Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Weightman.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2025.

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

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 13 March be confirmed as a correct record.

Councillor Williams declared a non-registrable interest in the Environmental Improvement Programme as heritage champion and sponsor of one of the projects.

A representative of Leicestershire County Council’s Sustainable Travel Team will be in attendance to provide an update on the “choose how you move” project.

It was reported that, since despatch of the agenda, the Choose How You Move team at Leicestershire County Council had stated they would no longer be able to attend the meeting to present details of their project due to a county council policy which prevented engagement with district councils’ scrutiny bodies.

Representatives of Cineworld will be in attendance.

The general manager of Cineworld in Hinckley and the Senior Regional Manager were in attendance to inform members of their community offer in Hinckley. During discussion, the background context around the significant public support that had been expressed for a cinema in the Crescent regeneration scheme was highlighted and the following points were noted:

·         £1 children’s films would be available again this summer

·         The cinema held screenings for people with autism and for parents with babies

·         There were dementia group screenings

·         “Secret screenings” were occasionally held, in which a mystery film was shown

·         Covid and the resulting lack of new films and increase in use of streaming services had impacted the cinema industry since 2020.

Opportunities for closer working between the council and Cineworld to cross-promote events and share social media posts to reach new customers were discussed, along with working with local businesses to create deals for customers. It was also suggested that links be facilitated with the schools in Hinckley for children with special educational needs.

Work programme attached.

In considering the work programme, the following was agreed:

·         A workshop would be held to progress the digital poverty review, focussing on HBBC services and signposting to other organisations

·         The September meeting may need to be pushed back to accommodate the final proposal in relation to local government reorganisation

·         The public transport review, which would have commenced following the attendance of the Choose How You Move team, would be reconsidered given the lack of engagement of Leicestershire County Council with the scrutiny process in districts. In the meantime it would be added to the work programme “to be scheduled”. It was agreed that Councillor Pendlebury would raise the matter of attendance at scrutiny with Leicestershire County Council

·         The report in relation to children and young people would be scheduled as an annual report.

To outline the programme for 2025/26.

Members were informed of the enhancement schemes to be implemented under the Environmental Improvement Programme.

A members asked about the process for gravestone repairs and it was noted that the stones would be assessed then an application made for funding towards repair. It was suggested that parish councils be made aware of this.

It was suggested that there were some areas that had been home to notable residents and could be considered for a blue plaque, and members were informed that the criteria was on the council’s website.

RESOLVED – the enhancement schemes be noted.

To consider reviewing the council’s arrangements for overview and scrutiny in light of the statutory guidance.

The overview and scrutiny statutory guidance was introduced to members. It was agreed that a small working group consisting of the chair and vice-chairs and any other interested members be set up to undertake a self-assessment and produce an action plan if necessary.

To present the annual report for 2024/25.

The Scrutiny Commission received the overview and scrutiny annual report for 2024/25 prior to consideration by Council. It was

RESOLVED – the report be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council for approval.

Forward plan attached.

The forward plan of Executive and Council decisions was noted.

Minutes of the meeting held on 9 June.

In noting the minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny, it was requested that the resource implications of the local plan be included in future reports.