Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1 - City Hall, Bradford. View directions

Contact: Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel 

Items
No. Item

37.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

(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.

 

Minutes:

The following declarations of interest were received in relation to the Keep Clayton Green Petition (Minute 40), as the nature of the interest were prejudicial, the Officer and Member concerned left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

 

(i)            The City Solicitor declared that she lived in Clayton.

 

(ii)          Councillor Engel who was a non voting Executive Support declared that she was a Ward Member for Clayton and Fairweather Green and that she had expressed her objection to the proposed housing development in Clayton.

 

ACTION:       City Solicitor

38.

INSPECTION OF REPORTS AND BACKGROUND PAPERS

(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. 

 

(Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

Minutes:

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

 

39.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE

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). 

 

 (Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

 

Minutes:

The following recommendations to the Executive were noted:

 

1.         Council - 18 July 2017

 

            CALLED-IN DECISION – REVIEW OF THE OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE 12 MONTH TRIAL BAN OF PAVEMENT OBSTRUCTIONS

 

Resolved –

 

In February 2014 the Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee requested that the Executive ‘bring about a change in the Authority’s available powers to deal more effectively with obstruction of the highway’.

 

Council notes that:

 

  • Bradford Council takes its responsibilities under the Highways Act seriously and under the existing Code of Practice for Advertising Displays any A-board reasonably deemed to constitute a danger to highway users will be removed
  • The trial ban of A-boards in Saltaire, Ilkley, Leeds Road and Bradford city centre were effective in reducing the number of A-boards on the highways
  • The growing number of Local Authorities introducing bans and other powers to manage the numbers and locations of A-boards on the public highway

 

Therefore Council proposes:

 

  • To ask the Council’s Executive to implement a full ban on A-boards across the district.

 

·           That a report is sent to the Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the effectiveness of the ban 12 months after implementation.

                                                                                               

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place/City Solicitor (referral to Executive)

 

Note: In receiving the above recommendation the Leader stated that a            report asking the Executive to implement a full ban on A-Boards         across the district will be considered at its November meeting.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director Place

 

 

 

 

 

2.         Corporate Parenting Panel on Wednesday, 13 September 2017

 

CARE LEAVERS AND COUNCIL TAX

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended to the Executive:

 

(i)         That the proposal that all care leavers up to the age of 21 be exempt from paying Council Tax be incorporated in the budget planning process for 2018/19 with a view to implementing any exemption from 1 April 2018.

 

(ii)        That consideration be given to allowing eligible ‘Staying Put’ providers to retain their 25% single occupier Council Tax reduction.

 

Note: In receiving the above recommendations, the Leader stated that the above recommendations will be considered as part of the budget setting process for 2018/2019 and consulted on accordingly.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director Health and Wellbeing

                       

 

 

 

3.         Keighley Area Committee Thursday, 14 September 2017

 

PARKS AND GREEN SPACES SERVICE ANNUAL REPORT

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the report be noted.

 

(2)       That the investment of the Heritage Lottery Fund be welcomed             and the efforts of the Cliffe Castle Park Conservation Group and             other stakeholders in delivering the restoration of the park be             acknowledged.

 

(3)       That the Executive be requested that any future changes to the             delivery of services, that have powers devolved to the Area             Committee, are consulted with by the Area Committee before             implementation.

 

(4)       That officers explore further avenues of creating additional income             streams.

 

(5)       That officers bring a report back to the Area Committee over the             effectiveness and efficiency of the highway weed spraying             programme during 2017 including details of the schedule and             comments, complaints and feedback received for the Area.

 

ACTION:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

REGENERATION, PLANNING & TRANSPORT PORTFOLIO

(Councillor Ross-Shaw)

40.

KEEP CLAYTON GREEN PETITION pdf icon PDF 160 KB

The petition entitled ‘Keep Clayton Green from inappropriate developments’ was received by Full Council on 18 July 2017 and referred for consideration by the Executive.

 

The petition relates to concerns about housing development within Clayton and potential impacts on the local area from any further development specifically the loss of green space but also on local infrastructure.

 

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “U”) which considers the concerns raised in the petition regarding development within Clayton with specific reference to the role and process of the Local Plan and consideration of planning proposals.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       The Executive is recommended to note the contents of the         petition.

 

(2)       That the Assistant Director Planning Transportation and Highways receive the issues for consideration as part of the local          plan preparation process.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Environment and Waste Management

 

(Andrew Marshall - 01274 434050)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The petition entitled ‘Keep Clayton Green from inappropriate developments’ was received by Full Council on 18 July 2017 and referred for consideration by the Executive.

 

The petition related to concerns about housing development within Clayton and potential impacts on the local area from any further development specifically the loss of green space but also on local infrastructure.

 

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “U”) which addressed the concerns raised in the petition regarding development within Clayton with specific reference to the role and process of the Local Plan and consideration of planning proposals.

 

The Chief Executive stressed at the outset that planning considerations were part of a quasi judicial process and that planning matters did not form part of the Executive’s remit, and therefore in considering the petition and the issues it raised, it was important for Members to be mindful of this and not to pre judge any planning matters.

 

The Lead petitioner was present at the meeting and stated that although she appreciated that sites needed to be identified for development, the Council’s housing target for the district was over ambitious in line with the development plan.  In addition there were a number of vacant homes in Clayton and that roads and other infrastructure were inadequate to support additional housing development. She cited that 300 plus homes had been built in Clayton since 1995 and there was insufficient infrastructure to support this level of housing development, and she therefore questioned the wisdom of identifying land in Clayton for development without the necessary infrastructure in place.  She added that Clayton was a rural location and there were ample brownfield sites in the vicinity of Clayton, earmarked for commercial use that could be released for housing development, and that this model could be replicated in other parts of the district, in particular as many of theses site remained undeveloped and were an eyesore.  She stressed that she appreciated people wanted to live in rural locations, however further development would not only erode green space, but also be detrimental to those already residing in these areas, therefore further analysis of housing needs and suitable sites was required.

 

In response to the issues raised by the petitioner, the Planning and Transport Manager explained that the Council had only recently adopted the Core Strategy, which had been carefully scrutinised by the Government Inspector, prior to its adoption and it had been considered sound.  He added that housing development did take into account the vacant homes situation and that the Council was proactive in dealing with this issue.

 

In relation to the issue of infrastructure in the context of housing development, the Planning and Transport Manager explained that detailed work on infrastructure needs would be looked at as part of individual development proposals coming forward.  In relation to brownfield sites, it was stressed that not all brownfield sites were suitable for housing development.

 

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder stated that although he appreciated the concerns raised by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

LEADER OF COUNCIL & CORPORATE

(Councillor Hinchcliffe)

41.

A COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION SCHEME FOR 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 418 KB

 

Legislation requires each Billing Authority to consider, annually, whether it wishes to revise its Council Tax Support arrangements

 

Since 2013/14, funding for Council Tax Reduction is provided through the Revenue Support Grant. The Revenue Support Grant has been subject to reductions annually, and is expected to reduce to zero by 2020/22. Continued funding of Council Tax Reduction is, therefore, becoming a significant financial pressure for the Council   

 

The Strategic Director Corporate Services will submit a report (Document “V”) which considers the impact of the Council Tax Reduction scheme on the Council’s budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy; and the burdens that the inclusion of all working age households in the scope of Universal Credit from March 2018 will have on the administration and delivery of the current Council Tax Reduction scheme

 

Executive is asked to make a decision on the scheme for 2018/19 to go out to consultation

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       That the Strategic Director of Corporate Services is instructed to          undertake public consultation on the proposed amendments  as        set out in option 2 to Document “V” to the Council Tax Reduction    scheme to inform a future Executive decision on the scheme to be             operated from 2018/19. 

 

(2)       That the Strategic Director of Corporate Services is instructed to          develop options to mitigate the impact of the proposed changes            to the CTR scheme.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Martin Stubbs - 01274 432056)

Minutes:

Legislation required each Billing Authority to consider, annually, whether it wished to revise its Council Tax Support arrangements

 

Since 2013/14, funding for Council Tax Reduction had been provided through the Revenue Support Grant. The Revenue Support Grant had been subject to reductions annually, and was expected to reduce to zero by 2020/22. Continued funding of Council Tax Reduction was, therefore, becoming a significant financial pressure for the Council   

 

The Strategic Director Corporate Services submitted a report (Document “V”) which considered the impact of the Council Tax Reduction scheme on the Council’s budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy; and the burdens that the inclusion of all working age households in the scope of Universal Credit from March 2018 would have on the administration and delivery of the current Council Tax Reduction scheme

 

Executive was asked to make a decision on the scheme for 2018/19 to go out to consultation.

 

The Leader stated that in the context of the budget cuts imposed by Central Government, it was important that the Council cut its cloth accordingly and had a scheme in place which would still provide support to the most vulnerable, whilst recognising the financial realities we faced as a Council.

 

The Council Tax and Benefits Services Manager stated that a report on whether to change the Scheme had been considered by the Executive annually.  In the context of the significant financial pressures facing the Council, the impact arising from the implementation of Universal Credit, and the costs associated with the current Scheme, proposals before Members would see changes to the current scheme which would offer support to the most vulnerable groups, adding that the intention would be to go out to consultation on the proposed scheme, with a view to coming back to the Executive for a decision on the proposed scheme.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the Strategic Director Corporate Services be   instructed to            undertake public consultation on the proposed amendments  as        set out in option 2 to Document “V” to the Council Tax Reduction    scheme to inform a future Executive decision on the scheme to be             operated from 2018/19. 

 

(2)       That the Strategic Director Corporate Services be   instructed to            develop options to mitigate the impact of the proposed changes            to the CTR scheme.

 

ACTION:       Strategic Director Corporate Services

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Martin Stubbs - 01274 432056)

 

HEALTH & WELLBEING PORTFOLIO & DEPUTY LEADER

(Councillor Val Slater)

42.

ARRANGEMENTS BY THE COUNCIL AND ITS PARTNERS TO TACKLE CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION pdf icon PDF 865 KB

The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “W”) which provides an update to the report presented to the Executive on 20th September 2016 and subsequently to the District’s Area Committees regarding the issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE). It particularly focuses on the 9 Point Strategic Response to CSE and how it is used by BSCB and partners in work to drive improvements across the District’s safeguarding partnership and to hold agencies to account for their work in their area.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       The Executive is invited to endorse that the 9 Point Strategic      Response to CSE be reviewed and replaced with a new Strategic Response to CSE.

 

(2)       That a referral is made to the Community safety Partnership to   ask this group to consider the allocation of a funding pot via the Safeguarding Children Board to ensure that this work continues     to be a partnership safety priority.

 

(3)       The Executive shall receive a further update on the progress of             the 9 Point strategic Response to CSE in 12 month’s time.

 

            That subsequent reports will be provided to Area Committees.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

 

(Mark Griffin - 01274 434361)

Minutes:

 

The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “W”) which provided an update to the report presented to the Executive on 20th September 2016 and subsequently to the district’s Area Committees regarding the issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE).  It particularly focused on the 9 Point Strategic Response to CSE and how it is used by Bradford Safeguarding Children’s Board and partners in work to drive improvements across the district’s safeguarding partnership and to hold agencies to account for their work in their area.

 

A number of partners were present at the meeting including a representative from West Yorkshire Police, Barnardos, Bradford Safeguarding Board and the Council’s Assistant Director Performance, Commissioning and Partnerships, with responsibility for Safeguarding.

 

The Strategic Director stated that this was the fourth report that had been considered by the Executive on safeguarding arrangements, he highlighted that this week also happened to be safeguarding week, raising awareness around the issue of CSE.

 

The Strategic Director added that how we as a district responded to the issue of CSE was crucial, and that the report gave an indication of the journey that had been taken, which showed that the response to addressing CSE was improving year on year.  However he stressed that there was no room for complacency and partners were fully engaged in tackling the issue.

 

A representative from West Yorkshire Police was present and stated that the force was working hard to prevent incidents of CSE, support victims and bringing about successful prosecutions.  In trying to achieve these objectives he stressed that effective partnership working was key, together with work on increasing awareness with a view to improving the reporting of the issue.  Work in the community and cyber awareness had yielded positive results with a corresponding increase in the number of referrals to the hub. He cited the on going work with the night time economy, which again had  resulted in a significant shift in addressing the issue of CSE.

 

A representative from Barnardos also cited the wok they had done with partners on the night time economy in raising awareness, together with work in the community  and working directly with children who were at risk from CSE.  Working with parents to provide support to their children was also alluded to.

 

The BSCB Manager stated that CSE remained at the forefront of the work of the Board and that cyber strategy was being looked at as a key piece of work.

 

The Assistant Director stated that CSE remained high on the agenda and it was being prioritised across the work of the Council and that communication was key in getting messages across.

 

During the discussion Members acknowledged the excellent work done by the hub as well as the dedication of the Police in bringing successful prosecutions, adding that the on going work instilled confidence that children were being protected.

 

In response to a question on the work being undertaken in schools around CSE, the Strategic Director confirmed that CSE was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

43.

CHANGES TO THE REGISTER OFFICE ROOMS pdf icon PDF 108 KB

The City Solicitor will submit a report (Document “X”) which seeks Executive

agreement to the decommissioning of the Register Office ceremony room and to agree a scale of charges for its future use.  Decommissioning means converting the ceremony room in a Register Office building into an “approved premises” (namely approved for civil marriages and civil partnership ceremonies).

 

Recommended

 

(1)       To decommission the Register Office ceremony room and licence the room as an Approved Premises for Civil Marriages and Civil Partnerships under the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005.

 

(2)       To maintain the statutory duty of providing a standard Register Office the area currently used as the guests waiting room be designated as the Register Office ceremony room.

 

(3)       The City Solicitor to submit plans to the Registrar General for approval to the statutory Register Office room.

 

(4)       To approve the fees for use of The Priestley Suite on Tuesday to Saturday.

 

(5)       To approve the additional posts of Usher and Deputy Registrar.

 

(6)       To authorise the City Solicitor to make any necessary additional changes or amendments to service provision under these new arrangements in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

 

(Jill Raine - 01274 434482)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The City Solicitor submitted a report (Document “X”) which sought Executive agreement to the decommissioning of the Register Office ceremony room and to agree a scale of charges for its future use.  Decommissioning means converting the ceremony room in a Register Office building into an “approved premises” (namely approved for civil marriages and civil partnership ceremonies).

 

Resolved -

 

(1)       That the Register Office ceremony room be decommissioned and the room be licenced as an Approved Premises for Civil Marriages and Civil Partnerships under the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005.

 

(2)       To maintain the statutory duty of providing a standard Register Office the area currently used as the guests waiting room be designated as the Register Office ceremony room.

 

(3)       The City Solicitor to submit plans to the Registrar General for approval to the statutory Register Office room.

 

(4)       That  the fees for use of The Priestley Suite on Tuesday to Saturday as set

            out in Document “X” be approved.

 

(5)       That the additional posts of Usher and Deputy Registrar be

            approved.

 

(6)       That the City Solicitor be authorised to make any necessary additional changes or amendments to service provision under these new arrangements in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

 

ACTION: City Solicitor

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Jill Raine - 01274 434482)

 

44.

BRADFORD DISTRICT'S ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY pdf icon PDF 322 KB

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “Y”) which provides a progress update on the development of the new Economic Growth Strategy for Bradford District.

 

The purpose of the strategy is to help support the growth of Bradford district’s economy, and provide a focus for joint activity across a range of partners. Its goal is supporting economic growth that everyone can contribute to and benefit from.

 

Executive is asked to endorse the four themes around which delivery will focus, and provide a steer on next steps.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       Members endorse the four themes as providing a useful focus for further work around delivery.

 

(2)       Members ask the Producer City Board (and supporting officers) to develop these themes into a clear set of proposals for action and implementation.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Economy

 

(Kate McNicholas - 01274 431761)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “Y”) which provided a progress update on the development of the new Economic Growth Strategy for Bradford District.

 

The purpose of the strategy was to help support the growth of Bradford district’s economy, and provide a focus for joint activity across a range of partners. Its goal was supporting economic growth that everyone could contribute to and benefit from.

 

Executive was asked to endorse the four themes around which delivery will focus, and provide a steer on next steps.

 

During a PowerPoint presentation, key elements of the Economic Growth Strategy were alluded:

 

·         That the purpose of the Strategy was to position, focus, assure and connect to the industrial strategy – nationally and sub regionally; build on Producer City and the City Plan; embed inclusive growth and promote shared action.

 

·         That Bradford is the 8th biggest economy in England (11th in UK) with Gross Value Added (GVA) at £9.5 billion.  Ninth largest number of businesses in UK- Seventh in England.  Third largest number of manufacturing jobs in the UK.

 

·         That GVA increased in Bradford by 2.4% over the year to 2012. This was higher than a 1.0% rise in Yorkshire and the Humber and 1.6% across the UK.

 

·         That the total number of businesses in the district now stands at 17,600.

 

·         That raising productivity was our key economic challenge. Bradford GVA at 2015 was £9.5 billion – equivalent to £17,892 per head of population compared to a UK figure of £25,601. Closing this £7,709 per head gap with the UK would raise total GVA to £13.6 billion – an increase of £4.1 billion.

 

·         That regional GVA per head was £20,351. Closing this £2,459 per head gap would raise total GVA to £10.8 billion – an increase of £1.3 billion.

 

·         That Bradford businesses were productive in comparison to majority of UK excluding London and the South East – the issue is we need more businesses and more jobs.

 

·         That Bradford had .69 jobs per work-age adult compared to .83 nationally (a gap of around 40,000 jobs) Leeds job density is .95

 

·         That a low employment rate shows the need for jobs growth

 

 

That the four key opportunities included:

 

·         Our young and enterprising population:
Ensuring our young people are equipped to succeed and drive our future economy

·         Our distinctive offer:
Capitalising on our distinctive place and cultural assets to create compelling investment propositions

·         Our growth potential:
Building on business strengths to improve productivity and create the conditions for growth: 

·         Our globally connected district
Improving transport infrastructure and digital connectivity, and supporting business to increase exports 

 

During the discussion, the Leader highlighted  the number of innovative companies located in the district and the work NEXa had done with schools.  She added that there was a need to sustain growth for the benefit of all in the district and that partnership work was crucial in delivering on the Strategy.

 

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder also endorsed the work done across the district  and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

ENVIRONMENT, SPORT & CULTURE PORTFOLIO

(Councillor Ferriby)

45.

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

Recommended –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the Appendices relating to the future management option for the council’s sport, leisure and cultural facilities (Item 10)  and appendix 2 relating to Transport for the North (Item 11) on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings, that if they were present, exempt information within Paragraph 3 (Financial or Business Affairs) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) would be disclosed and it is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in allowing the public to remain is outweighed by the public interest in excluding public access to the relevant part of the proceeding

for the following reasons:

 

It is in the public interest in maintaining the exemption because it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made fully aware of the financial implications of any decision without prejudicing the financial position of the authority.

 

(Yusuf Patel - 01274 434579)

Minutes:

Resolved -

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the appendices relating to the future management option for the Council’s sport, leisure and cultural facilities (Minute 46) and appendix 2 relating to the Transport for the North report (Minute 47).

 

For the item relating to Council’s sport, leisure and cultural facilities this is on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings, if the public were present, exempt information within Paragraph 3 (Financial or Business Affairs) and within Paragraph 5 (legal privilege) of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972 , would be disclosed and it is considered that in all the circumstances, the public interest in allowing the public to remain is outweighed by the public interest in excluding public access to the relevant part of the meeting because:

It is in the public interest to maintain the exemption because it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made fully aware of the financial implications of the any decision without prejudicing the financial position of the authority.

 

For the item relating to Transport for the North, the exclusion of the public is on the grounds that section 100A of the local government act 1972 applies (confidential document based on government restriction).

 

ACTION: City Solicitor

46.

FUTURE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR SPORT AND CULTURE SERVICES pdf icon PDF 211 KB

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “Z” – with Not For Publication Appendix) which considers the findings of a study undertaken to determine the most suitable future management option for the council’s sport, leisure and cultural facilities.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       Note the findings of the report, advantages and disadvantages of         options and that the Not for profit distribution organisation            (NPDO) is seen as the preferred option.

(2)       That clarification is sought on VAT and national non domestic   rates  (NNDR) as legislation and guidance is developed by central             government.

 

(3)       That the internal programme of change is implemented.

 

(4)       That option 4 “Outsourcing to an NPDO” be re-examined once the Council has completed its own planned transitional work, likely to be in the latter part of the coming four-year period.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Economy

 

(John Coulton - 01274 438795)

Minutes:

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “Z” – with Not For Publication Appendix) which considered the findings of a study undertaken to determine the most suitable future management option for the Council’s sport, leisure and cultural facilities.

 

The Sports Facilities Manager gave detailed overview of the findings of the study which were detailed in the report.

 

An Ilkley Ward Councillor was present at the meeting and stated that the Not for Profit Distribution Organisation route had been considered some years ago, but had not been considered viable, and although this report suggested a time lapse before considering the feasibility of  such an approach, some preliminary work could be done in the meantime.

 

The Environment, Sport and Culture Portfolio Holder stated that the report went into some detail on the options, however in the context of austerity, VAT changes and Brexit , fundamental changes were not feasible to implement at the current time.  The Portfolio Holder stressed that there was an on going programme of transformational change within the Service and it was important to see this through to its fruition.

 

The Leader added that culture and sports facilities were vital for the economy of the district and that the district had a good asset base in this respect, and  although a number of options were set out in the report, these were not feasible in the current climate, however the report did give a number of options, the Council could pursue in the long run and therefore the study had been a useful exercise.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the findings of the report, advantages and disadvantages of        options be noted and that the Not for profit distribution          organisation (NPDO) be seen as the preferred option.

(2)       That clarification is sought on VAT and national non domestic   rates  (NNDR) as legislation and guidance is developed by central             government.

 

(3)       That the internal programme of change is implemented.

 

(4)       That option 4 “Outsourcing to an NPDO” set out in Document “Z” be re-examined, once the Council has completed its own planned transitional work, likely to be in the latter part of the coming four-year period.

 

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Economy

 

(John Coulton - 01274 438795)

47.

TO APPROVE REGULATIONS ESTABLISHING TRANSPORT FOR THE NORTH AS A SUB -NATIONAL TRANSPORT BODY pdf icon PDF 93 KB

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “AA” with Not for Publication Appendix 2) which asks Members to consent to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State to establish Transport for the North as a Sub–National Transport Body under section 102E of the Local Transport Act 2008. The consent of each Constituent Authority and Highway Authority is required to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State as the Regulations include highway powers to be exercised by TfN.

 

Although the Council is not a member, the Executive is also asked to note the transfer of Rail North Limited to TfN following its inauguration and the signing of a new Rail Franchise Management Agreement with TfN replicating as far as possible the arrangements entered into in respect of Rail North Limited.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       To consent to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State       to establish Transport for the North as a Sub–National Transport     Body under section 102E of the Local Transport Act 2008. The      consent of each Constituent Authority and Highway Authority is           required to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State as            the Regulations include highway powers to be exercised by TfN.

 

(2)       To note the transfer of Rail North Limited to TfN following its      inauguration and the signing of a new Rail Franchise Management Agreement with TfN replicating as far as possible the             arrangements entered into in respect of Rail North Limited.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Environment and Waste Management

 

Julian Jackson

Phone: (01274) 433766

(Julian Jackson - 01274 433766)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The following item was included on this agenda as an exception to the Forward Plan in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 10 (General Exception to the Forward Plan) of Part 3D of the Constitution.

 

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “AA” with Not for Publication Appendix 2) which asked Members to consent to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State to establish Transport for the North as a Sub–National Transport Body under section 102E of the Local Transport Act 2008. The consent of each Constituent Authority and Highway Authority is required to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State as the Regulations include highway powers to be exercised by TfN.

 

Although the Council was not a member, the Executive is also asked to note the transfer of Rail North Limited to TfN following its inauguration and the signing of a new Rail Franchise Management Agreement with TfN replicating as far as possible the arrangements entered into in respect of Rail North Limited.

 

The Assistant Director Transportation, Design and Planning gave a detailed overview of the arrangements and the need to give consent to the draft regulations set out in the report.

 

The Leader welcomed the proposals and the benefits it could have for the North and that it would act as driver for the Northern Powerhouse.  The Portfolio Holder added that TfN would be a key partner in delivering our ambitions for economic growth and improving out transport connectivity.

 

Resolved–

 

(1)       That Executive consent to the making of Regulations by the       Secretary of State to establish Transport for the North (TfN) as a   Sub–National Transport Body   under section 102E of the Local       Transport Act 2008.  The consent of each Constituent Authority            and Highway Authority is required to the making of Regulations by the Secretary of State as the Regulations include highway     powers to be exercised by TfN.

 

(2)       That the transfer of Rail North Limited to TfN be noted following            its inauguration and the signing of a new Rail Franchise      Management Agreement with TfN replicating as far as possible        the arrangements entered into in respect of Rail North Limited.

 

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Environment and Waste Management

 

(Julian Jackson - 01274 433766)