Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from Cabinet Members who are unable to attend this meeting.

Apologies were received on behalf of Councillor Nosheen Dad.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 June 2025.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 June 2025 be approved as a correct record.

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

No interests were declared.

Most agenda items take place in public. This only changes where there is a need to consider exempt information, as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. You will be informed at this point which items are to be recommended for exclusion and to be resolved by the Committee.

It was noted that all agenda items would be considered in public session.

The Cabinet 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.

No deputations or petitions were received.

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

No questions were asked.

Cabinet will receive any questions from Elected Members.

In accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 2.3 (2.3.1.6) a period of up to 30 minutes will be allocated.

Cabinet received the following questions in accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 2.3;

Question from Councillor Scott

“In November 2024 Council passed a motion instructing Cabinet to act on ethical procurement to ensure that the Council was not complicit in human rights violations through its supply chains. Cabinet has not provided a response, taken a decision, or provided political leadership, and the issue was directed to Corporate Governance and Audit Committee, with no portfolio holder responsible and no record of delegated authority. Why did Cabinet not take ownership of this procurement report?”

A response was provided by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Pattison)

Question from Councillor Moore

“I have previous asked, since the closure of Nab Lane six months ago, has an impact assessment been carried out to look at the Dewsbury site, looking at capacity and safety issues with increased demand. Why have I not received a response?”

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste (Councillor Hawkins)

Question from Councillor Bramwell

“St John’s church in my ward has had ongoing maintenance issues.  In 2020 during Covid, the Council could not cut the grass in the cemetery so I, along with residents cut back the churchyard on the proviso that the Council would, with the agreement of the church, continue to maintain it. However, I am told that the churchyard hadn’t had the grass cut in months until the Council did so just recently. Despite this, I am told there is still no agreement in place for ongoing maintenance. Can I get commitment from the Council for regular maintenance of this churchyard?”

A response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment (Councillor A U Pinnock)

Question from Councillor Taylor

“Can you tell me how often, and when, you have met with the farming community?”

A response was provided by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Pattison)

Question from Councillor Scott

“Have there been any issue with flagstones that have been laid in front of Dewsbury Town Hall?  Is there an issue with the quality and standard of work with these flagstones, as I was aware work did stop.  Can I get an assurance that the work will continue and be of good quality, rather than having to revisit this at great cost?”

A response was provided from the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration (Councillor Turner)

Question from Councillor Taylor

“The motion at a previous Council meeting was asking for the Leader to write to the Government and to meet with the farming community.  Can I ask the Leader to meet with the farming community to ask how the Council could support that community and whether, in terms of procurement, we can ensure that the Council buys locally?”

A response was provided by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Pattison)

Question from Councillor Bramwell

“In relation to Dewsbury Town Centre, having discussed with young people who use the Town Centre to meet friends, there are certain times, even including during the day  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

To consider Financial Outturn & Rollover Report 2024/25 incorporating

General Fund Revenue, Housing Revenue Account, Capital and Treasury Management.

Wards affected: all

Contact: James Anderson, Head of Accountancy

RESOLVED – That the report be referred to Council with a recommendation that;

General Fund

1)    Note the improved revenue outturn position of +£5.6m overspend for 2024/25 (+£9.9m at Q3);

2)    Note the year end position on reserves and balances of £61.0m (excluding Statutory Reserves), particularly that the level of general reserve remains unchanged at £25m (paragraphs 3.2.19- 22);

3)    Approve the creation of the Strategic Budget Contingency reserve (paragraph 3.2.21), with a balance of £3.5m at 31/3/25; funded from the Voluntary Revenue Provision Reserve;

4)    Note the application of the Councils flexible capital receipts strategy to the value of £5.5m applied against eligible transformation costs in 2024/25 thereby reducing revenue expenditure, in accordance with the agreed budget (paragraph 3.2.32);

5)    Note the regular monitoring and review of corporate reserves in 2025/26 to be reported to Cabinet as part of the Quarterly financial monitoring cycle;

6)    Note the year end deficit position on the Collection Fund of £10.2m;

HRA

7)    Note the HRA revenue outturn position for 2024/25 as an underspend of £1.3m reducing the contribution to capital in 24/25 by £1.3m. Note the year end reserves balance of £30.6m compared to £33.9m in 23/24;

Capital

8)    Note the Council capital outturn position at £140.6m for 2024/25

9)    Approve the £13.7m capital slippage from 2024/25 to 2025/26 and removal of £0.4m uncommitted rollover from the Capital Plan (paragraph 3.2.33);

10) Note the revised capital plan for the period 2025/26 onwards after taking into account the re-phasing of schemes and additional grant funding assumptions (Appendix 4a: Summary Capital Plan and Appendix 4b: Detailed Capital Plan); Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG)

11)Note the cumulative deficit on the DSG of £63.8m, an increase of £20.1m from the previous year, and that this deficit was excluded from the Council’s balance sheet as a result of the Statutory Override as set out in the Local Authority Capital Finance and Accounting Regulations. Also to note the recent two year extension to Statutory Override, which now ends in March 2028 pending further consultation updates from Government expected in Autumn 2025.

Treasury Management

12)Note the Review of Treasury Management activity for 2024/25 (Appendix 5)

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillors Scott and Taylor).

Cabinet gave consideration to a report, prior to its submission to Council, which set out information on the Council’s 2024/25 financial outturn position for General Fund Revenue, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and Capital Plan, including proposals for revenue and capital rollover from 2024/25 to 2025/26.

The report advised that the outturn position had improved significantly to a £5.6 million overspend, compared to a projected overspend of £13 million at Quarter 3. This improvement was attributed to tighter financial controls, including recruitment restrictions, maximisation of external funding, and underspends in central budgets. The year-end position on reserves and balances stood at £61.1 million, with the general reserve maintained at £25 million. The HRA reported an operational underspend of £1.3 million, although a £4.6 million revenue contribution to capital required a £3.3 million drawdown from reserves.

The slides contained within the considered report provided a detailed breakdown of the outturn financial monitoring position in relation to (i) General Fund revenue outturn by service area, (ii) General Fund reserves and balances movements in-year, (iii) HRA revenue outturn and reserve movements, (iv) Capital outturn position of £140.6 million, (v) the Council’s Collection Fund deficit of £10.2 million, and (vi) Treasury Management activity and prudential indicators. It was noted that, subject to approval, capital slippage of £13.7 million and the update of the multi-year capital plan (now totalling £1.273 billion) would be incorporated into in-year financial monitoring in 2025/26 and reported quarterly to Cabinet from Quarter 1 onwards.

RESOLVED -

General Fund

1)    Note the improved revenue outturn position of +£5.6m overspend for 2024/25 (+£9.9m at Q3);

2)    Note the year end position on reserves and balances of £61.0m (excluding Statutory Reserves), particularly that the level of general reserve remains unchanged at £25m (paragraphs 3.2.19- 22);

3)    Approve the creation of the Strategic Budget Contingency reserve (paragraph 3.2.21), with a balance of £3.5m at 31/3/25; funded from the Voluntary Revenue Provision Reserve;

4)    Note the application of the Councils flexible capital receipts strategy to the value of £5.5m applied against eligible transformation costs in 2024/25 thereby reducing revenue expenditure, in accordance with the agreed budget (paragraph 3.2.32);

5)    Note the regular monitoring and review of corporate reserves in 2025/26 to be reported to Cabinet as part of the Quarterly financial monitoring cycle;

6)    Note the year end deficit position on the Collection Fund of £10.2m;

HRA

7)    Note the HRA revenue outturn position for 2024/25 as an underspend of £1.3m reducing the contribution to capital in 24/25 by £1.3m. Note the year end reserves balance of £30.6m compared to £33.9m in 23/24;

Capital

8)    Note the Council capital outturn position at £140.6m for 2024/25

9)    Approve the £13.7m capital slippage from 2024/25 to 2025/26 and removal of £0.4m uncommitted rollover from the Capital Plan (paragraph 3.2.33);

10) Note the revised capital plan for the period 2025/26 onwards after taking into account the re-phasing of schemes and additional grant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To receive the Q4 2024/25 Council Plan and Performance Update Report.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Mike Henry, Head of Data and Insight

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillor Taylor).

Cabinet considered the Quarter 4 update on the Council Plan and Performance for 2024/25, which outlined progress against the Council’s four strategic priorities and key performance indicators.

Cabinet was advised of a stabilising financial position, with the general fund overspend reduced to £5.6 million. The 2025/26 budget included £387 million in net revenue and a £1.4 billion capital programme, alongside £11 million in new savings. The report advised that service transformation continued across adult social care, children’s services, and housing, with notable developments including the launch of a new reablement model, improved SEND provision, and enhanced tenant engagement strategies.

Cabinet noted ongoing investment in regeneration, climate action, and public health, but was aware that challenges remained in areas including fly tipping, housing repairs, and Freedom of Information / Subject Access Request response times, which were being actively monitored.

RESOLVED – That the Q4 2024/25 Council Plan and Performance Update Report be noted.

To receive an update on the Corporate Risk Register for Quarter 4 2024-25.

Wards affect: all

Contact: Martin Dearnley, Head of Audit & Risk

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillor Taylor).

Cabinet received the Quarter 4 update on the Corporate Risk Register. It was noted that no new risks had been added or removed during the quarter. Three risks had seen a reduction in score (i) Budget Monitoring and Management (ii) Medium Term Financial Sustainability and (iii) Adults Safeguarding. Cabinet noted that these reductions reflected improvements in financial stability and safeguarding processes, including the clearance of referral backlogs and the implementation of a more integrated front-door approach in Adult Social Care.

Cabinet was advised that significant progress had been made in stabilising the Council’s financial position, supported by the establishment of a Strategic Budget Contingency Reserve and enhanced governance arrangements.

Cabinet noted that several high-rated risks remained static, including those related to talent management, cyber security, contract management, SEND provision, and housing safety. Controls and mitigation strategies were in place across all areas, with ongoing actions to strengthen governance, improve data quality, and enhance service resilience.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Risk Register for quarter 4 2024-25 be noted.

To receive an update against the LGA’s recommendations and action plan.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Stephen Bonnell, Head of Policy, Partnerships, and Corporate Planning

Cabinet received a progress update on the Council’s action plan developed in response to the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge conducted in November 2024. The action plan outlined improvement activities aligned with eight key recommendations from the LGA. The report presented an update on progress as of June 2025, noting that three actions had been fully completed, including improvements to transformation resourcing, member-officer protocol awareness, and decision-making report clarity. Of the remaining 39 actions, 38 were on track for delivery, with one action, related to the Assets Property Transformation Programme, experiencing minor delays due to external factors.

Cabinet noted the comprehensive progress made across all eight recommendation areas, including financial planning, transformation, regeneration, planning, economic development, governance, service performance, and strategic decision-making. Cabinet was advised that the Council remained confident in its delivery trajectory, with further actions expected to be completed ahead of the LGA’s scheduled progress review in September 2025. The full list of actions and delivery statuses was appended to the report.

RESOLVED – That progress against the LGA’s recommendations and agreed action plan be noted.

To consider the Kirklees Inclusive Economy Strategy.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Jonathan Nunn, Policy & Partnerships Lead

RESOLVED - That the Kirklees Inclusive Economy Strategy be submitted to the meeting of Council on 16 July 2025 with a recommendation to adopt.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillors Moore, Scott and Taylor).

Cabinet considered a report which sought endorsement of the Kirklees Inclusive Economy Strategy (KIES) ahead of its submission to Council on 16 July 2025. The strategy, framed as a partnership document, set out the Council’s ambition to develop a productive, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable local economy. It aligned with the UK Modern Industrial Strategy and the West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan and represented the final top-tier strategy alongside the Inclusive Communities Framework, Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and Environment Strategy.

Cabinet noted that the strategy would support delivery of the Council Plan 2025/26, particularly the priority on local economic growth. Subject to Council approval, the strategy would be launched alongside a communications campaign and dedicated webpage.

RESOLVED - That the Kirklees Inclusive Economy Strategy be submitted to the meeting of Council on 16 July 2025 with a recommendation to adopt.

To consider proposals in relation to the Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Development Plan Document.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Mathias Franklin, Head of Planning

RESOLVED –

1)    That following and subject to approval (2) at Council, approval be given to the establishment of a Joint Member Committee to oversee the drafting of the joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Part 1 Development Plan Document.

2)    That the proposal to produce a Joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Part 1 Development Plan Document be submitted to a meeting of Council with a recommendation to approve.

3)    That subject to (1) the proposal to delegate authority for initial early engagement and public consultation (Regulation 18) on the draft joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Development Plan Document and to prepare the submission draft and consultation for Regulation 19 to the Joint Member Committee be submitted to a meeting of Council with a recommendation to approve.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillor Scott).

Cabinet considered a report outlining proposals for the preparation of a Joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Development Plan Document (DPD), in collaboration with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the five other West Yorkshire local authorities. Cabinet noted the purpose of the SDF DPD was to provide a coordinated strategic planning framework to support the development of a regional mass transit system, aligning with local plans and enabling the submission of a Transport and Works Act Order by 2027.

Cabinet noted that whilst Kirklees was not directly affected by the initial mass transit routes, early involvement was essential to influence the regional planning framework and support long-term growth ambitions. The report advised that the work would be resourced through existing budgets and supported by WYCA appointed consultants.

RESOLVED –

1)    That following and subject to approval (2) at Council, approval be given to the establishment of a Joint Member Committee to oversee the drafting of the joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Part 1 Development Plan Document.

2)    That the proposal to produce a Joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Part 1 Development Plan Document be submitted to a meeting of Council with a recommendation to approve.

3)    That subject to (1) the proposal to delegate authority for initial early engagement and public consultation (Regulation 18) on the draft joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Development Plan Document and to prepare the submission draft and consultation for Regulation 19 to the Joint Member Committee be submitted to a meeting of Council with a recommendation to approve.

To consider the revised Local Development Scheme.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Jo Scrutton, Group Leader Policy and Strategy

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to the Local Development Scheme July 2025 as outlined at Appendix 1 of the considered report.

2)    That authority be delegated to Service Director, Skills and Regeneration to publish the approved Local Development Scheme on the council’s website.

3)    That authority be delegated to Service Director, Skills and Regeneration to send a copy of the adopted Local Development Scheme to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director, Skills and Regeneration to make any minor amendments and corrections to the Local Development Scheme.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval for the revised Local Development Scheme (LDS), which set out a three year timetable for the preparation of development plan documents, including the Kirklees Local Plan and policy guidance. The LDS was a statutory requirement and was essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in the plan making process. The revised LDS reflected updated national planning policy, legislative changes, and revised timelines for the Local Plan and the potential Joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework (SDF).

Cabinet noted that the revised LDS responded to delays in the previous timetable due to changes in national planning policy, including new guidance on Green Belt and Grey Belt land, and the absence of key national development management policies. The LDS included a revised Local Plan timetable and outlined preparatory work for a joint Mass Transit SDF in collaboration with West Yorkshire authorities.

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to the Local Development Scheme July 2025 as outlined at Appendix 1 of the considered report.

2)    That authority be delegated to Service Director, Skills and Regeneration to publish the approved Local Development Scheme on the council’s website.

3)    That authority be delegated to Service Director, Skills and Regeneration to send a copy of the adopted Local Development Scheme to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director, Skills and Regeneration to make any minor amendments and corrections to the Local Development Scheme.

To consider surplus property disposals and objection to the disposal of Public Open Space at Grasscroft, Almondbury.

Wards affected: Almondbury, Ashbrow, Batley East, Birstall & Birkenshaw, Crosland Moor & Netherton, Dewsbury East, Dewsbury South, Greenhead, Heckmondwike, Holme Valley South, Lindley, Mirfield, Newsome.

Contact: Alistair Kimpton, Strategic Manager – Logistics

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to the disposal of the land and property within the Supplementary Capital Receipts Schedule 2025/2026 to support the Council’s income targets.

2)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Regeneration, to negotiate and agree terms and complete the sales of any land and property identified within the Supplementary Capital Receipts Schedule 2025/2026.

3)    That, having considered and dismissed the objection to the disposal of public open space, approval be given to the disposal of the land at Grasscroft, Almondbury, shown edged red on the plan at Appendix B of the considered report.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place to negotiate and agree terms and complete the sale of the land at Grasscroft, Almondbury.

5)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director – Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into all agreements necessary to effect any of the disposals approved in (1) and (3).

6)    That the highway improvement lines as shown in the plan at Appendix C and as identified in paragraphs 2.20 - 2.22 of the considered report be revoked.

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval to bring forward a Supplementary Capital Receipts Schedule for 2025/26, identifying additional surplus property assets to support the Council’s capital receipts target of £6 million for the financial year. The report outlined the strategic importance of continuing to rationalise the Council’s estate to reduce long-term revenue commitments and support regeneration.

Cabinet noted the statutory requirement to consider an objection received in response to the proposed disposal of public open space at Grasscroft, Almondbury. The objection, which included a petition signed by 36 residents, raised concerns about potential future development, environmental impact, and the loss of greenbelt land. However, it was noted that the objection did not identify any current recreational use or amenity value of the land.

Cabinet also considered the revocation of highway improvement lines at Walkley Lane, Heckmondwike, which were no longer required. The removal of the lines would enable the land to be sold without restriction, thereby improving its marketability.

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to the disposal of the land and property within the Supplementary Capital Receipts Schedule 2025/2026 to support the Council’s income targets.

2)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Regeneration, to negotiate and agree terms and complete the sales of any land and property identified within the Supplementary Capital Receipts Schedule 2025/2026.

3)    That, having considered and dismissed the objection to the disposal of public open space, approval be given to the disposal of the land at Grasscroft, Almondbury, shown edged red on the plan at Appendix B of the considered report.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place to negotiate and agree terms and complete the sale of the land at Grasscroft, Almondbury.

5)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director – Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into all agreements necessary to effect any of the disposals approved in (1) and (3).

6)    That the highway improvement lines as shown in the plan at Appendix C and as identified in paragraphs 2.20 - 2.22 of the considered report be revoked.

To consider the programmes of work for 2025/26 – 2026/27.

Wards affected: all

Contact: David Martin, Head of Service - Property

RESOLVED –

1)    That the programmes of work for 2025/26 – 2026/27 as shown in Appendix be approved.

2)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director – Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to: -

(i)             add or delete projects from the programmes, provided that the total cost of the programmes remains within the approved capital allocations,

(ii)            transfer resources between the Corporate Landlord programmes without restrictions,

(iii)          slip, delete or reallocate budget between projects during the two financial years, provided that the total cost of the programmes remains within the approved capital allocations.

3)    To approve acceptance and addition to the Capital Plan of £76,006 (retrospective for £68,405 already applied in 2024/25) grant from Sport England and £100K capital from the Trustee of Clayton West to be vired into the Scissett Baths budget as agreed contributions.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillor Taylor).

Cabinet considered a report which outlined the proposed allocation of capital funding for the Corporate Landlord baseline programmes for the financial years 2025/26 and 2026/27. The report detailed investment plans across three key areas (i) Asset Investment, (ii) Compliance, and (iii) Welfare, with a combined allocation of over £20 million across the two years. The programme aimed to address urgent condition issues, health and safety requirements, and suitability improvements across the Council’s property portfolio.

Cabinet noted the importance of prioritising investment based on condition surveys, fire risk assessments, and service needs. Specific projects included essential works at Scissett Baths, improvements to the Walsh Building in Dewsbury, and the demolition of the former Birkdale High School site. Investment in heritage buildings such as Oakwell Hall and Tolson Museum was also noted as a key priority.

Cabinet acknowledged the need for flexibility in managing the programme, particularly in light of market volatility in the construction sector and would allow for adjustments to project scope and timing as necessary to ensure efficient delivery and value for money. Cabinet also noted the inclusion of external funding contributions, including grants from Sport England and the Trustees of Clayton West, to support specific schemes.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the programmes of work for 2025/26 – 2026/27 as shown in Appendix be approved.

2)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director – Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to: -

(i)             add or delete projects from the programmes, provided that the total cost of the programmes remains within the approved capital allocations,

(ii)            transfer resources between the Corporate Landlord programmes without restrictions,

(iii)          slip, delete or reallocate budget between projects during the two financial years, provided that the total cost of the programmes remains within the approved capital allocations.

3)    To approve acceptance and addition to the Capital Plan of £76,006 (retrospective for £68,405 already applied in 2024/25) grant from Sport England and £100K capital from the Trustee of Clayton West to be vired into the Scissett Baths budget as agreed contributions.

To receive an update on progress with the Housing Regulatory Notice.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Janet Sharpe,  Interim Service Director for Homes and Neighbourhoods

RESOLVED – That the update on progress relating to the Regulatory Notice issued by the Regulator of Social Housing be noted.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received a representation from Councillor Taylor).

Cabinet received a report providing an update on the Council’s progress in addressing the requirements set out in the Regulatory Notice issued by the Regulator of Social Housing in March 2024. The notice followed a self-referral by the Council, which identified significant failings in fire safety, damp and mould management, water hygiene, and data governance. Cabinet noted the comprehensive improvement programme implemented in response, including the establishment of a revised governance framework, the appointment of external partners, and recruitment to strengthen delivery capacity.

Cabinet was advised of substantial progress in fire safety, with over half of the required Fire Risk Assessments completed and thousands of remedial actions identified and being addressed. In relation to damp, mould, and condensation, the backlog of cases had been significantly reduced, and the Council was on track to reach a business as usual position by August 2025. Improvements in water hygiene compliance, the commencement of a new stock condition survey programme, and the implementation of upgraded IT systems were also noted as key developments supporting regulatory compliance and service improvement. Cabinet noted that the Council aimed to have the Regulatory Notice removed by the end of the calendar year.

RESOLVED – That the update on progress relating to the Regulatory Notice issued by the Regulator of Social Housing be noted.

To consider a variation to the Council’s Tenancy Agreement.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Lisa Ramsden, Head of Housing Management and Partnerships

RESOLVED -  That the variation to the Council’s Tenancy Agreement be approved, to take effect from Monday 18 August 2025.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to vary the terms of Kirklees Council’s Tenancy Agreement, which had not undergone a comprehensive review since 2016. The changes aimed to ensure the agreement reflected current policy, legislation, and service delivery standards, particularly following the reintegration of the former Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, into the Council in 2021. The review addressed key areas such as access for compliance checks, responsibilities for repairs, rent and service charges, anti-social behaviour, and tenancy fraud.

Cabinet was informed that a statutory consultation had been undertaken in accordance with Section 103 of the Housing Act 1985. Over 21,000 tenants were invited to comment on the proposed changes.  The 798 responses received gave general support for clearer responsibilities, improved enforcement, and enhanced safety provisions.

Cabinet noted that the proposed variations would strengthen the Council’s ability to manage its housing stock effectively and meet the expectations of the Regulator of Social Housing. The revised agreement would provide greater clarity on tenant and landlord responsibilities, support compliance with consumer standards, and enable more responsive service delivery.

RESOLVED - That the variation to the Council’s Tenancy Agreement be approved, to take effect from Monday 18 August 2025.

To consider the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025-50.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Guy Thompson, White Rose Forest Programme Director

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025-50.

The Cabinet received a report outlining the White Rose Forest (WRF) Strategic Plan 2025–2050. The Plan was presented as a long-term strategic framework for increasing tree cover, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting climate resilience across North and West Yorkshire. Cabinet noted that the Council, acting as the accountable body for the WRF partnership, had played a significant role in the development and coordination of the Plan, which aligned with national targets and the Government’s Trees for Climate programme.

Cabinet was advised that the Strategic Plan set out five key objectives, including (i) increasing tree canopy cover, (ii) restoring woodlands, (iii) engaging communities, (iv) promoting the benefits of trees, and (v) ensuring the sustainability of the WRF. The Plan was expected to underpin future funding bids and guide the development of a detailed five-year Action Plan (2025–2030). The report outlined that the WRF had already exceeded its woodland creation targets, with over 2,000 hectares planted and significant investment secured through DEFRA grants.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025-50.

To consider the Council’s Air Quality Management Areas.

Wards affected: Ashbrow, Liversedge & Gomersal, Dewsbury West, Birstall & Birkenshaw, Lindley, Heckmondwike, Crosland Moor & Netherton and Newsome.

Contact: Rebecca Muff, Environmental Health Group Leader

RESOLVED – That under the provisions of the Environment Act 1995: -

1)    the Air Quality Management Areas in (i) AQMA1 Copper Bridge and Bradley (ii) AQMA2 Scouthill and (iii) AQMA4 Birkenshaw, be revoked.

2)    the Air Quality Management Areas in (i) AQMA3 Ainley Top, (ii) AQMA7 Liversedge and (iii) AQMA10 Thornton Lodge, be amended.

3)    authority be delegated to the Head of Public Protection to carry out all necessary steps to execute the revocation or amendment of the Air Quality Management Areas.

4)    authority be delegated authority to the Service Director, Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into and execute any documents necessary to revoke or amend the Air Quality Management Areas.

Cabinet received a report detailing the progress made in improving air quality across the borough and the resulting proposal to revoke or amend six of the ten designated Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Kirklees.

Cabinet noted that a statutory review and consultation process had been undertaken in line with DEFRA guidance, which confirmed that revocation or amendment was appropriate in these cases. The proposed changes included the full revocation of AQMAs at Cooper Bridge and Bradley, Scouthill, and Birkenshaw, and amendments to AQMAs at Ainley Top, Liversedge, and Thornton Lodge. It was acknowledged that while some areas within the amended AQMAs continued to exceed air quality standards, others had shown consistent compliance, justifying a reduction in their geographical scope. The report also confirmed that air quality monitoring would continue borough-wide, and any future exceedances would be addressed accordingly.

Cabinet was informed that the revocation and amendment process would be completed by the end of August 2025.

RESOLVED – That under the provisions of the Environment Act 1995: -

1)    the Air Quality Management Areas in (i) AQMA1 Copper Bridge and Bradley (ii) AQMA2 Scouthill and (iii) AQMA4 Birkenshaw, be revoked.

2)    the Air Quality Management Areas in (i) AQMA3 Ainley Top, (ii) AQMA7 Liversedge and (iii) AQMA10 Thornton Lodge, be amended.

3)    authority be delegated to the Head of Public Protection to carry out all necessary steps to execute the revocation or amendment of the Air Quality Management Areas.

4)    authority be delegated authority to the Service Director, Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into and execute any documents necessary to revoke or amend the Air Quality Management Areas.