(Members Code of Conduct – Part 4A of the Constitution)

To receive disclosures of interests from members and co-opted members on matters to be considered at the meeting. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

Notes:

(1)       Members must consider their interests, and act according to the following:

(2)       Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

(3)       Members in arrears of Council Tax by more than two months must not vote in decisions on, or which might affect, budget calculations, and must disclose at the meeting that this restriction applies to them.  A failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 

(4)       Officers must disclose interests in accordance with Council Standing Order 44.

No disclosures of interest in matters under discussion were made.

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

Reports and background papers for agenda items may be inspected by contacting the person shown after each agenda item.  Certain reports and background papers may be restricted. 

Any request to remove the restriction on a report or background paper should be made to the relevant Strategic Director or Assistant Director whose name is shown on the front page of the report. 

If that request is refused, there is a right of appeal to this meeting. 

Please contact the officer shown below in advance of the meeting if you wish to appeal. 

(Yusuf Patel / Fatima Butt – 07970 411923 / 07970 411746)

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict documents.

To note any recommendations to the Executive that may be the subject of report to a future meeting.  (Schedule to be tabled at the meeting). 

(Yusuf Patel / Fatima Butt – 07970 411923 / 07970 411746)

There were no recommendations to the Executive.

(Councillor Hinchcliffe)

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “AQ”) which gives an update on the progress achieved towards addressing the locality-wide priorities set out in the Bradford East Locality Plan during 2022/23.

Recommended –

(1)       The Executive is invited to comment on the Bradford East Locality Plan – Progress Update 2022/23, as set out in Appendix A to Document “AQ”.

(2)       The Executive requests that the Bradford East Area Co-ordinator, accompanied by the Chair of Bradford East Area Committee, presents a progress report to the Executive in 12 months time, setting out the progress and achievements made for each of the priorities detailed in the Bradford East Locality Plan during 2023/24.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate / Health & Social Care

(Louise Williams – 01274 431066)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “AQ”) which gave an update on the progress achieved towards addressing the locality-wide priorities set out in the Bradford East Locality Plan during 2022/23.

The Chair of the Area Committee along with the Area Coordinator were present to give an overview of the activities being undertaken in Bradford East and respond to Members’ questions.

The Chair highlighted the work of the Laisterdyke Hub, which had been refurbished and brought back into use, currently from the building, ESOL classes were being provided, as well as activities for the elderly, wellbeing classes and employment coaches. 

The Area Coordinator added that they had been developing community hubs to provide more locally based services in conjunction with the VCS.  To this end a bowling hut in Peel Park had been repurposed as a community hub and this facility was providing provision and help around self-harming.  A food bank had also been organised by the group as well as other activities.

Intergenerational projects had also been initiated to foster greater understanding and undertake activities. Going forward there would be a further push to extend the community hubs model across Bradford East.

Tackling isolation was another area of focus and engaging with individuals via neighbours to try and involve them in community activities.  A number of examples of the work undertaken in this area were alluded to.

The Leader and Members of the Execuitve welcomed the excellent work undertaken in Bradford East and the contribution of the Area office and the Chair in taking initiatives forward.

Resolved –

(1)      The Executive commented on the Bradford East Locality Plan – Progress Update 2022/23, as set out in Appendix A to Document “AQ”.

(2)      That it be requested that the Bradford East Area Co-ordinator, accompanied by the Chair of Bradford East Area Committee, presents a progress report to the Executive in 12 months time, setting out the progress and achievements made for each of the priorities detailed in the Bradford East Locality Plan during 2023/24.

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate / Health & Social Care

The Chief Executive will submit a report (Document “AR”) which provides an overview of the recently announced Level 4 Devolution Framework, through which the West Yorkshire Combined Authority can apply to access new powers, functions and flexibilities, and the associated readiness conditions.

The report also provides an update on work that has taken place since November 2023 to develop the West Yorkshire response and the Combined Authority’s submission to Government, including the foundational partnership principles.

Recommended –

To formally ratify the Council’s support for the Combined Authority’s application to begin talks on adopting new Level 4 Devolution powers.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

(Ruth Davison - 01274 431431)

The Chief Executive submitted a report (Document “AR”) which provided an overview of the recently announced Level 4 Devolution Framework, through which the West Yorkshire Combined Authority can apply to access new powers, functions and flexibilities, and the associated readiness conditions.

The report also provided an update on work that had taken place since November 2023 to develop the West Yorkshire response and the Combined Authority’s submission to Government, including the foundational partnership principles.  The details of the Governments’ devolution framework was set out in Document “AR”.  This was an initial paper to start the process for devolution, which will also include public consultation.

The main opposition group leader urged the need for all Councillors to briefed on the progress of Level 4 Devolution going forward.

Resolved –

That the Council’s support for the Combined Authority’s application to begin talks on adopting new Level 4 Devolution powers be ratified.

To be actioned by: Chief Executive

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate 

(Councillor I Khan)

The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “AS”) which asks the Executive to determine the admission arrangements including:

·         To approve the Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for entry to school in September 2024/25

·         To approve the Co-ordinated Admission Schemes for entry to school in September 2024/25 for Primary, Secondary and In-Year Admissions.

·         To note the ‘own admission authority schools’ proposing changes to their admission policies for entry to school in September 2024/25

·         To note Published Admission Numbers for entry to school in September 2024/25

Recommended –

(1)       That the Executive approve the Primary and Secondary Admission Arrangements.

(2)       That the Executive approve the Primary and Secondary Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme.

(3)       That the Executive approve the In-Year Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme.

(4)       That the Executive note the proposed changes to the admission arrangements for own admission schools listed in Appendix E to Document “AS”.

(5)       That the Executive note the Published Admission Numbers contained in Appendix G to Document “AS”..

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Children’s Services

(Rachel Phillips - 01274 439215)

The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “AS”) which asked the Executive to determine the admission arrangements including:

·       To approve the Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for entry to school in September 2024/25

·       To approve the Co-ordinated Admission Schemes for entry to school in September 2024/25 for Primary, Secondary and In-Year Admissions.

·       To note the ‘own admission authority schools’ proposing changes to their admission policies for entry to school in September 2024/25

·       To note Published Admission Numbers for entry to school in September 2024/25

It was stressed that this was a statutory requirement and the details of arrangements were set out in Document “AS”, and it was therefore:

Resolved -

(1)      That the Primary and Secondary Admission Arrangements be approved.

(2)      That the Primary and Secondary Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme be approved.

(3)      That the In-Year Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme be approved.

(4)      That the proposed changes to the admission arrangements for own admission schools listed in Appendix E to Document “AS” be noted.

(5)      That the Published Admission Numbers contained in Appendix G to Document “AS” be noted.

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Children’s Services

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Children’s Services

(Councillor Ferriby)

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “AT”) which provides an update on progress with the Library Service Review and key facts and figures, which provide context for the needs analysis work that will form the next stage of the Review.

Recommended –

That Members agree to the methodology and timescales for the Strategic Review of Libraries as outlined in section 3 to Document “AT”, and delegate responsibility to the Strategic Director of Place to bring a further report with the results of the data assessment work and initial options for savings at the appropriate time. 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment

(Phil Barker - 01274 432616)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “AT”) which provided an update on progress with the Library Service Review and key facts and figures, which provided context for the needs analysis work that will form the next stage of the Review.

This was a follow-up report from the report presented to the 6 February meeting of the Executive, updating Executive of the progress to date, the details of which were set out in Document “AT”, and options following the review will be brought to the June meeting of the Executive.  The work of the localities team was alluded to and the benefits this provided to communities.

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder thanked officers for providing a comprehensive overview of the service, with a clear methodology and timeline.

Resolved –

That the methodology and timescales for the Strategic Review of Libraries as outlined in section 3 to Document “AT” be agreed, and that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to bring a further report with the results of the data assessment work and initial options for savings at the appropriate time. 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “AU”) which explains the progress in considering the budget savings and options for the future of the Sports Facility Service. We have commenced the strategic review and started to collate and examine the data and needs analysis information. This report highlights some of the early findings and indicates further actions which will be required as the review continues.

Recommended –

Members are requested to:

Note the progress made to date and information provided in Document “AU” and instruct the Strategic Director of Place to continue the Sports Facilities Review and report back to Executive when the proposals are ready for public consultation.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Regeneration and Environment

(Phil Barker - 01274 432616)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “AU”) which explained the progress in considering the budget savings and options for the future of the Sports Facility Service. We have commenced the strategic review and started to collate and examine the data and needs analysis information. The report highlighted some of the early findings and indicated further actions which will be required as the review continues.

This was a follow-up report from the report presented to the 6 February meeting of the Executive.  Again this report provided Executive with progress of the review to date, details of which were set out in Document “AU”.

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder in welcoming the review, looked forward to receiving the outcomes of the consultation process and the options.

Resolved –

That the progress made to date and information provided in Document “AU” be noted and that the Strategic Director of Place be instructed to continue the Sports Facilities Review and report back to Executive when the proposals are ready for public consultation.

To be actioned: Strategic Director Place

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Regeneration and Environment

The Strategic Director, Place will submit a report (Document “AV”) which sets out the issues that have been identified in relation to the historic setting of rents and service charges within the Housing Revenue Account.

Recommended –

That Executive:

(1)       Notes the identified issues in relation to the rent standard for    social housing as set out within this report and the financial           implications thereof.

(2)       Approves the process of refunding tenants and former tenants in        respect to any overcharging that has occurred since April 2020.

(3)       Notes the actions undertaken to resolve the existing breach of regulatory standards and to prevent future breaches from   occurring.

(4)       Instructs the Strategic Director Place to confirm with the             Regulator of Social Housing the measures put in place to resolve          the breach of the rent standard and to ensure future regulatory compliance.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment

(Alan Lunt - 01274 434748)

The Strategic Director, Place submitted a report (Document “AV”) which set out the issues that had been identified in relation to the historic setting of rents and service charges within the Housing Revenue Account.

Following an investigation into the overcharging of service charges and rents affecting 259 tenancies, efforts were no ongoing to rectify the situation and ensure that an appropriate compensation process was put in place for those affected.  Furthermore safeguards were now in place to ensure that a similar issue does not arise in the future.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio thanked officers for dealing with and rectifying the error promptly.

Resolved –

(1)       That the identified issues in relation to the rent standard for      social housing as set out within Document “AV” and the financial             implications thereof be noted.

(2)      That the process of refunding tenants and former tenants in      respect to any overcharging that has occurred since April 2020 be approved.

(3)       That the actions undertaken to resolve the existing breach of    regulatory standards and to prevent future breaches from   occurring be noted.

(4)       That the Strategic Director Place be instructed to confirm with the       Regulator of Social Housing the measures put in place to resolve         the breach of the rent standard and to ensure future     regulatory compliance.

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment

The Council is required to publish and keep up to date a Local Development Scheme (LDS) which sets out the content and timetable for the preparation of the Local Plan.  The current Local Development Scheme was approved in 2021 outlining the programme to 2024. The LDS has been revised and updated taking account of recent and emerging changes to the planning system, changes in local circumstances, as well as progress to date on the Local plan.

The Strategic Director Place will submit report (Document “AW”) which provides an up to date position for the public and other interested parties. It is also a key background document which is considered when examining Local Plan Documents by an Inspector at Examination in Public.

Recommended –

Recommended that the LDS contained in Appendix 1 to Document “AW” be approved and brought into effect from the 13^th March 2024.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration & Environment

(Andrew Marshall – 01274 434050)

The Council is required to publish and keep up to date a Local Development Scheme (LDS) which sets out the content and timetable for the preparation of the Local Plan.  The current Local Development Scheme was approved in 2021 outlining the programme to 2024. The LDS has been revised and updated taking account of recent and emerging changes to the planning system, changes in local circumstances, as well as progress to date on the Local plan.

The Strategic Director Place submitted report (Document “AW”) which provided an up-to-date position for the public and other interested parties. It is also a key background document which is considered when examining Local Plan Documents by an Inspector at Examination in Public.

The main opposition group leader requested that residents and Councillors are provided with a simplified version of the LDS update and that thought is given on how we undertake consultation going forward.   In response it was stated that updates are provided on the website, however further thought will be given to these issues.

Resolved –

That the Local Development Scheme contained in Appendix 1 to Document “AW” be approved and brought into effect from the 13^th March 2024.

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration & Environment

The Strategic Director Place (Document “AX” which contains Not for Publication Appendix A) which asks the Executive to consider and agree to an ongoing disposal programme of surplus to requirements property and land assets for the purposes of generating capital receipts.  The Programme will identify the methodology for due diligence determination, of how assets will be brought forward for consideration for disposal, details of assets to be disposed of, timescales and estimated capital receipt generation together with appropriate governance for monitoring the programme.

Recommended –

ThatExecutive approvesthe followingrecommendations.

(1)       To consider and approve the contents of Document “AX”.

(2)       Approve Delegation to award appropriate consultancy contracts in

           relation to the delivery of the Programme to the Strategic Director,

           Corporate Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance

           And the Head of Procurement.

(3)       To agree to the reporting process detailed above at 2.42 to         Document “AX”.    

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

(Michael Watkins)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “AX” which contained Not for Publication Appendix A) which asked the Executive to consider and agree to an ongoing disposal programme of surplus to requirements property and land assets for the purposes of generating capital receipts.  The Programme will identify the methodology for due diligence determination, of how assets will be brought forward for consideration for disposal, details of assets to be disposed of, timescales and estimated capital receipt generation together with appropriate governance for monitoring the programme.

It was stated that the report detailed the methodology around how we will now evaluate and bring forward recommendations for the disposal of assets after considering relevant factors.

The Portfolio Holder stressed the need to make a distinction between leasehold and freehold, and where possible maximise regeneration possibilities through the sale of those assets and ensure that the programme provided best value for money in terms of generating capital receipts.

The main opposition group leader stressed the need to ensure that the title deeds, locations and definitions of the assets listed for disposal were thoroughly checked prior to any sale.  In response it was stressed that as part of the due diligence process all these issues will be addressed.

Resolved –

(1)      That the contents of Document “AX” be approved.

(2)      That delegation be approved to award appropriate consultancy

            contracts in relation to the delivery of the Programme to             the      Strategic Director, Corporate Resources in consultation with the    Director of Finance and the Head of Procurement.

(3)      That the reporting process detailed at 2.42 to Document “AX” be          agreed.    

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Corporate Resources

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate