Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Contact: Asad Shah - 01274 432280 

Items
No. Item

1.

ALTERNATE MEMBERS (Standing Order 34)

The City Solicitor will report the names of alternate Members who are attending the meeting in place of appointed Members. 

 

2.

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:

In the interest of transparency Councillor Berry disclosed an interest in the item relating to an Update on the Progress of Active Bradford In 2018 (Minute xx).

 

 

3.

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. 

 

(Asad Shah - 01274 432280)

 

Minutes:

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

 

 

4.

REFERRALS TO THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

Any referrals that have been made to this Committee up to and including the date of publication of this agenda will be reported at the meeting.

Minutes:

There were no referrals to the Committee.

 

 

5.

BRADFORD BECK PILOT STUDY pdf icon PDF 84 KB

The Bradford Beck Pilot Study was first discussed by Members in April 2013 and has been before the Environment & Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee on an annual basis since then. It was resolved in April 2018 that the ongoing collaboration between officers and Friends of Bradford Beck be supported; also that the Friends of Bradford Beck be congratulated for the work they have undertaken throughout the years.

 

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AR”) outlines progress made in the financial year 2018- 2019.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       That the Friends of Bradford’s Becks and the Strategic Director,           Place be requested to work jointly on studies and proposals for      the Canal Road Area.

 

(2)       That the Friends of Bradford’s Becks be invited to report back in a       year’s time.

 

(3)       That the report be noted and that the ongoing collaboration        between officers and the Friends of Bradford’s Becks be             supported.

 

(Edward Norfolk – 01274 433905)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Bradford Beck Pilot Study was first discussed by Members in April 2013 and had been before the Environment & Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee on an annual basis since then. It was resolved in April 2018 that the ongoing collaboration between officers and Friends of Bradford Beck be supported; also that the Friends of Bradford Beck be congratulated for the work they have undertaken throughout the years.


The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AR”) outlined progress made in the financial year 2018- 2019.

 

Council representatives were invited by the Chair to introduce report. It was explained that following the floods of December 2015 it was recognised that there was a need for a long term strategic approach to managing flood risk and associated environmental impacts across the Bradford district. In identifying this need the Council worked with the Environment Agency to scope and develop a Bradford Flood Programme Board. The Programme Board was able to secure local levy funding from the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Costal Committee to help deliver a range of aspirations and the following pieces of work had been funded through the governance structure within the financial year 2018/19.

 

Following presentation, a question and answer session ensued:

·         Further to The Friends of Bradford Beck and the Wild Trout Trust who are working in partnership to deliver a £90,000 EA funded scheme to re-naturalise the northern length of Bradford Beck, during what period was the spending to take place?

o   This was over a 3 year period;

·         What activities had been addressed to tackle pollution?

o   The Environment Agency had failed to respond early in order to address problems;

·         It was well known that The Environmental Protection Agency listed sediment as the most common pollutant in rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs. Was it possible to insert a condition during planning stages before sediments started or was it a matter of changing policy?

o   It was a difficult task in inserting conditions on separate elements however the request for planning conditions on temporary drainage schemes to ensure no pollution in future of the scheme;

·         What was entailed with the European Projects?

o   The Council was within its third year of the four year BEGIN (Blue / Green infrastructure through social innovation) project which was approved in early September 2016 to EU North Sea Region Secretariat; The Lead Partner being the Municipality of Dordrecht in the Netherlands. The BEGIN project also aimed to engage with communities to increase awareness of the Beck and its catchment.

o   The Council was also within its first year of the four year SCORE (Smart Cities and Open date REuse) project which had been approved in early September 2018 to EU North Sea Region Secretariat and runs until 2022; The project had progressed and aimed to improve the delivery of public services based on innovative software solutions and data sharing. The work undertaken by the SCORE team, relevant to the Bradford Beck catchment, was detailed under the ‘Monitoring and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

AN UPDATE ON THE PROGRESS OF ACTIVE BRADFORD IN 2018 pdf icon PDF 161 KB

Active Bradford is a partnership of agencies from across the District that are committed to working together to increase the number of people being active and playing sport across the Bradford District. This year the partnership became formalised as a Company Limited by Guarantee of which the Council is a founding member.

 

Last year Active Bradford presented to the scrutiny committee an update on the agreed physical activity strategy framework that it would be using to promote and develop physical activity across the District.

 

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AS”) sets out progress that Active Bradford has made over this year against that framework.

 

Recommended –

 

That the Committee notes the current progress of Active Bradford.

 

(Zuby Hamad – 01274 432671)

 

 

Minutes:

Active Bradford was a partnership of agencies from across the District that were committed to working together to increase the number of people being active and playing sport across the Bradford District. This year the partnership became formalised as a Company Limited by Guarantee of which the Council is a founding member.

 

Last year Active Bradford presented to the scrutiny committee an update on the agreed physical activity strategy framework that it would be using to promote and develop physical activity across the District.

 

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AS”) set out progress that Active Bradford has made over this year against that framework.

 

The Sports and Physical Activities Manager was at the meeting and explained that it had been widely recognised that being inactive was the fourth biggest cause of early mortality in this country. It was estimated that 363 deaths would be preventable each year if everyone in the District were to become active. The health cost of physical inactivity relating to cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease for the Bradford District was estimated to be £9.94m per year. But it is more than that. Along with better physical health, evidence had been pointing to physical activity contributing to an improved sense of well-being leading to better mental health; improvements in attainment in young people; improved sense of self-esteem and confidence; and an improved sense of belonging to the community.

 

She further stated that the most recent Sport England Active Lives research published relating to November 2018 suggested Bradford had lower levels of inactivity (undertaking less than 30 minutes of moderate activity per week) than most other districts across West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire and is below the national average. The data showed that Bradford was one of only a handful of local authority areas across the country that had a significant reduction in inactivity levels. This was good news although by exercising some caution in interpreting the specific results due to the sample size. The Council would get a clearer understanding of the pattern of activity over the next few years.

 

A question and answer session ensued:

·         As highlighted in 2.5 of the report, the data was of concerning levels due to the high level of Bradford’s population not meeting activity demands. Were people willing to engage?

o   The Council was working with various voluntary organisations, engaging with schools and reflecting on further learning through past experiences to address present and future concerns;

·         What level of responsibility was the strategy work being applied in communities?

o   •The Council was looking at different streams of work with voluntary organisations in every community and with the resources of 3 Managers to undertake this exact task.

o   ••The scale involved in the region of 27,000 children in the district but it was about commencing work through communities from the very beginning;

·         In addition to many wards, the Tong Ward was a high poverty area and better health of residents should be of a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

BRADFORD DISTRICT CYCLE STRATEGY 2016 - 26 PROGRESS UPDATE pdf icon PDF 139 KB

Bradford District Cycle Strategy 2016-2026, entitled ‘Keeping the Wheels Spinning’, co-produced with the local cycling community, key cycling charities and the Council, was endorsed by Environment & Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny committee on 18 April 2017 and then by the meeting of Executive on 17 November 2017.

 

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AT”) provides an update on the progress with implementing the Bradford District Cycle Strategy and Action Plan (Top 10 Priorities and KPIs) in accordance with the resolution at the meeting of the Committee on 17 April 2018 that a progress report would be presented in twelve months.

 

Recommended –

 

That the Committee notes the progress being made on the implementation of the Bradford District Cycle Strategy.

 

(Derek Jones – 01274 431056)

 

 

Minutes:

Bradford District Cycle Strategy 2016-2026, entitled ‘Keeping the Wheels Spinning’, co-produced with the local cycling community, key cycling charities and the Council, was endorsed by the Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 18 April 2017 and then by the meeting of Executive on 17 November 2017.

 

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AT”) provided an update on the progress with implementing the Bradford District Cycle Strategy and Action Plan (Top 10 Priorities and KPIs) in accordance with the resolution at the meeting of the Committee on 17 April 2018 that a progress report would be presented in twelve months.

 

The Assistant Director, Planning, Transportation & Highways, the Planning & Transport Strategy Manager and the Senior Transport Planner were present and gave a joint synopsis of the report.

 

A Bradford resident who was also a member of BsPOKE (a consultation group which was open to all cyclists or those with an interest in the Bradford area. BsPOKE aimed to act as a bridge between the Council and those with an interest in cycling and the district) was also at the meeting and was invited by the Chair to make representations. He explained that he worked in a unpaid capacity and stressed the importance for the Council to consider the risk factors in air quality. That cycling offered a cleaner air as opposed to other means of transport. The Council should commit to delivering more friendly user junctions for cyclists, as it was not only about providing additional cycle lanes for cycling. The need to note the good progress made of infrastructure in Bradford and with the right leadership would entail further progression through intellect leadership.

 

A question and answer session ensued:

·         Cycling was not part of transport and therefore what radical approach was being undertaken towards a shift change?

o   While most funding streams were for significant schemes to segregate, the Council was considering a holistic approach for the purpose of being more sustainable in moving forward;

·         Would cycling be considered in the Transporting Cities Fund?

o   Yes and there was ongoing press coverage.

o   There had not been much press coverage publicity and therefore more publicity was required.

o   The amount of £23m was to be brought into use and the Council was intending to actively seek further funding in the future;

·         How were issues of congested areas, infrastructure of cycling that was not part of the Tour De France zone in Bradford issue of cyclists and pedestrians to co-exist being addressed?

o   There was detailed ongoing work between the Council and cycling groups but at present, no end solution however about continually working together to change behaviours. The fact that some sections of infrastructure were unable to be amended and therefore about shared facilities through adequate signage; and,

·         Was it possible to prioritise schemes residents in Silsden and Riddlesden?

·         The Council  worked with the Combined Authority to ensure such schemes were funded in best way possible.

 

During the discussion, the Committee made known that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

The Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider if the item relating to White Rose Energy Update (Document “AU”) should be considered in the absence of the public and, if so, to approve the following recommendation:-

 

Recommended –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the Not for Publication report relating to White Rose Energy Update 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 proceedings for the following reasons:

 

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.

 

(Kate Smallwood – 01274 433885)

 

 

Minutes:

The Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee was asked to consider if the item relating to White Rose Energy Update (Document “AU”) should be considered in the absence of the public and, if so, to approve the following recommendation:-

 

Resolved –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the Not for Publication report relating to White Rose Energy Update 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 proceedings for the following reasons:

 

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.

 

LEAD: City Solicitor

 

 

9.

WHITE ROSE ENERGY UPDATE

The report of the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources (NOT FOR PUBLICATIONDocument “AU”) summarises Bradford Councils partnership with White Rose Energy.

 

Recommended –

 

That the Committee notes NOT FOR PUBLICATION Document “AU” and comments as appropriate.

 

(Kate Smallwood – 01274 433885)

 

 

Minutes:

The report of the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources (NOT FOR PUBLICATIONDocument “AU”) summarised Bradford Councils partnership with White Rose Energy.

 

Resolved –

 

That the Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places in consultation with the Strategic Director, Corporate Services, jointly write to the Chief Executive of Incommunities to set up a meeting with a view to Incommunities adopting the energy scheme for their properties.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place