Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor reported that this would be the last meeting of Council attended by Chris Edwards, Chief Executive of Education Leeds and thanked him for his contribution to the City and wished him all the best for the future.

b)  The Lord Mayor reported the Roll of Honour in the Chamber now included the name of the late Councillor Kabeer Hussain and Mrs Hussain had recently viewed the Roll of Honour with members of her family.

c)  The Lord Mayor reported the recent death of Terry Hawkins and Jimmy Heselden, OBE, and Council stood in silent tribute.

d)  The Lord Mayor referred to the recent engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton and sent warmest congratulations to the couple.

e)  The Lord Mayor sent his best wishes to the Muslim Community for the celebration of Eid.

f)  The Lord Mayor welcomed to the meeting Councillor Paul Wadsworth elected in the recent Guiseley and Rawdon by-election.

g)  The Lord Mayor reported that he had admitted to the agenda one late item for consideration (minute 37 refers) in respect of the Police Accountability White Paper, agreed at Council on 15^th September 2010, and the subsequent response from the Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice.

To confirm the minutes of the Council Meetings held on 15^th September 2010.

It was moved by Councillor Gruen and seconded by Councillor Lobley and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th September 2010 be approved.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

The Lord Mayor announced that a list of written declarations submitted by Members was on deposit in the public galleries and had been circulated to each Member’s place in the Chamber.

Following an invitation to declare individual interests, and advice regarding potential declarations having been given by the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) in relation to minute 47 and Members who had been appointed by the Council as ALMO Directors, declarations in accordance with the Council’s Member’s Code of Conduct were made as follows:- 

a)   Members declared personal interests in minute 41 of this meeting as follows:-

b)  Members declared personal interests in minute 46 of this meeting as follows:-

c)   Councillors Dobson, G Hussain and Iqbal declared personal and prejudicial interests in minute 46 of this meeting as landlords with HMO Properties.

d)   Members declared personal interests in minute 47 of this meeting as follows:-

e)   Councillors A Hussain, Maqsood, E Taylor and Dobson declared personal interests in minute 47 of this meeting as landlords with a tenant in receipt of Housing Benefit:-

f)   Members declared personal interests in minute 48 of this meeting as follows:-

g)   Members declared personal interests in minute 49 of this meeting as follows:-

h)   Members declared personal interests in minute 50 of this meeting as follows:-

i)   Members declared personal interests in minute 51 of this meeting as follows:-

j)   Members declared personal interests in minute 52 of this meeting as follows:-

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

a)  The Chief Executive reported the receipt of correspondence from the Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice in response to the White Paper resolution on Police Accountability approved at the Council meeting on 15^th September 2010.

b)  Late Item

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

RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Governance Services) on the Ministerial response to the Policing White Paper be approved.

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10

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

1)  Friends of Allerton Grange regarding Allerton Grange Playing Fields – Community Access.

2)  Morley Town Council regarding bus services in Morley.

3)  Users of Barwick in Elmet Primary School re the Community Use of Schools Policy.

4)  Leeds Student Unions re impact of increased tuition fees on Leeds Students.

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of the deputations be referred to the Executive Board for consideration.

To consider reports as follows (the Monitoring Officer considers that these reports are appropriate to be received at this meeting in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(f))

a)  That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on appointments be approved.

P GRUEN

b)  That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on amendments to the officer delegation scheme(executive functions) in accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 1.4 be noted.

P GRUEN

a)  Appointments

It was moved by Councillor Gruen and seconded by Councillor Lobley and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on appointments be approved , namely:-

·  Councillor Lobley replace Councillor G Latty on the Scrutiny Board (City Development).

·  Councillor G Latty replace Councillor Lobley on the Scrutiny Board (Health).

·  Councillor Wadsworth replace Councillor R Procter on the Scrutiny Board (Environment and Neighbourhoods).

·  Councillor Wadsworth replace Councillor A Carter on Plans Panel (City Centre).

b)  Amendments to Officer Delegation Scheme

It was moved by Councillor Gruen and seconded by Councillor Lobley and

RESOLVED – That the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on amendments to the Officer Delegation Scheme (Executive Functions) be noted.

To deal with questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11

1)  Councillor W Hyde to the Executive Member (Leisure):-

Can the Executive Board Member for Leisure confirm that the agreement to retain sports centres at Halton Moor and Fearnville until a new centre is built and open is still the policy of this Council?

The Executive Member (Leisure) replied.

2)  Councillor Monaghan to the Executive Member (Environmental Services):-

Is the Executive Member for Environmental Services satisfied with his handling of the reorganisation of the city’s bin routes?

The Executive Member (Environmental Services) replied.

3)  Councillor Lyons to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods and Housing):-

Does the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing agree with the Mayor of London that the Government’s housing benefit reforms will lead to “Kosovo style social cleansing” of our inner cities?

The Executive Member (Neighbourhoods and Housing) replied.

4)  Councillor Davey to the Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care):-

Would the Executive Board Member for Adult Social Care please comment on the reference in the Comprehensive Spending Review to funding for Adult Social Care?

The Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care) replied.

5)  Councillor Lamb to the Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Adult Social Care provide an update on the new ESCR computer system?

The Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care) replied.

6)  Councillor Cleasby to the Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care):-

Would the Executive Board Member for Adult Social services give the delivered cost of one hour of domiciliary care provided by:-

§  The Council’s in-house service

§  Independent providers contracted to the Council?

The Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care) replied.

7)  Councillor Morgan to the Executive Member (Children’s Services):-

Would the Executive Member for Children’s Services care to comment on the recent Ofsted inspection of Seacroft Children’s Centre?

The Executive Member (Children’s Services) replied.

8)  Councillor Lowe to the Executive Member (Children’s Services):-

Would the Executive Member for Children’s Services please update Council on the Playbuilder programme? 

The Executive Member (Children’s Services) replied.

9)  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (Development and Regeneration):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Environmental Services assure us that Leeds will be able to keep all Leeds roads open this winter?

The Executive Member (Development and Regeneration) replied.

10)  Councillor Matthews to the Leader of Council:-

Following Cllr Wakefield’s recent foray into investigative journalism, does he now agree with me that members of the public are regularly being put at unacceptable risk in Headingley as a result of irresponsible private hire drivers illegally plying for hire?

The Leader of Council 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:-

11)  Councillor G Harper to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods and Housing).

12)  Councillor J Dunn to the Executive Member (Children’s Services).

13)  Councillor A Carter to the Leader of Council.

14)  Councillor M Hamilton to the Leader of Council.

15)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

That the recommendations of the Executive Board, as presented by the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) with regard to the approval of the Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy,be approved.

      K WAKEFIELD

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor Blake and

RESOLVED – That the recommendations of the Executive Board, as presented by the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) with regard to the approval of the Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy, be approved.

During discussion on the above item, Councillor Leadley declared a personal interest as a member of Morley Town Council.

That the recommendations of the General Purposes Committee, as contained in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) be approved.

    K WAKEFIELD 

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

RESOLVED – That the recommendations of the General Purposes Committee to approve amendments to:-

·  Artilce 9, and

·  the Council Procedure Rules

as detailed in the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) be approved.

It was moved by Councillor Monaghan and seconded by Councillor Lobley that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 22.1 (Suspension of Council Procedure Rules), that Council Procedure Rules 2.2 (Order of Business) and 13.1 (Motions and Amendments Requiring Notice) be suspended to allow the introduction of the following Emergency Motion:-

This Council supports the modernisation of the refuse service, but condemns the flawed implementation of reorganised bin routes, which have left residents across Leeds without an acceptable refuse service. Furthermore, this Council notes the poor communication with Members and customers, which compounded an already regrettable situation.

This Council asks both the Chief Officer for Environmental Services and the Chief Customer Services Officer to carry out remedial action which would include, extra shifts, twilight crews and more resources for responding to customer complaints and queries. Council further requests that once the service is running properly a review of the implementation programme and the support provided by the contact centre is carried out, with findings reported to the Executive Board.

This Council calls on the Executive Board Member for Environmental Services to say sorry to Leeds' residents for the current mess.

Upon being put to the vote, the motion to suspend Council Procedure Rules was declared lost.

On the requisition of Councillors Lobley and R D Feldman, the voting on the motion to suspend Council Procedure Rules to allow the introduction of an Emergency Motion was recorded as follows:-

YES

Anderson, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Cleasby, Downes, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Fox, Golton, M Hamilton, Harrand, Harris, W Hyde, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, G Latty, P Latty, Lobley, Marjoram, Matthews, Monaghan, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Robinson, Schofield, Smith, A Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson, Wood.

41

NO

Akhtar, Armitage, Atha, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Davey, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Elliott, Finnigan, Gabriel, Gettings, P Grahame, R Grahame, Grayshon, Groves, Gruen, S Hamilton, Hanley, Hardy, G Harper, J Harper, A Hussain, G Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, Leadley, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, Maqsood, A McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, E Taylor, Wakefield, Yeadon.

52

ABSTAIN

Varley.

1

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

      K WAKEFIELD

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i) and it be noted that the Leader of Council had invited Councillor Finnigan to join the Executive Board as a non voting Advisory Member.

During debate under minute 44 above, the following motions to suspend Council Procedure Rules were moved:-

a)  Leave of Council to Respond

It was moved by Councillor J L Carter and seconded byCouncillor Lobley that Council Procedure Rule 14.6(iii) be suspended to allow Councillor J Procter to respond to Councillor Ogilvie.

Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.

On the requisition of Councillor J L Carter and Lobley, the voting on the motion to allow Councillor J Procter to respond was recorded as follows:-

YES

Anderson, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Cleasby, Downes, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, M Hamilton, Harrand, Harris, W Hyde, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, G Latty, P Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Marjoram, Matthews, Monaghan, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Robinson, Schofield, Smith, A Taylor, Townsley, Varley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson, Wood.

47

NO

Akhtar, Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Davey, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Gabriel, P Grahame, R Grahame, Groves, Gruen, S Hamilton, Hanley, Hardy, G Harper, J Harper, A Hussain, G Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, Maqsood, A McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, E Taylor, Wakefield, Yeadon.

46

ABSTAIN

A Blackburn, Vote of the Lord Mayor

2

b)  Suspend Time Limits

It was moved by Councillor Bentley and seconded by Councillor Lobley that under Council Procedure Rule 22.1, Procedure Rule 3.1 be suspended to allow all the comments in respect of minute 94, page 153, to be heard.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Gruen and seconded by Councillor Taggart, that under Council Procedure Rule 22.1, Procedure 3.1 be suspended to allow 1 speaker from each group to comment on minute 94, page 153.

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was carried, and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED – That Council Procedure Rule 3.1 be suspended to allow one speaker from each group to comment on minute 94, page 153.

On the requisition of Councillor Gruen and Taggart, the voting on the amendment in the name of Councillor Gruen to suspend time limits was recorded as follows:-

YES

Akhtar, Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Davey, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Elliott, Finnigan, Gabriel, Gettings, P Grahame, R Grahame, Grayshon, Groves, Gruen, S Hamilton, Hanley, Hardy, G Harper, J Harper, A Hussain, G Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, Leadley, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, Maqsood, A McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, E Taylor, Varley, Wakefield, Yeadon.

54

NO

Anderson, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Cleasby, Downes, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Fox, Golton, M Hamilton,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

(The meeting was suspended at 5.25 pm and resumed at 5.55 pm.)

This Council opposes the Government's removal of the requirement for planning permission for the conversion of homes into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Furthermore this Council watches with interest Milton Keynes Council in its move to seek judicial review of these changes.

Council notes the provision made within the new rules for local authorities to apply for an Article 4 direction to make HMOs subject to a planning application. This Council also notes the speedy action taken by Manchester City Council to introduce an Article 4 Direction for their entire city.

To take decisive action and minimise the financial risk of compensation claims this Council requests the Chief Planning Officer to give consideration to the introduction of an Article 4 direction immediately in the Area of Housing Mix, areas of selected licensing and in other affected areas of the city following the 12 month notification period.

M HAMILTON

It was moved by Councillor M Hamilton, seconded by Councillor Anderson, that this Council opposes the Government's removal of the requirement for planning permission for the conversion of homes into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Furthermore this Council watches with interest Milton Keynes Council in its move to seek judicial review of these changes.

Council notes the provision made within the new rules for local authorities to apply for an Article 4 direction to make HMOs subject to a planning application. This Council also notes the speedy action taken by Manchester City Council to introduce an Article 4 Direction for their entire city.

To take decisive action and minimise the financial risk of compensation claims this Council requests the Chief Planning Officer to give consideration to the introduction of an Article 4 direction immediately in the Area of Housing Mix, areas of selected licensing and in other affected areas of the city following the 12 month notification period.

An amendment was moved by Councillor R Lewis, seconded by Councillor G Harper, to insert the following after the words “entire city”:

This council will therefore undertake all party lobbying of the Secretary of State with a warning of the disastrous implications for the city of Leeds. 

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED – That this Council opposes the Government's removal of the requirement for planning permission for the conversion of homes into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Furthermore this Council watches with interest Milton Keynes Council in its move to seek judicial review of these changes.

Council notes the provision made within the new rules for local authorities to apply for an Article 4 direction to make HMOs subject to a planning application. This Council also notes the speedy action taken by Manchester City Council to introduce an Article 4 Direction for their entire city.

This council will therefore undertake all party lobbying of the Secretary of State with a warning of the disastrous implications for the city of Leeds. 

To take decisive action and minimise the financial risk of compensation claims this Council requests the Chief Planning Officer to give consideration to the introduction of an Article 4 direction immediately in the Area of Housing Mix, areas of selected licensing and in other affected areas of the city following the 12 month notification period.

On the requisition of Councillors R Lewis and Gruen, the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows:-

YES

Akhtar, Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Davey, Dowson, Driver, Elliott, Finnigan, Gabriel, Gettings, P Grahame, R Grahame, Grayshon, Groves, Gruen, S Hamilton, Hanley, Hardy, G Harper, J Harper, A Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Jarosz, Leadley, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, Maqsood, A McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, E Taylor, Varley, Wakefield, Yeadon.

51

NO

Anderson, Bentley, Brett,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

This Council expresses its concern that under the measures stated in the Comprehensive Spending Review 2010 the rent for new Council tenants will rise sharply.

Council believes that this rise will be unaffordable for many people and will result in them not registering to become Council tenants.

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Minister for Housing outlining the devastating effect this measure will have on many Leeds residents and also write to all Leeds MPs urging them to do their utmost to challenge this increase.

A BLACKBURN

It was moved by Councillor A Blackburn, seconded by Councillor D Blackburn, that this Council expresses its concern that under the measures stated in the Comprehensive Spending Review 2010 the rent for new Council tenants will rise sharply.

Council believes that this rise will be unaffordable for many people and will result in them not registering to become Council tenants.

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Minister for Housing outlining the devastating effect this measure will have on many Leeds residents and also write to all Leeds MPs urging them to do their utmost to challenge this increase.

An amendment was moved by Councillor J Carter, seconded by Councillor Pryke, to delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:-

‘recognises that reform to Council rents and Housing Benefit are part of a wider programme of benefit reform aimed at encouraging people into work and rectifying a position where there is more money spent on benefits than gathered via income tax.

Council understands the Government’s desire to reform benefits to address the budget deficit and notes the positive impact the introduction of the universal benefit credit is likely to bring in terms of encouraging people off benefits and into work.

Council further recognises that the CSR contained a £4.5bn funding package for housing related activity, £1.9bn to be used to fund a new affordable housing programme along with £200m for mortgage rescue schemes and £100m that will support bringing 250,000 empty properties back in to use.

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Minister for Housing encouraging him to look at ways to reduce the impact of the rent increases on those in low paid employment.’

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED – That this Council recognises that reform to Council rents and Housing Benefit are part of a wider programme of benefit reform aimed at encouraging people into work and rectifying a position where there is more money spent on benefits than gathered via income tax.

Council understands the Government’s desire to reform benefits to address the budget deficit and notes the positive impact the introduction of the universal benefit credit is likely to bring in terms of encouraging people off benefits and into work.

Council further recognises that the CSR contained a £4.5bn funding package for housing related activity, £1.9bn to be used to fund a new affordable housing programme along with £200m for mortgage rescue schemes and £100m that will support bringing 250,000 empty properties back in to use.

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Minister for Housing encouraging him to look at ways to reduce the impact of the rent increases on those in low paid employment.

On the requisition of Councillors D Blackburn and A Blackburn, the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows:-

YES

Anderson, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Cleasby, Downes, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

The Council supports the re-regulation of the bus services across West Yorkshire. This Council calls upon the Leader of the Council to launch a campaign to obtain the necessary legislative changes and to write to all Leeds MP’s urging them to support this campaign.

R FINNIGAN

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 2.3, leave of Council was given to vary the order of business to move item 14 on the Summons to item 12.

It was moved by Councillor Finnigan, seconded by Councillor Leadley that the Council supports the re-regulation of the bus services across West Yorkshire. This Council calls upon the Leader of the Council to launch a campaign to obtain the necessary legislative changes and to write to all Leeds MP’s urging them to support this campaign.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Downes, seconded by Councillor W Hyde, to delete all after ‘The Council’ and replace with:

‘recognises the negative experience of many people in Leeds with local bus services as, over recent years, services have reduced and fares have risen. In order to better serve our residents this Council supports the actions of Metro in developing a Bus Quality Contract Scheme proposal for West Yorkshire, as this  would provide better value for money, service integration, passenger benefits as well as providing accountability for local bus services. The Council also welcomes the current consultation being undertaken on this proposal.’

The amendment was lost and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That the Council supports the re-regulation of the bus services across West Yorkshire. This Council calls upon the Leader of the Council to launch a campaign to obtain the necessary legislative changes and to write to all Leeds MP’s urging them to support this campaign.

This Council resolves to keep open all 53 of the City’s Council run libraries until such time as a proper review of the service has taken place.

J PROCTER

It was moved by Councillor J Procter, seconded by Councillor Matthews, that this Council resolves to keep open all 53 of the City’s Council run libraries until such time as a proper review of the service has taken place.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Ogilvie, seconded by Councillor Mulherin, to delete all after this Council and replace with:-

‘welcomes the comprehensive review of the Council’s library service undertaken over the last two years.

Council supports the proposals to carry out a full consultation with Leeds residents, elected representatives and partners to help shape the library service for the future.’

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED – That this Council welcomes the comprehensive review of the Council’s library service undertaken over the last two years.

Council supports the proposals to carry out a full consultation with Leeds residents, elected representatives and partners to help shape the library service for the future.

This Council believes that it’s democratic structures require review and development with the objective to strengthen accountability along with the greater involvement of strategic partners in full Council meetings.  Therefore this Council welcomes the Coalition Government’s commitment to localism and to allow local authorities to determine their own governance structures.

The Council calls upon the Chief Executive to:-

a)  re-examine the structure and practices of Council Day and the potential for the Council’s strategic partners’ involvement;

b)  investigate the potential for a modernised Committee system to replace the current Leader and Executive Board arrangements.

and report the findings to Elected Members.

This Council further notes its continued opposition to any attempt to impose a directly elected mayor on the City as being counter to the objectives set out above.

K WAKEFIELD

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10, leave of Council was given to alter the motion in the name of Councillor Wakefield by the incorporation of Councillor J Procter’s amendment.

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor Golton and

RESOLVED – That this Council believes that it’s democratic structures require review and development with the objectives of strengthening accountability along with greater involvement of strategic partners in full Council meetings and placing elected members at the heart of decision making in the city.  Therefore this Council welcomes the Coalition Government’s commitment to localism and to allow local authorities to determine their own governance structures.

The Council therefore calls for an all party committee of Council to be formed to work with the Chief Executive to:-

a)  re-examine the structure and practices of Council Day and the potential for the Council’s strategic partners’ involvement;

b)  investigate the potential for a modernised Committee system to replace the current Leader and Executive Board arrangements.

and report the findings to General Purposes Committee.

This Council welcomes the Government’s announcement of the new High Speed Rail link (HS2) to London and pledges to support its delivery in Leeds and the wider city region.

R DOWNES

It was moved by Councillor Downes, seconded by Councillor W Hyde, and

RESOLVED – That this Council welcomes the Government’s announcement of the new High Speed Rail link (HS2) to London and pledges to support its delivery in Leeds and the wider city region.

This Council is saddened by the decision to decommission HMS Ark Royal and pays tribute to the men and women past and present for their devoted service in war and peace.

Council recognises the historic link between the City of Leeds and ARK ROYAL and celebrates the many happy occasions at which the ships' company exercised their Freedom of the City.

This Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Defence to request that the additional ASTUTE class submarine be named ARK ROYAL to revive this great name and with it our valued link with the men and women of the Royal Navy and to ensure that the amazing effort and financial sacrifice of Leeds citizens is not forgotten.

This Council further calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to allow the people of Leeds an appropriate memento of the Ark Royal.

J MARJORAM

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.10, leave of Council was given to alter the motion by the deletion of the words ‘the additional astute class submarine’ in the third paragraph of the motion and replaced with the words ‘a suitable vessel in Her Majesty’s Navy’.

It was moved by Councillor Marjoram, seconded by Councillor Davey, and

RESOLVED – That this Council is saddened by the decision to decommission HMS Ark Royal and pays tribute to the men and women past and present for their devoted service in war and peace.

Council recognises the historic link between the City of Leeds and Ark Royal and celebrates the many happy occasions at which the ships' company exercised their Freedom of the City.

This Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Defence to request that a suitable vessel in Her Majesty’s Navy be named Ark Royal to revive this great name and with it our valued link with the men and women of the Royal Navy and to ensure that the amazing effort and financial sacrifice of Leeds citizens is not forgotten.

This Council further calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to allow the people of Leeds an appropriate memento of the Ark Royal

Council rose at 7.20 pm.