(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.

Minute No. 52 – Notices of Motion (Anti-social use of fireworks)

In the interests of transparency, Councillor Pollard disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as a member of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Minute No. 52 – Notices of Motion (Housing Crisis)

In the interests of transparency, Councillors Tariq Hussain and Thirkill disclosed a non-pecuniary interest on the basis of their employment with housing organisations. 

Minute no. 53 – Community Governance Review for changes to Local Council arrangements in the Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury area

Councillor Peter Clarke disclosed an interest as a member of one of the Local Councils referred to in the report. On the basis that it was a pecuniary interest, he withdrew from the meeting during the consideration of the item and did not vote.

In the interests of transparency, Councillors Brown, Herd and Poulsen disclosed a non-pecuniary interest on the basis that Local Councils referred to in the report were in their Ward.

Recommended – That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2022 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

(Guy Close – 07811 503906)

Resolved – That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 11 October 2022 be signed as a correct record.

To receive any apologies for absence.

(Guy Close – 07811 503906)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Riaz Ahmed, Coates, Felstead, Ferriby, Kyle Green, Arshad Hussain, Sabiya Khan, Knox, Lal, Majkowski, Nazam, Shaheen, Smith and Wheatley.

(To be circulated before the meeting).

A copy of the Lord Mayor’s announcements had been circulated and published on the Council’s website.

(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 whether to exclude the press and public during the consideration of appendix 2 to agenda item 15, ‘Pay Policy Statement Update for 2022/23’ on the following grounds:

Recommended – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of appendix 2 to agenda item 15 ‘Pay Policy Statement Update for 2022/23’ on the grounds that it contains exempt information within paragraph 3 (information relating to financial or business affairs) and also within paragraph 5 (information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings) of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and the public interest in applying this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of appendix 2 to minute no. 54 ‘Pay Policy Statement Update for 2022/23’ on the grounds that it contains exempt information within paragraph 3 (information relating to financial or business affairs) and also within paragraph 5 (information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings) of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and the public interest in applying this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

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

i)              Residents’ parking at Thornbury Drive, Bradford – Bradford Moor Ward.

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

(Farzana Mughal – 07811 504164)

Residents’ parking at Thornbury Drive, Bradford – Bradford Moor Ward

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

Action – Director of Legal and Governance

There are no public questions.

(Fatima Butt – 07970 411746)

There were no public questions.

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).

That the following members be appointed:

a)    That following a reduction in membership from four members to two members, Councillors Sue Duffy and Taj Salam be confirmed as the Council’s representatives on the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee.

b)    That Councillors Shakeela Lal and Rizwana Jamil be confirmed as alternates on the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee.

Resolved – That the following membership changes be approved:

a)    That following a reduction in membership from four members to two members, Councillors Sue Duffy and Taj Salam be confirmed as the Council’s representatives on the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee.

b)    That Councillors Shakeela Lal and Rizwana Jamil be confirmed as alternates on the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee.

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.

The report of the Leader of the Council had been circulated and published on the Council’s website.

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 Caroline Firth

Now the police have confirmed the disappointing news that Keighley police station will not be moving into the centre of the town, what does this mean for the future of the site and will it relate to the much-needed Health and Wellbeing Centre in any way?

2.    Councillor Mike Pollard

In light of the identification of Diphtheria, which is highly contagious and can be fatal, in former residents of the Manston Migrant Processing Centre, would the Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places be so kind as to confirm what proactive measures the council has in place regarding collaboration with Together Housing, the local NHS and CCGs etc to expeditiously identify serious infections such as HIV, antibiotic resistant TB and diphtheria etc in migrants, who have or are allocated accommodation within the Bradford District?

3.    Councillor Jeanette Sunderland

Following the observations reported in the Telegraph and Argus that more children are switching to packed lunches of "leftover burgers or cold food" and the Chair of the Food Standards Agency being worried that the cost-of-living crisis is in danger of "turning into a public health crisis" will the Leader of Council go further than just inspect the quality of food on offer to those children able to access a hot meal at school and make sure that all children of primary school age have a free school meal at lunch-time?

4.    Councillor Matt Edwards

Following the coroner’s verdict that the tragic death of Awaab Ishak eight days after his second birthday in Rochdale from chronic exposure to mould in his home, what is Bradford Council doing to ensure that a similar avoidable death does not happen in social or private housing in our district?

5.    Councillor Sabiya Khan

I was very moved to witness Kevin Sinfield’s heroic MND charity fundraising efforts as he passed through Bradford City’s ground last month, it was a really poignant occasion. Will the Leader join me in thanking Bradford City football club for supporting this important cause?

6.    Councillor Caroline Firth

The new Christmas lights in Keighley town centre look great this year. How much has Bradford Council invested on renewing the Christmas lights in Keighley?

7.    Councillor Geoff Winnard

Will the Leader of Council commit to engaging directly with all the Town and Parish Councils in our district regarding the City of Culture 2025, to ensure that we use their local knowledge of our heritage and cultural assets and networks to help  ...  view the full agenda text for item 50.

Details of the questions from Members to the Leader of Council and Portfolio Holders and the answers given had been circulated and published on the Council’s website.

To consider any recommendations arising from meetings of the Executive and Committees.

a)    At the meeting of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 25 October 2022, consideration was given to a report of the Chair of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which presented the draft Annual Overview and Scrutiny report 2021-22, for adoption by Council.

Resolved – That the Annual Overview and Scrutiny Report for 2021-22 be referred to Council for adoption.

Action – Overview and Scrutiny Lead

b)    At the meeting of Governance and Audit Committee held on 24 November 2022, consideration was given to a report of the Director of Finance and IT, which presented the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review up to 30 September 2022, for approval by Council.

Resolved – That the details in Section 2 of Document “S” be noted and the report be referred to the 13 December 2022 Council meeting for adoption.

Action – Director of Finance and IT and Director of Legal and Governance

(Guy Close – 07811 503906)

a)    At the meeting of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 25 October 2022, consideration was given to a report of the Chair of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which presented the draft Annual Overview and Scrutiny report 2021-22, for adoption by Council.

Resolved – That the Annual Overview and Scrutiny Report 2021-22 be adopted by Council.

Action – Overview and Scrutiny Lead

b)    At the meeting of Governance and Audit Committee held on 24 November 2022, consideration was given to a report of the Director of Finance and IT, which presented the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review up to 30 September 2022, for approval by Council.

Resolved – That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review up to 30 September 2022, be approved by Council.

Action – Director of Finance and IT and Director of Legal and Governance

To consider notices of motion set out below:

13.1

Anti-social use of Fireworks

To be moved by: Councillor Julie Glentworth

To be seconded by: Councillor Zafar Ali

Council notes that:

• A seventeen year old youth from the Bradford area died in Halifax on Bonfire night, during a large scale, possibly pre-planned outbreak of firework related anti-social behaviour.
• One local resident described the scene as, “like a horror movie, just horrible” and that teenagers were still throwing fireworks at residents when emergency services had arrived, with another stating that she leaves her home whenever teenagers are in groups with possession of fireworks.
• There was chaos in Leeds on bonfire night as yobs turned a residential street into a battleground, pelting riot police who needed helmets, shields and teargas to make multiple arrests.
• “Bradford on Duty” included harrowing scenes of emergency staff taking cover in residential areas whilst pelted with fireworks, demonstrating the scourge that fireworks can bring.
• Residents report problems throughout the year from very loud fireworks, often causing distress to children and animals.
• It is only legal to sell Category 2 & 3 Fireworks, designed for domestic use (available only to adults over 18) for less than 40 specific days per year, other than via specifically regulated outlets and Category 4 fireworks can legally only be purchased and used by professionals.
• That whilst very good work is being undertaken to test purchase in shops, with roughly 10% of licensed retailers being caught in breach and there being strong engagement between enforcement teams and retailers to provide education regarding the rules, there is much anecdotal evidence and widespread public belief that it is the clandestine and even openly advertised sale of Category 4 fireworks which is often the primary cause of the year round problems, with many people across the county and beyond, firmly believing that their use is often connected with drug related crimes.
• When Robbie Moore MP (Keighley & Ilkley) requested an urgent debate in Government time, in order to discuss year round firework related anti-social behaviour, the response made clear that whilst this is a very serious problem across a number of regions, it is not yet recognised at a national level, as for many people the use of fireworks continues to be harmless fun and enjoyment. Many remain oblivious to the danger and nuisance caused to many thousands of families.

Council resolves:

• to reach out to local and regional partners in order to work collaboratively to ascertain whether there is widespread illicit sale of Category 4 fireworks within the Bradford District, the wider county and beyond.
• to require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their vulnerable people and animals.
• to actively promote a public and retailer awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.
• to write to the Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit  ...  view the full agenda text for item 52.

Resolved – That the following notices of motion be approved:

13.1 – Anti-social use of fireworks

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

Moved by: Councillor Jabar

Seconded by: Councillor Azam

Council notes:

We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the 17-year-old young man who lost his life in Halifax on 5^th November. This is a tragic loss of a young life.

Councillors and residents across the district are rightly angry and dismayed about the antisocial use of fireworks.

We thank council officers, fire crews, police, VCS organisations and volunteers for the superb partnership effort around Bonfire Night which passed with fewer serious incidents this year in the district than in recent years.

The Council’s cross party Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee completed a fireworks review published in October 2021 to examine what more can be done nationally and locally to better regulate their use.

In line with the Scrutiny recommendations, the council has written to the district’s MPs to call for lobbying on tougher action on the noise levels, sale, licensing and legislation of fireworks.

The Scrutiny review noted it will also depend on action at a national level to tackle this problem, given that local authorities are bound by limits to our powers on this issue.

The Conservative government does not accept fireworks are a serious problem. When the issue was discussed in parliament, Conservative government spokesperson Jacob Rees-Mogg said he was “unsympathetic” to calls for tougher action on fireworks as they are “a little bit of harmless fun”.

Council resolves to:

• Continue delivery against the Scrutiny recommendations and consider the contents of any updates from Scrutiny on an ongoing basis taking action as necessary.
• Following the Scrutiny Review, to again write to government calling on them to acknowledge the seriousness of this issue for residents in our district and to call for tougher action including consideration of new legislation that the Council could then use around the sale, use and noise levels of fireworks and specifically to:

·         Reduce the noise levels of all categories of fireworks;

·         Stop the sale of the more powerful fireworks, such as category 3 and 4 other than for professional firework displays.

·         For individuals who sell fireworks to have a licence, which demonstrates that they are a fit and proper person to be able to sell fireworks;

·         Instigate a Private Members Bill to discuss the licensing, planning and legislation arrangements in place, relating to fireworks.

·         Make it more difficult for members of the public to buy fireworks from wholesalers in large quantities.

·         Continue strong partnership work with other district agencies such as police, fire, health, VCS, community groups and Trading Standards to build on recent progress to tackle the antisocial use of fireworks.

13.2 – Community food cultivation

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

Moved by: Councillor Duffy

Seconded by: Councillor Hinchcliffe

Council notes that:

·         In light of food quality (including  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Legal and Governance presenting to full Council the recommendations from Governance and Audit Committee in relation to the Community Governance Review and recommending that Council approves the Reorganisation Order appended to the report.

Recommended – That the Council approves the Reorganisation Order attached as Appendix 3 to the report and that the Director of Legal and Governance be authorised to affix the Council’s seal to the Order to bring it into effect.

(Alice Bentley – 01535 618008)

The Director of Legal and Governance submitted a report which presented to full Council the recommendations from Governance and Audit Committee in relation to the Community Governance Review and recommended that Council approved the Reorganisation Order appended to the report.

Resolved – That the Council approves the Reorganisation Order attached as Appendix 3 to the report and that the Director of Legal and Governance be authorised to affix the Council’s seal to the Order to bring it into effect.

Action – Director of Legal and Governance

Not for Publication – Appendix 2 to the report is marked ‘Not for Publication’ on the grounds that it contains exempt information within paragraph 3 (information relating to financial or business affairs) and also within paragraph 5 (information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings) of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and the public interest in applying this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Human Resources presenting an amended Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2022/23 for adoption by Council.

Recommended –

a)    That the amended Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2022/23 as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

b)    That the Chief Executive be given authority in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, and also after undertaking consultation with the S151 Officer, the Department for Education and the Children’s Commissioner, to authorise an appropriate remuneration package in respect of the Director of Children’s Social Care and Practice.

(Anne Lloyd – 01274 432031)

The Director of Human Resources submitted a report which presented an amended Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2022/23 for adoption by Council.

Resolved –

a)    That the amended Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2022/23 as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

b)    That the Chief Executive be given authority in consultation with the portfolio holder for Children’s Services, and also after undertaking consultation with the S151 Officer, the Department for Education and the Children’s Commissioner, to authorise an appropriate remuneration package in respect of the Director of Children’s Social Care and Practice.

Action – Director of Human Resources