Agenda and minutes

The Lord Mayor reported the recent death of Wayne Baxter, the Council’s Chief Procurement Officer, and Gary Speed, MBE, the former Leeds United footballer, and Council stood in silent tribute.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

There were no declarations made at this meeting.

To receive questions to the Leader of Council, Executive Members and Partners. 1

Q1  Councillor Wilkinson to Gary Williamson, Chamber of Commerce:-

Will the President of the Chamber of Commerce confirm that the Executive Board Member for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Regeneration and the MP for East Leeds requested the Chamber to prepare papers for the East Leeds Regeneration Board?

Gary Williamson, replied.

Q2  Councillor Golton to Dr Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health:-

Central to the Government’s NHS reforms is the opportunity to introduce real accountability to local communities.  Can you tell us what is being done in Leeds to prepare for this agenda?

Dr Ian Cameron replied.

Q3  Councillor G Hyde to Neil McLean, LEP:-

What new powers does Neil McLean think partners should be lobbying Government to devolve to the City Region level?

  Neil McLean replied.

Q4  Councillor Walshaw to Joanne Pollard, CO₂ Sense:-

How important does Joanne Pollard believe the development of green industries will be to delivering increased economic growth within the city?

  Joanne Pollard replied.

Q5  Councillor Castle to CS Money, West Yorkshire Police:-

In light of the recent report into the failings of different agencies to protect vulnerable children from sexual exploitation by male gangs, including the case of a girl in Leeds, will the representative from West Yorkshire Police Force explain what action the Council and partner agencies are taking to prevent young people in Leeds suffering abuse and grooming?

  CS Money replied.

Q6  Councillor Campbell to Neil McLean, LEP:-

What do you think should be our priorities to make Leeds more attractive as an opportunity for investment?

  Neil McLean replied.

Q7  Councillor Rafique to CS Money, West Yorkshire Police:-

To what extent does CS Money believe strong partnership working enabled the containment of potential public disorder during the summer, given that disorder and rioting escalated in other cities such as London and Manchester during the same period?

  CS Money replied.

Q8  Councillor Mulherin to Dr Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health:-

What does Ian Cameron see as the city’s biggest health challenges and what will be the role of partnership working in tackling these?

  Ian Cameron replied.

Q9  Councillor Cohen to the Leader of Council:-

Will the Leader of Council confirm the total cost of arranging and servicing the State of the City council meeting, including the cost of commissioning, producing and distributing the reports, and at a time when we are making such efforts to cut costs across the city, does he really think this represents the best value for money to the residents of Leeds?

  The Leader of Council replied.

Q10  Councillor Chapman to Gary Williamson, Chamber of Commerce:-

Given the level of youth unemployment, do you think employers are getting the balance right between providing opportunities for young people and developing their own workforce?

  Gary Williamson replied.

Q11  Councillor Armitage to Kathryn Fitzsimons, Chair, Third Sector Leeds:-

To what extent does Katherine Fitzsimmons believe the future of care for our older people relies upon strong partnership working between the Council and third sector organisations?

  Kathryn Fitzsimons replied.

At the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive in respect of the State of the City Report.

  K WAKEFIELD 

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor J Lewis and

RESOLVED – That the State of the City report be received.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr Tony Travers addressed Council on the future of Local Government and linked this to the wider local government resource review and the financial challenges facing local authorities.

Council rose at 5.25 pm.