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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

No disclosures of interest in matters under discussion were made.

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 February and 7 March 2023 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

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

That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 February and 7 March be signed as a correct record.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were no recommendations to the Executive.

(Councillor Hinchcliffe)

The Director of Finance will submit Document “BJ” which provides Members with an update on the forecast year-end financial position of the Council for 2022-23.

It outlines the revenue and capital budgets and the year-end financial position based on information at the end of February 2023. It states the Council’s current balances and reserves and school balances. 

Recommended -

That the Executive

(1)  Note the contents of Document “BJ” and the actions taken to manage the issues highlighted.

(2)  Approve the change to the funding of the City Centre Regeneration, Parks Development Fund, Leeds City Region RIF, Schools 20 mph capital schemes from revenue / reserve contributions to corporate borrowing.

(3)  Approve the following capital expenditure scheme as outlined in section 12.4 of Document “BJ”

·         £0.4m for moorland restoration work to mitigate flooding. This scheme is already included in Reserve Schemes and will be funded by £0.2m corporate borrowing and £0.2m third party contributions and grants.

(4)  Approve the increase in court costs charges as outlined in section 13.4 of Document “BJ”.

(5)  Reaffirm the long standing commitment to the modified Housing Benefit scheme as outlined in section 13.5 of Document “BJ”.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Corporate

                                                                        (Andrew Cross – 07870 386523)

The Director of Finance submitted a report (Document “BJ”) that provided Members with an update on the forecasted year-end financial position of the Council for 2022-23. The report outlined the revenue and capital budgets and the year-end financial position based on information at the end of February 2023. The Council’s current balances and reserves and school balances were also set out.

The Head of Finance summarised the report and signposted Members through key aspects of the report, it was highlighted that inflation and increased energy costs had impacted all departments. Members were informed that any year end overspend would have to be bridged by using reserves, but reserve levels had reduced by an unsustainable rate as outlined in Section 2.9 of Document “BJ”.

A Member of the main opposition group sought further clarification in relation to the following:

-       how much of the grant funding reserve of just over £14m was actually able to be used freely?

-       was it correct to say that the revised general fund reserve was useable, but it would have to be restored in the budget setting?

-       the budget update document brought to the Executive on 31 January stated that some of the residual reserves were already allocated to committed spend, how much of this was committed?

He also commented that the Strategic Risk Register routinely attached to quarterly monitoring reports needed to be reviewed and that the chances of the Council’s reserves being adequate for the 24/25 budget setting seemed slim.

The Leader responded that it was difficult for the Council to predict the future when the government remain inconsistent with funding allocations.

The Head of Finance explained that in relation to Grant Reserves, grants typically had conditions attached so the money had to be spent in a particular way so that money was mainly committed. In terms of the General Fund Reserve that was 5% of the Council’s net budget and it was recommended practice to keep that fund for unforeseen events. If the General Reserve was to be utilised it would have to be built up in the budget the following year. The Head of Finance advised that a reserves review was underway and that would identify the best mechanisms for bridging any year-end variants.

The Leader added that Bradford Council was not isolated in using reserves in the year 22/23 as the Government had expected Councils across the country to use their reserves, however what was needed was for Government to adequately fund Councils.

The Children and Families Portfolio Holder stated that the development and recruitment strategy was beginning to bear fruit as shown in the report and this would benefit the Bradford Children and Families Trust in the future. She added that she was pleased that the government had decided to put £10.8m into Children’s Services in Bradford.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder spoke positively about the Moorlands Restoration Programme and highlighted the role it had played in relation to the environment and climate change.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 228.

(Councillor Ferriby)

The Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing will submit Document “BK” which seeks endorsement for the council’s approach to the cost of living crisis including use of the latest Household Support Fund government grant for 2023/24, which will provide £11.39m to the Bradford District in 2023/24.

Recommended -

That the Executive:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Corporate

                                                                                    (Iain MacBeath - 01274 432990)

The Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing submitted a report Document “BK” which sought endorsement for the Council’s approach to the cost-of-living crisis including use of the latest round of the Household Support Fund government grant for 2023/24, which would provide £11.39m to the Bradford District in 2023/24. Officers also explained how the West Yorkshire Mayor Cost of Living Fund would be utilised.

It was noted that the cost-of-living crisis had been driven by high inflation and that it had impacted on the cost of food, fuel and energy which had a detrimental effect on those at risk or experiencing poverty. The Council adopted an anti-poverty strategy in October 2022 and had developed strong partnerships focussed on supporting those households most at risk. Bradford’s allocation of the Household Support Grant Fund was £11.39m in 2023/24. Officers explained that the proposals set out in the report consisted of a new scheme to support Bradford’s foster carers with fuel costs, continued support for the voluntary community sector such as food banks, and a direct winter food and fuel payment to those households on the lowest incomes in the district. Funding would also support carers and care leavers. The report also proposed that the five area committees should distribute the funding provided by the West Yorkshire Mayor to support local needs via the voluntary community and faith sector.

The Leader thanked the West Yorkshire Mayor for her contribution to the work taking place throughout the Bradford district on tackling the cost of living crisis.

The Deputy Leader spoke about the work taking place in Bradford and that the funding was spent on a range of options which included warm spaces, direct payments and food parcels provided to people who were most in need. He expressed frustration surrounding the ongoing uncertainty of renewed government funding and the challenges this presented.

The Children and Families Portfolio Holder spoke about the impact that the Household Support Fund would have on children throughout the Bradford district. She highlighted the provision that would be delivered for foster carers and emphasised the significant support it would provide.

Resolved -

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Corporate

Action:  Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing

The Strategic Director Place will submit Document “BL” which reports on the Harden Neighbourhood Development Plan which has been prepared by the Harden Village Council. The Plan has now been the subject of an independent examination by Andrew Freeman of Intelligent Plans and Examinations (IPE) Ltd and his report confirms that the Plan, subject to the incorporation of a number of modifications meets the Basic Conditions outlined in legislation. He has recommended that the Plan proceeds to local referendum.

The report recommends that the Council agree to all of the proposed modifications and that the modified plan proceeds to referendum.

Recommended -

(1)That the submitted Harden Neighbourhood Development Plan, Harden Design Code and accompanying Policies Map (Appendices 1a, 1b and 1c) is subject to the modifications (Proposed Modifications PM1 to PM12) as set out in the Examiner’s Report (Appendix 2), together with any relevant factual changes to ensure the amended Plan is correct.

(2)That the modified and amended Harden Neighbourhood Development Plan is subject to a local referendum in the designation neighbourhood area (the Harden Village Council area).

(3)That should the Plan be successful at the local referendum, the Plan should be formally made via delegated decision by the Assistant Director (Planning, Transportation and Highways) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder (Regeneration, Planning and Transport) in line with the agreed governance arrangements and within the timescales required by legislation.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Regeneration and Economy

The Strategic Director, Place submitted a report Document “BL” which reported on the Harden Neighbourhood Development Plan that had been prepared by the Harden Village Council. The Plan was the subject of an independent examination by Andrew Freeman of Intelligent Plans and Examinations (IPE) Ltd and his report confirmed that the Plan, subject to the incorporation of a number of modifications, met the Basic Conditions outlined in legislation. He recommended that the Plan should proceed to local referendum. The report recommended that the Executive agrees to all of the proposed modifications and that the modified plan should proceed to referendum.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder in welcoming the Development Plan, noted the work and dedication of the Local Parish Council.

A Member of the main opposition Group emphasised the hard work and commitment of the Harden Village Council and introduced the Harden Village Councillor who reported on the process and work with local residents that had taken place and thanked the numerous advisers who had supported the work.

The Leader acknowledged the dedication and the work that had been completed and expressed thanks to all those involved in the production of the Plan.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder added that the developments were beneficial to the district and having control through the local parish councils would be useful for local communities. He noted that in the business and employment section of the proposal it showed an emphasis on shared spaces, co-working and working from home and this reflected the localised economies throughout the Bradford district.

Resolved -

(1)That the submitted Harden Neighbourhood Development Plan, Harden Design Code and accompanying Policies Map (Appendices 1a, 1b and 1c) be subject to the modifications (Proposed Modifications PM1 to PM12) as set out in the Examiner’s Report (Appendix 2), together with any relevant factual changes to ensure the amended Plan is correct.

(2)That the modified and amended Harden Neighbourhood Development Plan be subject to a local referendum in the designation neighbourhood area (the Harden Village Council area).

(3)That should the Plan be successful at the local referendum, the Plan should be formally made via delegated decision by the Assistant Director (Planning, Transportation and Highways) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder (Regeneration, Planning and Transport) in line with the agreed governance arrangements and within the timescales required by legislation.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Regeneration and Economy

Action:  Strategic Director, Place

Recommended –

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of  Document “BM” the item relating to Amendments of Existing Guarantee for WYPF Admission Body on the grounds that it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if they were present, exempt information within Paragraph 3 and 5 (Finance or Business Affairs and Legal Privilege) 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 excluding public access to the relevant part of the proceedings outweighs the interest in publication of the report.

It is in the public interest in maintaining these exemptions because it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made fully aware of the financial implications of any decision.

Resolved –

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of  Document “BM” the item relating to Amendments of Existing Guarantee for WYPF Admission Body on the grounds that it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if they were present, exempt information within Paragraph 3 and 5 (Finance or Business Affairs and Legal Privilege) 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 excluding public access to the relevant part of the proceedings outweighs the interest in publication of the report.

It is in the public interest in maintaining these exemptions because it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made fully aware of the financial implications of any decision.

The Director of Finance will submit Not for Publication Document “BM” which will set out the options for the amendment of an existing guarantee provided by the Council in respect of a West Yorkshire Pension Fund admission body.

Recommended –

That the recommendations contained in Not for Publication Document “BM” be agreed.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Corporate

                                                            (Euan Miller 01274 434517)

The Director of Finance submitted Not for Publication Document “BM” which sets out the options for the amendment of an existing guarantee provided by the Council in respect of a West Yorkshire Pension Fund admission body.

Resolved –

That the recommendations contained in Not for Publication Document “BM” be agreed.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Corporate

Action:  Finance Director