Agenda and draft minutes

(a)  The Lord Mayor welcomed members to this meeting of Full Council and also any members of the public who were joining the meeting and reminded those present that the meeting was to be streamed live.

(b)  The Lord Mayor welcomed Ed Whiting OBE the new Chief Executive of Leeds City Council to his first meeting of Council the Lord Mayor also welcomed Ed’s family, Mr Whiting addressed the Council.

(c) The Lord Mayor congratulated Councillor Dan Cohen on his nomination as Lord Mayor Elect for the 2025-26 Municipal Year.

(d) The Lord Mayor congratulated all those recipients from Leeds or who work and volunteer in Leeds and who had been recognised in His Majesty The King’s 2025 New Year Honours List. The Lord Mayor informed Council that she had written to them all to offer her warmest congratulations on this well deserved award.

(e) The Lord Mayor informed Council that during January a number of Councillors would be celebrating their birthdays and wished them a happy birthday.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 13^th November 2024.

It was moved by Councillor Flint, seconded by Councillor Stephenson and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th November 2024 be approved.

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

Councillor Pogson-Golden declared an interest in item 13 as an employee of a Neighbourhood Network and would leave the Chamber during the debate on that item.

Councillor Dobson declared an interest in item 4 and 13 as an employee of a Neighbourhood Network and would not take part in the voting on those items.

To receive such communications as the Lord Mayor, the Leader,  Members of the Executive Board or the Chief Executive consider appropriate.

There were no communications.

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

Four deputations were admitted to the meeting and addressed Council, as follows:-

1)  The Getting Clean Project

2)  Leeds University Union

3)  Friends of Leeds City Museums

4)  Neighbourhood Networks

RESOLVED – That the subject matter in respect of deputation 1 be referred to the Director of Public Health for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, that the subject matter in respect of deputation 2 be referred to the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, that the subject matter in respect of deputation 3 be referred to the Director of City Development for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member and that the subject matter in respect of deputation 4 be referred to the Director of Adults and Health for consideration in consultation with the relevant Executive Member.

It was moved by Councillor Flint, seconded by Councillor Stephenson and

RESOLVED - To move that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 2.2 (order of business) 3.3 & 3.4 (time limits for business) and 14.1 (period permitted for speeches) be suspended, in order that;

•  questions are heard immediately after deputations and prior to reports.

•  That a maximum of 1 hour 30 minutes be allowed for all report items (items 5 to 11).

•  that a maximum of 40 minutes be allowed for item 13 (Health & Wellbeing Board & Executive Board minutes) (20 minutes for H&WB and 20 minutes for Executive Board) including summing up rights.

•  In respect of White Papers the mover of the motion and any amendment may speak for up to 4 minutes, a member seconding a white paper or amendment, summing up or contributing to the white paper may speak for up to 3 minutes.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on a proposed change of start time for the 26^th March 2025 Council meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Flint, seconded by Councillor Farley and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor proposing that the ordinary Council meeting on the 26th March 2025 will start at 12.30pm or at the conclusion of the extraordinary meeting be approved.

To consider the report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources seeking agreement to the 2025/26 council tax bases for Leeds and the parish/town councils set out in the report and providing indicative business rates shares for 2025/26 and to request Council to give delegated authority to the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources to finalise the shares and to submit them in the National Non-Domestic Rates 1 Return 2025/26 on or before 31st January 2025.

The report of the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources seeking agreement to the 2025/26 council tax bases for Leeds and the parish/town councils set out in the report and providing indicative business rates shares for 2025/26 and requesting Council to give delegated authority to the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources to finalise the shares and to submit them in the National Non Domestic Rates 1 Return 2025/26 on or before 31st January 2025 was moved by Councillor Coupar, seconded by Councillor Flint and it was

RESOLVED - 

a)  To agree that, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by the Council as its council tax base for the year 2025/26 shall be 243,974.1 for Leeds, as detailed in Appendix 2, and for each parish as detailed in Appendix 2.

b)  To note the indicative business rates shares set out in Appendix 1, and delegate authority to the Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Finance, Traded and Resources to make detailed calculations and to submit the final figures to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on or before 31^st January 2025.

To consider a report setting out a recommendation from the Corporate Governance & Audit Committee for the continued appointment of the independent member for a further 4-year term effective from 23rd February 2025.

It was moved by Councillor France-Mir, seconded by Councillor Coupar and

RESOLVED – To note the endorsement by Members of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee and approve the appointment of Linda Wild as an independent member to the CGAC for a 4-year and final term from 23^rd February 2025 to 22^nd February 2029.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor on appointments.

It was moved by Councillor Flint, seconded by Councillor Farley and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on appointments be noted, namely, Councillor Coupar’s appointment to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Employment Panel (pool of co-opted ‘reserve’ members).

To consider the report of the City Solicitor in respect of attendance at meetings.

It was moved by Councillor Flint, seconded by Councillor Farley and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor on attendance at meetings be noted and the absence of Councillor Brookst from meetings of the authority for a period of six months from the date of this meeting be approved.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor setting out that the Leader has changed part of his executive arrangements and this report advises full council of those changes in accordance with the Constitution.

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Flint and

RESOLVED – That the report of the City Solicitor presenting changes to the Executive Arrangements be noted.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer Climate, Energy and Green Spaces introducing the Annual Report of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee, which demonstrates the work of the committee undertaken throughout the 2023/24 and 2024/25 municipal year to date.

It was moved by Councillor Dye, seconded by Councillor Rafique and

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and the work of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee throughout the 2023/24 and 2024/25 (to date) municipal year be noted.

During consideration of this item Council adjourned from 14.35 to 14.40.

To deal with executive questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.

Q1  Councillor Cohen to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture):-

To ask the Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture, why staff at Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall found out about its potential closure and therefore potential redundancies via a Facebook post by Kirkstall Ward Members and not via official communication from the directorate before the public consultation?

The Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture) replied.

Q2  Councillor Golton to the Executive Member (Resources):-

Given the wording of the decision document to finally sell it, can the Executive Member for Resources please explain why the U1 number plate is more ‘cherished’ by the Labour administration than any other assets it sells? Why is the Labour Group more reluctant to part with a metal plate donated by a rich car enthusiast, than it was to dispose of the historic Council Offices paid for and bequeathed by the ordinary taxpayers of Rothwell?

The Executive Member (Resources) replied.

Q3  Councillor Thomson to the Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture):-

Could the Executive Member please give an update on the investment made in Active Leeds centres?

  The Executive Member (Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture) replied.

Q4  Councillor M Ali to the Executive Member (Communities, Customer Services and Community Safety):-

Can the relevant Executive Member provide an update into the promised review of the riots that took place in Harehills on 18^th July 2024.

The Executive Member (Communities, Customer Services and Community Safety) replied.

Q5  Councillor Martin to the Executive Member (Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development):-

Please can the Executive Member update on the success of the Leeds Christmas Markets?

The Executive Member (Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development) replied.

Q6  Councillor Stephenson to the Executive Member (Children & Families):-

To ask the Executive Member for Children & Families, does she agree with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and others, who believe there should be a national statutory inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation, focused on grooming gangs?

The Executive Member (Children & Families) replied.

Q7  Withdrawn.

Q8  Councillor Tudor to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment & Green Spaces):-

Please can the Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Spaces comment on the work of frontline staff during the recent cold weather?

The Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment & Green Spaces) replied.

Q9  Councillor Carlisle to the Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment & Green Spaces):-

Our environmental teams are working hard, but can the Executive Member comment as to why there are many cases where investigations into fly tipping have not been pursued, even when officers have been presented with cast-iron evidence in the form of videos, photos, and so on?

The Executive Member (Climate, Energy, Environment & Green Spaces) replied.

At the conclusion of question time, the following questions remained unanswered and it was noted that, under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11.6, written answers would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

To receive the minutes in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Flint that the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

RESOLVED – That the minutes be received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(i).

Council Procedure Rule 4, providing for the winding up of business, was applied prior to all notified comments on the minutes having been debated.

At the conclusion of this item Council adjourned from 15.45 to 16.10.

This Council believes the Labour Government and the Labour Administration in Leeds are failing to prioritise the needs of vulnerable older residents.

Despite promises to reform adult social care, Labour Ministers have proven to be empty vessels now they are in power, with reforms kicked into the long grass and yet another expensive commission not due to report until the end of this Parliament.

A recent Nuffield Trust report on the Autumn Budget noted: “social care was not so much left out in the cold as pushed right to the edge of a cliff”. Commenting on the announcement of another commission, the President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said: “continuing to tread water until a commission concludes will be at the detriment of people’s health and wellbeing”.

Council notes the loss of the winter fuel payment and the harm inflicted upon the third sector, including charities and advocacy groups, brought on by, amongst other burdens, the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, will make a difficult situation even worse for the sector. Council supports the lobbying of former Labour Councillor Kim Groves, now Chair of Third Sector Leeds, who is calling on the Chancellor to exempt the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector from increased national insurance costs.

Furthermore, Council rejects the Administration’s proposal to cut the budget of the city’s much-valued Neighbourhood Networks and believes these organisations need support to provide help for older people given new pressures arising from government actions.

Council calls on the Administration to abandon its plans to make cuts to Neighbourhood Networks and requests a report to Executive Board detailing the cost of increasing employers’ national insurance contributions within the sector and the impact of delaying reforms to adult social care.

It was moved by Councillor C Anderson, seconded by Councillor Lamb that 

this Council believes the Labour Government and the Labour Administration in Leeds are failing to prioritise the needs of vulnerable older residents.

Despite promises to reform adult social care, Labour Ministers have proven to be empty vessels now they are in power, with reforms kicked into the long grass and yet another expensive commission not due to report until the end of this Parliament.

A recent Nuffield Trust report on the Autumn Budget noted: “social care was not so much left out in the cold as pushed right to the edge of a cliff”. Commenting on the announcement of another commission, the President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said: “continuing to tread water until a commission concludes will be at the detriment of people’s health and wellbeing”.

Council notes the loss of the winter fuel payment and the harm inflicted upon the third sector, including charities and advocacy groups, brought on by, amongst other burdens, the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, will make a difficult situation even worse for the sector. Council supports the lobbying of former Labour Councillor Kim Groves, now Chair of Third Sector Leeds, who is calling on the Chancellor to exempt the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector from increased national insurance costs.

Furthermore, Council rejects the Administration’s proposal to cut the budget of the city’s much-valued Neighbourhood Networks and believes these organisations need support to provide help for older people given new pressures arising from government actions.

Council calls on the Administration to abandon its plans to make cuts to Neighbourhood Networks and requests a report to Executive Board detailing the cost of increasing employers’ national insurance contributions within the sector and the impact of delaying reforms to adult social care

An amendment was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor Downes

In the first paragraph delete everything after ‘This Council…’ and replace with ‘condemns the failure of five consecutive Conservative Prime Ministers to fulfil promises to ‘fix’ the growing crisis in care under their leadership.’

In the second paragraph, insert at the beginning ‘This Council is further alarmed that…’.  Also, remove the words ‘empty vessels’ and replace with ‘no better than their predecessors’

Delete the whole of the third paragraph

In the fifth paragraph add an ‘s’ on the end of ‘budget’, and after “Neighbourhood Networks” insert ‘and commissioned care providers’.

In the sixth paragraph, after Council, insert ‘therefore’, and after ‘calls on the…’ insert ‘Government to heed the advice of Sir Andrew Dilnot that the need for social care reform is “bleedin’ obvious” and to show political leadership by committing to begin discussing with all parties the feasibility of implementing the reforms he recommended in his 2011 report. Council further calls on the…’

The amended White Paper motion would then read:

This Council condemns the failure of five consecutive Conservative Prime Ministers to fulfil promises to ‘fix’ the growing crisis in care  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

Council is dissatisfied that the verdict of maladministration from The Parliamentary Ombudsman, meaning women born in Leeds in the 1950s did not get adequate notice of the changes to the rises in the state pension age and should therefore be compensated, has not been adopted and rectified by the current Government.

Council is dismayed to note that, despite actively campaigning for the WASPI women in opposition, once in power the current Government has reneged on previous public commitments to support their cause.

Council reaffirms its agreement to Councillor Coupar's white paper motion of September 2017 and calls on the Government to urgently look again at the findings of the Ombudsman and honour both the findings of the Ombudsman and their previous commitment that women born in the 1950s, and who have found the goalposts moved in terms of when they receive their state pension, are compensated.

Further, that this Council continues to support the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign group, which campaigns for justice for all women born in the 1950s affected by the changes to the State Pension Law (1995/2011 Acts). The 1995 Pension Act included plans to increase women’s SPA (State Pension Age) to 65, the same as men’s. WASPI agrees with equalisation but does not agree with the unfair way the changes are being implemented – with little or no personal notice (1995/2011 Pension Acts), faster than promised (2011 Pension Act), and no time to make alternative plans.

Many women born in the 1950's are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment.

Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families, and paid their tax and National Insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60.

It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute - it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time. The issue is that the rise in the women's state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving women with no time to make alternative arrangements.

Council therefore calls on the Government to urgently review their decision based on the Ombudsman‘s findings and arrange proper recompense for the women concerned.

It was moved by Councillor Dobson, seconded by Councillor Field that Council is dissatisfied that the verdict of maladministration from The Parliamentary Ombudsman, meaning women born in Leeds in the 1950s did not get adequate notice of the changes to the rises in the state pension age and should therefore be compensated, has not been adopted and rectified by the current Government.

Council is dismayed to note that, despite actively campaigning for the WASPI women in opposition, once in power the current Government has reneged on previous public commitments to support their cause.

Council reaffirms its agreement to Councillor Coupar's white paper motion of September 2017 and calls on the Government to urgently look again at the findings of the Ombudsman and honour both the findings of the Ombudsman and their previous commitment that women born in the 1950s, and who have found the goalposts moved in terms of when they receive their state pension, are compensated.

Further, that this Council continues to support the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign group, which campaigns for justice for all women born in the 1950s affected by the changes to the State Pension Law (1995/2011 Acts). The 1995 Pension Act included plans to increase women’s SPA (State Pension Age) to 65, the same as men’s. WASPI agrees with equalisation but does not agree with the unfair way the changes are being implemented – with little or no personal notice (1995/2011 Pension Acts), faster than promised (2011 Pension Act), and no time to make alternative plans.

Many women born in the 1950's are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment.

Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families, and paid their tax and National Insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60.

It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute - it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time. The issue is that the rise in the women's state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving women with no time to make alternative arrangements.

Council therefore calls on the Government to urgently review their decision based on the Ombudsman‘s findings and arrange proper recompense for the women concerned.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Harrington, seconded by Councillor Cohen 

Add the following after “support their cause” in the second paragraph:

“, and added further financial strain by removing their winter fuel payments.”

Motion would read:

“Council is dissatisfied that the verdict of maladministration from The Parliamentary Ombudsman, meaning women born in Leeds in the 1950s did not get adequate notice of the changes to the rises in the state pension age and should therefore  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

This Council is proud that our work delivering new homes was nationally recognised at the UK Housing Awards. 

Council notes it’s impressive track record in delivering much needed new housing and infrastructure in Leeds in recent years, including:

·  The highest level of new homes built since the early 1980s, including a greater number of affordable homes in the last five years than any other core city, and Leeds being responsible for around 1.5% of all new homes in England in that period.

·  Nearly 1600 affordable homes delivered under our Council Housing Growth Programme and other council backed schemes with partners, underling council’s commitment to providing new high quality social and council homes.

·  National recognition for the East Leeds Orbital Road as a valuable community asset delivering social value, supporting economic growth and unlocking land for 5000 new homes.

·  The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme protecting more than 4000 homes and over a thousand businesses.

·  Delivery with partners of over 500 new Extra Care Housing scheme units for older people.

·  The expansion of the city’s low carbon heating network, Leeds Pipes, providing more affordable heating for up to 8000 Leeds residents. 

·  Over £3.5m investment in Active Leeds Leisure Centres in communities across the city.

Council believes this record underlines our capability to deliver and is committed to working with the new Government to step up delivery of much needed new high quality housing and infrastructure to benefit communities across Leeds.

It was moved by Councillor Lennox, seconded by Councillor Pryor that this Council is proud that our work delivering new homes was nationally recognised at the UK Housing Awards. 

Council notes it’s impressive track record in delivering much needed new housing and infrastructure in Leeds in recent years, including:

·  The highest level of new homes built since the early 1980s, including a greater number of affordable homes in the last five years than any other core city, and Leeds being responsible for around 1.5% of all new homes in England in that period.

·  Nearly 1600 affordable homes delivered under our Council Housing Growth Programme and other council backed schemes with partners, underling council’s commitment to providing new high quality social and council homes.

·  National recognition for the East Leeds Orbital Road as a valuable community asset delivering social value, supporting economic growth and unlocking land for 5000 new homes.

·  The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme protecting more than 4000 homes and over a thousand businesses.

·  Delivery with partners of over 500 new Extra Care Housing scheme units for older people.

·  The expansion of the city’s low carbon heating network, Leeds Pipes, providing more affordable heating for up to 8000 Leeds residents. 

·  Over £3.5m investment in Active Leeds Leisure Centres in communities across the city.

Council believes this record underlines our capability to deliver and is committed to working with the new Government to step up delivery of much needed new high quality housing and infrastructure to benefit communities across Leeds.

An amendment was moved by Councillor B Anderson, seconded by Councillor N Buckley

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with:

“believes the Administration has not delivered adequate infrastructure to support new housing in communities across Leeds.

“Council is concerned that the Administration has not done enough to meet demand for affordable housing, family housing and extra care housing across the city. Infrastructure to support new housing in Leeds is also frequently inadequate, increasing pressure on services and facilities, whilst poor transport links hinder access to employment opportunities.

“Council is also concerned about policy changes being brought forward at a national level by the Labour Government that could lead to the inappropriate release of much valued Green Belt land for housing and the potential reduction in affordable private rented properties.

“As part of work on the next iteration of the Local Plan, Council commits to engage fully with residents as part of meaningful consultation that listens to and responds to the city’s needs and ensures the delivery of new high quality housing and infrastructure that will benefit communities across Leeds.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Campbell, seconded by Councillor Hart-Brooke

Delete all after “This Council” and insert,

"notes that the positive approach taken by all Members and Officers of the Council has enabled the City to deliver a significant amount of new housing and looks forward to working with the new Government to set realistic targets for housing provision within the City."

The amended White Paper motion would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.