Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Smith.

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.

Councillor Boothby stated that his name was included in the National Volunteers Week document appended to the report “Coronavirus – the council’s response” but this did not constitute an interest.

To update members about the impact of the coronavirus on our communities, council services and finances and set out the council’s response to the challenges.

Agenda items 3 and 4 (“coronavirus – the council’s response” and “coronavirus – recovery strategy”) were discussed as one item and a single vote taken.

The Leader, echoed by other group leaders, thanked officers for their excellent work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also extended a tribute to all keyworkers, NHS staff and care workers and paid tribute to members for their important roles in the community during the crisis.

The Leader also highlighted two key initiatives and interventions that had been extremely well received by residents and local businesses – the residents support scheme and the business support grant programme. The Leader confirmed the COVID-19 recovery strategy would focus on keeping our residents safe, in jobs and supported, ensuring our local town centres remain vibrant and helping our businesses and tourism destinations survive and thrive.

A member requested that the important role of the communications team be highlighted particularly for their hard work in disseminating information to the public.

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Allen and

RESOLVED –

(i)            the positive steps taken in response to the coronavirus pandemic be endorsed;

(ii)           the recovery strategy be adopted.

To consider the draft recovery strategy in response to the issues and challenges raised in the preceding report.

This item was discussed with the above item (minute 407 refers).

To seek approval for an amendment to the scheme of delegation in respect of pavement licences.

Consideration was given to a report proposing an amendment to the council’s constitution following in response to the Business and Planning Bill, specifically in relation to the introduction of pavement licences. It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Nichols and

RESOLVED – the scheme of delegation contained within part 2f of the council’s constitution be amended to delegate powers to the Director (Environment & Planning) in respect of pavement licences, when the Business and Planning Bill is enacted.

To seek approve of the council’s Climate Change Strategy.

The climate change strategy was presented to Council. Positive work that was being undertaken, including by parish councils, was highlighted and the benefits of holding meetings virtually was raised. A member noted the intention to bring a motion in relation to extending the National Forest to the next meeting of Council. It was moved by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Gibbens and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The climate change strategy be approved and further work planned to take place during the following 12 months be acknowledged;

(ii)           The setting up of an expenditure budget of £100,000 funded from the previously agreed reserve to support actions needed to implement the climate change strategy be approved.

To review the process of the Hinckley Crematorium project.

Consideration was given to a report which reviewed the progress of the Hinckley crematorium project following the tender period for selection of a main contractor to carry out the construction phase of the project. Members were pleased to see the continuation of cross-party support for the project. A member requested that records should clearly show a trail of costs and profit so the return on investment was easily identifiable. It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The tender sum of £5,070,819.24 for a 50 week programme be noted;

(ii)           The revised budget of £6,915,000 for delivery of the scheme (£1,943,190 supplementary) be approved;

(iii)          The updated business case and proposed in-house management model or via a council wholly owned company (depending on the VAT response obtained from HMRC) be approved.