Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Cope and Pendlebury.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 March 2023.

It was moved by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Crooks and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 16 March be confirmed as a correct record.

No interests were declared.

To present the strategy for 2023-26 detailing the work the council will undertake in relation to you people and to outline achievements of the previous strategy.

Members received the Young People’s Strategy 2023-26. Discussion ensued on:

·         Work with the voluntary & community sector to provide opportunities for young people

·         The primary engineers programme

·         Connections with scouting groups

·         Voice and democracy work with schools

·         Climate change workshops in schools.

It was requested that information be sought on success of various groups and whether membership numbers had increased or declined over recent years.

Officers were thanked for their hard work in challenging times.

RESOLVED – the work being undertaken be acknowledged and achievements noted.

To outline the programme of enhancement schemes for 2023/24.

The Environmental Improvement Programme for 2023/24 was presented to members.

RESOLVED – the enhancement schemes to be implemented in 2023/24 be noted.

To propose the introduction of new community equipment grants for smaller projects and an amendment to the parish & community initiative fund and Hinckley community fund.

The Scrutiny Commission was informed of proposed changes to the Parish & Community Initiative Fund (PCIF) with the introduction of community equipment grants for smaller projects and to the PCIF and Hinckley Community Fund (HCF) to give greater priority to climate change projects.

A member expressed concern about the weight given to climate change projects and, in response, it was explained that it was an additional criteria and that deserving projects that met the other criteria but did not relate to climate change could still be funded as previously.

RESOLVED –

(i)            The introduction of a new community equipment grant scheme be endorsed;

(ii)          The changes to the PCIF and HCF to reflect the council’s climate change priorities be endorsed;

(iii)         The following budgetary changes be endorsed:

a.    £3,028 per year for administrative support from 1 September 2023;

b.    £25,000 for the new community equipment grants;

c.    £134,000 for the PCIF / HCF (reduction of £28,000 to fund new community equipment grant).

To update members on the remit and work of the Planning Policy Member Working Group to avoid duplication by the Scrutiny Commission following discussion at the overview & scrutiny work programming session.

Following the overview & scrutiny workshop, a report was presented which informed members of the work of the Planning Policy Working Group to raise awareness and prevent duplication. The Scrutiny Commission was informed that all members were invited to the working group but that attendance was generally low despite the important matters being discussed.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Draft work programme attached for consultation with the Scrutiny Commission.

Consideration was given to the draft work programme which had been informed by the recent member workshop.

It was noted that the item on adoption as part of developments would be on the agenda for the next meeting to agree the areas of concern for members and scope the review. It was suggested that comments be passed to the chair and vice-chairs prior to the meeting so a list could be compiled prior to the meeting.

It was requested that a report on cost of living and welfare support be brought to a future meeting.

RESOLVED – the work programme be adopted.

Minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2023 attached for information only.

The minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny held on 3 July 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 Williams seconded by Councillor Crooks, 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.

To provide an update on the crematorium project.

Members received a presentation and update on the crematorium project. Officers were thanked for their work.