Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Harris with the substitution of Councillor Cook authorised in accordance with council procedure rule 10.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 29 August 2024.

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

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 29 August be confirmed as a correct record.

No interests were declared.

Work programme attached.

It was agreed that an update on the cinema in the Crescent would be provided to the next Scrutiny Commission meeting.

The work programme was noted.

To provide an update on work undertaken in the previous 12 months to fulfil the aims of the Economic Regeneration Strategy 2021 to 2025.

Members received an update on work undertaken to fulfil the aims of the Economic Regeneration Strategy. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         Long term plans, such as the town centre masterplan, should have been followed up as part of the scrutiny function. It was clarified that work had been commenced on the new feasibility study and production of masterplans for key town centre sites in Hinckley

·         Whilst the UKSPF was due to end in March 2025, funding for some similar projects could still be available under the parish & community initiative fund

·         The wellbeing theme could be tied in with the walk to school initiative – it was agreed that this would be referred to the young people’s officer.

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

RESOLVED – the economic regeneration work undertaken and outcomes achieved by noted and endorsed.

To present the infrastructure funding statement for the financial year 2023/24.

The infrastructure funding statement for 2023/24 was presented to the commission.

In relation to the development known as “Hinckley North” off Normandy Way, it was noted that the site may have been sold on since the outline application had been permitted. In response to a member’s question about Leicestershire County Council’s determination that a new schools was not required, it was noted that the land for the school was still available should it be required in the future with the addition of development on the site to the east of the one under discussion.

Following some discussion, it was agreed that information on contributions to Newbold Verdon surgery from the development on Bosworth Lane would be checked and confirmed outside of the meeting.

Changes to the procedure for parish councils to request section 106 monies were discussed, however it was noted that changes had not been implemented until the current year so would not have impacted the report before members.

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

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To provide members with service updates in relation to requirements of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, present the Charter for Tenants and the Housing service’s communication strategy.

The Scrutiny Commission was provided with updates in relation to the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Housing Customer Standard, as required by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. During the discussion, members praised the council’s positive position nationally with regard to housing and the variety of channels available for tenants to contact the council.

In response to a question from a member about encouraging tenants to get involved, for example in tenants’ associations, it was explained that this had been particularly difficult over recent years but a lot of work was being undertaken to engage and empower tenants, including engaging with groups already in existence in some communities.

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

RESOLVED –

(i)            The ongoing work to meet the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Consumer Standard be noted;

(ii)          The Charter for Tenants be endorsed;

(iii)         The Housing Service Communication Strategy be endorsed.

To present the updated People Strategy 2024 to 2028.

The People Strategy 2024 to 2028 was presented to members. Officers were commended on the excellent report. It was moved by Councillor Surtees, seconded by Councillor Williams and

RESOLVED – the People Strategy be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to the Ethical Governance & Personnel Committee.

To consider the annual report for the overview and scrutiny function in order to recommend it to Council.

Consideration was given to the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report. It was moved by Councillor Crooks, seconded by Councillor Pendlebury and

RESOLVED – the annual report be RECOMMENDED to Council.

An update will be provided on the task & finish group.

Members were informed that the scrutiny review into adoption of infrastructure would soon commence. Group leaders had nominated members and membership would consist of Councillors R Allen, Cope, Green, Harris, Lambert and Williams.

Minutes of the meeting held on 2 September.

The minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny on 2 September were received for information.

Minutes of the meeting held on 5 September 2024.

Members received the minutes of the Housing Task & Finish Group meeting on 5 September 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 Surtees, 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 future accommodation for the Street Scene and Housing Repairs services.

Members were informed of the review that had been undertaken into the future need for larger depot facilities and were presented with a proposed lease option on a new site. It was moved by Councillor Gibbens, seconded by Councillor Williams and

RESOLVED – the report be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council.