Agenda and minutes

Venue: De Montfort Suite, Hinckley Hub

Contact: Tan Ashraf, Democratic Services Officer, tel 01455 255834 

Items
No. Item

180.

Apologies and substitutions

Minutes:

It was noted that Councillor Webber-Jones would be arriving late.

181.

Minutes of previous meeting pdf icon PDF 76 KB

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor P Williams, seconded by Councillor Gibbens and

           

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 19 August 2019 be confirmed and signed by the chairman.

 

182.

Declarations of interest

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.

Minutes:

No interests were declared at this stage.

183.

Frontline Service Review: Street Scene Services pdf icon PDF 183 KB

To provide an update on the performance of Street Scene Services.

Minutes:

The report on the performance of streetscene services was presented to members and it was highlighted that the dry recycling rates were the best in Leicestershire. In relation to the 86% increase in the number of residents using the large item collection service a member asked if there was improved efficiency within this excellent service and officers said there was a net increase in income and additional demand.

 

It was reported that two officers investigate fly tipping incidents after a member expressed satisfaction on the response locally to fly tipping incidents and asked if any investigations were undertaken.

 

Members discussed the reduced recycling rates which officers explained was a national trend and due in part to the use of lighter materials.

 

Councillor Webber-Jones entered the meeting at 6.51pm.

 

Members thanked officers for the report and it was noted.

184.

Frontline Service Review: Planning pdf icon PDF 185 KB

To provide an update on the performance of the planning service.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members received a report on the performance of the planning service and it was reported that the partnership with Blaby, Harborough, Melton and Oadby and Wigston was working very well.

 

It was noted that the number of planning applications had increased however the income level was lower as the applications were smaller.

 

Members expressed their concern on addressing the five year housing land supply as well as the Housing Delivery Test and the Sustainable Urban Extensions at Barwell and Earl Shilton.

 

Officers explained that the Housing Delivery Test could affect Neighbourhood Development Plans.

 

In response to members’ questions officers explained that the Council was prevented by statute in becoming involved in Neighbourhood Development Plans, however the Rural Community Council worked with parishes and provided support. It was noted that the Local Plan took Neighbourhood Plans into account but national policy could supersede.

 

Members noted the report and thanked officers for presenting the report and providing comprehensive explanations.

 

Councillor Collett left the meeting at 7.44pm.

185.

Financial Outturn August 2019 pdf icon PDF 160 KB

To present the financial outturn position as at August 2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The financial outturn position report to August 2019 was presented. Members were updated on the movement in reserves of £155,000 due to a decrease in the number of large planning applications.

 

Members expressed concern on the reduction in the number of planning applications becoming a trend and officers reported that they were assessing the impact as part of the budget setting process.

 

Members noted the report and thanked officers.

186.

Sundry Debts - Q2 2019/2020 pdf icon PDF 316 KB

To report on the position on sundry debts as at 30th September 2019.

Minutes:

Members were updated on the position on sundry debts as of 30th September 2019.

 

Members were informed that the Council was the only district council in Leicestershire to set a debt recovery target that was reported to members.  The target ensured that debt over 90 days old remained below 25%. The September position was 22.12%, an increase from the 18.8% reported for the first quarter.

 

It was also noted that the external audit of the Council’s Statement of Accounts had started on 16 October 2019 and that Audit Committee would receive an update at the next meeting.

 

In response to a member’s query about the election debt on page 51 officers responded that it was likely to be the bill for parish elections.

 

The report was noted and members thanked officers.