Agenda item

Input to the Work Programme

To consider the attached report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing information and guidance to assist the Board continue to develop its work programme for 2008/09.

 

Document A – Local Area Agreement – Pages 7-46

Document B – Leeds Strategic Plan 2008– Pages 47-82

Document C – Council Business Plan 2008-11 – Pages 83-120

Document D – Corporate Assessment Actions – Pages 121-126

Document E – Details of Partners – Pages 127-136

Document F – Board’s Terms of REference – Pages137-140

Minutes:

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which provided information and guidance to the Board on developing the work programme for the 2008/09 Municipal Year.  Documents appended to the report included the Draft Memorandum of the Local Area Agreement, the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Council Business Plan 2008-11.

 

The Chair welcomed the following to the meeting:

 

  • Councillor Andrew Carter, Deputy Leader of the Council
  • Paul Rogerson, Chief Executive
  • Jean Dent, Director of City Development
  • Neil Evans, Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing

 

Councillor Carter addressed the meeting.  He informed the Board that he represented the Council on a number of regional and sub-regional partnerships and there was a clear role for the Board  to undertake work on developing relationships within the framework of partners.  He reported that the Yorkshire and Humberside Assembly was winding up, but there was a developing agenda in the Leeds City Regions which considered issues such as housing, transport and the economy.  He reported that a focus on the City Region agenda would be welcomed as there was no scrutiny arrangement currently in place and concern had been expressed by all members of the City Regions regarding powers delegated to the Regional Development Agency. He also reported that Leeds was involved with the Core Cities Group which had direct contact with Government and also suggested looking at ways in which relations could be enhanced with neighbouring authorities.

 

Paul Rogerson, Chief Executive addressed the meeting.  He raised the following points:

 

  • Partnership working with Bradford and the Leeds/Bradford Corridor
  • Government plans to transfer responsibilities to the Regional Development Agency.
  • Single integrated strategies for spatial planning and economic development.
  • Mechanisms of regional strategies.
  • The need for effective scrutiny mechanisms for the Leeds City Region.
  • Issues considered on a regional basis – transport, housing, planning, innovation and economic development.

 

Jean Dent and Neil Evans also addressed the meeting.  The following issues were discussed:

 

  • Requirements of the new Transport Bill – there would be new arrangements to replace the Passenger Transport Authorities.
  • Partnership arrangements across the City including those with the Chamber of Commerce and the role of Enterprise Leeds.
  • Housing – how to increase supply and utilise the use of land more efficiently.
  • Worklessness and skills – Partnership arrangements under the Local Area Agreement with Job Centre+.
  • Spending arrangements under the Local Area Agreements.

 

In response to issues raised, Members discussed the following:

 

  • How to include local involvement when decisions were made at a regional level.  It was reported that there was no weighted voting across the regional decision making process and Members expressed concern at this.  It was suggested that it population should be taken into account with voting to make decisions more representative towards local residents.
  • Business rates – it was reported that the repatriation of business rates was not under consideration.
  • Accountability at local level – it was reported that the removal of the District Partnership level had given greater accountability to Area Committees and this was reflected in the stronger development of Area Delivery Plans.
  • Affordable housing and the social impacts of housing arrangements.

 

The Chair thanked those present for their attendance.

 

RESOLVED – That the report and discussion with officers and the Leader of the Council be used to inform the development and approval of the Board’s Work Programme.

 

(Councillor Shelbrooke left the meeting at 10.55 during discussion of this item).

 

Supporting documents: