Venue: Parkside, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1GH
Contact: Democratic Services
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Minutes: An apology for absence was received from Councillor Glancy. |
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To
confirm the minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 December 2019. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting
held on 18 December were confirmed and authorised to be signed by the Mayor. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST PDF 51 KB Members
to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at
this meeting. Minutes: Councillors Orson, Pearson and Posnett each declared a
personal interest in any matters relating to the Leicestershire County Council
due to their roles as County Councillors. Councillor Orson also declared a personal interest in
relation to Item 8 as Chairman of LLR Police and Crime Panel where the precept
for the Police and Crime Commissioner was approved. Councillor Carter declared a pecuniary interest in relation
to Item 7, Recommendation 2.3 as a council tenant. He would leave the meeting during debate and
decision on this item. Councillor Illingworth declared an interest pursuant to S.106 of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992. He would leave the meeting during debate and decision on this item. |
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MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: The Mayor had been pleased to present a cheque for £27,668
to his Charity – Rainbows Children’s Hospice.
This money had been raised by the “Jumping Grahams” a charity parachute
jump that Councillor Graham and his family had organised and partaken in. The Mayor reminded Members of the Charity Race Night which he had organised with the assistance of Councillor Child. This event would take place on 19th March and Councillor Graham reminded members to indicate if they were attending as soon as possible so that arrangements could be finalised. |
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LEADER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: The Leader provided the following announcement: The last Council
meeting took place just before Christmas, shortly after the General Election,
and early in the New Year I had the pleasure of welcoming our new MP Alicia Kearns
to Parkside for a very productive first meeting. We have already identified a
number of significant areas where we will be working together and have already
taken significant steps forward in one of our key commitments. Our aspiration
to deliver a second surgery for Melton has been strongly supported by our new
MP, so much so that she has already gained the support of the Prime Minister.
We are due to be meeting with the CCG again shortly and will continue to make
the case for choice and improved health services for our residents. We also
look forward to welcoming the Prime Minister to Melton following his agreement
to take up our MPs invitation. On tonight’s agenda we
present our Corporate Strategy; an ambitious plan to help reshape our community
and ensure our council is sustainable and fit for the coming decade. Our
strategy proposes unprecedented investment in council housing services a
greater focus on customer services and a commitment for this council to become
carbon neutral by 2030. It puts resources into further increasing our ability
to tackle anti-social behaviour, whilst also strengthening our corporate assets
team so we can build more homes, support more jobs and help regenerate our town
centre; as well as secure the income we need to ensure our financial
sustainability. It is a bold plan, but any aspirations must be supported with
the right resources and tonight we also present our Council Tax and budget
proposals, which for the first time in 5 years will deliver a surplus against
ongoing expenditure. At a time which the finances continue to be a challenge
and the future funding settlement remain unclear, this is a fantastic
achievement, particularly when you consider all we are seeking to do through
our strategy. I was grateful for the extensive and robust discussions we had at
Scrutiny in relation to our proposals and thank the Chair of Scrutiny for her
diligence in leading such an effective process. Our focus on council homes remains our top priority. Tonight we seek approval for rent setting, a new set of service charges and our Interim HRA Business Plan; the financial basis of our Housing Improvement Plan. We are committed to undertaking a full stock condition survey over the next two years and this will form the basis of a new 30 year business plan which will be produced in 2022. Our rent proposals seek to ensure the sustainability of our investment proposals and HRA; as do our service charge proposals which represent a first step towards a more comprehensive policy which we will bring back later in the year. We continue to actively monitor progress on bridging the gaps in compliance we identified last year and only today I chaired the latest Housing Improvement Board meeting where ... view the full minutes text for item CO62 |
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PUBLIC QUESTION TIME In accordance with the Constitution, Members of the Council may answer questions from the public of which notice has been given. No questions
were received by the deadline for this meeting. Minutes: No questions had been received from members of the public. |
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CABINET RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL PDF 107 KB To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to the
Council for determination and on Key Decisions made since the publication of
the agenda for the previous Council meeting held on 18 December 2019:
Additional documents:
Minutes: 1) A
NEW CORPORATE STRATEGY 2020-2024 The
Leader moved the recommendations in the report and provided the following
introduction: Following
the District Council elections in May 2019, the council had taken the
opportunity to consider what the focus should be over the next 4 years. Working
with all members, officers and the community the Cabinet were proud to have
developed an ambitious new strategy which makes commitments to significantly invest
in our housing services, environmental enforcement, improving customer services
and delivering the homes, jobs and infrastructure the Borough requires. It also
directly responded to the issues heard on doorsteps, during the election
campaign, as well as those highlighted in the extensive 2019 residents’ survey. At
a time of significant financial pressures, there was a need to prioritise and
redirect resources to different areas. With this in mind, the new strategy
sought to find a balance between affordability and ambition, a balance between
investing in core services and in new initiatives. The
strategy would be underpinned by the vision to “become a first-class council;
on the side of our communities and providing great service, where the customer comes
first. We want to help people reach their potential, support the most
vulnerable, and protect our rural environment. We want to provide more and
better homes, create better jobs and regenerate the town. We want to ensure
Melton prospers, benefiting those who live here and attracting others to visit
and invest.” As
well as drawing upon the residents’ survey, the Council had consulted on the
proposals during December 2019 and received positive feedback on our new
priorities and key investment decisions. These
aspirations had been built into the budget and medium term financial strategy
also before members on the agenda. The
Leader was very proud of the strategy and of what it would seek to achieve for
residents and was delighted to recommend it to council for adoption. The
recommendation was seconded by Councillor Higgins. --o0o-- Councillor Illingworth left the meeting. --o0o-- During
debate of the recommendations points raised included:
i.
Councillor
Browne thanked those that had worked to develop the Corporate Plan and noted
its ambition to deliver to residents and communities with Council Housing being
a key priority. Delivery of growth and
regeneration was welcomed. The vision to
increase employment opportunities and improve skills would be a challenge but
was a positive aspiration. Focusing on
early years and focused intervention was key to ensuring that young people had
the opportunity to learn and develop. Schemes such as Me and My Learning would
be key to this. Working towards an
environment where intervention services would help to tackle social issues and
promote inclusivity and contribute to this key priority.
ii.
Councillor
Child welcomed the proposals to invest in commercial property to achieve long
term growth and regeneration. Such
investments would require case by case analysis. --o0o-- Councillor Holmes left the meeting. --o0o-- iii. Councillor Posnett commended some of the schemes that had contributed to increasing opportunities and support for young people such ... view the full minutes text for item CO64 |
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COUNCIL TAX SETTING 2020/21 PDF 119 KB The Council to calculate and set the Council Tax for 2020/21 as required under the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The Leicestershire County Council figures are subject to approval at their meeting on 19 February 2020. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Leader moved the
recommendations and provided a brief introduction of the report which enabled
the Council to calculate and set the Council Tax for 2020/21. The Leader highlighted that the proposed
average Council Tax increase for Melton Borough Council was 2.47%. Councillor Higgins seconded
the recommendation in the report. During debate of the
recommendations points raised included:
RESOLVED To NOTE
the calculations and APPROVE setting
of the Council Tax for the year 2020/21 made in accordance with regulations set
out in the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The above resolution was voted as follows: FOR THE MOTION (26) Bains, Bindloss, Browne, Carter,
Chandler, Child, Cumbers, de Burle, Evans, Douglas, Faulkner, Fisher,
Freer-Jones, Graham, Hewson, Higgins, Holmes, Lumley, Orson, Pearson, Posnett,
Pritchett, Smedley, Steadman, Wilkinson,
Wood. AGAINST THE MOTION (0) ABSTAINING FROM THE MOTION (0) --o0o-- Councillor Illingworth
returned to the meeting. Councillor Browne left the
meeting. --o0o-- |
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PAY POLICY STATEMENT PDF 138 KB To gain approval
for the 2020/21 Annual Pay Policy Statement so that it can be published in line
with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011. Additional documents: Minutes: The Portfolio Holder for
Corporate Finance and Resources moved the recommendation in the report and provided
a brief summary of the report, setting out that it was a requirement under the
Localism Act 2011. Councillor Orson seconded
the recommendation in the report. RESOLVED To APPROVE and publish the Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21 at
Appendix A. The above resolution was
voted as follows: FOR THE MOTION (26) Bains, Bindloss, Carter,
Chandler, Child, Cumbers, de Burle, Evans, Douglas, Faulkner, Fisher,
Freer-Jones, Graham, Hewson, Higgins, Holmes, Illingworth, Lumley, Orson,
Pearson, Posnett, Pritchett, Smedley,
Steadman, Wilkinson, Wood. AGAINST THE MOTION (0) ABSTAINING FROM THE MOTION
(0) --o0o-- Councillor Browne returned
to the meeting --o0o-- |
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QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS In accordance with
the Constitution, a Member may
ask the Leader, the Chair of the Council or a Committee Chair, a question on
any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which
affects the Borough. The following question was received from Councillor Evans : Does the Leader of
the Council agree with me that the way Leicestershire County Council has
recently decided to drastically cut the sponsored rural bus services throughout
Melton Mowbray Borough is appalling and that the Council should communicate our
concern in the strongest terms possible? Minutes: In accordance with procedure rule 13.2, the following
question was received from Councillor Evans : Does the Leader of the
Council agree with me that the way Leicestershire County Council has recently
decided to drastically cut the sponsored rural bus services throughout Melton
Mowbray Borough is appalling and that the Council should communicate our concern
in the strongest terms possible? The Leader responded as follows : The changes to the
subsidised bus services follow quite extensive consultation by the County
Council, firstly on its overall Passenger Transport Policy And Strategy in
2018, and more recently the specific changes to subsidised routes in the course
2019. This included activity in Melton including a drop in session held here in
these offices. Leicestershire County
Council explained that the motivations for making changes are many and various,
but made no secret that financial pressures were a significant part of the
consideration. ‘Cutting one’s cloth’ to respond to financial pressures is of
course familiar to us and we know first-hand how it means you have to face up
to difficult decisions. Whilst he agreed that
the reductions to bus services would
ideally be avoided, he noted in the detail that they were based on a detailed
analysis of the use and cost of the services
and this was not a wholesale stripping out of services. Whilst reduced in
frequency , in the main services would be retained. In Councillor Evans’ area
for example, there would remain a 2 hourly service from Melton to Bottesford but a direct link to Bingham would be lost. Therefore whilst he
had sympathy for the concerns raised in the question, he also had sympathy for
the County Council who like Melton faced difficult challenges balancing their
budget. The County Council had committed to review the services annually and
Melton would therefore have the opportunity to try to influence the position in
the future. Councillor Evans asked the following supplementary question: I take it from the
Leader’s response that he is endorsing this cut? I have to say I am appalled as I know people
who have lost jobs, also there are old people who can no longer get to their GP
Surgery. The consultation on the changes
was insufficient. The Leader responded that Councillor Evans had been misinformed regarding the consultation and that a full consultation had been conducted in 2016. |
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MOTIONS ON NOTICE In accordance with the Constitution, motions on notice must be signed by at least two Members and be about matters for which the Council has a responsibility or which affect the Melton Borough. The following motion was received from the Leader of the Council: Following the Government’s adoption of the
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition in 2017,
Government has been encouraging Councils to formally adopt the definition
as a clear message that antisemitic behaviour will
not be tolerated. The Secretary of State wrote to all Council Leaders on 15
October 2019 to explain the need to take urgent action. I therefore
encourage the Council to respond positively to this motion as this also
fits with our recently adopted Equality Scheme and the Council’s aspirations to
champion diversity across the Borough. Hatred, and particularly
religious hatred, in all forms, is not something that should be tolerated in
our society. Whilst there have been instances of hatred appallingly directed at
several religions, worryingly there is an upward national trend in antisemitic hatred that must not be tolerated. The United Nations Special
Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief recently released a report which
agreed that the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism can offer valuable
guidance for identifying antisemitism in its various forms. The IHRA definition is as
follows: ‘Antisemitism is a certain
perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of
antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their
property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities’. This definition is encouraged
in its use in ‘education, awareness-raising and for monitoring and responding
to manifestations of antisemitism’. I therefore move that (1) Melton Borough
Council agrees with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
working definition of anti-semitism: ‘Antisemitism is a certain perception of
Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical
manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish
individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and
religious facilities’; (2)
Council
notes that : We have both a legal and a moral duty to show
fairness and equality to our residents, our service users and our
employees. We currently have systems in place to ensure that antisemitism
is not tolerated within our District. These include our commitment to
hate incident/crime reporting and also our Equality Plan, whilst these are not
specific to antisemitism they both ensure that antisemitism is not tolerated.
Through either of these channels we would expect any antisemitism to be
identified and challenged appropriately. Antisemitism is covered under the
characteristic ‘religion and belief’ in both hate incident/crime reporting and
the Equality Act 2010; (3)
Subject
to approval of recommendation (1) that as per the request from the Secretary of
State the Council’s Democratic Services Manager be authorised to inform him of
the Council decision. Minutes: In accordance with the
Constitution, motions on notice must be signed by at least two Members and be
about matters for which the Council has a responsibility or which affect the
Melton Borough. The following motion was
received from the Leader of the Council and Councillor Faulkner: Following the Government’s adoption of the
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition in 2017,
Government has been encouraging Councils to formally adopt the definition
as a clear message that antisemitic behaviour will
not be tolerated. The Secretary of State wrote to all Council Leaders on 15
October 2019 to explain the need to take urgent action. I therefore
encourage the Council to respond positively to this motion as this also
fits with our recently adopted Equality Scheme and the Council’s aspirations to
champion diversity across the Borough. Hatred, and particularly religious
hatred, in all forms, is not something that should be tolerated in our society.
Whilst there have been instances of hatred appallingly directed at several
religions, worryingly there is an upward national trend in antisemitic
hatred that must not be tolerated. The United Nations Special Rapporteur
on Freedom of Religion or Belief recently released a report which agreed that
the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism can offer valuable guidance for
identifying antisemitism in its various forms. The IHRA definition is as follows: ‘Antisemitism is a certain perception
of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of
antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their
property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities’. This definition is encouraged in its
use in ‘education, awareness-raising and for monitoring and responding to
manifestations of antisemitism’. Therefore the following motion was
proposed by Councillor Orson, seconded by Councillor Faulkner and carried at
the vote: (1) Melton Borough Council
agrees with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working
definition of anti-semitism: ‘Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews,
which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical
manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish
individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and
religious facilities’; (2) Council notes that : We have both a legal and a moral duty to show
fairness and equality to our residents, our service users and our
employees. We currently have systems in place to ensure that antisemitism
is not tolerated within our District. These include our commitment to
hate incident/crime reporting and also our Equality Plan, whilst these are not
specific to antisemitism they both ensure that antisemitism is not
tolerated. Through either of these channels we would expect any
antisemitism to be identified and challenged appropriately. Antisemitism is
covered under the characteristic ‘religion and belief’ in both hate
incident/crime reporting and the Equality Act 2010; (3) Subject to approval of
recommendation (1) that as per the request from the Secretary of State the
Council’s Democratic Services Manager be authorised to inform him of the
Council decision. The above resolution was
voted as follows: FOR THE MOTION (27) Bains, ... view the full minutes text for item CO68 |
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RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES There are no recommendations or reports from committees. Minutes: There were no recommendations or reports from Committees. |
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EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC The
Mayor confirmed that the meeting would remain in public session unless detailed
debate on the exempt appendix to Item 13 was required. |
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HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PLAN - IT SYSTEM INVESTMENT AND INTEGRATION PROJECT PDF 182 KB To consider an upgrade and extension of the contract for the Housing Management IT System to enable the ambitious and comprehensive aims and objectives of the recently approved Housing Improvement Plan to be most effectively achieved. To follow. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Portfolio Holder for Housing
and Communities moved the recommendations and provided a brief introduction to
the report. The Portfolio Holder
confirmed that the current Housing Management IT system was no longer fit for
purpose and that an improved system was crucial in achieving the ambitions set
out in the Housing Improvement Plan. The Portfolio Holder noted
that the Recommendation 2.5 should read: Delegates authority to the Chief Executive to call off and
award the Contract Councillor Orson seconded
the recommendations in the report. During debate of the
recommendations points raised included:
RESOLVED a) To APPROVE the use of the CCS Framework for a Housing Management
System subject to the solution offered by Northgate Public Services meeting the
Council’s requirements; b) To APPROVE the addition of £237k to the 2020-21 capital programmes
(£143k to be funded from the HRA Regeneration & Development reserve and
£94k from Capital Receipts); c) To APPROVE £7,500 one off revenue costs to be added to the 2020-21
revenue budgets (£4,470 to be funded from the HRA Regeneration &
Development reserve and £3,030 from the Flexible Homelessness Support grant; d) To APPROVE ongoing annual revenue costs of £93,822 for the new
contract from 2020-21 be added into the revenue budget. £74,492 to be funded
from the HRA Regeneration & Development Reserve and the remaining general
fund element to be funded by the Homelessness Support Grant with virements to be
completed in line with the Financial Procedure Rules; e) DELEGATED authority to the Chief Executive to call off and award the
Contract. The above resolution was
voted as follows: FOR THE MOTION (27) Bains, Bindloss, Carter, Chandler, Child, Cumbers, Browne, de Burle, Evans,
Douglas, Faulkner, Fisher, Freer-Jones, Graham, Hewson, Higgins, Holmes,
Illingworth, Lumley, Orson, Pearson, Posnett, Pritchett, Smedley, Steadman, Wilkinson, Wood. AGAINST THE MOTION (0) ABSTAINING FROM THE
MOTION (0) |