Content

11.1     CHILDREN’S WELLBEING AND SCHOOLS
BILL
 
As set out in the published agenda Motion 11.1
was moved by Councillor Sunderland and seconded by Councillor
Stubbs.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  an amendment
(additional published papers Amendment A) was moved by
Councillor Poulsen and seconded  by Councillor Pollard.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  a second
amendment (additional published papers Amendment B) was moved
by Councillor Duffy and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.
 
Following a number
of speakers in accordance with Council
Standing Order 18.12 Amendment B as set out below was then put to
the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion,
was then voted on and was carried.  
 
Resolved –
 
That with the
addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be
amended to read as follows:
 
This
Council notes and welcomes:
 

·        
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
2024-25 introduced on 17 December 2024. It is bill 151 of the
2024-25 parliamentary session. The bill was listed for second
reading on 8 January 2025.
 

·        
Council further welcomes the intention of the bill
to improve the safeguarding of children (such as in care
institutions and schools), to raise educational standards and to
strengthen the power and accountability of councils around Social
Care, Safeguarding, Admissions and School Improvement.
 

·        
Council wishes to ensure that the opportunities
contained in the Bill to improve the safeguarding of children and
young people and to raise the education standards of all our
children and young people are implemented in a timely and
collaborative manner ensuring that Bradford’s children and
young people are placed at the heart of every change we will need
to make.
 

·        
Council officers have already been planning around
delivering statutory responsibilities as outlined in the bill but
await confirmation of the amended guidance which will provide
details of the standards and requirements that the council and
partners will need to deliver. There is also a need to ensure that
new duties are funded appropriately.
 

·        
Much of the bill builds on work already being done
by teams across Children’s services – for example, the
Virtual School works very closely with the Trust and other agencies
to support Children known to Social Care and Care leavers; the
Attendance and Safeguarding team already works extensively around
elective home education; the Admissions and Sufficiency teams do
extensive work with schools across the district on place planning
and ensuring the right kinds of educational places for children
with SEND; and the council is an active partner in the
district’s school improvement networks.
 

·        
The opportunity of the bill to build on our work in
these vital areas.
 

·        
Council notes that children’s and family
services across the country have been badly affected by the
Conservative government austerity cuts since 2010. Research
commissioned by a coalition of charities including the NSPCC,
Barnardo’s and Action for Children in 2022 found that early
intervention support by councils was cut from £3.8bn to
£1.9bn over 10 years and councils serving the poorest areas
were hit hardest.
 

·        
Council welcomes other measures in the bill designed
to support children and families, including the least well-off,
such as the planned rollout of breakfast clubs and tighter
restrictions on expensive branded school uniforms.
 
This
Council therefore:
 

·        
Asks the
Strategic Director of Children’s Services, in conjunction
with the Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, to identify
the opportunities and challenges in the bill so that Bradford is
ready to implement the changes effectively when it is enacted in
law in its final form. In doing so to hear the views of children
and young people, partner organisations and the national
Children’s Commissioner on the issues.

·        
Asks the
Strategic Director of Children’s Services to present a report
to Children’s Overview & Scrutiny outlining the
opportunities and challenges of the bill and Bradford’s
readiness to implement it when it is enacted in law in its final
form.

·        
That the
Director of Children’s Services works in partnership with the
Trust to implement the plans for multi-agency teams to support
families from early help to child protection.

·        
That the
Strategic Director of Children’s Services asks the Trust to
continue to minimise the need for unregulated placements through
the development and implementation of our sufficiency
strategy.

·        
We endorse a
child friendly version of the bill if a version is provided and
will work with children in care and our wider youth engagement
forums to seek their views and work with them on
implementation.
To be
actioned by:  Strategic Director
Children’s Services/Children and Families Portfolio
Holder
 
 
11.2    ACCOUNTABILITY IN
PLANNING 
 
As set out in the published agenda Motion 11.2
was moved by Councillor Neil Whitaker and seconded by Councillor
Edwards.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  an amendment
(additional published papers Amendment C) was moved by
Councillor Ross-Shaw and seconded  by Councillor Shafiq.
 
 
Following a number
of speakers in accordance with Council
Standing Order 18.12 Amendment C as set out below was then put to
the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion,
was then voted on and was carried.  
 
Resolved –
 
That with the
addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be
amended to read as follows:
 
This Council
notes:
 
•       
The Council is the Local Planning Authority for the District of
Bradford and values the professionalism of the Council’s
Planning Officers and Councillors who sit on our Planning
Committees.
•       
A transparent and accountable planning process for a local area
generates confidence in that process.

The importance of community and
democratic input into the local planning process and the
responsibility of developers to engage communities
effectively.
Growing concern nationally over the
contribution of the planning system in hindering economic and
housing growth, with costs of development for major infrastructure
projects in the UK often significantly higher than in Europe and
beyond and successive governments failing to meet much-needed house
building targets.

 
This Council
believes that:
 
•       
Bradford residents deserve a planning service that provides the
best service possible for our district.
•       
The planning process must be as transparent as possible to ensure
Bradford residents have full confidence in officers and
councillors.
•       
Since 2010, significant cuts to local government funding have meant
that many councils have had to reduce the numbers of staff working
in the planning service. Years of public sector pay restraint has
also made it more difficult to recruit planners to the public
sector, making it harder to fill existing roles.
•       
There is a significant shortage of housing across the district,
including affordable and social housing.
 
This Council
resolves to:
 
•       
Implement a range of measures to strengthen accessibility,
accountability and quality in the planning process, as already
agreed by the Planning Chairs & Deputies group:
o  
Webcast Regulatory & Appeals Committee meetings and review the
potential to webcast Area Planning Panels if merged
o  
Introduce a mandatory Evolve course on planning for all members to
undertake, as all councillors can play a role in the planning
process whether or not they sit on a
committee.
o  
Introduce enhanced training for planning committee members to
reflect their greater involvement and responsibility in the
planning process.
•       
Request the Assistant Director for Planning, Transportation &
Highways write to members outlining the protocols on planning
meetings and in determining additional information, and the reasons
public comments were removed from the Planning Portal following the
robust legal advice received and in line with other authorities
like Manchester City Council, Nottingham, Bristol and Leeds.
•       
Request the Assistant Director for Planning, Transportation &
Highways respond to Planning Reform Working Paper and any
subsequent consultation that comes out of it, taking on board
feedback from the Planning Chairs & Deputies group and the
cross-party Local Plan group, with ultimate sign-off by the
Portfolio Holder. All responses should take
into account the balance between local democratic
accountability and the need for an effective and efficient planning
system that facilitates high quality development.
 
To be actioned
by:  Strategic Director Place/Interim Director of Legal and
Governance/Interim Director Human Resources
 
11.3   
REAFFIRMING BRADFORD’S COMMITMENT AS A CITY OF

       
   SANCTUARY AND ENSURING APPROPRIATE SUPPORT
          
FOR REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS
 
As set out in the published agenda Motion 11.3
was moved by Councillor Saddiq and seconded by Councillor
Uddin.
 
Following a number
of speakers Motion 11.3 below was put
to the vote, was then voted on and was
carried.  
 
Resolved –
 
This Council notes
that:
 
1.  
Bradford is proud to be a City of Sanctuary,
welcoming refugees and asylum seekers with compassion and
dignity.
 
2.  
Many refugees and asylum seekers, particularly
children and young people, arrive in Bradford after fleeing
conflict zones such as (but not limited to) Israeli Occupied
Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine have experienced
profound trauma, including exposure to mass violence, executions,
displacement, and loss etc.
 
3.  
Equitable access to essential services such as
healthcare, mental health support, education, housing, and other
services are crucial for the integration and well-being of those
seeking sanctuary.
 
4.  
Barriers to accessing these services
disproportionately impact vulnerable individuals, undermining their
ability to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to our
community.
 
This Council
believes that:
 
1.  
Every person residing in the Bradford district,
regardless of their immigration status, should have access to
high-quality healthcare and mental health support, particularly in
recognition of the unique needs of those who have endured severe
trauma.
 
2.  
Special consideration must be given to children and
young people, who require immediate and tailored interventions to
prevent further long term psychological and social harm. Ensuring
they receive the support required to heal, thrive, and access
opportunities for education and personal development.
 
3.  
Ensuring equitable access to essential services
aligns with Bradford’s values as a City of Sanctuary and our
commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of all
residents.
 
4.  
This Council remains steadfast in its dedication to
ensuring that Bradford continues to be a place of safety,
compassion, and opportunity for all who seek sanctuary.
 
This Council
resolves to:
 
1.  
Reaffirm Bradford’s status as a City of
Sanctuary and renew its commitment to supporting refugees and
asylum seekers within the district.
 
2.  
Continue to foster a non-partisan and inclusive
approach in all discussions and actions related to the welfare of
refugees and asylum seekers with all stakeholders.
 
3.  
Work in partnership with all relevant local health
services, education providers, charities, and community groups to
ensure:
a. Refugees and asylum seekers have equitable access to GPs, mental
health support, and other essential healthcare services.
b. Targeted mental health support is made available, particularly
for children and young people who have experienced trauma and
violence.
c. Language and cultural barriers to accessing services are
addressed, including the provision of interpreters where
necessary.
 
4.  
Encourage more schools and youth organisations to
provide trauma-informed care and additional educational support to
refugee children and young people.
 
5.  
Encourage local communities to join efforts in
promoting a welcoming and supportive environment for
all.
 
6.  
Advocate for sufficient funding and resources from
central government to meet the needs of Bradford’s refugee
and asylum-seeking community effectively.
 
7.  
Increase public awareness and foster a welcoming
environment for refugees and asylum seekers by celebrating their
contributions to the community through events and
initiatives.
 
8.  
The Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of
State for the Home Department and the Secretary of State for Health
and Social Care to:
 
·       Highlight the urgent
need for funding to enhance local services supporting refugees and
asylum seekers.
 
·       Advocate for a more
humane asylum process that ensures timely decisions and respects
the dignity and rights of individuals seeking safety in the UK.
 
To be actioned by:
Chief Executive/All Strategic Directors
 
 
11.4   
TACKLING EXCESSIVE A&E WAITING TIMES AT BRADFORD

           ROYAL INFIRMARY
 
 
As set out in the published agenda Motion 11.4
was moved by Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed and seconded by Councillor
Saleem.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  an amendment
(additional published papers Amendment D) was moved by
Councillor Coates and seconded  by Councillor Pollard.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  a second
amendment (additional published papers Amendment E) was moved
by Councillor Ferriby and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.
 
Following a number
of speakers in accordance with Council
Standing Order 18.12 Amendment E as set out below was then put to
the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion,
was then voted on and was carried.  
 
Resolved –
 
That with the
addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be
amended to read as follows:
 
This
Council Notes:
 

·        
The new
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said that the NHS is broken and
going through the biggest crisis in its history.

·        
14 years of
Conservative and coalition governments have left the NHS in crisis,
including rising patient demand, staff shortages and resource
constraints, all of which contribute to delays in urgent care at
every hospital in the country. Our two local hospital trusts are no
exception as they work for patients in this challenging national
context.

·        
Extended
A&E waiting times can negatively impact patient outcomes, cause
undue distress to patients and their families and place additional
pressure on NHS staff.

·        
Despite
these national challenges, hospitals and Trusts are accountable for
delivering good quality services to their patients and they
are able to take their own measures to
improve their services.

·        
The Bradford
Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) embarked on an
improvement journey over recent years ‘Delivering Operational
Excellence’ which has included several specific measures to
improve A&E performance at the BRI. Council welcomes that this
has resulted in the BTHFT rising to among the best performing
Trusts in the country on Urgent & Emergency Care. The most
recent data shows its ranking for the week to 8 January 2025 is the
9th best out of 127 Trusts reporting
nationally.

·        
The Health
and Social Care Act 2012 also places responsibility on local
authorities to promote health and wellbeing, including through
Health and Wellbeing Boards.

·        
Promoting
good health is a shared endeavour for all partner agencies in the
district including the council, VCS and health partners. The
council plays a key role in early help and prevention, through
social care and Public Health and more widely through the whole
range of council services. Council services ultimately ease
pressure on the NHS.

·        
We therefore
welcome the new government’s recent additional investment in
councils in contrast to the 14 years of Conservative and coalition
austerity cuts.
 
This
Council believes:
 

·        
Residents of
Bradford district deserve prompt and effective emergency healthcare
services.

·        
Long waiting
times for A&E treatment are unacceptable and must be urgently
addressed by hospitals, supported by collaborative efforts between
NHS Trusts, local authorities and national government.

·        
Addressing
staff shortages, improving patient pathways and investing in
community care among other measures can alleviate pressure on
A&E services.

·        
Transparency
in healthcare performance and clear communication with the public
is vital in restoring confidence in the local health
system.
 
This
Council resolves to:
 

·        
Give the
BTHFT Trust chief executive the opportunity to present to the
Health and Wellbeing Board the Trust’s performance and
improvement measures on acute and emergency care.

·        
Ask the
Health and Wellbeing Board to look at the district’s
intermediate care offer and the use of the Better Care Fund to
identify any potential opportunities for further improvements in
easing pressures on acute and emergency care.

·        
Request
BTHFT Trust report to the Health and Social Care Overview &
Scrutiny Committee providing an update on A&E performance at
the BRI and the wider factors at play which are driving the
increased pressures seen over recent years.

·        
Continue to
work in partnership with NHS services, Integrated Care Boards and
community health providers to explore immediate and long-term
solutions to reduce unnecessary A&E visits by enhancing access
to GP, urgent care out-of-hours and other services.

·        
Call on the
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to allocate
additional resources and funding to the health system as a whole, including the NHS and councils
for social care and public health, which alleviate pressures at our
local hospitals and across the health system.

·        
Request the
council’s communications team continues to support the public
awareness campaign run by the NHS and continues to broadcast our
own messages about how to stay well and where to seek appropriate
medical help.

·        
Ask the
Health and Care Partnership Board to bring a report to the Health
and Wellbeing Board to update on performance in these
services.
To be
actioned by:  Chief Executive/Strategic
Director Adult, Social Care and Health
 
11.5   
UPHOLDING EVERY CHILD'S RIGHT TO A QUALITY
          
EDUCATION
 
 
As set out in the published agenda Motion 11.5
was moved by Councillor Ward and seconded by Councillor Ishtiaq
Ahmed.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  an amendment
(additional published papers Amendment F) was moved by
Councillor Ward and seconded by Councillor Islam.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  a second
amendment (additional published papers Amendment G) was moved
by Councillor Duffy and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.
 
Following a number
of speakers in accordance with Council
Standing Order 18.12 Amendment G as set
out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the
substantive motion, was then voted on and was
carried.  
 
Resolved –
 
That with the
addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be
amended to read as follows:
 
This
Council believes:
 

·        
Every child
has the right to a good education.

·        
Giving a
child the best start in life through their early years is key to
giving them the best life chances. The council and our partners
focus considerable resource into early years.

·        
The Council
does considerable work to ensure that all children have access to a
quality education, including those with special educational needs
and disabilities (SEND).

·        
The Council
does considerable work to support and challenge schools and
academies to deliver school improvement and improve
attainment.

·        
This council
welcomes the change introduced by the new Labour government towards
a more inclusive education system and its ambition to introduce a
more engaging and exciting curriculum to deliver the highest
quality learning experience in schools.

·        
Lessons and
activities such as sport and music, art and cultural experiences
play a very important role in engaging children in their learning
and supporting their academic success.

·        
In the
national context of a children’s mental health crisis and
challenges around school attendance particularly since the
pandemic, the council is doing considerable work with partners
including through the Bradford Attendance Alliance to support
children and schools to achieve good attendance in line with the
needs of the individual child. Work to date demonstrates that there
has been a narrowing of the gap on absence between Bradford and
national rates but we know there is
still much more work for us to do.

·        
The
council’s specialist teacher and inclusion teams work closely
with schools on an individual basis to attempt to find alternative
solutions to permanent exclusions. Our Virtual School team is
highly effective in specifically ensuring that any child known to
Social Care is supported to avoid permanent exclusion. The council
is part of a Complex and Vulnerable multi-agency group which works
with schools and other partners to avoid, where possible, permanent
exclusion for SEND/vulnerable pupils.

·        
School Place
planning is done annually to ensure that there are adequate places
for all children from Early Years through to secondary school. For
children with SEND, over 1,200 additional specialist places have
been established since 2019.
 
 
This
Council Resolves to:
 
Affirm the right of every child
to a good education.
Continue to build on the
extensive work done by council teams and partners to ensure access
to a good quality education for all children across the Bradford
district, by committing to actions such as:
 

·        
Support
children, families and schools to improve school
attendance

·        
Build on the
work underway seeking to avoid permanent school
exclusions

·        
Continue to
extend the resourced provision for SEND pupils within mainstream
schools

·        
Supporting
schools to ensure that provision includes providing education for
children with a wide range of needs through mainstream school
special educational needs and also more
flexible and bespoke arrangements in line with the child’s
needs

·        
Work with
health partners to improve neurodiversity services for children and
young people and address any related barriers to accessing a good
quality education

·        
The
district’s health partnership working to address the
children’s mental health crisis as expressed previously by
full council

·        
The council,
childcare and education providers working in partnership to develop
good speech and language skills in the early years as a foundation
for future learning

·        
The council
and health partners supporting children and families on school
readiness and early help services

·        
Creating
inclusive educational offerings, including continuing to roll out
the Living Well Schools programme, making it easier for schools to
remove health-related barriers to education and working directly
with senior leaders to implement a whole school approach to health
and wellbeing. This work includes ensuring that through
opportunities such as poverty proofing in the school day we are
aiming to mitigate the impact of social deprivation on the outcomes
of children

·        
As part of
our child friendly Bradford district programme we are actively engaged with ensuring that
all children across the district understand their rights of the
child.
 
To be actioned
by:  Strategic Director Children’s Services/ Strategic
Director Adult, Social Care and Health
 
 
At this point of the meeting, under Council
Standing Order 9.1.2 a vote was taken to re-order the business on
the agenda to move Motion 11.7 (Supporting the call for a National
Public Inquiry into Historic Child Sexual Exploitation) to be
considered before Motion 11.6 (Education, Education and
Employment).
 
Resolved-
 
That under Council
Standing Order 9.1.2 the business on the agendabe reordered to move
Motion 11.7 (Supporting the call for a National Public Inquiry into
Historic Child Sexual Exploitation) to be considered before Motion
11.6 (Education, Education and Employment).
 
11.7   
SUPPORTING THE CALL
FOR A NATIONAL PUBLIC
           
INQUIRY INTO HISTORIC CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
 
As set out in the published agenda Motion 11.7
was moved by Councillor Poulsen and seconded by Councillor
Sullivan.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  an amendment
(additional published papers Amendment I) was moved by
Councillor Edwards and seconded by Councillor Ros Brown.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  a second
amendment (additional published papers Amendment J) was moved
by Councillor Hinchcliffe and seconded by Councillor Duffy.
 
Following a number
of speakers in accordance with Council
Standing Order 18.12 Amendment J as set out below was then put to
the vote, was carried and became the substantive motion,
was then voted on and was carried.  
 
Resolved –
 
That with the
addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be
amended to read as follows:
 
This
Council notes:
 

·        
Child Sexual
Exploitation (CSE) is an abhorrent crime attacking the most
vulnerable in our communities and has been condemned in this
Council Chamber before in the strongest terms.  We will continue to do so.
 

·        
The official
definition of CSE in the DfE Practice Guide is as
follows:
“CSE is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs when an
individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to
coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age
of 18 into sexual activity a) for something the victim needs or
wants and/or b) the financial advantage or increased status of the
perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually
exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. CSE does
not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.”
 

·        
Bradford
district including Keighley have had a number
of CSE cases over many years. New victims and survivors are
always invited to come forward regardless of when the crime
happened.  Operation Dalesway is still active today to support current
prosecutions as well as investigate any new ones.
 

·        
In May 2002,
14 mothers and one father attended a meeting at Ann Cryer
MP’s office. She promised the mothers that she would do all
she could to help them. Without seeking publicity or fanfare for
herself Ann Cryer was successful in bringing about two significant
changes to the law under the then Labour Government. Grooming
became a recognised criminal offence and, hearsay (where a girl
makes an admission to a third party) was allowed to be considered
evidence.   We are proud that a
Bradford District Labour MP was at the forefront of combatting this
evil crime.
 

·        
A report
titled: Child Sexual Exploitation Thematic Review, commissioned in
2019 by the Bradford Safeguarding Children Board, subsequently
replaced by the Bradford Partnership, was published in July
2021.  It looked at 5 cases in particular. It found failings in how these
children were supported and often blamed for putting themselves at
risk.  This report covered cases from a
20-year period from 2001. The content made terrible reading
demonstrating clearly that children were let down by agencies like
social services, health services and the Police, at the very time
when they should have protected them. 
An apology was given to all those who were let down on the
publication of that report.
 

·        
There have
been many valuable reports, reviews and investigations into Child
Sexual Exploitation in Bradford over several years which have
informed learning, namely:
 
·        
Two Serious
Case Reviews – Jack in 2016 and Autumn in 2017
·        
Independent
thematic review into Child Sexual Exploitation in Bradford in
2021
·        
In
collaboration with the Independent Scrutineer, the Council's
Overview and Scrutiny Committee, led by the Conservative
opposition, formed a working group to work alongside the
Partnership and ensure delivery of the recommendations.
·        
CSE and
wider exploitation has been regularly reported to both Executive
and subject to Scrutiny through Children’s
Scrutiny.  It has also reported to all
Area Committees with ward-based information about CSE.  In total since 2013, 70 reports on CSE have been
taken to public committees. At these committees all partners have
attended to answer questions. This includes social care, the
police, health and the VCS.
·        
As part of
Operation Dalesway, running since 2013,
47 defendants have been brought to justice and received prison
sentences totalling 535 years.
·        
Bradford
referred itself to the Professor Alexis Jay National Independent
Public Inquiry on Child Sexual Exploitation (IICSA) and provided
evidence.  As part of this, all
Bradford’s data was shared from West Yorkshire Police with
the inquiry
·        
A call out
was made to victims in Bradford district to come to confidential
sessions, advertised widely, these were held as part of the IICSA
process to encourage victims and survivors to share their
experiences to the Truth Project.
·        
The National
Public Inquiry took 7 years, heard 7000 personal testimonies, and
considered 2 million pages of evidence. It cost £186.6
million.  Bradford is featured 47 times
in the National Inquiry.  Grooming is
mentioned 740 times and Grooming gangs are mentioned 78
times.
 
·        
The last
Government published the National Inquiry in 2022 and shamefully
didn’t implement even one of the 20 recommendations in the
subsequent years, much to the frustration of Prof Alexis Jay who
said in recent weeks: “Victims "clearly want action" and do
not need a new national inquiry into grooming
gangs”
 
·        
We also
acknowledge the brave local victims and survivors of CSE who have
come forward now several times to provide evidence about their
horrendous experiences so that firm action will be taken to prevent
abuse to other children.
 
Council resolves to:
 

·        
Condemn all
forms of Child Sexual Abuse as abhorrent and completely
unacceptable

·        
Ensure that
the safeguarding of victims and survivors is central to everything
that we do.

·        
Adopt a
trauma informed approach to safeguarding

·        
Thank the
new Home Secretary for putting actions in place as per the
recommendations of the 2022 IICSA National Public
Inquiry.

·        
Submit all
the Bradford district Child Sexual Exploitation reviews and
investigations to the Government’s national Casey Review just
launched. Providing whatever insight and information the Home
Secretary would like to see about Bradford district.

·        
Make sure
with this submission that the Home Secretary knows that we will
accommodate a visit from her at any time to Bradford to speak to
the different agencies who safeguard children now and to meet with
those who investigate historic crimes.

·        
Work with
Mayor Brabin and the West Yorkshire Policing Deputy Mayor Alison
Lowe on implementing the West Yorkshire Strategy to protect women
and girls.

·        
Continue to
work with and support all victims and survivors of CSE across the
District, including providing therapeutic support for victims of
historic crimes who are now adults. 

·        
Support the
Multi-Agency Exploitation (CE) Hub based in the Bradford Children
and Families Trust which is a collaborative initiative that
involves all key partners, including health and education,
co-located with the police’s Child Vulnerable Exploitation
Team. This hub delivers a coordinated response to exploitation
through practitioner consultations, ongoing reviews of risk
assessments, and direct support to children and
families.

·        
Continue
doing training particularly in schools so that children are better
protected. 
·        
Support the
Police in their activity to disrupt abusers before they can get to
children. For example, tackling gaming centres where they are
suspected of being used for exploitation or gang-related
activity.

·        
Commit
individually as councillors to doing our training on this issue so
that we remain aware of the dangers to our children from all forms
of CSE.

·        
Commit as
councillors that we will always support the Police in pursuing
perpetrators, no matter when the crime was committed or by
whom.

·        
Condemn
politicians who seek to politicise this debate to further their own
appeal to the electorate.  This does a
disservice to the victims and distorts and misrepresents their
voices.
·        
Develop a Risk Outside the Home pathway and expand
the hub to support children who have vulnerabilities that could
lead to exploitation.
·        
Be vigilant and aware of rising forms of Child
Sexual Abuse to prevent children in the here and now becoming
victims and survivors of the future, noting that most cases last
year were family based abuse, online
grooming and child on child abuse.
 
To be actioned
by:  All Strategic Directors, Strategic
Director, Children’s Services/All Councillors
 
 
Motion
11.6  EDUCATION, EDUCATION AND
EMPLOYMENT
 
As set out in the published agenda Motion 11.6
was moved by Councillor Felstead and seconded by Councillor
Pollard.
 
In accordance with Council Standing Orders
18.4  and 18.8  an amendment
(additional published papers Amendment H) was moved by
Councillor Imran Khan and seconded by Councillor Duffy.
 
 
Following a number
of speakers in accordance with Council
Standing Order 18.12 Amendment H as set
out below was then put to the vote, was carried and became the
substantive motion, was then voted on and was
carried.  
 
Resolved –
 
That with the
addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be
amended to read as follows:
 
This Council notes:
 

·        
There are
long-standing challenges in terms of the performance of the
District’s economy, opportunities
available to our residents and the impact that this has on
education and skills attainment.

·        
Whilst attainment does
not match national performance considerable progress is being made
in many areas and there are areas of strength in schools, colleges
and the University that are potentially a real asset for local
employers’ future workforce, although inequality of outcomes
persist within the District.

·        
New school and post-16
improvement partnerships have been initiated in the last year and
have identified key focus areas for the partnership. Particular progress is being made in primary and
post-16 outcomes in particular are demonstrating success, clear
strategies are being put in place for secondary, however there are
challenges around support and accountability in this phase with
almost all of the secondary schools being Academies.

·        
The proportion of
primary students achieving the expected standard in reading,
writing and maths increased by 1pp in
2023 and the District improved its
percentile ranking from 76 to 71. Whilst the percentage reaching
the higher standard declined marginally (0.2pp) national
performance also fell by a similar percentage.

·        
Bradford’s
performance now exceeds the national average for phonics at the end
of Key Stage 1.

·        
Secondary – the
district average for Attainment 8 remains low. English and
Maths also remain low in terms of
attainment of Grade 4 and 5 but provisional data for 2024 does
indicate some improvement for both these indicators.

·        
Robust support and
challenge arrangements are in place for Local Authority schools
experiencing challenges as part of an offer to all schools that
also includes improvement, good practice, governor training, and
inspection preparation.

·        
We have made
considerable progress in post-16 participation and outcomes
- our NEET and Not Known rate fell to a
record low of 4.4% in 2024. This was 1 percentage point (pp) better
than national and a 2.4pp improvement on the previous year, moving
Bradford up into the 3rd quintile nationally. Our
average A Level grade has now matched national state school
performance for the past two years and Applied General (such as
BTECs) has a higher average grade than national.

·        
Whilst the
number of young people who attain a Level 3 (A Level or equivalent)
by age 19 remains below average, the proportion of those who
complete a Level 3 progressing into Higher Education is again
better than national.

·        
Through our
Careers and Technical Education partnership and SkillsHouse partnership the Council has had
considerable success in developing curriculum, pathways and
opportunities for residents of all ages to develop skills that will
enable them to be competitive in the workplace and to support local
employers to grow and hire locally.

·        
In 2023/24
through the SkillsHouse partnership we
worked with 14,941 adults of which 12,463 were in learning, 4,012
accessed career Information, Advice and Guidance and 3,684 moved
into a positive destination. Over 35,000 encounters were also
delivered for young people through the SkillsHouse CTE partnership (an increase of 30%
from 2022/23), this included 3,853 work experience placements, as
well as outreach, careers education encounters, and information,
advice and guidance

·        
There is
considerable demand for ESOL provision
and this is an acknowledged barrier to the labour market. Across
Bradford District last year there were over 4,000 starts o ESOL
provision making it is the largest type of provision funded through
the devolved Adult Education Budget.

·        
As part of
the SkillsHouse approach the English
Language Advice Hub has successfully set up the Bradford District
ESOL & Community Learning Consortium which is working towards
an ESOL Strategy for Bradford District and a Community Learning
Development Plan. The Hub has set up SPoCs (single point of contact) in each of the
constituency area and offer an impartial and independent advice to
residents for whom English isn’t the first
language.

·        
This Council
values apprenticeships and the significant benefits they bring for
young people, as well as people of all ages, and for employers
seeking to invest in a skilled workforce for the future.
 
The
Council resolves to:
 

·        
Continue to
collaborate with Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire Mayor, WYCA and the
other West Yorkshire Local Authorities across the strategic skills
governance structures within the district to develop a model and
implementation plan for the recent WY Skills System Review to
realise the ambition of a “Region of
Learning”.

·        
Work with
the West Yorkshire Mayor to co-produce a plan, including a timeline
to address inequalities in educational attainment in our
district.

·        
Continue to
lobby for increased education and skills funding levels to reduce
inequalities of outcomes within the District and gaps to national performance, and to
ensure demand is met for areas of high demand that are fundamental
to individual success and high performing workplaces, such as ESOL,
literacy, numeracy and digital skills. 

·        
Wherever
possible alleviate/mitigate barriers to participation in education
and training provision for ESOL, such as caring responsibilities
that disproportionately affect women and the distance to travel to
an ESOL educational establishment.

·        
Work with
partners to effectively communicate the impact and success of our
education and skills collaborations to support inward investment
from private and public sources.

·        
Finalise and
implement a refreshed approach to delivering social value through
our Bradford Council spend and ensuring this contributes to skills
development and economic participation. This will include providing
opportunities for our district’s young people with employment
and training, including work placements, site visits and
Apprenticeships.

·        
Work with
partners to maximise the opportunities created through the Get
Britain Working White Paper and other devolved funding to support
those furthest from the labour market, NEET young people, and
residents with low or no qualifications to access high quality
training and transition into good work.
 
To be actioned
by:  Chief Executive/Strategic Director Children’s
Services/ Strategic Director Corporate Resources 
 
 
The time reached 10pm and a bell was rung in
accordance with Council Standing Order 20.1. 
 
In accordance with Council Standing Order 20.2
Motion 11.8 (Celebrating UK City of Culture 2025 and creating a
positive legacy for our Place) and Item 12 (Salary Package for the
Investment Manager – Property and Direct Private Markets
within the West Yorkshire Pension Fund) were deemed formally moved
and seconded and voted on without debate.
 
11.8    CELEBRATING UK CITY OF CULTURE 2025
AND
          
CREATING A POSITIVE LEGACY FOR OUR PLACE
 
Motion 11.8 was put to the vote and was
carried.
 
Resolved –
 
Bradford is ready to celebrate our year as UK
City of Culture 2025, creating unforgettable memories and
experiences for our residents but also building momentum and using
it as a platform to drive growth across the district.
 
As the only major designation in a year with
no World Cup, Euros, Olympics, Commonwealth Games or similar level
of event there will be significant national focus on Bradford
throughout 2025 and we stand ready to maximise the benefits of this
for everyone throughout the district.
 
Council notes:
 
·  
Bradford2025 is creating opportunities for residents
of every ward, with exciting events happening across the district
– capital and project grants, community activities, education
opportunities available to all schools and education settings, and
opportunities to volunteer and be a part of our year as the
National City of Culture.
 
·  
The spectacular opening event Rise in City Park on
10 and 11 January featuring Dynamo and created by award-winning
director Kirsty Housley.
 
·  
The successful launch of the UK City of Culture
programme at St George’s Hall broadcast live across the UK on
The One Show showing a wide range of national and international
quality events across the district, from our moorlands to our towns
and city, which are already experiencing huge demand. From the city centre open-air
spectacular Rise, to the Railway Children returning
to the tracks of the iconic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, to
Queensbury’s legendary Black Dyke Band performing with
Richard Hawley at St George’s Hall – and many, many
more incredible events – it promises to be a year to
remember. 
 
·  
The new national Brit School investment, due to open
in the academic year 26/27.
 
·  
The announcement of £2m for a major Heritage
Action Zone with Historic England, focusing on the ‘Old
Town’ area of the city centre to work with building owners on
restoring some of our key heritage buildings and deliver a cultural
programme as part of UK City of Culture and a legacy beyond
that.
 
·  
The Government’s additional investment of
£5 million for the City of Culture Trust which was announced
over the Christmas period.
 
·  
The recent announcement that the district has
secured a £1m Arts Council funding award to support an
ambitious cultural programme for people of all ages and backgrounds
called ‘The Bradford Way’ to develop skills and grow
creative small businesses as part of delivering a lasting legacy from
UK City of Culture 2025.
 
·  
The award from the Cultural Capital Fund of grants
to 21 organisations in our district to deliver projects that will
increase the cultural infrastructure and enable more people, both
residents and visitors, to access and participate in cultural
activities during 2025 and beyond.
 
·  
The opening of the Peace Museum in Salts Mill and
the refurbishment of Kala Sangam as the Bradford Arts Centre in
addition to the major investment in the National Science &
Media Museum, on top of the £2m district-wide capital
investment programme through City of Culture, is seeing our
cultural institutions invested in and getting ready for
2025.
 
·  
Bradford2025 is supporting strong and growing
investor confidence in Bradford as part of a range of measures to
build economic growth across the district, as seen in:
 
 
o     The
opening of PwC’s office in One City Park, providing capacity
for them to grow their Bradford workforce from 200 to 500 jobs.
 
o      The
reopening of key streets in the city centre as our Transforming
Cities work nears completion. The Transforming Cities project will
deliver on its aims to create new public spaces, enabling more
people to travel by foot, bike and public transport, improve air
quality, increase tree coverage and greenery in the centre and
encourage new employers and leisure facilities into the city
centre.
 
o     The
progress of our Shipley and Keighley Towns Fund programmes,
including the completion of the Kirkgate Centre as a Sustainable
Community Hub in the heart of Shipley, and the delivery of
Provident Park in Keighley, creating jobs and a new Manufacturing,
Engineering and Future Technologies Hub for Keighley College.
 
o     The
successful re-election of Business Improvement Districts in 2024 in
Keighley and Ilkley, providing business leadership and investment
in our towns alongside Bradford BID in the city centre.
 
o     The
securing of £30m for City Village through the English Cities
fund and Homes England, which will help spearhead the next
generation of regeneration projects as part of the first phase of
this major investment for the city centre.
 
o     The
delivery of a new platform at Forster Square Station, platform
extensions at Shipley and the re-opening of the Bradford-Ilkley
rail line, all improving our connectivity across the district and
beyond.
 
Bradford has faced a number of challenges but we are
confident that we are ready for the opportunities being UK City of
Culture brings. Our regeneration programme will drive jobs and
opportunities for people for years to come and help create a
powerful legacy of lasting change for the district. It is vitally
important we maximise these advantages for residents, businesses
and cultural organisations as part of our longer-term culture and
regeneration strategies.
 
Council therefore
resolves to:
 
·  
Create a
lasting legacy to being UK City of Culture from
capital investment, increased positive profile nationally and
delivering significant cultural impact across the
district.
 
·  
Use being UK City of Culture to help residents feel
proud of where they come from and connected with their communities
and district, celebrating existing cultural and diverse assets as
well as new programming.
 
·  
Work collaboratively with partners and the UK City
of Culture team to make sure that people from across the country
and the world have a positive experience of Bradford district next
year.
 
·  
Position Bradford as a place of opportunity for
investors throughout this year, to attract inward investment
delivering jobs and growth.
 
·  
Give our business community a national shop window
to attract further investors and customers and to ask our Invest in
Bradford team to work with them to maximise this.
 
·  
Work with the new government to show that Bradford
district is a place that is ready and able to be the next big
economic growth opportunity for the nation.
 
To
be actioned by:  Chief Executive/All
Strategic Directors