Agenda and minutes

It was noted that Councillors Cope, Gibbens and Pendlebury would be arriving late due to attending another meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 20 August 2020.

It was moved by Councillor Sheppard-Bools, seconded by Councillor P Williams and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 20 August be confirmed as a correct record.

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 P Williams declared a personal interest in the Heritage Strategy Action Plan as Heritage Champion for the Council.

Councillors Cope, Gibbens and Pendlebury entered the meeting at 6.33pm.

To provide an update on work undertaken to fulfil the aims and objectives of the Action Plan.

Members received an update on work undertaken in the last twelve months in order to fulfil the aims and objectives of the Heritage Strategy Action Plan. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         The importance of continuing conservation area re-appraisals

·         Funding for the 1485 trail had been granted by the LLEP and progress on the project would not be greatly impacted by covid-19

·         A resident had compiled an early history of Newbold Verdon which would be shared with the conservation officer

·         Concern about the ability for businesses to focus on the Heritage Action Zone given other pressures. It was noted that a heritage officer had been appointed to work with building owners

·         The need for the Heritage Forum to continue meeting, albeit virtually

·         The importance of taking enforcement in conservation areas as required.

Cllr Ladkin entered the meeting at 6.45pm.

The inclusion of conservation in the Planning White Paper was highlighted.

It was moved by Councillor Crooks, seconded by Councillor Webber-Jones and

RESOLVED –

(i)            the report be noted and work undertaken be endorsed

(ii)           the importance of continuing conservation and heritage work across the borough.

To advise members of a countywide hoarding project.

Councillor Pendlebury declared a personal interest in this item as a mental health worker.

The Scrutiny Commission was informed of a pilot countywide project funded through the Disabled Facilities Grant element of the Better Care Fund aimed at a holistic approach to dealing with cases of hoarding.

Members generally felt this was a valuable piece of work and were happy that the Council was leading on the project.

A member expressed concern that, in the current climate where businesses and individuals were struggling financially, the cost to taxpayers of the project was high yet outcomes commensurate with the expenditure may not be achieved. In response, it was noted that the cost would be met from the Disabled Facilities Grant which was a ringfenced budget and could not be used to support businesses or other general fund functions. Members were reassured that positive outcomes had been seen in other areas and it was anticipated that the return on investment would be achieved by reducing delayed hospital discharged and the associated cost of bed blocking and through reducing the need for multiple clear outs of peoples’ properties.

In response to a question about the extent of the problem, it was noted that in the borough in May 2019 there were 31 cases of which officers were aware. In addition, there were around ten people per week in Leicestershire hospitals unable to be discharged as their property being uninhabitable due to hoarding.

It was suggested that an update be brought to the Scrutiny Commission at an appropriate point.

It was moved by Councillor Webber-Jones, seconded by Councillor Crooks and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The report be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council;

(ii)           An update be brought to a future meeting.

To inform members of the current position and seek approval for a supplementary budget for a housing repairs mobile solution.

Consideration was given to a report which looked at the current mobile solution software utilised by the housing repairs team and recommended an upgrade to the system. In addition to providing a more flexible service to meet tenants’ needs, it was noted that the solution would reduce travel and paper usage thereby reducing the council’s carbon footprint. In relation to savings, it was agreed that members would be updated during the course of the project.

Members welcomed the improvements proposed and it was moved by Councillor Crooks, seconded by Councillor Webber-Jones and

RESOLVED – the report be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council.

Minutes of the meeting held on 9 September for information.

The minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny on 9 September were received for information.

To consider the passing of a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the public from the undermentioned item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 10 of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act.

On the motion of Councillor H Williams, seconded by Councillor Sheppard-Bools, it was

RESOLVED – in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 10 of Part I of Schedule 12A of that Act.

Members received a report about the operation of the leisure centre and the impact of covid-19. It was moved by Councillor Webber-Jones, seconded by Councillor Gibbens and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The report be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council;

(ii)           An update be brought to the Scrutiny Commission in three months.