Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th March.

It was moved by Councillor Hall, seconded by Councillor Morrell and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2016 be confirmed and signed by the Leader.

To seek Executive’s approval to formally undertake procurement exercise in relation to the operation of Hinckley Markets.

The Executive received a report which sought approval for commencing a procurement process in relation to the operation of Hinckley markets. The importance of exploring all options for improving the market and of involving traders in the process was reiterated, in addition to public consultation. It was confirmed that a final decision on whether to outsource the market would only be taken once bids had been considered against other options. It was moved by Councillor Ladkin, seconded by Councillor Wright and

RESOLVED – the commencement of the procurement process be approved.

To advise on the introduction of The Unauthorised Deposit of Waste (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2016 which came into force on 9th May 2016. These regulations introduce new powers for local authorities to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for small scale fly tipping, providing an alternative to prosecution.

Consideration was given to a report which advised on the introduction of new regulations which brought in new powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for small scale fly tipping. During discussion, the following points were made:

·         There would be written criteria for operatives which defined small and large scale fly tipping which would be included in the Clean Neighbourhood policy

·         For repeat or commercial fly tipping, prosecution would be automatic and there would be no option of a Fixed Penalty Notice

·         There were currently ‘hotspots’ where fly tipping was common, and these areas were monitored closely.

Whilst in support of the introduction of the regulations, members felt that the penalty should be set at the maximum amount allowed under the regulations of £400 (instead of the £200 recommended in the report), with a reduced charge of £125 (as per the recommendation) for early payment within ten days. An amendment to this end was moved by Councillor Nickerson and seconded by Councillor Wright and it was subsequently

RESOLVED –

(i)            Small scale fly tips be dealt with by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice;

(ii)           The Fixed Penalty Notice be set at £400.00 or if paid early within ten days the fine be reduced to £125.00;

(iii)          Authority be delegated to the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Chief Officer (Environmental Health) to set the criteria for small scale fly tipping as an amendment to the Clean Neighbourhood Policy pending review by the Executive later in 2016;

(iv)         Authority be delegated to the Chief Officer (Environmental Health) to authorise suitable officers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for fly tipping.

To provide background on tenant regulation and to seek endorsement from the Executive for review projects to be conducted by the Tenant Evaluation Team during 2016/17.

Members were provided with background on tenant regulation and advised of review projects to be conducted by the Tenant Evaluation Team during 2016/17. It was reported that Finance & Performance Scrutiny had requested to see outcomes of the reviews once completed, which had been supported. It was moved by Councillor Boothby, seconded by Councillor Hall and

RESOLVED – the proposed areas for review by the Tenant Evaluation Team be approved.

To inform the Executive of the development of new council housing at Martinshaw Lane, Groby and to request a local lettings policy be introduced for allocation of these properties.

The Executive gave consideration to the local lettings policy for new council housing at Martinshaw Lane, Groby. Members felt that these properties would be in high demand and sought clarification in regard to the application of the policy. It was noted that the ‘local connection’ to Groby would override the banding of an applicant to ensure that local people would take precedence in allocation of these properties. It was moved by Councillor Boothby, seconded by Councillor Morrell and

RESOLVED – the local lettings policy for the bungalows at Martinshaw Lane, Groby, be approved and that applicants with a connection to Groby be given priority for 100% of new build properties and 50% of re-let properties for an initial period of one year.

Report requesting supplementary budget to support prosecution.

The Executive gave consideration to a request for a supplementary budget of £30,000 to support a health and safety prosecution following a fatality on a premises within the Borough. A member expressed concern regarding the cost of support for this and asked that options such as flat fees rather than hourly rates be considered. It was agreed that officers would ensure value for money in the use of the supplementary budget allocated to this matter and would also make every effort to request full recovery of costs should the case be successful. It was moved by Councillor Morrell, seconded by Councillor Hall and

RESOLVED – a supplementary budget of £30,000 for the continued engagement of a barrister, expert witness and any other legal advice to support a prosecution, be approved.

To inform members of progress and outcomes arising from our locality voluntary and community sector (VCS) arrangements during 2015/16.

Members were informed of progress and outcomes of voluntary and community sector (VCS) arrangements during 205/16 and the proposed focus for VCS commissioning in 2016/17. Members felt that the support provided to the VCS by the authority provided high value for money for residents of the Borough.

Members expressed the importance of promoting volunteering and specifically the engagement of young people in volunteering, as well as profiling and promoting our local VCS arrangements, including disseminating information to the Parishes. It was suggested that Parishes be encouraged to match fund projects. It was agreed that this be highlighted at the next Rural Conference. It was moved by Councillor Hall, seconded by Councillor Boothby and

RESOLVED –

(i)            Progress, achievements and outcomes for 2015/16 be noted;

(ii)           The proposed focus for VCS commissioning for 2016/17 be endorsed.