Agenda and minutes

a)  The Lord Mayor congratulated Councillor Judith Chapman on her selection as Lord Mayor elect for 2015/16

b)  The Lord Mayor congratulated to the following who were honoured in the Queen’s New Year Honours List:-

·  Sir John Townsley

·  Francis Hester OBE

·  Keith Loudon OBE

·  Sharon Mary White OBE

·  Ronald Pilkington MBE

·  Janet Smith MBE

·  Peter Alan Smith MBE

·  Jeffrey Utley MBE

·  Clive Cowell BEM

·  Janet Inglis BEM

·  Brenda Swithenbank BEM

·  Jonathan Vogler BEM

c)  The Lord Mayor informed Council of the recent death of Mr Leslie Howard Silver OBE and Mrs Sheila Walker, former Lady Mayoress.

d)  The Lord Mayor also offered his sympathy to all nations affected by the terrible events of terrorism recently, particularly the events in Pakistan, Nigeria and Paris.

Council stood in silent tribute

To approve the minutes of the Council Meetings held on 12^th November 2014.

It was moved by Councillor Nash, seconded by Councillor G Latty and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meetings held on 12^th November 2014 be approved.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no communications.

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

1)  Leeds Children’s Mayor regarding the winning manifesto – Have fun, Play safe.

2)  Friends of Inkwell Gardens

3)  Meanwood Valley Partnership regarding traffic management issues in Meanwood

4)  Leeds Debt Forum regarding Debt Awareness Week

  RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 be referred to the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, that the subject matter in respect of deputations 2 and 3 be referred to the Director of City Development for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member and the subject matter in respect of deputation 4 be referred to the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

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To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking Council approval for the re-submission of Policies Minerals 13 and 14 to the Secretary of State for re-examination prior to their adoption.

It was moved by Councillor P Gruen, seconded by Councillor Nash and

RESOLVED - that Council approve the submission of the revised policies and supporting text to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) setting out a recommended local Council Tax Support Scheme for adoption by Council in 2015/16. The scheme will operate for the 15/16 financial year and would continue each year thereafter until the Council adopts a different scheme.

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

RESOLVED –

a)To adopt a Local Council Tax Support Scheme that:

·  Continues with the scheme of protection for vulnerable groups as set out in para 2.4 of the report.

·  Continues the current local scheme of disregarding in full Armed Forces Compensation Payments.

·  Continues to provide a budget of £49.6m which is the same budget as in 13/14 and 14/15

·  Reduces from 26% to 25% the amount of Council Tax due from  non-protected working age customers eligible for council tax support, and;

·  Introduces new arrangements for non-protected job seekers that requires after a period of 6 months that they take up additional support to help people them into work in order to continue to receive Council Tax Support.

b) To approve the principle that an element of funding from any underspends against the scheme in 15/16 should be re-invested in activity to support people into work. 

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking agreement to the 2015/16 council tax bases for Leeds and the parish/town councils as set out in the report and providing indicative business rates shares for 2015/16 and to request Council to give delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to finalise the shares and to submit them in the National Non-Domestic Rates Return 1 2015-16 on or before31^st January 2015.

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

RESOLVED  -

a)  To agree that, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012,  the amount calculated by the Council as its council tax base for the year 2015/16 shall be 213,814.7 for Leeds and for each parish as listed in Section 3.5, of the report, and detailed in Appendix 1 of the report;

b)  To note the indicative business rates shares set out in Section 3.9, of the reprot, and delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to make the detailed calculations and to submit the final figures to the Department for Communities and Local Government on or before 31^st January 2015.

To consider a report in respect of the Inner West Community Committee

It was moved by Councillor C Gruen, seconded by Councillor Venner and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Inner West Community Committee be noted.

To consider a report in respect of the Inner South Community Committee

It was moved by Councillor Gabriel, seconded by Councillor Iqbal and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Inner South Community Committee be noted.

To consider a report in respect of the Inner North West Community Committee

It was moved by Councillor Akhtar, seconded by Councillor Towler and

RESOLVED – That the report on the work of the Inner North West Community Committee be noted.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Nash, seconded by Councillor Selby and

RESOLVED –

That the appointments referred to in paragraph 4 of the report and set out on the order paper be approved, namely that Councillor Pryor replace Councillor Hanley on the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority and Licensing Committee.

Q1  Councillor A Carter to the Leader of Council:-

Can the Leader of Council inform me whether Leeds and Partners put in a bid for a Visit Britain grant?

The Leader of Councilreplied.

Q2  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Transport and the Economy):-

Does the Executive Board member for Transport and the Economy agree with the stance taken by his Labour colleague, Hilary Benn MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, when he was recently quoted stating that councils should switch to low energy light bulbs rather than switching off street lights in residential areas as ‘street lights ensure that people are safe on our roads and feel safe walking home?’

The Executive Member (Transport and the Economy)replied.

Q3  Councillor A Khan to the Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee:-

Would the Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee please comment on the recent announcement from bus operator First in relation to West Yorkshire fare rises?

The Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee) replied.

Q4  Councillor Dunn to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel):-

Would the Executive Member with responsibility for planning please update us where we are in the Site Allocation process?

The Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel) replied.

Q5  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel confirm that Greenbelt land has been allocated for development in Crossgates and Whinmoor, Kippax and Methley, Garforth and Swillington and Pudsey as part of the Council’s Core Strategy?

The Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel) replied.

Q6  Councillor Cleasby to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel):-

Could the Executive Board member for Neighbourhoods, Planning & Personnel confirm whether full consultation has taken place with town and parish councils regarding the changes recently proposed by the Council to Site Allocations for Housing and Employment land?

The Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel) replied.

Q7  Councillor Rafique to the Executive Member (Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities):-

Can the Executive Member with responsibility for the environment comment on the role Leeds can play in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions?

The Executive Member (Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities) replied.

Q8  Councillor Harington to the Executive Member (Digital and Creative Technologies, Culture and Skills):-

Six months on, would the Executive Member for Digital and Creative Technologies, Culture and Skills comment on the impact the Tour de France has had on Leeds and Yorkshire?

The Executive Member (Digital and Creative Technologies, Culture and Skills) replied.

Q9  Councillor J Procter to the Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel):-

Will the Executive Board Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel confirm that Greenbelt land has been allocated for development in Calverley and Farsley, Guiseley and Rawdon, Horsforth and Adel and Wharfedale as part of the Council’s Core Strategy?

The Executive Member (Neighbourhoods, Planning and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

It was moved by Councillor Wakefield, seconded by Councillor Nash 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)

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

During the debate under minute 86 above, it was moved by Councillor Nash , seconded by Councillor G Latty that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 22.1 that Council Procedure Rule 3.3 be suspended to allow consideration of the Executive Board minutes for an additional 10 minutes until 4.20pm, comments on the other minutes will then follow until 4.40pm with the Leader of Council commencing his summing up at 4.40pm for a period up to 10 minutes.

Upon being put to the vote, the motion was carried.

To receive Community Concerns in respect of:-

1)  Councillor Finnigan -  Morley Community Centres

2)  Councillor Renshaw – Cycle routes in the Outer South area

3)  Councillor Walshaw – We want our communities’ rights back!

4)  Councillor Cohen – To address concerns about highways maintenance  and speed limits in Alwoodley Ward.

5)  Councillor Lay – To raise issues regarding the future of Otley Citizens Advice Bureau.

Council heard the following Community Concerns;

1  Councillor Finnigan – Morley Community Centres

2  Councillor Renshaw - Cycle routes in the Outer South area

3  Councillor Walshaw - We want our communities’ rights back!

4  Councillor Cohen - To address concerns about highways  maintenance and speed limits in Alwoodley Ward.

  5  Councillor Lay - To raise issues regarding the future of Otley  Citizens Advice Bureau.

During consideration of Community Concerns , the meeting was suspended at 5.00pm and resumed at 5.30pm.

This Council, while supporting the principle of speedily adopting the Core Strategy, believes that the housing numbers for Leeds up to the year 2028 are too high.

This Council calls for a clear and transparent mechanism through which these numbers can be revised downwards and for the first review of these numbers to take place by no later than the autumn of 2015.

Furthermore this Council is concerned that in ‘most wards’ there is a reduction in Greenbelt land as a result of the Labour Administration’s Core Strategy.

It was moved by Councillor A Carter, seconded by Councillor Lamb that this Council, while supporting the principle of speedily adopting the Core Strategy, believes that the housing numbers for Leeds up to the year 2028 are too high.

This Council calls for a clear and transparent mechanism through which these numbers can be revised downwards and for the first review of these numbers to take place by no later than the autumn of 2015.

Furthermore this Council is concerned that in ‘most wards’ there is a reduction in Greenbelt land as a result of the Labour Administration’s Core Strategy.

An amendment was moved by Councillor P Gruen, seconded by Councillor Nash to

Delete all after “This Council” in the first paragraph and replace with:

“welcomes that the Leeds Core Strategy has now been adopted after significant member discussion, debate and deliberation at the November meeting.

Council also welcomes the actions taken to move speedily ahead with the Site Allocations Process in order to eliminate doubt and uncertainty about where development could be suitable up to 2028.

This Council agrees with the clear and transparent approach codified in the Core Strategy and supported by the Government Inspector, through which the Council has committed itself to continually monitor the available evidence regarding upcoming housing need and delivery.

Council calls on the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel to continue ensuring this process of constant review takes place.”

The amendment in the name of Councillor P Gruen was carried and upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED -   That this Council welcomes that the Leeds Core Strategy has now been adopted after significant member discussion, debate and deliberation at the November meeting.

Council also welcomes the actions taken to move speedily ahead with the Site Allocations Process in order to eliminate doubt and uncertainty about where development could be suitable up to 2028.

This Council agrees with the clear and transparent approach codified in the Core Strategy and supported by the Government Inspector, through which the Council has committed itself to continually monitor the available evidence regarding upcoming housing need and delivery.

Council calls on the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel to continue ensuring this process of constant review takes place.

This Council notes with concern the enormous North-South divide in this country.

Council further notes with concern that the burden of austerity measures has fallen mainly on the North.

Council therefore calls on the next Government to carry out a fundamental review of the allocation of resources for public services and the allocation of investment in infrastructure in order to promote economic growth and prosperity in the North. 

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.9(a), leave of Council was given to alter the wording of the motion in the name of Councillor Sobel to include the amendment in the name of Councillor David Blackburn.

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 13.2(d) and 14.10 and with the consent of the seconder, leave of Council was given to Councillor David Blackburn to withdraw the amendment in his name.

It was moved by Councillor Sobel, seconded by Councillor D Blackburn that this Council notes with concern the enormous North-South divide in this country.

Council further notes with concern that the burden of austerity measures has fallen mainly on the North.

Council therefore calls on the next Government to carry out a fundamental review of the allocation of resources for public services and the allocation of investment in infrastructure in order to promote economic growth and prosperity in the North. 

Further, this Council calls on the next Government to introduce meaningful devolution to Leeds and the Leeds City Region.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor S Bentley

In the first paragraph delete all after ‘concern the’ and replace with “increasing divide between the south east of England and the rest of the country over successive decades, in terms of economic growth and income inequality.”

Delete second paragraph.

In the third paragraph delete all after ‘ government to’ and replace with “develop further the progress made in this parliament, through City Deals and the work of Local Enterprise Partnerships, to rebalance the allocation of resources for public services and the allocation of investment in infrastructure in order to promote economic growth and prosperity in the north.”

Add new fourth paragraph

“This Council further calls on all parties to commit to introduce fiscal devolution for local authorities as part of their wider devolution agenda.”

The revised motion would then read :

“This Council notes with concern the increasing divide between the south east of England and the rest of the country over successive decades, in terms of economic growth and income inequality.

Council therefore calls on the next Government to develop further the progress made in this parliament, through City Deals and the work of Local Enterprise Partnerships, to rebalance the allocation of resources for public services and the allocation of investment in infrastructure in order to promote economic growth and prosperity in the north.

This Council further calls on all parties to commit to introduce fiscal devolution for local authorities as part of their wider devolution agenda.”

Councillor Lamb moved a second amendment, seconded by Councillor Robinson,

Delete all after: ‘This Council notes’

And replace with: ‘that all major political parties in Britain are committed to a programme of austerity in order to address the unprecedented budget deficit left by the last Government. Council also recognises the Government’s clear focus on creating a Northern powerhouse and re-balancing the northern economy which under the previous Government had become far too reliant on public sector employment and funding.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

This Council believes that the value of voluntary youth work should be taken into account during the Community Centre Review. Therefore it asks Executive Board to instruct officers to find out how much voluntary youth work takes place at each of the affected centres, how many young people benefit by it, and how much it would cost if that work had to be provided professionally by City Council Youth Services.

It was moved by Councillor Leadley, seconded by Councillor Golton that this Council believes that the value of voluntary youth work should be taken into account during the Community Centre Review. Therefore it asks Executive Board to instruct officers to find out how much voluntary youth work takes place at each of the affected centres, how many young people benefit by it, and how much it would cost if that work had to be provided professionally by City Council Youth Services.

An amendment was moved by Councillor P Gruen,

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“recognises the impact of cuts to Local Council funding, with Leeds having to make savings of around £250 million in the last 4 years.

Council also recognises the importance of community groups and supports initiatives that seek to broaden and deepen the community activities taking place in Leeds.

In this context, Council therefore welcomes the focus of the community centre review, which places significant emphasis on providing new uses, new income sources and community organisation transfer as part of its wide ranging consultation.

Council calls on all members and interested parties to engage productively with this process.

Council further calls on officers to look at all relevant information as part of this review, including the voluntary work done by organisations already working at community centres.”

The amendment in the name of Councillor P Gruen was carried and upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED -  That this Council recognises the impact of cuts to Local Council funding, with Leeds having to make savings of around £250 million in the last 4 years.

Council also recognises the importance of community groups and supports initiatives that seek to broaden and deepen the community activities taking place in Leeds.

In this context, Council therefore welcomes the focus of the community centre review, which places significant emphasis on providing new uses, new income sources and community organisation transfer as part of its wide ranging consultation.

Council calls on all members and interested parties to engage productively with this process.

Council further calls on officers to look at all relevant information as part of this review, including the voluntary work done by organisations already working at community centres.