Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of City Development, which presents a summary of 2021/22 performance data. This report provides an update on progress in delivering the relevant priorities in the Best Council Plan.  

Members considered a summary of progress towards a suite of key performance indicators (KPIs), reflecting the ambitions of the Best Council Plan and relevant to the remit of the Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Board.

The information reflected performance in quarter 4 of 2021/22 or, where that was not available, the most up to date information. 

The following attended the Scrutiny Board for this discussion:

Cllr Helen Hayden   – Executive Member

Martin Farrington   – Director, City Development

Tim Rollett   – Intelligence and Performance Manager

Eve Roodhouse   – Chief Officer, Culture & Economy

Gary Bartlett   – Chief Office, Transportation and Highways

Heather Davies   – Principal Planning Policy Officer

The updated format of the performance report was discussed. Members were advised that current KPIs are being reviewed following the recent adoption of the Best City Ambition. Tim Rollett advised the Board that he is intending to discuss the initial outcomes of the performance review (revised set of KPIs and proposed changes to the report format) with Scrutiny Board Chairs. 

Members noted the importance of presenting contextual historical data to enable members to identify trends and to make meaningful comparisons between different years. Members highlighted the benefits of including comparative data from Core Cities and statistical neighbours where possible.

Martin Farrington provided an overview of performance data as set out in Appendix 1 of the Performance Update, including indicators such as employment in Leeds, business survival rates, delivery of affordable homes and the number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions.

The following matters were discussed by the Board:

-  New Business Start Ups (KPI 4): Clarity was sought about the method of determining the figures for new start-ups. The Board also discussed the impact on start-up rates of Covid restrictions at the start of the year and ongoing economic volatility.

-  Visitor Economic Impact (KPI 8): Members sought further information about predicted rates of economic recovery in Leeds.  In response, Eve Roodhouse highlighted a strong recovery in occupancy rates reported by Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, an increase in conference bookings and significant additional traffic to the Visit Leeds website. Trends in footfall at Leeds railway station were considered, as were vacancy rates for retail outlets in the city centre. It was noted that there is still work to be done to support some demographic groups to return to the city centre.

Clarity was sought about the impact of Covid-related grants on the local economy. Martin Farrington agreed to confirm the value of grants distributed to the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.

-  Number of affordable homes delivered (KPI 13): The Board discussed the current number of new build homes in development and the anticipated dates of delivery. The challenges of land availability, procurement and viability were considered. Board members sought clarity as to the distinction between an annual target for delivery and the target relating to a historic backlog in delivery. Members were reassured that levels of foreseeable developments suggest Leeds will make ‘in roads’ into the backlog over the next three years.

The Board was advised that there will be two Local Plan Updates in the Autumn, one of which will specifically address affordable housing. The Council also intends to initiate a new strategic housing market assessment.

The Board expressed concern about current levels of social housing given demand in the city. Members sought further detail about current performance in relation to requirements for all new build housing developments to have 30% accessible and adaptable and 2% wheelchair accessible properties.

It was agreed that the draft Delivery Partnership Plan will come back to the Scrutiny Board for consideration. It was also agreed that Helen Davies will confirm the number of properties purchased through the Right-to-Buy programme by ward. 

Cllr Kidger left the meeting at 11.28am.

-  Number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions (KSI 17): The Board’s long-standing interest in this performance indicator was outlined. The Chair confirmed that the final version of the 2021/22 inquiry report into the prevention of deaths and serious injury on Leeds roads will be considered by the Scrutiny Board in July. Gary Bartlett updated the Board on action taken to progress the adoption of ‘Vision Zero’ in Leeds. Members requested further information about how to access Connecting Leeds updates and communication.

RESOLVED:

The Board resolved that:

-  The contents of the report be noted.

-  The Principal Scrutiny Advisor will liaise with the Director of City Development to identify the most appropriate way in which the Board can consider draft Delivery Partnership Plan.

-  The following additional information should be provided to the Board:

a)  The value of Government grants distributed during the pandemic to the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.

b)  The number of right-to-buy sales by ward in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

c)  Current performance in relation to requirements for all new build housing developments to have 30% accessible and adaptable and 2% wheelchair accessible properties.

d)  Links through which members can receive information from Connecting Leeds