Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Pendlebury, Smith and Surtees with the substitution of Councillor R Allen for Councillor Surtees authorised in accordance with council procedure rule 10.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 December.

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

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 12 December be confirmed as a correct record.

No interests were declared.

To brief members on the initial feedback from the peer review in advance of receiving the formal report.

The Chief Executive updated members on the extremely positive feedback arising from the Local Government Association (LGA) corporate peer challenge which took place in December. It was noted that the final report was awaited and an action plan would then be drafted. Disappointment was expressed about the timing of the Devolution White Paper announcement around local government reorganisation only a week after receiving such a positive review, resulting in lack of certainty about the future of the authority and impact on employees and members.

To present the pay policy statement for 2025/26.

Consideration was given to the pay policy statement for 2025/26. It was noted that the gender pay gap had increased slightly but that this was the result of a culmination of factors and was not a cause for concern, however it would be monitored. It was moved by Councillor Crooks, seconded by Councillor Harris and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The continuing positive reduction in the gap between the top and the median average earner be noted;

(ii)          The slight increase in the gender pay gap be noted;

(iii)         The HBBC pay policy statement be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council for approval.

Following the request of the Scrutiny Commission, representatives have been invited to provide an update on healthcare including GPs and enhanced access, dentistry, and the new community diagnostic centre.

Representatives of the health sector provided a presentation on different aspects relating to health including:

·         The local primary care networks and GPs including availability of appointments and enhanced access

·         Primary care infrastructure investment including working with the local planning authority to prepare for increased demand due to housing development, the local plan and section 106 agreements

·         Challenges around NHS dental services

·         The community diagnostic centre currently being built in Hinckley

·         The future of Hinckley Hospital.

It was suggested that an update on the community health & wellbeing plan be provided by council officers to a future meeting.

Members are asked to scrutinise the following reports (8a to 8f) and the recommendations therein which will be put to Council at its budget meeting on 20 February 2025.

To update members on the medium term financial strategy (MTFS) position for 2024/25 to 2027/28 in the context of significant uncertainty for local government in light of the recent government announcements on devolution and local government reorganisation.

Members were updated on the MTFS position for 2024/25 to 2027/28. Concern was expressed about the cost of local government reorganisation and also the officer time required for making the necessary arrangements which may impact service provision. Members highlighted the impact of the increase in national insurance and it was noted that details for compensating authorities were not yet known.

To present the general fund revenue budget for 2025/26.

The Scrutiny Commission noted the proposed general fund budget for 2025/26 and the pressures set out in the report.

To present the housing revenue account budget including housing repairs for 2025/26.

The housing revenue account (HRA) budget was presented to members.

To present the proposed scale of fees and charges for 2025/26.

The proposed scale of fees and charges was considered by the Scrutiny Commission.

To present the capital strategy and capital programme for 2024/25 to 2027/28.

During discussion on the capital programme, it was confirmed that the laptop replacement programme related only to those laptops issued in 2021/22. Implications on any successor authority of borrowing was raised and in response it was stated that borrowing was possible due to being underborrowed, but not for investment purposes.

To present the Council’s prudential indicators for 2024/25 - 2027/28 and sets out the expected treasury operations for this period.

Consideration was given to the treasury management strategy and prudential indicators for 2024/25 to 2027/28.

Work programme attached.

The following amendments to the work programme were noted:

·         The terms of reference for the digital poverty review would be brought to the June meeting

·         The public transport review would be deferred to the June meeting, subject to Leicestershire County Council’s timetable for their review

·         The final report of the review of adoption of infrastructure would be brought to the September meeting.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 16 December for information.

The minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny held on 16 December were received for information.