Board (the “Partnership Board”) be approved

c.  That the necessary changes be made to the Council’s constitution

d.  That the appointment of one member of the Partnership Board, namely the Council Leader Cllr James Lewis, by General Purposes Committee (subject to Council resolving to approve recommendations a, b and c) be noted.

e.  That the separate appointment of the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board Cllr Fiona Venner, and the Council Chief Executive Tom Riordan as members of the Partnership Board, by the Partnership Board be noted.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on a recommendation of the Leeds Award Panel.

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

RESOLVED – That the recommendation of the Leeds Award Panel to nominate Alford Gardner to receive the Leeds Award, as presented by the report of the City Solicitor be approved.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on a proposed change of start time for the 17^th January 2024 Council meeting.

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

RESOLVED – That in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.1 agree that the ordinary Council meeting on the 17th January 2024 will start at 1.30pm or at the conclusion of the extraordinary meeting.

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;

a)  That Councillor D Seary replace Councillor Smith on the Scrutiny Board (Children & Families).

b)  That Councillor Andrew Carter replace Councillor Robinson on the Scrutiny Board (Strategy and Resources).

c)  That Councillor Robinson replace Councillor Smith on the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee.

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2022-23 Plans Panel and Development Plan Panel annual report.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2022-23 Plans Panel and Development Plan Panel Annual Report be received and noted.

At the conclusion of this item Council adjourned from 15.04 to 15.11.

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

Q1  Councillor C Anderson to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space):-

Can the Executive Member responsible please advise why only Golden Acre Park and The Chevin have been chosen for car parking charges in their recently announced consultation?

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

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

Given my question to the Executive Member at the last Council meeting and her subsequent answer, below:

Q34 Councillor C Campbell – Last year a number of streets in the centre of Otley were resurfaced. Following completion of the works there were a number of "snagging" issues particularly around street gullies. Despite repeated requests for works to be carried our nothing has happened. Could the Executive Member inform council when the contractor will return and make good the works.

A)  Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure In the 2022/23 year a total of 22 highway resurfacing schemes were delivered within the Otley & Yeadon ward, using both external contractors and the Highway Services Team. It is expected that all works are delivered to the highest possible standards. However, on occasions some defects occur on schemes that require remedial works. All schemes are inspected, and the relevant contractor has been made aware of the remedial work required. Some remedial works, relating to the street gullies, were carried out last week. Arrangements are currently being made to attend to some further defects, which will be completed at the earliest opportunity. The Highways Asset Manager will contact you directly to provide you with a further update.

Could she give a date when this might happen?

The Executive Member (Sustainable Development &

Infrastructure) replied.

Q3  Councillor Marshall-Katung to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Please can the Executive Member update Council on the work undertaken to tackle Hate Crime in the city?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q4  Councillor Dixon to the Executive Member (Housing):-

Would the ruling Administration agree with the Social Democratic Party that a postponement is needed on the ‘right to buy’ to protect the properties gained via the councils ‘Housing Growth Programme’ from sale, in the short term?

The Executive Member (Housing) replied.

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

Please could the Executive Member give an update on the Council and its partners’ approach to supporting residents with the cost of living crisis this winter?

The Executive Member (Communities) replied.

Q6  Councillor L Buckley to the Executive Member (Housing):-

Would the Executive Member for Housing please explain to Council why it takes so long for repairs to be carried out on Housing Leeds properties, and why it seems to residents that multiple visits are necessary for the simplest of fixes elongating the issue?

The Executive Member (Housing) 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:-

Q7  Councillor Campbell  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

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 16.18 to 16.45

This Council welcomes the return to the Council of £17.661m of our money from WYCA’s West Yorkshire + Transport Fund reserve.

Council is concerned as to how a pot of over £50m, which could have been used to underwrite ailing public transport services across the region, was left languishing in WYCA’s coffers. This includes the following axed or reduced services: 7, 9/9a, 60, 60a, 508, 16, 27, the 47 and 48 services, 64, 81, X84, X85, 87, 427, 630, 966 in Leeds.  This is in addition to many other services that have had their frequencies slashed, in addition to route changes meaning that journeys to school and work are no longer possible in many areas of Leeds.

This Council therefore calls upon the Chief Executive to write to the Mayor of West Yorkshire and WYCA to ask that they use the resources available to them to reinstate those vital services which were unnecessarily cut.

In accordance with Council procedure Rule 12.4(b) the white paper in the name of Councillor Lamb was moved by Councillor N Buckley, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter that this Council welcomes the return to the Council of £17.661m of our money from WYCA’s West Yorkshire + Transport Fund reserve.

Council is concerned as to how a pot of over £50m, which could have been used to underwrite ailing public transport services across the region, was left languishing in WYCA’s coffers. This includes the following axed or reduced services: 7, 9/9a, 60, 60a, 508, 16, 27, the 47 and 48 services, 64, 81, X84, X85, 87, 427, 630, 966 in Leeds.  This is in addition to many other services that have had their frequencies slashed, in addition to route changes meaning that journeys to school and work are no longer possible in many areas of Leeds.

This Council therefore calls upon the Chief Executive to write to the Mayor of West Yorkshire and WYCA to ask that they use the resources available to them to reinstate those vital services which were unnecessarily cut.

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

In paragraph two, after the number 966  add“, and 444/446”

At the end of the end of the second paragraph, insert a third paragraph:

“Council notes the £70 million made available to Mayor Brabin to deliver a Bus Service Improvement Plan for West Yorkshire bus passengers , delivered  via her West Yorkshire Enhanced Bus Partnership with local private bus operators. Council is disappointed that the £35 million subsidy given to those companies to deliver cheaper ‘Mayors Fares’ has led to no increase in the number of buses on our streets, instead it has been accompanied by fewer less reliable services. Council also regrets that the remaining £35 million to be spent on improving services is being discussed behind closed doors by the Mayoral Authority and private operators, with chosen routes decided without the involvement of local elected members, making ‘devolved’ decision making no more locally accountable than Westminster. Council notes the Mayor has recently been allocated a further £13.4 million to add to her Bus Service Improvement Plan.”

At the end of the final paragraph add the words “during her term of office.”

The amended motion would then read:

This Council welcomes the return to the Council of £17.661m of our money from WYCA’s West Yorkshire + Transport Fund reserve.

Council is concerned as to how a pot of over £50m, which could have been used to underwrite ailing public transport services across the region, was left languishing in WYCA’s coffers. This includes the following axed or reduced services: 7, 9/9a, 60, 60a, 508, 16, 27, the 47 and 48 services, 64, 81, X84, X85, 87, 427, 630, 966 and 444/446 in Leeds. This is in addition to many other services that have had their frequencies slashed, in addition to route changes meaning that journeys to school and work are no longer possible in many areas  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

This Council agrees to campaign for Central Government to increase the percentage of CIL allocated to Parish Councils from a minimum of 15-25% (amount currently dependent on whether or not a Neighbourhood Plan is in place) to a minimum of 50%.

It was moved by Councillor Finnigan, seconded by Councillor Newton that this Council agrees to campaign for Central Government to increase the percentage of CIL allocated to Parish Councils from a minimum of 15-25% (amount currently dependent on whether or not a Neighbourhood Plan is in place) to a minimum of 50%.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor Chapman

Delete everything after “This Council agrees to campaign for Central Government to increase the percentage of” and replace with

“the neighbourhood portion of CIL, as referenced in the National Planning Practice Guidance, from a minimum of 15-25% (amount currently dependent on whether or not development is in an area of a Parish Council, or whether a Neighbourhood Plan is in place) to a minimum of 50%”.

The amended motion would then read

This Council agrees to campaign for Central Government to increase the percentage of the neighbourhood portion of CIL, as referenced in the National Planning Practice Guidance, from a minimum of 15-25% (amount currently dependent on whether or not development is in an area of a Parish Council, or whether a Neighbourhood Plan is in place) to a minimum of 50%.

A second amendment was moved by Councillor B Anderson, seconded by Councillor L Buckley

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“supports the principle that the Strategic Fund element of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding should be used to provide infrastructure improvements in the localities most affected by developments, in collaboration with Parish and Town Councils and Community Committees.

“Council calls for a report to Executive Board setting out how such an approach can be implemented in Leeds.”

A third amendment was moved by Councillor Hayden, seconded by Councillor Bithell

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“believes that the Conservative government has created a planning system that allows developers to avoid the responsibility of providing local infrastructure, community benefits and affordable housing.

This council supports fundamental reform of the planning system to one which ensures that communities, including those represented by Parish Councils, are given the substantial funds they require to develop the essential infrastructure, such as roads, schools and GP surgeries, to ensure that future developments are sustainable.”

The amendment/s in the name of Councillor Campbell and Councillor B Anderson were declared lost the amendment in the name of Councillor Hayden was carried and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That this Council believes that the Conservative government has created a planning system that allows developers to avoid the responsibility of providing local infrastructure, community benefits and affordable housing.

This council supports fundamental reform of the planning system to one which ensures that communities, including those represented by Parish Councils, are given the substantial funds they require to develop the essential infrastructure, such as roads, schools and GP surgeries, to ensure that future developments are sustainable.

This Council fully supports a franchised bus system in West Yorkshire as set out in the recently published West Yorkshire Combined Authority consultation on bus reform.  Council calls for a report to be presented to the December Executive Board meeting to provide Council’s formal response.

It was moved by Councillor Hayden, seconded by Councillor Carlill that this Council fully supports a franchised bus system in West Yorkshire as set out in the recently published West Yorkshire Combined Authority consultation on bus reform.  Council calls for a report to be presented to the December Executive Board meeting to provide Council’s formal response.

An amendment was moved by Councillor N Buckley, seconded by Councillor Amanda Carter

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“wants to see improved bus services for Leeds and West Yorkshire and to get the best deal for the fare payer and the tax payer.

“Council notes that public consultation on West Yorkshire bus reform is still live; therefore, the original motion is yet another example of the ruling administration treating consultation as a tick box exercise, declaring the outcome before the people of Leeds have had their chance to respond. Council encourages members of the public in Leeds and across the region to make their views known through the formal consultation.

“Council notes that the Enhanced Partnership Plus model, combined with the Mayor’s current powers, could deliver improvements immediately. In contrast, franchising could cost hundreds of millions of pounds more, and not deliver improvements until 2028 at the earliest.

“Council therefore sees the value in rolling out an Enhanced Partnership Plus model for bus reform across the region, and only in the event that this does not deliver the expected improvements, revisiting the option of franchising.

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Downes, seconded by Councillor Lay

Delete all after “bus reform” and replace with:

“However, this Council is increasingly concerned about the protracted timeline for implementing bus franchising under the current Mayor. The slow pace of progress not only hinders the development of a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transport network but also delays the potential economic and environmental benefits that such a system promises. This delay in execution raises questions about the West Yorkshire Mayor’s commitment to public transport reform, and the Council urges for a more proactive approach. In light of these concerns, Council calls for a report to be presented to the December Executive Board meeting to provide Council’s formal response, including addressing these delays and proposing a revised, expedited timeline for the implementation of the bus franchising system.”

The amended motion would then read:

This Council fully supports a franchised bus system in West Yorkshire, as set out in the recently published West Yorkshire Combined Authority consultation on bus reform. However, this Council is increasingly concerned about the protracted timeline for implementing bus franchising under the current Mayor. The slow pace of progress not only hinders the development of a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transport network but also delays the potential economic and environmental benefits that such a system promises. This delay in execution raises questions about the West Yorkshire Mayor’s commitment to public transport reform, and the Council urges for a more proactive approach. In light of these concerns, Council calls  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.