Agenda item

To receive an update from the Director of City Development on the ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the city’s recovery plan, such as it relates to the remit of the Board.

The Report of the Director of City Development updated the Scrutiny Board on key activity carried out in the City Development Directorate in relation to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of the subsequent recovery plan since the last update to the Scrutiny Board in July 2020.

In attendance at the meeting were:

·  Cllr Lisa Mulherin - Executive Board Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development

·  Martin Farrington – Director of City Development

·  Gary Bartlett – Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation

·  Sue Wynne – Chief Officer, Employment and Skills

·  Eve Roodhouse – Chief Officer, Economic Development

The Board Members were informed of the following points:

• A survey has been undertaken of staff working from home. It was noted that the Council currently has approximately 8000 people working from home. The survey looked at all aspects of staff working from home including wellbeing and consideration of how future working could operate. It was noted that there is a need to rationalise the Council’s portfolio of estate and some buildings may be sold. A report was due to be considered by the Executive Board the following day on this matter;
• Footfall within the City Centre is currently at 67.5% which is an improvement on the period during lockdown, although, this is still down on normal footfall;
• Traffic flow is down 15% with rail travel down 70% compared to March prior to lockdown;
• £153,460,000 had been paid out to business of hospitality and leisure through grants up to 11 September, with £5.8m of discretionary grants assisting 600 businesses. It is hoped that the service will be able to process as many applications as possible before the end of the September deadline;
• There has been a 90% increase in claimants for unemployment payments and the Employment and Skills Service continues to support companies going through redundancy processes. The Service has supported 1,382 people into work between April and July 2020;
• 6 trials are currently running for the School Streets Initiative;
• Proposed Active Travel Measures include more segregation of the cycle lane on the A65 and work is proposed for the A660;
• As part of the Emergency Access Travel Fund, Leeds has received £710,000 of monies and £20,000 of revenue as part of the first phase of works. The DFT has outlined a 12 week delivery time for these works;
• Kirkgate Market has remained operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognising the impact of reduced footfall as a result of COVID-19 a series of fee reductions (ranging from 25% through to 100%, reflecting differing levels of continuing Government restrictions in trade) have been implemented for the 3 month period covering 1 July to 30 September 2020. Hardship claims are being considered on a case by case basis. Footfall in the market was down 40% on the previous year but there had been some recovery through July and August. Footfall will continue to be monitored.
• Planning services have remained operational throughout the pandemic.

In response to questions from Members the Board were informed of the following:

• Rationalisation of properties within the Council’s portfolio will be considered through reports to the Executive Board. A number, to be determined by their size and price, will go to auction. There are auctions taking place in October, December and February. All sales would be approved by Executive Board;
• Through the staff survey it had been noted that younger cohorts of staff are more likely to find report difficulty in working from home. This is for a number of reasons, including sharing space within a house of multiple occupation, living with parents, or not able to access the right equipment. 1000 desks have been made available in covid-secure offices for those who wish to return back to the office. It was noted that use of these spaces is not at full capacity. New staff are being welcomed into the organisation with appropriate support and training being provided;
• The process for paying Discretionary Grants is time consuming, with checks having to be made against set criteria and against information held by Companies House. The first phase of the programme between June and July had seen 962 applications with 447 approved. The second phase is due to close at the end of September, the Council’s  service along with other Local Authorities, had requested a further eight weeks to process all the applications but had only been given a further four weeks. Representation would continue to be made to Civil Servants with a view to securing a further extension of the current deadline;
• The School Streets Initiative has been popular and the service are still receiving requests. Fourteen schools streets are currently in the trial with positive responses reported in all instances. It is hoped that the Scheme can be progressed;
• The Action Travel Fund bid has been delayed.  Deadlines are tight but officers hope to receive feedback from WYCA soon. In relation to the Beeston Active Travel the service are still working to establish community contacts, although there have been discussions with local ward members;
• Information on general levels of footfall outside the city centre is not being monitored at present. However, work is underway to understand activity in a number of specific areas such as White Rose. It was noted that the Trinity Centre is currently receiving 70% of its normal footfall with White Rose approaching more normal levels than have been experienced in recent months;
• Apprenticeships at the start of lockdown fell between 50-75% this was due to employers finding it difficult to provide training and other training providers such as colleges and universities being closed. However, quarter three figures showed that in Leeds there were 4,000 starts within the academic year. Quarter 4 figures will be calculated through October and November for the academic year. It was noted that this was approximately 37% less than normal. It was also noted that this was reflective of national trends. There was a concern at the two Further Education Colleges about whether individuals that had been furloughed would return to work or be made redundant. This is currently being monitored. Members were advised that there are still firms coming forward with offers for apprenticeships. Leeds Digital Festival will provide guidance to employers on how to employ an apprentice;
• Council officers are continuing to work with Job Centre Plus and the Rapid Response Team are working with employers due to make redundancies to offer support. Since lockdown 1548 people have been supported into work;
• Staff have completed a bespoke survey on homeworking and have been asked how they would like to work after the pandemic. The survey explored what staff view as working well and what is not working well. Staff have also undertaken a Pulse Survey which focused on wellbeing;
• The HR Helpline has received 300 calls requesting additional support;
• The Elland Road Park Ride has not received the anticipated number of return users and this might need to be reviewed in light of current measures relating to the covid response. Traffic flow throughout the day is near pre-covid rates, however morning peak traffic is still low. Discussion will continue with bus companies to try and ensure more buses are getting where they are needed;
• PPE supplies will be delivered where required;
• In relation to perceived inconsistency in the approach of Plans Panel meetings, highlighted by members, it was agreed this would be raised with the Chief Planning Officer.

It was noted that the Director of City Development had no delegation powers in regard to planning applications. However, the issue raised by Cllr Taylor in relation to Horsforth would be taken back to the Chief Planning Officer.

RESOLVED -  To note the report.