Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Boothby, Hall, Kirby, Nichols, Smith and Wright.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2016.

Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Cartwright, requested that the word “unanimously” be removed from the resolution of minute no 149. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was carried and it was

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2016 be confirmed subject to the above amendment and signed by the Mayor.

No interests were declared at this stage.

The Mayor made reference to his forthcoming charity abseil at St Mary’s Church, the Sea Cadets’ bonfire the following weekend and the visit of a delegation from Grand Quevilly the same weekend, and the sad death of former Council Leader, Rupert Wood. Councillor Bill spoke about Mr Wood’s work for the Council.

This administration is committed to being fair to all residents of our borough and recent actions should leave members in no doubt of our commitment to both our towns and rural areas. This position statement updates members on recent events which are good for all areas of the borough.

Since the last meeting of this Council, we have agreed and completed the purchase of the former Co-op site in Hinckley for £1.45m and the car park is now open for use. Officers are preparing options for the use of the building, including short term and long term possibilities, and we will bring a report to Council when their work is complete.

We have great ambitions for our markets in Hinckley and, after further discussions, we have created a new Market Promotions Group comprising market traders, BID and council officers. We believe this is the best way to bring forward further improvements to our market, without the need to seek input from external partners, and it will ensure the market remains at the centre of Hinckley’s prosperity.

The launch of the Developing Communities Fund has bene well received and we have already received expressions of interest from a number of parishes. We will review these applications after the closing date, with successful projects to be included in our capital programme for next year.

Our budget planning is underway and we have set out a timetable that will allow our budget to be produced and scrutinised before our budget meeting in February. As part of the budget process we will hold a cross party workshop in the next few weeks. There should not be many surprises in this process.

The issue of an order for the creation of the Combined Authority that we are progressing with Leicestershire County Council, other districts and the City Council has now been delayed by Government until the New Year. Whilst there is delegated authority for approval of the order, I do intend that Council should have the opportunity to discuss the final order as soon as possible. In the meantime, officers have also been working to agree the constitution of the Combined Authority and the Operating Agreement between the councils. These should be brought to Council in January as they are already at an advanced stage.

Finally, can I comment on two areas of significance – two of many which tend to go under the radar, but which are vital to our community well-being. For the fifth year running, the council’s Dog Warden service has received a Gold Award from the RSPCA for its contribution to improved animal welfare and, since 2008, our carbon dioxide emissions have reduced by over 25% (against a target of 20%). Both of these are excellent achievements and we should thank all the staff involved in this success.

I apologise for my absence this evening, for reasons that I am sure members will understand.

The Deputy Leader presented the Leader’s position statement in his absence. He particularly emphasised the success of the council in achieving a Gold Award from the RSPCA for its contribution to improved animal welfare and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions since 2008. He acknowledged and commended the contribution of ex-Councillor Peter Hall in leading the Scrutiny Environment Group and championing environmental improvement. This was echoed by Councillors Lay and Bray.

In response to a question, the Deputy Leader agreed to update members outside of the meeting on the latest position regarding the Combined Authority and particularly the matter of an elected Mayor for the area.

In relation to the Co-op site, the Deputy Leader hoped that options for the future of the site would be available by December.

To receive for information only the minutes of the Scrutiny Commission meeting held on 6 October 2016.

The minutes of the Scrutiny Commission were noted.

Council is asked to approve and adopt the Charitable House to House and Street Collections Policy.

Consideration was given to the proposed Charitable House to House and Street Collections Policy following consultation thereon. Whilst in support of the report, concern was expressed in relation to charity clothes collections and it was suggested that a schedule of collections be posted on the council’s website. Officers agreed to look into this possibility. It was moved by Councillor Morrell, seconded by Councillor Roberts and

RESOLVED – the Charitable House to House and Street Collections Policy be adopted.

Council is asked to give consideration to the recommended revision to the Street Trading Consent policy.

Council was recommended to approve a revised resolution in relation to Street Trading Consents in Hinckley Town Centre in accordance with Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. It was moved by Councillor Morrell, seconded by Councillor Roberts and

RESOLVED –

(i)            In accordance with Section 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, Schedule 4 of that Act shall apply to the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth as from 1 January 2017;

(ii)           The streets set out in appendix A to the report be designated as consent streets and, following the adoption of Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, the appropriate officers be authorised to advertise and give notice of the Council’s intention to make a resolution in respect of those streets;

(iii)          The revised policy be approved.

Council is asked to approve withdrawal of Steve Atkinson as Director representing the authority on Hinckley BID and appointment of Bill Cullen to the position. This is an officer position.

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

RESOLVED – Bill Cullen be appointed as the Council’s representative as Director on Hinckley BID, to replace Steve Atkinson, with effect from 1 January 2017.