Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 14, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Motion 12.1SUPPORTREGENERATION ANDEXTERNAL INVESTMENT        IN ST.IVES ESTATE   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.1 was moved by Councillor Wheatley and seconded by Councillor Dearden.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment A) was moved by Councillor Ross-Shaw and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.    Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment A as set out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.            Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   Council notes:   ·         Yorkshire Swim Works (YSW) proposed a development of Kettlewell Close Reservoir and adjoining fields as “A nature-based community outdoor leisure facility, enabled by a private tourism business, financed through an innovative public / private model, designed to deliver long term social economic and environmental value in an area in need of regeneration.” ·         We have a responsibility to tackle health and wellbeing inequalities, improve the environmental impact of developments, promote economic regeneration, manage and respond to stakeholder expectations including risk tolerance around themes including ecology, heritage, water safety, and green belt. ·         Taking into account the priorities listed above, officers have been instructed to develop a masterplan for St Ives, strategically considering all assets on the estate, particularly where council-owned, to inform future funding bids to restore and improve the estate as a living, working, visitor attraction for the district and region. ·         The Council has been in discussions with Yorkshire Swim Works and there is much to commend Yorkshire Swim Works’ ambition for wild swimming within the district, which the Council has been supportive of in principle. However, those discussions have raised significant challenges with the site and the proposal, not least around the very high value biodiversity present on the site that has a high level of protection.   Council resolves to:   •                    Accelerate work to develop the masterplan for the St Ives Estate that includes full engagement with local Ward Councillors, Harden Parish Council, Bingley Town Council, the Friends of St Ives and other interested parties. •                    Provide Yorkshire Swim Works with a written summary of the council’s position, detailing the challenges on their preferred site, including any risks not ordinarily addressed within a formal planning application before the end of the year (2025).   To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Place and Strategic Director of Corporate Resources/S151 Officer   Motion 12.2  FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH A TERMINAL ILNESS   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.2 was moved by Councillor Sunderland and seconded by Councillor Stubbs.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment B) was moved by Councillor Hinchcliffe and seconded by Councillor Ferriby.   Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment B as set out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.            Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   Council notes:   This Council is committed to supporting residents experiencing financial hardship, particularly in the context of supporting those on low incomes and health issues which includes end-of-life care. We recognise that managing financial responsibilities during this time can be exceptionally difficult. This council funds an extensive Council Tax Reduction scheme to assist people on low incomes to pay their Council Tax bill. The assessment process considers the income and composition of the household, including disabilities. Income such as attendance allowance is disregarded. Other support available includes:   The Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) exemption (if the person lives alone) or discount (if they live with another adult) can be claimed where the person is medically certified to have an impairment to their intellectual or social functioning that appears to be permanent and they are also in receipt of a qualifying benefit (such as Personal Independence Payment -daily living component). Disabled Band Reduction – this is a reduction that can reduce the council tax band that a property is in where the property has been adapted to meet the needs of a disabled person (such as an additional downstairs bathroom or the use of a room solely to accommodate the use of specialist medical equipment) Moved to receive care – the home of a person who has moved into hospital or can be exempt if it remains unoccupied whilst a person is receiving care (known as a Class E exemption). Carer Discount – if a person moves into a property to care for a terminally ill person on certain benefits, they may be able to claim the Carers Discount (if they are not the terminally person’s partner). A carer’s unoccupied property – linked to the Carer discount above, if a person moves into a terminally person’s property to provide them with care, if they are leaving behind their own property, they may be able to claim a Class J Council Tax exemption for their unoccupied home. Blue Badge Scheme | Bradford Council supports those with disabilities to park closer to their destination. The Council fast tracks applications from those who are terminally ill. This council also operates a Household Support Fund to support people on low incomes by providing fuel top-ups, assisted purchases of household goods and support for foodbanks or pantries.   This council’s Council Tax support provision has fairness at its heart being targeted at those with the lowest incomes.   Nationally there are Special Rules designed to speed up access to certain benefits and increase payments for people nearing the end of life. Manchester Council was the first council to introduce Council Tax support specifically for terminally ill people in line with Marie Curie’s campaign.  Bradford Council has already asked Manchester, once they have completed their first year of operation, to share from their experience of implementing this pledge.   Council Resolves to:   Request the Chief Executive to embed the concerns about end-of-life poverty, as raised by the Marie Curie campaign, into the work of the Council’s anti-poverty team. Make sure that all the advice centres commissioned by Bradford Council in the district are aware of the support available for council tax payment. Ask the Council’s Revenue and Benefits team to ensure that all applications for support from people who are end of life are prioritised in their administration. Ensure that Bradford Council has the equivalent of a Cold Homes Strategy in place.   To be actioned by:  Chief Executive andInterim Strategic Director of Corporate Resources/S151 Officer   Motion 12.3  EFFECTIVELY PROMOTING AND STRENGTHENING BRADFORD’S ECONOMY   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.3 was moved by Councillor Felstead and seconded by Councillor Pollard.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment C) was moved by Councillor Imran Khan and seconded by Councillor Ross-Shaw.    Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment C as set out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.            Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   This Council notes:   • It is reported to be five times easier and five times less costly to retain a       business than to acquire new business. • Retaining our brilliant businesses and attracting inward investment. Attracting new businesses of all shapes and sizes – from next generation startups to multinationals – will be crucial in achieving a successful local economy. • That there have been long-standing structural challenges in terms of the performance of the district’s economy which have hindered productivity, demand for skills and labour, and growth. • There are a significant number of national and global businesses operating in Bradford District across the breadth of the economy, including Morrisons, Nufarm, Santander, PWC and Teconnex. • The district has a strong entrepreneurial culture, is home to more than 16,500 businesses, and is consistently considered to be one of the best places in the UK to start a business by organisations such as Barclays and the Sunday Times. • We have strong economic foundations as the following demonstrate: o 5% growth in businesses is significantly better than the national  picture of 0.1%. o Local GVA growth outperforms national with an 18 % increase    compared to 13% nationally. o The district is leading the way in non-EU trade with 60% of the    district’s exports going to these markets. • We work closely with the Mayor of West Yorkshire and Combined Authority    on securing investment and growth for the Bradford district. Bradford is    named as a key hub for growth in West Yorkshire’s growth plan. • The forthcoming Growth Strategy for the district highlights our opportunity to    become a leading global city buy harnessing the legacy of the year as City    of Culture and with unprecedented investment into a pipeline of major and    transformational transport, housing, and net zero projects. • A new Growth and Skills Partnership has been established and will meet for   the first time this month. The partnership will champion the current pipeline   and future major projects, ensuring that growth and skills solutions reflect the   needs of the district from the perspective of place, people and productivity. • We have a strong track record of working in partnership with employers    through our SkillsHouse partnership to meet their talent and workforce    development needs locally and to prepare our young people for the world of    work. • A key way of attracting new businesses, and retaining and growing existing   businesses, will be to get better connected to the rest of the country with a   new city centre through station on Northern Powerhouse Rail.   The Council resolves to:   • Realise the ambition to become a globally renowned and competitive district   set out in the forthcoming Growth Strategy • Create a culture within the Council that is open to business, builds strategic   relationships with local employers, and has a strong support offer in order to   foster the conditions to attract inward investment, grow our existing   businesses and stimulate start-ups. • Continue to work closely with the Mayor of West Yorkshire and the   Combined Authority to drive new jobs and growth across our district.   To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Place and Corporate Resources/S151 Officer and All Strategic Directors   Under Council Standing Order 9.1.2 a vote was taken to re-order the business on the agenda to move Motion 12.7 (unrestricted use of disabled persons travel pass in West Yorkshire) to be the next motion to be considered.   Resolved –   That under Council Standing Order 9.1.2 to re-order the business on the agenda to move Motion 12.7 (unrestricted use of disabled persons travel pass in West Yorkshire) to be the next Motion to be considered.         Under Council Standing Order 9.1.2 a further vote was taken to re-order the business on the agenda to move the combined debate on Motions 12.9 (anti-social fireworks) and 12.12 (tackling late night fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour in Bradford) to be the next motion to be considered after Motion 12.7.   Resolved –   That under Council Standing Order 9.1.2 to re-order the business on the agenda to move the combined debate on Motions 12.9 (anti-social fireworks) and 12.12 (tackling late night fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour in Bradford) to be the next motion to be considered after Motion 12.7.     Under Council Standing Order 9.1.2 a further vote was taken to re-order the business on the agenda to move Motion 10 (reform of Bradford Council’s flag protocol to be considered after the combined debate on Motions 12.9 (anti-social fireworks) and 12.12 (tackling late night fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour in Bradford).     Resolved –   That under Council Standing Order 9.1.2 to re-order the business on the agenda to move Motion 10 (reform of Bradford Council’s flag protocol be considered after the combined debate on Motions 12.9 (anti-social fireworks) and 12.12 (tackling late night fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour in Bradford).   Motion 12.7    UNRESTRICTED USE OF DISABLED PERSONS TRAVEL PASS IN WEST YORKSHIRE   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.7 was moved by Councillor Stubbs and seconded by Councillor Griffiths.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment I) was moved by Councillor Ross-Shaw and seconded by Councillor Firth.    Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment I as set out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.            Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   Council notes that:   Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), the Disabled Person’s Travel Pass in West Yorkshire is valid off-peak only, from 09:30 to midnight on weekdays, and all day at weekends and public holidays. In West Yorkshire we are pleased to have been the recipients of £125,113,339 of Bus Service Improvement Funding from Government since the funding stream began.  This has been allocated as follows: Fares support - £76.31 million Network support - £42.2 million Staffing, UTMC etc - £6.59 million   It is this money that has enabled West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to keep bus fares lower in West Yorkshire for everyone.  The Mayor’s Fares meant bus fares were capped at £2 for a single journey until March 2025 when prices increased to £2.50 capped for a single journey.  This is still 50p below the national fare.   The West Yorkshire Combined Authority currently spends £40 million a year on concessionary fares for senior and disabled persons passholders.  Enhancements for the statutory passholders are also in place to further support senior and disabled passholders which includes free travel beyond 11pm.   As of March 2025 WYCA had around 41,700 disabled ENCTS passes in circulation.  This is up 2% compared with the same period last year.  Usage of blind and disabled person’s passes are significantly higher with around 80% of passes used each month. WYCA has had numerous requests from politicians and user groups for free and reduced fares including: People with disabilities Senior residents Care Leavers Social Care staff Unpaid carers   Greater Manchester Combined Authority are further along in franchising, having completed the transfer and with the Bee Network now fully established. They are currently doing a pilot on concessionary fares before 9.30am for seniors and for people with disabilities.   The West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has chosen to franchise here in West Yorkshire as well. The programme of implementation is happening apace and franchising will therefore be introduced in phases between 2027 and 2028. At that point the West Yorkshire Mayor will be able to introduce a new ticketing strategy for the new operating model.   A ticketing strategy is set to be developed which will set out how we can use tickets and concessions to further our aims for bus, as set out in the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). This will come in draft to the West Yorkshire Transport Committee towards the end of the year.   Council believes that:   Disabilities don’t start at 09:30. Time-of-day restrictions undermine independence, access to early employment and education, medical appointments, and family life (e.g., the school run). Removing the restriction would promote independence, reduce social isolation, support work, education, and volunteering, improve access to healthcare, and encourage the use of public transport, consistent with BMDC’s equality objectives and regional mode-shift ambitions.   Council resolves to:   Ask the West Yorkshire Mayor when reviewing the ticketing strategy as part of franchising, to fully consider whether additional concessions can be accommodated for different groups including people with disabilities before 9.30am.   Closely monitor the pilot concessionary fare scheme ongoing in Greater Manchester with a view to including any learnings in West Yorkshire.   Ask the district’s MPs to back the bus and lobby to make sure that the upcoming phases of BSIP, still to be announced include a proportionate investment in West Yorkshire buses.   To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Place   12.9    ANTISOCIAL FIREWORKS 12.12  TACKLING LATE NIGHT FIREWORKS AND ASSOCIATED           ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN BRADFORD   Motion 12.9   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.9 was moved by Councillor Kamran Hussain and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.   Following a number of speakers Motion 12.9 as set out below was then put to the vote and was carried.            Resolved-   Council notes:   Councillors and residents are angered by the antisocial use of fireworks at all hours of day and night.   The decent majority of people across all wards of our district treat each other with mutual respect. It is a small number of people whose selfish and antisocial actions are causing significant harm and distress to their neighbours, injuries, and excessive pressures on emergency services.   Currently, the legal decibel limit for commercial fireworks is 120 decibels. We called for a reduction in the legal limit to 90 decibels in our last council motion on this issue.   It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night when the cut off is midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when the cut off is 1am.   The council and partners have clamped down with a range of prevention and enforcement measures over a number of years:   ·         A cross-party Corporate Scrutiny review published in 2021 highlighted what the council has powers to do as well as what it doesn’t have powers to do. All recommendations were implemented. ·         The council has, for several years, been campaigning for tougher laws on the use of fireworks, something which can only be made possible by changes to national legislation. ·        The council has told all wedding venues across the district to take fireworks out of wedding festivities and raise awareness of the distressing impact fireworks have on residents, including the young and old, those with disabilities and pets. ·         Council wardens also visit properties where there are signs of a wedding taking place. They speak to householders and advise them about the impact fireworks has on the community, their legal responsibilities and the distressing effect of fireworks on others. ·         Media campaign at certain times of the year to highlight the impact of fireworks on the local community.   We thank our district’s MPs for their work with us on this issue. In the previous parliament, Judith Cummins MP introduced a bill to curb noisy fireworks which would have reduced the legal noise limit for fireworks from 120 decibels (equivalent of the sound of a pneumatic drill or chainsaw) down to 90 decibels (the volume of a ringing phone). This view is also supported by the RSPCA’s Out with the Bang campaign. While the bill did not go forward to become law due to the General Election,the MP since met with the Minister responsible for fireworks and continues to press for action.   Council resolves to:   ·         Reaffirm our commitment to work with district MPs to both drive change at a national level and work with police, fire and trading standards partners at a local level in using our existing powers to the full limit of the law. ·        Call for tougher national laws on the sale and antisocial use of fireworks, including: o   an outright ban on the private use of fireworks except on specific dates in the year as outlined above, with only organised licensed events allowed on other days o   a much more restrictive licensing regime backed up by additional funding for local authorities, police, trading standards and fire services to enforce it o   an outright ban on Category 3 fireworks (as well as Category 4) o   a reduction in the maximum allowed decibel level.   To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Place    Motion 12.12   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.2 was moved by Councillor Salam and seconded by Councillor Elahi.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment M) was moved by Councillor Kamran Hussain and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.    Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment M as set out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.            Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   Council notes:   Councillors and residents are angered by the antisocial use of fireworks at all hours of day and night.   The decent majority of people across all wards of our district treat each other with mutual respect. It is a small number of people whose selfish and antisocial actions are causing significant harm and distress to their neighbours, injuries, and excessive pressures on emergency services.   Currently, the legal decibel limit for commercial fireworks is 120 decibels. We called for a reduction in the legal limit to 90 decibels in our last council motion on this issue.   It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night when the cut off is midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when the cut off is 1am.   The council and partners have clamped down with a range of prevention and enforcement measures over a number of years: •        A cross-party Corporate Scrutiny review published in 2021 highlighted what the council has powers to do as well as what it doesn’t have powers to do. All recommendations were implemented. •     The council has, for several years, been campaigning for tougher laws on the use of fireworks, something which can only be made possible by changes to national legislation. •     The council has told all wedding venues across the district to take fireworks out of wedding festivities and raise awareness of the distressing impact fireworks have on residents, including the young and old, those with disabilities and pets. •     Council wardens also visit properties where there are signs of a wedding taking place. They speak to householders and advise them about the impact fireworks has on the community, their legal responsibilities and the distressing effect of fireworks on others. •     Media campaign at certain times of the year to highlight the impact of fireworks on the local community. We thank our district’s MPs for their work with us on this issue.   In the previous parliament, Judith Cummins MP introduced a bill to curb noisy fireworks which would have reduced the legal noise limit for fireworks from 120 decibels (equivalent of the sound of a pneumatic drill or chainsaw) down to 90 decibels (the volume of a ringing phone). This view is also supported by the RSPCA’s Out with the Bang campaign. While the bill did not go forward to become law due to the General Election, the MP since met with the Minister responsible for fireworks and continues to press for action.   Council resolves to:   •     Reaffirm our commitment to work with district MPs to both drive change at a national level and work with police, fire and trading standards partners at a local level in using our existing powers to the full limit of the law. •     Call for tougher national laws on the sale and antisocial use of fireworks, including: -          an outright ban on the private use of fireworks except on specific dates in the year as outlined above, with only organised licensed events allowed on other days -          a much more restrictive licensing regime backed up by additional funding for local authorities, police, trading standards and fire services to enforce it -          an outright ban on Category 3 fireworks (as well as Category 4) -          a reduction in the maximum allowed decibel level.   To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place Motion 12.10  REFORM OF BRADFORD COUNCIL’S FLAG PROTOCOL As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.10 was moved by Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed and seconded by Councillor Saddiq.  In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment J) was moved by Councillor Hinchcliffe and seconded by Councillor Imran Khan.    In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 a second amendment (additional published papers Amendment K) was moved by Councillor Winnard and seconded by Councillor Pollard.   Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment K was put to the vote and lost.  Following a recorded vote Amendment J as set out below was put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.   Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   This Council believes   The council’s flag protocol is an effective document used daily to celebrate and remember the many days of significance for the people of the Bradford district.  Daily we fly the Union Flag from City Hall and Town Halls across the district. It was right to fly the flag of Palestine on 22nd September, an historic day when the UK Government recognised the sovereign state of Palestine for the first time. We should fly the flag of Palestine again for the 29th November on the UN day of solidarity with the Palestinian people who the UN commission of inquiry has concluded are suffering genocide. We ask the Director of Legal and Governance to add it to Appendix B of the flag protocol so it can be raised annually. That it would be wrong to review the council flag protocol just because the independent Group want the mechanism to stop the council flying flags at short notice. The Council resolves to   make sure that all councillors are aware of the council constitution and the flag protocol within that. Ask the Director of Legal and Governance to amend the flag protocol to allow  the Palestinian flag to be flown every year on 29th November. To be actioned by: Director of Legal and Governance   12.4    ST IVES ESTATE, HARDEN As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.4 was moved by Councillor Winnard and seconded by Councillor Sullivan.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment D) was moved by Councillor Ross-Shaw and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.    Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment D as set out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.            Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   Council notes:   ·         The St Ives Estate is a 550-acre country park and former estate between Bingley and Harden and is the largest park in the Bradford District. The estate and mansion were bought by Bingley Urban District Council in 1929 and continue to be owned by Bradford Council. ·         The Country Park is a major visitor destination attracting circa 300,000 visitors per annum from across Bradford district and surrounding areas. ·         The park has Grade II listing in the English Heritage National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Interest. The Park has been given Accredited Country Park Status by Natural England. ·         The Estate is also used by Bingley St Ives Golf Club, the Sports Turf Research Institute, an equestrian centre and some residential properties. ·         The Grade 2 listed St Ives Mansion House is a centrepiece of the Estate, the leasehold is owned by a private company with the Council owning the freehold. It has been left derelict and insecure for some years and is a focus of ongoing antisocial behaviour. The site was recently inhabited by a group of Travellers and little effort by the current owners seems to have been taken to direct them to a more suitable site. Council officers have already been asked to review the terms of the freehold to consider what powers are available to address this issue. ·         Residents, businesses, the Friends of St Ives, Harden Town Council and Ward Councillors have all expressed concern about the current state of some of the buildings and land on the Estate. ·         Officers have been instructed to develop a masterplan for St Ives taking account of the council’s strategic priorities, strategically considering all assets on the estate, particularly where council-owned, to inform future funding bids to restore and improve the estate as a living, working, visitor attraction for the district and region.   Council resolves to:   •                    Request that officers prepare a report for the Executive on the current situation on St Ives estate and issues of concern. The report will consider all the legal options available to the Council. The intention is that the leaseholder of the Mansion House should be required to meet their obligations. •                    Take speedy appropriate enforcement action when either planning or environmental requirements appear to have been contravened on the Estate. •                    Continue working with the Police and Environmental Health Team to address antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping. •                    Accelerate work to develop the masterplan for the St Ives Estate that includes full engagement with local Ward Councillors, Harden Parish Council, Bingley Town Council, the Friends of St Ives and other interested parties.   To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place and Director Corporate Resources/S151 Officer   12.5    BRING THE WATER INDUSTRY BACK INTO PUBLIC HANDS As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.5 was moved by Councillor Ros Brown and seconded by Councillor Caroline Whitaker.  In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment E) was moved by Councillor Hinchcliffe and seconded by Councillor Ross-shaw.    In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 a second amendment (additional published papers Amendment F) was moved by Councillor Poulsen and seconded by Councillor Loy.   Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment F was put to the vote and lost.  Amendment E as set out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.   Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   This Council notes:   •              Yorkshire Water inherited zero debt when it was privatised in 1989. •              When it privatised Yorkshire Water, the Conservative government of   the time paid off £559m in debt with taxpayers’ money and sold the organisation for just £660m when it had assets valued at £11bn. •              Since 1989, Yorkshire Water shareholders have extracted almost £10bn from the company, invested just £1.8bn and amassed debts of £6.2bn. •           Yorkshire Water announced that water bills across the region will increase by 29% in 2025-26 claiming this was needed to pay for essential repairs. •           The failure of Ofwat to do its job in regulating and holding water companies to account. •           The UK has just had one of the driest and warmest springs in over a century, and extreme weather is becoming the new normal. •              Earlier this year, Yorkshire Water (along with South East Water,       Southern Water, and Thames Water) introduced a hosepipe ban for households. •              Approximately 275.3 million litres are lost every day because of        leakages from the Yorkshire Water network. The Environment Agency     has reported that 21% of Yorkshire Water's supplies were lost due to    leakage, higher than the national average of 19%. •              More investment is urgently needed to maintain the clean water system      and reservoirs and to make sure there is enough water during the      increasingly hot summers of the future. •              Local voluntary groups and charities, such as the Aire Rivers Trust,             Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust and Ilkley Clean River Group, are working           hard to highlight the state of our rivers and to urge our regional water      company to improve river   health.   Council also notes:   •              Earlier this year, it was revealed that the Chief Executive of Yorkshire         Water, Nicola Shaw was paid £660,000 by the company’s Jersey-     registered parent company, Kelda Holdings - despite previously    claiming it would “not be appropriate” to accept this additional           payment on top of her salary. •              Dividend payments and debt repayments accounted for roughly a third       of the bill paid by a typical household to Yorkshire Water. •              Urgent action is needed to tackle leaks and bring about stricter         regulation of private water companies and long-term reforms to         essential utilities. •              The current system rewards pollution and puts profit before water    security. This broken system needs fixing to run water services for the          benefit of the public. •              The understandable public outrage at all of the above. •              The completion of the Cunliffe Review of the water industry, commissioned by the Labour Government as soon as it got into office and welcomes that   subsequently, the Labour government announced    the “biggest overhaul of      water since privatisation” including           abolishing Ofwat and establishing a new, single, powerful regulator        to         cut water pollution in England’s rivers, lakes and seas, and protect           families from massive bill hikes. •              The Labour Government’s Water (Special Measures) Act which has            boosted the powers of the regulator to tackle pollution. Council resolves to:   Back the calls of the Yorkshire Mayor and Yorkshire Leaders Board in challenging Yorkshire Water to explain:   1. The Board's strategy for rebuilding public trust and confidence 2. The Board's position on the newly discovered executive remuneration arrangements and the governance structures that permitted these to be unrecorded payments 3. Yorkshire Water's commitment to transparent reporting of all executive compensation 4.Encourage people to sign Anna Dixon MP’s petition to tackle back-handed bonuses.   5. Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment asking her to look at alternative ownership models to the current operating structure, up to and including bringing water companies back into public control.   To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Place/Leader of the Council 12.6    SAFEGUARDING BRADFORD’S COUNCIL HOUSING STOCK   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.6 was moved by Councillor Wheatley and seconded by Councillor Warnes.  In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment G) was moved by Councillor Hinchcliffe and seconded by Councillor Ross-shaw.    In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 a second amendment (additional published papers Amendment H) was moved by Councillor Sunderland and seconded by Councillor Stubbs.   Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment H was put to the vote and lost.  Amendment G as set out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion, was then voted on and was carried.   Resolved-   That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:   Bradford Council notes:   The Right to Buy (RTB) scheme is a statutory entitlement under the Housing Act 1985. Local authorities do not currently have the legal power to suspend or opt out of the scheme, which remains in force across England. In November 2024, the Government introduced changes that: Capped RTB discounts in Yorkshire at £24,000. Enabled councils to retain 100% of RTB receipts for replacement homes, provided they are used within five years and meet qualifying criteria. The Government has also launched a consultation on further RTB reform, including proposals to give councils greater local discretion over sales, discounts and exemptions for newly built or acquired homes. The Government made a series of positive announcements on its plan for a significant proportion of the affordable housing budget to be allocated for social rented housing, and to make newly built social and affordable homes exempt from Right to Buy for 35 years as part of a policy drive to “significantly support” councils to build. The additional work already undertaken by the Labour government to improve and review housing conditions and access, as well as the announcement to invest £39bn towards affordable housing development, is a positive step to tackle the UK housing crisis. Bradford Council currently owns 427 council homes. As of July 2025, 24 RTB applications are in progress and two completions have taken place in the past year. The Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan, adopted in 2023, included a growth scenario aiming for up to 800 council homes by 2028, which is currently under active review to reflect updated assumptions, market conditions and delivery capacity. Demand for affordable housing remains high, with over 18,000 households on the Housing Register. The Council is committed to a renewed and ambitious programme to increase the supply of good-quality, affordable homes.   Bradford Council believes:   We have a responsibility to tackle the current housing crisis across our district and that Local Authorities are best placed to understand and respond to their own housing needs, including the impact of RTB on affordable housing supply. While the Government’s recent reforms are welcome, further change is needed to ensure social housing stock can be protected and expanded where need is acute. Delivering genuinely affordable housing at scale requires a long-term strategy, sustained investment and stronger local powers.   Bradford Council resolves:   To write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to: Rapidly implement the recent RTB reforms which we welcome, including the discount cap and 100% retention of receipts. Request that these flexibilities be extended beyond 2025/26. Call for further legislative reform to: Speedily allow local authorities to suspend RTB in specific high-need areas. Exempt newly built or acquired homes from RTB. Vary discounts or eligibility locally, in line with local housing needs and plans. To work with the Local Government Association and other councils to lobby for a Right to Buy framework that enables local discretion, supports full replacement and safeguards social housing. To reaffirm its commitment to delivering a significantly expanded council housing programme, and to complete the current review of HRA delivery plans with a view to setting a realistic but ambitious target for new council homes, aligned with local need and funding opportunities. To publish an annual statement of homes lost through RTB and new homes delivered or acquired, to ensure transparency and track progress.   To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Adult Social Care, Health and Housing   12.8    CELEBRATING PRIDE IN OUR PLACE   Resolved –   That under Council Standing Order 9.1.6 Motion 12.8 Celebrating Pride in our Place be withdrawn from the agenda.   12.11  CALL TO DIVEST THE WEST YORKSHIRE PENSION FUND FROM COMPANIES THAT ARE COMPLICIT IN OR PROFIT FROM THE VIOLATION OF PALESTINIAN HUMAN RIGHTS, INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ACTS OF ETHNIC CLEANSING         Resolved –      That under Council Standing Order 9.1.6 Motion 12.11 Call to Divest the West Yorkshire Pension fund from companies that are complicit in or profit from the violation of Palestinian Human Rights, International Law and Acts of Ethnic Cleansing be withdrawn from the agenda.