Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2016.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Bray, G Cope and Nichols.

To present the 2015/16 revenue and capital outturn for the Hinckley (special expenses) area.

The Committee received the revenue and capital outturn for the special expenses area for 2015/16. There was some discussion on the use of reserves and the purpose of balances.

Councillor Taylor arrived at 6.44pm.

Some members expressed disappointment that neither the Parish & Community Initiative Fund nor the Developing Communities Fund were available to the Hinckley area, and that there was no longer a Hinckley Community Initiative Fund. Members were reminded that this committee had agreed not to continue the latter at its previous meeting. It was suggested that the income from the garden waste scheme from Hinckley residents should be allocated for use by the Hinckley Area Committee. It was explained that the details for the Parish & Community Initiative Fund instructed those wanting funding for projects in the Hinckley Area to contact the Green Space Manager who would bring a report to the Hinckley Area Committee to request funding. Members were also reminded that the Environmental Improvement Programme was still available for the Hinckley area.

Notwithstanding the above reassurances, some members felt that there was disparity between the funds available to the parished areas and the Hinckley area. It was moved by Councillor Bill and seconded by Councillor Witherford that Council be asked to address the matter. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – Council be RECOMMENDED to reconsider funding available to the Hinckley area including:

(i)            Extension of the Parish & Community Initiative Fund to the Hinckley Area;

(ii)           Extension of the Developing Communities Fund to the Hinckley Area;

(iii)          Allocation of income from Hinckley residents in relation to the garden waste scheme for use in the Hinckley area.

Verbal update on progress against the green space delivery plan.

The Green Space Manager provided an update on projects in the Hinckley area. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         It was suggested that National Grid be approached for support for the work on Clarendon Park

·         It was felt that the copse next to Clarendon Park was a mess and it was agreed that the County Council and North Warwickshire & Hinckley College, who were responsible for the land, would be contacted, but that the street cleaners would be asked to tidy the copse

·         Concern was expressed regarding poor lighting in Argents Mead. In response it was reported firstly that there was a fault in the supply to some lamps for which the County Council was responsible, and secondly that the Cultural Services Manager was looking at improved lighting around the leisure centre

·         It was suggested that an application be submitted to the Environmental Improvement Programme for additional heritage lighting in Argents Mead

·         In response to a question regarding receipt of S106 monies relating to the Redrow Homes development, officers agreed to confirm whether this had been received.

Members received a report requesting funding from the special expenses budget to enhance the number of events held in Hinckley Town Centre. Members felt that they were not currently in a position to make such a decision and requested that the matter be deferred for consideration at the same time as the budget for the following year when it would be clear whether funding was available. It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Bill and

RESOLVED – the report be deferred.

Members will consider the role and remit of the committee and may wish to recommend changes to this. Two documents are attached – firstly a report setting out the remit of the committee when it was first created as the ‘Special Expenses Area Committee’, and the original terms of reference.

Members discussed the role of the Hinckley Area Committee and any changes they may wish to see, including greater responsibility, more frequent meetings, input into events in Hinckley or more progress updates. During discussion, members made the following suggestions for their future role:

·         acting as consultee on planning applications, as a parish council would

·         monitoring income from and use of section 106 contributions.

On a related matter, following some discussion, it was agreed that a representative of the planning service be invited to the next meeting to explain the processes in relation to section 106 contributions, specifically in relation to the Hinckley area, and time limits for spending the money.

In relation to the future role of the committee, suggestions were invited over the next couple of weeks, after which time these would be investigated and reported to the next meeting.

RESOLVED – a report be presented to the next meeting with options for the future role of the Hinckley Area Committee.