Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Gibbens.

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

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 1 November

2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

No interests were declared.

To update members on the performance of the Environmental Health service

Members were updated on this review on the activities regarding the services of gambling, alcohol, taxi, and scrap metal licensing, tattooists and body piercing registration.

Licensing

-       Gambling – premises & permits

It was confirmed to members that as the licensing authority Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council was responsible for issuing premises licenses to casinos, betting offices, race tracks, bingo clubs, adult gaming facilities and family entertainment centres. Proactive compliance inspections had been carried out to all gambling premises in the borough with a reduction in activity seen in 2020/21 due to the Covid pandemic.

-       Taxis

It was confirmed to members that the pandemic had effected the taxi trade resulting in many of the drivers having left the trade and not renewed their licences.

-       Licensing

It was confirmed to members that the service had carried out a number of proactive and reactive inspections each year under the Licensing Act 2003. Many pubs, cafes and bars had remained closed or now had restricted opening times due to the pandemic.

-       Scrap metal

It was confirmed that the service had carried out a number of proactive and reactive inspections with a reduction in activity seen in 2020/21 due to the pandemic. The reduction in income had been the result of several businesses no longer trading due to a number of factors.

-       Tattooing/skin piercing

It was confirmed to members that there had been an increase in registration applications for tattooists and skin piercers. Currently there was 83 tattooing/skin piercing premises registered with the Council.

Members thanked the team for the work that had been done behind the scenes and congratulated them on their good work.

The report was noted.

To update members on the financial outturn quarter 2 for 2021/22

Members were presented with the financial outturn position as a September 2021.

A question was raised by members regarding the Homelessness funding and whether there had been a significant increase in the recent funding. It was confirmed to members that this funding was a mix of different sources that were used to offset this budget but the allocation would be checked and members would be informed if there had been an increase in this area.

Members queried whether the car parking income would ever increase and it was confirmed that there was unlikely to be a recovery back to pre-Covid levels as people were now working from home and had significantly changed their habits so this income would still be below what would be expected.

Discussion took place regarding the Crematorium and the significant delays surrounding this project.

The report was noted.

A verbal update for members on the medium term financial strategy

Members were given a verbal update on the medium term financial strategy. It was confirmed that due to the increasing shortfall a number of charges would need to be increased, such as an increase of £5 on council tax and £5 for collection of garden waste.

It was confirmed that the Medium Term Financial Strategy report would be produced for May 2022 and would be a 3 year strategy.

Members noted the feedback received from the Head of Finance.

Consideration was given to the work programme for 2021/22 and beyond.

A member queried when they would be getting an update on the Planning  performance and it was confirmed that members would be updated by way of the quarterly performance reports.   

Members confirmed they were happy with the forthcoming work programme. 

Members noted the work programme.