Agenda and minutes

Before the meeting formally commenced the Lord Mayor invited his Chaplin to say an appropriate prayer.

The Lord Mayor gave details of the ‘Grow Your Grub’ competition which had been organised by Leicester City Council’s parks team and encouraged young people to come up with ideas for healthy meals using fresh ingredients grown in their school gardens.  The competition gave children the opportunity to think about the food they eat, where it came from and what they would like to see on the school menu.  Twenty city schools had taken part in the competition with the winners, for the second time, pupils from Dovelands Primary School.  The Lord Mayor led a round of applause in congratulation.

The Lord Mayor informed Council of the work of staff offering Multi Systemic Therapy (MST) which is a family community-based treatment programme that works to impact on persistent and antisocial youth.  He noted that MST Services gave the ‘Whatever It Takes’ Award where a Multi Systemic Therapy member of staff, team or a stakeholder had demonstrated outstanding and meritorious service.  Winners were selected internationally from nominations received quarterly and received a certificate of merit.

The Lord Mayor was pleased to announce that the individual award had been won by Tracy Bradford of the Leicester City Council MST team for her outstanding service on two specific cases. Tracy used both Multi Systemic Therapy and restorative justice to deal with the cases and that since then Tracy had also won a second stage award called the ‘All-Star’ which was essentially the winner of the winners’ award.

In addition the City Council MST team had received the Team award for their outstanding service through start up and year 1 and had achieved results which significantly exceeded national benchmarks in terms of outcomes to reduce young people entering care or custody systems.

The Lord Mayor congratulated Tracey and the team on their success and presented the WIT Individual certificate & All Star Award to Traceyand the Team Award to members of the City Council MST team:

Sarah Whittle

Tracy Bradford

Neil French

Ivor Sutton

Vicky Johal

KamaldeepGawera

Kate Wells and

Jasmine Nembhard

The minutes of the meeting of 18 September 2014 are available to view at http://cabinet.council.leicester.gov.uk.  Copies are also available from Democratic Support on 0116 454 6352 / committees@leicester.gov.uk

PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

None received.

PETITIONS FROM COUNCILLORS

Councillor Clarke presented a petition with 26 signatures in the following terms:

“We, the undersigned, object to the removal of the conifer trees between 16 and 33 Park Hill Avenue, as proposed in the City Council’s letter dated 8^th October 2014.

The reasons for our objection are as follows:-

·      The trees are an attractive feature at the end of the cul-de-sac, if they were removed an ugly corrugated metal and larch-lap fence would be revealed.

·      They provide some privacy to the Avenue.

·      They provide a strong visual clue to car drivers that the Avenue is a cul-de-sac. Many drivers mistakenly turn into the Avenue in search of the cricket ground. Without the trees, they would not realise their mistake until they had reached the end of the road, where there is no turning head and where turning is difficult due to the presence of parked cars.

·      They provide a physical barrier between Park Hill Avenue and Curzon Road/the footpath and the cricket ground, which is a benefit to the security of the residents.

Three reasons for removing the trees are given in the Council’s letter.

·         They are blocking the footway outside no 33. The footway at this point does not lead anywhere, except to the boundary fence at the end of the road.  There is no problem with access to no. 33.

·         They may be damaging the carriageway surface. There is no evidence of this.

·         They are starting to restrict access along the old cricket ground footpath. There is clear access along this footpath. A few low branches from a single tree overhang to head height over a small part of the path at one point. These could be cut back in 5 minutes. There is much more blockage of the path in other areas by brambles, ivy and self-set deciduous trees.”

The Lord Mayor stated that under Council Procedure Rule 13a the aforementioned petition would be referred to the Monitoring Officer for consideration and action as appropriate.

Lord Mayor:  There are no questions from members of the public.  Questions from Councillors.  Question 1, Councillor Waddington.

Councillor Waddington:  Thank you my Lord Mayor.  “Will the City Mayor provide an outline of plans to regenerate the Frog Island Woodgate Waterside area of the City and indicate a draft timetable for the improvements”?

Lord Mayor:  City Mayor.

City Mayor:  Thank you my Lord Mayor.  My Lord Mayor Members will be aware, and I know Councillor Waddington will be very aware, that some years ago now we saw the dramatic transformation of the Waterside area to the south of Westbridge under the City Challenge project and it brought about the area that is now Bede Park, a former scrap yard, the regeneration of the former power station site which has enabled the King Power Stadium to be built amongst many other improvements in that area.  It is my opinion that we have at least as much potential for regeneration to the north of Westbridge and at least as much need for regeneration to the north, particularly in the Woodgate area and along the A50 corridor.  I have been delighted that Councillor Waddington and Councillor Cassidy have been so assiduous in pressing for that regeneration to take place and were able to join me at a recent meeting with local residents to begin the process of engaging with them about that regeneration.  We have secured very substantial funding from the Local Growth Fund especially for the Waterside which will involve planning in the area, land assembly in the area, environmental improvements and particularly the highway infrastructure investments, because of course it is a major corridor into the city.  And of course I am determined throughout that process of regeneration that we should work very closely with the local Ward Councillors and most particularly with the local residents.  And we are intending to begin the process of drafting regeneration strategy for the area and a supplementary planning document to go with it with a view to consulting formally in January on that, and I am intent on ensuring that we rapidly after that began the process of actually making things happen on the ground, particularly on that particularly grotty corridor that is the area of the A50 from Blackbird Road into Highcross Street.  I am very grateful, as I have said, for the engagement of Councillor Waddington and Councillor Cassidy and the local residents, and would again give myself to working very closely with them in ensuring that we get something that really does transform that area in the way that the area to the south of Westbride has already been transformed.

Lord Mayor:  Thank you City Mayor for your very full answer.  Councillor Waddington have you a supplementary?

Councillor Waddington:  Thank you my Lord Mayor.  I would also like to thank the City Mayor for his answer.  As he knows within the outline plans there are proposals for more housing in the area and in view of the already existing pressure on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

6.1       Review of Polling Districts

6.2       City Wide Street Drinking Order

Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations

A report of the Director of Delivery, Communications and Political Governance was considered which sought approval for a revised scheme following a review as required by the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.  The revised scheme would formally come into effect on 1 January 2015 following the enactment of Local Government Boundary Commission for England recommendations.  Details of the proposals were attached as an appendix to the report.

Moved by Councillor Kitterick, seconded by Councillor Clayton and carried:-

18.       That Council

(1)          Approves the Scheme of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations for the City of Leicester as detailed as in the Appendix to the report to be formally adopted on 1 January 2015. These new arrangements will be used for the elections which are due to take place on 7 May 2015 (and subsequent elections until such time that a further review is undertaken), along with the new ward boundaries to which these polling districts and polling stations are aligned. This is subject to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) recommendations being formally enacted by Parliament. (Should for any reason the order not be made by Parliament to enact the recommendations, then the Council would be required to review existing polling districts and polling places based on current arrangements and a further report would need to be brought to Council in early 2015).

(2)       Notes that the new individual electoral register which is required to be published on 1December 2014 will be published on the basis of the existing polling districts and polling stations. Following enactment of the LGBCE recommendations the register will then be formally republished as soon as is feasible, on the basis of the new arrangements; this is likely to be 2^nd January 2015; and

(3)       Delegates to the (Acting) Returning Officer any decision to designate an alternative polling place if a building becomes unavailable for any reason before an election, subject to appropriate consultation with relevant local stakeholders.”

City Wide Street Drinking Order (Public Spaces Protection Order)

A report was considered which gave details of the work undertaken to establish a city wide street drinking order and provided an overview of the consultation processed and subsequent findings.  The report noted that Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) had replaced the current Designated Public Places Orders (DPPOs).  Details were given as appendices to the report of consultation findings, areas currently covered by DPPOs, details of the Steering Group, communications plan and consultation document, frequently asked questions on the Orders, Equality Impact Assessment and a minute extract following consideration of proposals at Neighbourhood Services and Community Involvement Scrutiny Commission.

Moved by Councillor Russell, seconded by Councillor Clarke and carried:-

19.       That Council

(1)            Note the contents of the report; and

(2)             Agree to the implementation of a citywide street drinking order, under the Public Spaces Protection Order.

7.1       Director of Public Health Annual Report 2013-14

Director of Public Health Annual Report 2013-14

The Director of Public Health Annual Report 2013-14 was considered.  Attached to the full report was a minute extract following consideration of the report by Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Commission on 6 August 2014.

It was noted that the current Director of Public Health, Deb Watson would shortly be leaving the Council. Deb was congratulated on an excellent report and thanked for her hard work over many years.

Moved by the Deputy City Mayor, seconded by Councillor Cooke and carried:-

20.       That Council note the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2013-14.

8.1       Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report 2013-14

Annual Report of the Audit and Risk Committee to Council for the Municipal Year 2013-14

The Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee presented the Annual Report of the Committee for 2013-14 which summarised the work of the Committee over the year.  A minute extract concerning consideration of the report at the Audit & Risk Committee on 29 September 2014 was attached to the report as an appendix.

Moved by, Councillor Westley, seconded by the Councillor Moore and carried:-

21.       That Council receive the report.

9.1       Review of the Member Code of Conduct and Associated Arrangements

Review of the Member Code of Conduct and Associated Arrangements

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report seeking the approval of Full Council to the revised Code and arrangements for dealing with complaints against Members and co-opted Members under the Localism Act 2011.  A minute extract from the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 8 October 2014 was attached as an appendix.

Moved Councillor Waddington, seconded by Councillor Senior and carried:-

22.       That Council accepts the changes to the Code and the Arrangements.

None.

1.    Proposed by Councillor Potter, Seconded by Councillor Naylor:

For Leicester City Council to support the current pay claim of Local Government Workers for a rise of £1 per hour to those on the lowest incomes, below £25,000 pa, where there is provision to do so within the revenue budget.

Currently our Council’s staff are campaigning for an extra £1 an hour on their pay – more than the 1% most of them have been offered by the Local Government Association.

They really need it. They had a pay freeze from 2010 until 2013, followed by a 1% increase in 2013 when inflation was 2%. Now they have been offered another pay cut – 1%, while inflation is 2.5%.

We believe that our council’s staff deserve decent pay for the great job they do for our city and in our communities. We accept that funding is tight, but over half the cost of their claim would be paid for through increases in tax and national insurance and reduced cost of in-work benefits. It can – and should – be met.

2.    Proposed by Councillor Dawood, seconded by Kitterick.

Preamble

Leicester is a City renowned for its tolerance, diversity, unity and its strong stance against all forms of discrimination, this position enables different communities to live together.

It is also important when there is oppression and injustices, that Leicester City Council takes up a position to support communities experiencing such inequalities and in this instance it is the plight of the Palestinian people, which is why the following resolution is being moved.

The Motion

Leicester City Council recognises the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and free from incursion, but condemns the Government of Israel for its continuing illegal occupation of Palestine’s East Jerusalem and the West Bank; for its continuing blockade of Gaza; and the illegal appropriation of land in the West Bank and settlement buildings.

The Council welcomes the decision of the United Nations on 29 November 2012 to recognise Palestine “non-member observer State”, but for the people of Palestine the suffering since 1967 continues.

The Council also welcomes UK Parliament's vote on 13th October 2014 to recognise Palestinian Statehood even though the United Kingdom Government fails to do so.

It is with regret we note the Government of Israel continues to ignore and breach International Law, Geneva Convention and UN Resolutions and continues with its occupation of Palestinian territories.

Therefore, Leicester City Council resolves, insofar as legal considerations allow, to boycott any produce originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank until such time as it complies with international law and withdraws from Palestinian Occupied territories."

Those Members present who had declared a prejudicial interest in the following motion left the meeting for the duration of the item.

Moved by Councillor Potter and seconded by Councillor Naylor:

“For Leicester City Council to support the current pay claim of Local Government Workers for a rise of £1 per hour to those on the lowest incomes, below £25,000 pa, where there is provision to do so within the revenue budget.

Currently our Council’s staff are campaigning for an extra £1 an hour on their pay – more than the 1% most of them have been offered by the Local Government Association.

They really need it. They had a pay freeze from 2010 until 2013, followed by a 1% increase in 2013 when inflation was 2%. Now they have been offered another pay cut – 1%, while inflation is 2.5%.

We believe that our council’s staff, deserve decent pay for the great job they do for our city and in our communities. We accept that funding is tight, but over half the cost of their claim would be paid for through increases in tax and national insurance and reduced cost of in-work benefits. It can – and should –be met.”

An Amendment

Moved by Councillor Palmer, seconded by Councillor Clayton

Line 1: Delete ‘For’

Insert after Leicester City Council:

is committed to tackling low pay. We are pleased to continue our commitment to the Living Wage, first introduced in April 2013, by implementing the new increased rate of £7.85 per hour as determined by the Living Wage Foundation. The City Council encourages other employers to pay the Living Wage as part of wider efforts to tackle low pay in Leicester’s economy.

Leicester City Council understands the impact of the cost of living crisis and the impact of the national public sector pay freeze and the 1% increase which fails to match the rate of inflation. Councillors and the City Mayor attended the rally in Town Hall Square July in support of a fairer pay settlement for local government and public sectors works.

We are clear that local government workers deserve a fairer pay settlement recognising the rising cost of living and the important work council staff do delivering services across our communities.

Furthermore, we acknowledge the important work done by the City Council’s recognised trade unions in representing their members not just in the current pay dispute, but on many other matters as well, and their wider role within the local authority.

Delete remainder of line 1 and lines 2-17 inclusive.

Amended motion to read:

Leicester City Council is committed to tackling low pay. We are pleased to continue our commitment to the Living Wage, first introduced in April 2013, by implementing the new increased rate of £7.85 per hour as determined by the Living Wage Foundation. The City Council encourages other employers to pay the Living Wage as part of wider efforts to tackle low pay in Leicester’s economy.

Leicester City Council understands the impact of the cost  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

None.

The Lord Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.35pm.