Agenda and draft 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 informed Council that this would be the last meeting of Council for a number of Councillors as they would not be standing at the local elections in May, The Lord Mayor thanked the following Councillors concerned for many years of public service;

Councillor Almass

Councillor Gruen

Councillor Hutchison

Councillor McKenna

(c) The Lord Mayor informed Council that she would call for a short adjournment at a suitable point during the afternoon.

(d) The Lord Mayor wished Councillor Foster a Happy Birthday.

(e) The Lord Mayor informed Council that a solar powered world peace flame would be installed alongside a plaque in Park Square on 21^st March 2024 and all Members were welcome to attend the installation ceremony.

(f) The Lord Mayor informed Council that there was approximately two months left in her year of office and she was planning a number of charity events to which all members were welcome.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 21^st February 2024.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st February 2024 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 responses to 2 Council resolutions in respect of Transport and the Household Support Fund from the January Council meeting had been received from the Department for Transport and Jo Churchill MP, Minister for Employment, copies of which 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)  Peacelink

2)  Plant based Councils 

3)  *Knowle Manor Care Home

4)  SEND Teaching Assistants

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

*In seconding the resolution in respect of Deputation 3 Councillor Stephenson asked that the relevant ward members be included in any consultation on these matters. 

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

RESOLVED -  To move that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 3.3 (time limits for business) and CPR 14,1(period permitted for speeches) be suspended in order that the motion to receive Health & Wellbeing Board and Executive Board minutes shall not continue beyond 3.10pm including all summing up and the Leader of Council may speak for upto 5 (not 10) minutes when summing up on the minutes.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory presenting to Council information relating to the granting of licences, enforcement action, and proposed future work in the form of an annual report.

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

RESOLVED – That the Licensing Annual report be received.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Full Council the annual report of the Standards and Conduct Committee relating to matters within the committees terms of reference.

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

RESOLVED - That the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Full Council the annual report of the Standards and Conduct Committee be received and the matters set out in the annual report be noted.

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

·  Question 7 in the name of Cllr Golton to be heard as Q2

·  Q43 in the name of Cllr Finnigan  to be heard as Q7

·  Q2 in the name of Cllr Downes to be heard as Q43.

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

Can the Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space confirm the Administration will be changing its mind about charging for car parking in Golden Acre park following the appraisal of the costs of implementing such a scheme and realising it is a false economy?

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

Q2  Councillor Downes to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Public Health and Active Lifestyles):-

Given the health issues around ultra fine particulates (particulates less than 0.1 microns in diameter) which the Council does not currently monitor, would the Executive Member undertake a study to assess the feasibility of monitoring these harmful particles at strategic locations in Leeds?

The Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space)replied in accordance with CPR 11.3(b).

Q3  Councillor Burke to the Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education):-

Did the Spring Budget live up to the Executive Member’s expectations with regard to school funding? 

The Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education) replied.

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

Would the Council's Administration agree to support community groups, charitable organisations and/or local communities to take a lead on hosting their own community bonfire events, with the proviso they have the correct insurances, risk assessments, traffic management plans and other relevant health and safety plans?

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

Q5  Councillor Martin to the Executive Member (Housing):-

Please can the Executive Member for Housing provide an update on the progress of the Renters Reform Bill?

The Executive Member (Housing) replied.

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

On 1 April 2024, the Public Space Protection Order for vehicular nuisance will have been in operation for one year, 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 in this time.

The Executive Member (Resources) 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 Golton to the Executive Member (Communities):-

Q8  Councillor Iqbal to the Executive Member (Sustainable Infrastructure and Development).

Q9  Councillor Dixon to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space)

Q10  Councillor Hamilton to the Executive Member (Communities).

Q11  Councillor L Buckley to the Executive Member (Sustainable Infrastructure and Development).

Q12  Councillor Campbell to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Public Health and Active Lifestyles)

Q13  Councillor Jenkins to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Public Health and Active Lifestyles)

Q14  Councillor Dixon to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space)

Q15  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

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

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Pryor 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 15.13 to 15.40.

This Council notes with concern that the Administration are not doing enough to address the pothole crisis we have on Leeds’ roads and are showing no signs of developing a meaningful strategy for highway maintenance to address the woeful state of so many of our city's roads and pavements.

Potholes create safety hazards and misery for road users, cause damage to vehicles, and cost the Council thousands of pounds in compensation pay outs to those affected.

Recent data shows the number of potholes reported in Leeds has risen by almost 60% under the last five years of the Labour administration, with 13,722 potholes reported last year alone. There were more than 300 accidents relating to potholes in 2023, compared to an average of 190 between 2019 and 2022, and compensation paid out to those affected by potholes has also nearly doubled in recent years. Estimates suggest there is a mean average of 19.5 years backlog in highways maintenance and it would take £288 million to bring all roads up to an acceptable standard.

Council welcomes the huge amount of government funding provided to local authorities, including Leeds, to help repair potholes. This includes £17,719,592 in 2023 for road resurfacing works in Leeds, allocated by WYCA from the government’s City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement. But the Council should be investing more of its own money in improving the condition of the city’s roads.

Council calls for a report to be presented to Executive Board laying out a clear plan for pothole repair, including addressing the large disparities between the average time it takes to fix potholes in different parts of the city, and setting out a long term strategy for addressing the backlog in highways maintenance work.

It was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor N Buckley that this Council notes with concern that the Administration are not doing enough to address the pothole crisis we have on Leeds’ roads and are showing no signs of developing a meaningful strategy for highway maintenance to address the woeful state of so many of our city's roads and pavements.

Potholes create safety hazards and misery for road users, cause damage to vehicles, and cost the Council thousands of pounds in compensation pay outs to those affected.

Recent data shows the number of potholes reported in Leeds has risen by almost 60% under the last five years of the Labour administration, with 13,722 potholes reported last year alone. There were more than 300 accidents relating to potholes in 2023, compared to an average of 190 between 2019 and 2022, and compensation paid out to those affected by potholes has also nearly doubled in recent years. Estimates suggest there is a mean average of 19.5 years backlog in highways maintenance and it would take £288 million to bring all roads up to an acceptable standard.

Council welcomes the huge amount of government funding provided to local authorities, including Leeds, to help repair potholes. This includes £17,719,592 in 2023 for road resurfacing works in Leeds, allocated by WYCA from the government’s City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement. But the Council should be investing more of its own money in improving the condition of the city’s roads.

Council calls for a report to be presented to Executive Board laying out a clear plan for pothole repair, including addressing the large disparities between the average time it takes to fix potholes in different parts of the city, and setting out a long term strategy for addressing the backlog in highways maintenance work.

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

Delete paragraphs 4 & 5 and replace with:

Council commits to allocating funding from government and more of its own money in improving the conditions of roads equitably in all wards of the city. The Council will ensure work done by its own teams are done to a professional standard that will endure in a do it right first time approach. Council will also work to enhance the contractual warranties external companies give so that those enjoying multi million pound contracts don’t leave roads that look acceptable on day one but quickly deteriorate, leaving the Council to fix and the tax payer paying twice.

The amended motion would then read:

This Council notes with concern that the Administration are not doing enough to address the pothole crisis we have on Leeds’ roads and are showing no signs of developing a meaningful strategy for highway maintenance to address the woeful state of so many of our city's roads and pavements.

Potholes create safety hazards and misery for road users, cause damage to vehicles, and cost the Council thousands of pounds in compensation pay outs to those affected.

Recent data shows the number of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

This Council recognises the significance of 400^th Anniversary of Leeds receiving our Great Charter as a borough from King Charles I, and commits to celebrating this milestone in our city’s history. Council notes the impressive series of events organised to mark the 300^th anniversary in 1926 and commits to ensuring that this generation of Leeds citizens enjoys a festival deserving of the 400^th anniversary.

In order for this celebration to be truly enjoyed citywide, and to leave a lasting legacy that benefits all communities within the modern boundaries of Leeds, this Council commits to learn the lessons of Leeds 2023 Year of Culture. It is therefore proposed that an all party members board be appointed to review the evaluation reports from Leeds 2023 during 2024, and develop plans during 2025 for the 400^th Anniversary Celebration in 2026.

It was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor Chapman that this Council recognises the significance of 400^th Anniversary of Leeds receiving our Great Charter as a borough from King Charles I, and commits to celebrating this milestone in our city’s history. Council notes the impressive series of events organised to mark the 300^th anniversary in 1926 and commits to ensuring that this generation of Leeds citizens enjoys a festival deserving of the 400^th anniversary.

In order for this celebration to be truly enjoyed citywide, and to leave a lasting legacy that benefits all communities within the modern boundaries of Leeds, this Council commits to learn the lessons of Leeds 2023 Year of Culture. It is therefore proposed that an all party members board be appointed to review the evaluation reports from Leeds 2023 during 2024, and develop plans during 2025 for the 400^th Anniversary Celebration in 2026.

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

Add the following to the end of the motion:

“Part of the role of that Board should be to look for partners within the private sector and wider community to fund the Celebration, with a guiding principle from the project’s inception being that there should be no cost to taxpayers other than the Council’s convening power.”

Motion would read:

“This Council recognises the significance of 400^th Anniversary of Leeds receiving our Great Charter as a borough from King Charles I, and commits to celebrating this milestone in our city’s history. Council notes the impressive series of events organised to mark the 300^th anniversary in 1926 and commits to ensuring that this generation of Leeds citizens enjoys a festival deserving of the 400^th anniversary.

“In order for this celebration to be truly enjoyed citywide, and to leave a lasting legacy that benefits all communities within the modern boundaries of Leeds, this Council commits to learn the lessons of Leeds 2023 Year of Culture. It is therefore proposed that an all party members board be appointed to review the evaluation reports from Leeds 2023 during 2024, and develop plans during 2025 for the 400^th Anniversary Celebration in 2026.

“Part of the role of that Board should be to look for partners within the private sector and wider community to fund the Celebration, with a guiding principle from the project’s inception being that there should be no cost to taxpayers other than the Council’s convening power.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Pryor, seconded by Councillor Coupar

Delete all after “Leeds citizens enjoys a….” and replace with:

“celebration deserving of our 400th anniversary.

Council further notes that when Leeds became an incorporated borough in 1626, it covered a much smaller area.  After being granted city status in 1893 by Queen Victoria, Leeds has subsequently grown between 1912 and 1974 and celebrations of our 400th year will include the entire city.

Council acknowledges the 1100 events taken place during our Leeds 2023 Year of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

Council believes that the right to strike is a fundamental British freedom and believes that the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 is just the latest direct attack on this freedom.

Council regrets the over the past 14 years the Government have continually eroded pay, and to an even greater degree when inflation hit a 41 year high of 11.1%.

Council regrets the Government’s failure to deal with the cost-of-living crisis and failure to outlaw poor employment practices, which Council believes have caused recent strike action.  Council further regrets this legislation as an attempt to shift the blame onto ordinary workers who have resorted to striking to achieve fair pay and dignity at work.

Council further believes that the regime created by the Strikes (Minimum Service Level) Act 2023 is both unworkable and unnecessary and is an attack on the freedoms of working people in Leeds.

Council resolves to request a paper to Executive Board to consider these issues further and calls on the Government to repeal anti-trade union legislation.

It was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Farley that Council believes that the right to strike is a fundamental British freedom and believes that the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 is just the latest direct attack on this freedom.

Council regrets the over the past 14 years the Government have continually eroded pay, and to an even greater degree when inflation hit a 41 year high of 11.1%.

Council regrets the Government’s failure to deal with the cost-of-living crisis and failure to outlaw poor employment practices, which Council believes have caused recent strike action.  Council further regrets this legislation as an attempt to shift the blame onto ordinary workers who have resorted to striking to achieve fair pay and dignity at work.

Council further believes that the regime created by the Strikes (Minimum Service Level) Act 2023 is both unworkable and unnecessary and is an attack on the freedoms of working people in Leeds.

Council resolves to request a paper to Executive Board to consider these issues further and calls on the Government to repeal anti-trade union legislation.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor Lay

Delete paragraphs two and three.

The amended motion will then read:

Council believes that the right to strike is a fundamental British freedom and believes that the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 is just the latest direct attack on this freedom.

Council further believes that the regime created by the Strikes (Minimum Service Level) Act 2023 is both unworkable and unnecessary and is an attack on the freedoms of working people in Leeds.

Council resolves to request a paper to Executive Board to consider these issues further and calls on the Government to repeal anti-trade union legislation.

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Firth, seconded by Councillor Stephenson

Delete all after “Council” and replace with:

“believes working people, parents and pensioners in Leeds should be free to go about their business, get to work, drop their children off at school or access the NHS services their taxes pay for without excessive disruption caused by striking public sector unions.

“Council therefore welcomes the introduction of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, believing it achieves the appropriate balance between the rights of workers to withhold their labour and the rights of taxpayers to access the state-funded services and infrastructure they pay for. Council notes the UK has now joined other countries such as France, Spain, and Italy, which already have minimum service laws in place.

“Since 2010, the Conservative Government has delivered one of the best workers’ rights records in the world, with more employees on the payroll than ever before and one of the highest minimum wages in the world – more generous than those in similar economies such as France, Germany and Japan. This is in stark contrast to the inheritance of record high unemployment and reliance on state welfare left by the last Labour Government, and every post-war Labour administration.

“Council recognises the value  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.