Agenda and draft minutes

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 11^th September 2024.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 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.

There were no communications.

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)  Leeds Ageing without Children  

3)  West Yorkshire Somali Community.

4)   A group asking the West Yorkshire Pension Fund to reconsider investments.

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

On the requisition of Councillors Dobson and Dixon the voting on the motion to refer Deputation 4 to the Strategy & Resources Directorate for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member(s) in the name of Councillor Flint was recorded as follows;

YES -64

Akhtar, A Ali, S Ali, Arif, Bithell, Bowden, Bromley, Carlill, Coupar, Dowson, Dye, Edwards, Farley, Flint, France-Mir, Garvani, Gibson, Grahame, Haigh, Hamilton, Hannan, Harland, Hayden, Heselwood, Hinchcliffe, Holroyd-Case, Z Hussain, Iqbal, Jenkins, Jones, Leighton, Lennox, Lewis, Lloyd, Maloney, Manaka, Martin, McCluskey, Millar, Parnham, Pryor, Rafique, Renshaw, Ritchie, Rontree, Scopes, Shahzad, Taylor, Thomson, Timmins, Tudor, Venner, Wilson, Wray, Campbell, Chapman, Golton, Lay, M Ali, Blackburn, Carlisle, Cunningham, Goodall, Stables,

NO – 22

B Anderson, C Anderson, L Buckley, N Buckley, Carter, Cohen, Firth, Flynn, Harrington, Lamb, D Seary, S Seary, Stephenson, Brown, Finnigan, Senior, Chesterfield, Dixon, Pogson-Golden, Kidger, Dobson, Field.

ABSTAIN – 2

Hart-Brooke, Smith

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) be suspended,  and that a maximum of 30 minutes be allowed for item 13 (Executive Board minutes) which shall not continue beyond 4.00pm including summing up rights, and that a maximum of 1 hour 30 minutes be allowed for the report items (items 5/6/7/8/9/10&11).

At the conclusion of the procedural motion and prior to the commencement of the next item Councillor Lamb raised a point of order in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.15 (Points of Order) regarding Council Procedure Rule 10.5 and the suitability of Deputation 4, having previously taken advice on the matter the Lord Mayor informed the meeting that she did not consider there had been a breach of the Council Procedure Rules and moved to the next item.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 18^th September 2024 to Full Council to adopt the Leeds Community Safety Strategy 2024-27.

The report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment recommending adoption of the Leeds Community Safety Strategy was moved by Councillor Harland, seconded by Councillor Hamilton and

RESOLVED -

a)  That the Leeds Community Safety Strategy 2024-27 attached as Appendix 1 to this report be adopted.

b)  To notethat theDirector ofCommunities, Housingand Environmentwill leadand implement the Strategy which will supersede the Leeds Community Strategy 2021 - 2024.

c)  To note that the strategy forms part of the budget and policy framework and is not eligible for call-in.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 18th September 2024 to Full Council to approve the Leeds Youth Justice Service Plan, and formally adopt the Plan as part of the Budget and Policy Framework.

The report of the Director of Children and Families recommending adoption of the Leeds Youth Justice Service Plan was moved by Councillor Hayden, seconded by Councillor Jenkins and

RESOLVED -

a)  That the Leeds Youth Justice Service Plan be approved, and the Plan formally adopted as part of the Budget and Policy Framework.

b)  To note that the responsible officers for implementation will be the Service Delivery Manager, Leeds Youth Justice Service and the Head of Service, Children Looked After and YJS.  The Youth Justice Service Partnership Board has statutory responsibility to monitor performance, ensuring the delivery of service improvements and the meeting of local priorities.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment setting out recommendations from the Executive Board on 16^th October 2024 to Full Council to approve the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2027 to have effect from 31^st January 2025.

The report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment recommending adoption of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2027 was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Gibson and

RESOLVED – That the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2027 be approved with effect from 31^st January 2025.

To consider the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – People, Digital & Change in respect of the recommendation of the Employment Committee of 24 October 2024 to appoint Ed Whiting to the post of Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive, People, Digital and Change be noted and that the recommendation of the Employment Committee of 24 October 2024 to appoint Ed Whiting to the post of Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service be approved.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor in respect of attendance at meetings.

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on attendance at meetings be noted and the absence of Councillor Smart from meetings of the authority for a period of six months from the date of this meeting be approved.

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;

·  Councillor Blackburn to be appointed to City Plans Panel.

·  Councillor Blackburn to be appointed to Adults & Health Scrutiny Board

·  Councillor Stables to be appointed to Development Plan Panel

·  Councillor M Ali to be appointed to Infrastructure, Investment & Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Board

·  Councillor Blackburn to replace Councillor Carlisle on Scrutiny Board Strategy & Resources

To note the recent appointment of Councillor Martin to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Economy Committee.

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2023-24 Plans Panel and Development Plan Panel annual report.

It was moved by Councillor Pryor, seconded by Councillor Heselwood and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting to Council the 2023-24 Plans Panel and Development Plan Panel Annual Report be received and noted.

At the conclusion of this item Council adjourned from 15.08 to 15.15.

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

Q1  Councillor Harrington to the Leader of Council:-

Will the Leader of Council agree to sign the National Council for Voluntary Organisation's open letter to the Chancellor objecting to her increase in Employers' National Insurance contributions, which will cost the voluntary sector £1.4 billion a year?

The Leader of Council replied.

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

At the last Council meeting the Executive Member said that releasing a provisional value of the U1 number plate would be “commercially sensitive”, despite the Council routinely publishing a provisional value on the many valued buildings it has auctioned off. Can I clarify whether the Executive Member meant the issue was “commercially” or did she mean “politically” sensitive?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q3  Councillor Jenkins to the Executive Member (Housing):-

Please can the Executive Member comment on the recent award for Gascoigne House?

The Executive Member (Housing) replied.

Q4  Councillor Goddard to the Executive Member (Economy, Transport & Sustainable Development):-

In the light of continued and persistent breaching of its planning conditions by Leeds Bradford Airport, both in the number and type of aircraft allowed to operate at night, can you give an assurance that the Council intends to vigorously pursue its decisions to issue LBA with a Breach of Condition Notice and Enforcement Notices, in the event of LBA failing to comply, through legal action if necessary?

The Executive Member (Economy, Transport & Sustainable Development)replied.

Q5  Councillor Hussain to the Executive Member (Communities, Customer Services and Community Safety):-

Please can the Executive Member update Council on events this year to mark the 16 Days of Action for the White Ribbon Campaign?

The Executive Member (Communities, Customer Services and Community Safety) replied.

Q6  Councillor B Anderson to the Leader of Council

Does the Leader of Council support Unite the Union's legal challenge against the government's removal of winter fuel allowance for pensioners?

The Leader of Council replied.

Q7  Councillor Chapman to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Spaces):-

Given the problems being experienced with vehicle obstructions hindering bin collections, will the Executive Member consider introducing a requirement for bin crews to provide photographic evidence to help us explain issues to our residents.

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

Q8  Councillor Thomson to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles & Culture):-

Please can the Executive Member update council on the HomeFirst programme?

The Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles & Culture) replied.

Q9  Councillor Dixon to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Spaces):-

Will the Council’s Administration commit to reinvesting the money that is raised from charging cars to park in Leeds parks back into our parks?

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

Q10  Councillor France-Mir to the Executive Member (Children and Families).

Following the deputation in January 2024 by our care leavers, please can the Executive Member provide an update on the Council’s support for care leavers?

The Executive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

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

RESOLVED -  That further to the earlier Procedural Motion agreeing to debate minutes until no later than 4.00pm and due to the time taken on earlier business that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 3.3 (time limits for business) be suspended to allow the Executive Board minutes to be formally received.

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).

At the conclusion of this item Council adjourned from 15.55 to 16.15.

This Council notes that the Labour Government inherited the fastest growing economy in the G7, with mortgage interest rates falling and inflation back to the Bank of England target after the impact of the COVID pandemic and the energy price crisis because of the war in Ukraine.

The independent Office for Budget Responsibly (OBR) forecasts that growth will now be lower, inflation will rise and mortgage interest rates will increase as a result of the Chancellor’s budget on 30 October.

The OBR also forecasts that the policies in the budget directly:

·  increase tax take to an historic high at 38 per cent of GDP by 2029-30;

·  lower medium-term GDP growth to 1.5 per cent;

·  push up CPI inflation, projected to rise to 2.6 per cent by 2025;

·  increase borrowing by £19.6 bn this year and by £32.3 bn over the next five years;

·  reduce real household disposable income by 2029;

·  raise the bank rate and five-year gilt yield higher than forecast; and

·  cut wages by £7.5 bn as a result of a hike in employers’ national insurance.

This Council rejects the Chancellor’s tax on jobs, which will hit businesses in Leeds. According to the OBR: “policy changes leave nominal and real earnings growth lower over the remainder of the forecast as employers pass on the national insurance contribution rise”. The OBR further notes: “in 2025/26 firms will pass on 60 per cent of the higher costs to workers and consumers, via lower wages and higher prices”.

Council believes this budget is a tax on working people.

It was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor N Buckley that this Council notes that the Labour Government inherited the fastest growing economy in the G7, with mortgage interest rates falling and inflation back to the Bank of England target after the impact of the COVID pandemic and the energy price crisis because of the war in Ukraine.

The independent Office for Budget Responsibly (OBR) forecasts that growth will now be lower, inflation will rise and mortgage interest rates will increase as a result of the Chancellor’s budget on 30 October.

The OBR also forecasts that the policies in the budget directly:

·  increase tax take to an historic high at 38 per cent of GDP by 2029-30;

·  lower medium-term GDP growth to 1.5 per cent;

·  push up CPI inflation, projected to rise to 2.6 per cent by 2025;

·  increase borrowing by £19.6 bn this year and by £32.3 bn over the next five years;

·  reduce real household disposable income by 2029;

·  raise the bank rate and five-year gilt yield higher than forecast; and

·  cut wages by £7.5 bn as a result of a hike in employers’ national insurance.

This Council rejects the Chancellor’s tax on jobs, which will hit businesses in Leeds. According to the OBR: “policy changes leave nominal and real earnings growth lower over the remainder of the forecast as employers pass on the national insurance contribution rise”. The OBR further notes: “in 2025/26 firms will pass on 60 per cent of the higher costs to workers and consumers, via lower wages and higher prices”.

Council believes this budget is a tax on working people.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Dobson, seconded by Councillor Dixon

After the penultimate paragraph insert the following:

Further, this Council recognises the vital role GP services and primary care plays in reducing pressure on NHS A&E in Leeds and in the improvement of health outcomes, and Council is therefore alarmed that the Labour Government has progressed a budget that will result in a cut in funding for GP services as a result of the unfunded NI rise. 

The Amended White Paper would then read:

This Council notes that the Labour Government inherited the fastest growing economy in the G7, with mortgage interest rates falling and inflation back to the Bank of England target after the impact of the COVID pandemic and the energy price crisis because of the war in Ukraine.

The independent Office for Budget Responsibly (OBR) forecasts that growth will now be lower, inflation will rise and mortgage interest rates will increase as a result of the Chancellor’s budget on 30 October.

The OBR also forecasts that the policies in the budget directly:

·  increase tax take to an historic high at 38 per cent of GDP by 2029-30;

·  lower medium-term GDP growth to 1.5 per cent;

·  push up CPI inflation, projected to rise to 2.6 per cent by 2025;

·  increase borrowing by £19.6 bn this year and by £32.3 bn over the next five years;

·  reduce  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

This Council is dismayed that the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not commit in her recent Autumn Statement to funding approvals for the long planned new hospital buildings on the Leeds General Infirmary site, as requested via letter by all political groups on Leeds City Council.

Council is concerned that further delay to getting spades in the ground on this project will lead to higher construction costs for the taxpayer, a drag on economic growth in the city, and worsened health outcomes for our citizens.

Council calls on the Government to recognise the significant investment already made to demolish and clear the city centre site for construction, and to confirm the inclusion of this project as one of those ‘in build’ schemes that qualify for ‘swift’ delivery through the New Hospital Programme, and for the funding to be committed by the end of this year.

It was moved by Councillor Lay, seconded by Councillor Golton that this Council is dismayed that the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not commit in her recent Autumn Statement to funding approvals for the long planned new hospital buildings on the Leeds General Infirmary site, as requested via letter by all political groups on Leeds City Council.

Council is concerned that further delay to getting spades in the ground on this project will lead to higher construction costs for the taxpayer, a drag on economic growth in the city, and worsened health outcomes for our citizens.

Council calls on the Government to recognise the significant investment already made to demolish and clear the city centre site for construction, and to confirm the inclusion of this project as one of those ‘in build’ schemes that qualify for ‘swift’ delivery through the New Hospital Programme, and for the funding to be committed by the end of this year.

An amendment was moved by Councillor C Anderson, seconded by Councillor Flynn

Insert the following new paragraph between the second and third paragraphs:

“Council further notes that the proposed hospital development unlocks land for the Leeds Innovation Village, delivering more than 4,000 new jobs and £13 billion of economic benefit as a go-to destination for research, healthtech and digital innovation. This will put Leeds at the heart of the £160 million West Yorkshire Healthtech and Digital Tech Investment Zone.”

Motion would read:

“This Council is dismayed that the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not commit in her recent Autumn Statement to funding approvals for the long planned new hospital buildings on the Leeds General Infirmary site, as requested via letter by all political groups on Leeds City Council.

“Council is concerned that further delay to getting spades in the ground on this project will lead to higher construction costs for the taxpayer, a drag on economic growth in the city, and worsened health outcomes for our citizens.

“Council further notes that the proposed hospital development unlocks land for the Leeds Innovation Village, delivering more than 4,000 new jobs and £13 billion of economic benefit as a go-to destination for research, healthtech and digital innovation. This will put Leeds at the heart of the £160 million West Yorkshire Healthtech and Digital Tech Investment Zone.

“Council calls on the Government to recognise the significant investment already made to demolish and clear the city centre site for construction, and to confirm the inclusion of this project as one of those ‘in build’ schemes that qualify for ‘swift’ delivery through the New Hospital Programme, and for the funding to be committed by the end of this year.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Venner, seconded by Councillor Lewis

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

….endorses the letter to the Chancellor of 16^th October 2024 from the leaders of all political groups on the Council and worded as follows:

“We are writing as representatives of all political groups in Leeds to express the full  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

This Council supports the Government’s new landmark Employment’s Rights Bill that will improve the lives of thousands of workers in Leeds by raising living standards for all.

Council welcomes measures in the Bill to provide protection against unfair dismissal from day one; establish parental and bereavement leave from day one; end exploitative zero-hour contracts; end unscrupulous practices of fire and rehire and fire and replace; make flexible working the norm where practical; deliver stronger protections for pregnant women and new mothers; and strengthen statutory sick pay.

Council supports the Bill will establish a new Fair Work Agency to enforce employment rights such as holiday pay and provide support to employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law.

Council further supports the Government’s commitment to increase the national living wage by 6.7% to give a much-needed pay rise to thousands of low paid working people in Leeds, and is a significant step towards delivering a genuine living wage for all workers.

Council is pleased the Bill will modernise Trade Union laws to help in their vital role representing workers’ interests and improving working conditions.  

Council believes the Bill will complement this Administration’s achievements on inclusive growth in Leeds and as part of this Council commits to bring a report to a future Executive Board meeting to ensure the measures in the bill support work to ensure the future of our city is more inclusive and that all in the city can benefit from the Leeds economy growing.

It was moved by Councillor Farley, seconded by Councillor Heselwood that this Council supports the Government’s new landmark Employment’s Rights Bill that will improve the lives of thousands of workers in Leeds by raising living standards for all.

Council welcomes measures in the Bill to provide protection against unfair dismissal from day one; establish parental and bereavement leave from day one; end exploitative zero-hour contracts; end unscrupulous practices of fire and rehire and fire and replace; make flexible working the norm where practical; deliver stronger protections for pregnant women and new mothers; and strengthen statutory sick pay.

Council supports the Bill will establish a new Fair Work Agency to enforce employment rights such as holiday pay and provide support to employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law.

Council further supports the Government’s commitment to increase the national living wage by 6.7% to give a much-needed pay rise to thousands of low paid working people in Leeds, and is a significant step towards delivering a genuine living wage for all workers.

Council is pleased the Bill will modernise Trade Union laws to help in their vital role representing workers’ interests and improving working conditions.  

Council believes the Bill will complement this Administration’s achievements on inclusive growth in Leeds and as part of this Council commits to bring a report to a future Executive Board meeting to ensure the measures in the bill support work to ensure the future of our city is more inclusive and that all in the city can benefit from the Leeds economy growing.

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

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“notes the Labour government’s own impact assessment states the Employment Rights Bill will cost businesses up to £4.5 billion a year and will therefore reduce investor confidence; indeed, the impact assessment contains 302 mentions of ‘uncertainty’ and 432 mentions of ‘risk’ for businesses.

“Wage bills are expected to increase due to policies in the Bill, which combined with the impact of the Chancellor’s decision to increase Employers’ National Insurance contributions will - according to the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), result in 60 per cent of costs being passed on in lower wages and higher prices - a tax on working people.

“Council notes that the proposed uplift to the local government settlement will be eaten up by the Chancellor’s decision to increase the National Living Wage and Employer National Insurance contributions for the wider supply chain. The Council will therefore be no better off because of the recent Budget, nor policies in this Bill.

“Council does, however, welcome that the Labour government ignored calls by Labour councillors in Leeds to impose a wealth tax on those who create jobs, enterprise and opportunity in the UK economy.

“Council believes the Bill will complement this administration’s achievements on inclusive decline in Leeds, noting the OBR’s observation that the UK economy will now grow less than forecast because of Budget  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

The Lord Mayor wished Members a Merry Christmas and a safe journey home and thanked Mariana Pexton who was attending her last meeting of Council as Interim Chief Executive.