Agenda item

To consider the attached report of the HEad of Scrutiny and Member Development

The report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development asked the Board to consider the work that the Leeds Initiative and Partnerships had completed so far on developing a new Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030 and the work programmed for subsequent phases.

A report of the Chief Officer, Leeds Initiative and Partnerships was also attached for the Board’s consideration.  This outlined  the work completed so far on the Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030 and the work programmed for subsequent phases.

The Chair welcomed Martin Dean and Sally Corcoran of the Leeds Initiative to the meeting.

It was reported that consultation had started with stakeholders at a range of meetings and events and observations had been detailed in the report.  Housing, Digital Technology and issues regarding The Children’s Services inspection had been flagged up as issues to be included in the Vision.  A draft public version of the vision would be available in June 2010.

There were 4 areas for potential aims to shape the vision:

• To be a sustainable City by 2030 – to have a low carbon economy, local produce
• To be a city of Wellbeing – tackle poverty, economic and employment issues
• To be an area of ambition – the Going Up a League initiative
• Equality – whether this should be a top level aim?

The Board was informed of the timetable for the Vision:

• May/June 2010 – Draft Vision is prepared
• Main consultation to be finished by the end of 2010
• Approval by Full Council in April 2011 – needs to be approved by Council and partners.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• How to ensure the Vision reflected the concerns of those involved – there would always be areas of contention.  There was a track record of delivering visions in Leeds and this would be a challenging role for officers. 
• Consultants were not being used for producing the Vision.
• With reference to more localised visions, it was reported that these were still needed to plan on a different scale.
• Housing for local people to prevent further dissipation of communities.
• Providing affordable housing for people to remain in their own communities.
• Working with partners and organisations who allocate the resources and how to inform them.
• How to make people feel that they’re part of a vibrant city – particularly those affected by worklessnes, poor social housing and those in the inner city areas.
• Reference to initiatives in other areas such as the provision of free Wi-Fi and the Kirklees ‘Warm Zone’.
• Solar Panels – see Local Access Forum agenda.
• Engaging the public in their communities.
• Legislation relating to community strategies and the effect on Executive Board and Coucnil activity.
• The next Leeds Strategic Plan and how it will fit in with the Vision for Leeds.
• How the vision makes a case to Government, Yorkshire Forward and European Union funding streams for resources.  An example from the last Vision was the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative.
• A financial statement detailing the cost of producing the Vision for Leeds would be prepared.
• Comparisons with Visions in othe similar cities.  This information would be provided to Members.

The Chair thanked Martin Dean and Sarah Corcoran for their attendance.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and discussion be noted.

(b)  That a further report be brougfh back to the Board in June 2010.