The Executive Board of Leeds Council discussed several key issues, including the financial position of the council, the cost-of-living crisis, energy efficiency improvements in Armley and Holbeck, the Leeds Lane Rental Scheme, and the Adult Social Care Plan for 2024-2027.

Financial Reporting 2023/24 - Provisional Outturn Month 11 (February)

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) presented an update on the council's financial position for the first eleven months of the 2023/24 financial year. The report highlighted a balanced position for the General Fund, achieved through the use of reserves, including £17.7m from a refund from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and £14.7m from the Merrion House reserve. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) also forecasted a balanced position. The Board noted the ongoing measures to manage pressures in the Children and Families directorate and the use of the Merrion House reserve to address unforeseen budget pressures.

Decisions:

• The Board noted the balanced position for the General Fund and HRA.
• It was acknowledged that inflationary increases and demographic pressures in Social Care were incorporated into the financial position.
• Directorates, including the HRA, are required to present action plans to mitigate projected overspends.

Cost of Living - Update Report

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment provided an update on the cost-of-living situation in Leeds, reflecting on national policy interventions and actions taken by the council and its partners. The report highlighted the significant demand for support services and the ongoing efforts to address these challenges.

Decisions:

• The Board noted and endorsed the approach being adopted.
• The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment was tasked with overseeing and implementing any actions arising from the report.

Investing in Area-Based Energy Efficiency Improvements to Back-to-Back Homes in Armley and Holbeck (Phase 3)

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment presented proposals for energy efficiency improvements to 350 back-to-back homes in Armley and Holbeck. The improvements align with Leeds’ Marmot City principles and include a feasibility study for ground source heat pumps in 100 properties in Armley. The Board discussed the potential for further schemes in other areas, contingent on securing additional funding.

Decisions:

• The Board approved entering into grant agreements with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing.
• The Board approved the injection of grant funding into the Capital Programme and the authority to spend £12.992m to deliver the programmes in Armley and Holbeck.
• The Board delegated authority to the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment to seek further funding and manage the implementation of the projects.

Leeds Lane Rental Scheme - Highways

The Director of City Development discussed the development of a potential Leeds Lane Rental Scheme aimed at reducing disruption from road and street works. The scheme would involve formal consultation with key stakeholders and an application to the Secretary of State.

Decisions:

• The Board noted the process and benefits of the Leeds Lane Rental Scheme.
• The Board approved the commencement of formal consultation and delegated authority to the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation to manage the scheme's implementation.

Adult Social Care Plan 2024 - 2027

The Director of Adults and Health presented the Adult Social Care Plan for 2024-2027, outlining the vision and priorities for the next three years in line with the Care Act 2014. The plan supports the Better Lives Strategy and the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Decisions:

• The Board approved the publication of the Adult Social Care Plan and an accessible summary.
• The Director of Adults and Health was tasked with keeping the plan up to date and providing regular updates on its delivery.

Leeds Health Protection Board Report 2023

The Director of Public Health submitted the fifth report of the Leeds Health Protection Board, detailing the Board’s activities, progress on priorities, and achievements in health protection.

Decisions:

• The Board noted the progress on Health Protection Board priorities, case studies on managing infectious disease outbreaks, and key achievements and targets for 2024.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes 17042024 Executive Board.