Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Boothby, Lay, Nickerson, O’Shea, Richards and Wright.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2016.

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

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2016 be confirmed and signed by the Mayor.

No interests were declared at this stage.

The Mayor made reference to the success of the local democracy week event for schools, his recent events and his forthcoming charity curry night. He also mentioned the sad death of Matt Wheatley and asked that condolences be passed onto the family on behalf of the Council.

Councillor Ladkin entered the meeting at 6.37pm.

I must first welcome Bill Cullen to his position as Chief Executive, and to Sharon, Rob and Julie into their new roles. I wish them all well and I know they are looking forward to making a big difference for our communities.

This evening I want to give members an update on the budget preparation for next year, but before I do that lets reflect on the year just passed. 2016 was a transitional year for this council, starting with the setting of a new MTFS to balance our budget and ending with the retirement of Steve Atkinson.

During the year we have invested in the acquisition of the former co-op site in Hinckley, increased our commitment to helping people through commissioning VCS community led programmes, opened a new leisure centre and demolished an old one, started a building programme of new council houses, engaged more than ever with our rural and town communities, with expanded Snapdragon events in more villages, and the launch of a new funding programme to support Parish communities as they grow. In Hinckley we have worked closely with the BID team to organise more and bigger events, applied for Heritage fund monies to improve some aspects of the main shopping area, supported Hinckley Museum with a lottery bid, won an award for the design of the leisure centre, and came close with another as a finalist in The Great British High Street Awards. We continue our effective community safety work with our innovative Endeavour team and partnership with the police and have signed up to the Lightbulb project which will see much more joined up services for the elderly and more vulnerable members of our community.

We continue to work with colleagues across Leicestershire to form a combined authority, to boost economic growth, and to assess our housing needs beyond 2026. We also work closely with colleagues in Warwickshire, as both a member of the joint committee and also the C&WLEP. The A5 partnership is growing in stature, and is having significant influence with Highways England, Midlands Connect and the Midlands Engine, placing A5 improvements high on the priority list for future investment. We received an excellent report from our Peer challenge and are starting a new year filled with determination to do even better.

Our budget last year was set against a changing landscape for local councils, where grant funding from Government and between upper and lower tier authorities is gradually being replaced with greater local control. The timing and impact of these changes has not always worked well for H&BBC, but as we showed last year it is possible to cope with these changes, even if it requires tough decisions to be made.

It will come as no surprise to members that this year we still have challenges, but we are now much better placed to deal with them.

Last autumn we submitted an efficiency plan to Government to secure a four year deal on our Revenue Support Grant.  ...  view the full agenda text for item 323.

In presenting his position statement, the Leader welcomed the new Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team who, he considered, would take the council forward in making a difference to our communities. He reflected on 2016, referred to the budget setting process and proposed health care changes that were of concern to members. In response, Councillor Bray also endorsed the new Leadership Team. Discussion ensued and further concern was raised about the health care changes by members.

To receive for information only the minutes of the Scrutiny Commission meeting held on 8 December 2016.

The minutes of the Scrutiny Commission were noted.

Report seeking approval for a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) for the period 2016-20.

An extract from the minutes of the Scrutiny Commission’s consideration of this item is attached.

A report was presented which sought approval of a revised Local Development Scheme for the period 2016-2020. It was noted that, in view of the commissioning of a new evidence base, a Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document was no longer required. Whilst in support of the report, concern was expressed in relation to:

·         The need for infrastructure to accommodate traffic associated with the proposed new housing

·         The need to consider the problems of on-street parking

·         The importance of encouraging parishes to develop Neighbourhood Development Plans.

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

RESOLVED – the revised Local Development Scheme 2016-2020 be approved.

To seek approval to dispose of land in Ferness Road, Hinckley, to enable housing development.

This report has an updated recommendation and shows the site plan in colour.

Council received a report which sought approval to dispose of land in Ferness Road, Hinckley, to enable housing development. Some concern was expressed about the loss of open space, and in response it was noted that there would still be open space to the south of the site.

The amended recommendation in the supplementary agenda, which provided for responses to the advertisement to be considered by the Executive Member and Estates and Asset Manager, was highlighted. In response to a member’s question, it was confirmed that the relevant ward members would be consulted as part of this process.

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

RESOLVED –

(i)            The site be withdrawn as informal open space and designated as surplus to requirements;

(ii)           Disposal of the site for development in conjunction with the adjacent site owned by Leicestershire County Council at a price not less than 14% of the net joint sale proceeds of the combined site be approved;

(iii)          Any responses received from interested parties to the advertisement for the disposal be considered by both the relevant Executive member and the Estates and Asset Manager to ensure that any proposed development enhances the local area where possible.

To provide an update on the current Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS) and to seek agreement for the level of support to be provided.

The Scrutiny Commission gave consideration to this report on 8 December. An extract from the minutes of that meeting is attached.

Members received a report on the level of support provided by the Local Council Tax Support Scheme. It was noted that the Scrutiny Commission had recommended retaining the current level of support. It was moved by Councillor Hall and seconded by Councillor Surtees that the maximum level of support be maintained at 88%. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – the retention of the current level of maximum Council Tax support of 88% be approved.

To summarise the changes to the arrangements for appointing External Auditors following the closure of the Audit Commission and the end of the transitional arrangements at the conclusion of the 2017/18 audits.

The Audit Committee have given consideration to and made recommendations on this matter – an extract from the minutes of that meeting is attached.

Consideration was given to a report which summarised the changes to the arrangements for appointing external auditors following the closure of the Audit Commission and the forthcoming end of the transitional arrangements. It was moved by Councillor Hall, seconded by Councillor Camamile and

RESOLVED – the ‘opting in’ to a sector led body appointed by the Secretary of State be approved.

It is recommended that Councillor Lay be appointed to Bardon Hill Quarry – Community Fund Sub Committee.

It was proposed by Councillor Hall and seconded by Councillor Morrell that Councillor Lay be appointed to Bardon Hill Quarry – Community Fund Sub Committee. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – Councillor Lay be appointed to the Bardon Hill Quarry – Community Fund Sub Committee.