Agenda and minutes

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.

There was no information contained within the agenda which was designated as being exempt from publication.

There were no late items of business submitted to the Board for consideration.

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 21^st June 2023.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21^st June 2023 be approved as a correct record, subject to a matter of accuracy raised by Cllr Lamb, which was noted and with an undertaking being provided that this would be followed up. Specifically, the matter of accuracy related to a bullet point within Minute No. 6 (Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2021/23) regarding the role of the Independent Scrutineer: ‘clarification was provided that the intention was for the partnership to continue to have an ‘independent scrutineer’ in place which would follow on from the role of the Independent Chair of the LSCP, with it being noted that the recruitment process for the new ‘scrutineer’ was underway’.

Referencing resolution (c) of Minute No. 8, 21 June 2023 (Report to Consider a Council Resolution agreed at a Meeting of Full Council on 22 March 2023) which states ‘That it be noted and endorsed that the Council is committed to continuing the current model of independent oversight, by having a role of Independent Scrutineer’, Cllr Lamb highlighted that the decision of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) Executive had been brought to his attention that moving forward the Independent Scrutineer would no longer chair the LSCP and the Review Advisory Group. Cllr Lamb raised a number of concerns. In doing so he highlighted that he deemed this to be a significant change to the model, a downgrading of that role, with a number of implications arising. He also noted that he had not been kept informed. Further to this, Cllr Lamb sought and received legal advice in relation to the matters discussed.

In response to the points raised, the Board discussed whether or not this signified a change to the current model of independent oversight when considering the role of the Independent Scrutineer, whether or not it could be argued that it marked a downgrading of that role and received further information regarding the process by which the current position had been reached. As part of that discussion, assurances were provided to the concerns raised, with the Director of Children and Families emphasising that this did not signify a change to the model. The Executive Member for Children Social Care and Health Partnerships provided assurance to the Board that this did not signify a downgrading of the role.

Separately, responding to an enquiry regarding Elected Member representation on related Outside Bodies, the Board received an update on such matters, with it being noted that the Executive Member (Children Social Care and Health Partnerships) continued to sit upon the Leeds Children and Young People’s Partnership.

Also in response to an enquiry, clarification was provided regarding the involvement of the Executive Member (Children Social Care and Health Partnerships) on the recruitment panel for the Independent Scrutineer, with it being noted that the Executive Member had been invited to be involved in that process by the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership Executive, in her capacity as the Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To consider a report which presents the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health for 2022 entitled, “In Our Shoes”. This report fulfils the Director of Public Health’s requirement to publish a report annually describing the health of the population in Leeds and making recommendations to improve health. 

The Director of Public Health submitted her Annual Report for 2022 entitled, “In Our Shoes”, which fulfilled the requirement of the Director to publish a report annually describing the health of the population in Leeds and which makes recommendations regarding the improvement of health in the city. It was noted that this report focussed upon the current state of children and young people’s health in Leeds, exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives, and which spanned the period from when the first COVID-19 cases were identified to the ongoing impact upon children’s health that continues to be experienced and responded to.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted that this was the Director’s first publication of an annual report following the pandemic, and that the report had been recognised nationally as an example of best practice by the Association of Directors of Public Health.

Members welcomed the report and particularly highlighted the focus to directly involve children, young people and their families, with a suggestion that the approach to involve young people in similar publications continued moving forward.

In considering the report, the Board received further detail on the general trends regarding the health of young people across Leeds, with the crucial work which continued in this area by the Council and its partners being highlighted.

In conclusion, the Director was thanked for the submission of the report, with thanks also being extended to the Council and its range of partners for the services that continued to be provided in this area throughout the pandemic to the present day.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report for 2022, entitled, ‘In Our Shoes’, as appended to the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the recommendations of the Director’s Annual Report, as set out below, be supported:-

(1)  All partners in Leeds to ensure the voices of children and young people are central to all work planned, taking into account the Child Friendly Leeds twelve wishes.

(2)  Leeds City Council and partners to work to ensure children are kept safe with a focus on:

· Prevention of harm;

· Parenting support;

· Early help;

· Reducing domestic violence.

(3)  Leeds City Council, the Leeds Office of the West Yorkshire NHS Integrated Care Board, and partners to continue to prioritise work to improve and protect children’s mental health. This will be delivered through the:

· Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan;

· Prevention workstream of the Future in Mind strategy.

(4)  Leeds City Council to build on the success of existing support to parental mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on the development of family hubs.

(5)  Leeds City Council to work with partners to continue to deliver a programme of work to protect and improve children’s physical health. This will focus on:

· Implementing the recommendations from the play sufficiency research;

· Increasing physical activity opportunities;

· Increasing access to healthy food;

· Implementing the child healthy weight plan.

(6)  Leeds City Council to ensure that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health which provides an update on the implementation of the changes to the Leeds City Council Charging Policy for non-residential Adult Social Care, as agreed by Executive Board on 15th December 2021 and which came into effect in April 2022.

Further to Minute No. 67, 19 October 2022, the Director of Adults and Health submitted a report which provided a further update on the implementation of the changes to the Leeds City Council Charging Policy for non-residential Adult Social Care, as agreed by Executive Board on 15th December 2021 and which came into effect in April 2022.

In considering the report the Board received an overview of the key points arising from the changes to the charging policy.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board received further detail on the processes in place to monitor the impact of the changes made upon service users, with it being highlighted that there was no evidence to suggest that services were not being taken up as a result of this change, as both demand and take up continued to increase. It was also noted that there was an element of discretion to the policy and that individual needs and financial circumstances would be taken into consideration, as appropriate.

Responding to a request, it was undertaken that a further update on whether there had been any impact on demand for services due to the changes in the policy would be submitted in 12 months’ time for Board Members’ consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the successful implementation of the changes to the Charging Policy, as approved by Executive Board on December 15th, 2021 and as outlined within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the impacts upon affected service users, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That it be noted that the revised expectation for potential income / savings achieved by both changes within a full year is £3,221,848;

(d)  That a further update on whether there has been any impact on demand for services due to the changes in the policy be submitted in 12 months’ time for Board Members’ consideration.

To consider the report of the Director of Public Health outlining the progress made in Leeds to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The report highlights that Leeds has become a ‘Fast-Track City’ declaring its commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, and seeks the Board’s support for a number of related actions to help progress this agenda.

The Director of Public Health submitted a report outlining the progress being made in Leeds to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the report specifically highlighting that Leeds has become a ‘Fast-Track City’ and as such has declared its commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. The report set out the range of work being undertaken as part of the Fast-Track City initiative and related to this the Board’s support was sought for a number of related actions to help progress this agenda.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted the key ambitions and priorities of the Fast-Track City initiative.

The Board welcomed the submitted report and recommendations within it.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be acknowledged that Leeds has become a ‘Fast Track City’ for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Tuberculosis (TB);

(b)  That the development of the ‘Leeds: Getting to Zero’ Action Plan, be supported;

(c)  That a reduction in stigma and misinformation by the promotion of information, education, and opportunities for HIV, Hepatitis and TB testing within communities, be actively supported.

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health presenting an overview of the work undertaken to develop a refreshed Leeds Health and Wellbeing Strategy – a strategy which looks to provide the framework for improving health and for making Leeds the best city for health and wellbeing. The report seeks the Board’s endorsement of the refreshed Strategy detailed at Appendix 1, which is first scheduled to be submitted to the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board for agreement on 20th July 2023.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report presenting an overview of the work undertaken to develop a refreshed Leeds Health and Wellbeing Strategy – a strategy which looked to provide the framework for making Leeds the best city for health and wellbeing, and which would run up to 2030. Specifically, the report sought the Board’s endorsement of the refreshed Strategy, as detailed at Appendix 1.

By way of introduction to the report, the Executive Member highlighted how the report attempted to strike the correct balance between being aspirational whilst also reflecting the day-to-day reality which people faced. The significant consultation undertaken as part of the development of the refreshed strategy was highlighted. The Executive Member advised the Board that the refreshed strategy had been approved by the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board on 20th July 2023 and was being submitted to Executive Board for subsequent endorsement.

Responding to enquiries, the Board received further information on the key outcomes from the previous Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and whilst a number of outcomes were referenced, the creation of the ‘Team Leeds’ approach was specifically identified.

Also, responding to a concern raised about the Board being asked to endorse the refreshed strategy without the associated performance metrics, Members received an update on the work which continued in this area and the approach being taken, with it being noted that the intention was to submit further information to the Board on this in October. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the engagement and work which has been undertaken with partners as part of the development of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy refresh, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the Health and Wellbeing Strategy refresh, as attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed;

(c)  That the next steps, as outlined within the submitted report regarding the finalisation and delivery of the Strategy, including developing a graphically designed version alongside an accessible version, be noted.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer, Financial Services presenting the Council’s projected 2023/24 financial position in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account following the first quarter of the financial year. Also, the report sets out the updated Capital Programme for 2023-2028, and seeks approval regarding injections into the Capital Programme.

The Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a report presenting the Council’s projected 2023/24 financial position in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and the Housing Revenue Account following the first quarter of the financial year. Also, the report set out the updated Capital Programme for 2023-2028, as at Quarter 1 and which sought related approvals regarding injections into the Capital Programme.

The Executive Member highlighted the extremely challenging circumstances that continued to be faced and drew the Board’s attention to the forecasted overspend of £28.5m on the Authority’s General Fund as at Quarter 1 of the financial year. It was noted that whilst the Council would continue to take actions with the aim of achieving a balanced position by the end of the year, if this wasn’t achieved then the use of the Council’s reserves would be considered. The Executive Member also highlighted the currently projected position regarding the Capital Programme.

Members discussed the challenges that continued to be faced within the Children and Families directorate. Responding to a Member’s comments, the Board received an update on the actions being taken to mitigate the pressures that continued to be felt in Children and Families. It was acknowledged that such pressures were being experienced across the sector, with increasing demand for services continuing to be a major contributor. Whilst action would continue to mitigate the pressures in Leeds, it was highlighted that continued representations to Government were needed.

Further to the actions being taken in Children and Families, it was acknowledged that a cross-directorate approach needed to continue, with it being noted that the intention was to submit further details on such matters to the Board in September and October.

Responding to an enquiry regarding the non-demand led costs in Children and Families, the Board received an update on the actions being taken to mitigate pressures in this area also.

In conclusion, the arrangements in place for the Board to regularly monitor the Council’s financial position was highlighted alongside the established Scrutiny arrangements, with an offer to Cllr Lamb that further briefings can be provided to him outside of Board meetings, should this be required. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That with regard to Financial Health Monitoring 2023/24 – Quarter 1, as detailed at Appendix A to the submitted report:-

(i)  That it be noted that at Quarter 1 the Authority’s General Fund revenue budget is forecasting an overspend of £28.5m for 2023/24, which is comprised of directorate overspends of £27.4m and an overspend in Strategic of £1.1m;

(ii)  That it be noted that where an overspend is projected, directorates, including the Housing Revenue Account, are required to present action plans to mitigate their reported pressures in line with the Revenue Principles, as agreed by Executive Board in 2019;

(iii)  That the Council’s intention to continue the freeze on recruitment, agency and overtime spend and the freeze on non-essential spend, which were introduced in 2022/23, be noted;

(iv)  That it be noted that known inflationary increases and known impacts of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment which provides an update on the cost-of-living crisis, national policy interventions and the Council’s response. The report includes the Leeds cost-of-living dashboard detailing key data and analysis and sets out any new developments, their potential impact, and any additional responses required.

Further to Minute No. 130, 15 March 2023, the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report which provided an updated position on the cost-of-living situation in Leeds, and which reflected upon national policy interventions and the actions being taken by the Council and partners in response to such matters.

The Executive Member introduced the report highlighting the key aspects within it, which included an update on increased demand being faced across relevant services.  Thanks was extended to those officers and partner organisations involved in the provision of services in this area, with the Executive Member undertaking to provide further updates to the Board as appropriate.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, be noted; and that the approach being adopted, as detailed within the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director, Communities, Housing and Environment is responsible for overseeing and implementing any actions arising from the submitted report.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment and the Director of Strategy and Resources which presents for consideration and recommended approval the Council’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report for 2022 – 2023.

Further to Minute No. 115, 8 February 2023, the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment together with the Director of Strategy and Resources submitted a joint report introducing the Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Annual Report for 2022 – 2023. The report presented an update on the actions being taken and the progress being made in line with the Council’s Equality Improvement Priorities (2021-2025), together with the progress being made in relation to the priorities within the Vision and Action Plan for EDI, as approved by Executive Board earlier in the year.

The Executive Member highlighted the key points arising from the annual report and noted a number of findings for Leeds from the EDI overview of the 2021 census. In conclusion, the Executive Member thanked the Equalities team, Equalities Hubs, Staff Networks and the Elected Member Equalities Champions for the work that they continued to undertake in this area.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board received further information and context on the establishment of the ‘Freedom to Speak Up Guardian’ role, which it was noted was an initiative that had been previously implemented in the NHS. Alongside this, greater detail was also provided on the range of initiatives in place that were being undertaken across the Council, such as the ‘Be Your Best’ initiative, with it being noted that a report on such matters was intended to be submitted to a future Executive Board meeting.

Members also received an update on the recent Council staff survey, with it being noted that the intention was for the outcomes to be submitted to Scrutiny in September and subsequently to Executive Board.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2022 – 2023, as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment is responsible for the implementation of decisions made by Executive Board in respect of this report.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presenting the District Heating annual report (Leeds PIPES), which provides an update on progress made since the last report to Executive Board in November 2022; a review of the performance of the network over the past year; and forecasts the anticipated performance in 2023/24. The report also recommends some related approvals from the Board which aim to support the continued expansion of the network and regarding the application process for accreditation from the Heat Trust with regard to the Trust’s customer standard scheme.

Further to Minute No. 85, 23 November 2022, the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting the Leeds PIPES District Heating annual report which provided a review of the network’s performance over the past year and forecasted the anticipated performance in 2023/24. The report also recommended some related approvals from the Board which looked to support the continued expansion of the network and regarding the application process for accreditation from the Heat Trust with regard to the Trust’s customer standard scheme.

In considering the report and responding to enquiries, the Board received further information on the current position regarding the capacity of the network and work being undertaken which looked to increase capacity. The Board also received assurance around the actions being taken to mitigate any potential risks associated with the expansion of the network. Finally, it was noted that the network was on track to come into surplus. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the application to the Green Heat Network Fund for the next phase of extension for Leeds PIPES District Heating Network, be approved, with the balance to be met by borrowing; and with it being noted that a further report will be brought to Executive Board in 2024 seeking further approvals prior to the commencement of the works;

(b)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Chief Officer Financial Services, to enable the Chief Officer Financial Services to approve the funding of works to extend the network from Little Queen Street to Castle Street, with it being noted that a further report will be submitted to the Chief Officer Financial Services in relation to this decision;

(c)  That the financial performance of the network, as outlined within the submitted report, be noted;

(d)  That approval be given for the submission of an application to the Heat Trust for accreditation from its customer standard scheme by the end of summer 2023;

(e)  That the progress made to date by the Council and Central Government on Heat Network Zoning and Regulation legislation, be noted, with it also being noted that a further report will be submitted to Executive Board in 2024 outlining the strategic approach together with the decisions required to implement this locally;

(f)  That the underwriting of cash flow losses in Phase 3, up to a maximum value of £2m, in line with the approach taken for Phase 2, be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment following the adoption of a White Paper Motion, as agreed at the meeting of Full Council on 18 January 2023.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report following a White Paper Motion resolution of Full Council at its meeting on 18th January 2023 regarding Green Municipal Bonds / Community Mutual Investments. (Minute No. 76, meeting of Full Council, 18 January 2023 refers).

In presenting the report, the Executive Member acknowledged that although Municipal Bonds may have a role to play in engagement and raising awareness, the financial benefit from such an initiative would be limited when compared to the significant level of investment achieved by the Council to date in this area, with it being noted that the Council’s focus was on key areas which would look to accelerate the path to net zero. 

Responding to an enquiry, the Executive Member confirmed that Municipal Bonds was not an approach that the Council wished to take forward at present.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Council’s current plan to use a range of funding routes to fund a package of approved programmes that contribute to net zero (the reduction in carbon emissions and associated improvements in sustainability) in the city, be noted;

(b)  That the range of challenges to achieving net zero, which include financing, but also include a series of larger and more profound challenges and barriers, be noted;

(c)  That the review of green finance options for the Council, which include bonds or Community Mutual Investments (CMIs), as referenced in the White Paper Motion, be noted. That the aim of seeking stronger local and regional green financing from institutions and businesses, as well as individuals, and for the city as well as the Council, also be noted;

(d)  That the features of CMIs supporting net zero projects in other UK Authorities be noted, with it also being noted that a CMI approach may be something that the Council can take forward but that this will be based upon an alignment of financial borrowing and project type, which does not appear to be the position at present.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment which presents for consideration and recommneded approval the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023 – 2028, designed to provide a strategic direction and framework to achieve the city priority of reducing homelessness and rough sleeping.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy covering the period 2023 – 2028, which was designed to provide the Council and partner organisations with an updated strategic direction and framework to achieving the city priority of reducing homelessness and rough sleeping. The report noted that the strategy had been informed by the extensive consultation which had been undertaken.

In presenting the report the Executive Member highlighted the strategy’s 4 overarching ambitions and provided an overview of the actions which lay beneath those ambitions. The consultation undertaken in the development of the strategy was emphasised, with it being highlighted that the approach being taken was to ensure that the aims of the strategy were underpinned by positive engagement. Finally, the Board was invited to approve the strategy as presented, and the aims and priorities within it.

Responding to an enquiry the Board received further information regarding the measuring of the strategy’s outcomes and the data that would be used to target services as appropriate, with it being noted that the intention was to review outcomes after 6 months to evaluate the impact being made.

RESOLVED – That the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023 – 2028, as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 28^TH JULY 2023

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:   5.00 P.M., FRIDAY, 4^TH AUGUST 2023