Agenda and draft minutes

At the commencement of the meeting, the Chair highlighted that this was the first Executive Board meeting since Mariana Pexton’s recent appointment as the Council’s Interim Chief Executive and welcomed Mariana in her new role.

Also, the Chair noted that this would be the final Executive Board meeting attended by Martin Farrington, the Director of City Development, prior to his retirement. The Chair paid tribute to Martin for his efforts and achievements throughout his time at Leeds City Council.

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’.

Regarding the report entitled, ‘Leeds City Council’s Response to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Mass Rapid Transit Public Consultation’, Councillors Lamb and Lewis, in the interests of transparency, both respectively drew the Board’s attention to their positions on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board. However, both Members confirmed that it did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion at today’s meeting in their capacity as Executive Board Members (Agenda Item 18, Minute No. 51 refers).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 24^th July 2024.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24^th July 2024 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment which presents the annual update from the Safer Leeds Community Safety Partnership (Safer Leeds Executive) highlighting the progress being made on the shared priorities and key deliverable actions as included within the associated three-year plan established in 2021.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting the annual update from the Safer Leeds Community Safety Partnership, which in Leeds is the Safer Leeds Executive. The report highlighted the progress which had been made over the past 12 months on the key deliverable actions arising from the 9 priority areas as included within the Safer, Stronger Communities: Leeds Plan 2021 – 2024.

The Board welcomed Chief Inspector Jonathan McNiff, West Yorkshire Police to the meeting, who was in attendance for the consideration of this item.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted the progress being made together with the developments in relation to the key priority areas. Emphasis was also placed upon the leading role played by the Safer Leeds Executive in the partnership working undertaken in this area. The Executive Member highlighted how this report should be considered alongside the respective Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board and Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership annual reports on today’s agenda, given the significant partnership work being undertaken across those bodies.

The Executive Member thanked all Council officers involved in this service area, partner organisations for the key role they played and also Councillor D Coupar for her leadership throughout her time as Executive Member with responsibility for community safety.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, an update was provided on the work being undertaken following the disorder experienced in Harehills on 18th July 2024. Emphasis was placed on the significant short, medium and long term actions being taken to support the Roma community together with the wider community of Harehills. The ongoing citywide approach being taken towards the promotion of community cohesion was also highlighted. The key role played by local Ward Councillors, Council staff and partner organisations both on the evening of the disorder and following that was highlighted, with thanks being extended to all of those parties for their continued efforts in this area. Further to this, Councillor S Arif highlighted the positive relationship established between the Council and the Romanian consulate. In conclusion, it was noted that the Council would work with West Yorkshire Police on a formal debrief of the incident, with any findings being shared appropriately.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, an update was provided on the effectiveness of the community safety policies and procedures in place in Leeds. Emphasis was placed on the need to strike the correct balance between improving residents’ confidence in services in order to encourage them to report issues when they are experienced, whilst at the same time working to reduce the prevalence of incidents taking place. The work of the performance and analytical team was highlighted, which produced the relevant data sets that sat behind the policies. It was highlighted that such data had illustrated that the procedures in place were effective. It was undertaken that further detail could be provided separately to the Member in question through Council officers, the Executive Member and Chief Inspector McNiff.

Chief Inspector McNiff and Councillor Coupar reiterated the strong partnership working  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment which presents the Leeds Community Safety Strategy 2024-27 and sets out the strategic direction of Leeds Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and the Safer Leeds Executive. The Strategy will replace the Safer, Stronger Communities: Leeds Plan (2021-2024).  The report seeks the Board’s endorsement of the Strategy with the recommendation that it is referred to Full Council for approval and formal adoption as part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting the proposed Leeds Community Safety Strategy for the period 2024-2027. The report highlighted how the strategy would provide strategic direction for the Leeds Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which in Leeds is the Safer Leeds Executive. The report sought the Board’s endorsement of the Strategy with the recommendation that it is referred to Full Council for approval and formal adoption as part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework.

The Board welcomed Chief Inspector Jonathan McNiff, West Yorkshire Police to the meeting, who was in attendance for the consideration of this item.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted that the proposed strategy would replace the Safer, Stronger Communities: Leeds Plan (2021-24) and that it had been informed by strategic intelligence assessment and through a wide-ranging consultation exercise. An overview of the strategy’s key priorities was provided. It was also noted that Leeds had been awarded £600,000 from the Government’s Community Recovery Fund.

Members were supportive of the proposed strategy.

The Executive Member and the Chief Officer (Safer, Stronger Communities) extended their thanks to all involved in the compilation of the strategy and the associated consultation exercise. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Leeds Community Safety Strategy 2024-2027, as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed, with the Board’s agreement that this Strategy be referred to Full Council with a recommendation that it be formally adopted;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment will lead and implement the Strategy, which will supersede the Leeds Community Strategy 2021 – 2024;

(c)  That it be noted that this Strategy forms part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework and therefore the above resolutions are not eligible for Call In.

(As indicated in resolution (c) above, given that the above decisions were being made in accordance with the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, they were not eligible for Call In)

To consider the report of the Director of Adults and Health which presents the Annual Report of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board for 2023/24 together with the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board’s Strategic Plan.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report presenting the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) annual report for 2023/24 together with the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board’s Strategic Plan. The annual report provided an update on the work of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board, the steps taken to implement the Board’s strategy, together with an outline of the findings of any Safeguarding Adults Reviews held during 2023/24.

In presenting the report the Executive Member advised that whilst the Independent Chair of the LSAB, Richard Jones CBE, could not be present at the meeting, it was noted that two key themes that he would have raised were the collaborative working which had taken place to embed safeguarding across partner organisations, and also the invaluable work of the city’s frontline staff in this area. 

The Executive Member provided an overview of the Board’s key ambitions, with the range of actions being taken around the citizen led approach towards safeguarding being specifically highlighted. The Independent Chair of the Board, together with all of the Board Members were thanked for their role in this important area.

The importance of the LSAB Strategic Plan (April 2023 – March 2026), which was also appended to the report, was highlighted. It was noted that the strategic plan presented all related objectives and actions that respective agencies were contributing to.

Responding to a Member’s specific request, it was undertaken that periodic meetings would be arranged between that Member and the Independent Chair.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with further detail regarding the statistic that 32% of safeguarding concerns arose from care home settings, with information being provided on the sources of those concerns, together with the actions which were being taken to address such matters and to ensure that people were being cared for in the most appropriate way. It was also noted that it was common for care home settings to have a higher number of referrals. An update was also provided on the work being undertaken with the whole range of care providers in Leeds, including home care providers, in relation to the reporting of safeguarding concerns.

Also in response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update on the work which continued to be undertaken to review data around referral levels of safeguarding concerns. It was identified that there were lower levels of referrals experienced in certain geographical areas with ethnically diverse communities. The range of work being undertaken as a result to increase awareness and share information across all communities was noted. 

In conclusion, the Chair extended his thanks to Richard Jones CBE, Independent Chair of the LSAB, together with the other Board Members for the role they played in this important area.

RESOLVED – That the contents and recommendations of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2023/24, as submitted to the Board, be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2023/24. The report outlines the activity that has taken place across the year in relation to the Safeguarding Partners’ statutory duties to work together in exercising their functions of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including developments in practice, progress with priorities, learning, scrutiny, inspections and statutory responsibilities. 

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report for 2023/24. The report outlined the activity that had taken place during the year in relation to the Safeguarding Partners’ statutory duties to work together in exercising their functions of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Included within the update were details regarding developments in practice, and the progress made in relation to priorities, learning, scrutiny, inspections and statutory responsibilities.

The Board welcomed David Derbyshire (Independent Scrutineer), Gill Marchant (Head of Safeguarding/Designated Nurse Safeguarding Children and Adults, NHS) and Superintendent Dan Wood (West Yorkshire Police) to the meeting for the consideration of this item.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted how the LSCP annual report provided an overview of the city’s arrangements for safeguarding children during 2023/24. It was noted that such arrangements had been reviewed over the past year, a process supported by the new Independent Scrutineer, David Derbyshire.  The positive outcomes from the recent Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) into serious youth violence were highlighted, including the strong multi-agency relationships of the LSCP partners.

The Director of Children and Families highlighted that the submission of the annual report was in line with the reporting requirements as set out in the Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 statutory guidance. It was also noted that the report provided an update on the progress made against the agreed priorities during 2023/24 and also on the work undertaken to review safeguarding arrangements to ensure that they were in line with statutory guidance.  The commitment to continued improvement in this area was reiterated.

Thanks was extended to all those involved in the crucial work of safeguarding children throughout the city, including frontline practitioners and their managers.

David Derbyshire, Independent Scrutineer, addressed the Board, providing an overview of his experiences since taking up this role nearly one year ago and highlighting the key points arising from his statement as included within the LSCP annual report.

A Member highlighted the progress which had been over the past year, the work which had been undertaken and the positive way in which challenges had been responded to.

Responding to an enquiry regarding unregulated care homes in Leeds, it was undertaken that the Director would meet with the Member in question on this issue to provide further detail. However, assurance was provided that the Council did work closely with Ofsted on such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the work undertaken to further strengthen the safeguarding children arrangements in Leeds, as set out within the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That the Board provide its continued support for the city’s multi-agency safeguarding arrangements for children and young people.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which presents the ‘Leeds Youth Justice Service Plan,’ including the refreshed multi-year plan for the Youth Justice Service (YJS) covering 2024-27, and the work that sits underneath the plan. The report seeks the Board’s endorsement of the Plan with the recommendation that it is referred to Full Council in November 2024 for approval and formal adoption as part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting the refreshed Leeds Youth Justice Service Plan for the period 2024-27 and provided an update on the work undertaken and progress made in respect of the previous plan which covered 2021-24. The report sought the Board’s endorsement of the plan with the recommendation that it is referred to Full Council in November 2024 for approval and formal adoption as part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted that the plan had a strong commitment to a ‘child first’ principle. The impact of poverty and deepening inequalities were highlighted as key issues, with the report setting out the work being undertaken to address such matters.

Responding to a Member’s request, the Director undertook to provide the Member in question with a briefing on the issues covered in the submitted report.

In response to a Member’s enquiries regarding the re-offending rates and also first time offender rates presented, further information and context was provided on those statistics, together with details on the range of actions and interventions being taken in this area in order to reduce offending behaviours in children across the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Leeds Youth Justice Service Plan, as submitted to the Board, be endorsed, with the Board’s agreement that the Plan be referred to Full Council in November 2024 with a recommendation of approval and formal adoption as part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework;

(b)  That it be noted that the responsible officers for the implementation of such matters are the Service Delivery Manager, Leeds Youth Justice Service; and the Head of Service, Children Looked After and Youth Justice Service. That it also be noted that the Youth Justice Service Partnership Board has statutory responsibility to monitor performance, ensuring the delivery of service improvements and the meeting of local priorities.

(Given that the above decisions were being made in accordance with the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, they were not eligible for Call In)

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting proposals to expand Broomfield South Special Inclusion Learning Centre (SILC) by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild, and through the establishment of a permanent satellite site for post-16 provision. Specifically, this report provides details of the outcome from the public consultation undertaken and seeks the Board’s approval to publish a Statutory Notice on the proposals.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting proposals to expand Broomfield South Special Inclusion Learning Centre (SILC) by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild, and through the establishment of a permanent satellite site for post-16 provision. Specifically, the report provided details of the outcome from the public consultation undertaken and sought the Board’s approval to publish a Statutory Notice on the proposals.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted the key aspects of the proposal. It was noted that whilst the Council had established 450 specialist learning places across the city since 2020, the need for specialist education in Leeds continued to increase.

Members highlighted their support for this proposal.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, an update was provided on the arrangements in place regarding associated consultation, and it was confirmed that local Ward Councillors were supportive of the proposals.

Also, responding to an enquiry regarding how the proposals may impact upon post-16 transport costs, it was noted that any impact would be dependent upon where children and young people using the facility lived. However, it was felt that the benefits which would be realised by the new provision would significantly outweigh any potential risks caused by potential increased transport costs in the future. It was thought that in terms of post-16 transport costs, the proposals were likely to be cost neutral. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the public consultation undertaken for the proposals, as presented within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the publication of a Statutory Notice on the proposals to expand Broomfield South SILC by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild, and establish a permanent satellite site of Broomfield South SILC for post-16 provision at Arlington Business Centre, White Rose, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the implementation of the proposals will be subject to the outcome of the proposed Statutory Notice and future decisions by Executive Board;

(d)  That the intention for a further report to be presented to the December 2024 Executive Board meeting detailing the outcome of the Statutory Notice, be noted;

(e)  That it be noted that the implementation of the rebuild and expansion of Broomfield South SILC will be subject to the outcome of further detailed design work and planning applications, as indicated in paragraphs 26- 29 of the submitted report;

(f)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Deputy Director for Learning.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which provides an overview of, and a further update on the Child Poverty Strategy for Leeds and the work that sits underneath the strategy. This includes the range of work that has been done to address ongoing post pandemic and cost of living priorities.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided an overview of, and a further update on the Child Poverty Strategy for Leeds and the work undertaken as part of the strategy, including the actions being taken in response to ongoing post pandemic and cost of living priorities.

The Executive Member provided an overview of the key aspects within the report, highlighting the consultation work undertaken as part of the refresh process, and noting the Government’s establishment of a task force on child poverty and its plans to publish a national Child Poverty Strategy.

Members supported the proposals and the need to focus on the actions to eradicate child poverty in the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the refreshed and ongoing strategic framework in place to mitigate the impact of child poverty, and the work being undertaken by the Council and other partners in the key areas of activity, as detailed within the submitted report, be endorsed;

(b)  That the need to promote the work of the Child Poverty Strategy across the city and across Council directorates, and also through our wider city partnerships in order to highlight the impact of poverty on children and their families, be acknowledged;

(c)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Deputy Director, Social Care, Children and Families.

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources presenting the Leeds Joint Strategic Assessment (JSA) 2024 report, following Health and Wellbeing Board’s consideration of the JSA in July 2024.

The Director of Strategy and Resources submitted a report presenting the Leeds Joint Strategic (Needs) Assessment (JSA) 2024 report, following Health and Wellbeing Board’s consideration of the JSA in July 2024. The report noted that the Council and the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board have an equal and joint statutory requirement to work through the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board to produce a JSA, with the purpose being to assess current and future health and social care needs in Leeds in order to inform the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, shape priorities and guide the use of resources.

The Leader introduced the report, highlighting how the data within the JSA would be used to inform decision making moving forward, with the aim of addressing the challenges which have been identified as part of the process.

The Executive Member for Equality, Health and Wellbeinghighlighted how the JSA had been considered by the Health and Wellbeing Board and would be used throughout the Assessment’s lifespan, as it allowed the city’s health needs and challenges to be clearly identified. As such, it was reiterated that the JSA would be used to inform priorities with the aim of addressing identified challenges and needs.  It was noted that the report also provided details of work undertaken across the city to address the policy implications arising from the previous JSA published in 2021.

A Member highlighted the importance of the JSA, the need for it to be integrated into the work of the Council moving forward and the value of Scrutiny Boards considering it. It was noted that Scrutiny Board Strategy and Resources had considered the JSA on 16 September 2024, and that other Scrutiny Board chairs had been in attendance at that Scrutiny Board meeting.

In conclusion, the Board’s thanks was extended to all partners who had been involved in the co-production of the JSA.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Joint Strategic (Needs) Assessment 2024 report, as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, including the policy implications drawn from the analysis, be noted;

(b)  That the areas for further exploration and integration into future JSAs, as set out in paragraph 9 of the submitted report, be agreed;

(c)  That the comments made during the Board’s discussion on such matters, be noted.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services presenting the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (2025/26 – 2029/30).

The Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report presenting an update on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy for the period 2025/26 – 2029/30, and which provided details of both the context and the factors that influence the shape of the strategy. The report noted that the intention was to submit budget savings proposals to future Executive Board meetings in advance of the proposed 2025/26 budget being submitted to the Board in December 2024.

The Executive Member introduced the report, highlighting the currently estimated General Fund budget gap which existed over the 5-year period that the Strategy covered, including the budget gap relating to 2025/26. Further details were provided on the context and the associated challenges that the Council faced, including inflationary pressures and also increased demand regarding adult and children’s social care. It was noted that the Strategy also covered the Council’s Capital Programme, Housing Revenue Account and Dedicated Schools’ Grant.

Members discussed the budget gap detailed within the report relating to 2025/26 and the liaison taking place with Government regarding Local Government finances.

Responding to a Member’s specific comments regarding the high costs of external residential placements for children looked after, the Board received an update on the current position in Leeds in relation to demographic and demand pressures, with it being highlighted that this continued to be a significant national issue. Further detail was provided on the Council’s sufficiency strategy and the work that continued in Leeds to develop in-house residential care provision. It was noted that the Council continued to work closely with Ofsted on such matters. Members also received an update on the recent announcements made by the Government aimed at tackling national issues regarding children’s external residential placement provision.

Members noted the actions that continued to be taken to reduce associated pressures where possible and to address the General Fund budget gap detailed with the report. Whilst it was noted that proposals to contribute towards addressing this position would continue to be submitted to Members for consideration, the significant scale of the challenge faced was emphasised. With regard to related proposals being brought forward, it was noted that there was a clear timetable in place for Member engagement and Scrutiny consideration.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2025/26 to 2029/30, as presented in the submitted report and appendices, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that budget savings proposals will be received at future Executive Board meetings in advance of the Proposed Budget for 2025/26 being received by Executive Board in December 2024.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services presenting the Council’s projected financial health position as at month 4 of the 2024/25 financial year.

The Chief Officer Financial Services submitted a report presenting the Council’s financial performance against the 2024/25 revenue budget, as at month 4 of the financial year. The report also provided an update on the month 4 position in respect of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the Dedicated Schools’ Grant (DSG) and the Council Tax and Business Rates Collection Fund.

In presenting the report the Executive Member provided an overview of the key points in which it was noted that as at month 4 of the financial year, the Council was forecasting a General Fund overspend of £22.2m. The key areas of overspend were noted together with the reasons for those. The Executive Member also highlighted the range of mitigating measures being taken to address the overspend.

The scale of the challenge being faced in terms of addressing the General Fund budget gap, as discussed under the previous report on the Medium Term Financial Strategy was reiterated, with it being highlighted that nationally Local Authorities continued to experience similar challenges. 

In considering this matter, the Board acknowledged that a number of matters linked to the information within this report had already been discussed as part of the previous agenda item on the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that at July 2024 (Month 4 of the financial year), the Authority’s General Fund revenue budget is reporting an overspend of £22.2m for 2024/25 (3.6% of the approved net revenue budget) after the application of reserves and within a challenging national context. That it also be noted that a range of actions are being taken to address the position as detailed within the submitted report;

(b)  That it be noted that at July 2024 (Month 4 of the financial year) the Authority’s Housing Revenue Account is reporting a balanced position;

(c)  That it be noted that known inflationary increases, including demand and demographic pressures in Social Care and known impacts of the rising cost of living have been incorporated into the reported financial position. The position assumes a pay settlement of 3.5%, with the final pay award for 2024/25 yet to be agreed. That it also be noted that these pressures will continue to be reviewed during the year and reported to future Executive Board meetings as more information becomes available, and that proposals would need to be identified to absorb any additional pressures;

(d)  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 and those of the Council’s wider financial challenge where possible, in line with the Revenue Principles as agreed by Executive Board in February 2024 through the annual Revenue Budget report;

(e)  That it be noted that the reported position reflects that the budgeted contribution to the General Reserve of £3m will be reduced to £1.5m and that the budgeted contribution of £3m to the Strategic Resilience Reserve will not be made in 2024/25, with it also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Financial Services which provides an update on the progress of the Core Business Transformation Programme - a programme which aims to transform and modernise ‘back office’ services and is underpinned by a technology refresh; replacing essential, business-critical corporate systems that have reached ‘end-of-life’ in terms of contractual arrangements, support and maintenance.

The Chief Officer, Financial Services submitted a report which provided an update on the progress of the Core Business Transformation Programme - a programme aimed at transforming and modernising ‘back office’ services and underpinned by a technology refresh. The update report looked to provide the Board with the latest position and assurance in respect of the programme delivery framework, programme and workstream management and governance arrangements.

The Executive Member presented the report, providing an overview of the programme’s objectives and an update on the progress being made. It was highlighted that the programme was not only about introducing new digital solutions, but also about refreshing the Council’s approach to become more efficient in its delivery of its core business.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry regarding the implementation of the Council’s new payroll system, the Board received assurance that the delivery of this system was on track and, whilst some contingency had been used, it was also on budget. It was noted that whilst delivery was slightly later than originally planned, this was due to the processes in place to learn from others and also to ensure a robust testing process was completed prior to implementation, given the significance of introducing such a critical system. It was also highlighted that this matter had been considered by the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee and is scheduled to be considered by the relevant Scrutiny Board also.

The Member in question was offered a further briefing on such matters, if required.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report, together with the details provided in the progress report as presented at Appendix 1, be noted, with it also being noted that a further update will be provided in 6 months.

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources seeking approval for the installation of panels within the Civic Hall Council Chamber commemorating six inspirational women from the city’s past. The report outlines the outcome of consultation on this proposal and also recommends that consideration be given to how more women can be recognised in the future and that this recognition be increasingly reflective of the city’s diversity.

The Director of Strategy and Resources submitted a report which sought approval for the installation of panels within the Civic Hall Council Chamber commemorating six inspirational women from the city’s past. The report outlined the outcomes from the consultation undertaken on this proposal and also recommended that consideration be given to how more women could be recognised in the future, and that moving forward such recognition be increasingly reflective of the city’s diversity.

The names proposed to be initially installed on the plaques in order recognise their contributions to the city were:

-  The Barnbow Lasses;

-  Leonora Cohen OBE;

-  Gertrude Paul;

-  Alice Bacon CBE;

-  Beryl Burton OBE; and

-  Ivy Benson.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member thanked all Members of Council for the cross-party support for, and engagement in the development of the proposals. Thanks was also extended to all officers involved, with specific reference to Tom Riordan, outgoing Chief Executive, for their roles in this initiative.

The importance of recognising the inspirational women of Leeds in this way was highlighted, together with the overwhelmingly positive response to the public consultation which had been received. The Board confirmed its support for the proposals and welcomed that further work would be undertaken on a cross-party basis so that the role of more inspirational women could be recognised moving forward, in order to further reflect the diversity of the city, and which it was hoped would prove to be inspirational to future generations.  

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the results of the consultation undertaken, as detailed within the submitted report and appendix 1, be noted;

(b)  That the proposals within the submitted report for plaques to be installed within the Civic Hall Council Chamber, be approved, subject to listed planning consent being received;

(c)  That the proposals within the submitted report for further work to be undertaken in order to recognise further inspirational women in future years, be approved, with approval also being given for this recognition to be increasingly reflective of the diverse nature of the city.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provided an update regarding the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) proposals for West Yorkshire and which sought the Board’s endorsement of the Council’s proposed response to the consultation exercise on such matters, which was being delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) proposals for West Yorkshire and which sought the Board’s endorsement of the Council’s proposed response to the consultation exercise being undertaken by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) on the proposed routes for phase one of the MRT scheme.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted the Council’s support for WYCA’s plans to bring mass transit to West Yorkshire and provided an overview of the proposals set out in the report together with details of the Council’s proposed response to the consultation. 

The significant importance of introducing mass transit to the city was emphasised, together with the with economic impact and associated opportunities in areas such as housing growth it would generate.

In supporting the development of an MRT network, a Member highlighted that whilst the lines initially established as part of this scheme would not run directly through all areas, there was a need to ensure that the wider benefits arising from the establishment of an MRT system were effectively communicated to all communities in Leeds and West Yorkshire. The Member then suggested that this aspect be included within any response provided to WYCA.

Responding to the comments made, Members discussed the approach being taken by WYCA on the current public consultation exercise. Further to this, the following was highlighted:-

-  that the proposals currently being consulted upon were seen as the beginning of an MRT network for West Yorkshire and not the end;

-  in respect of mass transit, it was acknowledged that West Yorkshire had a lot of progress to make when compared with other areas of the country;

-  that the establishment of an MRT network would be alongside other initiatives, such as the delivery of bus franchising in West Yorkshire;

-  in terms of public engagement, in addition to WYCA’s public consultation on MRT, the Board’s attention was drawn to the consultation exercise being undertaken on the Local Transport Plan which was wider in scope.

In response to a concern raised regarding the capacity of WYCA in delivering this initiative alongside other ongoing projects, it was highlighted that the Council, through the Highways and Transportation team was providing its full support to WYCA on this matter.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, it was undertaken that the Member in question would receive further information outside of the meeting on the current position regarding the White Rose Railway Station, Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway and Thorpe Park Railway Station.

In conclusion, the Chair acknowledged the comments which had been made during the discussion.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Council’s overall support for the proposals as outlined within the submitted report, be noted, with it being recognised that this is early consultation. That the key points in the submitted report regarding areas where the Council will need greater clarity as the MRT scheme is developed, be noted;

(b)  That Leeds City Council’s preference of route option L1 via Calverley Street  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment which provides an update on the delivery of the Leeds Food Strategy and seeks the Board’s approval of the governance, delivery and key performance indicators relating to the strategy.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report providing an update on the delivery of the Leeds Food Strategy, which was a long-term vision for the sustained provision of healthy and affordable food in the city. Through the strategy delivery plan, the report drew Members’ attention to several key areas, with the report also seeking the Board’s approval of the governance, delivery and key performance indicators relating to the strategy, together with amendments to both the objectives and action plan.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member provided an overview of the key elements within the strategy and the key actions being delivered, highlighting how the strategy closely aligned with the three strategic pillars of the Best City Ambition. The cross-directorate approach being taken in this area, together with the partnership working with the third sector was noted.

Responding to a Member’s comments about the resource implications arising from the strategy and whether the aims and outcomes could be achieved in a more efficient way, it was clarified that there were no additional costs to the Council arising from delivering the strategy. It was also noted that the aim was to deliver outcomes through existing Council services and external organisations and helping them to work more collaboratively and towards the strategy’s objectives. The importance of promoting the strategy’s aims within communities was also highlighted.

In response to a further enquiry about how outcomes would be measured, one specific example was given regarding the routine data which was now received around the proportion of adults reporting to eat 5 fruit or vegetables a day.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the governance, delivery and key performance indicators of the Leeds Food Strategy, as detailed within the submitted report and appendices, be approved;

(b)  That the progress made against the actions in the strategy, as presented in the submitted report / appendices be noted, and that the amendments to both the objectives and action plan, as detailed, be approved.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 20^TH SEPTEMBER 2024

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00PM, FRIDAY, 27^TH SEPTEMBER 2024