Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Simmons, with the substitution of Councillor R Allen authorised in accordance with council procedure rule 4.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2024.

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

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 14 March be confirmed as a correct record.

Councillor Allen declared a non-pecuniary interest as chair of Earl Shilton Town Council which had applied to the Parish & Community Initiative Fund (item 8).

Councillor Williams declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 9 as he had been involved in the Environmental Improvement Programme as heritage champion and was a member of the heritage group mentioned in the report in relation to the schemes in Burbage.

Work programme attached.

Members considered the work programme. In respect of the bus service review, it was reported that Leicestershire County Council had not yet received further information about the funding for public transport resulting from the cancelled HS2 project so the review could not be timetabled.

It was suggested that the housing association review should be brought forward given the concerns raised at the Housing task & finish group.

Following the motion to Council in relation to future preparedness of utility companies and subsequent agreement of the Scrutiny Commission to pursue the resolution of Council, National Grid’s DSO Strategic Engagement Officer will be in attendance to update members on their work.

Following a recent motion to Council in relation to future preparedness of utility companies and the subsequent agreement of the Scrutiny Commission to lead the review, National Grid’s DSO Strategic Engagement Officer updated members on their work in relation to planning and forecasting.

To present the recommended allocation of the Parish & Community Initiative Fund and Hinckley Community Initiative Fund for 2024/25.

Consideration was given to the proposed allocation of funding under the Parish & Community Initiative Fund (PCIF) and the Hinckley Community Initiative Fund (HCIF). A member suggested that parish councils be made aware that all who applied for the fund received a grant. It was noted that the new community equipment grant funded smaller items that were previously funded by the PCIF. It was moved by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Surtees and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The funding allocations of £91,892 be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to SLT;

(ii)          SLT be recommended to allow the seven previous years’ schemes totalling £11,374.60 to be completed and to continue to be funded.

To outline the enhancement schemes to be implemented in 2024/25 under the Environmental Improvement Programme.

The enhancement schemes for 2024/25 as part of the Environmental Improvement Programme were reported to the commission. In response to members’ questions, it was agreed that information on work to Nutts Lane bridge and the location of the blue plaque for Margery Payne that was inside the former police station would be looked into and members would be informed.

RESOLVED – the enhancement schemes be noted.

To advise members of the changes to legislation following the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, update on progress in relation to compliance with the key areas and inform of the new inspection routine set out by the Regulator of social housing.

Members were advised of changes to legislation following the implementation of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023. During discussion, the following was noted:

·         A lot of work was being undertaken to identify where damp and mould may be a problem

·         Investment in IT systems was required

·         Tenant satisfaction was high and stock was in good condition, with 100% meeting the government’s decent homes standard

·         Work towards a new tenant scrutiny panel was underway.

It was requested that a report on other tenant satisfaction measures not included in the report be brought to a future meeting.

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

RESOLVED –

(i)            The new requirements of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 be noted;

(ii)          The progress in meeting new legislative requirements be noted;

(iii)         The revised Damp and Mould policy be endorsed;

(iv)         The new inspection regime introduced from 1 April be noted.

Minutes of the meeting held on 18 March.

The minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny held on 18 March were received for information.

Minutes of the meeting held on 14 March.

The minutes of the Housing Task & Finish Group meeting on 14 March were received for information, and an update on the outcomes of the meeting on 8 May were provided.

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 R Allen 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 an update on the crematorium site.