Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 9, 2025

Purpose:

Content: MOTION 2 - SAFE HOMES, SAFE STANDARDS AND A FAIRER                      HOUSING SYSTEM FOR BRADFORD   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.2 was moved by Councillor Saddiq and seconded by Councillor Elahi.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment B) was moved by Councillor Sunderland and seconded by Councillor Naylor.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an additional amendment (additional published papers Amendment C) was moved by Councillor Davies and seconded by Councillor Pollard.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 a further  amendment (additional published papers Amendment D) was moved by Councillor Ross-Shaw and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.   Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment D 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:   Council notes:   1.             That the latest Council figures show continuing high demand for housing, with over 18,105 households on the housing register, including around 1,716 in Band 1, and many families waiting years due to the chronic shortage of available homes.   2.             That the lack of suitable and affordable housing means more residents are becoming homeless, sofa-surfing or placed in temporary accommodation.   3.             That Bradford faces a significant shortage of high-quality, affordable homes, and increasing reliance on the Private Rented Sector (PRS), a sector that now represents almost 20% of all homes in the district, in line with the national average, which can only meet demand where properties are safe, compliant and fit for occupation.   4.             To support this, the government have announced that for the first time, the Decent Homes Standard will be applied to the Private Rented Sector, which will increase standards in millions of homes across the country. This is in addition to the ongoing work of our Housing Standards team, who successfully made over 1,600 interventions raising standards in the sector in 2024/25, an increase of over 100% in the last four years thanks to improved service delivery.   5.             Bradford Council has delivered over 400 homes through our Affordable Homes Programme, in addition to 1,000 homes planned through our City Village programme, which has already secured £43m in external funding, 200 through our New Bolton Woods joint venture, and secured funding to support the delivery of other housing developments such as High Point and Conditioning House in the city centre.   6.             Nationally, the government has announced a huge £39bn Social and Affordable Housing Programme, which aims to ensure 60% of houses delivered under the programme will be for Social Rent, which equates to around 180,000 homes.   7.             That reports from residents and community organisations, including a serious incident in BD5 where a resident fell through unsafe internal floors in a property allegedly rushed back into use, highlight cases of homes being let despite structural dangers or severe disrepair.   8.             That Awaab’s Law strengthens requirements on social landlords to identify and remedy damp, mould and other hazards within strict timeframes, and that damp, mould and cold homes contribute to respiratory illness, hospital admissions and health inequalities. Bradford Council ensures its own practices reflect the spirit and purpose of this law across all tenures and has worked closely with Incommunities in preparing for this for the approximately 400 Council-owned homes, managed by Incommunities.   9.             That best practice in the homelessness and public health sectors recommends that councils consider “feels like” temperatures, wind chill, prolonged rainfall and other risk factors when activating the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), rather than relying solely on a 0°C temperature threshold.   10.          Bradford Council outperforms the national average on Homelessness Prevention Duties, has invested in a best practice Homeless Outreach Partnership and pioneered a Housing First programme that has supported over 200 of the most vulnerable rough sleepers into secure accommodation with strong wraparound support. Our Housing First programme has seen wider benefits for users including reduced offending, improved physical and mental health benefits and a significant increase in tackling substance misuse.   11.          That the Renters’ Rights Act has become law, and although Awaab’s Law will be extended to the private rented sector under the Act, the full implementation including the Decent Homes Standard and EPC C requirements is not expected until Phase 3 from 2030 onwards. This Council believes that the government should accelerate this timeline and deliver the Act in full within the lifetime of this parliament.   This Council recognises:   1.    That no resident in Bradford should be living in an unsafe, overcrowded or substandard home, regardless of tenure.   2.    That empty homes should be brought back into use safely, with proper checks and accountability, not rushed refurbishments that risk serious injury. The number of long-term empty homes in the district has fallen by nearly a third since 2013 and the Council is proactive in the use of powers such as CPO to tackle the most difficult and blighted empty homes but there is more to do.   3.    That the Council must continually seek opportunities to strengthen its oversight, enforcement and support for private landlords, helping responsible landlords bring homes up to standard while protecting tenants from unsafe or unlawful housing.   4.    That improving homelessness prevention, housing fairness, safety standards and SWEP activation thresholds are core duties that require sustained focus and transparency.   5.    Reports on Housing Standards (including an update on the Renter’s Rights Act), HMOs and Empty Homes are already coming to the Regeneration & Environment Scrutiny Committee in January 2026.   6.    A Housing Transformation Programme paper is coming to Scrutiny next year, which will include information on the Housing Allocations process that will be reviewed as part of the programme to consider ways to further improve transparency and ease of use for residents.   7.    The Council already publishes a wide range of housing data, with a new dashboard in development to make key housing information publicly available in a single, accessible place.   8.    The skill and dedication of our Housing teams, including and not limited to Housing Options, Homelessness Teams and the Private Sector Housing teams, who provide vital frontline support under exceptionally challenging circumstances.   9.    The Council works closely with the government, Homes England and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and would welcome further dialogue on accelerating national reforms and future funding.   This Council resolves to:   1.    Request a review of SWEP activation criteria, with a report on options including: incorporation of “feels like” temperatures, consideration of wind chill, prolonged rainfall and adverse weather warnings, operational and resource implications of a more flexible or higher-threshold trigger.   2.    Request that the proposed Housing Dashboard looks to include information such as: number of inspections undertaken, enforcement notices issued, prosecutions and complaint outcomes and a member briefing is held.   3.    Request that the Leader, Portfolio Holder and Council officers continue to urge central government and partners to accelerate implementation of housing reform and funding needs outlined in this motion.   To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Adult Social Care, Health and Housing/Leader of Council and Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder (Resolution 3 above)   Under Council Standing Order 9.1.2 a vote was taken to re-order the business on the agenda to move Motion 12.6 (West Yorkshire Pension Fund – safeguarding our futures) to be the next motion to be considered.   Resolved-   That under Council Standing Order 9.1.2 to re-order the business on the agenda to move Motion 12.6 (West Yorkshire Pension Fund – safeguarding our futures) to be the next motion to be considered.     MOTION 12.6 - WEST YORKSHIRE PENSION FUND - SAFEGUARDING OUR FUTURES    As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.6 was moved by Councillor Watson and seconded by Councillor Wheatley.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment J) was moved by Councillor Thornton and seconded by Councillor Hinchcliffe.   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:   Bradford Council Notes:   ·       That the West Yorkshire Pension Fund’s investments are not controlled by Bradford district councillors. Councillors can urge but cannot instruct. ·       That WYPF, and the councillors on it, have a fiduciary duty to its pensioners and participating employers whose money it invests on their behalf.  This is not council money. ·       There are many different expert reports demonstrating different perspectives on the returns the pension fund can anticipate from its investments in the future.  ·       WYPF’s statement that it is well aware that early iterations of climate scenario analysis grossly simplified and potentially underestimated the potential impact of climate change and this and other limitations are clearly acknowledged in the WYPF Climate Report. ·       WYPF is committed to climate solutions as a core strand in its investment beliefs.   Bradford Council Resolves:   Ask WYPF to ensure that it is receiving and acting on the best advice in respect of climate risk and its investments. Urge WYPF to continue to uphold the highest standards in its stated commitment to being a responsible investor taking account of social, environmental and corporate governance considerations in the selection, non-selection, retention and realisation of investments for the benefit of its members. To recommend that the WYPF: Acknowledges, responds and acts on the concerns, both financial and ethical, of its stakeholders over its holdings in fossil fuel energy companies. Take positive steps to wind-down its holdings in fossil fuel energy assets in a manner and timescale that is consistent with: a. its primary obligation and not risking material financial detriment to the Fund. b. its commitment to achieving a net-zero portfolio as soon as possible. Implement its commitment to a net-zero portfolio, using its leverage as an investor, both individually and collectively, with the aim of achieving real economy emissions reductions.   To be actioned by:  Director of West Yorkshire Pension Fund   MOTION 3 - CONSULTATION ON AMENDMENT OF BRADFORD COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION SCHEME   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.3 was moved by Councillor Pollard and seconded by Councillor Felstead.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment E) was moved by Councillor Edwards and seconded by Councillor Neil Whitaker.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an additional amendment (additional published papers Amendment F) was moved by Councillor Hinchcliffe and seconded by Councillor Kamran Hussain.     Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment F 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:   Council Notes:   •                Poverty is of great cost to this country. It suffocates life chances,       restrains economic growth and contributes to the increased costs of   social care. There is therefore a moral and financial imperative to        tackle it. •                There is significant inequality in the country and our district. The   number of children in relative poverty is unacceptable and this council      is right to tackle it through a range of actions with our partners,          including by discounting council tax bills for those on the lowest     incomes. •                The Labour Government has inherited a series of crises in the economy and public services left by 14 years of Conservative and    Conservative-Lib Dem austerity and their failed economic policies     which left low growth, low incomes and high demand on public          services. •                That until 2013 Council Tax Reduction was entirely paid for by central           government and then cut by a Tory and Lib Dem coalition government,           relying on hard-pressed local council taxpayers to fund it themselves. •                Here in Bradford we celebrate the lifting of the two-child cap.    Something that Bradford East MP Imran Hussain successfully led the campaign on nationally and which will bring an estimated £35 million    into our local economy. •                This announcement was just one part of the Government’s Child           Poverty Action Strategy published on 5th December which had major          commitments to:   remove the two-child limit so that families can receive the child element of Universal Credit for all children regardless of family size  expand Free School Meals eligibility to all pupils in England with a parent receiving Universal Credit  provide funding to schools in England to deliver a free breakfast club for primary-aged children  increase the amount provided through the Healthy Start scheme to £9.30 per week for children under one, £4.65 per week for children aged 1 to 4, and £4.65 each week of pregnancy from 10 weeks increase the eligibility for the Warm House Discount in England and Wales by removing the high cost to heat threshold reform the Child Maintenance Service by removing Direct Pay   •                The council is delivering on a significant regeneration plan for the   district as part of our commitment to attract more good jobs for all       residents as the best route out of poverty in the longer term. •                We celebrate having the lowest NEET figures in Bradford, lower than          the national average, in over a decade due to work of this Council and   the support of the Mayor of West Yorkshire. •                Council Tax Reduction is one of the key ways that the council can ease     the economic burden on families with the lowest incomes. The          Conservative Group’s proposal to cut that support would make the   poorest families poorer and come at a greater cost in the long run to           Bradford residents. •                Bradford’s council tax charge is cheaper than the average for   metropolitan authorities. Bradford’s council tax charge is 24th out of 36      metropolitan councils, 7th out of 14 councils in Yorkshire & Humber and       3rd out of 5 in West Yorkshire. •                Bradford’s council tax collection rate is broadly in line with other      councils. The most recent figures show that the council collected 94%        of council tax due in year.    Council Resolves:   •                To use council tax wisely and well for the benefit of all residents - to           provide good universal services for everyone in the district regardless          of where they live •                To ensure support is there for those who need it most, remembering           that children did not choose the circumstances they were born into and   that any one of us can become ill, unemployed or fall on hard times at           any point in our lives. •                To reaffirm our Commitment to the Citizens Advice Bureau Council Tax           Collection protocol to make sure those residents who are struggling to      pay, are always supported, never punished. •                That enforcement is used as a last resort for those who won’t pay, and         not for people who can’t pay, who should be supported with welfare advice. •                Ask the Government to listen to Martin Lewis’s campaign to implement           changes to the administration of council tax which will make life easier and fairer for working people. •                To continue to deliver transformational regeneration across the district    bringing new jobs and opportunities. •                To task officers to move forward with progressing the proposal to    update the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, supporting needy     households as planned after the conclusion of the consultation agreed     by Full Council. •                To provide direct payments from the Household Support Fund for those         families most in need, these payments to be delivered before Christmas.   To be actioned by: Interim Strategic Director, Corporate Resources/Section 151 Officer/Strategic Director Place   MOTION 12.4 - STANDING TOGETHER WITH SEND FAMILIES   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.4 was moved by Councillor Naylor and seconded by Councillor Sunderland.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment G) was moved by Councillor Poulsen and seconded by Councillor Pollard.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an additional amendment (additional published papers Amendment H) was moved by Councillor Duffy and seconded by Councillor Fricker.     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:   Council rejects in the strongest terms the recent comments made by Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, that Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision is being “hijacked by parents who are abusing the system”; that some children are receiving SEND provision “who don’t need it”; and that parents are using home-to-school transport as “free taxi transport for their children”, describing the current situation as “a major crisis”.   Council further notes that these headline-seeking statements are not supported by evidence from recent National Audit Office reports on SEND and on home-to-school transport, which highlight rising demand, statutory duties on local authorities and significant financial pressures, rather than systemic abuse by parents.   Council recognises the upset, anger and distress that these comments have caused many families of children and young people with SEND. Council also recognises that parts of the SEND system do not always work well for all children and young people. The policies and practices of the public services that families are forced to navigate can, albeit unintentionally, stem from deep-rooted problems that turn the act of seeking help into an exhausting ordeal, leaving parents feeling blamed or broken.   Council is investing significantly to expand and improve provision locally. On 2nd December this Labour Executive approved plans to create an additional 450 SEND places across the district over the next 12 months and ensure sufficient places are available for all children with an ECHP.   On 4th November the Labour Executive decided to inject a further £3.028m of grant funding to complete the building works at Bingley Grammar School which will create 150 additional mainstream secondary school places and 24 specialist Resourced Provision places. On 2nd December the government announced a public engagement campaign as part of its commitment to put parents’ experiences at the heart of SEND reform.   This Council resolves:   That every child and young person has the right to the best possible start in life.   To support all those working across education, health and care to make this a reality. It affirms that children with SEND and their families must receive timely, transparent and joined-up support, including access to home-to-school transport where this is needed for them to attend an appropriate educational setting.   To reject attempts to stigmatise families of children and young people with SEND and stands in solidarity with them.   To promote and support the national public engagement campaign locally to ensure Bradford families’ voices are heard in helping to shape much-needed national reforms.   For the council and all partners and stakeholders to use the principles in our SEND One Plan and nine strategic aims to ensure that every child and young person in the Bradford district is appropriately recognised, valued and supported to reach their full potential.   To be actioned by:  Acting Strategic Director, Children’s Services     MOTION 12.5 - COMMUNITY ASSETS – ACCESS TO GRANT FUNDING   As set out in the published agenda Motion 12.5 was moved by Councillor Majkowski and seconded by Councillor Winnard.   In accordance with Council Standing Orders 18.4 and 18.8 an amendment (additional published papers Amendment I) was moved by Councillor Ross-Shaw and seconded by Councillor Kamran Hussain.   Following a number of speakers in accordance with Council Standing Order 18.12 Amendment I 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:    Council Notes:   •                The future of Queensbury Victoria Hall (QVH) has been uncertain for a         few years now.   •                After a period of negotiation, in November 2024, Bradford MDC         agreed to a two-year lease to allow for the Queensbury Community Programme (QCP) to continue operating Victoria Hall in    Queensbury while developing a business plan capable of securing the    long-term future of the building for the benefit of the residents of          Queensbury and surrounding areas.   •                At the time there was much optimism amongst the thousands of           residents and councillors who had called for the Hall to remain         open, as well as Bradford Council, regarding the prospect of   securing        grant funding to restore the beautiful building, a key part of        Queensbury’s heritage, to its former glory and sustaining it as a vital hub.   •                As and when a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) progresses, it is       likely that a lease of 25 to 39 years will be provided, as is the   norm, enabling QCP to secure grant funding.   •                For a CAT to be progressed, a robust business plan has to be   provided to provide assurance that any interested group has the         capacity and ability to properly maintain and operate a building.   •                When previously revising our approach to CATs, the Council         produced a comprehensive CAT toolkit document, based on      similar           successful work from other authorities and in liaison with        organisations like Locality. A handover checklist, process flowchart and        a 14-page CAT policy document are all available for interested groups          to read on the Council’s CAT webpage, along with contact details for      the Council’s CAT team and third party organisations who can assist        groups in preparing for a CAT, including Locality, CABAD and Power to     Change.   •                Bradford Council has successfully completed dozens of CATs,           including the historic and Grade 1 listed Ilkley Manor House and    South Square community and arts centre in Thornton, where the       process helped the organisation secure £1m in external funds.   •                Bradford Council is happy to liaise with any group interested in a         CAT and provide as much information about a building as possible. However, the Estates team alone are not always equipped with the skills and experience to support community  groups to develop their own structures and processes as well as business plans to enable them to take on a CAT. Their role is to assess the CAT application and associated business plan specifically as part of a CAT board with representatives of other council departments.   •                A wider supporting role for some groups is required that brings in        the      skills and experience of Council services like Neighbourhoods, as well        as potential outside support from the VCS. With this in mind, the       Portfolio Holder requested officers review the CAT policy and    processes.   Council resolves:   •                To progress the review of the Council’s CAT policy and           processes, taking a draft report to the Corporate Overview Scrutiny   Committee in due course and consulting CAT groups past and present,      looking at elements such as qualifying criteria,    improving      communication, business plan development and support, toolkits, organisational development support, fundraising advice and post-CAT           support.   •                To work collaboratively with community groups and charities        throughout the process.   •                Continue supporting QCP in their stewardship of Victoria Hall and        ensure they receive sufficient wraparound support to develop     their business case for a future CAT.   To be actioned by:  Interim Strategic Director, Corporate Resources/Section 151 Officer   12.7    CELEBRATING PRIDE IN OUR PLACE   Resolved –   That under Council Standing Order 9.1.6 Motion 12.7 Celebrating Pride in our Place be withdrawn from the agenda.   12.8    TAKING ACTION ON OUR SUSTAINABLE FOOD STRATEGY   Resolved –   That under Council Standing Order 9.1.6 Motion 12.8 taking action on our sustainable food strategy be withdrawn from the agenda.