Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR. View directions

Contact: Stuart Robinson (0113) 24 74360  Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

116.

Chair's Opening Remarks

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the March meeting of the Scrutiny Board (City Development) held in the Lord Mayor’s Banqueting Hall due to a large number of people in attendance.

 

117.

Late Items

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

 

(The special circumstance shall be specified in the minutes.)

Minutes:

The Chair agreed to accept the following documents as supplementary information:-

 

·  E mail correspondence received from Tim Brigstocke, Executive Chairman, Rare Breeds Survival Trust; Sarah Hill and Mike Sandison, Chairman Shetland Cattle Breeders’ Association (and keeper of Shetland and North Ronaldsay sheep) in relation to a request for scrutiny of the Farming Operations at Home Farm, Temple Newsam (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 122 refers)

·  E mail correspondence received from Steve Grubb; Helen Cowley, Club Secretary, Kippax and District Harriers; Sue Corbally; Ian Cowie and Natalie Mitchell in relation to a request for scrutiny on the reduced hours to be introduced at Garforth Leisure Centre (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 124 refers)

·  E mail correspondence received from S Leatham and E Leatham ; Pat Cooney,; Claire Haysom; Alan Scott; Gail Schuster; Debbie Beattie; David Thorton and Craig Pease in relation to a petition regarding the closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre (Agenda Item 11) (Minute 125 refers)

 

 

118.

Declaration of Interests

To declare any personal / prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Minutes:

The following personal interests were declared at the meeting:-

 

·  Councillor R Grahame in his capacity as a Member on Plans Panel (East) and also a Member of the Credit Union (Agenda Item 12) (Minute 126 refers)

·  Barbara Woroncow in her capacity as a Member of the Vision Steering Group (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 127 refers)

 

 

119.

Apologies for Absence and Notification of Substitutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors D Atkinson, J Jarosz and M Lobley.

 

Notification had been received for Councillor R Grahame to substitute for Councillor D Atkinson; Councillor P Grahame to substitute for Councillor J Jarosz and Councillor P Latty to substitute for Councillor M Lobley.

 

 

120.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 107 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 8th February 2011.

Minutes:

RESOLVED 

(i)  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8th February 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

(ii)  The Chair referred to Minute 109  and confirmed that he had met with the Leader of Council concerning the request by the Market Traders to be provided with at least an outline of a market strategy by the 11th February 2011.

 

121.

Outcome of Consultation on Proposed Withdrawal of Remaining Creche Provision at Leisure Centres pdf icon PDF 56 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on the outcome of consultation on the proposed withdrawal of remaining crèche provision at Leisure Centres.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Referring to Minute 84 of the meeting held on 7th December 2010, a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development was submitted on the outcome of consultation on the proposed withdrawal of remaining crèche provision at Leisure Centres.

 

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Creche Provision in Council Leisure Centres – Report of the Acting Director of City Development’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

 

The following representatives were in attendance and gave evidence to the Board and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

 

Councillor A Ogilvie, Executive Member Leisure

Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer, City Development Directorate

Mark Allman, Head of Sport and Active Recreation, City Development Directorate

Lisa Kitching, Spokesperson for Crèche Users

 

The Board noted that both Councillor M Lobley and Councillor J Matthews  who had instigated the original request for scrutiny had conveyed their apologies for this item.

 

At the request of the Chair, Councillor A Ogilvie, Executive Member; Leisure reported on the outcome of the consultation and thanked everyone who had contributed to it. Councillor Ogilvie announced that as a consequence of users concerns he had decided to keep four crèches open at Scott Hall, Rothwell, Pudsey and Kippax Leisure Centres for a further six months. Work would continue to seek alternative provision and on assessing the viability of the crèches with the increased prices by the Early Years Services Business Advisers Team and the Managers at each Leisure Centre. However, he reported that there would be an increase in the fee charged for children attending these crèches from £2.00 per hour to £4.00 per hour with the Leeds Card discount and Leeds Card extra continuing to apply as appropriate.

 

The Chair thanked the Executive Member, officers and the spokesperson for their contribution and attendance at the meeting.

 

RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That this Board notes and welcomes the decision of the Executive Member to keep crèche facilities open at Scott Hall, Pudsey, Rothwell and Kippax Leisure Centres for a further 6 months whilst potential alternative operators continue to be sought as now outlined.

c)  That no further action be undertaken on this matter.

 

 

122.

Request for Scrutiny of the Farming Operations at Home Farm, Temple Newsam as a Consequence of the Farming Operations - Consultation Document from Parks and Countryside pdf icon PDF 64 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on a request for scrutiny regarding the proposals in the farming operations consultation document issued by the City Development Directorate on the future of Home Farm at Temple Newsam and its work to promote rare breeds and the farms many conservation activities.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on a request for scrutiny regarding the proposals in the farming operations consultation document issued by the City Development Directorate on the future of Home Farm at Temple Newsam and its work to promote rare breeds and the farms many conservation activities.

 

Appended to the report were copies of the following correspondence for the information/comment of the meeting:-

 

·  Letter from Yvonne Froehlich, Breed Secretary, White Park Cattle Society dated 31st January 2011

·  Letter from Mr G L H Alderson, Founder President/Trustee Rare Breeds International dated 30th January 2011

 

In addition to the above correspondence, copies of e mails received from Tim Brigstocke, Sarah Hill and Mike Sandison were circulated with attachments as supplementary information.

 

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

 

Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer, City Development

Mr P Titley, Rare Breed Survival Trust

Mr G L H Alderson, Founder President/Trustee, Rare Breeds International

Mr T Brigstocke, Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST)

 

The Chair invited Mr Titley, Mr Alderson and Mr Brigstocke to outline the main points of their concerns regarding the proposals in the farming operations consultation document issued by the City Development Directorate on the future of Home Farm at Temple Newsam and its work to promote rare breeds and the farms many conservation activities.

 

The Chair then invited Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer, City Development to respond to the main points.

 

Board Members then questioned the representatives.

 

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

 

·  The decision to reduce the budget at Home Farm by £100,000 in 2011/12

·  The fact that the reduction in the acreage at Home Farm from 257 hectares to 45 hectares and consequent reduction in livestock will reduce this farm to a visitors centre and end 30 years of cutting edge development of rare breeds

·  The lack of detail provided by the Directorate in their consultation document and whether or not the RBST case had been presented to the department

(The Principal Scrutiny Adviser confirmed that the additional information provided by the RBST had been circulated to all Members of the Board today and that the City Development Directorate had received their submission)

·  The importance of Home Farm and the offer by the RBST and other groups to work with the Council to try and maintain Home Farm as a rare breed centre and find ways to significantly reduce the costs of the farm (use of volunteers etc)

(Mr Brigsocke, Rare Breeds Survival Trust offered to develop with the Council a robust business plan for Home Farm, but warned that this could take a couple of years before significant savings could be achieved. He referred to the success of other local authorities in  obtaining Heritage lottery funding and support with apprenticeship schemes for their rare breed centres. He stressed that Home Farm was internationally recognised as a rare breed centre and  further  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

123.

Inquiry on the Future of Kirkgate Market - Session 4 pdf icon PDF 63 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on the fourth session of the Board’s Inquiry to consider the Future of Kirkgate Market.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Referring to Minute 109 of the meeting held on 8th March 2011, the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on the fourth session of the Board’s Inquiry to consider the Future of Kirkgate Market.

 

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

 

·  Scrutiny Board (City Development) – Inquiry to Consider the Future of Kirkgate Market – Terms of Reference

·  Inquiry on the Future of Kirkgate Market – Session 4 Evidence for Scrutiny – Report of the Acting Director of City Development

 

The following representatives/witnesses were in attendance and gave evidence to the Board and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

 

Paul Stephens, Chief Economic Development Officer, City Development

Sue Burgess, Markets Manager, City Development

Jo Williams, Consultant, National Market Traders' Federation (NMTF) (Kirkgate Branch)

Liz Laughton, National Market Traders' Federation (NMTF) (Kirkgate Branch)

Michele Hocken, National Market Traders' Federation (NMTF) (Kirkgate Branch)

Lacky Singh, National Market Traders' Federation (NMTF) (Kirkgate Branch)

John Perriton, National Market Traders’ Federation (NMTF)

Sara Gonzalez, Friends of Kirkgate Market

 

Prior to discussing this issue, the Chair and Councillor G Harper wished to place on record their sincere thanks and appreciation to the market traders arsing from their respective roles as ‘Market traders for the day’ in Kirkgate Market on 7th March 2011.

 

The Chair invited the Chief Economic Development Officer to give a brief introduction on the key points referred to within the Acting Director of City Development’s report. The Chief Officer also outlined the discussions undertaken at a recent a Markets Workshop (at the request of scrutiny) with the NMTF and Friends of Kirkgate Market where there was consensus on three specific areas namely; the need for major investment, the need for faster decision making processes and the potential for the market to become a major visitor destination.  Whilst opinion was divided on the best ownership and management model there was no support for the market being wholly owned and managed by either the traders or the private sector, with the majority present giving an arm’s length company as their first choice.

 

Councillor G Harper in his capacity as Chair of the Markets Forum also reported on the outcome of discussions at recent meetings of the Market Forum and on the topics to be discussed at future meetings.

 

The Chair then invited further comments in response to the above issues from Jo Williams; Liz Laughton, Michelle Hocken and Lacky Singh from the National Market Traders’ Federation (NMTF) Kirkgate Branch, together with John Perriton, National Market Traders’ Federation and Sara Gonzalez, Friends of Kirkgate Market.

 

The Board noted the comments made and acknowledged that many of the issues raised had been discussed at previous meetings as part of the ongoing Inquiry.

 

The Chair then invited the Chief Economic Development Officer and the Markets Manager to respond to the individual comments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

124.

Request for Scrutiny on the reduced hours to be implemented at Garforth Leisure Centre pdf icon PDF 61 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on a request for Scrutiny on the reduced hours to be implemented at Garforth Leisure Centre.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on a request for Scrutiny on the reduced hours to be implemented at Garforth Leisure Centre.

 

Appended to the report was a copy of an e mail received from Natalie Mitchell dated 22nd February 2011 for the information/comment of the meeting.

 

The Chair also reported the receipt of a petition to keep Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre open.

 

A number of e mails received from residents opposed to the reduced hours were circulated as supplementary information.

 

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

 

Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer, City Development

Mark Allman, Head of Sport and Active Recreation, City Development

Ms Natalie Mitchell who submitted the request for scrutiny, together with three regular users of Garforth Leisure Centre

 

The Chair invited Ms Mitchell and her colleagues to outline the main points of their concerns regarding the proposals for reduced hours to be implemented at Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre.

 

The Chair then invited Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer and Mark Allman, Head of Sport and Active Recreation, City Development to respond to the main points.

 

Board Members then questioned the representatives on the issues raised.

 

RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That the request for scrutiny of the reduced hours to be implemented at Garforth Leisure Centre be approved.

c)  That the Acting Director of City Development submit a report to the next Scrutiny Board meeting on 5th April 2011 which sets out the facts concerning the budget position of this centre and  the rationale behind the decision to reduce its operating hours.

 

 

 

 

125.

Petition Regarding the Closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre pdf icon PDF 62 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on a petition regarding the closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre on 31st March 2011.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted  a report on a petition regarding the closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre on 31st March 2011.

 

Appended to the report was a copy of the front page of a petition received from the Temple Newsam Learning Partnership Trust which set out their case for keeping the Leisure Centre open for the information/comment of the meeting.

 

A copy of the full petition was made available at the meeting.

 

Prior to discussing this issue, the Chair also referred to an additional request for scrutiny received from Mr Ardeshir Durrani in relation to the proposed closure of Middleton Pool which was not included on today’s agenda. Following discussions, Board Members agreed to consider this request at today’s meeting, in conjunction with the closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre.

 

a) Petition regarding the closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre

 

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

 

Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer, City Development

Mark Allman, Head of Sport and Active Recreation, City Development

Spokesperson 1

Spokesperson 2

Spokesperson 3

 

A number of e mails received from residents opposed to the closure of were circulated as supplementary information.

 

The Chair invited the spokepersons to outline the main points of their concerns regarding the proposals to close East Leeds Leisure Centre.

 

The Chair then invited Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer and Mark Allman, Head of Sport and Active Recreation, City Development to respond to the main points.

 

Board Members then questioned the representatives on the main points.

 

b) Proposed Closure of Middleton Pool

 

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

 

Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer, City Development

Mark Allman, Head of Sport and Active Recreation, City Development

Mr Ardeshir Durrani, Spokesperson

 

The Chair invited the above spokesperson to outline the main points of his concerns regarding the proposals to close Middleton Pool.

 

The Chair then invited Richard Mond, Chief Recreation Officer and Mark Allman, Head of Sport and Active Recreation, City Development to respond to the main points.

 

RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That the request for scrutiny in relation to the closure of East Leeds Leisure Centre be approved.

c)  That the Acting Director of  City Development submit a report to the next Scrutiny Board meeting on 5th April 2011 which sets out the facts concerning the budget position of East Leeds Leisure Centre and the rationale behind the decision to close it.

d)  That the request for scrutiny in relation to the proposed closure of Middleton Pool be approved.

e)  That the Acting Director of  City Development submit a report to the next Scrutiny Board meeting on 5th April 2011 which sets out the facts concerning the budget position of Middleton pool and the rationale behind the decision to close it.

 

 

126.

City Development Scrutiny Board Performance Report Quarter 3 2010/11 pdf icon PDF 78 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Policy and Performance presenting performance information summarising the authority’s progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan relevant to the City Development Scrutiny Board for the third quarter of 2010/11 which is the final year of delivery of this plan.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(This item was withdrawn until the 5th April 2011 meeting)

 

127.

New Strategic Plans 2011-15 pdf icon PDF 88 KB

To consider a report of the Chief Executive and Acting Director of City Development presenting the Scrutiny Board with proposals for the new set of strategic planning documents for advice and consideration before they are submitted to Executive Board and Council for approval.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(This item was withdrawn until the 5th April 2011 meeting)

 

128.

Grants to Culture and Sport Related Organisations Working Group pdf icon PDF 58 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on proposals in relation to the Grants to Culture and Sport Related Organisations Working Group.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Referring to Minute 54 of the meeting held on 5th October 2010, the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on progress in relation to the Grants to Culture and Sport Related Organisations Working Group.

 

The Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

 

Board Members commented on a number of issues including:-

 

·  clarification of the process in relation to the percentage reduction of grants for the Leeds Carnival; Irish Festival and Asian Festival

·  the further work being undertaken on grants will be reported to the working group

·  the lack of information available on the income raised by organisations at events supported by the Council

 

RESOLVED – That the report and appendices be noted.

 

129.

Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance Working Group

Minutes:

Referring to Minute 88 of the meeting held on 7th December 2010, the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a final report and recommendations of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Horticultural Maintenance Working Group following a review of this issue.

 

Sean Flesher, Head of Parks and Countryside, City Development was in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments.

 

In accordance with the scrutiny procedure rules the Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser reported that the Acting Director of City Development and the Executive Board Member Leisure had been invited to comment on the proposals. Whilst they supported recommendations 1 and 3 of the report they had concerns about recommendation 2.

 

They believed that implementing this recommendation in full would present difficulties on grave plots already in place and therefore do not think that a retrospective approach was practical due to difficulties associated with enforcement and related costs (particularly legal) that are likely to be involved. They also believed that a preferable solution would be to implement current conditions (with a degree of sensitivity given the nature of the service) on new graves within existing cemeteries (but not re-opened graves), cemetery extensions and new cemeteries.

 

RESOLVED –That having read the comments of the Acting Director of City Development, to approve the Board’s final report and recommendations as originally proposed for consideration by the Executive Board in accordance with the agreed procedures. 

 

(Councillors P Grahame and G Harper left the meeting at 1.50pm during discussions of the above item)

 

 

130.

Request for Scrutiny of the Events Section, City Development Directorate pdf icon PDF 61 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on a request for scrutiny of the Events Section of the City Development Directorate.

Minutes:

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on a request for scrutiny of the Events Section of the City Development Directorate.

 

The following representatives were in attendance and responded to Board Members’ queries and comments:-

 

Paul Stephens, Chief Economic Development Officer, City Development

Mark Turnbull, Head of Property, Finance and Technology, Chief Executive’s Department

 

Board Members commented on a number of issues including:-

·  advice from the legal officer concerning exempt information 

·  the need for the Board to consider whether there were any failings by the department in implementing recommendations of an Internal Audit report published in November 2010

·  the need to discuss any weaknesses identified in the process and procedures and not individuals

·  clarification as to whether Internal Audit report recommendations were monitored or tracked by audit once the report was issued to a  Director

 

RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That request for scrutiny of the Events Section of the City Development Directorate be approved.

c)  That the Acting Director of City Development be requested to submit a report to this Board on 5th April 2011 which sets out the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the internal audit report

and attaches a copy of the internal audit report.

 

 

131.

Work Programme, Executive Board Minutes and Forward Plan of Key Decisions pdf icon PDF 53 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on the Board’s work programme, together with a copy of the latest Executive Board minutes and the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report providing Members with a copy of the Board’s current Work Programme. The Executive Board minutes of 11th February 2011, together with the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1st March 2011 to 30th June 2011 were also attached to the report.

 

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

b)  That the Executive Board minutes of 11th February 2011, together with the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1st  March 2011 to 30th June 2011 be noted.

c)  That the Board’s Principal Scrutiny Adviser be requested to update the work programme in accordance with the decisions taken at today’s meeting.

 

132.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

To note that the next meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday 5th April 2011at 10.00 am with a pre meeting for Board Members at 9.30 am.

Minutes:

Tuesday 5th April 2011 at 10.00am (Pre meeting for Board Members at 9.30am)

 

 

 

(The meeting concluded at 2.10pm)