Agenda and draft 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.

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 Appendices 1 and 2 to the report entitled, ‘Delivering the East of Otley Relief Road and Housing Allocation’, referred to in Minute No. 87 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 be considered in private. This is on the grounds that the information contained within Appendices 1 and 2 is commercially sensitive, relating to the financial or business affairs of third parties. The details within the appendices relate to specific legal and commercial terms between Leeds City Council and third parties relating to the delivery of the scheme. These terms have not been finalised and remain in development. Disclosure of this information at this point could impact upon the Council’s negotiating position, therefore, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of the appendices as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information; and

(B)  That Appendix 2 to the report entitled, ‘Outcome of statutory notice on proposals to expand Broomfield South SILC by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild, and the establishment of a permanent satellite site for post-16 provision’, referred to in Minute No. 90 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 be considered in private. This is on the grounds that the information contained within Appendix 2 (Summary of Heads of Terms for White Rose Park Lease) contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) including commercially sensitive information regarding pricing, rent review clauses and leasing arrangements. Disclosure of this information could seriously harm the Council’s position when negotiating leases in the future. Therefore, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the content of Appendix 2 as exempt from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Supplementary Information – Agenda Item 10 – ‘Active Leeds – Vision for Wellbeing Centres’

Whilst there were no formal late items of business to consider, it was noted that supplementary information had been circulated to Board Members and published for inclusion within agenda in the form of some additional text within paragraph 2.6.3 of the above report, which, due to a technical issue, had not pulled through to the formal agenda pack. This supplementary information was circulated to Board Members and published on the same date that the agenda was published (3^rd December 2024). Minute No. 88 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 20^th November 2024.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on the 20^th November 2024 be approved as a correct record.

The Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development addressed the Board in order to provide an update on an ongoing West Yorkshire Police investigation. It was noted that a total of nine arrests had been made and that four of those arrested were Leeds City Council officers who have subsequently been bailed. It was noted that the media had reported that those officers were from within the Planning department. It was clarified that the Council officers have not been charged by the Police but have been suspended from their Council duties. Assurance was provided that relevant senior Council officers were co-operating with the Police on the investigation and providing information requested to support that investigation. It was highlighted that the Council continued to provide services in-line with robust governance procedures whilst the investigation continued, and that the Council was treating the investigation with the upmost seriousness. 

Responding to the statement, a Member highlighted the importance of protecting the integrity of the ongoing Police investigation.  Also, support was provided for the request from a Member that an appropriate investigation into such matters is undertaken at the right time by the Council and that Elected Members will have the opportunity to have oversight of that. 

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment which presents for the Board’s endorsement the key points from the Council’s new Customer Strategy together with a proposed approach towards wider engagement on the Strategy.  The report also seeks endorsement of a proposal to submit to a future Executive Board a detailed ‘Invest to Save’ Business Case regarding a transformation programme to deliver the changes set out in the Strategy.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report which presented for the Board’s endorsement the key points arising from the Council’s new Customer Strategy. The report set out a proposed approach towards wider engagement on the Strategy including a referral to the Environment, Housing and Communities Scrutiny Board. Also, the report sought endorsement of a proposal to submit to a future Executive Board a detailed ‘Invest to Save’ Business Case regarding a transformation programme to deliver the changes set out in the strategy.

The Executive Member introduced the report and highlighted the progress which had been made to enhance the experience for customers when engaging with the Council, and how the proposals within the report looked to deliver the next stage of that process by understanding customer needs and designing services around them. The recommendation to refer the Customer Strategy to the Environment, Housing and Communities Scrutiny Board for oversight and monitoring was welcomed.

Responding to a Member’s concern regarding the use of the term ‘customer’ in the strategy, assurance was provided that the appropriate term to describe Leeds residents would always be used, however, the term ‘customer’ had been used in this instance to reflect how the Council wanted residents to feel in terms of the high level of customer service they received when accessing the Council. 

A Member highlighted that whilst embracing digital processes was the correct approach, the correct balance needed to be struck so that those who did not wish to engage digitally could still practically access services in-person or via the telephone. In response, it was highlighted that the strategy had been developed around what the customer wants, and that whilst people would be able to engage with the Council digitally, this would not remove opportunity to engage via face to face or telephone. It was also emphasised that as part of the proposed engagement within the report, the Council would look to seek the views of partners to ensure that services remain accessible for all.

RESOLVED – That the following be noted and endorsed:-

(a)  The key points of the Customer Strategy, as outlined within the submitted report and as set out in the Plan on a Page at Appendix 1;

(b)  The proposed approach towards wider engagement on the Customer Strategy, both internally within Leeds City Council and externally with the people of Leeds, as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report;

(c)  The Customer Strategy being referred to the Environment, Housing and Communities Scrutiny Board for consideration, oversight and monitoring;

(d)  That a detailed ‘Invest to Save’ Business Case will be presented to Executive Board in Spring 2025 for approval, to deliver a 3.5-year programme of transformation to deliver the change set out in the Strategy;

(e)  That the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment will be responsible for overseeing and implementing any actions arising from the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment which provides an update on relevant national policy, strategy and legislation; together with a strategy for managing household waste in Leeds in a way that meets national Simpler Recycling requirements and helps Leeds residents to reduce the amount of waste they produce that is not re-used or recycled. The report also seeks approval for the proposed way forward for kerbside collection of household waste in Leeds through a “3-bin” approach to provide residents with the opportunity to recycle more at home without the need for more bins.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report which provided an update on the relevant national policy, strategy and legislation; together with a strategy for managing household waste in Leeds in line with national ‘Simpler Recycling’ requirements and which would help Leeds residents to reduce the amount of waste they produced that was not re-used or recycled. The report also sought approval for the proposed way forward for kerbside collection of household waste in Leeds through a “3-bin” approach, which looked to provide residents with the opportunity to recycle more at home without the need for more bins.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted the key points and recommendations within it, emphasising the proposal to approve the “3-bin” approach towards kerbside collection of household waste which would include the addition of food waste to the list of items allowed in the brown bin,a development which would enable that service to be extended to all year-round. The successful addition of glass bottles and jars to the list of items recycled in Leeds through the green bin was highlighted, with the increase in recycling rates of these materials from 42% to 69% since 1 August being emphasised. It was also noted that the report presented information regarding the refuse service’s current performance and the actions being taken to address associated challenges.

In considering this report, and in response to a series of related enquiries raised, the Board received updates on:-

-  the current position regarding the citywide roll out of brown bin provision; 

-  the potential timeline for the introduction of food waste to the brown bin, dependant on procurement outcomes and subject to affordability;

-  the resourcing of an all-year round brown bin collection;

-  the latest position regarding the provision of Government funding, with it being noted that whilst not all information was currently available with regard to such funding, the approach presented within the report was being proposed in order to progress the waste strategy whilst further detail from Government was awaited;

-  the current position regarding the progression and implementation of the city-wide collection route review.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, the Board was provided with further information and clarification regarding the Performance Indicator (PI) on bin collection rates. It was noted that this PI was made up of the number of residents who contacted the Council to report their missed bins, and that it did not include the ‘end of day’ report which the Council produced parallel to this PI, in order to avoid the double counting. It was acknowledged that whilst not 100% accurate, this approach did provide a robust indicator of the service’s performance.

Responding to the information provided, a Member raised their concerns regarding the accuracy of the PI results and requested that the reporting process be reviewed. Further context was then provided to Members on the scale and complexity of the refuse service across the city, the service’s high level of performance, the main logistical reasons for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment and the Director of City Development which, following the Call In process, and having considered the key concerns raised as part of that process, recommends that the Board approves the confirmation of the original officer delegated decision (D57783) regarding District Car Park Charges.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which, following the Call In process and having considered the key concerns raised as part of that process, recommended that Executive Board approved the confirmation of the original officer Key Delegated Decision (D57783) regarding District Car Park Charges which had been originally taken by the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation and the Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory on 12th November 2024.

By way of introduction to the report, the Executive Member highlighted that the proposed charges were key to the Council’s budgetary objectives and that they had been subject to extensive consultation which had resulted in amendments to the pricing proposals. Further detail was provided on the Call In process undertaken in response to the Key Delegated Decision originally taken, with it being noted that the concerns raised by the Scrutiny Board as part of that process had been considered, with responses to those provided in the submitted report. It was highlighted that the report recommended that the Board approved the confirmation of the original Key Delegated Decision, with an undertaking being given that the Executive Member and officers would work collaboratively with local Ward Councillors and local communities when implementing this decision.

Responding to a Member’s specific enquiries, the Board received information regarding the approach that the Council was taking in respect of impact assessment processes. In terms of the economic impact upon local businesses, it was noted that, in line with the approach taken by other Local Authorities, an economic impact assessment had not been undertaken due to there being no standard methodology for such assessments, as sufficient reliable data was not available at such a local level.  Regarding the wider financial impact upon the Council, it was noted that whilst an impact assessment had not been undertaken, which was consistent with the established approach on such matters, the effects of the decision would be monitored as part of our regular monitoring of car parking policies and charges, and that appropriate action would be taken in response, if required and as appropriate. Regarding the impact upon the surrounding streets in terms of displaced parking, the Board received confirmation around the detailed assessments that would be undertaken as part of the statutory consultation process, as outlined in the report.

A Member raised a number of concerns in respect of the proposals, highlighted the negative consultation responses received, noted the length of time it would take to implement the Traffic Regulation Order process and emphasised the negative impact that they felt the decision would have upon local communities and businesses. As such, the Member requested that the Board reject the proposals and work with the local community, the local Town and Parish Councils and Ward Councillors in order to identify an alternative way forward. Further to this, the Member highlighted that based upon the information provided around consultation and impact assessment processes, they felt that the recommended decision would be considered unlawful and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the delivery of the East of Otley Relief Road and housing allocation project following the previous report to the Board in 2020. In highlighting the challenges which have been faced, this report sets out an alternative funding approach to support the delivery of the relief road and delivery of new housing working with Homes England, the Government’s National Housing and Regeneration Agency.

(Please note that Appendices 1 and 2 to this report have been designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))

Further to Minute No. 140, 12^th February 2020, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the delivery of the East of Otley Relief Road and housing allocation project. The report set out an alternative funding approach in response to the challenges which have been faced over recent years to support the delivery of the relief road and the delivery of new housing working with Homes England, the Government’s National Housing and Regeneration Agency.

The Executive Member introduced the report providing an overview of the challenges which had been faced in reaching the current position and how, through significant collaboration between the Council and key stakeholders, a position had been reached where there was now an opportunity to take advantage of alternative funding through the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land (BIL) fund. An overview of the benefits arising from this position were highlighted. 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, it was confirmed that the proposals within the submitted report related to the proposed change in funding streams for the delivery of the project, and that any planning related representations would form part of any due planning processes which would be undertaken at the appropriate time.

Following consideration of Appendices 1 and 2 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the changes to the project’s viability position since 2019, as contained within exempt Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted, and that approval be given for the Council to request a mutual withdrawal from the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) Grant Agreement;

(b)  That the positive progress being made with Homes England in relation to the potential for an increase in grant investment through the Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) fund, be noted; and that agreement in principle be given to the Council entering into a Grant Funding Agreement with Homes England, with the details of this being delegated to the Director of City Development;

(c)  That it be noted that the recovery mechanism for Council funds expended through the Capital Programme to date will be via the drawdown of BIL Grant, where eligible under the BIL programme and where directly related to Planning costs; and via the Council’s land receipt where related to legal, land, and project co-ordination related expenditure;

(d)  That the injection of the Council land within the East of Otley (EOO) site into the Capital Receipts Programme, be approved, noting the receipt to net off associated Leeds City Council costs of development of the site aligned to the Homes England funding parameter;

(e)  That the progress made relating to the disposal of the Council’s land within the East of Otley allocation, be noted, with the responsibility for the detailed terms of the land transaction being delegated to the Director of City Development.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting the updated position regarding the ongoing development and delivery of the Vision for Wellbeing Centres in Active Leeds, highlighting the opportunities which are being delivered and developed for facility invest to save projects and noting the challenges being faced.  The report also presents proposals in respect of next steps.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting an update regarding the ongoing development and delivery of the Vision for Wellbeing Centres in Active Leeds, highlighting the actions taken over recent years. The report also presented proposals on next steps in terms of future ‘invest to save’ proposals in response to the current financial challenge, which were focused upon increased income generation as well as health and wellbeing outcomes to support Leeds’ Marmot City ambition.

Further to Minute No. 80 (above), it was noted that supplementary information had been circulated to Board Members and published for inclusion within agenda in the form of some additional text within paragraph 2.6.3 of the submitted report, which, due to a technical issue, had not pulled through to the formal agenda pack. This supplementary information had been circulated to Board Members and published on the same date that the agenda was published (3rd December 2024).

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted the range of improvements which had been delivered since the previous ‘Vision’ report was considered by the Board in 2016. The increased membership levels experienced in recent years was highlighted, and an overview of the ‘invest to save’ proposals being brought forward was provided. Also, the Executive Member extended her thanks to all of the Council officers within the service for the crucial role that they continued to play.

Regarding all of the proposals being put forward, a Member highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with local Ward Councillors and local communities when delivering such proposals.

A Member welcomed the development of the new Wetherby High School and the potential opportunity that this provided in terms of a possible site for a replacement leisure centre in Wetherby. In highlighting this, the Member offered his continued support in terms of helping to progress such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the overview presented within the submitted report regarding the Active Leeds service, including the progress made and achievements delivered since the previous Vision for Leisure, be noted, with the need to look forward in the context of the Council’s Best City Ambition and the current financial challenge also being noted;

(b)  That the positive impact that the facility improvements are delivering across the city in relation to health and wellbeing outcomes, increased memberships and swimming programme growth, be noted, with the importance of continued ‘invest to save’ proposals brought forward to support health and wellbeing outcomes, driving Leeds’ ambition as a Marmot City and to continue to increase income generation, also being noted;

(c)  That the invest to save proposals for Leisure and Wellbeing Centres across the city to deliver: a network of high quality, affordable, accessible and sustainable leisure and wellbeing centres and a modern, commercially competitive leisure offer that supports income generation and the Council’s financial challenge, be noted and supported;

(d)  That approval in principle be given to the proposals for a long-term lease of Middleton Leisure Centre (excluding the gym) to Laurence Calvert Academy, with it being noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families providing an update on activity to date in respect of the Council’s approach to the processes and arrangements around the assessment of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP). The report details the progress made in relation to the ‘delivery phase’ of moving to new EHCP arrangements and provides reassurance regarding the improvements being delivered, with the report also outlining the challenges being faced as part of this process.

Further to Minute No. 6, 19 June 2024, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report providing an update on the activity to date in respect of the Council’s approach towards improving its processes and arrangements regarding the assessment of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) in response to the national and local challenges being faced. The report detailed the progress made in relation to the ‘delivery phase’ of moving to new EHCP arrangements and provided reassurance regarding the tangible improvements being delivered.

By way of introduction to the report, the Executive Member highlighted how the improvement of processes regarding the assessment of EHCPs remained a key priority for the Council. The Board received an overview of the progress made to date, the challenges that continued to be faced, together with the proposed next steps in delivering improvements. It was also noted that such work would continue to be informed by the experiences of children, parents and carers as well as schools and other specialist settings. Thanks was extended to all of those officers involved in delivering the work and improvements outlined in the report.

Whilst acknowledging the scale of the challenge being faced, a Member sought further information on the significant levels of demand which continued to be experienced, and also in terms of their concerns around the associated communications processes and management and oversight of cases.

In response, the scale of the task was reiterated and how such challenges had been acknowledged on a national level. Information was provided on the work being undertaken in specific areas, such as communication, whilst examples were given illustrating the progress that continued to be incrementally made on the assessment procedures. Also, it was acknowledged that there was a need for additional resource, as referenced in the report, and that there was an absolute commitment and a clear plan in place to deliver the further progress required. 

Responding to an enquiry around Funding for Inclusion (FFI) and the timeframes associated with the transitional funding arrangements, the Board received an update on the current position as detailed within the report, with it being noted that the transitional arrangements were being undertaken to ensure that the Council’s processes were aligned to relevant statutory requirements. It was also highlighted that there was an ongoing commitment for early intervention for children with emerging needs and that dialogue with schools continued in order to ensure that schools were able to appropriately support such children.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the activity undertaken on the ‘delivery phase’ of the EHCP process review, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the improvements made to the EHCP process to date and those that are underway, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That the need for further improvements to be made, which put children and families at the heart of all activity, be endorsed;

(d)  That the need for additional one-off spend to address increasing levels of assessments outside of statutory timescales, be noted, with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting the outcomes from the published statutory notice regarding a proposal to expand Broomfield South Special Inclusion Learning Centre (SILC) by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild and the establishment of a permanent satellite site for post-16 provision.  The report seeks a final decision in respect of this proposal.

(Please note that Appendix 2 to this report has been designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

Further to Minute No. 44, 18 September 2024, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting the outcomes from the published statutory notice regarding a proposal to expand Broomfield South Special Inclusion Learning Centre (SILC) by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild and the establishment of a permanent satellite site for post-16 provision. The report sought a final decision in respect of this proposal.

The Executive Member introduced the report and highlighted that in line with agreed process, she had considered the 2 objections received during the Statutory Notice period in liaison with the Chair of the Children and Families Scrutiny Board. In line with that discussion, the Chair’s recommendation to the Scrutiny Board was that the 2 objections received were planning and highways related matters and therefore did not require additional scrutiny as these would be addressed through the planning process. The Children and Families Scrutiny Board unanimously agreed with the that recommendation.

Following consideration of Appendix 2 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 outcome of the statutory notice period, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the recommendation to expand Broomfield South Special Inclusion Learning Centre (SILC) by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild, and the establishment of a permanent satellite site for post-16 provision, be approved;

(c)  That the resolutions from the submitted report be exempted from the Call In process for the reasons as set out in paragraphs 41-43 of the submitted report;

(d)  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 28 and 29 of the submitted report;

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

(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 (c) above, and for the reasons as set out within sections 41 - 43 of the submitted report)

(A) Proposed Budget for 2025/26 and Provisional Budgets for 2026/27 and 2027/28

To consider the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources which presents the initial proposals for the Council’s 2025/26 budget and which seeks agreement to undertaking appropriate consultation on the proposed budget for 2025/26. In addition, the report provides the provisional budget position for 2026/27 and 2027/28.

(B) Revenue Savings Proposals for 2025/26 to 2027/28

To consider the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources which presents details of revenue savings proposals for the period 2025/26 to 2027/28.

(A) Proposed Budget for 2025/26 and Provisional Budgets for 2026/27 and 2027/28

The Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources submitted a report presenting the initial proposals for the Council’s 2025/26 budget, which subject to Executive Board’s approval, was scheduled to be submitted to the respective Scrutiny Boards for their consideration and review, with the outcome of their deliberations being reported to Executive Board in February 2025, with the proposals also being made available for public and stakeholder consultation as part of a wider engagement process. In addition, the report invited the Board to note the Council’s provisional budget position for 2026/27 and 2027/28, and also sought the Board’s approval for Leeds to become a member of the 2025/26 Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool, should the application to form a pool be successful.

It was noted that the submission of the initial budget proposals to Executive Board was for the purpose of agreeing that the proposals are released for the required consultation processes.

In considering the national challenges that continued to be faced in relation to Adult Social Care, a Member made an enquiry regarding the impact upon social care providers and the Council when considering the increase in employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the increase in National Living Wage and whether these issues had been captured in the initial budget proposals. In response, the Board was provided with an update on the latest position in relation to such matters. It was further noted that discussions continued both locally and nationally regarding the potential impact upon Local Authorities arising from the increase in employers’ NICs for those services which were commissioned and delivered by a third party. It was highlighted that whilst this was not included within the initial budget proposals, such matters would be monitored, and any outcomes would be reflected in the final budget proposals in February.

On the challenges being faced nationally around the Adult Social Care market, it was noted that work continued with relevant care organisations to understand and mitigate against potential risks in this area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that the Proposed Budget for 2025/26, as presented in the submitted report, is based upon the approval and delivery of £106.4m of directorate savings for 2025/26, £23.8m of which have already been built into the Medium Term Financial Strategy and £82.6m of which have been brought to this Board through the accompanying reports, ‘Revenue Savings Proposals for 2025/26 to 2027/28’ at its October 2024 meeting and as part of today’s agenda;

(b)  That agreement be given to consultation being undertaken on the Proposed Budget for 2025/26, which includes the proposed 2.99% increase in core Council Tax and the 1.99% increase in the Adult Social Care precept. Further to this, agreement be given that these budget proposals are submitted to Scrutiny Boards and made available for wider consultation with stakeholders;

(c)  That the provisional budget position for 2026/27 and 2027/28, be noted, and that it also be noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

To consider the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources providing an update on the Council’s financial performance against the 2024/25 revenue budget. The report also provides updates on the October (Month 7) position in respect of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the Schools Budget (DSG) and the Council Tax and Business Rates Collection Fund.

The Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources submitted a report providing an update on the Council’s financial performance against the 2024/25 revenue budget, as at month 7 of the financial year. The report also presented the October 2024 (Month 7) position in respect of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the Schools Budget (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 7 of the financial year, the Council was forecasting a General Fund overspend of £20.7m and highlighted that the DSG was forecasting an overspend of £15.1m. The Executive Member also emphasised the range of mitigating measures being taken to address such pressures.

Regarding the demand led and financial pressures being faced within Adult Social Care, a Member enquired about the extent to which a collaborative approach was being taken between the Council and NHS partners with a view to benefitting both parties when considering the challenges being faced. In response, an update was provided highlighting the range of partnership work that was ongoing in this area. 

Responding to a Member’s concern regarding the current and future Children and Families budget, it was highlighted that whilst all was being done to deliver within budget, the service was operating within a highly challenging national context, with specific reference being made to the costs arising from children’s external residential placements.  The pressures being faced as a result of the demand experienced and demography of the city was highlighted, with it being emphasised that the protection and safety of children and families remained the priority.

Further to this, the Board received an update on the actions being taken and the progress which was being made in Leeds, including the reduction in the number of Looked After Children and also the provision of new children’s homes.

From a wider perspective, further context was provided on the cross-directorate and cross-Executive portfolio discussions and actions that were taking place in response to the budgetary pressures being faced.

In conclusion, the Executive Member extended her thanks to the officers in Children and Families directorate for the progress being made, as described during the discussion.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that at October 2024 (Month 7 of the financial year) the Authority’s General Fund revenue budget is reporting an overspend of £20.7m for 2024/25 (3.3%) of the approved net revenue budget after the application of reserves set up for this purpose; with it being noted that the overspend should be considered within the challenging national context, and that a range of actions are being undertaken to address this position;

(b)  That it be noted that at October 2024 (Month 7 of the financial year) the Authority’s Housing Revenue Account is reporting a balanced position;

(c)  That it be noted that at October 2024 (Month 7 of the financial year), the DSG budget is projecting an in-year pressure of £15.1m  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides an update on the progress the city has made in delivering inclusive growth since the publication of the city’s second Inclusive Growth Strategy in September 2023, embedded in the Best City Ambition. The strategy aims to ensure that the future of our city is more inclusive, healthier and greener and that everyone living in the Leeds can have the opportunity to flourish. The report also responds to a White Paper Motion approved by Full Council at it’s meeting on 13^th November 2024.

Further to Minute No. 42, 20 September 2023, the Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on the progress that the city had made in delivering inclusive growth since the publication of the city’s second Inclusive Growth Strategy in 2023. The report noted that the strategy aimed to ensure that the future of the city was more inclusive, healthier and greener and that everyone living in the Leeds could have the opportunity to flourish.

By way of introduction to the report the Executive Member highlighted the key points, noting the ambitions of the strategy and its three themes of ‘People’, ‘Place’ and ‘Productivity’. It was also noted that the report responded to a White Paper Motion approved by Full Council at its meeting on 13th November 2024 regarding the Government’s new Employment Rights Bill.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding productivity levels, the Board was provided with an update on the current position in Leeds, with it being noted that the improvement of productivity remained an ongoing priority, and whilst there was still work to do, the Council’s Employment and Skills service had recently been judged as ‘Outstanding’ and would be key to progressing this agenda.

In response to a Member’s enquiry regarding the provision of Government funding for British Library North, it was clarified that whilst the Government was currently undertaking a review into such matters no final decision had been taken, with it also being noted that the Council would be making its submission this week in response to the Government’s associated ‘call for evidence’.  It was also separately confirmed that the funding secured for the British Library North through the West Yorkshire Devolution deal remained in place.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made on delivering the second iteration of the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy, be noted, together with the publication of the submitted annual progress report, which was previously agreed as an action by the Board in September 2023;

(b)  That the contents of the submitted report, which showcases a year of progress in delivering Inclusive Growth in Leeds, be agreed;

(c)  That agreement be given for the Director of City Development to continue to lead on implementing the delivery of the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy working under the Best City Ambition.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  FRIDAY, 13^TH DECEMBER 2024

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:   5.00PM, FRIDAY, 20^TH DECEMBER 2024