Agenda and minutes

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 15^th November 2023.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th November 2023 be approved.

(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 congratulated Councillor Abigail Marshall-Katung on her nomination as Lord Mayor Elect for the 2024-25 Municipal Year.

 (c)  The Lord Mayor congratulated all those recipients from Leeds or who work and volunteer in Leeds and who had been recognised in His Majesty The King’s 2024 New Year Honours List. The Lord Mayor informed Council that she had written to them all to offer her warmest congratulations on this well deserved award.

(d) The Lord Mayor informed Council that she had agreed for the inclusion of 2 late items at the meeting which were not available when the agenda was despatched; minutes of the Executive Board meeting held on the 15^th January 2024 and a report setting out recommendations of Executive Board on the Adoption of remitted parts of Leeds Site Allocations Plan 2024.

(e) The Lord Mayor informed Council that she would adjourn the meeting at approximately 3.30pm.

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 and Councillor Chapman declared an interest see minute 77 for further details.

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 had been received from HM Treasury to the White Paper resolution in November on the Transport Levy a copy 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)   Love Leeds Parks

2)  BusFair Campaign and the Health & Wellbeing Board’s Allyship Programme

3)  SEN parents Leeds.

4)  Care Leavers

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 be referred to the Director of Communities, Housing & Environment for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, that the subject matter in respect of deputation 2 be referred to the Director of City Development and the Director of Adults & Health for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member(s), that the subject matter in respect of deputation 3 and deputation 4 be referred to the Director of Children & Families for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

To consider the late item from the Director of City Development setting out recommendations from the Executive Board Meeting on the 15th January 2024 in respect of the Adoption of remitted parts of Leeds Site Allocations Plan 2024.

The report of the Director of City Development presenting to Council recommendations of the Executive Board informing Members of the conclusions made by the Independent Planning Inspector in respect of the remitted parts of the Site Allocations Plan (SAPR) was moved by Councillor Hayden and seconded by Councillor Gruen and it was

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the Inspector’s Report on the Remitted Parts of the Site Allocations Plan and accept the recommended Main Modifications.  These were as detailed in an appendix to her Report (2 January 2024) at Appendix 1 to the report;

b)  To adopt the remitted parts of the Site Allocations Plan, which are contained in the Inspector’s schedule of recommended Main Modifications (Appendix 1 to the report) with effect from 17 January 2024, pursuant to Section 23 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended); 

c)  To note that the fully adopted SAP (as amended 2024) will be that provided as a Background Document to this report; and

d)  To note that Appendix 2 of the report will replace Appendix 3 of the Site Allocations Plan which lists the saved UDP policies that will be superseded by the SAP (as amended 2024).

To consider the report of the Chief Officer - Financial Services a) seeking  agreement to the proposal that a Long-Term Empty Premium of 100% be levied on dwellings that have remained empty and unfurnished for more than one year rather than the current two years, b)seeking agreement to the 2024/25 council tax bases for Leeds and the parish/town councils set out in the report,  c) providing indicative business rates shares for 2024/25 and to request Council to give delegated authority to the Chief Officer – Financial Services to finalise the shares and to submit them in the National Non-Domestic Rates 1 Return 2024/25 on or before 31st January 2024.

The report of the Chief Officer - Financial Services a) seeking Council approval to the proposal that a Long-Term Empty Premium of 100% be levied on dwellings that have remained empty and unfurnished for more than one year rather than the current two years, b)seeking approval to the 2024/25 council tax bases for Leeds and the parish/town councils set out in the report and c) providing indicative business rates shares for 2024/25 and to request Council to give delegated authority to the Chief Officer – Financial Services to finalise the shares and to submit them in the National Non-Domestic Rates 1 Return 2024/25 on or before 31st January 2024 was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Flint and

RESOLVED –

a)  To agree that the authority shall make a determination such that the Long-Term Empty Premium of 100% shall be applied to dwellings that have been empty and substantially unfurnished for a period of more than one year, rather than the current period of two years, in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992, Section 11B (as amended).

b)  To agree that, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by the Council as its council tax base for the year 2024/25 shall be 242,591.4 for Leeds, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report, and for each parish as detailed in Appendix 2.

c)  To note the indicative business rates shares set out in Appendix 1 of the report, and delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Financial Services to make detailed calculations and to submit the final figures to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on or before 31^st January 2024.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Council the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) following a meeting on 11^th December 2023 setting out their conclusions and recommendations.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor presenting to Council the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel be received and the recommendations set out agreed, namely;

·  That Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances be uplifted by 3.88% and backdated to 1st April 2023.

·  That in respect of the Dependent Carers Allowance the actual care costs incurred be the basis for payments of Dependent Carers Allowance - with the maximum hourly amount that can be claimed set at the hourly rate for the Real Living Wage and that the criteria for accessing the allowance, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Independent Remuneration Panel report, be incorporated into the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

·  That all other Allowances, contained in Schedule two of the Members’ Allowances Scheme (Travel Allowance and Subsistence Allowance) be uplifted as per the NJC pay award and where applicable backdated to 1st April 2023.

·  That in respect of indexation ;

·  Basic, Special Responsibility and Other Allowances be uplifted on the 1st of April each year by a percentage equivalent to the pay award of SCP 43 on the NJC pay structure.

·  The maximum hourly rate payable under the Dependent Carers Allowance be determined by the prevailing hourly rate for the Real Living Wage.

·  That these indexations apply from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2028.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

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

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

·  That Councillor France-Mir replace Councillor Martin on West Yorkshire Pensions Board.

·  That Councillor Amanda Carter replace Councillor Dawn Seary on Scrutiny Board (Children and Families).

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Climate, Energy and Green Spaces introducing the Annual Report of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee, which demonstrates the work of the committee undertaken throughout the 2023/24 municipal year to date.

It was moved by Councillor Dye, seconded by Councillor Rafique and

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and the work of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee throughout the 2022/23 and 2023/24 (to date) municipal year be noted.

At the conclusion of this item Council adjourned from 15.20 to 15.30.

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

Q1  Councillor Lamb to the Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education):-

Would the Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education provide details of the costs for the external support in relation to the EHCP review?

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

Q2  Councillor Hart-Brooke to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Following on from my question at the previous Full Council meeting, could the Executive Member for Resources confirm that she has made enquiries as to how the Council could practically dispose of the U1 number plate in the Council’s possession so that it could help address the Council’s dire financial position.

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q3  Councillor Wray to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Does the Executive Member have any comment on the recent Local Government Finance Settlement?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

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

What measures do the administration propose putting in place to stop unauthorised hunting with guns in our community parks?

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

Q5  Councillor Martin to the Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education):-

Could the Executive Member please comment on footfall within Leeds City Centre, particularly during the time of the Christmas market?

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

Q6  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space):-

Would the Executive Member responsible confirm what potential reductions in value of the contract for ice cream/refreshment concessions at Golden Acre will be, as per the recent Delegated Decision as a result of the potential introduction of car parking charges?

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

Q7  Councillor Campbell to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Further to my question at Council on 15.11.23. could the Executive Member for Resources inform Council what progress has been made to recover the Council's outstanding costs in regard to the Civic Centre in Otley?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q8  Councillor Ritchie to the Executive Member (Communities):-

Could the Executive Member please comment on the government’s decision not to appoint a Minister of State for Disabled People?

The Executive Member (Communities) 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:-

Q9  Councillor Pogson-Goldento the Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education):-

Q10  Councillor Scopes to the Executive Member for Children’s Social Care  & Health Partnerships replied.

Q11  Councillor L Buckley to the Executive Member (Housing).

Q12  Councillor Chapman to the Executive Member (Resources).

Q13  Councillor Tudor to the Executive Member (Housing).

Q14  Councillor Pogson-Goldento the Executive Member (Economy, Culture and Education).

Q15  Councillor Dye to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space).

Q16  Councillor Harrington to the Executive Member (Sustainable Development & Infrastructure).

Q17  Councillor Chapman  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

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 17.05 to 17.35

This Council is concerned by the current approach to transport policy in our district centres and the city centre. Instead of making it easier for people to get where they want to go, this administration seems intent on pursuing a “Disconnecting Leeds” strategy which is increasingly ineffective, anti-motorist, and damaging to the local economy.

Proposals to introduce parking charges in Guiseley and Rawdon, Wetherby, and Adel and Wharfedale wards would harm outer areas, discouraging people from visiting our district centres and local attractions. Council is concerned that similar proposals to introduce charges may follow in other district centre cars parks in Calverley and Farsley, Ardsley and Robin Hood, and Pudsey. This short-sighted policy comes at a time when the local buses serving outer areas are more unreliable than ever, with timetable changes and cuts to routes that have made travelling to and from these areas of Leeds much more difficult.

Meanwhile our City Centre is frequently in a state of gridlock, particularly around the railway station, with visitors to Leeds often left confused and frustrated by new road layouts and disruption.

This Council calls for a rethink of the city’s approach to transport policy and strategy, and asks that a report is brought to Executive Board setting out options that will achieve the following:

·  Improved connectivity to, from, and within our town and district centres;

·  Cancellation of any and all plans to introduce new charging in town and district centre car parks, parks and attractions;

·  A pause to any future planned transport schemes in the city centre while a review into their effectiveness is conducted, drawing on lessons learned from disruption caused by recent schemes;

·  Making the city centre more accessible by car for shoppers, theatre, restaurant and bar goers, so that all can enjoy our amazing city centre.

Prior to moving the motion Councillor N Buckley sought leave of Council under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.9(a) to alter the wording of the motion in his name by the inclusion of the wording of the amendment in the name of Cllr Dixon , the inclusion of the wording of the amendment in the name of Cllr Golton and the inclusion of the final 3 paragraphs of the amendment in the name of Cllr Stables.

Leave of Council was not granted.

It was moved by Councillor Buckley, seconded by Councillor Lamb that this Council is concerned by the current approach to transport policy in our district centres and the city centre. Instead of making it easier for people to get where they want to go, this administration seems intent on pursuing a “Disconnecting Leeds” strategy which is increasingly ineffective, anti-motorist, and damaging to the local economy.

Proposals to introduce parking charges in Guiseley and Rawdon, Wetherby, and Adel and Wharfedale wards would harm outer areas, discouraging people from visiting our district centres and local attractions. Council is concerned that similar proposals to introduce charges may follow in other district centre cars parks in Calverley and Farsley, Ardsley and Robin Hood, and Pudsey. This short-sighted policy comes at a time when the local buses serving outer areas are more unreliable than ever, with timetable changes and cuts to routes that have made travelling to and from these areas of Leeds much more difficult.

Meanwhile our City Centre is frequently in a state of gridlock, particularly around the railway station, with visitors to Leeds often left confused and frustrated by new road layouts and disruption.

This Council calls for a rethink of the city’s approach to transport policy and strategy, and asks that a report is brought to Executive Board setting out options that will achieve the following:

·  Improved connectivity to, from, and within our town and district centres;

·  Cancellation of any and all plans to introduce new charging in town and district centre car parks, parks and attractions;

·  A pause to any future planned transport schemes in the city centre while a review into their effectiveness is conducted, drawing on lessons learned from disruption caused by recent schemes;

·  Making the city centre more accessible by car for shoppers, theatre, restaurant and bar goers, so that all can enjoy our amazing city centre.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Dixon, seconded by Councillor Pogson-Golden

Append “The approach appears challenging to disabled drivers, especially those with physical disabilities and mobility issues” to the end of the first paragraph.

In the second paragraph, replace the words “serving outer areas” with “serving most areas”.

In the third paragraph, replace the words “our City Centre is frequently” with “our City Centre and surrounding areas are frequently”.

Insert the following between bullet points three and four at the end of the white paper:

-  “A review to ensure, the quantity and the availability of disabled parking in the city centre to cater for all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

This council agrees that, subject to legal considerations, community sports clubs in Leeds shall be granted the right to lease their sports grounds owned by the local authority on a long-term lease at a peppercorn rent – giving clubs long term security of tenure necessary to grow.

It was moved by Councillor Dixon, seconded by Councillor Dobson that this council agrees that, subject to legal considerations, community sports clubs in Leeds shall be granted the right to lease their sports grounds owned by the local authority on a long-term lease at a peppercorn rent – giving clubs long term security of tenure necessary to grow.

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

Delete all after “This council” and replace with:

“…..recognises the importance of green spaces for our communities and the role they play in the health and wellbeing of our residents, and further recognises the huge contribution by volunteers who put so much time into running sport activities for people across Leeds.

This council thanks those volunteers and supports the continued use of green spaces by community groups and is proud of the great array of activities which take place within these spaces across the city.

Council welcomes the £43m potential external capital funding secured by this Administration for investment in sport development in communities across Leeds.

This council reiterates its commitment to ensuring public access to green spaces can continue whilst also supporting community groups and sports teams who use the facilities through difficult financial times.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Cohen, seconded by Councillor Amanda Carter

Insert the words “full repairing and insuring” between “long-term” and “lease”.

Motion would read:

“This council agrees that, subject to legal considerations, community sports clubs in Leeds shall be granted the right to lease their sports grounds owned by the local authority on a long-term full repairing and insuring lease at a peppercorn rent – giving clubs long term security of tenure necessary to grow.”

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

RESOLVED – That this council recognises the importance of green spaces for our communities and the role they play in the health and wellbeing of our residents, and further recognises the huge contribution by volunteers who put so much time into running sport activities for people across Leeds.

This council thanks those volunteers and supports the continued use of green spaces by community groups and is proud of the great array of activities which take place within these spaces across the city.

Council welcomes the £43m potential external capital funding secured by this Administration for investment in sport development in communities across Leeds.

This council reiterates its commitment to ensuring public access to green spaces can continue whilst also supporting community groups and sports teams who use the facilities through difficult financial times.”

On the requisition of Councillor Dixon and Councillor Cohen the voting on the amendment in the name of Councillor Cohen was recorded as follows;

YES – 35

Alderson, B Anderson, C Anderson, L Buckley, N Buckley, Amanda Carter, Cohen, Firth, Flynn, Foster, Harrington, Lamb, Robinson, D Seary, S Seary, Smith, Stephenson, Campbell,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

This Council calls on the Government to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) before it runs out in March 2024.

Council notes the fund provides a lifeline to tens of thousands ofhouseholds in Leeds struggling to afford energy, food, clothing and other essentials. Council is concerned that across Leeds families are living under the threat of losing this vital lifeline, especially given one in five children in Leeds are living in poverty.

Council further notes many charities and third sector organisations in Leeds depend on HSF to deliver emergency cost of living support to families who are at risk of financial hardship.  

Council is deeply concerned that the Government did not use its Autumn Statement or draft Local Government Finance Settlement to confirm an extension of the fund, and therefore calls for the Government to provide urgent clarity and reassurance to these families, and extend the Household Support Fund beyond its current end date of March 2024.

It was moved by Councillor Harland, seconded by Councillor Coupar that this Council calls on the Government to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) before it runs out in March 2024.

Council notes the fund provides a lifeline to tens of thousands ofhouseholds in Leeds struggling to afford energy, food, clothing and other essentials. Council is concerned that across Leeds families are living under the threat of losing this vital lifeline, especially given one in five children in Leeds are living in poverty.

Council further notes many charities and third sector organisations in Leeds depend on HSF to deliver emergency cost of living support to families who are at risk of financial hardship.  

Council is deeply concerned that the Government did not use its Autumn Statement or draft Local Government Finance Settlement to confirm an extension of the fund, and therefore calls for the Government to provide urgent clarity and reassurance to these families, and extend the Household Support Fund beyond its current end date of March 2024.

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

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“welcomes the £2.5 billion funding provided by the government since 2021 for the Household Support Fund, which has helped vulnerable households in Leeds and across the country with the cost of living.

“The HSF comes in the context of a wider programme of government support announced in the Autumn Statement, with £104 billion spent on cost of living support between 2022 and 2025 – worth around £3,700 per household. Measures include: uprating benefits by 6.7%; increasing the state pension by 8.5%; increasing the Local Housing Allowance by £7 billion over 5 years, benefiting 1.6 million households by around £800 a year.? 

“Council notes that the pandemic and the war in Ukraine were the principal causes of inflation in all economies.

“Council notes that as a result of this government’s efforts to help the most vulnerable, there are 1.7 million fewer households in poverty than in 2010.

“Council calls on the government to continue to provide support to vulnerable households and focus on the long-term decisions required to strengthen our economy.”

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

RESOLVED – That this Council calls on the Government to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) before it runs out in March 2024.

Council notes the fund provides a lifeline to tens of thousands ofhouseholds in Leeds struggling to afford energy, food, clothing and other essentials. Council is concerned that across Leeds families are living under the threat of losing this vital lifeline, especially given one in five children in Leeds are living in poverty.

Council further notes many charities and third sector organisations in Leeds depend on HSF to deliver emergency cost of living support to families who are at risk of financial hardship.  

Council is deeply concerned that the Government did not use its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

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

RESOLVED - That under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), CPR 3 (time Limits for Business) , CPR 12.1,12.2 & 12.4(Notice/Motions on Notice) (White Paper Motions/Motion set out in agenda) and CPR 14.1 b,c & d (period permitted for speeches) be suspended to allow the introduction of a White Paper Motion on the Middle East in the name of Councillor Lewis and that there be a maximum of 2 contributors from each of the 2 largest groups and 1 each from other groups, speaking for a maximum of 3 minutes each .

In accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 3 (time Limits for Business) , CPR 12.1,12.2 & 12.4(Notice/Motions on Notice) (White Paper Motions/Motion set out in agenda) and CPR 14.1 b,c & d (period permitted for speeches) were suspended to allow the introduction of a White Paper Motion on the Middle East in the name of Councillor Lewis as set out below;

Council recognises the impact the conflict in the Middle East is having on many citizens in Leeds, in particular our Muslim and Jewish communities, and therefore Council calls for urgent action to bring about a lasting ceasefire from all parties in the region.

In the face of horrific violence and thousands of civilian lives lost on and since October 7^th 2023, this Council believes that the release of hostages, expanded humanitarian access and a total cessation of hostilities from all sides is the only way to begin working towards a lasting peace in the region, with the dignity and security that both Palestinians and Israelis deserve.

Council understands that there are great differences in how people view the conflict, the respective rights and wrongs, and the solutions to bring about peace in the area. However, despite those differences, we must ensure that people are able to go about their lives in our city freely, with confidence, and without fear of intimidation, harassment, or hatred.

Council is proud that in December a hugely successful conference was held on Antisemitism and Anti-Muslim Prejudice to address these issues, attended by many key representatives and community leaders working across the city.  The solidarity and commitment to work together to support both Jewish and Muslim communities was clear and powerfully articulated and we intend to work towards a common objective to ensure that Leeds remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

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

RESOLVED  -  That this Council recognises the impact the conflict in the Middle East is having on many citizens in Leeds, in particular our Muslim and Jewish communities, and therefore Council calls for urgent action to bring about a lasting ceasefire from all parties in the region.

In the face of horrific violence and thousands of civilian lives lost on and since October 7^th 2023, this Council believes that the release of hostages, expanded humanitarian access and a total cessation of hostilities from all sides is the only way to begin working towards a lasting peace in the region, with the dignity and security that both Palestinians and Israelis deserve.

Council understands that there are great differences in how people view the conflict, the respective rights and wrongs, and the solutions to bring about peace in the area. However, despite those differences, we must ensure that people are able to go about their lives in our city freely, with confidence, and without fear of intimidation, harassment, or hatred.

Council is proud that in December a hugely successful conference was held on Antisemitism and Anti-Muslim Prejudice to address these issues, attended by many key representatives and community leaders working across the city.  The solidarity and commitment to work together to support both Jewish and Muslim communities was clear and powerfully articulated and we intend to work towards a common objective to ensure that Leeds remains a safe and welcoming place for all.