Agenda

To receive any announcements from the Mayor and Chief Executive.

Group Business Managers to submit any apologies for absence.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Annual Council Meeting held on 20 May 2026.

Members will be asked to advise if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have a disclosable pecuniary interest, or any other interests, which may prevent them from participating in the discussion or vote on any of the items.

To receive any Petitions from Members of the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.

Council will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Members of the Public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

To elect the Leader of the Council, in accordance with Article 7 of the Constitution.

To appoint to the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, if applicable, pursuant to Agenda Item 7.

(In accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee shall be from a different political group to the Leader of the Council).

To consider the report.

Contact: Steve Mawson, Chief Executive

To receive written questions to Chairs of Committees and Nominated Spokespersons in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.

A schedule of written questions will be published. One supplementary oral question will be permitted.

(i)             Corporate Governance and Audit Committee

(ii)            District Wide Planning Committee

(iii)          Health and Wellbeing Board

(iv)          Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee

(v)           Personnel Committee

(vi)          Standards Committee

(vii)         Strategic Planning Committee

-       Appeals Panel (Councillor Bramwell)

-       Corporate Governance and Audit Committee (Councillor Amjad)

-       District Wide Planning Committee (Councillor O’Leary)

-       Health and Wellbeing Board (awaiting appointment)

-       Licensing and Safety Committee (including Licensing Panel and Regulatory Panel) (Councillor Howard)

-       Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee (to be appointed at Agenda Item 8)

-       Personnel Committee (Councillor Anwar)

-       Scrutiny Panel – Children’s (Councillor Vickers)

-       Scrutiny Panel – Environment and Climate Change (Councillor Moughtin)

-       Scrutiny Panel – Growth and Regeneration (Councillor T V Bamford)

-       Scrutiny Panel – Health and Adult Social Care (Councillor Kasia)

-       Standards Committee (Councillor Armer)

-       Strategic Planning Committee (Councillor Amjad)

-       Kirklees Active Leisure (Councillor Fallas)

-       One Adoption Joint Committee (awaiting appointment)

-       West Yorkshire Combined Authority (awaiting appointment)

-       West Yorkshire Combined Authority Weaver Network Board (awaiting appointment)

-       West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority (Councillor Khalid Patel)

-       West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee (awaiting appointment)

-       West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel (Councillor Mark Smith)

To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor Darwan (Independent);

Signatory: Councillor Ahmed

“This Council notes that

Motor neurone disease (MND) is one of the most devastating and unforgiving conditions imaginable. It advances with a cruel and relentless pace, leaving families little time to adjust to the profound changes it brings. A third of those diagnosed will die within a year; half within two. For those living with MND, every day truly matters.

In such circumstances, a safe and accessible home becomes far more than bricks and mortar: it becomes security, independence, dignity and comfort at a time when these are most fragile. Yet the swiftness with which MND progresses means that home adaptations must be provided not merely promptly, but with genuine urgency.

At present, Kirklees Council does not publish a fast-track process with defined, shortened statutory timescales for Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) applications. While it is acknowledged that urgent cases are prioritised through the Council’s triage system, this informal approach, however well-intentioned, does not offer the clarity, consistency or speed required by those whose needs can change dramatically in a matter of weeks.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association, in its report A Lifeline Not a Luxury, highlights examples of best practice across the country and recommends the creation of formal fast-track pathways for people with progressive and terminal illnesses. These systems ensure that vital adaptations are delivered swiftly, sparing families avoidable distress and preventing crises that carry greater emotional and financial costs.

This Council believes

That every resident facing a progressive or terminal condition deserves a timely, compassionate and clearly defined route to the support they urgently require.

That early and decisive intervention preserves dignity, reduces avoidable hospital admissions, and protects individuals from becoming trapped in homes no longer suited to their rapidly changing needs.

And that Kirklees should adopt a standard worthy of its values transparent, humane and fit for the realities of MND.

This Council therefore resolves

To request that the matter be referred to the Council’s Scrutiny process and that the relevant Scrutiny Panel be requested to review the implementation of (i) to (iv) below;

(i)    To publish the Council’s fast-track process for the assessment, approval and delivery of Disabled Facilities Grant home adaptations for residents living with progressive or terminal conditions, including MND.

(ii)   To request that any necessary works and adaptions to support residents are carried out within a reasonable timeframe and as soon as is practically possible.

(iii)To ensure that the fast-track process is transparent and accessible to residents, families and professionals, with clear guidance published on the Council’s website

(iv)To request that the Council works in close partnership with local health, social care, and care providers and patient representative organisations to ensure the Council collectively prioritises and responds to urgent health, housing and care needs arising for any residents experiencing any rapidly progressing life-limiting condition, including MND.

In adopting this motion, we affirm that in Kirklees, compassion is not optional, and timeliness is not a courtesy it is a  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13:

To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor Ahmed (Independent);

Signatory: Councillor Darwan

“This Council notes:

1.    That His Majesty’s Government is advancing proposals which may result in the introduction of a national digital identity system, thereby fundamentally altering the manner in which individuals interact with public services and the state.

2.    That national digital identity scheme gives rise to serious concerns in respect of civil liberties, including the expansion of data collection, increased monitoring, and the potential for state or corporate surveillance.

3.    That there are well-documented risks relating to data security, breaches of privacy, and the prospect of “mission creep” once such systems are established.

4.    There is no clear or compelling evidence that a national digital identity system would deliver benefits that are either necessary or proportionate for local communities, whilst the risks of exclusion and discrimination particularly affecting residents without access to digital devices, reliable connectivity, or adequate digital literacy are substantial.

5.    That previous attempts to introduce national identity cards in the United Kingdom were abandoned due to widespread concerns regarding cost, intrusiveness, and incompatibility with democratic principles.

This Council believes:

1.    That the right to live freely, without undue monitoring or surveillance by the state or private corporations, is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society.

2.    That national digital identity systems risk undermining public confidence, creating additional barriers for vulnerable residents, and normalising an excessive reliance on personal data.

3.    That access to essential public services should not be contingent upon the possession or use of digital identification.

4.    That local authorities have a duty to protect the privacy, dignity, and fundamental freedoms of the communities they serve.

This Council resolves:

1.    To request that the Leader of the Council, on behalf of Full Council, write to the Secretary of State for the Home Department (i) expressing this Council’s firm opposition to the introduction of any national digital identity scheme whether mandatory or voluntary (ii) setting out this Council’s opposition to national digital identity proposals and (iii) calling for such proposals to be withdrawn.

2.    To request that the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive write to the Local Government Association (LGA), urging it to oppose the development, trial, or implementation of any national digital identity system that may erode civil liberties or exclude residents.

3.    To reaffirm this Council’s commitment to safeguarding residents’ privacy, autonomy, and access to public services without the requirement for digital identification.”

To consider the following Motion submitted by the Independent Group;

Signatories: Councillors Zaman, Amjad, Daji, Kasia, Kahut, Hussain, Anwar, Bramwell, Patel, Ahmed and Darwan;

“This Council notes that:

1. Kirklees Council has approved a new communal grounds-maintenance service charge for council-housing estates, set at “up to £1 per week” for tenants.

2. This charge applies only to certain households depending on estate layout and tenure, creating a real risk of a two-tier system where some residents pay extra for communal areas while neighbours on the same estate pay nothing.

3. The introduction of this charge marks a major shift in principle, moving long-standing estate maintenance away from the Housing Revenue Account and onto a direct weekly tenant levy.

4. There is no safeguard stopping future administrations from increasing the charge beyond £1 per week.

5. The brown-bin charge rising from £37.50 in 2019 to £56.65 in 2026 (a 51% increase) shows how quickly and quietly new charges can escalate once introduced.

This Council believes that:

1. Any new tenant levy must be fair, transparent and justified, and must not create inequality between residents who share the same estate.

2. Tenants are entitled to full clarity about why a new charge is being introduced, how it is calculated, and what protections exist against future increases.

3. Before the charge is allowed to progress further, the council must be satisfied it does not disproportionately or unfairly impact council tenants.

This Council resolves to:

1. Request that Cabinet initiate an immediate review of the communal grounds-maintenance charge, examining:

   - The fairness of applying the charge selectively to tenants

   - The rationale for removing these services from the HRA

   - Whether the charge should be paused, amended, or withdrawn

   - What protections could be introduced to prevent future increases

2. Request that the findings are brought to the most appropriate Scrutiny Committee for examination at the earliest available meeting.

3. Request that Cabinet ensure that tenants are fully consulted, and that their experiences, concerns and preferences directly inform the review and its outcomes.”

To consider the following Motion submitted by the Conservative Group;

Signatories: Councillors Sheard, Taylor, R Smith, Armer, T Bamford, T V Bamford, Bolt, Brook and Smaje;

“This Council Notes

• Persistent concerns from residents across Kirklees regarding antisocial behaviour, dangerous parking, and reckless driving.
• Ongoing complaints from parents, schools, and local communities about vehicles parking on school keep-clear markings, double yellow lines, and pedestrian crossings, particularly at peak times.
• That inconsiderate and illegal parking outside schools creates avoidable and significant dangers for children, parents, and other road users.
• That many town centres and residential areas continue to experience nuisance vehicles, repeated traffic violations, and behaviours which undermine public confidence and community safety.
• Evidence from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) that approximately 1,200 school children are injured each month across the United Kingdom in traffic-related collisions within a 500-metre radius of schools.
• The vital role played by School Crossing Patrol Operatives in ensuring children’s safety on their journey to and from school.

This Council therefore resolves that Cabinet be requested to

• Work with West Yorkshire Police and other relevant partners to identify locations outside schools and within town centres where persistent road safety concerns exist, and explore appropriate enforcement and traffic management measures.
• Consider Increasing enforcement against vehicles obstructing (i) school keep-clear zig-zag markings (ii) pedestrian crossings (iii) bus stops (iv) pavements and access routes and (v) double yellow lines where safety is impacted.
• Enhance the reporting, recording, and monitoring of near-miss incidents involving School Crossing Patrol Operatives, ensuring data is used to inform enforcement and safety improvements.
• Explore the provision of body-worn cameras for School Crossing Patrol Operatives to support the documentation and prosecution of drivers who fail to comply with stop signals.
• Work with schools, residents, ward councillors, and West Yorkshire Police to identify antisocial behaviour and road safety hotspots requiring targeted action.
• Explore and implement technologies that support the enforcement of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), particularly in relation to school keep-clear zig-zag restrictions.
• Review and improve parking restrictions, road markings, and street layouts around school entrances to ensure clear sightlines and safe crossing conditions for pedestrians.
• Report back to councillors within six months on progress, including potential pilot schemes, estimated costs, enforcement options, and delivery timelines.
• Continue to lobby for stronger neighbourhood policing visibility and more robust action against persistent antisocial behaviour and repeat traffic offenders across Kirklees.”

To consider the following Motion submitted by the Green Group;

Signatories: Councillors A Cooper, Lee-Richards, Allison, Vickers, Safdar, Jabar, T Cooper, Jawaid, Burton, Duffy, Price and Knight.

“This Council notes:

1.    That the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continues to have a severe impact on residents across Kirklees, with rising housing costs, energy bills and food prices pushing more households into hardship;

2.    That poverty in Kirklees is deepening, with local voluntary and community organisations reporting increased demand for crisis support, debt advice, housing assistance and welfare support;

3.    That residents on low incomes often experience clusters of interrelated problems (housing, debt, benefits and health) which escalate if left unresolved, driving increased demand on local authority services;

4.    That recent UK evidence demonstrates that timely legal and welfare advice can prevent problems from escalating into crisis, reducing risks of homelessness, worsening health and long-term poverty, all of which carry significant cost to local authorities;

5.    That research linking advice services with local authority data shows that people receiving advice experience average income gains of approximately £153 per month and reductions in poverty, primarily by securing correct benefit entitlements and resolving issues early;

6.    That evidence shows investment in advice services is not only a support function but a cost-effective preventative measure, reducing downstream expenditure on homelessness, crisis support and other statutory services and therefore saving public money;

7.    That holistic advice models, such as those delivered by the Council’s three key advice partner services, are particularly effective because they:

a.    Address multiple issues simultaneously

b.    Maximise household income

c.     Reduce repeat demand across services

8.    That advice services play a critical role in preventing evictions, sustaining tenancies and supporting residents through housing crises, thereby reducing pressure on homelessness services and temporary accommodation;

9.    That advice services increase the take up of benefits which feeds additional revenue into the local economy and increases Local Authority income by demonstrating higher need under the UK government’s Fair Funding Formula;

10. Core funding for advice services in Kirklees has reduced in real terms to around a quarter of what it was 10 years ago.

This Council believes that:

1. Despite the dedication of council officers and the voluntary sector, the current system of advice, benefits support and referrals is too poorly funded to effectively meet rising levels of need;
2. A more integrated approach led by core advice agencies and bringing together council services, advice providers and voluntary organisations—would:

·       Improve access to services, early intervention and prevention;

·       Reduce failures by Council departments to meet statutory duties, thereby saving time and costs in both Council and advice service teams;

·       Deliver better outcomes for residents

3. Better use of data and partnership working can support earlier identification of residents at risk, enabling proactive intervention and improved service coordination;
4. Enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of advice services would improve outcomes, reduce overall Council expenditure, boost the local economy and align with the Council’s commitment to tackling poverty and inequality.

This Council resolves that Cabinet is asked to:

1. To prioritise the development of  ...  view the full agenda text for item 17:

To consider the following Motion submitted by the Reform Group;

Signatories: Councillors Cllr Wood and M Smith

“This Council notes that:

•                 The Council currently has no overall political control. 

•                 Prolonged uncertainty over the formation of an administration is not in the best interests of the residents of Kirklees, council staff or partner organisations. 

•                 In many local authorities operating under no overall control, it is accepted constitutional practice that the largest political group is afforded the first opportunity to form a minority administration and demonstrate whether it can command sufficient support on a vote-byvote basis. 

•                 That Kirklees Council has set a precedent for this, with Groups of a smaller number than the present largest Group of 28.

This Council believes that:

•                 Democratic accountability is strengthened where the largest political group is given the opportunity to govern, while all other members continue to scrutinise, amend and vote on each proposal according to its merits. 

•                 A minority administration remains accountable to the Council

Council therefore resolves:

1)             To affirm the principle that, where no political group commands

an overall majority and no formal stable coalition capable of commanding a majority has been formed, as set by precedence the largest political group should ordinarily be afforded the opportunity to form a minority administration.

2)             That this principle is intended to promote democratic stability and effective governance and does not oblige any political group or individual councillor to support the administration on any particular policy or vote. 

3)             To invite all political groups to work constructively with any minority administration on matters that are in the interests of the residents of Kirklees.”