Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Glenville, Smith, Surtees and Weightman.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Stead-Davis, seconded by Councillor Sutton and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September be confirmed as a correct record.

No interests were declared.

To update members on the performance of the planning service

Members received the annual frontline service review report for planning. The positive progress in relation to recruitment was acknowledged. Progress in relation to the Barwell Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) was queried and it was noted that the 2012 application was still live but the S106 was now being progressed again following a positive response from Leicestershire County Council and public consultation was being undertaken before it coming to Planning Committee.

In response to a member’s question, it was noted that Leicester City Council’s housing numbers reduced when the borough council’s increased, and that local plans couldn’t take local government reorganisation into account.

In relation to the Earl Shilton SUE, it was hoped that the S106 agreement would progress soon and that the highways authority had agreed.

In response to a member’s question about the Wayfinder strategy, the work and engagement was ongoing but the member would be updated on timescales.

Members were pleased to note that the 70% target for determination of minor applications was consistently exceeded, however there were a high number of applications being handled per officer due to an increase in applications earlier in the year.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To seek approval for changes to the council tax discounts and premiums in operation at the Council

Consideration was given to recommended changes to council tax discounts and premiums in relation to empty, unoccupied and unfurnished properties, those undergoing major repairs and for second homes.

Members queried the low impact of some of the proposed changes due to the number of properties affected. It was explained that the intention was to encourage empty properties to be brought back into use more quickly. They asked for more information to be included in the Council report in relation to the number of homes that may be impacted and / or brought back into use to assist Council with the decision.

It was moved by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Stead-Davis and

RESOLVED – greater detail be included in the report to Council in relation to how many properties may be brought back into occupation due to the changes proposed.

To present to members the financial outturn position as at September 2025.

The financial outturn to September 2025 was presented. Members queried the detail of table 2 in relation to additional budgets and expenditure and whether there had been an increase or a reduction, and the significance of table 3.

In response to a member’s question, it was noted that 136 households were in temporary accommodation for varying lengths of time and this was a national trend. It was noted that actions were being taken to address the level of spend on temporary accommodation.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To inform members of the position on sundry debts as of 30 June 2025.

Members were informed of the sundry debt position at 30 June 2025.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To update members on the work programme

It was reported that the chair and vice-chair would be looking at the regular reports and reviewing the relevance. The work programme was noted.