Budget crisis sees buildings closures, service changes and price increases proposed by Leeds City Council

Tess Egginton
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Budget crisis sees buildings closures, service changes and price increases proposed by Leeds City Council
Building closures and sales, new car parking charges, service and staffing reductions and price increases are among wide-ranging changes being proposed as Leeds City Council sets out its annual budget plans for next year. The council has published its initial budget proposals for 2024/25 which will be discussed by senior councillors at the executive board meeting at Civic Hall on Wednesday 13 December. The proposals identify ways to save a further £58.4million in the year ahead alongside £7.4m of already agreed savings to deliver the required balanced budget. The key elements proposed include:
  • Council tax to increase by 4.99 per cent (with two per cent of this dedicated to support adult social care funding)
  • To explore options to reduce opening hours at community hubs and libraries across the city
  • Knowle Manor Care Home in Morley to close due to the building not being adequate for future care provision, Dolphin Manor Care Home in Rothwell to be repurposed to become a recovery hub
  • Reviews of fees and charges for adult social care in Leeds
  • Review of council-managed children’s centres and Little Owls nurseries, based upon sufficiency need and financial viability
  • Review of fees and pricing for the hiring of community centres in Leeds
  • Charging proposed to be introduced at car parks at Barley Hill Road in Garforth, Netherfield Road in Guiseley, Fink Hill in Horsforth and Marsh Street in Rothwell. Consultation on introducing charges at two car parks in Wetherby is already underway
  • Car parking charging proposed to be introduced at Middleton Park, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam Park. Initial consultation has already been undertaken about introducing charges at Golden Acre Park and Otley Chevin Forest Park
  • Pudsey Civic Hall which operates at a loss to be closed and potentially made available for sale
  • Council to seek to end lease at Thwaite Watermill Museum (Thwaite Mills) through discussions with owners Canal & River Trust
  • Bulky waste removal charges to remain free for each household’s first collection and then be reintroduced for more than one collection in the same year
  • Council staffing levels to reduce by up to 750 full-time equivalent posts by the end of the 2024/25 financial year (the council currently has approximately 3,440 fewer staff than it did in 2010) with ongoing trade union consultation to avoid compulsory redundancies
As confirmed by the council in September all assets and services are being continuously assessed and reviewed to see how they can help mitigate the financial position. The council has also enacted a freeze on recruitment, as well as on non-essential spending except where necessary for health and safety or statutory reasons. The financial difficulty being experienced across local government reflects issues being felt nationally as a result of rising costs and demand for services, especially for looked after children, those with special care and education needs as well as for adult social care, together with an unfunded nationally-agreed pay increase for council staff. These are all factors that have been cited as contributing towards the recent announcements from councils that are issuing Section 114 notices, meaning they are unable to set a balanced budget as is required of all councils every year. The position in Leeds also reflects the impact of funding reductions, cost increases and demand pressures for council services since 2010. Between 2010 and the end of 2024/25, the council will have had to deliver savings totalling £795million in that period. The balance of how the council is funded has also significantly altered over that time. In 2013, the Revenue Support Grant from the government accounted for 35.6 per cent of the council’s annual budget, with 39.9 per cent coming from council tax and 24.4 per cent from business rates. For next year the Revenue Support Grant is expected to be just 5.5 per cent of the annual budget, with council tax funding 68 per cent and business rates 26.5 per cent, indicating a clear shift away from national government funding to locally delivered taxes underpinning the funding of local services people rely on. The latest Revenue Support Grant figure will be confirmed following the local government finance settlement expected shortly before Christmas. After previously calling the system of local government funding “broken,” the Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis is clear that council services will have to change with the aim of avoiding the financial difficulties being currently experienced by councils around the country. Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis said: “We know some of the proposals we have set out today will be unpopular as they will have a challenging impact on people’s lives. “As is increasingly being seen around the country, councils have only very difficult choices left to use to balance their budgets, meet the needs of residents and not risk being driven to the point of financial distress. Local government cannot continue in this way, it simply isn’t workable. “In the immediate short-term, we call on the government to use the upcoming finance settlement to provide the urgent help all councils clearly need, especially in the face of the rising costs and demand in children’s services to help support and protect our most vulnerable children and young people.” The difficulty of the financial position is further shown by an overspend of £35.3million for the current financial year, while there is also a projected expectation to save a further £60.6m in 2025/26 and £46.1m in 2026/27.

Work completes on Rotherham industrial unit

Tess Egginton
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Work completes on Rotherham industrial unit

Work is complete on a new industrial unit and modern office space that has been built next to the M18 in Rotherham.

The 72,685 sq ft unit, known as Focus 72, has been built by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, at Hellaby Industrial Estate, on behalf of Vinter Estates. The unit is now being marketed by joint commercial agents Savills and Heaney Micklethwaite.

The self-contained building offers 69,685 sq ft of warehouse space and 3,000 sq ft of office accommodation, with a substantial yard and parking area, within a fully fenced and secure 4.1 acre site. The unit also benefits from 12.5m eaves, seven loading dock levellers, two ground level drive in access doors and a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

Joe Booth, business development director, from Hobson & Porter, said: “We’re very pleased to complete work on Focus 72, working in collaboration with our dedicated local supply chain.

“It’s been well-publicised that there is a shortage of new and speculatively built mid-sized industrial units in the region, and this unit is built to an exceptional standard and will help to address the lack of supply in the market.

“Crucially, the project also reaffirms our reputation as a specialist in the construction of high-quality industrial sheds and distribution units up to 200,000 sq ft.”

Tom Asher, from Savills, added: “Focus 72 is a superb, high quality warehouse unit, manufacturing site or distribution centre.

“It also benefits from immediate access to the national motorway network and is located right next to junction 1 of the M18, as well as being just five miles from Rotherham town centre and approximately nine miles from Sheffield city centre.

“It will therefore suit a wide range of occupiers looking for a modern, landmark facility in a central South Yorkshire location and we’re already generating strong levels of interest in it.”

Other neighbouring occupiers at Hellaby Industrial Estate include Clipper, Stanley, Acorn Industrial Services and KP Snacks.

Improved vision revealed for Coney Street Riverside

Tess Egginton
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Improved vision revealed for Coney Street Riverside
Property specialist Helmsley Group has made changes to parts of its Coney Street Riverside masterplan in York including a significant increase in the amount of public realm, improved accessibility, and several enhanced building designs. The revised plans have been submitted following collaborative discussions with City of York Council and close consultation with key stakeholders across the city including important feedback from the public. Helmsley’s masterplan includes the creation of 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial and residential space, a riverside walkway and the establishment of significant green and accessible public realm, both on the waterfront itself and also through the creation of new access routes between Coney Street and the River Ouse. Key changes proposed by Helmsley include:
  • Redesigned public realm throughout the scheme, including significant increases in the amount of public space on the riverfront.
  • Increased active retail frontage across the scheme.
  • A reduction in some of the proposed buildings’ shapes and sizes, as well as moving some of the buildings further away from the river edge to improve the overall quality of the scheme.
  • Improved accessibility across the development.
The revised application follows an original planning application setting out Helmsley’s vision for Coney Street Riverside, with a decision yet to be reached by City of York Council. Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, said: “Having worked closely with key stakeholders in York over the past few months, we have been heartened by the positive response we have had to our plans for Coney Street Riverside. “These include the public benefits of bringing underutilised upper floors of retail units back into use, a long-held ambition in York, whilst also creating world class public realm fit for this prime location on York’s riverfront. “We have consulted extensively across the city with heritage bodies, Council planners, York residents, accessibility groups and beyond. We’d encourage everyone to look at our proposals, which are publicly available on the City of York Council planning portal and our own dedicated Coney Street Riverside website, to discover more about the positive transformation we are looking to provide on both the riverfront and Coney Street itself.” Max added: “As a long-established York business, we are committed to creating a truly mixed-use, vibrant development that not only sustainably redevelops historic Coney Street into the social heart of York, but creates a positive legacy through first class public spaces of international standing, and architecture which ensures that the history and heritage of the area is not just recognised, but honoured and protected. “We believe the improvements we have put forward positively build on our long-held ambition to reconnect Coney Street with its riverfront, improving connectivity and accessibility within central York alongside a welcoming, family friendly offer and much-needed accommodation to meet student demand within the city.” The project team for the scheme includes Helmsley Group, brown + company, O’Neill Associates, Corstorphine and Wright, Montagu Evans, Aspect4, Gillespies, Troup Bywaters & Anders, Billinghurst George & Partners, Jane Simpson Access, Knight Frank, DS Emotion and Aberfield Communications.

John Good Group backs Humber Wellbeing Hub with £5,000 donation

Stuart Pearcey
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John Good Group backs Humber Wellbeing Hub with £5,000 donation

The Grants for Good Fund set up by Hessle-based family firm the John Good Group has given £5,000 to the Humber Wellbeing Hub, an emotional wellbeing organisation set up at the Humber Bridge Country Park in response to an increase in tragedies at the Bridge.

The growing organisation attracted overwhelming support from John Good Group employees, many of whom work at Hesslewood Business Park, right next door to the Country Park.

The Humber Wellbeing Hub works closely with the Humber Bridge Board and local authorities to provide a much-needed community resource; A safe, welcoming environment, staffed with trained volunteers, offering wellbeing information, support and advice. Some who access the facility are referred to specialist support, whilst others just pop in for a cuppa and a chat, or to access the wide range of wellbeing activities on offer in the beautiful surroundings of the Country Park. With some sessions delivered by their own experts and volunteers, and others by external partners, they currently provide activities including menopause support groups, bereavement support groups and host Andy’s Man Club. Adam Walsh, John Good Group CEO, and Tim Good, John Good Group’s largest shareholder, along with Michelle Taft, Matthew Good Foundation Executive Director, visited the hub to get to know the team better and discover how they could continue to support them. Adam said: “During our visit to the Humber Wellbeing Hub, we discovered that not only are they directly saving lives through suicide prevention, but also using their platform to do amazing work helping all kinds of people with their emotional wellbeing. Jo and the hub’s volunteers are clearly extremely experienced, and I was impressed by the dedication of their team, who have recognised that emotional wellbeing is something that we all might need support with at some stage in our lives, and have positioned themselves to ensure people in many different situations can get the support they absolutely deserve. “We look forward to seeing them grow and be able to help more people. The Country Park is a perfectly situated and beautiful space for the work they do, and with the John Good Group head office based just next door, we look forward to being able to support our neighbors further in their mission.” Since the hub opened, its dedicated team of volunteers have been saving lives just by being available to talk, but they are not currently able to open every day. As part of their search for the funds, volunteers and partnerships necessary open daily, they applied for Grants for Good. Grants for Good is a charitable fund from the John Good Group that grants £60,000 annually to small community groups, charities or social enterprises that have a positive impact on people or planet. It is just one of the many CSR initiatives managed for the Group by the Matthew Good Foundation, whose mission is to amplify small charitable causes doing high-impact work that is often unseen and underfunded. Every quarter, the fund receives more than 400 applications to receive a share of £15,000, with just five making the shortlist. John Good Group employees then vote on the final five to decide which organisations get the biggest share, with the winner of the employee’s vote receiving £5,000.  

Hessle agency Eyeweb bikes 695 miles to raise £1,835 for HEY Children’s University

Tess Egginton
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Hessle agency Eyeweb bikes 695 miles to raise £1,835 for HEY Children’s University
Web design and digital marketing agency Eyeweb cycled 695 miles to raise money for HEY Children’s University. The team at Eyeweb not only completed Le Tour de Eyeweb, the distance from Hull to Paris, but cycled an extra 195 miles. Using two exercise bikes set up at their HQ in Hessle, between 27th November and 1st December, team Eyeweb raised a total of £1,835. The team at Eyeweb worked tirelessly to earn donations for a fantastic cause. Everyone cycled for two hours a day, and two team members even went so far as to bike in the snow to demonstrate their dedication. Eyeweb also had some help from their supporters, including Sarah Brodie from HEY Children’s University, who visited the office to add some miles to the total. Paul Scott, Managing Director at Eyeweb, said: “The whole team enjoyed taking part in the event and it seems to have been worthwhile with a nice total to send to Hull Children’s University at the end of it.” Eyeweb chose to partner with HEY Children’s University because of its total commitment to giving every child in Hull and East Yorkshire the opportunities they deserve, no matter what circumstances they were born into. HEY Children’s University takes underprivileged children on trips around the UK. These trips allow the children to discover their unique talents, inspire ambitious aspirations and spark new dreams for their futures. Sarah Brodie, partnership manager at HEY Children’s University, said: “The team at Eyeweb completed a virtual bike ride and cycled a whopping 695 miles to raise money. Their spirits were high in spite of staff illness, a broken pedal and cycling out in the snow! The team managed to raise £1,800, which is incredible. “The money will go towards experiences that help raise aspirations, build confidence and build the self-esteem of underprivileged children. We appreciate every mile cycled and every penny raised. It will make such a difference.” Eyeweb received a number of donations and the team is grateful to everyone who supported their efforts. Two businesses were particularly generous and sponsored Le Tour de Eyeweb. Leaf Consultancy and Dutch Imports were the official sponsors of the charity event, and each donated £250. There is still time to donate on JustGiving if you would like to show your support. Paul added: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated, our team for riding for all those hours and to our two sponsors, Dutch Imports and Leafe Consultancy, for helping us raise that total.”

Investment creates enterprise hub in former library exhibition space

Stuart Pearcey
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Investment creates enterprise hub in former library exhibition space
An enterprise hub to support businesses in Shipley has been set up in the former exhibition space in the town’s library. Created at a cost of £80,000 the hub will offer resources and advice to the area’s businesses and start-ups, and the space will also be used for events, meetings and co-working. It will also be part of the Leeds City Region’s Business and IP Centre’s local offering, which offers free advice to businesses based in West Yorkshire. Opening the new facility Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The Enterprise Hub will be an excellent resource for the local business community, particularly those starting-up or newly-established businesses. “The space has been fully refurbished with equipment for co-working, as well as access to specialist business databases. The results of the work here are excellent and an example of what can be achieved on the ground for local people when the Towns Fund money is used effectively. I’d like to thank all involved for their hard work and congratulate them on what has been achieved here.” Adam Clerkin, Chair of Shipley Towns Fund from where the money came, said: “There will be a dedicated business information advisor based here, who will be able to offer advice and guidance as well as training existing staff. “Shipley has a thriving business community and we’re keen to support it. We’d invite everyone to come down and see what the resource has to offer and how the hub can support the success of local businesses.” At the opening, teams from the Hub and the library were joined by members of the towns fund board and representatives of the Council, as well as the Leeds region Business & IP Centre.

CBI names new man to take over its Presidency

Stuart Pearcey
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CBI names new man to take over its Presidency
Rupert Soames is to be the next President of the CBI, and will be formally elected by members at next June’s AGM. Soames started his career at the General Electric Company and brings to the CBI nearly 40 years’ experience running global businesses in manufacturing, services, IT, and engineering. Having been one of the longest-serving public company CEOs in the UK – including 11 years at Aggreko and nine at Serco – he brings with him a wealth of boardroom experience from some of the biggest companies in the UK. Currently serving as Chair of FTSE medical technology manufacturer Smith & Nephew, and with over 20 years of board experience, Soames will also provide deep experience in corporate governance. He said: “I am pleased and honoured to have been nominated to be the next President of the CBI. After a decade of disruption and distraction due to Brexit, Covid, inflation and labour shortages, business and government need to work closely together to deliver a prosperous future where economic growth will lift living standards and sustainably fund the UK’s vital public services. “The CBI is needed more now than at almost any time in its history, and it will be a privilege to lead the organisation in the coming years.” Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Executive, said: “Rupert is a fantastic advocate for UK business, and I am delighted to enter the new year working alongside someone with his depth and breadth of experience to ensure the CBI delivers a strong voice for our members, trade associations and for the UK business community. “As we head into 2024, leadership from business is vital in delivering sustainable growth and a positive vision for the UK economy, and I look forward to delivering that together.”

Hudgell Solicitors to become employee owned

Tess Egginton
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Hudgell Solicitors to become employee owned
Hudgell Solicitors is to become employee owned following a decision by founder Neil Hudgell to transfer the majority of shares to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Mr Hudgell, who established the firm in Hull in 1997, says the move is being taken to “embrace the talent” within the business, to “give something back” and to protect its long-term future. Employees will collectively acquire the majority stake in the business as a group, held on trust, enabling them to become involved in the firm’s decision-making, strategy and direction moving forward, as well as benefitting from future profits. Mr Hudgell will remain active, but says the time is right to give staff a “direct voice in the management and ownership of the business and its future.” “Reaching the milestone of 25 years in business resonated with me more than I anticipated it might do, and having reached the age that I have, I turned my mind to the future,” he said. “There are many law businesses that have been around 50 and 100 years, so my mind now is to create a bit of a legacy. “The best way to do that, and protect the long-term future of the firm, is by embracing the talent we have in the business, elevating that and giving them more of a direct voice in the management and ownership of the business for the future. “This will also ensure we retain the culture and ethos of the business, and provide continuity for our team and our clients.” Mr Hudgell says he is not ready to step away from a business that he still has “plenty of energy and passion for.” “I don’t expect that people will notice too many immediate changes, certainly from my perspective I’m going nowhere, this is about transitioning over a measured, quite considerable period of time,” said Mr Hudgell. “I don’t see my role and involvement changing for five years or more, I still have the energy and passion for what I do, I still enjoy the work and I still enjoy the people, that’s not changed. This is all about the next 25 years and beyond. “My real driver is to encourage and reward the people in the business who have energy and ideas, and with the drive to become more prominent leaders within the business. I want to invest in the people that have helped us achieve what we have achieved so far. It’s time to give them something back. “One of the things I am most proud of is the number of people who have been here for the majority of the 25 year journey. There is also a good core of people who have been here 20, 15 and 10 years. “We have a very stable, loyal core workforce and I think it is appropriate that they are given an opportunity to be more central to the ownership, running and decision making at the business. “Moving forward we need the business to reflect the views of the people that are a bit younger and perhaps have a bit of a different dynamic workwise. It’s about harnessing those different mindsets and different ways of working and encouraging the people with the ideas and energy to help themselves.” Mr Hudgell will remain on the senior executive team alongside Chief Executive Rachel Di Clemente and the rest of the Executive Management Team. “The business will continue with the same name, same branding, same approach and same executive team. It is business as usual, but going forward people will have more opportunity to become involved in the journey we are now on. Even though it already feels that way, it will now be our people’s business, not just Neil’s, and that is very positive,” said Mrs Di Clemente. “I think our people will embrace the opportunity this provides. We are a cohesive team here at Hudgells and this almost formalises how we like to do things, ensuring our colleagues are able to help shape the future of the business and share in its success.”

ABP invests £4.2 in new crane for the Port of Hull

Stuart Pearcey
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ABP invests £4.2 in new crane for the Port of Hull
Associated British Ports has invested £4.2 million in a new Liebherr LHM 420 mobile harbour crane for the Port of Hull. The multi-purpose crane came from Liebherr’s factory at the Port of Sunderland and will be used by Thor Shipping and Transport for general cargo lifts within their stevedoring operation at the port. ABP is delivering an investment plan that is working to ensure high levels of safety, across its ports alongside improved efficiency and reduced emissions. The Liebherr LHM 420 has a range of features to ensure the comfort of the operator, with its hydrostatic drive enabling precise control of the crane. The new crane is also equipped with a revolutionary hybrid drive system. Energy from lowering a load, along with surplus power from the conversion drive, is diverted to an accumulator that enables a power boost when required, despite the primary power delivery remaining unchanged, helping to conserve fuel. Earlier this year ABP launched its sustainability strategy Ready for Tomorrow. Backed by an investment of £2 billion the strategy outlines how ABP will be decarbonising its own operations by 2040 at the latest and supporting major infrastructure projects to enable the wider UK energy transition. Simon Bird, ABP Humber Regional Director, said: “We are scrutinising every investment we make to ensure we are working towards our Ready for Tomorrow goal whilst meeting the needs of our port tenants and customers. The Humber Ports offer great connectivity to northern markets and a multi-skilled team of stevedores to deliver timely operations safely. As 2023 comes to a close we look to an even brighter New Year with the Humber playing its vital role in the country’s energy transition and enabling more sustainable trade to our island nation.”

New Government-funded programme to drive growth and innovation in West Yorkshire firms

Tess Egginton
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New Government-funded programme to drive growth and innovation in West Yorkshire firms
Leeds Beckett University is partnering in a new Government-funded support programme, to drive innovation and boost the productivity and resilience of West Yorkshire businesses. Funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, West Yorkshire Business Boost will have its physical base at The Knowledge Exchange business hub at Leeds Beckett University’s city centre Rose Bowl building. Leeds Beckett academics in The Leadership Centre and Leeds Business School will provide expertise around innovation, growth and leadership development. The programme is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the West Yorkshire region and aims to provide the knowledge, mentoring and expertise to support the sustainable growth of local businesses. It is designed and delivered by Exemplas with partners Leeds Beckett University, Chamber International, Medilink, and Sustainable X. Dr Julia Morgan, Head of The Leadership Centre at Leeds Beckett University, explained: “We are proud to be partners in the new Business Boost programme and to welcome a new cohort of businesses into our wider community of support. “Our work at The Leadership Centre is underpinned by our academic research and industry experience within Leeds Business School at Leeds Beckett University. “We have extensive experience of working successfully with our regional SMEs to embed the leadership capabilities necessary for their businesses to thrive, become resilient, and drive innovation in their industries.” The programme has three services: Export, Innovation and Leadership. Nick Palmer, West Yorkshire Business Boost Innovation and Leadership Programme Manager at Exemplas, said: “As we begin work in West Yorkshire, I’m incredibly optimistic about the impact our programme will have on the local business landscape. I’m looking forward to working closely with SMEs and offering them the support and advice they need to thrive.”
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