(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 may remain in the meeting and take part fully in discussion and voting unless the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an interest which the Member feels would call into question their compliance with the wider principles set out in the Code of Conduct.  Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

(2)       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. 

(3)       Members are also welcome to disclose interests which are not disclosable pecuniary interests but which they consider should be made in the interest of clarity.

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

Motion – Healthy Homes and Places (Minute 59 (1) refers)

Councillor Felstead declared a pecuniary interest in this item on the basis that he had provided advice in a professional capacity on issues in relation to permitted development rights.  He left the room during consideration of the item and did not participate in the debate or vote.

Motion – Gambling (Minute 59 (8) refers)

Councillor Kyle Green declared a pecuniary interest in this item on the basis that his wife was employed by a bookmaking organisation.  He left the room during consideration of this item and did not participate in the debate or vote.

In the interests of transparency, Councillor Davies declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item on the basis that her son was employed by a bookmaking organisation.

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2021 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

(Guy Close – 07811 503906)

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2021 be signed as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Choudhry, Firth, Nazam, Shafiq and Smith.

(To be circulated before the meeting).

A copy of the Lord Mayor’s Announcements had been circulated and published on the Council’s website in advance of the meeting.

Former Councillor John Lambert

Members paid tribute to former Councillor John Lambert, who had recently passed away at the age of 75.  John was a figure in the Bradford district whose larger than life impact and presence across the fields of entertainment, politics and education was known by many.

He was elected to this Council in 1980 and very ably represented the Bradford Moor ward until 1987.  John brought great vigour, sincerity and energy to his work as a Councillor, which was doubtless aided by his innate communication skills and ability to rapidly establish a good and enduring rapport with all with whom he dealt.  He took a keen interest in educational matters and was also involved in the transformational refurbishment which the Alhambra Theatre underwent during this period.

Ever a man of the theatre, John’s many fine qualities saw fullest flower in his work in the arts and education.  He was key in establishing opportunities in the performing arts for local young people, an interest which became a lifelong passion for him.  He was a director, performer and founder of the Q20 community theatre project in Bradford and mounted stage productions throughout the county, as well as taking his distinctive theatre-in-education programme into many local schools.  In 2013 he realised a personal dream and opened a community creative hub in Shipley, with which he was involved until his death.

John was never happier than when entertaining. His charitable work and colourful, fun and creative street performances across the district could bring sunshine on the greyest of days and he will be remembered, smilingly, by many local people. 

Former Councillor Margaret Chadwick

Members paid tribute to former Councillor Margaret Chadwick who passed away on 19 October 2021.  Margaret was elected in 2007 and represented the people of the Bolton and Undercliffe Ward until 2012. 

She drew great satisfaction not only from being able to help individual constituents, but also in helping improve conditions in her Ward.  Margaret was well-respected for her diligence and the notable commitment she showed to those whom she served.

Former Councillor Asma Javed

Members paid tribute to former Councillor Asma Javed who passed away at the age of 47.  Asma represented the Manningham Ward until 2015 and was remembered as a hardworking and well-loved member of the community.  She was also a solicitor, practising family, immigration, and personal injury law.  Her funeral was held on Monday, 24 January 2022.  

Covid-19 Related Deaths

The Lord Mayor reported on the very sad milestone of having passed 1,500 deaths from Covid-19 related symptoms across the District. 

A minute’s silence was observed to reflect upon and remember the lives lost, as well as paying tribute to former Councillors who had sadly passed away.

(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.

(Guy Close – 07811 503906)

There were no restricted items.

To consider up to five requests for the Council to receive petitions in accordance with Standing Orders. 

(i)            Proposal to develop a health and wellbeing hub on former Keighley College site – Keighley Central Ward.

Please note that as petition (i) has over 1,500 signatures there will be a debate.

(ii)           Safe crossing space for children outside Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College – Royds Ward

(iii)          Parking permit scheme in Steeton – Royds Ward

(iv)         Curbing dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour on Redburn Road – Heaton Ward.

If any further requests are received, in writing, by mid-day three working days before the meeting (Thursday), details will be circulated.

(Fatima Butt – 07970 411746)

(i)            Proposal to develop a health and wellbeing hub on former Keighley College site – Keighley Central Ward

Resolved – That the petition be referred to Executive.

(ii)          Safe crossing space for children outside Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College – Royds Ward

Resolved – That the petition be referred to Bradford South Area Committee.

(iii)         Parking permit scheme in Steeton – Craven Ward

Resolved – That the petition be referred to Keighley Area Committee

(iv)         Curbing dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour on Redburn Road – Heaton Ward.

Resolved – That the petition be referred to Bradford West Area Committee.

Action: City Solicitor

There are no public questions.

(Fatima Butt – 07970 411746)

There were no public questions submitted.

To consider any further motions (i) to appoint members to a Committee or a Joint Committee; or (ii) to appoint Chairs or Deputy Chairs of Committees (excluding Area Committees).

a)    Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

Resolved – Councillor Riaz Ahmed replaces Councillor Rachel Sunderland and Councillor Rachel Sunderland replaces Councillor Riaz Ahmed as an alternate.

b)   Regulatory and Appeals Committee:

Resolved – Councillor Margaret Alipoor replaces Councillor Paul Godwin as an alternate.

c)    Health and Wellbeing Board:

Resolved – Councillor Rebecca Poulsen replaces Councillor Robert Hargreaves.

Action: City Solicitor

A written report by the Leader of Council giving an update on key issues will be circulated before the start of the meeting. There shall be a period of up to 15 minutes during which any Member of Council may ask the Leader of the Council (or a Member of the Council nominated by the Leader) a question on any matter arising out of the written report.

Council Document “Item 9” details the report from the Leader of Council.

To deal with supplementary questions arising from the attached questions of which written notice has been given. 

Notes:

(i)         Answers to written questions shall be circulated at the commencement of the meeting.

(ii)        The Lord Mayor will have regard to the list of questions and the political composition of the Council in calling on Members to put their supplementary question to the Leader of Council and Portfolio Holders.

(iii)       A period of up to 30 minutes shall be available for supplementary questions to Members of the Executive. 

1.    Councillor Marcus Dearden

It’s extremely welcome that this Labour council is committed to investing in parks and play areas in Bingley, an investment which is desperately needed for local families. I will be continuing to push for the best possible investment for the ward and for it to be delivered as soon as possible. Can the portfolio holder outline how much we are investing in the parks plan overall across the district and can I be assured that the funds will be directed to the parks and spaces where they are most needed?

2.    Councillor Sally Birch

Given the increasing number of high profile organisations including The Equality and Human Rights Commission, the BBC, the Government’s Equality Office and numerous Government Departments to name but a few, opting to withdraw from the highly controversial Stonewall Equality Index, what benefits does the Council believe will be achieved by continuing to pursue this “accreditation”?

3.    Councillor Jeanette Sunderland

The Families First programme in Bradford has been placed on a ‘Recovery Plan’ and had increased Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government intervention and scrutiny due to not meeting its targets of the numbers of families being worked with in a whole family way and the number of family outcomes achieving significant and sustained progress. How much money was lost to Bradford due to failure to meet targets?

4.    Councillor Matt Edwards

Data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs shows fly-tipping in Bradford is at its worst level since relevant records began -  with 18,001 fly-tipping incidents reported to Bradford Council in 2020-21 – an increase of 12 per cent increase on 2020.

Does the portfolio holder agree that, whilst this is a national problem, exacerbated by the brutal budget cut under successive Conservative governments, that the Council’s current approach does not appear to be working?

Would the Council consider setting up a task force to examine new ideas and look at what other Councils are doing to tackle the issue? – for example Wirral Borough Council has invested in new cutting-edge, wireless camera equipment which are easier to deploy and are more resistant to vandalism.

5.    Councillor Carol Thirkill

Can you outline the work undertaken by the council to reduce the number of empty homes in the district?

6.    Councillor Nussrat Mohammed

The Council closed off Shay Lane in our ward as part of temporary road changes during the pandemic. I’ve been getting lots of feedback from residents on  ...  view the full agenda text for item 57.

Council Document “Item 10” details the questions from Members to the Leader of Council and Portfolio Holders and the answers given.

a)      At the meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee held on 25 March 2021 consideration was given to the report (Document “AD”) of the Director of Finance and IT which presented the Council’s 2021-22 Treasury Management Strategy.

Resolved – That the report be noted and referred to Council for adoption.

Action: Director of Finance

b)      At the meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee held on 25 November 2021 consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance and IT which presented the Council’s Treasury Mid-Year Review up to 30 September 2021.

Resolved – That the details in paragraph 3 of Document “R” be noted and the report be referred to the 14 December 2021 Council meeting for adoption.

Action: Director of Finance

a)    At the meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee held on 25 March 2021 consideration was given to the report (Document “AD”) of the Director of Finance and IT which presented the Council’s 2021-22 Treasury Management Strategy.

Resolved – That the report is adopted by Council.

Action: Director of Finance

b)    At the meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee held on 25 November 2021 consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance and IT which presented the Council’s Treasury Mid-Year Review up to 30 September 2021.

Resolved – That the details in paragraph 3 of Document “R” to the report are adopted by Council.

Action: Director of Finance

To consider the notices of motions set out below:

12.1

Healthy Homes and Places

To be moved by: Councillor Matt Edwards

Seconded by: Councillor Martin Love

This Council notes:

·         The powerful evidence which demonstrates the link between people’s homes and their health, wellbeing and life chances.

·         That the COVID-19 emergency has reinforced the need for healthy environments which provide space for recreation, children’s play and walkable streets.

·         That well-designed homes that meet all our resident’ needs over their lifetimes can radically reduce costs to NHS and social care budgets.

·         That people have a basic right to live in environments free from unacceptable levels of air and noise pollution.

·         That homes must be affordable to heat.

·         This is a climate emergency. Houses in the UK account for 30 per cent of the UK's total energy use, 27 per cent of UK carbon dioxide emissions and around 24 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore more important than ever that new houses are built to zero carbon standards.

·         That current government policy to deregulate planning is creating thousands of substandard homes through conversion of existing buildings into homes without planning permission.

This council also notes that these are the Healthy Homes Principles, as promoted by the Town and Country Planning Association:

·         all new homes must be safe in relation to the risk of fire;

·         all new homes must have, as a minimum, the liveable space required to meet the needs of people over their whole lifetimes, including adequate internal and external storage space;

·         all main living areas and bedrooms of a new dwelling must have access to natural light;

·         all new homes and their surroundings must be designed to be inclusive, accessible, and adaptable to suit the needs of all;

·         all new homes should be built within places that prioritise and provide access to sustainable transport and walkable services, including green infrastructure and play space;

·         all new homes must secure radical reductions in carbon emissions in line with the provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008;

·          all new homes must demonstrate how they will be resilient to a changing climate over their full lifetime;

·         all new homes must be built to design out crime and be secure;

·         all new homes must be free from unacceptable and intrusive noise and light pollution;

·         all new homes must not contribute to unsafe or illegal levels of indoor or ambient air pollution and must be built to minimise, and where possible eliminate, the harmful impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment, and;

·         all new homes must be designed to provide year-round thermal comfort for inhabitants.

This Council resolves to:

·         Strive to ensure that the principles of Healthy Homes and Places are met, in order to create the highest quality places for residents which will be a fitting legacy for future generations;

·         Review related policies, processes and procedures as part of current Local Plan review, and develop and adopt new policies, to ensure that all new development is in line with the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 59.

Resolved – That the following notices of motion (with amendments) be approved:

12.1 – Healthy Homes and Places

Moved by: Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw

Seconded by: Councillor Sarah Ferriby

That with the addition of the following words the motion be amended to read as follows:

This Council notes:

·         The powerful evidence which demonstrates the link between people’s homes and their health, wellbeing and life chances.

·         That the COVID-19 emergency has reinforced the need for healthy environments which provide space for recreation, children’s play and walkable streets, reflected in this Council’s budget investment of £250,000 in repairing and maintaining our footpaths and rights of way, investing the £1.5m Towns Fund Accelerator Funding in our parks and green spaces, £4m renaturalisation of Bradford Beck project and the integration of blue/green infrastructure in wider transport and landscape schemes such as Transforming Cities and Shipley Streets for People.

·         The Healthy Homes Principles, as promoted by the Town and Country Planning Association, cover a wide range of areas including safety and fire risk, quality living space standards, access to natural light, accessibility and adaptability, sustainable transport infrastructure, energy efficiency and climate adaptability, noise, light and air pollution and anti-crime design.

·         That current government policy to deregulate planning is creating thousands of substandard homes through conversion of existing buildings into homes without planning permission.

This Council also notes:

·         The work undertaken by our Housing team, working with Public Health and Planning colleagues in producing the Housing Strategy (2020-30), which addresses poor quality housing stock, the health impacts from poor quality housing and space standards in new housing.

·         The ongoing achievements of our Housing Standards team, working with Public Health, Planning and Building Control as well as partners such as the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, to improve the standards of our existing housing stock.

·         The Homes and Neighbourhoods Design Guide, produced by Planning working with a wide range of partners and stakeholders including Public Health, Housing, Born in Bradford and Bradford Civic Society, which promotes the creation of sustainable and healthy communities with high design and quality standards.

·         The emerging Local Plan includes a new Strategic Policy, ‘Creating Healthy Places’, developed with colleagues in Public Health as well as a wide range of policies on climate change, green spaces, housing standards, space and accessibility standards as outlined in the Healthy Homes and Places principles.

·         The need for Councillors to engage with the Local Plan on more than just housing numbers, to understand the wide range of policy areas it covers including those mentioned in this motion.

This Council resolves to:

·         Review the Healthy Homes and Places principles against the existing policies already proposed in the emerging Local Plan for these areas to ensure they align wherever possible.

·         Approve the creation of a cross-party Local Plan Reference Group to allow more in-depth discussion of the Local Plan development process beyond the simplistic debate about housing numbers.

12.2 – Children’s Services

Moved by: Councillor Brendan Stubbs

Seconded by: Councillor Jeanette Sunderland

This council notes that the report of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.