Issue - meetings

Report referred by the Scrutiny Commission which outlines the special expenses arrangements.

Consideration was given to a report which had been referred by the Scrutiny Commission. Members felt that the current arrangements for governing the special expenses area and the operation of the Hinckley Area Committee were well established and that no changes were required.

Consideration was given to some of the budget allocations listed in the appendices to the report and more information was requested on the use of the funding provided to Neighbourhood Watch. It was requested that an annual report be brought to the Hinckley Area Committee by the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator.

RESOLVED –

(i)            No changes be recommended in relation to the governance of special expenses;

(ii)           No changes be recommended in relation to the operation of the Hinckley Area Committee;

(iii)          The Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator be requested to bring an annual report to the Hinckley Area Committee.

The Scrutiny Commission is asked to review the current arrangements in relation to the special expenses area and governance of special expenses.

The Scrutiny Commission received a report to support its review of the special expenses governance arrangements. It was emphasised that special expenses was a charging mechanism and part of the functions of Council and could not function as a parish. It was noted that, should members wish to change the charging mechanism or the assets included in the special expenses area, a public consultation would be required. The benefits, risks and impact on council tax payers of having a town council for Hinckley were also highlighted.

During discussion, reference was made to:

·         The possibility of moving funding for Hollycroft Park from the general fund to special expenses, but the impact this would have on the budget for that area

·         The above being offset by moving car parks income into the special expenses budget

·         The risk of loss of control of assets (for example, Argents Mead), should a town council be created

·         The requirement for a public petition and lengthy process to create a town council

·         The advantages of maintaining the ‘status quo’ due to the current, less complicated way of dealing with special expenses which works well.

It was felt that the report should now be passed to the Hinckley Area Committee for its consideration.

RESOLVED – the report be presented to Hinckley Area Committee.