The following declarations were made in the interest of clarity:

(i)         Councillors Hinchcliffe  and Ross Shaw declared an interest in the item    relating to Primary and Secondary admission arrangements (Minute    109) as Low Ash Primary School was located in their Ward.

(ii)        Councillor Imran Khan also declared an interest in the same item as          Carlton Bolling College was located in his Ward.

ACTION:       Interim City Solicitor

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2018 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

(Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

Resolved –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2018 be signed as a correct record.

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

documents.

There were no recommendations submitted to the Executive.

The Assistant Director for the Office of the Chief Executive will submit a report (Document “BE”) which outlines the proposed changes to the governance arrangements of the Bradford District Partnership (BDP). This would see the strengthening of the Health and Wellbeing Board’s role and the relationship between all of the BDP Strategic Delivery Partnerships. The consequence of this would be no future need for the BDP Board to meet.

Recommended –

That the Executive welcome and approve the changes to the Bradford District Partnership arrangements.

Overview and Scrutiny: Corporate

(Kathryn Jones - 01274 434664)

The Assistant Director for the Office of the Chief Executive submitted a report (Document “BE”) which outlined the proposed changes to the governance arrangements of the Bradford District Partnership (BDP). This would see the strengthening of the Health and Wellbeing Board’s role and the relationship between all of the BDP Strategic Delivery Partnerships. The consequence of this would be no future need for the BDP Board to meet.

The Policy Officer explained that the proposed changes were formally presented to the Partnership Board, who were content with the proposals, adding that the new model would maximise decision making, better connect the work of the  partnership and provide a better link to the Council Plan.  The Governance and Audit Committee will also be requested to make a recommendation to full Council, confirming the Health and Wellbeing Board terms of reference including membership and voting arrangements.

The Leader in welcoming the changes, acknowledged  the work and contribution of the BDP Board, and she hoped that the incorporation of its work into the Health and Wellbeing Board would give it more synergy.

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder echoed the above comments, adding that the proposed changes would avoid duplication and enable work to be done under one umbrella.

Resolved –

That changes to the Bradford District Partnership arrangements be welcomed and approved.

ACTION:       Assistant Director for the Office of the Chief Executive

Overview and Scrutiny: Corporate

Poverty and the effects of poverty, particularly on children and young people, present some of the biggest challenges for the district and its residents.

The Interim Director Corporate Resources will submit a report (Document “BF”) which sets out proposals to change the Council’s Local Welfare Assistance scheme so that it continues to work effectively as a safety net for the Districts most vulnerable.

Recommended –

That Executive

(1)       Approve the revisions to the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme as        set out in Sections 3.4 to 3.12 to Document “BF” inclusive and         instruct the Strategic Director Corporate Resource to implement    the revised scheme from 1 April 2018.

(2)       Asks the Strategic Director Corporate Resource, in conjunction            with the Portfolio Holder, to review the operation and      effectiveness of the 2018/19 Local Welfare Assistance Scheme         and, if necessary, make further proposals to develop the scheme.

(3)       Request that the Anti-Poverty Coordination Group explores ways         of deepening the District’s understanding of poverty and the   impact it has on individuals and families to inform the design,          coordination and targeting of support activity.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

(Martin Stubbs - 01274 432056)

Poverty and the effects of poverty, particularly on children and young people, present some of the biggest challenges for the district and its residents.

The Interim Director Corporate Resources submitted a report (Document “BF”) which set out proposals to change the Council’s Local Welfare Assistance scheme so that it continued to work effectively as a safety net for the districts most vulnerable.

The Assistant Director Revenues, Benefits and Payroll explained the proposed changes in more detail, stating that the Government had made a number of significant changes to the welfare system over a number of years,  and that the Council’s aim through the various schemes it operated, was to provide a safety net to the most vulnerable in the district and at the same mitigate some of the effects of the welfare changes.

The report set out in detail the schemes currently operating, with the intention to modify a number of these schemes and thereby increase take up of the help being offered.

In relation to the Assisted Purchases Scheme the intention was to modify the scheme so that the supply of white goods would also include the cost of installation, as many residents were finding it difficult to pay for this additional service.  In addition there would also be a buy now pay later element added to the scheme over time, which would again encourage take up of the scheme.

The Fuel Support Scheme would be amended to make the scheme more inclusive; avoid disconnections and ensure arrears were cleared.  Residents would continue to get support via the advice centres which would encourage people to switch energy suppliers and access cheaper tariffs.

The Assistant Director also alluded to the discussions that will be undertaken with the Food Banks in the provision of essential non food items, which had been identified as a need.

The Leader welcomed the report and the proposed changes and the need to use the money to support the most vulnerable in our society, particularly in the context of the austerity measures and government cuts in welfare funding, and she hoped that the modifications to the schemes would encourage greater take up, particular in relation to the installation of white goods and switching energy suppliers.

In response the Assistant Director stated that the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee had also looked at the various schemes at a recent meeting and had suggested the need to strengthen the advice network to ensure people got the appropriate help and support.

The Neighbourhoods and Community Safety Portfolio Holder stated that he chaired the Anti Poverty Action Group and that he welcomed the initiatives and the need to help the most vulnerable was crucial in order to alleviate poverty, and to this end the work with partners was a vital element of this.

The Leader in welcoming the partnership working, stressed the need to review the effectiveness of the schemes as well as the need to involve users in its design.

Resolved –

(1)       That the revisions to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “BG”) which asks the Executive to determine the admission arrangements for September 2019 including:

•      Approving the Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools

•      Approving the Co-ordinated Admission Schemes

•      Approving the In-Year Co-ordinated Admission Scheme

•      Approving the proposals to enlarge Low Ash Primary School premises by increasing the capacity of the school from 420 to 630 from 1 September 2019

•      Approving the proposal to alter the upper age range of Carlton Bolling College changing the age range from 11-18 to 11-16 removing the sixth form provision and approve the increase in the school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) from 240 to 300 from 1 September 2018

•      Noting the “own admission authority schools” proposing changes to their admission policies

•      Noting Published Admission Numbers

Recommended –

(1)       That the Executive approve the Primary and Secondary   Admission Arrangements.

(2)       That the Executive approve the Primary and Secondary

            Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme.

(3)       That the Executive approve the In-Year Co-ordinated Admissions         Scheme.

(4)       That the Executive approve the proposals to enlarge the premises       of Low Ash Primary School by increasing the capacity of the        school premises from 420 to 630 from 1 September 2019 (subject           to the granting of planning permission).

(5)       That the Executive approve the proposal to alter the upper age range of Carlton Bolling College changing the age range from 11-       18 (inclusive) to 11-16 (inclusive) removing the sixth form   provision and approve the increase in the PAN from 240 to 300 for        statutory aged pupils from 1 September 2018.

(6)       That the Executive note the proposed changes to the admissions        oversubscription criteria for own admission authority schools             listed in section 3.3 to Document “BG”.

(7)       That the Executive note the Published Admission Numbers        contained in Appendix F to Document “BG”.

Overview and Scrutiny: Children’s Services

(Judith Kirk - 01274 431078)

The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “BG”) which asked the Executive to determine the admission arrangements for September 2019 including:

•      Approving the Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools

•      Approving the Co-ordinated Admission Schemes

•      Approving the In-Year Co-ordinated Admission Scheme

•      Approving the proposals to enlarge Low Ash Primary School premises by increasing the capacity of the school from 420 to 630 from 1 September 2019

•      Approving the proposal to alter the upper age range of Carlton Bolling College changing the age range from 11-18 to 11-16 removing the sixth form provision and approve the increase in the school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) from 240 to 300 from 1 September 2018

•      Noting the “own admission authority schools” proposing changes to their admission policies

•      Noting Published Admission Numbers

The Deputy Leader and the Education, Employment and Skills Portfolio Holder thanked officers for their hard work and stated that the recent secondary schools allocation round showed an increase in the number of people getting their first preference school. He also questioned how the additional places in years 7-11 would be phased in at Carlton Bolling College, to which it was explained that further discussions will be had with the School on how best to phase this in from September 2018.

In relation to the proposals for Low Ash Primary and the concerns raised regarding  traffic and parking, the Head of Pupil Planning and Transition stressed that mitigation measures would be looked at as part of the planning application process, and he acknowledged the Leaders suggestion to involve Ward Councillors in those discussions.

Resolved –

(1)       That the Primary and Secondary Admission Arrangements set out       in Document “BG” be approved.

(2)       That the Primary and Secondary Co-ordinated Admissions         Scheme set out in Document “BG” be approved.

(3)       That the In-Year Co-ordinated    Admissions Scheme set out in Document “BG” be approved.

(4)       That the proposals to enlarge the premises   of Low Ash Primary           School by increasing the capacity of the school premises from       420 to 630 from 1 September 2019 (subject to the granting of   planning permission) be approved.

(5)       That the proposal to alter the upper age range of Carlton Bolling           College changing the age range from 11-18 (inclusive) to 11-16        (inclusive) removing the sixth form provision and the increase in   the PAN from 240 to 300 for statutory aged pupils from 1 September 2018 be approved.

(6)       That the proposed changes to the admissions oversubscription           criteria for own admission authority schools listed in section 3.3     to Document “BG” be noted.

(7)       That the Published Admission Numbers contained in Appendix F         to Document “BG” be noted.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Children’s Services

Overview and Scrutiny: Children’s Services

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “BH”) which seeks endorsement from Executive on the District’s Economic Growth Strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to provide a framework for joint activity, across a range of partners, to drive economic growth across Bradford District that everyone can contribute to and benefit from.

Recommended –

It is recommended that:

(1)  Members recognise the changes in partnership arrangements.

(2)  Members acknowledge the oversight role of the Bradford District Economic Partnership in delivering the Economic Strategy.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Economy

(Shelagh O’Neill 0 01274 432076)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “BH”) which sought endorsement from Executive on the district’s Economic Growth Strategy. The purpose of the strategy was to provide a framework for joint activity, across a range of partners, to drive economic growth across Bradford district that everyone can contribute to and benefit from.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder stated that the full launch of the district’s economic strategy would be taking place later in the day, he thanked officers for their hard work in devising the Strategy, adding that in setting out the economic vision for the district for the next 12 years it would add dynamism to the Strategy, as well as working with the business sector to develop goods and services.

During a PowerPoint presentation the Assistant Director alluded to the following:

• That an Economic Strategy for Bradford District 2018 – 2030 sets out our ambition to be the UK’s fastest growing economy by increasing the number of productive businesses and supporting young and enterprising people to innovate, invest and build fulfilling lives in the district.

• Aim to be the UK’s fastest growing economy over the coming decade, increasing the value of our economy by £4 billion, getting 20,000 more people into work and improving the skills of 48,000 residents.

• Three Strategic Assets: People; Our young, diverse and growing population provides Bradford with a unique asset that can drive innovation and business growth. Business; our strong and productive businesses provide the platform for growing our business base and creating more and better jobs, and Place; our diverse places and communities provide an attractive range of live, work and investment opportunities.

• Four Key Opportunities: Our Young and Enterprising Population, we will ensure all our young people are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed and Our Distinctive Offer, we will use our unique architecture, heritage and cultural assets to create compelling investment propositions and an environment for growth.

Our Growth Potential, we will build on our business and sector strengths to drive innovation, increase productivity and create wealth and Our Globally Connected District, we will improve our transport infrastructure and digital connectivity to strengthen our global trading links and access to markets.

• The Bradford Economic Partnership brings together a team of senior leaders from key organisations, local businesses, Bradford Council, the University of Bradford, the City Region LEP and the Chamber of Commerce.

• The Partnership will set the direction of future economic development and regeneration in Bradford, and provide a credible voice for the city in regional, national and international forums.

The Chair of the Economic Partnership was present at the meeting and stated that in meeting community and business leaders, the key components of the Strategy was a passion to build on the assets of the city as well as its strengths and achievements, and promoting the ‘Made in Bradford ‘ concept, and he hoped that this energy and enthusiasm would filter into the Strategy.

The Leader welcomed the input of the business  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

To receive the minutes of the meeting(s) of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 14 December 2017 (attached).