Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2013.

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

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2013 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To be advised of any additional items of business which the Chairman decides by reason of special circumstances shall be taken as matters of urgency at this meeting.

It was noted that the Chairman had accepted a late report which was deemed urgent due to a decision having to be made prior to the date of the next Executive meeting. The report had been circulated to members and the Chairman of the Scrutiny Commission had been informed in accordance with Executive Arrangements.

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.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Executive considered the proposed schedule of fees and charges. On the motion of Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Gould, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)         the Fees & Charges book for 2014/15 be approved;

(ii)        those fees and charges set externally by partners, but subject to Executive endorsement, be noted.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Executive gave consideration to the proposed rent levels for 2014/15. Concern was expressed that some residents had been affected by reduction in Council Tax support and reduced benefits and this should be balanced against improvements required in housing stock. Members gave consideration to a briefing note, circulated in advance of the meeting, which provided further background information on this balance, alongside information on increases proposed from other Districts in Leicestershire which managed their own housing stock. Based on this, the Executive felt that the increase proposed did not provide the appropriate balance, although it was a lower increase than the majority of other authorities in Leicestershire. On the motion of Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Mullaney, it was

RESOLVED – the rent increase of 3.99% for 2014/15 be approved.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

Members were informed of the timescales for the NNDR1 Baseline 2014/15. On the motion of Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Bill, it was

RESOLVED –

(i)         the requirements and timescales for approval of the NNDR1 form be noted;

(ii)        delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) to approve the NNDR baseline be granted.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

The Executive welcomed the proposed implementation of an Armed Forces Covenant in Hinckley & Bosworth in order to encourage support for the armed forces, recognise and remember the sacrifices faced, assist them to integrate into the community and to encourage community engagement. It was noted that not only did members of the armed forces take part in active duty, but they also assisted in aid efforts both in the UK and overseas.

Members requested that the information be updated regularly and members be kept informed. In response it was stated that the Covenant was a commitment into the future and also that it would be publicised and a dedicated web page would be set up.

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

RESOLVED –

(i)         Councillor David Cope be confirmed as lead member for the Armed Forces, supported by the Cultural Services Manager;

(ii)        the measures outlined in the Covenant be approved and the Covenant be signed and implemented.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

The Executive was informed of Leicestershire County Council’s consultation on its ‘Minerals & Waste Local Plan Issues Document’ and potential impacts on Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. During discussion, the following points were raised:

• The need to challenge the site selection process;
• Concern that transfer sites on the A5 had been turned down due to conflicting with policy, as the County Council suggested they should be in or close to main urban areas;
• Concern regarding the residue from waste sites and impact on residents.

It was agreed that the concerns would be included in the council’s response to the consultation. On the motion of Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Bill, it was

RESOLVED – the proposed response to Leicestershire County Council be endorsed and the abovementioned comments be included.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

Consideration was given to the Bosworth Battlefield: The Way Forward Conservation Management Plan prepared on behalf of Leicestershire County Council and English Heritage. Members acknowledged that the story of Richard III was now known all over the world, yet concern was expressed that none of it related back to Bosworth.

RESOLVED –

(i)         the study be approved for use as part of the evidence base for the Local Plan;

(ii)        support be given for participation in a community-led local partnership with key stakeholders on matters such as rights of way, access and conservation issues relating to the Battlefield and wider area.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

Members were informed of progress in relation to the Anti Poverty Strategy and action plan. Concern was expressed that the number of households in poverty was not decreasing and that this action plan should assist the council and its partners in being proactive in order to support the community. On the motion of Councillor Witherford, seconded by Councillor Gould, it was

RESOLVED – the proposed revised approach be supported.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

The Executive was updated on progress in establishing a locality based Voluntary & Community Sector hub, forum and commissioning board. It was reported that more work was being undertaken to bring support networks together. The importance of continuing support in the future and also of supporting the community houses was emphasised. It was moved by Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Witherford and

RESOLVED –

(i)         the progress be endorsed and recommendations for continued development of the VCS locality arrangements be supported;

(ii)        it be RECOMMENDED that a further review of levels of development funds required to support the ongoing development of the VCS arrangements be undertaken.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

Members were advised of the Climate Local commitments following the Executive’s decision to become a signatory. On the motion of Councillor Gould, seconded by Councillor Bill, it was

RESOLVED – the Climate Local Commitments Action Plan 2014-17 be approved.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

This item has been accepted as urgent due to the need to make a decision which cannot wait until the next scheduled meeting of the Executive.

The Executive was updated on the implementation of the Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal and was also informed of the Joint Economic Strategy. On the motion of Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Bill, it was

RESOLVED – Council be RECOMMENDED to

(i)         endorse the Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal;

(ii)        approve the cost sharing proposal as recommended by the Chief Financial Officers of the City Deal local authority partners;

(iii)       agree to fund the Council’s share of the estimated year 1 costs of City Deal of £16,290 to be funded from the designated ‘City Deals Reserve’;

(iv)       support the approach of applying to European Union and Single Local Growth Fund to support the on-going costs for City Deal, taking into account any match funding requirements.