Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - City Hall, Bradford. View directions

Contact: Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel 

Items
No. Item

142.

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 must consider their interests, and act according to the following:

 

Type of Interest

You must:

 

 

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

Disclose the interest; not participate in the discussion or vote; and leave the meeting unless you have a dispensation.

 

 

Other Registrable Interests (Directly Related)

OR

Non-Registrable Interests (Directly Related)

Disclose the interest; speak on the item only if the public are also allowed to speak but otherwise not participate in the discussion or vote; and leave the meeting unless you have a dispensation.

 

 

 

Other Registrable Interests (Affects)

OR

Non-Registrable Interests (Affects)

Disclose the interest; remain in the meeting, participate and vote unless the matter affects the financial interest or well-being

 (a) to a greater extent than it affects the financial interests of a majority of inhabitants of the affected ward, and

(b) a reasonable member of the public knowing all the facts would believe that it would affect your view of the wider public interest;

in which case speak on the item only if the public are also allowed to speak but otherwise not do not participate in the discussion or vote; and leave the meeting unless you have a dispensation.

 

(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.

 

Minutes:

No disclosures of interest in matters under consideration were received.

143.

MINUTES

Recommended –

 

That the minutes of the meetings held on 7 June and 5 July be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

(Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

 

Minutes:

Resolved –

 

That the minutes of the meetings held on 7 June and 5 July be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

ACTION: City Solicitor

 

144.

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.

 

LEADER OF COUNCIL & CORPORATE

(Councillor Hinchcliffe)

145.

MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY UPDATE, 2023/24 TO 2025/26 pdf icon PDF 241 KB

The Director of Finance will present a report (Document “O”) on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) update that sets out the forecast financial resources available to the Council to support the delivery of its key priorities as set out in the Council Plan 2021-2025.

 

Since 2010, the Council has had to deliver over £300m of budget reductions and increase council tax in order to meet the financial pressures arising from national austerity measures, rising demand and increasing costs.  Having to cut costs and increase income while continuing to meet the needs of residents has required difficult decisions and placed services under pressure. Nevertheless, a robust and prudent approach to financial management and the use of resources meant that immediately prior to Covid, Council finances had achieved a greater degree of health and stability than at any point over the previous decade. 

 

The continuing impact of Covid-19 on Council services through additional expenditure and reducing income, alongside inflationary pressures on both pay and prices not seen since the 1970s due at least in part to the war in Ukraine, and the effect of the cost of living crisis on demand for Council services have now altered that outlook for the worse, and created a great deal of additional uncertainty. Recent years have also seen significant growth in demand for Children’s Social Care nationally which has also been experienced in Bradford. Challenges in recruitment and retention, and pressures in adult social care are also contributing to a situation in which Council finances are under considerable strain.

These financial pressures are compounded by repeated delays to Government reforms of Local Government finance such as business rates reset, and Fair funding formula review implementation, which are expected to result in additional funding for the Bradford District. Failure to implement these measures has resulted in further financial pressures above those that would otherwise have been the case.

 

Despite consistently delivering a balanced budget in previous years, the factors outlined above have created a forecast budget gap that the Council will struggle to address without significant additional funding.

 

The revised forecast identifies for planning purposes a financial gap of c£77m in 2023-24, reducing to £72m in 2024-25 and £64m in 2025-26.

 

Given the level of uncertainty, a number of assumptions have had to be made, and these will need to be revised throughout the budget planning process, and in advance of setting the budget at Budget Council in February 2023.

 

 

Recommended -

 

            That having considered the Medium Term Financial Strategy as an assessment of the Council’s financial outlook to 2025-26, and a framework for it to remain financially viable and deliver sustainable public services, in line with its priorities, that Executive approves the updated and revised Medium Term Financial Strategy at Appendix 1 to Document “O”.

 

(Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee)     

(Andrew Cross – 07870 86523)

Minutes:

The Director of Finance presented a report (Document “O”) on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) update that set out the forecast financial resources available to the Council to support the delivery of its key priorities as set out in the Council Plan 2021-2025.

 

Since 2010, the Council has had to deliver over £300m of budget reductions and increase council tax in order to meet the financial pressures arising from national austerity measures, rising demand and increasing costs.  Having to cut costs and increase income while continuing to meet the needs of residents required difficult decisions and placed services under pressure. Nevertheless, a robust and prudent approach to financial management and the use of resources meant that immediately prior to Covid, Council finances had achieved a greater degree of health and stability than at any point over the previous decade. 

 

The continuing impact of Covid-19 on Council services through additional expenditure and reducing income, alongside inflationary pressures on both pay and prices not seen since the 1970s due at least in part to the war in Ukraine, and the effect of the cost of living crisis on demand for Council services had now altered that outlook for the worse, and created a great deal of additional uncertainty. Recent years had also seen significant growth in demand for Children’s Social Care nationally which had also been experienced in Bradford. Challenges in recruitment and retention, and pressures in adult social care were also contributing to a situation in which Council finances were under considerable strain.

These financial pressures were compounded by repeated delays to Government reforms of Local Government finance such as business rates reset, and Fair funding formula review implementation, which were expected to result in additional funding for the Bradford District. Failure to implement these measures had resulted in further financial pressures above those that would otherwise have been the case.

 

Despite consistently delivering a balanced budget in previous years, the factors outlined above had created a forecast budget gap that the Council will struggle to address without significant additional funding.

 

The revised forecast identified for planning purposes a financial gap of c£77m in 2023-24, reducing to £72m in 2024-25 and £64m in 2025-26.

 

Given the level of uncertainty, a number of assumptions had to be made, and these would need to be revised throughout the budget planning process, and in advance of setting the budget at Budget Council in February 2023.

 

The Leader noted that we were living through unprecedented times where energy costs had increased by 118% and child placements had increased by 30%.  She added that the Local Government Association was predicting £2.4 billion in extra costs to Local Authorities to which there needed to be a response from government.  She referred to the impact on residents and their concerns at how they would get through the winter.  She emphasised that the Council needed to be on a frim financial footing to support them and added that she had written to the new Prime  ...  view the full minutes text for item 145.

REGENERATION, PLANNING & TRANSPORT PORTFOLIO

(Councillor Ross-Shaw)

146.

BRADFORD TRANSFORMING CITIES FUND PROGRAMME pdf icon PDF 294 KB

The report of the Strategic Director of Place (Document “P”) provides a summary of progress made in the delivery of the Bradford Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) Programme and explains project funding, programme timescales and key risks. The report updates on the challenges regarding individual project scope versus the grant funding available and the options and steps being considered by the project delivery teams to mitigate this.

The report seeks delegation of the day to day operational decisions to the Strategic Director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and seeks approval to progress projects through to outline and full business case submission, following an approved Appraisal Framework as defined by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Department for Transport as funding Authorities.

Recommended -

(1)             That the Executive resolve as follows in relation to the Transforming Cities Fund programme:

a)       Approve the proposals shown in Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 as the Council’s current preferred approach to the delivery of the Transforming Cities Fund Programme as developed since the approved Strategic Outline Case submission to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

b)       Authorise the Strategic Director, Place to manage the scheme programme as appropriate to meet changing circumstances.

c)       Authorise the Strategic Director, Place to advertise any necessary legal orders required to facilitate the delivery of the programme and to make any necessary applications to seek planning permission.

d)       Further update reports are to be presented to the Executive following decision on the Outline Business Case by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

(2)             That delegated authority by given to the Strategic Director, Place in consultation with the Director of Finance, Director of Legal Services and the Portfolio Holder to:

a)       Progress and develop the scheme proposals through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Assurance Process and undertake appropriate consultation on scheme proposals.

b)       If necessary, approve further scope changes to individual projects within the Transforming Cities Fund portfolio to reflect the available funding for each project.

c)       Where necessary, issue requisition notices requiring those believed to have an interest in relevant property to provide title information and details of their interest in land.

d)       As may be required secure the procurement of specialist external services having regard to the Council’s Contract Standing Orders and national procurement legislation in order to advice the Council on matters relating to the delivery of the TCF portfolio of projects.

(3)             That Executive resolve in relation to the specific projects within the Transforming Cities Fund programme to approve:

a)    The Bradford City Centre Cycling and Walking Improvements scheme referred to in Appendix 1.

 

b)   The Bradford Interchange scheme referred to in Appendix 2.

 

c)    The phasing of the South Bradford Park and Ride scheme referred to in Appendix 3.

 

d)   The phasing of the West Bradford Cycle Superhighway scheme as referred to in Appendix 4.

 

(Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

                                                (Darren Badrock – 07582 101408)

 

 

 

 

Minutes:

The report of the Strategic Director of Place (Document “P”) provided a summary of progress made in the delivery of the Bradford Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) Programme and explained project funding, programme timescales and key risks. The report updated on the challenges regarding individual project scope versus the grant funding available and the options and steps being considered by the project delivery teams to mitigate this.

The report sought delegation of the day to day operational decisions to the Strategic Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and sought approval to progress projects through to outline and full business case submission, following an approved Appraisal Framework as defined by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Department for Transport as funding Authorities.

 

It was noted that £80m would come to Bradford through the Transforming Cities Fund.  Members were given a PowerPoint presentation that covered the scheme relationships and delivery, the concept, strategic alignment and in particular City Centre Cycling and Walking.

 

The Transportation, Highways and Planning Portfolio Holder noted that feedback had been supportive.  He added that the schemes would reshape the city centre for the future.  He referred to the schemes which were on site and added that Transforming Cities Fund was the next step in moving to the 2025 City of Culture.  He noted that Bradford would be cleaner, greener and look different to the way it looked now.  He thanked officer and looked forward to implementation.

Resolved -

(1)             That the Executive resolve as follows in relation to the Transforming Cities Fund programme:

a)       Approve the proposals shown in Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Document “P” as the Council’s current preferred approach to the delivery of the Transforming Cities Fund Programme as developed since the approved Strategic Outline Case submission to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

b)       Authorise the Strategic Director, Place to manage the scheme programme as appropriate to meet changing circumstances.

c)       Authorise the Strategic Director, Place to advertise any necessary legal orders required to facilitate the delivery of the programme and to make any necessary applications to seek planning permission.

d)       Further update reports are to be presented to the Executive following decision on the Outline Business Case by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

(2)             That delegated authority by given to the Strategic Director, Place in consultation with the Director of Finance, Director of Legal Services and the Portfolio Holder to:

a)       Progress and develop the scheme proposals through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Assurance Process and undertake appropriate consultation on scheme proposals.

b)       If necessary, approve further scope changes to individual projects within the Transforming Cities Fund portfolio to reflect the available funding for each project.

c)       Where necessary, issue requisition notices requiring those believed to have an interest in relevant property to provide title information and details of their interest in land.

d)       As may be required secure the procurement of specialist external services having regard to the Council’s Contract Standing Orders and national procurement legislation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 146.

EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS PORTFOLIO & DEPUTY LEADER

(Councillor I Khan)

147.

ENSURING THE SUFFICIENCY OF SPECIALIST PLACES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND) ACROSS THE BRADFORD DISTRICT pdf icon PDF 292 KB

The Strategic Director of Children’s Services will present a report (Document “Q”) on the proposed establishment of a 10 place Early Years Enhanced Specialist Provision (EYESP) at Hirst Wood Nursery School. Each place will equate to 0.6 of a FTE place.

 

Recommended –

 

That the proposal to establish a 10 place Early Years Enhanced Specialist Provision (EYESP) at Hirst Wood Nursey School be approved.  Each place will equate to 0.6 of a FTE place.

 

(Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

                                                                        (Emma Hamer – 01274 439535)

Minutes:

The Strategic Director of Children’s Services presented a report (Document “Q”) on the proposed establishment of a 10 place Early Years Enhanced Specialist Provision (EYESP) at Hirst Wood Nursery School. Each place would equate to 0.6 of a FTE place.

 

The Education and Employment Portfolio Holder noted that the proposals were a continuation of the authority’s commitment to provide specialist SEND places where they were required in the district.  He added that the percentage increase in children requiring SEND provision was higher in the district than regionally and nationally.  He concluded that of the 49 consultation responses, 48 were in favour and the Head teacher and Governors of Hirst Wood Nursery supported the proposals.

 

Resolved –

 

That the proposal to establish a 10 place Early Years Enhanced Specialist Provision (EYESP) at Hirst Wood Nursey School be approved.  Each place will equate to 0.6 of a FTE place.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director of Children’s Services

148.

MINUTES OF THE WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY pdf icon PDF 212 KB

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 23 June 2022 attached.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 23 June 2022 were received.