Agenda and minutes

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Cope.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2013.

On the motion of Councillor Crooks, seconded by Councillor Witherford, it was

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2013 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To receive verbally from Members any disclosures which they are required to make in accordance with the Council’s code of conduct or in pursuance of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.  This is in addition to the need for such disclosure to be also given when the relevant matter is reached on the agenda.

No interests were declared at this stage.

To hear any questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Executive received an update on the current Local Council Tax Support Scheme and gave consideration to the future of the Scheme. Members welcomed the recommendation of providing 88% support for 2014-15. It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RECOMMENDED to Council – the reduction of the maximum level of Council Tax Support from 91.5% to 88% be approved.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

The current position regarding Hinckley Squash Club was reported to members. The report was welcomed, particularly to secure public use of the new facility, and it was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Bill and

RESOLVED – financial assistance of up to £49,000 in grant funding to help facilitate the delivery of a four court new squash facility in Hinckley be approved subject to a management agreement regarding public use.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

Consideration was given to the draft capital programme for the years 2013/14 to 2016/17. On the motion of Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Bill, it was

RESOLVED – the proposed capital programme for the years 2013/14 to 2016/17 be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council for approval.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

Members were provided with an update on the Leicester and Leicestershire City Deal of which, it was noted, the key focus was creating jobs through growth and initiative and supporting businesses. It was reported that Ministers were keen to move quickly with regard to the City Deals. On the motion of Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Bray, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)         the submission of the final negotiation document for the City Deal to central government be endorsed;

(ii)        the establishment of the Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Growth Board to oversee the delivery of the City Deal, EU Strategy and Growth Deal be agreed;

(iii)       the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council be granted delegated authority to agree any amendments to the City Deal submission.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

The Executive was updated on the proposed Coventry & Warwickshire City Deal including proposals for local authority funding contributions. It was reported that the key focus for the project was stimulating growth in advanced manufacturing engineering – the need for which was demonstrated by the projected number of engineering vacancies in Coventry and Warwickshire over the next two years and the number of new but still vacant jobs in the Enterprise Zone. It was noted that an announcement regarding this City Deal was expected in December, with a start date of January. On the motion of Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Bray, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)         the content of the City Deal as outlined in the report be noted;

(ii)        the cost sharing proposals consisting of an estimated financial contribution in the range of £15,000 to £30,600 per annum to provide funding for the flagship Clearing House proposal be approved.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

A report informing members of current income and capacity forecast for car parking in Hinckley was received. It was reported that the capacity in town centre developments would be analysed and current usage of car parks would be monitored. Members were informed that there had been a good take-up rate of staff parking permits and income from the County Council for staff permits had increased.

It was stated that options for staff parking after closure of the Brunel Road car park were being investigated and the potential was looking positive on both a temporary and permanent basis. It was hoped that the impending review by the County Council of Traffic Regulation Orders around the area of the Sketchley Brook development would improve the situation for residents.

On the motion of Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Bray, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)         the income and capacity forecasts for pay and display car parks be noted;

(ii)        a supplementary income for car park permits of £30,600 for 2013-14 be approved;

(iii)       the continuing discussions regarding staff parking provision be noted;

(iv)       the long stay parking permits for HBBC staff based at the Hub be approved for continuation until the closure of the Brunel Road long stay car park.

Report of the Chief Executive.

The Executive was advised of recent action taken and the current situation regarding Mallory Park. Members expressed disappointment at the liquidation of the business but were hopeful that progress would now be made. It was moved by Councillor Gould, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RESOLVED –

(i)         actions taken be noted;

(ii)        delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Executive member for Environment, Health and Climate Change to determine the operating principles which might form part of any Noise Abatement Notice, should there be a new operator at the track.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

A report was presented to members which proposed re-adoption of the provisions of Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 within the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth. On the motion of Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Gould, it was

RESOLVED – Council be RECOMMENDED to readopt the provisions of Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 in relation to the whole of the Borough.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

The undertaking of a full tenancy and property audit was proposed, the results of which would be used to update tenant information, assist in tenancy management, assess the internal condition of properties and undertaken a rent review. On the motion of Councillor Mullaney, seconded by Councillor Bill, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)         the undertaking of a tenancy and property audit be approved;

(ii)        a supplementary budget request of up to £50,000 be approved, to be financed from HRA balances.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Executive received a report in accordance with financial procedure rules which proposed creation of a budget for a manned security service for Hinckley Hub reception area and meeting rooms with the costs being shared by all partners within the building. On the motion of Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Bray, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)         a supplementary expenditure budget of £25,000 be approved;

(ii)        a supplementary income budget of £16,666 for contributions of other partners be approved.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

A report was received which proposed creation of a budget to purchase furniture for the Jobcentre Plus area on the ground floor of the hub, It was reported that the Jobcentre Plus would reimburse the costs in full. On the motion of Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Bray, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)         the capital budget of £48,000 for furniture be approved;

(ii)        the contribution of £48,000 from Jobcentre Plus for the purchase of furniture be approved.