Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds
Contact: Committee Services Tel: 0113 37 88664
Link: to View Meeting Recording
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Welcome to Ed Whiting, Chief Executive Minutes: In opening the meeting, on behalf of the Board, the Leader welcomed Ed Whiting to his first meeting of Executive Board following his appointment to the position of Chief Executive, Leeds City Council. |
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Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public 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.
Minutes: RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt from publication on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-
(A) That Appendix B to the report entitled, ‘Capital Receipts Programme Annual Update’, referred to in Minute No. 107be 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 in exempt Appendix B relates to the financial and business affairs of the Council. It is considered that the release of such information would, or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to property transactions. It is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption from publication outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time; and
(B) That Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Agreement for Less than Best lease for the development of Old Cockburn Sports Hall’, referred to in Minute No. 108 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 within exempt Appendix 1 provides details of unconfirmed or unsecured funding applications to external funders. As detailed within paragraph 43 of the submitted report, it is therefore considered not in the public interest to disclose this information and that any public interest in disclosure would not outweigh the requirements of keeping the information exempt from publication. |
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Late Items To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration
(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes) Minutes: Late Item of Business – Agenda Item 6 - ‘Delays to Plans for New Hospital Provision in Leeds’ With the agreement of the Chair, a late item of business was admitted to the agenda entitled, ‘Delays to Plans for New Hospital Provision in Leeds’. The report was circulated to Board Members and published ahead of the meeting.
Given the significance of this issue, it was deemed appropriate for the Board to receive an update at the earliest opportunity in respect of the recent announcement from Government regarding the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and the implications arising from that announcement in relation to Leeds. However, this report was submitted to Executive Board as a late item of business, due to the short timescales between the Government announcement and the agenda publication requirements for the 12 February 2025 Board meeting.
The late item of business was considered by the Board at agenda item 6. (Minute No. 99 refers).
Supplementary Information – Agenda Item 12A - 2025/2026 Revenue Budget and Council Tax With the agreement of the Chair, supplementary information was circulated to Board Members and published ahead of the meeting for inclusion within agenda item 12A, ‘2025/2026 Revenue Budget and Council Tax’. This presented details of the final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26 as received from Government on 3 February 2025, together with the resultant changes to the position as contained within the original report submitted to the Board and a revised Table 1 (Summary of Changes in Resources, Costs and Savings Proposals in the Council’s Budget 2025/26). Also provided were details of Public Health Grant allocations for 2025/26 which had been received on 7 February 2025; and Annexe 1 to the submitted report (Movement in Net Managed Budget by Directorate 2024/25 to 2025/26).
The supplementary information was considered by the Board as part of agenda item 12A. (Minute No. 105 refers). |
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Declaration of Interests To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’. Minutes: Regarding the report entitled, ‘Request for Consent and Agreement on Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025’, 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. (Agenda Item 7, Minute No. 100 refers). |
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To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11th December 2024. Minutes: RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th December 2024 be approved as a correct record. |
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EQUALITY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING |
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Delays to Plans for New Hospital Provision in Leeds To consider the report of the Chief Executive which provides a further update to Executive Board about the development of new hospital facilities at the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) site following the previous report submitted to the Board in October 2024.
(Report to follow) Additional documents: Minutes: Further to Minute No. 57, 16 October 2024, the Chief Executive submitted a report which presented an update to Executive Board in respect of the recent announcement from Government regarding the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and the implications arising from that announcement for the city and the wider region, including the delivery of new hospital facilities for Leeds. The report also sought the Board’s support for further negotiation with Government and the undertaking of further conversations with cross-sectoral partners.
With the agreement of the Chair, the submitted report had been circulated to Board Members as a late item of business and published prior to the meeting for the reasons as set out in Minute No. 96.
The Executive Member introduced the report, noting that the Government had placed the new hospital provision on the LGI (Leeds General Infirmary) site in the second of 5 waves as part of the NHP, which meant that building works were not expected to begin on site until after 2030. The significance of this announcement was highlighted and the disappointment felt was emphasised, with it being noted that the report recommended that further negotiation be undertaken with Government to try and bring forward funding and delivery timeframes wherever possible. Importance was placed upon the continuation of the cross-sector approach with the aim of progressing the Innovation Village before the LGI build commenced. It was also noted that parallel to this, the LTHT, the Council and other partners would continue to progress other related projects, where possible.
The Board welcomed Jenny Ehrhardt, Director of Finance, Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) to the meeting, who was in attendance for the consideration of this item.
The Director of Finance (LTHT) provided Members with further information and context in relation to the current position from LTHT’s perspective, with the Trust’s disappointment in the announcement echoing that of the Council’s. Further detail was provided on the work that would continue by LTHT and partners in response to the current position. This included working with the NHP in order to ensure that the hospital rebuild remained ready for delivery when funding was in place; mitigating any risks arising from the recent announcement and continuing to take actions to progress other related schemes in the meantime, as appropriate.
The Chief Executive highlighted the partnership approach that would continue in relation to delivering new hospital provision in Leeds. The critical importance of the new facilities was highlighted both in terms of healthcare provision and also in relation to the innovation opportunities it would create. The importance of the work to be undertaken prior to the build commencing was also highlighted, to ensure that the project and the city was best positioned to take any opportunities arising in the coming years.
A Member highlighted the need for the response to Government to be more robust and to go further in stressing the urgency of the required provision. In doing so the Member raised their concerns regarding the significant implications arising from the Government’s announcement. ... view the full minutes text for item 99. |
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ECONOMY, TRANSPORT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT |
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To consider the report of the Director of City Development which seeks the Board’s approval, in Leeds’ role as a constituent Council, to provide consent in principle to the Department of Education’s creation of a statutory instrument conferring additional funding powers for adult education functions to established combined authorities. Additional documents: Minutes: The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought the Board’s approval, in Leeds’ role as a constituent Council, to provide consent in principle to the Department of Education’s creation of a statutory instrument conferring additional funding powers for adult education functions to established Combined Authorities.
In introducing the report, the Executive Member provided an overview of the proposals. It was noted that there was a requirement for Combined Authorities and their constituent Councils to provide their respective consent to enable the Government to create a statutory instrument conferring additional funding powers for adult education functions to those Combined Authorities. It was also noted that this would allow Combined Authorities to use their Adult Skills Fund budget to fund the new technical qualifications from 2025.
RESOLVED – (a) That, in Leeds City Council’s role as Constituent Council, consent in principle be provided to the Department of Education’s creation of a statutory instrument conferring additional funding powers for adult education functions to established Combined Authorities;
(b) That the necessary authority be delegated to the Chief Executive of the Combined Authority, in consultation with Mayor of the Combined Authority, to finalise and consent to the final draft of the Order;
(c) That approval be given for resolutions (a) and (b) above to be exempted from the Call In process on the grounds of urgency, and for the reasons as set out in paragraphs 16 to 18 of the submitted report.
(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 above were exempted from the Call In process, as per resolution (c) above, and for the reasons as set out within sections 16 - 18 of the submitted report)
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HOUSING |
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Lettings Policy Review 2025 To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presenting the outcomes from consultation undertaken in respect of the Council’s Lettings Policy, and which seeks the Board’s approval to implement the proposed changes to the Policy, as set out, in order to enable the Council to respond to the increase in demand for social housing.
Additional documents:
Minutes: Further to Minute No. 76, 13 December 2023, the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting the outcomes from consultation exercise which had been undertaken in respect of the Council’s Lettings Policy, and which sought the Board’s approval to implement the proposed changes to the policy, as set out in the submitted report.
In introducing the report, the Executive Member provided an update on the current housing pressures in Leeds, with it being noted that demand for housing in the city was at an all-time high. An overview of the proposed changes to the policy was provided, which would enable the Council to further respond to the increasing demand and also support the Authority in managing the allocation of Council homes. It was also highlighted that the proposals had been the subject of wide-ranging consultation, in which 3,000 responses had been received and which had also been considered by the Communities, Housing and Environment Scrutiny Board and relevant forums.
Responding to a Member’s enquiries, it was noted that: · there was an intention to review relevant Local Lettings Policies where they exist; · the removal of social housing tenants and applicants in Band C had been considered, but was not part of the proposals submitted; and · a further update would be prepared in due course for Members, reviewing the implementation of the changes.
Also in response to an enquiry, Members received further information and context in respect of the proposal to remove applicants from the Register who had income, savings or assets worth over £60,000. It was highlighted that exemptions would be established as part of that proposal to ensure that all relevant factors were taken into consideration and that applicants were not discriminated against. It was also noted that further work would be undertaken into how the £60,000 threshold would respond over time to issues such as inflation.
RESOLVED – (a) That the results of the consultation exercise, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted; and that the contents of the full Equality, Diversity, Cohesion and Integration impact assessment, as appended to the report, be noted;
(b) That the changes to and implementation of the new Lettings Policy, as proposed within the submitted report, and as summarised in section 10.14, be approved;
(c) That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment is responsible for the implementation of the resolutions from the submitted report. |
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ADULT SOCIAL CARE, ACTIVE LIFESTYLES AND CULTURE |
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To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Adults and Health providing an update on the acquisition of new premises for the Assisted Living Leeds Service following a previous decision by Executive Board in March 2019. This report now seeks further approval from the Board, including an authority to spend an additional sum for the refurbishment of the new premises.
Additional documents: Minutes: Further to Minute No. 184, 20 March 2019, the Director of City Development and the Director of Adults and Health submitted a joint report providing an update on the acquisition of new premises for the Assisted Living Leeds (ALL) service. The submitted report sought further approval from the Board, including an authority to spend an additional sum for the refurbishment of the new premises.
By way of introduction to the report the Executive Member outlined the aims and role of the ALL service, noted the proposals being considered by the Board and highlighted how such proposals would enable the service to provide support to more people across the city.
Members supported the proposals within the report.
In response to a Member’s enquiry, it was noted that the new site would be more accessible than the current provision, and it was highlighted that the intention was to utilise part of the new site as a drop-in facility for service users.
RESOLVED – (a) That authority to spend an additional £3.4m for the refurbishment of the new premises, as set out within the submitted report, be approved;
(b) That it be noted that Executive Board approved a previous ‘authority to spend’ of £5.6m in March 2019, taking the overall project budget to £9m (inclusive of costs associated with purchasing the site, construction, fees, and contingency);
(c) That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development, to enable the Director to award the contract to the successful tenderer, in Spring 2025;
(d) That the target programme dates, as detailed within paragraph 12 of the submitted report, be noted;
(e) That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Chief Officer Asset Management and Regeneration.
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CHILDREN AND FAMILIES |
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Annual Fostering Report 2023/24 To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting the Annual Fostering Report 2023/24. The report provides an overview of the work and progress of the services that support our Foster Carers. The report includes reference to the increase in Kinship Carers, work underway to increase the number of mainstream Foster Care placements and proves an overview of the work of the service during 2023/24.
Additional documents:
Minutes: The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting the annual update in respect of the Council’s Fostering Service for the period 2023/24. The report provided an overview of the services that support the city’s Foster Carers, including reference to the increase in Kinship Carers and the work underway to increase the number of mainstream Foster Care placements. The report also provided a review of the progress made in relation to the service priorities set for 2023/24 and looking ahead, highlighted the updated service priorities for 2024/25.
The Executive Member highlighted the key points in the Annual Report and thanked the Fostering Service for the work that it continued to undertake. The wide range of actions being taken around recruitment and enrichment, together with the support provided to Foster and Kinship Carers was highlighted. Thanks was also extended to all Foster and Kinship Carers across the city for the crucial role that they continued to play.
Members welcomed the comments made and supported the work which continued to be undertaken in this service area.
RESOLVED – That the ‘Leeds City Council Fostering Service: Annual Fostering Report 2023/24’, as presented at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be adopted, together with the recommendations contained within the Annual Report.
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Determination of School Admission Arrangements for 2026/27 To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which seeks approval of the Leeds City Council school admission arrangements (admission policy) for September 2026. This admission policy applies to all Leeds community and voluntary controlled maintained schools (95 schools).
Additional documents:
Minutes: The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which sought approval of the Leeds City Council school admission arrangements (Admission Policy) for September 2026.
In introducing the report, the Executive Member specifically highlighted that these arrangements applied to all Leeds community and voluntary controlled maintained schools. The Board’s attention was also drawn to the proposals regarding reduction in the published admission numbers (PAN) for Greenside Primary School, as identified within the report, reflecting the falling birth rate in the local area, which had been incorporated into the proposed admission arrangements for 2026/27.
Responding to a Member’s enquiry, it was confirmed that in relation to Queensway Primary School, the consultation exercise regarding the proposed closure of the school had concluded and no decision had yet been made regarding the future of the school. It was also noted that the Council was not intending to change its admission arrangements as a result of any future decision taken in respect of Queensway Primary School.
RESOLVED – (a) That in determining the school admissions arrangements for the academic year 2026/27, the admissions policies for the Leeds community and voluntary controlled maintained primary and secondary schools (as detailed at Appendices A, B and C to the submitted report), be approved;
(b) That the resolutions within this minute be exempted from the Call In process for the reasons as set out in paragraphs 35 and 36 of the submitted report;
(c) That any necessary authority be delegated to the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service, to enable that officer to take any actions should there be a need to revise these arrangements after they have been determined, where this revision is necessary to give effect to a mandatory requirement of the School Admission Code 2021, admissions law, a determination of the Schools Adjudicator or any misprint in the admission arrangements, under regulation 19 of the School Admissions Regulations 2012;
(d) That the following be noted:- (i) The coordinated scheme for admissions arrangements for entry in September 2026 (as detailed at Appendix D to the submitted report) has been set; (ii) That the officer responsible for this work is the Lead for Admissions and Family Information Service; (iii) That the statutory date for implementation (i.e. determination of the policies) is no later than 28 February 2025, with the arrangements published by 15 March 2025.
(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process by the decision taker if it is considered that the matter is urgent and any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with this, the resolutions contained within this minute were exempted from the Call In process, as per resolution (b) above, and for the reasons as set out within sections 35 - 36 of the submitted report) |
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LEADER'S PORTFOLIO |
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(A) 2025/2026 Revenue Budget and Council Tax To consider the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources on the proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2025/2026 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied in 2025/2026.
(B) Capital Programme 2024 – 2029 To consider the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources presenting the Council’s Capital Programme for the period 2025 – 2029 and which also includes a specific update on the 2024/2025 programme.
(C) Treasury Management Strategy 2025/2026 To consider the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources presenting the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/2026, whilst also providing an update on the implementation of the 2024/2025 strategy.
Additional documents:
Minutes: Further to Minute No. 91, 11 December 2024, the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources submitted a suite of reports regarding: proposals for the City Council’s Revenue Budget for 2025/26 and the Leeds element of the Council Tax to be levied during the same period; proposals regarding an updated Capital Programme for 2025 – 2029, including a specific update on the 2024/25 programme and also a proposed updated Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26, alongside an update on the implementation of the 2024/25 strategy.
With the agreement of the Chair, supplementary information was circulated to the Board and published ahead of the meeting for Members’ consideration as part of agenda item 12A, ‘2025/2026 Revenue Budget and Council Tax’. This presented details of the final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26 as received from Government on 3 February 2025, together with the resultant changes to the position as contained within the original report submitted to the Board and a revised Table 1 (Summary of Changes in Resources, Costs and Savings Proposals in the Council’s Budget 2025/26). Also provided were details of Public Health Grant allocations for 2025/26 which had been received on 7 February 2025; and Annexe 1 to the submitted report (Movement in Net Managed Budget by Directorate 2024/25 to 2025/26).
A Member raised a specific enquiry about the increase in Employers’ National Insurance Contributions (ENICs) in relation to the provision of Government funding to public sector organisations to cover additional costs, and also how the increase may potentially impact upon third sector partners. In response, the Board was advised that following receipt of the final Local Government Finance Settlement, there was a shortfall of £3.9m between the funding received from Government and the estimated additional costs for the Council arising from the increase in ENICs.
(A) 2025/2026 Revenue Budget and Council Tax
RESOLVED – (a) That, subject to the inclusion of the updated position detailed within the supplementary information as provided to the Board and incorporated into the agenda for the meeting, Council be recommended to note the recommendation of the Council’s statutory Section 151 officer (the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources) that the Budget proposals for 2025/26 are robust and that the proposed level of reserves is adequate, as set out at Part 7 of Appendix 1 to the submitted report;
(b) That, subject to the inclusion of the updated position detailed within the supplementary information as provided to the Board and incorporated into the agenda for the meeting, Council be recommended to adopt the following:- (i) That the revenue budget for 2025/26 totalling £655.7m be approved. This means that the Leeds element of Council Tax for 2025/26 will increase by 2.99% plus the Adult Social Care precept of 1.99% compared with 2024/25. This excludes the Police and Fire precepts which will be incorporated into the Council Tax report to be submitted to Council on 26th February 2025; (ii) That approval be given to grants totalling £74k to be allocated to parishes, ... view the full minutes text for item 105. |
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RESOURCES |
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Financial Health Monitoring 2024/25 – December 2024 (Month 9) 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 as at Month 9 of the financial year, which includes updates in respect of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the Schools Budget (DSG) and the Council Tax and Business Rates Collection Fund.
Minutes: 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 9 of the financial year. The report also included updates 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 9 of the financial year, the Council was forecasting a General Fund overspend of £6.8m, with it being noted that the projected overspend had decreased through the use of reserves and via other mitigating factors. Further detail was also provided on the progress that was being made in relation to the budget action plans which continued to be delivered.
Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, in noting the demand pressures which remained in both children’s and adult’s social care, the Board received an update on the range of actions being taken to mitigate against those pressures and to manage the related financial implications arising when meeting the needs of such service demand. Further information was also provided on how such matters had been taken into consideration as part of the budget setting process for 2025/26.
RESOLVED – (a) That it be noted that at December 2024 (Month 9 of the financial year) the Authority’s General Fund revenue budget is reporting an overspend of £6.8m for 2024/25 (1.1%) of the approved net revenue budget after application of reserves set up for this purpose and one-off measures; 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 December 2024 (Month 9 of the financial year) the Authority’s Housing Revenue Account is reporting a balanced position;
(c) That it be noted that at December 2024 (Month 9 of the financial year), the DSG budget is projecting an in-year pressure of £16.0m which equates to 2.84% of the total estimated DSG funding;
(d) That it be noted that in response to the significant in-year financial pressures, the reported position includes a reduction in the planned contribution of £1.5m to the General Reserve, and as a consequence of which no contribution will be made in 2024/25;
(e) 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 this reported financial position. That it also be noted that the 2024/25 pay offer has now been agreed for both JNC and NJC staff and is reflected in directorate dashboards with any associated mitigations. That it be further noted that inflationary pressures will continue to be reviewed during the year and reported to future Executive Board meetings as more information becomes available, and that a number of actions are being taken ... view the full minutes text for item 106. |
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Capital Receipts Programme Annual Update To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides an update on the Capital Receipts Programme since the previous report was considered by the Board on such matters in February 2024. The report also seeks a number of approvals from the Board as part of the review and update of the programme.
(Please note that Appendix B to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))
Additional documents:
Minutes: Further to Minute No. 101, 7 February 2024, the Director of City Development submitted a report presenting an update and overview of the Council’s Capital Receipts Programme and which recommended to the Board a number of related approvals in relation to the programme.
In introducing the report, the Executive Member provided an overview of the actions which were ongoing in relation to the Capital Receipts Programme. It was noted that the Council’s estate was larger than required, and as such, the Capital Programme would continue to be reviewed. The Board was advised that the review of locality buildings across the city would continue in liaison with local Ward Councillors. It was also noted that further reports were expected to be submitted to Executive Board on such matters, as and when appropriate.
A Member highlighted the importance of continuing to work with the local communities when determining such matters. Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, whilst it was acknowledged that the pace at which the Council released properties needed to be accelerated to reduce the size of the estate, assurance was provided that the service would continue to work with local Ward Councillors in circumstances where a building had been identified for sale or a Community Asset Transfer.
Following consideration of Appendix B to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting in line with the Board’s earlier resolution (Minute No. 95 refers), it was -
RESOLVED – (a) That the contents of the submitted report, together with that of the three appendices, be noted, and that the previous Key Decisions which have been taken in relation to the disposal of assets, as set out at paragraph 13 of the submitted report also be noted;
(b) That the progress made and progress achieved since Executive Board considered the last report on 7 February 2024, be noted;
(c) That those assets identified in Appendix A and exempt Appendix B as “Proposed for Inclusion”, and as set out at paragraph 14 and Table 2 of the submitted report, be declared surplus, and that approval be given to their disposal. Also, that agreement be given to their addition to the Council’s Capital Receipts Programme of surplus properties for disposal;
(d) That the withdrawal of properties from the Capital Receipts Programme, as set out in Appendix A and exempt Appendix B to the submitted report, be approved, which will be implemented by the Director of City Development;
(e) That the approach being taken in relation to the review of locality buildings across the city, be supported, with support also being given to how this will be informed by the review of locality service delivery;
(f) That the progress being made on the work to review the locality buildings, be noted, with the work to release further buildings in 2025/26 also being noted;
(g) That the list of properties, as ... view the full minutes text for item 107. |
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Agreement for Less than Best lease for the development of Old Cockburn Sports Hall To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment on proposals for the redevelopment and future use of the Old Cockburn Sports Hall site, brought forward by Hamara, a registered charity and community business limited by guarantee. The report seeks approval for a new lease agreement on a less than best basis to be issued to Hamara, together with the termination of the existing lease, in order to facilitate the proposals.
(Please note that Appendix 1 to this report is designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3))
Additional documents:
Minutes: The Director of City Development and the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a joint report on proposals for the redevelopment and future use of the Old Cockburn Sports Hall site, brought forward by Hamara, a registered charity and community business limited by guarantee. The report sought approval for a new lease agreement on a less than best basis to be issued to Hamara, together with the termination of the existing lease, in order to facilitate the proposals.
In introducing the report, the Executive Member provided an overview of the context which had led to the current position together with details of the proposal submitted to the Board. It was noted that the current building had come to the end of its lifespan and that Hamara had secured planning consent for a scheme to demolish the current building and develop a new building on the site. The challenges faced within the local community that the building served were noted, and the benefits that the proposed facility would bring to that community were highlighted.
A Member raised several concerns in relation to the proposals including the potential risks involved for the Council, and proposed that the report be deferred to the next Board meeting in order to provide an opportunity for further consideration of the matter prior to any final decisions being taken. In response, officers acknowledged the areas of risk as set out within the submitted report and highlighted the actions which were being taken to mitigate against such risk, with the establishment of an Escrow account being highlighted. It was also undertaken that officers would continue to work through the associated risks in order to protect the Council’s interests as the scheme progressed.
In considering the proposal to defer the report, the significant time taken to develop the proposals to the current position was highlighted, with it being noted that such a deferral could have implications for Hamara in securing other funding opportunities.
At this point in the meeting and following the Board’s earlier resolution (Minute No. 95 refers), the Board entered into private session in order to consider the contents of Appendix 1 to the submitted report which was designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3). As part of that private discussion and in response to enquiries raised, the Board received further information and assurances on the due diligence which had been undertaken to date together with the actions taken to mitigate against associated potential risks to the Council. Also, it was proposed that should the recommendations in the report be agreed by the Board, then prior to the Director of City Development approving final terms for both the agreement to lease and also the termination of the existing lease, then Councillor A Lamb be provided with a full briefing on such matters.
Having considered exempt Appendix 1, the Board returned to public session and it was -
RESOLVED – (a) That the contents of the submitted report, ... view the full minutes text for item 108. |
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DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 14TH FEBRUARY 2025
LAST DATE FOR CALL IN OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS: 5.00PM, FRIDAY, 21ST FEBRUARY 2025 |