Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor congratulated the following athletes on their recent medal successes at the Olympics and Paralympics:-

Olympics

-  Nicola Adams (boxing): Gold

-  Alistair Brownlee (triathlon): Gold

-  Lizzie Armitstead (cycling): Silver

-  Jonathan Brownlee (triathlon): Bronze

Paralympics

-  Hannah Cockcroft (trains in Leeds) (athletics): 2 Golds

-  David Stone MBE (cycling): Gold and Bronze

-  Claire Cashmore (swimming): 2 Silvers and 1 Bronze

b)  The Lord Mayor reported that there would be a reception on Thursday, 13^th September at 12.30 pm to celebrate all Leeds based Paralympians on their achievements at the Civic Hall, Leeds.

c)  The Lord Mayor reported that there was to be a free ‘Open Day’ at the Civic Hall, Leeds, on Saturday, 22^nd September.

To confirm the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 11^th July 2012.

It was moved by Councillor J Lewis, seconded by Councillor G Latty and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th July 2012 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 display in the ante-room, on deposit in the public galleries and had been circulated to each Member’s place in the Chamber.

Following an invitation to declare further individual interests, declarations in accordance with the Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct were made as follows:- 

a)  Councillor R Grahame declared ‘other’ interests in minute 41 and 44 of this meeting as follows:-

-  Member of GMBAT Union

-  People Plan

-  Director of East North East ALMO

-  Member of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

-  Member of West Yorkshire Pension Fund

-  Member of West Yorkshire Joint Service Trading Standards

b)  Councillor Wood declared ‘other’ interests in minute 44 of this meeting in his capacity as a Director and Trustee of Craft Centre and Design Gallery.

c)  Councillor A Carter declared ‘other’ interests in minute 44 of this meeting as his stepdaughter is in receipt of Council Tax Benefit.

d)  Councillor Selby declared ‘other’ interests in minute 44 and 45 of this meeting as a member of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

e)  Members declared ‘other’ interests in minute 48 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

The Executive Member (Children’s Services) informed Council of the current position with regard to the GCSE results in the city.

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 Playing Fields regarding the future of Allerton Grange fields.

2)  Local Residents raising serious objections over the removal of Yorkshire paving stones in the Burley Park area.

3)  Hyde Park Olympic Legacy Group regarding the health of the community of Hyde Park and the desperate need of local schools and the community for sports facilities.

4)  Leeds Youth Fight for Jobs regarding the housing situation facing young people in the city.

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

a) To consider the report of the City Solicitor on recommendations of the General Purposes Committee in respect of proposed amendments to the Members’ Code of Conduct arising from DCLG guidance; new regulations regarding meetings of the Executive and Access to Information; and a review of Council meetings. 

  K WAKEFIELD

b) To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services on recommendations of the General Purposes Committee in respect of proposals to establish new arrangements in respect of Plans Panels from a date to be determined:

  K WAKEFIELD

c) To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on recommendations of the General Purposes Committee in respect of proposals to establish new arrangements in respect of the Community Governance Reviews of Scarcroft and Rawdon.

K WAKEFIELD

a)  Miscellaneous

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

RESOLVED – That the recommendations of the General Purposes Committee, as presented by the report of the City Solicitor, with regard to Amendments to the Members’ Code of Conduct arising from DCLG guidance, new regulations regarding meetings of the Executive and Access to Information, and a review of Council meetings be approved.

b)  Review of Plans Panels

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

RESOLVED – That the recommendations of the General Purposes Committee, as presented by the report of the Chief Officer Democratic and Central Services, with regard to the proposals to establish new arrangements in respect of Plans Panels, be approved with effect from Monday, 17^th September 2012.

c)  Community Governance Reviews for Scarcroft and Rawdon

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

RESOLVED – That the recommendations of the General Purposes Committee, as presented by the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration, with regard to the Community Governance Review on proposals to increase the number of Parish Councillors for Scarcroft Parish Council and its proposals to create a new Parish of Rawdon, be approved as follows;

  That  in relation to the Community Governance Review for Scarcroft: -

·  To increase the size of Scarcroft Parish Council from seven to nine Councillors;

·  That the electoral arrangements are as set out in Appendix A to the report; and

·  That the interim arrangements are that the existing parish councillors cover the duties of the two new parish councillors until those vacancies to the parish council are filled

  That in relation to the Community Governance Review of Rawdon: -

·  That a new parish and parish council for Rawdon be constituted, excluding the polling district OYG (from the original proposal contained in the petition received on 18 May 2012);

·  That the precept for the new parish council be set at £40,000;

·  That the electoral arrangements are as set out in Appendix B; and

·  That the interim arrangements for the new parish are that the existing Local Government Ward Councillors act as parish councillors until vacancies to the new parish council are filled

.

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))

That the report of the Chief Officer, Democratic and Central Services on appointments be approved.

  J  LEWIS

Appointments

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

RESOLVED –

a)  That the report of the Chief Officer Democratic and Central Services on appointments to Plans Panels be approved as follows:-

North and East Plans Panel

South and West Plans Panel

City Plans Panel

b)  That the report of the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) on appointments of Chairs to Plans Panels be approved as follows:-

·  North and East Plans Panel – Cllr D Congreve

·  South and West Plans Panel – Cllr J Harper

·  City Plans Panel – Cllr N Taggart

To deal with questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11

Q1  Councillor A Carter to the Leader of Council:-

Will the Leader of Council inform me how many Leeds City Council staff are paid their salaries via private companies?

The Leader of Council replied.

Q2  Councillor Downes to the Executive Member (Environment):-

Can the Executive Member for Environment explain why Members were not informed of the decision to close the bulky waste collection booking service in May?

The Executive Member (Environment) replied.

Q3  Councillor Charlwood to the West Yorkshire Fire Authority Representative:-

As a nominated representative on the fire authority, can Cllr Brian Selby update Members on the implications for the city of the decision by West Yorkshire Fire Authority to consult on closures in the district?

The West Yorkshire Fire Authority Representative replied.

Q4  Councillor Gettings to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services):-

Having read the papers regarding the possible proposal to increase the Cottingley Springs Gypsy Travellers site - can Cllr Gruen assure and confirm that those Councillors who represent this area of Leeds will be comprehensively consulted before the decision to proceed is implemented?

The Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services) replied.

Q5  Councillor Harland to the Executive Member (Leisure and Skills):-

Would the Executive Member for Leisure care to comment on the fantastic achievements of our Olympians and Paralympians at this Summer’s Olympic Games in London and the great pride they have brought to the city?

The Executive Member (Leisure and Skills) replied.

Q6  Councillor Lamb to the Executive Member (Children’s Services):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Children’s Services re-affirm her group’s views on consultancy spend as expressed by her colleagues in 2010 relating to the appointment of the interim Director of Children’s Services?

The Executive Member (Children’s Services) replied.

Q7  Councillor Cleasby to the Executive Member (Leisure and Skills):-

Can the Executive Member for Leisure and Skills tell Members how many times the bespoke Millennium Square stage has been used in 2011 and in 2012?

The Executive Member (Leisure and Skills) replied.

Q8  Councillor Hardy to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services):-

Does the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services believe the changes announced by the Government to existing planning regulations will stimulate the housing market?

The Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services) replied.

Q9  Councillor Davey to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy):-

Would the Executive Member for Development and the Economy care to comment on the opening of the eagerly awaiting A65 bus corridor and the expected benefits this will bring to the city?

The Executive Member (Development and the Economy) replied.

Q10  Councillor J Procter to the Executive Member (Leisure and Skills):-

Does the Executive Member for Leisure feel that the administration’s policy of charging for formerly free city events has been a success?

The Executive Member (Leisure and Skills) replied.

Q11  Councillor S Bentley to the Executive Member (Leisure and Skills):-

Could the Executive Board member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

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

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor J Lewis that the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

An amendment (Reference Back) was moved by Councillor J L Carter, seconded by Councillor G Latty, to add the following at the end of item 8:-

That in respect of Minute 69 (supplementary minute pack) of the meeting of Executive Board 5 September 2012, to ask Executive Board to reconsider its decision and amend its resolutions as follows:

Delete the word ‘currently’ from resolution (a).

The amendment (Reference Back) was declared lost and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That that the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

On the requisition of Councillors J L Carter and G Latty, the voting on the amendment (Reference Back) was recorded as follows:-

YES

Anderson, J Bentley, S Bentley, Buckley, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Chapman, Cleasby, Cohen, Collins, Downes, Fox, Golton, M Hamilton, Harrand, Lamb, G Latty, P Latty, Lay, Marjoram, J Procter, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wood.

26

NO

Akhtar, Armitage, Atha, Blake, Bruce, Charlwood, Congreve, Coulson, Cummins, Davey, Dawson, Dobson, Dowson, Dunn, Gabriel, P Grahame, R Grahame, Groves, C Gruen, P Gruen, S Hamilton, Hanley, Hardy, Harington, Harland, G Harper, J Harper, A Hussain, G Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Ingham, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, Macniven, Maqsood, A McKenna, J McKenna, Mitchell, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nagle, Nash, Ogilvie, Rafique, Renshaw, Selby, Sobel, Taggart, E Taylor, Towler, Truswell, Urry, Wakefield, Walker, Walshaw, Yeadon.

60

ABSTAIN

A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Elliott, Gettings, Leadley.

5

Council Procedure Rule 4, providing for the winding up of business, was applied prior to all notified comments on the minutes having been debated.

To receive Back Bench Community Concerns in respect of;

a)  Councillor J Bentley – The quality of the household refuse collection service in the Weetwood ward.

J BENTLEY

b)  Councillor J McKenna  -  Health, poverty and worklessness in New Wortley.

J McKENNA

c)  Councillor N Dawson  -  We wish to call for the reduction of the maximum speed of vehicles from 30mph to 20 mph on roads near to schools, and on estates in heavily built up areas.

We would like the council to have a comprehensive plan to roll out a 20 mph maximum speed limit to all roads near to schools and estates where residents request lower speed limits, and to then have measures to ensure the limits are enforced.

We would like to see more highways resources used to create 20 Mph zones and also agreement with the police and other agencies to ensure these reduced traffic speeds are enforced in these zones.

Speeding is the major cause of most vehicle accidents.  In Leeds in 2011 26 people were killed, 271 were seriously injured and 2389 were slightly injured in road traffic accidents. 

      N DAWSON

d)  Councillor J Elliott  -  To discuss the proposal for the closure of Morley Fire Station and the impact this will have on the local community.

J ELLIOTT

e)  Councillor A Blackburn  -  Lack of play area on the Tong Estate, Farnley.

A BLACKBURN

f)  Councillor P Wadsworth  -  Traffic management on the A65.

P WADSWORTH

1)  Councillor J Bentley –. The quality of the household refuse collection service in the Weetwood Ward.

Councillor Dobson responded.

2)  Councillor J McKenna –. Health, poverty and worklessness in New Wortley.

Councillor Hulherin responded.

3)  Councillor Dawson – We wish to call for the reduction of the maximum speed of vehicles from 30 mph to 20 mph on roads near to schools, and on estates in heavily built up areas.

We would like the council to have a comprehensive plan to roll out a 20 mph maximum speed limit to all roads near to schools and estates where residents request lower speed limits, and to then have measures to ensure the limits are enforced.

We would like to see more highways resources used to create 20 Mph zones and also agreement with the police and other agencies to ensure these reduced traffic speeds are enforced in these zones.

Speeding is the major cause of most vehicle accidents.  In Leeds in 2011 26 people were killed, 271 were seriously injured and 2389 were slightly injured in road traffic accidents..

Councillor R Lewis responded.

4)  Councillor Elliott – To discuss the proposal for the closure of Morley Fire Station and the impact this will have on the local community.

Councillor Selby responded.

5)  Councillor A Blackburn – Lack of play area on the Tong Estate, Farnley.

Councillor Gruen responded.

6)  Councillor Wadsworth  – Traffic management on the A65.

Councillor R Lewis responded.

During consideration of Backbench Concerns, the meeting was suspended at 5.05 pm and resumed at 5.30 pm.

This council agrees with the DCLG’s recent ‘Parades to be Proud of’ report that local parades shops are crucial to the economy of Leeds and play a vital role in the character and identity of our local communities.

Council notes with concern the very real hardships that many of our local shops are experiencing in the current economic climate, especially new independent shops trying to establish themselves.

Council welcomes recent moves by the government to allow local authorities to keep hold of the business rates they collect and to introduce discretionary rate relief schemes based on criteria of their choosing.

Council calls on officers to investigate and report back to Executive Board within six months on how these powers could be most effectively used to support local Leeds shops, including but not limited to:

·  Discretionary rate relief schemes that incentivise bringing empty units back into use, particularly by new businesses .

·  Ring-fencing of business rates income in some areas to help regenerate the communities in which it is collected.

R DOWNES

It was moved by Councillor Downes, seconded by Councillor A Blackburn that this Council agrees with the DCLG’s recent ‘Parades to be Proud of’ report that local parades shops are crucial to the economy of Leeds and play a vital role in the character and identity of our local communities.

Council notes with concern the very real hardships that many of our local shops are experiencing in the current economic climate, especially new independent shops trying to establish themselves.

Council welcomes recent moves by the Government to allow local authorities to keep hold of the business rates they collect and to introduce discretionary rate relief schemes based on criteria of their choosing.

Council calls on officers to investigate and report back to Executive Board within six months on how these powers could be most effectively used to support local Leeds shops, including but not limited to:-

·  discretionary rate relief schemes that incentivise bringing empty units back into use, particularly by new businesses;

·  ring-fencing of business rates income in some areas to help regenerate the communities in which it is collected.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor Lowe that this Council agrees with the DCLG’s recent ‘Parades to be Proud of’ report that local parades’ shops are crucial to the economy of Leeds and play a vital role in the character and identity of our local communities.

Council notes with concern the very real hardships that many of our local shops are experiencing in the current economic climate.

[Delete all after and replace with]

‘Council therefore reiterates its on-going commitment to initiatives such as the Town and District Regeneration Scheme, which since 2005 has aimed to encourage regeneration, increase business and investor confidence and create an improved shopping environment for local people.

Council also reaffirms its intention to continue the current rate relief schemes designed to encourage owners to bring empty shops back into use.

In light of Government proposals regarding business rate retention, Council recognises the complexity of factors influencing the potential growth of the business rates tax base and notes that many factors are outside the control of the local authority.

In the context of the unprecedented pressure on Council finances, members note with concern that the plans for local retention of business rates will see the transfer of risk from central to local government, which will introduce further uncertainty into the council’s annual funding.

Council underlines its commitment to help support and stimulate the local economy, and calls on the Director of City Development to establish a working group to consider and report back to Executive Board on additional initiatives that could assist local shops in Leeds including:

·  The development of an urban equivalent of rural rate relief.

·  Time limited relief for independent retailers providing a unique, valued service to a local area.

·  Further opportunities to support the creation of BIDs in line with local demand.’

The amendment in the name of Councillor Wakefield was carried, and upon being put as the substantive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

Council celebrates the spectacular success of Team GB and Paralympics GB at the London 2012 games, and in particular the outstanding achievements of the Leeds athletes.

Council applauds schools across Leeds who have taken inspiration from the Olympics and Paralympics, and who have organised many sporting events.

Council reaffirms its commitment to becoming a Child Friendly City including the outcome of encouraging children and young people to chose healthy lifestyles. Council further recognises that a key part of this is school sports.

Council notes with deep concern the actions of Education Secretary Michael Gove in authorising the selling-off of school playing pitches, in some cases against the advice of the independent school playing fields advisory panel, and removing the minimum outdoor space guidelines for schools.

Council believes this latest policy change, following on from the removal of the School Sports Partnership Funding, undermines school sports and is at odds with the aim of an Olympic legacy.

Council resolves to instruct the Chief Executive to write to ministers to lobby for a true Olympic legacy including protecting school playing pitches and reinstating Schools Sports Partnership funding to its pre-cut level.

Council believes this will enable school children to develop a love of sporting activity that will help them choose healthy lifestyles and improve health outcomes.

  J BLAKE

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Mulherin, that this Council celebrates the spectacular success of Team GB and Paralympics GB at the London 2012 games, and in particular the outstanding achievements of the Leeds athletes.

Council applauds schools across Leeds who have taken inspiration from the Olympics and Paralympics, and who have organised many sporting events.

Council reaffirms its commitment to becoming a Child Friendly City including the outcome of encouraging children and young people to chose healthy lifestyles. Council further recognises that a key part of this is school sports.

Council notes with deep concern the actions of Education Secretary Michael Gove in authorising the selling-off of school playing pitches, in some cases against the advice of the independent school playing fields advisory panel, and removing the minimum outdoor space guidelines for schools.

Council believes this latest policy change, following on from the removal of the School Sports Partnership Funding, undermines school sports and is at odds with the aim of an Olympic legacy.

Council resolves to instruct the Chief Executive to write to ministers to lobby for a true Olympic legacy including protecting school playing pitches and reinstating Schools Sports Partnership funding to its pre-cut level.

Council believes this will enable school children to develop a love of sporting activity that will help them choose healthy lifestyles and improve health outcomes.

An amendment was moved by Councillor S Bentley, seconded by Councillor Campbell, to delete paragraphs 4, 5 & 6 and replace with:-

‘Council welcomes the greatly reduced rate of playing field sales when compared with the previous government and notes that the vast majority of sales by the current secretary of state have been in line with independent advice.

Council notes with deep concern the increase of £83 in the cost of hiring a council sports pitch in two years under the current administration.

Council believes this latest policy change, undermines school sports and is at odds with the aim of an Olympic legacy.

Council welcomes Liberal Democrat proposals to restore the percentage of Lottery funding spent on sport to 20% after it was cut to 16% by the previous government and for a £32 million scheme to encourage 14-25 year olds to try new sports.’,

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor G Latty, as follows:-

Between ‘the Leeds athletes’ and ‘Council applauds schools’ insert:-

‘This Council congratulates Boris Johnson, Lord Coe, LOCOG and representatives of both the current and previous government for their efforts in delivering a truly inspiring and hugely popular Olympic and Paralympic Games.’

Delete all after ‘many sporting events.’ and replace with:-

‘This Council further applauds the efforts of the many thousands of volunteers that make amateur sport a reality for both young and old by giving their time freely to coach, officiate and facilitate sporting events and matches throughout the city.

Council believes that much more ambition is needed to ensure that the Olympics and Paralympics have a lasting impact in Leeds and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

This Council congratulates pupils, teachers and all those involved in delivering education in Leeds for this year’s exam results and overall education performance. However, despite these best efforts, this Council notes that education attainment continues to be below the national average and that too many children are still being let down by the education system and are not getting the skills that they need to prosper in the world of work.

This Council therefore commits to delivering rapid improvement in school performance in both the primary and secondary sectors and in particular this Council will:

·  Move urgently to appoint a permanent Deputy Director for Learning, Skills and Universal Services;

·  Commit to the Government’s education reform agenda by supporting more independence for the city’s schools to drive up attainment, in line with initiatives started by the last Government;

·  Introduce measures that will deal with unacceptable teaching standards much more urgently;

·  Ensure that no school in Leeds will remain below national floor targets for more than 12 months and commit to use its powers to replace school leadership where performance is unacceptable;

·  Actively engage small and medium sized businesses to encourage stronger links between the private sector and Leeds schools to ensure that children and young people are given the skills needed to secure employment and further training and learning opportunities.

This Council is committed to ensuring that all children and young people in Leeds have the relevant skills and qualifications to enable them to gain meaningful employment and that they are able to thrive and prosper and fully contribute to the aim of transforming Leeds into the best city in the UK.

           A LAMB 

3 White Papers are submitted subject to the approval of Council at item 5 to the introduction of a third White Paper.

It was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor G Latty, that this Council congratulates pupils, teachers and all those involved in delivering education in Leeds for this year’s exam results and overall education performance. However, despite these best efforts, this Council notes that education attainment continues to be below the national average and that too many children are still being let down by the education system and are not getting the skills that they need to prosper in the world of work.

This Council therefore commits to delivering rapid improvement in school performance in both the primary and secondary sectors and in particular this Council will:

·  Move urgently to appoint a permanent Deputy Director for Learning, Skills and Universal Services;

·  Commit to the Government’s education reform agenda by supporting more independence for the city’s schools to drive up attainment, in line with initiatives started by the last Government;

·  Introduce measures that will deal with unacceptable teaching standards much more urgently;

·  Ensure that no school in Leeds will remain below national floor targets for more than 12 months and commit to use its powers to replace school leadership where performance is unacceptable;

·  Actively engage small and medium sized businesses to encourage stronger links between the private sector and Leeds schools to ensure that children and young people are given the skills needed to secure employment and further training and learning opportunities.

This Council is committed to ensuring that all children and young people in Leeds have the relevant skills and qualifications to enable them to gain meaningful employment and that they are able to thrive and prosper and fully contribute to the aim of transforming Leeds into the best city in the UK.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Ogilvie, to delete all after “this year’s exam results” and replace with:-

‘which are the best ever achieved in early years, primary and secondary schools.

Council regrets the lack of progress made under the previous administration which saw Leeds ranked as 127th out of 150 local authorities for educational attainment at age 16.

Council has committed to address this with city-wide partners through the school-led Leeds Education Challenge by working with all schools across the city to continue to drive up standards and improve results while at the same time putting the needs of children and young people at the heart of everything we do.

Council notes with regret the lack of Government intervention to address the gross injustice of this year’s English GCSE results, demonstrating a total disregard for the future life chances of hundreds of young people in Leeds and thousands up and down the country.  Council further notes the potential impact on reducing NEETs which is one of our key commitments as part of the City Deal.

This Council is committed through the Children and Young People’s Plan to ensuring that all children and young people in Leeds have the relevant skills and qualifications to enable them to gain meaningful employment and that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.