Agenda and minutes

Under the provisions of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.2.6, Councillors B Anderson was invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillor A Carter, who had submitted his apologies for absence from the meeting.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED –  That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as exempt  on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt from publication on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

(A)  That appendix B to the report entitled, ‘Capital Receipt Programme Update’, referred to in Minute No. 113 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and considered in private on the grounds that the information contained within that appendix contains information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council. It is considered that the release of such information would, or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to property transactions. It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time;

(B)  That appendix 3 to the report entitled, ‘Development of the Kirklands Autism Project’ referred to in Minute No. 114 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and considered in private on the grounds that the information contained within that appendix contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). Specifically, the appendix contains commercially sensitive information which if disclosed could prejudice any future land disposal the Council may propose. Therefore, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of the appendix as being exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information;

(C)That appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘District Heating Update: Investment Plans and Renewal of Local Development Order’ referred to in Minute No. 119 be designated as being exempt from publication in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and considered in private on the grounds that the information contained within that appendix contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). Specifically, the appendix contains detailed pricing information underpinning the Council’s heat sales business case, which if disclosed could damage the commercial interests of the Council. Disclosure of this information would seriously harm the Council’s negotiating position when discussing heat sales with potential customers. Therefore, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of appendix 1 as being exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Supplementary Information – Agenda Item 7A – 2022/23 Revenue Budget and Council Tax Report

With the agreement of the Chair, prior to the meeting Board Members had been provided with a slightly revised set of recommendations in respect of this report. Specifically, it was brought to Members’ attention that the final bullet point within recommendation (iv) of the published report was to be amended so that the text (‘An increase of 1.5% (CPI+1%) in dwelling rents’) was removed from that recommendation. (Minute No. 111(A) refers).

Supplementary Information – Agenda Item 16 – Leeds Safer Roads Vision Zero: Draft for Consultation

With the agreement of the Chair, prior to the meeting Board Members had been provided with supplementary information in the form of an updated version of appendix 1, which was the proposed draft strategy for consultation purposes, which had been revised to incorporate graphic design work. In addition, the Board was also in receipt of the Inquiry report of the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth) entitled, ‘Preventing People being Killed or Seriously Injured on Roads in Leeds’ for Members’ for consideration as part of that item. (Minute No. 120 refers).

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

There were no interests declared at the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th December 2021.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th December 2021 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources seeking the Board’s endorsement of the final proposals for the Best City Ambition and agreement to refer these to Council for consideration and formal adoption following the public and stakeholder consultation exercise which has taken place.

Further to Minute No. 93, 15^th December 2021, the Director of Resources submitted a report which sought the Board’s endorsement of the final proposals for the Best City Ambition and agreement to refer these to Council for consideration and formal adoption following the public and stakeholder consultation exercise which had taken place.

In introducing the report, the Leader emphasised how the Ambition looked to continue to develop collaborative working with partner organisations and local communities across Leeds in order to achieve a range of objectives for the city and to build upon the partnership approach which was adopted in Leeds in response to the pandemic.

Responding to a Member’s comments, the Board acknowledged the importance of ensuring that public facing documents and communications for the Best City Ambition were in a format that was easily accessible and understood.

Also, in response to an enquiry, the Board received further information regarding proposals on how performance against the Ambition’s objectives would be measured, with it being noted that there was an intention for performance data to be made available on a regular basis and that there would be the ability to present it at a more localised geographical level. In addition, it was highlighted that any tracking of performance data would need to align with any requirements which were developed nationally, such as those referenced within the Government’s recently announced Levelling Up White Paper.

A Member emphasised how the Ambition and the performance data it generated needed to be used to inform local decision making and to help maximise the inclusivity of such decision making.

In conclusion, it was highlighted that the proposals reflected a radically new approach, and that in acknowledging the comments made, the approach being taken may need to be adjusted as the Ambition developed in order to ensure that it remained meaningful and effective.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Best City Ambition proposals, as attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted, together with the composite Scrutiny Board response, as detailed at Appendix 4;

(b)  That it be noted that further development and graphic design work, which may include amendments to wording, will take place prior to publication of the Best City Ambition around 1 April 2022;

(c)  That full Council be recommended to adopt the Best City Ambition, as detailed within the submitted report;

(d)  That it be noted that the Director of Resources will be responsible for the next steps as outlined within paragraphs 10 to 18 of the submitted report, together with the new organisational strategy, as outlined in paragraph 17, which will be received by Executive Board later this year.

(The resolutions referred to within this Minute, given that they were decisions being made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, were not eligible for Call In, as Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 5.1.2 states that the power to Call In decisions does not extend to those decisions made in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

a)  2022/23 Revenue Budget and Council Tax

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2022/2023 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied in 2022/2023. 

b)  Capital Programme Update 2022 – 2026

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) on the Capital Programme for the period 2022 – 2026 and which also includes a specific update on the 2021/22 programme.

c)  Treasury Management Strategy 2022/2023

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting the Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23, whilst also providing an update on the implementation of the 2021/22 strategy.

Further to Minute No. 92, 15^th December 2021, the Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a suite of reports regarding: proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2022/23 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied during the same period; proposals regarding an updated Capital Programme for 2022 – 2026 and also a proposed updated Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23.

(A)2022/23 Revenue Budget and Council Tax

Prior to the meeting, the Board had received a correction to a recommendation within the report. Specifically, that the final bullet point within recommendation (iv) of the published report was to be amended so that the text ‘An increase of 1.5% (CPI+1%) in dwelling rents’, as included within the originally published report was removed from that recommendation.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Council be recommended to note the recommendation of the Council’s statutory officer (the Chief Officer – Financial Services) that the Budget proposals for 2022/23 are robust and that the proposed level of reserves is adequate, as set out at Section 11 of Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(b)  That subject to the amendment to the final bullet point in recommendation (iv) as detailed above and reflected in resolution (iv) below, Executive Board recommends to Council the adoption of the following:-

(i)  That the revenue budget for 2022/23 totalling £521.9m be approved. This means that the Leeds element of council tax for 2022/23 will increase by 1.99% plus the Adult Social Care precept of 1.00%. This excludes the police and fire precepts which will be incorporated into the report to be submitted to Council on 23rd February 2022;

(ii)  That approval be given to grants totalling £66.0k to be allocated to parishes;

(iii)  That approval be given to the strategy at Appendix 9 of the submitted report in respect of the flexible use of capital receipts;

(iv)  That in respect of the Housing Revenue Account, Council be recommended to approve the budget with the following:-

·  An increase of 4.1% (CPI+1%) in dwelling rents;

·  An increase of 4.9% (RPI) in garage rent;

·  A 35p per week change in the standing charge for Leeds PIPES (Providing Innovative Pro-Environmental Solutions) as the final step towards full cost recovery where tenants have moved from an old district heating scheme to the Leeds PIPES scheme;

·  A 4.9% (RPI) increase in charges for all other District Heating schemes;

·  That service charges for low/medium and multi-storey flats are increased by RPI of 4.9%;

·  That the charge for tenants who benefit from the sheltered support service is increased to £15.62 per week to reflect full cost recovery. The charge is eligible for Housing Benefit;

·  That the subsidy for tenants who are not eligible for benefits but receive the sheltered support service is set at £1.62 per week; therefore the amount payable by these tenants will increase from £12 per week to £14 per week;

·  That the Retirement Life charge for the provision of additional services linked to communal areas and for communal facilities where  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Financial Services) presenting information on the financial health of the Authority in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account, as at the end of December (Month 9) of the current financial year.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report presenting information on the financial health of the Authority in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account, as at the end of December (Month 9) of the current financial year.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with an update regarding the work undertaken and the dialogue that continued with NHS partners in relation to NHS contributions towards the placements budget in Children and Families. More generally, emphasis was placed upon the critical importance of ensuring that effective relationships were in place with health partners, with reference being made to how such matters linked to the Government’s recently announced Integration White Paper and also the Integrated Care Partnership approach.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the Authority as at the end of December 2021 (Month 9 of the current financial year), together with the projected impact of COVID-19 on that position, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that for 2021/22 the Authority is forecasting an overspend of £0.472m, as at the end of December 2021;

(c)  That it be noted that the position as reported does not reflect the potential effects of any further local or national lockdown arrangements on these financial projections.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which presents an overview of the Council’s Capital Receipt programme, provides an update following the last report in February 2021 and which seeks approval of the withdrawal of specific properties from the programme, as detailed.

(Please note that Appendix B to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

Further to Minute No.119, 10^th February 2021, the Director of City Development submitted a report which presented an overview of the Council’s Capital Receipt programme, provided an update following the last report in February 2021 and which sought approval of the withdrawal of specific properties from the programme, as detailed.

In considering the report, a Member welcomed the fact that in appropriate circumstances, properties could be removed from the surplus schedule when an alternative use can be found. A Member also welcomed the holistic approach which had been taken by officers in respect of asset management within his Ward, an approach which he encouraged be taken in all Wards citywide.

Following consideration of Appendix B to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report providing an update on the Capital Receipts Programme, be agreed and approved; and that the schedule of properties outlined in Appendix A also be agreed and approved as the Council’s Capital Receipts Programme of surplus properties for disposal;

(b)  That previous Key Decisions which have been taken in relation to the disposal of assets, as set out at paragraph 4 of the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That the progress made and the successes achieved since Executive Board considered the last report on 10 February 2021, be noted;

(d)  That the withdrawal of properties from the Capital Receipt Programme, as set out in Appendices A and B to the submitted report, be approved, which will be implemented by the Director of City Development;

(e)  That it be noted that a further report will be submitted later in the year relating to the Capital Receipts Programme.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health which provides details of a proposed scheme to build a residential care home for adults with severe learning disabilities and autism who display behaviours which challenge, on the site of the former Kirkland House care home in North West Leeds.

(Please note that Appendix 3 to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report which provided details of a proposed scheme to build a residential care home for adults with severe learning disabilities and autism who display behaviours which challenge, on the site of the former Kirkland House care home in North West Leeds.

In considering the submitted report, it was confirmed that the Councillors for Guiseley and Rawdon Ward, where the site was located, were in support of the proposals, with it being noted that the Ward Councillors had requested that they continue to be kept informed of developments as the project progressed.

Following consideration of Appendix 3 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report together with the progress which has been made so far on the Kirklands Autism Project, be noted;

(b)  That the change of site from the former Burley Willows care home to the former Kirkland House site in Yeadon to deliver a stand-alone six-bed residential care scheme, be approved, and that should the scheme not be progressed, then the former Kirkland House site would fall back into the capital receipts programme;

(c)  That the commitment to return in Autumn 2022 with a joint paper from the Directors of City Development and Adults and Health in order to update the Board following completion of a tender exercise to procure a Design partner, in line with the Council’s Estate Management Review process, be noted; with it also being noted that this will take place in the summer of 2022 and the purpose of that paper will be to request authority to proceed to the build stage of procurement and will also include a detailed cost plan;

(d)  That approval be given for the Director of City Development to progress the scheme to design freeze and planning submission;

(e)  That the contents of the submitted report together with its appendices, including exempt appendix 3, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment outlining a programme of work that looks to further improve the support provided to Leeds residents to legally and responsibly dispose of their household waste and unwanted items.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report which outlined a programme of work that looked to further improve the support provided to Leeds residents to legally and responsibly dispose of their household waste and unwanted items.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member summarised the range of actions which were proposed and the context in which they were being brought forward. Specific reference included the proposal to remove bulky item collection charges and increase the number of citywide bulky item collections by 20%; the establishment of a Serious Environmental Crime Team; increasing the amount of free disposal allowed for landlords who were accredited to the Leeds Rental Scheme and the suspension of the decision to reduce the opening days for the Otley Ellar Ghyll Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Members welcomed the proposals within the report.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding whether there would be an annual limit on the number of times residents could use the bulky item collection service free of charge, it was noted that further work would be undertaken to ensure that a balanced approach was taken in this area. Also, in noting the proposed expansion of capacity in this service, responding to an enquiry it was highlighted that the levels of demand would be closely monitored, with the approach being reviewed should issues be identified.

With regard to the issue of fly tipping on private land, whilst it was emphasised that such issues were the responsibility of the landowner, officers undertook to work with local Ward Members in instances where problems arose.

Members further discussed the issue of fly tipping and the provisions which were already in place or proposed for the responsible disposal of inert waste, together with the approach being taken to deter and take enforcement action against environmental crimes.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the programme of actions, as set out within the submitted report, be approved, which will be implemented by the Chief Officer (Environmental Services) within existing available resources, with the exception of resolution (b) below;

(b)  That further to resolution (a) above, it be noted that the action relating to bulky item collection charges and expansion of capacity to increase collections is subject to formal agreement of the related budget proposal by Members of Full Council.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which seeks approval of the Leeds City Council admission arrangements (admission policy) for September 2023. The admission policy applies to all Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools in the city.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which sought approval of the Leeds City Council admission arrangements (admission policy) for September 2023, with the report highlighting that the admission policy applied to all Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools in the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in determining the school admissions arrangements for the academic year 2023/24, the admissions policies for the Leeds Community and Voluntary Controlled Primary and Secondary schools (as detailed at Appendices A, B, & C of the submitted report), be approved;

(b)  That the necessary authority be provided to the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service to enable that officer to take any actions should there be a need to revise these arrangements after they have been determined, where this revision is necessary to give effect to a mandatory requirement of the Admission Code, admissions law, a determination of the Schools Adjudicator or any misprint in the admission arrangements, under regulation 19 of the School Admissions Regulations 2012;

(c)  That the following be noted:-

(i)  The Coordinated scheme for admissions arrangements for entry in September 2023 (as detailed in Appendix D to the submitted report);

(ii)  That the officer responsible for this work is the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service;

(iii)  That the statutory date for implementation (i.e. determination of the policies) is no later than 28 February 2022, with the arrangements being published by 15 March 2022.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which describes a two-part consultation on a proposal brought forward by the Governing Body of Wetherby High School, working in partnership with Leeds City Council, to lower the age range of the school from 11-18 years to 11-16 years with effect from September 2022, thereby formally closing the sixth form on a permanent basis. The report summarises the representations received during the informal and statutory notice periods and seeks a final decision in respect of the proposal. 

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which described a two-part consultation on a proposal brought forward by the Governing Body of Wetherby High School, working in partnership with Leeds City Council, to lower the age range of the school from 11-18 years to 11-16 years with effect from September 2022, thereby formally closing the sixth form on a permanent basis. The report summarised the representations received during the informal and statutory notice periods and sought a final decision in respect of the proposal.

In considering the report it was confirmed that the Wetherby Ward Councillors were supportive of the proposal and had been fully consulted on such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to lower the age range of Wetherby High School from 11-18 years to 11-16 years with effect from September 2022, be approved;

(b)  That the recommendation to exempt the resolutions within this minute from the Call In process for the reasons as set out in paragraph 18 of the submitted report, be approved; and

(c)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process by the decision taker if it is considered that the matter is urgent and any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with this, the resolutions contained within this minute were exempted from the Call In process, as per resolution (b) above, and for the reasons as detailed within section 18 of the submitted report)

To consider the report of the Director of Resources on the annual review of the work undertaken in response to the declaration of a Climate Emergency made by Leeds City Council in March 2019. The report also seeks adoption of an Energy Strategy and Action Plan and consideration of a range of other actions which support the Council’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon from its activities.

The Director of Resources submitted the annual report which reviewed the work undertaken in response to the declaration of a Climate Emergency made by Leeds City Council in March 2019. In addition, the report also sought the adoption of an Energy Strategy and Action Plan and invited consideration of a range of other actions which support the Council’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon from its activities.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member extended her thanks to the Chief Officer (Sustainable Energy and Air Quality) and her team, together with the members of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee for their continued commitment and work in this area.

Responding to a Member’s comments on the importance of ensuring that an effective communications strategy was in place so that residents were informed about the approach being taken towards achieving established targets, the Board was provided with further information on the range of actions being taken in this area.

Members also discussed the actions being taken alongside partner organisations to encourage and explore the range of options available to further develop energy generation within Leeds via renewable energy sources. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the adoption of the energy strategy and action plan for the Council, as detailed within appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the procurement of new contracts or a single contract (including authority to spend) for the ongoing supply of gas and electricity to the Council to follow on from the planned expiry of the existing contracts on 31st March 2024, be approved;

(c)  That the procurement of a medium to long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with a renewable energy generator for the purchase of up to 65% of the Council’s current electricity demand as part of the Council’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon from its activities, be approved;

(d)  That approval be given to commit to delivering 10% of the Council’s electricity demand through locally based renewables generation by 2025/26;

(e)  That the intention to bring an amended energy purchasing strategy to Executive Board in March 2022 for approval, be noted;

(f)  That the intention to develop design guidance for the Council’s new build programme to support the Council’s net zero target, be noted;

(g)  That the adoption of a new electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy and action plan, as detailed within appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved;

(h)  That the intention to bring a net zero housing plan, a food strategy and a resilience & adaptation plan to Executive Board in 2022, be noted.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Resources and the Director of City Development which provides an update on the progress of the District Heating Network and sets out new opportunities to extend the network and to connect more customers, supporting the Council’s net zero ambition for the city as well as helping to further improve the financial position of the network. The report also provides an update on how national policy is developing and seeks approval to renew the Local Development Order to enable efficient continued development of the network.

(Please note that Appendix 1 to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

Further to Minute No. 34, 21^st July 2021, the Director of Resources and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which provided an update on the progress of the District Heating Network and which set out new opportunities to extend the network and to connect more customers, supporting the Council’s net zero ambition for the city as well as helping to further improve the financial position of the network. The report also provided an update on how national policy was developing and sought approval to renew the Local Development Order to enable efficient continued development of the network.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member extended her thanks to the Chief Officer (Sustainable Energy and Air Quality) and her team for their continued work in this area to progress the District Heating programme to its current position, with the importance of the scheme as part of the city’s future development and sustainability being highlighted.

Members welcomed the measured approach which had been taken towards the development of the District Heating scheme.

Responding to an enquiry about how a greater number of users could potentially benefit from the scheme and in relation to comments about the need to continue to explore the range of options available for energy generation via renewable sources, the Board received further detail on the ongoing work in this area, with reference being made to the forthcoming national approach being taken towards District Heating Zoning Policy, in which Leeds was acting as a pilot city.

Members also welcomed the work which had been undertaken to date on the decarbonising of Council housing, with it being noted that the expansion of that initiative would be welcomed, as resource and the securing of further funding permitted. 

Following consideration of Appendix 1 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That subject to Heat Network Investment Programme (HNIP) funding being secured, approval be given to the injection of £7.188m into the Capital Programme, funded through £3.863m of supported prudential borrowing; £2.875m of grant from the Government’s HNIP and £0.45m of match funding; with approval also being given for the related Authority to Spend of the entirety in order to enable the delivery of the Phase 3 of the District Heating Network;

(b)  That the necessary authority to award contracts to Vital Energi Utilities Limited and to procure a NEC3 Project Manager to enable these works to be delivered, be approved;

(c)  That given resolution (a) above is subject to the approval of the HNIP grant from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Resources in order to enable the Director to conclude negotiations, including minor variations within the framework agreed at Executive Board, in consultation with the S151 officer;

(d)  That the necessary authority  ...  view the full minutes text for item 119.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides an overview of the draft Leeds Safer Roads Vision Zero 2040 Strategy and details the work towards achieving the ambition ‘to ensure that by 2040 no one is killed or seriously injured on the roads in Leeds’.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an overview of the draft Leeds Safer Roads Vision Zero 2040 Strategy, detailed the work towards achieving the ambition ‘to ensure that by 2040 no one is killed or seriously injured on the roads in Leeds’ and sought agreement to undertake a public consultation exercise on the draft strategy.

Prior to the meeting Board Members had been provided with supplementary information in the form of an updated version of appendix 1, which was the proposed draft strategy for consultation purposes, which had been revised to incorporate graphic design work. In addition, the Board was also in receipt of the Inquiry report of the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth) entitled, ‘Preventing People being Killed or Seriously Injured on Roads in Leeds’.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member acknowledged and extended her thanks to the Scrutiny Board for the work which had been undertaken in this area, which included the Inquiry report as provided to Executive Board for its consideration as part of this item.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the possibility of gaining Elected Member representation on the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, it was undertaken that this matter would be raised with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

In response to a Member’s enquiry about the levels of public awareness in relation to the recent updates made to the Highway Code, it was undertaken that consideration would be given to this, with a view to the Council making arrangements for such matters to be publicised.

Responding to a Member’s comments regarding the need for further related work to be undertaken in respect of safety on residential streets, parking enforcement and accessibility of pavements, the comments made were acknowledged and it was highlighted that the approach towards the 2040 Vision Zero ambition and the wider work and engagement with the public and partners to progress safety on the highways more generally would continue to develop and evolve.

In conclusion, it was noted that the consideration of the submitted report and the establishment of the Vision Zero initiative marked a significant change in approach for the Authority in terms of road safety, with it being noted that Leeds would be at the forefront of this new approach.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the updated draft Leeds Safer Roads Vision Zero 2040 Strategy document, which was provided to Board Members prior to the meeting as an updated version of Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That a minimum eight-week public consultation and engagement exercise following Executive Board commencing late February / early March 2022 to help inform the final strategy and initial action plan, be approved;

(c)  That agreement be given for the Director of City Development alongside the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation to lead on the development of the Leeds Safer Roads Vision Zero 2040 Strategy and who will report back to Executive Board in Summer 2022 following public consultation with a final strategy;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the development of a funding bid for circa £2.4 million for consideration by West Yorkshire Combined Authority to implement a docked, public electric bike hire scheme in Leeds. The report sets out the benefits that the scheme can bring to Leeds and how it can support the aspiration to address inclusive growth, health and well-being and the climate emergency by providing people who travel within Leeds with an opportunity to access e-bikes and to use those bikes as an alternative to other modes of travel particularly for short distance trips. The report also outlines the key financial risks and how they would be managed.

The Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the development of a funding bid for circa £2.4 million for consideration by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to implement a docked, public electric bike hire scheme in Leeds. The report set out the benefits that the scheme could bring to Leeds and how it could support the aspiration to address inclusive growth, health and wellbeing and the climate emergency by providing people who travel within Leeds with an opportunity to access e-bikes and to use those bikes as an alternative to other modes of travel, particularly for short distances. The report also outlined the key financial risks and how they would be managed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to introduce a docked, electric bike (e-bike) hire scheme be supported, which includes the approach towards the design, delivery and operation of the scheme, as detailed within the submitted report;

(b)  That subject to WYCA allocating capital funding for the project, approval be given for the Council to commence procurement to secure a commercial partner to deliver and operate the scheme;

(c)  That the proposed approach towards mitigating any financial revenue shortfall, as detailed within the submitted report, be endorsed;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation will be responsible for the implementation of this scheme.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY 2022

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 18TH FEBRUARY

2022