Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Cope and Sheppard-Bools, with the following substitutions authorised in accordance with council procedure rule 10.

Councillor Hodgkins for Councillor Cope

Councillor Walker for Councillor Sheppard-Bools

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2022

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

                        RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 7 November

2022 be approved and signed by the Chair.

There were no interests declared.

To give members an update on the review of the performance management framework

This item was deferred to the next meeting.

To present to members the work of the Environmental Health (Pollution) Service relating to noise nuisance

Members were provided with an update on the work of the Environmental Health (Pollution) service relating to noise nuisance.

A member asked a question about statutory noise nuisance and asked if the police passed all noise breaches onto the Environmental Health team to deal with.  Officers confirmed that if the police received several calls regarding concern and an impact to the community regarding a noise nuisance incident then they would deal with it if they had the resources to do so. If they were busy dealing with other more serious incidents then these were passed onto the Environmental Health team the next working day for any appropriate action. 

A member also asked a question about the decibel levels of ice-cream van chimes and if there was a cut-off limit. Officers confirmed that there was a statutory guidance notice on excessive limits of this nature.

Another question was asked by members around the noise of cockerels waking people up early in the mornings and affecting their sleep patterns.  Officers confirmed that dealing with noise complaints about this issue was not unusual and enforcement action was available for these incidents.

Members thanked the team for a very thorough report.

Members noted the report.

To report to members on the performance of Street Scene Services

Members were provided with an update report on the performance of Street Scene Services which included waste management, green spaces, clean neighbourhoods and car parks.  The report set out activity during the financial year 2022/23 to date.

After a question from members regarding the increase in trade waste collection income, officers confirmed that they hoped that this would increase but it was difficult to say with a changing economy. It was also reported that it would soon be mandatory for businesses to have separate food and recycling waste collections, so the council would want to develop these new services.

After a question from members regarding the fast (ultra) vehicle charging points it was confirmed that the grid connection cost for the authority was too high at the moment to be able to offer this service.

A member asked if parish councils’ could do more to help with fly tipping and officers confirmed that they had already been offered cameras to help with this and would remind them again that they were available.

Members wanted to place on record their thanks to the “Wombles” for their volunteering support in litter picking around the district.

Members also congratulated the team for the tree planting between November and February, officers confirmed that local businesses had also been out to help which had helped considerably.

After another question from members around rubbish being thrown out of cars, officers confirmed that this was a national problem and that a “littering from vehicle” Leicestershire wide campaign was being initiated in September with new signs being put up in the meantime.

Members thanked the team for a very comprehensive report.

Members noted the report.

To inform members of the business rates performance from 1 April 2022 to 31December 2022

Members were informed of the business rates performance from 1 April 22 to 31 December 2022.

Members noted the report.

To present to members the financial outturn position as at December 2022

Members were presented with the financial outturn position as at December 2022.

After a comment from members around point 9.3 that showed the significant risks that were associated with this report, officers confirmed that this position would be reviewed when managing the budget strategy and medium term financial strategy.

Members noted the report.

To inform members of the work programme for 2022/23

Members noted the work programme and all items list for the meeting in July 2023.

Members confirmed this was the last meeting of this scrutiny committee before the next annual council meeting and that it would be the new committee that would review the reports coming to the July meeting.

The chair thanked the Democratic Services Officer for all their hard work and support throughout their term of office in supporting the meetings.

Members gave their thanks to the chair and vice chair for their support in chairing the meetings.