Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Browne, Freer and Pritchett.

To confirm the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 July 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27 July 2023 were confirmed.

(Unanimous)

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

An other registerable interest in respect of Councillor J. Orson was noted as being on record for any matters which related to the Leicestershire County Council.

Councillor J. Orson declared a pecuniary interest relation to CO35 (Melton Local Plan 2011 – 2036, 5 Year Review), CO36 (Local Development Scheme Update, September 2023) and CO37 (Local Plan Update - Issues and Options Consultation) items 10, 11 and 12 as he is a landowner and could be affected by the decision. Councillor J. Orson stated that he would withdraw from the meeting when the reports were considered.

Councillor S. Orson declared a pecuniary interest relation to CO35 (Melton Local Plan 2011 – 2036, 5 Year Review), CO36 (Local Development Scheme Update, September 2023) and CO37 (Local Plan Update - Issues and Options Consultation) items 10, 11 and 12 as he is a landowner and could be affected by the decision. Councillor S. Orson stated that he would withdraw from the meeting when the reports were considered.

The Mayor informed Council that, as Mayor, he had attended the following events:

• Saturday 29 July, DATR Open Day
• Sunday 30 July, ABF Soldiers Charity’s Summer Luncheon
• Sunday 30 July, Leaving service for Reverend Pat Olivent-Hayes
• Thursday 3 August, North West Leicestershire Chairman’s Charity Dinner
• Monday 14 August, Garden Party at Wexford House  
• Sunday 3 September, Lord Mayor of Leicester’s Civic Service
• Thursday 7 September, Summer Social at Parkside
• Tuesday 12 September, Air Cadets to meet the new Cadet
• Friday 15 September, Melton Midlands Sheep Fair
• Friday 15 September, Chairman at Home event at Blaby District Council
• Saturday 16 September, Commemorative Service for Commandery of King Offa
• Sunday 17 September, Battle of Britain Parade
• Sunday 17 September, Scalford Produce and Craft Show
• Thursday 21 September, Teams4U Christmas shoe box appeal launch
• Friday 22 September, Farm visit for the Chairman of Rutland County Council
• Sunday 24 September, Harvest Festival service
• Monday 25 September, Tenant Garden Recognition Scheme

The Deputy Mayor informed Council that, as Deputy Mayor, he had attended the following events:

• Wednesday 23 August, An evening with the cricket legends.
• Sunday 3 September, Mayor of Boston’s Sunday Service
• Thursday 7 September, Summer social at Parkside
• Sunday 17 September, South Kesteven District Council Civic Service at Stamford.

Following the announcement, the outgoing Mayor’s Cadet, Flight Sergeant Wilf Burrows, gave a presentation on his year as the Mayor’s Cadet to Council. After the presentation, the Mayor presented Flight Sergeant Burrows with a certificate.

The incoming Mayor’s Cadet, Flight Sergeant Ella Wheatley, received a certificate.

The Leader began his announcements by informing Council of the events he has attended since the last Council meeting, including:

·       Charity football match;

·       The Ukrainian Independence Day service at St Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray;

·       The Battle of Britain service at St Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray;

·       Harvest Festival service at St Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray;

·       Open day for the Melton District Money Advice Centre;

·       Mental Health Network

·       Two induction events for new staff;

·       Ward visits to Asfordby, Bottesford and Melton Craven.

The Leader informed Members that he and his administration had been carrying out various duties since the last Council. He explained that he had previously made several commitments and has been taking them forwards. Members would receive further details in the Members’ Bulletin.

The Leader explained that with input from the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Graham, he had conducted the Chief Executive’s annual appraisal.

Members were informed that the administration had made progress on the legacy issues that had arisen at the Waterfield Leisure Centre and that a capital programme was being developed. In addition, Officer has been preparing for the new management contract for Waterfield and the Sports Centre at MSV.

The Leader mentioned that the Corporate Strategy expires in 2024 and that the new Strategy would run until 2036. The new Strategy would be more ambitious and visionary and would include a vision for a replacement swimming pool.

Council was informed that at the last meeting of the Police and Crime Panel, the Panel met the nominee for Chief Executive and were content with the choice. Staying on matters of policing, the Leader stated that he had briefly met the new Melton and Rutland Police Inspector, Darren Richardson. Inspector Richardson has agreed to meet with a cross section of Members and exchange views on policing issues.

The Leader informed Members that he, and the Chief Executive, met with the Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, Alicia Kearns, and her office manager in order to discuss a number of strategic matters, and some legacy issue of flooding and sewage in Melton.

The Leader regrets to inform that some Members and Officers continue to be the subject of unfair abusive slurs and denigration on social media including unsubstantiated accusations of corruption. He wished to make clear that this is unacceptable and that the Council are governed by the Nolan Principles.

In finishing his summary, the Leader outlined other issues that has drawn his attention since the last Council meeting:

• Levelling Up Fund meeting with the Leader of Rutland County Council.
• Latham House and options for second GP surgery.
• Brooksby College.
• Meeting with the Heads of Longfield, Ferneley and Melton Vale Sixth Form College
• Meeting with BID
• UKSPF
• Meeting about a Rural Forum
• Members Advisory Group
• Meeting with the Leicestershire District Leaders.

At 7:03pm, during the Leader’s Announcements, Councillor Gordon left the meeting.

At 7:09pm, upon the conclusion of the Leader’s Announcements, Councillor Gordon returned to the meeting.

In accordance with the Constitution, Members of the Council may answer questions from the public of which notice has been given.

No questions have been received.

No questions from the public had been received.

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.

No questions have been received.

Two questions from Members were received and they were taken in the order that they were received.

Councillor Higgins asked the following question:

Following debate with Councillors at the State of Melton event and subsequent Scrutiny meeting, could the Leader clarify the agreements and actions in relation to Car Parking arrangements, and income to the council, with respect to the Cattle Market lease.

Also, could the Leader confirm income from this specific arrangement is for the general fund use for the Council.

In his response, the Leader stated that the trend showed that income has been decreasing, and that this had been a longer-term trend. He confirmed that the details of this would be made available within the Members Bulletin and SharePoint portal. He confirmed that income does go into the general fund. In regards to the second car park, as the council was not rightly focussing on the Levelling Up Fund investment, works to the current car park would quite rightly be limited now, as the focus needs to be on the more substantial investment.

Councillor Higgins opted to ask a supplementary question and asked the Leader what plans he has with regard to car parking charging for the users.

In response, the Leader commented that he had no plans but he does have ideas, however the ideas would all be comprehensively considered before any idea is implemented.

Councillor Cliff asked the following question:

Is the leader aware of the latest CQC inspection of maternity services which found a “deterioration in the level of care” being provided for those using maternity services at both the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital, dropping ratings for both hospitals from “good” to “requires improvement”. In contrast, inspectors of our own midwife-led unit here in Melton, praised staff, saying they, “should be proud of the safe care they were providing.”

We were assured as part of the plans that earmarked St. Mary’s Birth Centre for closure, that this was a relocation, and that St. Mary’s would not close until the new unit was open on the Leicester site currently under development.

So, in light of this concerning CQC report, will the Leader please write to the Trust on behalf of our whole community to insist that the condition would remain, and that St Mary’s Birth Centre should not be closed prematurely, in order to prop up failing services elsewhere?

In his response, the Leader thanked Councillor Cliff for raising the issue and stated that he was aware and would write to the NHS Trust on behalf of the Council regarding this issue and seek assurance about the required improvements before any closure of the Melton facility.

In asking a supplementary question, Councillor Cliff asked whether the Leader was aware of any proposals for the site if the St Mary’s Birth Centre was to close.

In his response, the Leader stated that there were Community Health and Well-being Plans, however he stated that he was not aware of any specific plans for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item CO32

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.

No motions were received by the deadline.

No motions on notice were received.

To receive a report from the Employment Committee on the appointment of a Monitoring Officer.

The Leader introduced a report on the appointment of a Monitoring Officer. The Leader commented positively on the rigour of the recruitment process and the positive outcome and the unanimous recommendation from the Employment Committee. He moved the recommendation and the Leader of the Opposition seconded the motion.

RESOLVED

Council

APPOINTED Clive Tobin as the Council’s Monitoring Officer with effect from a date to be confirmed, in line with the commencement of his employment with the Council as Assistant Director for Governance and Democracy, anticipated to be no later than January 2024. 

(Unanimous)

The Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services (Deputy Leader) is to provide the Melton Local Plan (2011 – 2036) 5 Year Review.

(At 7:37pm, prior to the consideration of this item, Councillors J. Orson and S. Orson left the meeting.)

The Deputy Leader presented a report on the Melton Local Plan (2011 – 2036) 5 Year Review and moved the recommendations. Cllr Higgins seconded the motion.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  APPROVED the details as set out in Appendix A of the outcome of the Melton Local Plan (2011-2036) 5 Year Review.

(2)  APPROVED the revised Terms of Reference and Membership of the Melton Local Plan Review Working Group (Appendix B).

(3)  APPROVED that authority be delegated to the Melton Local Plan Review Working Group to scrutinise and publish new evidence relating to the Local Plan on the Local Plans website to inform future policy making.

(Unanimous)

The Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services (Deputy Leader) is to provide the Local Development Scheme Update.

The Deputy Leader presented the Local Development Scheme Update (September 2023) and moved the recommendations. Councillor Higgins seconded the motion.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  APPROVED the publication of the updated Local Development Scheme (LDS).

(2)  APPROVED that authority be delegated to the Director for Growth and Regeneration to make in-year updates to the Local Development Scheme, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment & Regulatory Services and the Melton Local Plan Working Group.

(For 21, Against 0, Abstentions 1)

(At 7:51pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor Evans entered the meeting.)

The Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services (and Deputy Leader) is to provide a report on the Local Plan Update – Issues and Options Consultation.

The Deputy Leader introduced the Local Plan Update – Issues and Options Consultation and moved the recommendations. Councillor Higgins seconded the motion.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  APPROVED launching the Issues and Options consultation (Regulation 18 consultation) in relation to the Local Plan Update once the consultation document is finalised and delegates authority to the Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services to finalise the consultation document in consultation with the Local Plan Members’ Working Group.

(2)  APPROVED launching a consultation for the Sustainability Appraisal alongside the Regulation 18 consultation.

(Unanimous)

(At 7:59pm, upon the conclusion of this item, Councillors J. Orson and S. Orson entered the meeting.)

The Monitoring Officer is to provide a report on the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

The Deputy Leader introduced the report on the proposed amendments and moved the recommendations and Councillor Brown seconded the motion.

Councillor Graham proposed an amendment to the motion relating to the proposed amendment to Chapter 2, Part 4, Section 12.3, Paragraph 15. The original proposal was that the limit should be £150k, however, after some debate, the proposer accepted that the limit should be amended to £50k per financial year. This was agreed by the seconder.

RESOLVED

Council

APPROVED the proposed amendments to the Constitution as detailed in Appendix A to the report subject to the limit in Paragraph 15 (Chapter 2, Part 4, Section 12.3) being amended to £50k per financial year.

(Unanimous)