Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1, at the Council Offices, Southfields, Loughborough. View directions

Items
No. Item

54.

Disclosures of Pecuniary and Personal Interests

Minutes:

The following disclosures were made:

 

(i)         by Councillor Barkley – a personal interest in item 9 on the agenda (Capital Plan Amendment Report) in respect of DD146 2021 £25k Syston Memorial Park Sports Pavilion, as a member of Syston Town Council.

(ii)        by Councillors Barkley, Morgan and Poland – interests in item 13 on the agenda (Leicestershire Waste and Recycling Strategy – Approval of Draft Strategy for Public Consultation), as members of Leicestershire County Council.

55.

Leader's Announcements

Minutes:

Derek Smith

 

The Leader referred to the death of Derek Smith, an employee of the Council’s Housing Repairs Team.  It was sad news and thoughts were with Derek’s family and friends at this time.  The Cabinet had a quiet moment of pause and reflection before continuing.

56.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 313 KB

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 18th November 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and signed.

57.

Questions under Cabinet Procedure 10.7

The deadline for questions is noon on Wednesday, 1st December 2021. 

Minutes:

No questions had been submitted.

58.

Motion on Notice - Towards Carbon Neutrality in Charnwood pdf icon PDF 197 KB

Motion referred by Council to Cabinet on 8th November 2021.

 

A report of the Chief Executive.

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Chief Executive in respect of a motion “Towards Carbon Neutrality in Charnwood” referred by Council to Cabinet on 8th November 2021 (elements that related to executive responsibilities) (item 6 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

Councillor Ward, having submitted the motion, had stated that she did not wish to attend to address the Cabinet.

 

The Chief Executive and the Monitoring Officer assisted with consideration of the report.

 

The Chief Executive and the Cabinet Lead Member Transformation noted a suggestion regarding a mechanism for staff to put forward ideas to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint and the benefits that might bring.  They would consider how that might be done/added to existing arrangements.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.         that Cabinet does not support recommendation A for the following reason:

 

The Council has a part time member of staff focused on sustainability and carbon neutrality, and there is a budget proposal to make this a full-time role. Officers from across the Council are also engaged in activities to help achieve carbon neutrality and to tackle climate change;

 

2.         that Cabinet does not support recommendation B for the following reason:

 

The Carbon Neutral Project Board is not a formally constituted body but despite this, three councillors sit on it, including the Lead Member for Transformation, the Deputy Leader and also our Climate Change Champion who represents the Green Party;

 

3.         that Cabinet does not support recommendation C for the following reason:

 

Staff training is a matter for the Head of Paid Service. Relevant training is provided to staff as and when necessary;

 

4.         that Cabinet does not support recommendation D for the following reason:

 

The Carbon Neutral Project Board is already responsible for the delivery of the Council’s motion on Climate Change passed on the 24 June 2019, of which the 5th paragraph obliges the Council to work with residents, businesses and public bodies across the borough and region. Our Carbon Neutral Plan will contain commitments for the Council to act as leaders in our community on climate change issues.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all voted in favour of the above decision had they been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.

59.

Draft General Fund and HRA 2022-23 Budgets pdf icon PDF 403 KB

A report of the Head of Financial Services.

 

Key Decision

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Head of Financial Services setting out the projected base budget position for 2022/23 including the savings and growth proposals put forward for the year and providing the basis for the budget consultation (item 7 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

The Strategic Director; Environmental and Corporate Services and the Head of Financial Services assisted with consideration of the report.

 

Officers were thanked for their work in respect of preparing the draft budgets in challenging times financially.  It was noted that the prudent approach of the Council over recent years had assisted it in now facing those challenges.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.         that the Cabinet endorses for consultation the draft General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets for 2022/23 as set out in Tables 1 and 2 in the report;

 

2.      that the Cabinet endorses for consultation the Loughborough Special Expense Budget and Levy for 2022/23 as set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

Reason

 

1.&2.   To provide the opportunity for consultation on the General Fund and HRA budgets for the 2022/23 financial year.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all voted in favour of the above decision had they been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.

60.

Draft Capital Plan (2022-23 to 2024-25) pdf icon PDF 198 KB

A report of the Head of Financial Services.

 

Key Decision

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Head of Financial Services setting out the draft Capital Plan 2022/23 to 2024/25 together with possible sources of funding prior to beginning a period of consultation (item 8 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

The Strategic Director; Environmental and Corporate Services and the Head of Financial Services assisted with consideration of the report.

 

RESOLVED that Cabinet endorses for consultation the draft Capital Plan for 2022/23 to 2024/25 for the recommended General Fund and HRA schemes in Appendix 1 to the report.

 

Reason

 

To enable consultation on the draft Capital Plan, so that it can become the basis for capital spending by the Council.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all voted in favour of the above decision had they been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.

61.

Capital Plan Amendment Report pdf icon PDF 185 KB

A report of the Head of Financial Services.

 

Key Decision

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Head of Financial Services setting out proposed changes to the 2021/22 - 2022/23 Capital Plan and its financing (item 9 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

The Head of Financial Services assisted with consideration of the report.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that the current Capital Plan for 2021/22 - 2022/23, as amended by the changes shown in Appendix 1 to the report, in the budgeted sum of £61,491,600 be approved;

 

2.      that £5.9k be vired in 2021/22 from Meeting Rooms Presentation Screens to Hybrid Council Meeting – Camera and Audio Equipment for new equipment;

 

3.      that budget be increased for Northgate System – Single Use System by £15k in 2021/22 due to increased scheme costs to be funded from Revenue Contribution to Capital (RCCO) in 2021/22;

 

4.      that the increase be noted in the Bedford Square Gateway project budgets, in total by £1,843.4k, over 3 years, funded by Town Deal funding, other external funding and capital receipts, in line with the Urgent Delegated Decision 182 2021 on 15th October 2021;

 

5.      that the Capital Amendment Report 16th Sept 2021 be corrected, The Outwoods Country Park – Visitor Centre and Café to add back £50k in 2021/22, as this had already been taken out in the outturn report;

 

6.      that a new capital scheme is added to the Capital Plan in 2021/22, Legal Case Management System for £30k, to be funded from capital receipts;

 

7.      that the Regeneration Project scheme be reduced by £145.4k to release funding back into the Capital Plan Reserve as this is currently not required, currently there is £15m Commitment for borrowing on this scheme;

 

8.      that additional decisions, taken by Officers, be noted in relation to new S106 schemes added to the Capital Programme also included in Appendix 1 to the report;

 

9.      that amendments be noted to the Capital Programme since 16th September 2021 Minute 29.

 

Reasons

 

1.      To enable the current Capital Plan to be the basis for capital spending by the Council and so that schemes may proceed.

 

2.      To enable the Hybrid Council Meeting Camera & Audio Equipment budget to be available in 2021/22.

 

3.      To confirm that the Northgate – Single Use System scheme be increased which is funded by revenue contributions.

 

4.      To reflect the Urgent Decision in respect of the Bedford Square Gateway scheme and subsequent reporting to Council at the meeting of 8th November 2021.

 

5.      To confirm the Outwoods Country Park – Visitor Centre and Café be amended.

 

6.      To enable the Legal Case Management scheme budget to be available in 2021/22.

 

7.      To reduce the scheme budget in 2021/22, to replenish the Capital Plan Reserve, as the Regeneration budget is set at £15m Borrowing.

 

8.      To note the new Capital Schemes as part of S106 Agreements implemented by Officer for 3rd Parties.

 

9.      To note amendments to the Capital Programme since Cabinet 16th September 2021 Minute 29.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all voted in favour of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

62.

Amendments to Annual Procurement Plan pdf icon PDF 139 KB

A report of the Strategic Director; Commercial Development, Assets and Leisure.

 

Key Decision

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Strategic Director; Commercial Development, Assets and Leisure setting out proposed updates to the AnnualProcurementPlan 2021/22 (item 10 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

The Strategic Director; Commercial Development, Assets and Leisure assisted with consideration of the report.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.         that the contracts, over £25,000 and up to £75,000, listed in Appendix A to the report, be let in accordance with Contract Procedure Rules;

 

2.      that the contracts, over £75,001 and up to £500,000, listed in Appendix B to the report, be let in accordance with Contract Procedure Rules.

 

Reason

 

1.& 2. To allow contracts of the Council to be let in accordance with Contract Procedure Rules.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all voted in favour of the above decision had they been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.

63.

Make the Woodhouse Parish and the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plans pdf icon PDF 115 KB

A report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration.

 

Key Decision

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration seeking approval for the Woodhouse Parish Neighbourhood Plan and the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan to be ‘made’ as part of the statutory development plan for their respective Neighbourhood Areas (item 11 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

The Head of Planning and Regeneration assisted with consideration of the report.

 

The Cabinet was aware of the considerable and lengthy work local communities needed to undertake to produce neighbourhood plans and wished to recognise that and congratulate all those involved.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that the Woodhouse Parish Neighbourhood Plan is ‘made’ to confirm their status as part of the statutory development plan for Charnwood, in accordance with the provisions of Section 38(A) (4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004;

 

2.      that the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan is ‘made’ to confirm their status as part of the statutory development plan for Charnwood, in accordance with the provisions of Section 38(A) (4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004;

 

3.      that any minor amendments to the Woodhouse Parish Neighbourhood Plan and the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan can be made under delegated authority by the Head of Planning and Regeneration.

 

Reasons 

 

1.      To fulfil the legal duty to make the Woodhouse Parish Neighbourhood Plan part of the development plan for Charnwood.

 

2.      To fulfil the legal duty to make the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan part of the development plan for Charnwood.

 

3.      To enable minor amendments such as typographical errors or factual corrections to be made efficiently.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all voted in favour of the above decision had they been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.

64.

Regulation 7 Direction Storer Road Conservation Area, Loughborough - Application for Renewal pdf icon PDF 833 KB

A report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration.

 

Key Decision

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration seeking approval to apply to the Secretary of State for a renewal of a Direction to be made under Regulation 7 of the Town and Country Planning Act (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, to control the display of estate agents’ letting boards within the Storer Road area, Loughborough (item 12 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

The Head of Planning and Regeneration and the Team Leader Planning Enforcement assisted with consideration of the report.

 

The Leader noted a concern from Councillor Smidowicz regarding ways in which some landlords were avoiding the requirement to remove letting boards within the timescale required.  They would consider whether a representation to the Government in respect of the matter would be appropriate.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that the renewing of the Direction under Regulation 7 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, to control the display of ‘To Let’ advertisements in the Storer Road area of Loughborough, be approved in principle for submission to the Secretary of State for final approval;

 

2.      that, subject to the Secretary of State’s approval, the Strategic Director; Environmental and Corporate Services and the Strategic Director; Community, Planning and Housing be authorised to take all necessary steps in order for the Direction to take effect and to operate in the designated area, within the same approved policy guidelines and other terms of reference applied in the current Direction up for renewal.

 

Reasons

 

1.      To provide a sound basis for the future management of the impact of estate agents’ letting boards on the area and preventing the visual clutter caused by the proliferation of estate agent letting boards for a further five years. It is clear that the Regulation 7 Direction has been effective in improving the visual amenity and character of the area since 2004. 

 

2.      To ensure that the benefits of the Direction are realised and to continue the positive impact on the ability of the Council and local landlords and agents in applying the voluntary code in the wider area.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all voted in favour of the above decision had they been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.

65.

Leicestershire Waste and Recycling Strategy - Approval of Draft Strategy for Public Consultation pdf icon PDF 191 KB

A report of the Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces.

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces to agree the approach to the public consultation for the review of the Leicestershire Municipal Waste Management Strategy (item 13 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

The Strategic Director; Environmental and Corporate Services assisted with consideration of the report.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that the approach to the consultation is approved;

 

2.      that delegated authority is given to the Cabinet Lead Member for Community Support and Equalities to sign off of the documents that accompany the public consultation, these being the draft headline strategy, the draft options appraisal report and the draft environmental report.

 

Reasons 

 

1.      To ensure that the joint consultation can go ahead within the agreed timescales.

 

2.      To ensure that the content of the consultation documents has been agreed.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all voted in favour of the above decision had they been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.

66.

Urgent Decision Taken - Extension of Free Parking pdf icon PDF 342 KB

A report of the Chief Executive.

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Chief Executive setting out an action taken by the Chief Executive under urgency provisions (item 14 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

RESOLVED that the action taken be the Chief Executive under urgency provisions, as set out in the report, be noted.

 

Members of the Cabinet attending virtually confirmed that they would have all been content to note the above action had they been physically present at the meeting and able to do so.