Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor reported the recent death of Sapper Richard Walker from Leeds who was killed in action on 7^th January 2013 in Afghanistan.  Council stood in silent tribute.

b)  The Lord Mayor congratulated the following, who had recently been honoured in the New Year Honours list:-

Mrs Catherine Grace Turner, OBE

Miss Nicola Adams, MBE

Mr Malcolm Brown, MBE

Mr Alistair Edward Brownlee, MBE

Miss Hannah Cockcroft, MBE

Mr Robert Emile Collins, MBE

Mr Peter Grubb, MBE

Mrs Inderjeet Hunjan, MBE

Mrs Jillian Lesley Johnson, MBE

Mr Michael Rossiter, MBE

Mrs Joyce Fieldhouse, British Empire Medal

Mrs Joan Villiers, British Empire Medal

c)  The Lord Mayor congratulated Councillor Tom Murray on his selection as Lord Mayor elect.

The Lord Mayor reported that she had agreed to the inclusion of a late item in respect of the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document which had been recommended to Council by the Executive Board after the Council Summons was despatched.

To confirm the minutes of the two Council Meetings held on 14^th November and the meeting held on 28^th November 2012.

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

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the two Council meetings held on 14^th November 2012 and the State of the City Council meeting held on 28^th November 2012 meeting be approved.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

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

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 81 of this meeting as a member of East Leeds Plans Area Committee.

The Chief Executive informed Council that a response had been received from Nick Boles, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Planning, in response to the resolution of Council at its November 2012 meeting regarding Planning Permissions.  The response had previously been circulated to all Members of Council.

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

1)  Leeds Children’s Mayor regarding the winning manifesto – ‘Leeds offers fun, free, fitness for the family’.

2)  Friends of Woodhouse Moor regarding the route of NGT.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the subject matter in respect of Deputation 1 be referred to the Executive Board for consideration.

b)  That the subject matter in respect of Deputation 2 be referred to the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority for consideration.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources on the Calculation of the Council Tax and Business Rates tax bases for 2013/14 and determinations in relation to Council Tax premiums and discounts 

K WAKEFIELD

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor J Lewisand

RESOLVED –

a)  To agree that in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by the Council as its council tax base for the year 2013/2014 shall be 208,529 for Leeds and for each Parish, as listed in Section 3.12 and Appendix 1 of the report.

b)  That, in principle, the business rates data contained within the National Non-Domestic Rates Return 1 2013-14, attached as Appendix 2 to the report, be agreed, and authority delegated to the Director of Resources to make any necessary detailed amendments and to submit a final version to DCLG on or before 31st January 2013;

c)  That the removal of the classes of council tax exemptions, as set out in Section 3.3 of the report, be noted.

d)  That it be agreed, in accordance with Section 11A of the Local Government Act 1992, that the discounts under Section 11(2)(a) of that Act for prescribed Class C and D properties, shall not apply.

e)  That it be agreed, under Section 11B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, that from 1st April 2013, Leeds City Council will charge a 50% council tax premium on empty dwellings that have been unoccupied for more than two years;

f)  To agree that the current 10% discount for furnished dwellings that are not anyone’s sole or main residence should cease with effect from 31st March 2013.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources on recommendations of the Executive Board in respect of the Consultation outcomes on local council tax support scheme.

K WAKEFIELD

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor J Lewisand

RESOLVED – To adopt a local Council Tax Support Scheme that:-

a)  protects lone parents with children under 5, carers and customers in receipt of severe or enhanced disability premium from reductions in support;

b)  protects people in receipt of Armed Forces Compensation Payments from reductions in support and includes continuing the longstanding policy whereby the Council has exercised its discretion to disregard war pensions in full;

c)  continues to support people moving into work by continuing to apply the current run-on scheme which sees qualifying people who move into work continuing to receive the same level of support for the first 4 weeks of work;

d)  removes the Second Adult Rebate scheme; and

e)  reduces Council Tax Support entitlement for all other working age customers by 19% as calculated using the Government’s default scheme regulations which mirror and replace the current Council Tax Benefit regulations. 

To consider the report of the Director of City Development regarding the Natural Resources & Waste Development Plan Document subject to the outcome of the consideration of this matter by Executive Board on the 9^th January 2013.

  K WAKEFIELD

It was moved by Councillor P Gruen, seconded by Councillor J Lewis, and

RESOLVED – That, following the Executive Board recommendations, the Natural Resource and Waste Plan Document (the submitted DPD and Post Submission Changes) be adopted, with 16^th January 2013 as the Date of Adoption, pursuant to Section 23 of the Planning ad Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

Q1  Councillor A Carter to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Support Services tell Council whether the financial institutions supposedly backing the Beeston Hill and Holbeck and Little London PFI scheme have now obtained appropriate consents from their boards to back the scheme?

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

Q2  Councillor Chapman to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy):-

Can the Executive Member for Development and the Economy confirm that one of the options currently being considered for the West Park Centre is to carry out the required electrical work as soon as possible, so the temporary closure can be lifted and people can get back to using it again?

The Executive Member (Development and the Economy) replied.

Q3  Councillor Bruce to the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Representative:-

As a nominated member of the fire authority could Cllr Selby update colleagues on the outcome of the recent West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service consultation?

The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Representative replied.

Q4  Councillor D Blackburn to the Executive Member (Environment):-

Can the Executive Member for Environment update Council on the current position regarding the proposed Bulk Fuel Purchasing Scheme?

The Executive Member (Environment) replied.

Q5  Councillor P Truswell to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy):-

Can the Executive Member confirm how the Council plans to boost opportunities to cycle in Leeds, particularly given the recent success of Yorkshire’s bid for the Grand Depart section of the Tour de France in 2014?

The Executive Member (Development and the Economy) replied.

Q6  Councillor G Latty to the Executive Member (Environment):-

Was the Executive Board Member for Environmental Services satisfied with the amount of notice given to residents about the changes to bin collection days over the Christmas period?

The Executive Member (Environment) replied.

Q7  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Environment):-

Can the Executive Member for Environmental Services and Licensing reiterate the aims of the Feed Leeds policy?

The Executive Member (Environment) replied.

Q8  Councillor Mitchell to the Executive Member (Leisure and Skills):-

What does the Executive Member feel the main benefits of an apprenticeship are for employers and can he update colleagues on the work the Council is doing with businesses in relation to apprenticeships?

The Executive Member (Leisure and Skills) 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 Nagle to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care).

Q10  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (Development and the Economy).

Q11  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Children’s Services).

Q12  Councillor C Gruen to the Executive Member (Health and Well-being).

Q13  Councillor T Hanley to the Executive Member (Children’s Services).

Q14  Councillor B Anderson to the Executive Member (Environment).

Q15  Councillor S Bentley to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

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

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.

To receive Community Concerns in respect of:-

1)  Councillor Finnigan – Concerns regarding Morley Fire Station.

R FINNIGAN

2)  Councillor E Taylor – Outreach work undertaken in the Chapel Allerton ward to address infant mortality rates, particularly in connection to teenage pregnancies, and improve the health and wellbeing of children and young parents.

E TAYLOR

3)  Councillor Urry – Impact of the closure of Leeds Remploy factory on individuals, direct culpability of Government, creation of other opportunities for employment of displaced people in Leeds in our wards and the wider Leeds Community.

B URRY

4)  Councillor Robinson – Concerns about flooding in Collingham and the impact on local people. We call for more effective Council intervention on this matter to prevent this problem continuing to cause misery to residents.

M ROBINSON

5)  Councillor M Hamilton – The benefits to Headingley and other Leeds areas of a compulsory licensing scheme for private landlords.

M HAMILTON

During discussion on this item, it was moved by Councillor G Latty, seconded by Councillor Lamb, that Leave of Council be given to allow the introduction of a sixth Community Concern in the name of Councillor P Latty.

1)  Councillor Finnigan – Concerns regarding Morley Fire Station.

Councillor Selby responded.

2)  Councillor Taylor – Outreach work undertaken in the Chapel Allerton ward to address infant mortality rates, particularly in connection to teenage pregnancies, and improve the health and wellbeing of children and young parents.

Councillor Mulherin responded.

3)  Councillor Urry – Impact of the closure of Leeds Remploy factory on individuals, direct culpability of Government, creation of other opportunities for employment of displaced people in Leeds in our wards and the wider Leeds Community.

Councillor Ogilvie responded.

4)  Councillor Robinson – Concerns about flooding in Collingham and the impact on local people. We call for more effective Council intervention on this matter to prevent this problem continuing to cause misery to residents.

Councillor R Lewis responded.

5)  Councillor M Hamilton– The benefits to Headingley and other Leeds areas of a compulsory licensing scheme for private landlords.

Councillor P Gruen responded.

6)  Councillor P Latty – Dog Fouling in Guiseley and Rawdon.

Councillor M Dobson responded.

During the consideration of Community Concerns, the meeting was suspended at 5.00 pm and resumed at 5.25 pm.

This Council notes with growing concern the shortage of school places in Leeds meaning that in some cases parents have to accept that their children will not attend a local school.

This Council further notes that the requirement to deliver more new housing in the city is likely to place further strain on school place planning.  While the recent meeting to address basic need provision in the city has made a start, this Council believes that there is still a need for a coherent strategy to deal with a shortage in school places and the continuing growth in both birth rates and housing.

This Council therefore instructs officers to bring forward proposals to Executive Board by Spring 2013 that will fully fund the required education provision within the authority, whether this is through use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or Section 106 agreements or other sources of funding, and that these proposals should complement the plans being developed as part of the Core Strategy.

J PROCTER

It was moved by Councillor J Procter, seconded by Councillor G Latty that this Council notes with growing concern the shortage of school places in Leeds meaning that in some cases parents have to accept that their children will not attend a local school.

This Council further notes that the requirement to deliver more new housing in the city is likely to place further strain on school place planning.  While the recent meeting to address basic need provision in the city has made a start, this Council believes that there is still a need for a coherent strategy to deal with a shortage in school places and the continuing growth in both birth rates and housing.

This Council therefore instructs officers to bring forward proposals to Executive Board by Spring 2013 that will fully fund the required education provision within the authority, whether this is through use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or Section 106 agreements or other sources of funding, and that these proposals should complement the plans being developed as part of the Core Strategy.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Congreve, to delete all after ‘this Council’ and replace with:

‘reaffirms its commitment to tackling the projected shortage of school places in the city as a key priority.

Council notes with concern that last year there were 3000 more pupils entering Leeds primary schools than moving up to secondary school.  This unprecedented rise in the birth rate together with the significant ambitions for housing growth outlined in the core strategy presents a major challenge to planning school places for the city.

Council welcomes the grip on this issue taken by the administration and the progress made to date to address the challenge through closer inter-departmental working post Education Leeds and by establishment of a cross-party working group.

Council officers will shortly report to Executive Board on the draft Community Infrastructure Levy charging regime.  This will look at the role of Section 106 agreements and the CIL in meeting infrastructure requirements.  It will examine how they can help to meet the additional demands for school provision in areas of new housing development.

However Council acknowledges that the issue is exacerbated by the Government’s schools policy and particularly the investment in free schools, which sit outside our ability to plan education provision.

Therefore Council requests the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Education, following consideration of the Section 106 and CIL report by Executive Board, to highlight our concerns, to clarify the reality of the funding situation and to express our willingness to work with Government departments to find a comprehensive funding and planning solution to address future basic need requirements.’

The amendment in the name of Councillor Blake was carried, and upon being put as the substantive motion, it was

RESOLVED – That this Council reaffirms its commitment to tackling the projected shortage of school places in the city as a key priority.

Council notes with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

This Council notes that the combination of rising fuel prices and the UK's energy inefficient houses have a major impact on fuel poverty and health.

Over the next 15 years the Government will raise an average of £4 billion every year in carbon taxes through the European Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Floor Price.  Recycling this revenue back into energy efficiency measures could lower people’s bills, cut carbon emissions, create jobs and help combat global warming.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1.  Support the Energy Bill Revolution Campaign calling for the Government to recycle revenues from carbon taxes into improving the energy efficiency of UK homes.

2.  Notify local Members of Parliament of its support for the campaign and urge them to sign Early Day Motion 47 – “Reducing Fuel Bills through Energy Efficiency.

A BLACKBURN

It was moved by Councillor A Blackburn, seconded by Councillor C Campbell, and

RESOLVED - That this Council notes that the combination of rising fuel prices and the UK's energy inefficient houses have a major impact on fuel poverty and health.

Over the next 15 years the Government will raise an average of £4 billion every year in carbon taxes through the European Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Floor Price.  Recycling this revenue back into energy efficiency measures could lower people’s bills, cut carbon emissions, create jobs and help combat global warming.

This Council therefore resolves to:-

1.  Support the Energy Bill Revolution Campaign calling for the Government to recycle revenues from carbon taxes into improving the energy efficiency of UK homes.

2.  Notify local Members of Parliament of its support for the campaign and urge them to sign Early Day Motion 47 – “Reducing Fuel Bills through Energy Efficiency.

This Council expresses its deep concern about the profound impact of child poverty on outcomes for educational attainment, employment, health and safeguarding.

With 23.4% of children and young people in Leeds growing up in poverty, Council reaffirms its commitment to work with partners to achieve the ambitions set out in the Leeds Child Poverty Strategy.

However, with 59% of poor children living in a household where at least one adult works, Council also reiterates, in the strongest possible terms, the damaging cumulative impact of Government welfare reforms on low income families in this city.

Council requests that officers produce a report for consideration by the Executive Board detailing the anticipated impact of welfare reform on both child poverty and advice services in the city.

Given that economic deprivation has a direct correlation to reduced outcomes for children, especially in areas of entrenched poverty, Council calls on the Government to:-

§  Reassess welfare reforms in light of the impact on its own commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020.

§  Swiftly empower the newly created Financial Conduct Authority to limit the impact of high cost credit and high interest rates on poor families with a view to ultimately ensuring all families have access to mainstream financial services.

§  Reinstate the Early Intervention Grant to help support some of our most challenging and vulnerable young people.

Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write to all Leeds MPs asking them to work with us to highlight the devastating impact of child poverty on our communities and to lobby the Government to take action on the issues above.

J BLAKE

It was moved by Councillor Blake, seconded by Councillor Hanley, that this Council expresses its deep concern about the profound impact of child poverty on outcomes for educational attainment, employment, health and safeguarding.

With 23.4% of children and young people in Leeds growing up in poverty, Council reaffirms its commitment to work with partners to achieve the ambitions set out in the Leeds Child Poverty Strategy.

However, with 59% of poor children living in a household where at least one adult works, Council also reiterates, in the strongest possible terms, the damaging cumulative impact of Government welfare reforms on low income families in this city.

Council requests that officers produce a report for consideration by the Executive Board detailing the anticipated impact of welfare reform on both child poverty and advice services in the city.

Given that economic deprivation has a direct correlation to reduced outcomes for children, especially in areas of entrenched poverty, Council calls on the Government to:-

·  Reassess welfare reforms in light of the impact on its own commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020.

·  Swiftly empower the newly created Financial Conduct Authority to limit the impact of high cost credit and high interest rates on poor families with a view to ultimately ensuring all families have access to mainstream financial services.

·  Reinstate the Early Intervention Grant to help support some of our most challenging and vulnerable young people.

Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write to all Leeds MPs asking them to work with us to highlight the devastating impact of child poverty on our communities and to lobby the Government to take action on the issues above.

An amendment was moved by Councillor S Bentley, seconded by Councillor Golton, to insert the following in the second paragraph, after ‘Leeds Child Poverty Strategy’:-

‘and the constructive, all party approach that Leeds has taken in engaging with the government on this issue to date.

Council welcomes the positive coalition government policies to help tackle child deprivation and inequality, including:-

§  The pupil premium which will total £28 million extra funding for Leeds pupils entitled to free school meals in 2013/14.

§  The raising of the income tax threshold that has resulted in people earning the minimum wage paying half the income tax they did in 2010.

§  The expansion of early learning for two year olds.

§  The creation of an apprenticeship academy and apprenticeship hub network as part of the Leeds City Region Deal.

§  The £1 billion youth contract to help young unemployed people find work.

§  The removal of child benefit from the highest earning families.’

In the eighth paragraph/third bullet point, after ‘Reinstate’, insert words ‘the cut to’.

The amended motion would read:-

This Council expresses its deep concern about the profound impact of child poverty on outcomes for educational attainment, employment, health and safeguarding.

With 23.4% of children and young people in Leeds growing up in poverty, Council reaffirms its commitment to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.