Decisions

This decision is to authorise the procurement of an inclusion support service. The contract will start on 1st April 2022 and will end on 31st March 2024 with two options to extend for 12 months to March 2026.

The Director of Children & Families approved the decision to go out to competitive tender for the delivery of an Inclusion Support Service from 1st April 2022 for two years at a value of £257,000 per annum. There will be the option to extend for two further twelve-month periods to 31st March 2026.

Executive Board will consider the current status of the British Library North and Temple Works, and will consider recommendations to facilitate further progress of the scheme.

The Director of City Development submitted a report setting out proposals for how the Council could help to facilitate a British Library location to be brought forward at the Grade I listed, and at risk, Temple Works.

Following consideration of Appendix 3 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the status of proposals for a British Library at Temple Works and the funding strategy, as set out in exempt appendix 3 to the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That approval be given to inject £5.0m into Capital Scheme Number 33490/000/000, funded from the £5m of devolution deal monies, in order to fund a grant for temporary stabilisation and more detailed design and surveys; and that the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development and the Chief Officer, Financial Services in order to enable the Director and Chief Officer to provide ‘authority to spend’, subject to subsidy control compliance and entering into the legal agreements, as set out in exempt appendix 3 to the submitted report;

(c)  That the principles of the longer term tripartite legal agreement with the British Library and CEG, be endorsed, should British Library’s commitment to Temple Works become unconditional, as set out in exempt appendix 3 to the submitted report;

(d)  That the principles of the Council entering into legal agreements with CEG for:  a) the disposal of LCC land surrounding Temple Works; b) grant agreement(s); and c) CPO Indemnity Agreement, as set out in exempt appendix 3 to the submitted report, be endorsed;

(e)  That a further report on Temple Works and the British Library with recommendations on the final detailed heads of terms for the legal agreements, as set out in exempt appendix 3 to the submitted report, be presented to the Board following further financial and legal due diligence.

To provide an update on the progress that has been made on the development of the Leeds Pipes District Heating Network, and to make a decision to progress with the construction of the Phase 3E extension of the network to the Hunslet area of the Southbank.

Further to Minute No. 24, 20 July 2020, the Director of Resources submitted a report providing an update on the progress that has been made on the development of the Leeds Pipes District Heating Network, and which sought the Board’s consideration of the recommendations in the report regarding the next steps to be taken in relation to the Phase 3E extension of the network to the Southbank area of the city.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry on the options available regarding the use of the profit beginning to be generated by the scheme, it was noted that such circumstances would enable the faster repayment of capital, however, other options would be considered, as appropriate, having first met any related obligations.

Also, with regard to the management of any risks associated with the scheme, it was noted that a risk register had been established specifically for this project, with it being noted that a measured approach was being taken towards the scheme as a whole, in order to mitigate risk.

Members also discussed the positive role being played by the Council through this scheme in terms of its contribution towards addressing the Climate Emergency, the development of associated infrastructure and the financial benefits in terms of providing lower cost heating and reducing fuel poverty. 

Responding to a specific enquiry regarding the regulatory and competition  aspects of the scheme, it was noted that guidance on such matters had been sought at the outset of the project, however, it was undertaken that further detail on this would be provided to the Member in question.

Following consideration of Appendix 1 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the public part of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, including the detail set out within exempt Appendix 1, be noted;

(b)  That the recommendation within the submitted report to no longer proceed with the extension to the Tetley Brewery site and to hand back £2.438m grant to Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP), be approved;

(c)  That the ‘authority to spend’ for the construction of works on the Citu site at Low Fold to a value of £450k, which will ensure the opportunity to supply heat into the South Bank in future remains possible, be approved;

(d)  That the authority to submit a funding application to the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) for a potential phase 3W extension to the Wellington Street area of the city, be approved, with further details being brought to a future Executive Board meeting to seek authority to sign a grant agreement and to provide the funding required from the Council to the District Heating PipeCo. in the form of a loan in order to satisfy funders’ requirements;

(e)  That in line with existing delegations, it be noted that any strategic investment opportunities up to an individual scheme value of £500k will be authorised by the Director of Resources, where a viable business case exists;

(f)  That approval be given to the principle of providing capital free connection agreements to customers if there is a viable business case.

The Chief Officer, Financial Services, submitted a report setting out the Council’s updated Capital Programme for 2021-2026, split between the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account, with a forecast of resources available over that period. The report also provided a specific update of the 2021/22 programme and which sought necessary approvals around proposed injections into the programme.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the level of Government grant funding received in response to the pandemic, it was noted that the city region as a whole had received approximately £618m. However it was emphasised that whilst some of that money was to support Council services which had been adversely affected by the pandemic, with regard to much of the funding, the Council had solely played an intermediary role by passporting funding to help support individuals and businesses, as appropriate. In order to provide further clarity on the range of grant funding which made up that sum, it was undertaken that officers would provide Board Members with a break down following the meeting.

In conclusion, the Executive Member for Resources highlighted that whilst the grant funding from the Government was welcomed, she emphasised the importance for the Council to receive longer term funding provision, in order to provide the Authority with greater financial certainty.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following injections into the Capital Programme, as detailed at Appendix A (iii) to the submitted report, be approved:

(i)  £15,654.0k of Department for Transport Grant for Additional Delivery within the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) / Connecting Leeds Programme;

(ii)  £12,000.0k of WY+TF (West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund) Grant for the Regent Street Flyover scheme;

(iii)  £20,635.8k of other announced grant allocations including realignment of future year’s estimates. These include Pot Hole and Local Transport Plan Grants for Highways & Transportation; Basic Need, School Condition Allocation (SCA), Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) and High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA) Grants for Schools; and Disabled Facilities Grant for Adaptations; and

(iv)  £2,861.0k of various external grants and a prudential borrowing injection.

(b)  That it be noted that the above resolutions to inject funding of £51,150.8k will be implemented by the Chief Officer Financial Services;

(c)  That the latest position on the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme as at quarter 1 2021/22, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(d)  That the additional Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme (CRIS) allocations to Wards and Community Committees for the period October 2020 to March 2021 of £513.9k, be noted.

The report will set out proposals for including the maisonette block of 12 homes at 122-133 Highways, York Road, LS14 6AR in a wider redevelopment of the Highways tower block site previously agreed by Executive Board in July 2019.

It also seeks approval to suspend new lettings to the maisonettes, and start re-housing existing residents with a view to achieving vacant possession as soon as possible.

Further to Minute No. 41, 24 July 2019, the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report detailing proposals to include the maisonette block of 12 homes at 122-133 Highways, York Road, Leeds LS14 in a wider redevelopment of the Highways tower block site, which had been previously agreed by Executive Board. The report also sought approval to suspend new lettings to the maisonettes and start re-housing existing residents with a view to achieving vacant possession as soon as possible. Additionally, the report provided a further update on the overall progress made in respect of the Highways site.

In considering the matter, Members welcomed the scheme. Responding to a specific enquiry, it was noted that currently there were 132 homes on the site and that the scheme would see this replaced with an estimated 230 – 250 new build units.  Regarding a question about whether there were any known  abnormals or risks associated with the site, it was noted that although there was no current indication of such issues, appropriate onsite surveys and assessment would be undertaken as part of the due process.  Also, responding to an enquiry the Board noted that it was anticipated that rent levels for the properties would be consistent with social rent levels for new build Council homes.

In considering the current timeframes for the scheme, the Board received further details on the progress being made to re-house existing tenants as efficiently as possible.

Also, it was noted that the commitment made for tenants of the Highways tower blocks and maisonettes who wished to return to the new build programme when completed, would be honoured, subject to the size of the new properties being able to appropriately accommodate each family’s needs.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the properties of 122-133 Highways, York Road, LS14 6AR be declared as surplus to requirements;

(c)  That agreement be given to take out of charge the properties of 122-133 Highways, York Road, LS14 6AR;

(d)  That agreement be given for the buildings on the site of 122-133 Highways, York Road, LS14 6AR to be safely demolished, creating a clear site for future use;

(e)  That the serving of an initial demolition notice, in line with Housing Act processes, in respect of tenants wishing to exercise their Right to Buy, be approved;

(f)  That agreement be given for the site to be developed as part of the Housing Growth programme, enabling new Council housing to be built on that site in the future;

(g)  That it be noted that separate reports will follow which will deal with the demolition proposals for existing homes and for any proposals for replacement housing under the Council Housing growth programme;

(h)  That it be noted that the officers responsible for the submitted report and the implementation of such matters are the Head of Housing Management (Communities Housing & Environment) and the Head of Council Housing Growth (City Development).

Further to Minute No. 66, 21 October 2020, the Director of Resources submitted a report presenting for the Board’s consideration the Leeds Air Quality Strategy Action Plan 2021 – 2030, which provided a framework for the continued compliance and improvement of the city’s air quality.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update on the current position and the actions being taken to improve air quality levels in the area of Main Street, Pool in Wharfedale. It was undertaken that the Member in question would be provided with further information on this matter, including the latest data on air quality.

Members discussed the specific impact of domestic wood burners on air quality and with regard to the effect upon people’s health, highlighting that increased awareness of such matters was needed. In response, regarding the circulation of further communications and information on how air quality in Leeds could be further improved, and also on mitigating the impact of specific issues, such as domestic wood burners, it was noted that the aim was to compile such information over the course of the next 3-4 months. It was also undertaken that any developments on the specific issue of wood burners at a national level would be provided to those Members in question, as appropriate.

The Board also received further information on the actions being taken to improve the infrastructure across Leeds for electric vehicle charging. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the 2021-2030 Air Quality Strategy Action Plan, as detailed at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That agreement be given to the submission of an annual progress report which confirms projects delivered and refreshes the air quality targets accordingly;

(c)  That the extension of the Electric Vehicle trials service from October 2021 to March 2022, be approved;

(d)  That the development of a business case to bring electric vehicles on to the refuse fleet as part of the standard fleet replacement programme with the aim of bringing the first electric Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV) onto fleet in 2022, be supported;

(e)  That a collaborative approach for action to address the direct impact of air pollution on health, be supported;

(f)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Sustainable Energy & Air Quality will be responsible for any actions arising and the subsequent implementation of such actions.

(Further to the declaration of interest as detailed at Minute No. 30, Councillor Arif took no part in the consideration of this matter and left the meeting room for the duration of this item)

The Chief Executive submitted a report presenting details of the actions being taken as part of the multi-agency partnership approach since the last Executive Board meeting on 23rd June 2021. The report included the findings of a review of the city’s multi-agency response to the pandemic, involving stakeholders from across the partnership.  The report also provided the latest Response and Recovery Plan, which continued to be the main reporting tool for ongoing work across the seven themes, setting out the broad range of activities including: a summary plan for the rest of 2021, details of the vital partnership arrangements, and information on the continued proactive work to try and control the number of cases across the city and increase testing, tracing, isolating and crucially vaccination uptake.

In presenting the report, the Leader provided an update on how the Council was adapting services following progression to Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap on 19^th July, with the importance of a continued cautious approach being highlighted. In addition, the Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles provided an update on the progress being made in relation to vaccination rates across the city.  A summary of the ‘lessons learned’ review which had been undertaken regarding the multi-agency approach towards responding to and recovering from the pandemic was also provided.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update regarding the actions being taken and the processes which continued to be worked through as a result of progression to Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap in  areas such as the delivery of Council services, the public use of Council buildings and the operation and accessibility of Council committee meetings.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the findings and recommendations in the Learning Lessons Review, as set out in Annex A to the submitted report, be noted and agreed;

(b)  That the latest version of the Response and Recovery Plan as at Annex B, including the plan for the remainder of the year, and the updated Local Outbreak Management Plan at Annex C, be noted;

(c)  That the information within Annex D, the latest Covid-19 Dashboard, and Annex E, a summary of national developments since the last meeting of Executive Board, be noted.

The Director of Resources submitted a report which reviewed the Council’s performance during 2020/21 in delivering against the ambitions, outcomes and priorities, as set out within the Best Council Plan, including details of progress against Key Performance Indicators.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Performance Report for 2020/21, as appended to the submitted report, be received; and that the progress which has been made during 2020/21 in delivering the ambitions and priorities set out within the Best Council Plan, be noted.

The Director of Resources submitted a report that presented the Council’s Risk Management Policy and Strategy, which had been reviewed and updated in order to reflect relevant changes in the sector together with the latest best practice and guidance.

In presenting the report, the Leader emphasised the importance of maximising Elected Member involvement and awareness in the Council’s risk management policy and processes.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the updated Risk Management Policy and Strategy, as appended to the submitted report, be endorsed;

b)  That the offer of risk management training be noted, with it being acknowledged that the report author should be contacted if any such training was required.

The Director of Resources submitted a report providing an update on the most significant risks currently on the Council’s corporate risk register and which presented a summary of assurances describing the key controls in place to manage those risks and any further actions planned.

Responding to a specific enquiry, the Board received further detail regarding the prevalence of cyber-attacks upon the Council and the actions which continued to be taken to mitigate the risks that such attacks posed.

Again, responding to a specific request, officers undertook to contact Councillor A Carter in order to schedule briefings with him on the Council’s risk management processes.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Corporate Risk Management report, as appended to the submitted report, be noted, together with the assurances provided on the most significant corporate risks, in line with the Council’s Risk Management Policy and Strategy and the Board’s overarching responsibility for their management.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which presented an overview of the work undertaken by the Fostering Service during the period April 2020 to March 2021, as presented within the appended Annual Fostering Report. In addition, the report noted that the submission of an Annual Report was a requirement of the National Minimum Standards for Fostering.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member for Adults and Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships highlighted several key points which included an update on the number of children currently in foster care, the range of positive publicity that Leeds had received in relation to its foster care provision, the offer provided in Leeds for Special Guardianship Order (SGO) carer roles, the actions being taken to increase foster carers from the BAME community and the role of Elected Members in the promotion of foster caring in their Wards.

Also, Members received an update regarding the number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children which Leeds had taken into care over the relevant period.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the 2020 – 2021 Annual Fostering Report, as appended to the submitted report, be adopted, together with the service priorities for the forthcoming year; with it being noted that the actions arising from this resolution will be implemented during 2021-22;

(b)  That the plan of the Fostering Service to continue to increase the range of carers and placements available, be noted and supported; with it also being noted that the actions arising from this resolution will be implemented during 2021-22;

(c)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for such matters is the Deputy Head of Service, Corporate Parenting.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report which presented for the purposes of approval the Equality Improvement Priorities Annual Report for 2020– 2021; the Strategic Equality Improvement Priorities for 2021 – 2025 and the refreshed Equality and Diversity Policy 2021.

In considering the submitted report, the work of the Members’ Equality Group was highlighted and thanks was extended to those officers who had been involved in supporting that group. In addition, the Board highlighted how the collaborative approach which had been taken in relation to equality improvement had enabled this agenda to be progressed significantly across the Council.

Also, responding to a specific enquiry, the Board received details on the city wide, people based approach being taken to support those experiencing poverty and deprivation who were located within more affluent Wards.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Equality Improvement Priorities Annual Report 2020– 2021, as appended to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the new Strategic Equality Improvement Priorities for 2021 – 2025, as appended to the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That the refreshed Equality and Diversity Policy 2021, as appended to the submitted report, be approved;

(d)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment is responsible for the implementation of the resolutions made by Executive Board in respect of this report.

Extended Government COVID Local Support Grant funding of £160m was announced on 22nd June 2021, of which Leeds was allocated £2.67m. It is proposed to use this funding to provide free school meals during the 2021 school summer holidays, however the allocation is not sufficient to fund the full six weeks. Executive Board are asked to approve the release of £0.52m from the COVID reserve to provide the additional funding required.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which presented an update on the financial health of the Authority in respect of both the General Fund revenue budget and also the Housing Revenue Account, as at month 2 of the current financial year. In addition, the report made a specific recommendation regarding the delivery of free school meals during the 2021 school summer holidays.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Resources specifically highlighted the in-year collection rates for Council Tax and Business Rates which were lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Members considered the proposal within the report regarding a release from the COVID Reserve in order to support the delivery of free school meals during the 2021 school summer holidays, with specific discussion around the timing of the proposal and the Government’s role in such matters. Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further details on what the balance of the Covid Reserve would be following that release.

The Board discussed the potential release of funding from the Covid Reserve to help address one-off backlogs in some Council services which had built up as a result of the pandemic. In response to a Member’s enquiry about Elected Member consultation on such matters, it was noted that the intention was for the Board to receive further reports regarding the utilisation of this fund.

Finally, a Member commented upon the current format of the financial dashboards, as appended to the submitted report, highlighting that they would welcome the inclusion of further detail as part of future editions.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the Authority, as at Month 2 of the financial year, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted, together with the projected impact of COVID-19 on that position;

(b)  That it be noted, that for 2021/22 the Authority is forecasting an overspend of £0.2m;

(c)  That it be noted that the position detailed within the submitted report does not reflect the potential effects of any further local or national lockdown arrangements on these financial projections, or any potential additional costs arising from the current 2021/22 pay negotiations;

(d)  That the release of £0.52m from the COVID Reserve in order to support the delivery of free school meals during the 2021 school summer holidays, be agreed, and that it be noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of this resolution is the Chief Officer, Financial Services.

To approve the permission to go out to tender for the supply of Telecare equipment and award of the contract following the procurement process. Approve the authority to undertake a procurement exercise in accordance with Contracts Procedure Rules (CPR) 3.1.6 to procure a 2 year framework agreement for the supply of Telecare Equipment to commence 1^st September 2021 until 31^st August 2023 with an option for the Council to extend up to a further period of 24 months. 

The annual expenditure on Tele Care equipment is around £600,000.00.

The anticipated value of the 2 year Framework contract will be £1.2M and the estimated value of total framework contract including the option to extend up to a maximum of 24 months will be £2.4M The total.

The Director of Adults and Health:-

Approved the award for a two-year framework contract for DN533901 the Supply of Telecare Equipment to the Providers as detailed in Appendix 2 Awarded Items List with the option to extend for a further period of up to 24 months.  The anticipated contract value is £2,185,000.

Approved the proposed timescale for implementation from 1st September 2021.

Noted that the Service Delivery Manager- Assisted Living Leeds will be the officer responsible for the implementation.

The Director of Public Health approved authority to proceed with a competitive procurement process, as outlined in this report and in line with Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs) 3.1.7, to procure a suitable provider/consortium to deliver a new Sexual Health Improvement Service for most at risk populations for HIV, for a period of 5 years commencing 1^st April 2022 (with an option to extend for a period of up to 36 months in any combination) with a maximum budget of £276,370 per annum (£2,210,960 for the overall contract period).

Furthermore, the Director of Public Health noted that a report will be submitted for approval at the end of the procurement process to approve the contract award, which will be a direct consequence of this key decision and will therefore be a significant operational decision at most, which will not be subject to call in.

The Director of Adults and Health approved the request in line with CPR 3.1.6 for authority to procure a counselling and therapy service for women in Leeds.

The Director of Adults and Health approved the award of a contract for five years with the option to extend for up to a further five years to the successful provider(s) following the procurement exercise, at a maximum cost of £1,290,060 for this period (£129,060 per annum). 

To approve the Crown Point Road highways scheme which will alter the layout of Crown Point Road, reducing the width of the carriageway to one lane and providing a protected two-way protected cycleway and wider footways. Two wide signalised pedestrian crossings and a single bus stop in a lay-by will also be delivered, alongside loading bays and soft landscaping.

The scheme supports the regeneration of the South Bank, helping to realise the vision set out in the Leeds South Bank Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). It supports the delivery of a major new public green space, which forms part of a major private sector investment in residential and commercial development on the adjacent Tetley Brewery site.

The Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation):

a) Noted the Executive Board approval on 21st April 2021 to progress the

Get Building Fund schemes including Crown Point Road;

b) Approved the preliminary design for the Crown Point Road highways

scheme, which is shown in Appendix A, to allow the scheme to progress to

detailed design and construction;

c) Authorised expenditure of £3.75m from capital scheme No.

33401/CRO/000 for the Crown Point Road highway scheme in accordance with

the approved preliminary design;

d) Approved that the lengths of existing footway and carriageway that are

to be converted to cycle tracks (as shown in the drawings in Appendix A) are

removed as footway and carriageway and that, in their place, cycle tracks are

constructed under the powers contained under the provisions of Section 65(1)

of the Highways Act 1980 for segregated use by pedal cyclists, or for shared

joint use by pedal cyclists and pedestrians, where this is the case;

e) Requested that the City Solicitor revoke and/or amend any existing

Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) as necessary and to advertise the new TROs that are required for the scheme (Appendix D) and, if no valid objections are

received, to make, seal and implement the TROs as advertised;

f) Gave authority to display notices on site under the provisions of Section

23 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 in order to inform the public of the

proposed formal pedestrian crossings;

g) Gave authority to request the City Solicitor to draft and advertise a

Notice under the provisions of Section 90C of the Highways Act 1980 for the

implementation of traffic calming to complement some of the proposed

pedestrian crossings;

h) Accepted the dedication of land on the former Tetley Brewery site and

enter into the required deed. The extents of the land to be dedicated are shown

in Appendix B;

i) Approved the use of the Contractor Framework to procure a contractor

to construct the scheme as per the approved preliminary design; and

j) Noted that the proposed preliminary design is predicated on a

reclassification of the route from its ‘A road’ status, and the details and

implications of this will be the subject of another report.

It is proposed and recommended that the Director of Resources approves the SSA arrangement to continue on a year on year rolling basis for up to five years (1 August 2021- 31 July 2026). The SLA’s contained within the SSA agreement provide options for reviews and break clauses should these be required.

Background:

The Director of Resources approved the extension of the Support Service Agreement (containing all the different SLA’s) in 2020, which expires on 31 July 2021.  As part of the SSA, the Council  provides a range of services to Aspire which support the organisation and help it delivery a range of services to their clients (as per the contract approved by the Director of Adults and Health, see below).

In return Aspire pay the Council for each service provided, these include: Transport (the provision of Council buses and drivers, use of our ICT systems/IT support/ Information Knowledge/HR services (Health and Safety/HELP/Occupational Health)/Convenor(union)/OD/Finance  (support for payments and billing), the use of Council Premises, BSC support (payment of salaries/pensions support etc).

The Director of Adults and Health recently approved a variation to the contract awarded to Aspire for a further 12 + 12 month period through the modification of the contract during their term under Regulation 72 (1b) (i) & (ii) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015, commencing 1st August 2021 costing £20,508,000 per annum.

The Director of Resources has approved the renewal of the Service Support Agreement with Aspire for the initial period and up to a further four (4) years (five years in total) on a year by year rolling basis commencing on 1st August 2021 at c£1,919,655 per annum.

Under Section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has awarded a grant of £1,846,117 to Leeds City Council. The grant period is 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022.

The grant covers revenue expenditure relating to the functions set out in the new statutory duty (within the Domestic Abuse Bill) on Tier 1 Local Authorities, relating to the provision of support to victims of domestic abuse and their children residing within safe accommodation and to the development of a multi-agency Local Partnership Board (LPB) to support LAs in performing certain specified functions. 

Approval is being sought to:

·  accept the grant allocation from MHCLG

·  award grants to a number of organisations to enhance the support to survivors and victims of domestic abuse living in safe accommodation

·  allocate a small proportion of the overall grant to LCC in order to fund the additional administrative burden associated with the new Statutory Duty

All recommendations relate to the financial year 1st April 2021 - 31st March 2022.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment:

a)  Approved an allocation of £359,019 to Leeds Domestic Violence Service (via Leeds Women’s Aid as the lead agency) to provide additional support through the existing commissioned emergency accommodation service. This will be done as a variation to contract 9Y9N-Z2LOII - DN194503 under the provision of Public Procurement Regulations 2015- Regulation 72 (c).

b)  Approved an allocation of £227,221 as a grant to Leeds Womens Aid to provide additional support to clients living in the non-commissioned Leeds Women’s Aid refuge and the additional dispersed properties that were previously funded through emergency covid funding.

c)  Approved an allocation of £290,029 as a grant to Leeds Women’s Aid to develop, manage and fund a new Sanctuary Support Team.

d)  Approved an allocation of up to £50,000 as a grant to St Anne’s Community Services to provide domestic violence support to clients being supported through their accommodation based housing support services.

e)  Approved an allocation of £82,730 to Turning Lives Around to provide domestic violence support to clients living in their commissioned accommodation based service (Beacon). This will be done as a variation to contract DN199026 under the provision of Public Procurement Regulations 2015- Regulation 72 (5) and (6).

f)  Approved an allocation of £207,980 to Gipsil to provide domestic violence support to clients being supported through their young people’s service (Our Way Leeds). This will be done as a variation to contract DN421340 under the provision of Public Procurement Regulations 2015- Regulation 72 (5) and (6).

g)  Approved an allocation of £43,999 to Basis Yorkshire to provide domestic violence support to clients being supported through their Housing First model. This will be done as a variation to contract DN415655 under the provision of Public Procurement Regulations 2015- Regulation 72 (5) and (6).

h)  Approved the allocation of £200,000 to Leeds City Council (Safer Leeds and Leeds Housing Options (LHO) to fund the staff resource required to undertake the administrative burden of the new Statutory Duty and to increase and develop the domestic violence and abuse specialism within the LHO team.

i)  Gave approval to allocate the remaining funding relating to this decision (£385,145) via Significant Operational Decisions or Administrative Decisions as appropriate.

The two high rise housing blocks, Queenswood Heights and Queenswood Court in Leeds 6 area require their existing electric space heating and hot water systems replaced.

This is an opportunity for this project to build on two previous schemes currently being delivered in the West of Leeds, involving the removal of electric storage heaters and the installation of ground source heat pumps (GSHP) aswell as a new wet heating radiator system in the flats.

This decision is to authorise the spend and procurement of a contractor for these works.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment:

a)  Approved this scheme to replace existing heating and hot water systems in Queenswood Heights and Queenswood Court with a Ground Source Heat Pumps system and the award of a construction contract to Cenergist Limited to undertake the works for a contract sum of £1,531,545.19.

b)  Authorised expenditure of £870k, using HRA funding from the 2022/23 capital programme to facilitate this. This will take the total Authority to Spend for this project to £1.62m as £750k of expenditure was authorised as part the 2021/22 HRA Capital Investment Programme.