Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Atha, Dunn and Harington.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 March 2009

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 March 2009, be confirmed as a correct record.

Minute No. 67 – Sustainable Communities Act

Members were reminded that any responses regarding the Sustainable Communities Act should be submitted to the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development no later than 15 May 2009.

Minute No.65 – Skills Inquiry

Concern regarding the proposed curriculum for the new city college and the implications for current school leavers and what the future skills offer would be.  It was reported that the new curriculum would be in place by 2010 and clarity on the current position would be sought.

Minute No.66 – Marketing Leeds Agreement 2009/10

Further concern was expressed regarding the strength of the Key Performance Indicators referred to in the Marketing Leeds Agreement.

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.

Councillor Shelbrooke declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7, Skills Inquiry, due to his employment with the University of Leeds.  Minute No. 74 refers.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report regarding the Board’s Inquiry into Skills.  The report reminded Members that this meeting had been rescheduled to allow the attendance of the Leader of the Council, Councillor Andrew Carter to discuss issues relating to skills.  The report also detailed previous discussion regarding the Skills Inquiry.

The Chair welcomed the following to the meeting:

• Councillor Andrew Carter – Leader of the Council
• Paul Stephens – Chief Economic Services Officer, City Development
• Rob Norreys – Head of Regional Policy, Planning, Policy and Improvement

In response to Members questions and comments, the following issues were discussed:

• How Elected Members could be involved at a local level,  and feedback and scrutiny of how the skills agenda was been managed at the City Regions level.  It was reported that information was available on the Leeds City Region website and an interactive section could be introduced for Elected Members.
• How Leeds City Council could be structured to ensure accountability in relation to skills and how Elected Members could help people get skilled.

• The Board was given a brief outline of the structure of the Leeds City Region and its various Boards and Panels, including the Skills and Market Labour Panel.  It was further reported that there was further information on the Leeds City Region Website.
• The Leeds Innovation Hub and work with the University of Leeds.
• Focus on the financial sector – whilst it was acknowledged there had previously been a focus on the financial sector in Leeds, there were still other strength areas such as healthcare and teaching.  There was an identified need to address skills for innovation for when the economy improved.
• The role of Leeds Chamber and the Leeds Skills Board.  The Skills Board was private sector led.  It was suggested that the Board could seek representations from the Leeds Chamber.
• Recent impact on skills provision in Leeds including changes to 6^th form funding and the college merger and associated capital programme.
• The recent government decision to make Leeds City Region a pilot region with more control over spending on the skills programme.
• It was likely that there would be less unskilled employment opportunities in the future.
• Developing strategy to align skills and employment opportunities.
• Members were reminded of Stephen Houghton’s report which referred to skills across the region and of an accompanying presentation to the report.  It was suggested that this presentation be made available to all Members of the Council.

RESOLVED – That the report and discussion be noted.

Tuesday, 12 May 2009 at 10.00 a.m. (Pre-meeting for all Board Members at 9.30 a.m.)

Tuesday, 12 May 2009 at 10.00 a.m. (Pre-meeting for all Board Members at 09.30 a.m.)