Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Boldrin, Bokor, Brookes, Hunt, Lowe, Needham, Pacey, Popley, Radford and Savage.

Apologies for absence had been received from Honorary Aldermen Bush, Stott and Tormey.

Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 requires that a Councillor who owes arrears of Council Tax which have been outstanding for more than two months must declare this at any Council meeting which considers the setting of a budget and the Council Tax, and that they should not vote on those matters. Failing to comply with those requirements if they apply is an offence. If this applies to any Councillors at this meeting, they are therefore advised to make the required declaration and to leave the meeting during consideration of item 6.1.

It is a requirement of the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members that the existence and nature of all personal interests must be disclosed. Therefore, in the case of item 6.1 on the agenda, 2023-24 General Fund, HRA Revenue Budgets and Council Tax and Medium Financial Strategy 2022/25 , it is suggested that members of precepting authorities declare such interests. (For example, this would relate to members of Leicestershire County Council, the Combined Fire Authority and Parish and Town Councils).

The Mayor drew Councillors’ attention to Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 required that a Councillor who owed arrears of Council Tax which had been outstanding for more than two months must declare that at any Council meeting which considered the setting of a budget and the Council Tax, and that they should not vote on those matters. In addition it was noted that it is a requirement of the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members that the existence and nature of all personal interests must be disclosed. Therefore, in the case of item 6.1 on the agenda, General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets and Council Tax 2023/24, it is suggested that members of precepting authorities declare such interests. (For example, this would relate to members of Leicestershire County Council, the Combined Fire Authority and Parish and Town Councils).

The following disclosures of pecuniary and personal interests were made:

      i.        By Councillor Barkley – a registrable interest in item 6.1 on the agenda (General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets and Council Tax 2023/24) as a member of Leicestershire County Council and a member of Syston Town Council.

    ii.        By Councillor Charles – a registrable interest in item 6.1 on the agenda (General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets and Council Tax 2023/24) as a member of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council.

   iii.        By Councillor Charles – a registrable interest in item 6.2 on the agenda (Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023 and Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2023/24) as a member of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council.

   iv.        By Councillor Forrest – a registrable interest in item 6.1 on the agenda (General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets and Council Tax 2023/24) as a member of Barrow Upon Soar Parish Council.

    v.        By Councillor Forrest – a registrable interest in item 6.2 on the agenda (Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023 and Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2023/24) as a member of Barrow Upon Soar Parish Council.

   vi.        By Councillor Fryer – a registrable interest in item 6.1 on the agenda (General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets and Council Tax 2023/24) as a member of Leicestershire County Council and as a property owner in the Borough.

  vii.        By Councillor Fryer – a registrable interest in item 6.2 on the agenda (Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023 and Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2023/24) as a member of Leicestershire County Council.

 viii.        By Councillor Gerrard – a registrable interest in item 6.1 on the agenda (General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets and Council Tax 2023/24) as a member of Syston Town Council and East Goscote Parish Council.

   ix.        By Councillor Grimley – a registrable interest in item 6.1 on the agenda (General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets and Council Tax 2023/24) as a member of Leicestershire County Council and as a member of Leicester and Leicestershire  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.

To confirm the minutes of the Council meeting held on 23rd January 2023.

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 23rd January 2023 were confirmed and signed.

To receive announcements from the Mayor (if any).

The Mayor made the following announcements.

“A reminder that my Civic Service will be on Sunday, 12th March at All Saints with Holy Trinity Parish Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough.”

To consider significant, recent matters affecting the Council or the Borough (if any).

The Leader made the following announcements:

“Madam Mayor, I would like to briefly say a few words about the past four years of this Council, and also to thank those councillors retiring in May.

I’ll start with thanking those councillors who have served this council, but are not re-seeking election in May.

Being a councillor is still an important role to undertake – serving your community, being an active public servant is both admirable but also an essential part of the fabric of our democracy. For those not standing again, I say thank you for your service, and well done.

If I had time, I would have name checked every one of you, but I haven’t Madam Mayor, so I would like to mention two particular individuals.

The first is Cllr Richard Shepherd, first elected in 1979 – he has served the residents of Quorn in almost every capacity for 44years, with the same verve and passion today that he did on the day he was first elected. His tenure covers almost the entire life of this Council, and I sincerely hope that the next council finds a suitable way to recognise and remember his service to the people of Charnwood. Thank you Richard.

I would also like to pay my own thanks to Cllr Barkley – such an impressive public servant across all three layers of local government, and also a good friend. I will miss you Tom, and I owe you a huge personal thanks for your good sense, grasp of all things financial, and dedication to the job. Thank you very, very much.

We should also remember those councillors we’ve lost, both from this term and others, particularly the sudden and unexpected loss of Gill Bolton – our prayers and thoughts remain with her family.

It has been an extraordinary 4 years, unmatched in Charnwood’s history.

We supported residents and businesses throughout the pandemic, we should never forget what we did to help, the support we gave, and the sacrifices made by staff, councillors and residents

We distributed £60m of support to businesses at record pace, thousands of food parcels to residents, praised locally and nationally for our determination to support those most at risk. 

We worked with the military and the NHS to create the vaccination centre in our own offices at Southfields. When we went public about its creation, we actually announced the UK’s first vaccination centre - receiving national and international attention, giving fresh certainty to millions that there was at last a route out of the pandemic.

I thank our councillors and staff for all of their work during that period - I know that for many the battles were often personal, and not always won.

The Hope Bell memorial will seek to recognise the sacrifices, determination and losses for all across the borough - bringing together elements of our past, present and future.

Now, we need to build a better future for our borough, with the homes, jobs and infrastructure that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117.

To receive announcements from the Chief Executive (if any).

The Chief Executive made no announcements.

To allow councillors to formally submit petitions for consideration under the Council’s petition scheme, as set out in Full Council Procedure 9.8.

No petitions were submitted.

To consider the following matters reserved to Council in accordance with Section 5 of the Constitution:

A report of the Cabinet, setting out the proposed General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Revenue Budgets for 2023/24 and proposed Council Tax levy for consideration and approval.

The full Council Tax Recommendations, which the Council must consider in order to set a Council Tax Levy and General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets for 2023/24, is to follow.

Councillor Ward joined the meeting at 6:50pm.

A report of the Cabinet, setting out the proposed General Fund and HRA Revenue Budgets for 2023/24 along with the proposed Council Tax Levy, and the 2023/24 proposals to increase rent and service charges within the ring-fenced Housing Revenue Account, was submitted (item 6.1 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

A supplementary report of the Cabinet to enable theCouncil to adopt a GeneralFundRevenueBudget, a HousingRevenueAccount (HRA) Budgetanda CouncilTax levyfor 2023/24 in line with legislative requirements was also submitted (item 6.1 supplementary report filed with these minutes).

Councillors were reminded that it was a legal requirement that all votes taken on this item, including votes on amendments must be recorded votes.

It was proposed by Councillor Barkley and seconded by Councillor Baines that recommendations 1 to 17 of the supplementary report of the Cabinet be approved for reasons 1 to 17 in that supplementary report of the Cabinet, with the exception of recommendations 8, 9 and 14 in the supplementary report of the Cabinet. These recommendations were updated and proposed as follows;

8. To increase the HRA weekly rents for existing tenants by 7%, and by CPI + 1% where properties are re-let, in line with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) guidance

9. To increase the non-HRA dwelling properties rents by 7%, and by CPI + 1% where properties are re-let, an increase which is consistent with that set out for HRA dwellings.

14. That the Lifeline weekly charge is retained at the current rate.

The following amendment was proposed by Councillor Draycott and seconded by Councillor Ward:

Recommendations:

      i.        To amend the HRA weekly rents in line with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) guidance by 5%.

    ii.        To amend the non-HRA dwelling properties in line with the MHCLG guidance by 5%.

   iii.        That any difference be found from HRA Reserves or expenditure.

Reasons

      i.        To comply with social housing rents guidance.

    ii.        Keeping the increase low which is fitting for the Council in the current cost of living and economic crisis.

   iii.        Impact on 30-year Business Plan and Capital Expenditure low.

It was highlighted that many local authorities intended to increase HRA weekly rents by 7%, including neighbouring authorities.

For the amendment – Councillors J Bradshaw, Campsall, Draycott, Forrest, Goddard, A Gray, B Gray, Hamilton, K Harris, C Harris, Miah and Ward.

Against the amendment – Councillors Bailey, Baines, Barkley, Bentley, S Bradshaw, Capleton, Charles, Fryer, Gerrard, Grimley, Hadji-Nikolaou, Harper-Davies, Howe, Mercer, Morgan, Murphy, Paling, Parsons, Parton, Poland, Ranson, Rattray, Rollings, Seaton, Shepherd, Smidowicz, Snartt, Taylor, Williams.

Abstentions – Councillor Tillotson.

The amendment was defeated.

For the motion – Councillors  ...  view the full minutes text for item 121.

A report of the Cabinet, to set out a Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023-26 and a Capital Strategy, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, the Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for 2023/24 for consideration and approval.

A report of the Cabinet to set out a Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023-26 and a Capital Strategy, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, the Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for 2023/24 for consideration and approval, was submitted (item 6.2 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

Councillor Draycott wished to place on record her concerns regarding the issues faced by the community within the Bell Foundry Estate and the cuts to funding and subsequent cuts in service at the Marios Tinenti Centre. She also raised concerns about the removal of the ‘People Zone’ status of the Bell Foundry Estate and stated that she hoped that the next Council prioritised support for this area.

It was proposed by Councillor Barkley, seconded by Councillor Baines, and

RESOLVED

1.    That the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023-2026 as set out at Appendix A to the report (attached as an Annex) be approved.

2.    That the Capital Strategy, as set out at Appendix B to the report (attached as an Annex) be approved.

3.    That the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy as shown at Appendix BB to the report (attached as an Annex) be approved.

4.    That the Prudential and Treasury Indicators, also set out in within Appendix BB to the report (attached as an Annex) be approved.

Reasons

1.    To inform members of the future financial outlook for the Council.

2.     To enable the Council to comply with the statutory code of practice issued by CIPFA: ‘The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, 2021 Edition’.

3.    To ensure that the Council’s governance and management procedures for Treasury Management reflect best practice and comply with the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice, Guidance Notes and Treasury Management Policy Statement.

4.    To ensure that funding of capital expenditure is taken within the totality of the Council’s financial position and that borrowing and investment is only carried out with proper regard to the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.

A report of the Cabinet to consider recommendations of the Cabinet in respect of an amendmentsto the Capital Plan.

A report of the Cabinet to consider recommendations of the Cabinet in respect of an amendments to the Capital Plan, was submitted (item 6.3 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

It was proposed by Councillor Barkley and seconded by Councillor Baines that recommendations 1 and 2 in the report of the Cabinet be approved, for reasons 1 and 2 in that report.

The following amendment was proposed by Councill Miah and seconded by Councillor Hamilton:

Recommendations

      i.        To amend the following schemes: reduce the Enterprise Zone from £13m to £10m and move from 2022/23 to 2023/24 and reduce the Regeneration projects £15m to £5m and move from 2022/23 to 2023/24.

    ii.        To add a new scheme of £0.5m to fund non-council owned homes in Charnwood improve their Energy Efficiency from 2023/24. Funded from Capital Plan Reserve.

   iii.        To add new HRA scheme for the Redevelopment Sheltered Accommodation – St Michael’s Court, Thurmaston for the construction of eight new bungalows in 2023/24, £2m funded by HRA Major Repairs Reserve.

   iv.        To add a new HRA scheme of £0.5m to fund Council Owned homes in Charnwood improve their Energy Efficiency from 2023/24, funded from HRA Balances.

Reasons

      i.        To enable the Enterprise Zone and Regeneration Projects schemes to be available in 2023/24.

    ii.        To enable energy efficiency improvements of non-council owned housing and funding for such to be available in 2023/24.

   iii.        To enable the Redevelopment Sheltered Accommodation – St Michael’s Court, Thurmaston budget to be available in 2023/24 funded from Major Repair reserve budget.

   iv.        To enable energy efficiency improvements of council owned housing and funding for such to be available in 2023/24.

The amendment was defeated.

Council Draycott wished to put on record that consultants had undertaken a desktop survey of 1,000 council properties in the Borough and stated that she believed the council could have undertaken the survey internally.

Councillor Barkley stated that the report produced by the consultants sets out how the council would continue to improve the housing stock.

RESOLVED

1.    To amend the following schemes as per the Treasury Management Strategy Report being taken to Cabinet on 9th February 2023; reduce the Enterprise Zone from £13m to £10m and move from 2022/23 to 2023/24 and reduce the Regeneration Projects £15m to £5m and move from 2022/23 to 2023/24;

2.    To add a new HRA scheme for the Redevelopment Sheltered Accommodation – St. Michael’s Court, Thurmaston for the construction of eight new bungalows in 2023/24, £2m funded by HRA Major Repairs Reserve;

Reasons

1.    To enable the Enterprise Zone and Regeneration Projects schemes to be available in 2023/24.

2.    To enable the Redevelopment Sheltered Accommodation – St Michael’s Court, Thurmaston budget to be available in 2023/24 funded from Major Repair reserve budget.

A report of the Cabinet to consider amendments to the Constitution following the annual review.

A report of the Cabinet to consider amendments to the Constitution following the annual review, was submitted (item 6.4 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

It was proposed by Councillor Morgan, seconded by Councillor Poland, and

RESOLVED that the changes to the Constitution set out in Appendix 1 to the report (attached as an Annex) be made, to be effective from the new Civic Year 2023/24.

Reason

To ensure the Constitution is kept up to date and fulfils its intended purposes.

A report of the Chief Executive to consider the findings and the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel in respect of allowances paid to members of Charnwood Borough Council and the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2023/24. 

A report of the Cabinet to consider the findings and the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel in respect of allowances paid to members of Charnwood Borough Council and the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2023/24, was submitted (item 6.5 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

It was proposed by Councillor Morgan, seconded by Councillor Miah, and

RESOLVED that Council considers the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, submitted in accordance with the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 as set out in Appendix A, and agrees to adopt the proposed Scheme of Members’ Allowances for the financial year 2023/24 as set out at Appendix B.

Reason

To ensure compliance with the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003.

A report of the Chief Executive to request approval to appoint two Deputy Electoral Registration Officers. 

A report of the Chief Executive to request approval to appoint two Deputy Electoral Registration Officers, was submitted (item 6.6 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

It was proposed by Council Morgan, seconded by Councillor Miah, and

RESOLVED that the Head of Governance & Human Resources and the Elections & Land Charges Manager both be appointed as Deputy Electoral Registration Officers with the full powers of the Electoral Registration Officer in his absence, or for the purposes of the administration of Voter Identification Certificates.

Reason

It is necessary for resilience and practical purposes that Deputy Electoral Registration Officers be appointed.

There are no references to Council following the call-in of a Cabinet decision under Scrutiny Committee Procedure 11.7.

There were no call-in references from Scrutiny.

No requests for position statements were received.

No position statements had been requested.

No motions on notice have been received.

No motions on notice had been submitted.

To deal with the following questions on notice, submitted under Full Council Procedure 9.9(a):

The questions on notice and the responses of the Leader or his nominee were submitted (item 10 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

Question submitted by Councillor Ranson.

Councillor Ranson did not wish to ask a supplementary question.

Question submitted by Councillor Draycott.

Councillor Draycott stated that Leicestershire County Council redirected calls back to the Borough Council and asked the Lead Member if they agreed that the Lightbulb Project did not work? She also asked who was responsible for the ineffectiveness of the Lightbulb Project and how Leicestershire County Council could do more?  

Councillor Mercer stated that he did not agree with Councillor Draycott, but said the project could be improved. He stated that the issues were due to a lack of Occupational Therapists at Leicestershire County Council, which was causing delays on the work. He went on to highlight that the Covid-19 pandemic had also had an impact with regards to inspections.  

Question submitted by Councillor Draycott.

Councillor Draycott stated that she felt the service was not being delivered effectively and that it was not acceptable for residents to be waiting for multiple years for support. Councillor Draycott asked if the Lead Member accepted responsibility for the issues associated with the Disabled Facilities Grants and how they would improve matters?  

Councillor Mercer stated that the question was linked to the previous question and that his answer would be the same. He went on to say that Councillor Draycott and her colleagues that had undertaken the role of Shadow Spokesperson for Housing and Communities in the past had acted in a fair and non-partisan manner over the current term of office. He acknowledged that the position required hard work and that they had worked positively with Councill Mercer in the past.

Question submitted by Councillor Grimley.

Councillor Grimley did not wish to ask a supplementary question, but thanked the Lead Member and the officers for the response and stated that the response received had been very good.

Councillor Poland thanked Councillor Grimley for the question and highlighted that it was positive that rent arrears had decreased and that rent collections had increased, and that this meant there would be more to invest in the housing stock. Councillor Poland thanked the officers within the team he had worked closely with over the current term. He stated that they had worked hard in historically difficult times in order to continue to serve residents.

There are no minute references.

There were no minute references.

A report of the Chief Executive to inform Council of changes to the delegation of executive functions.

A report of the Chief Executive to inform Council of changes to the delegation of executive functions, was submitted (item 12 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

To receive nominations for the Mayor Elect for the 2023/24 civic year.

It was proposed by Councillor Morgan, seconded by Councillor Miah, and

RESOLVED that Councillor Smidowicz be nominated as Mayor Elect for the 2023/24 Council year.

Reason

To ensure that a nomination was made for the Mayor of the Borough for 2023/24.

To consider any changes to Committee membership for the current Council year (2022/23) (if any).

There were no proposals to consider.

The Mayor made the following closing statements.

“I would like to echo the Leader’s statement earlier in the meeting. This is the final meeting of this Council year and the Council term. Elections for a new Council will take place in a few weeks. As this is the last time that this Council will gather together, I would like to thank councillors for their hard work over the last four years on behalf of residents of the Borough. There are a number of councillors who are standing down at the elections and as well as thanking them, I would like to wish them the very best for the future”.