Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mason.

 

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2023 were approved as a correct record.

 

(25 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstentions)

 

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 relate to the Leicestershire County Council.

 

Councillor Carter declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to Minute Number CO62, as he is a tenant of a Council-owned property.

 

Councillor Gordon declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to Minute Number CO61, as a family member owns a second property, which they rent out.

 

Councillor Gordon declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to Minute Number CO62, as she is a tenant of a Council-owned property.

 

The Mayor read out a letter that he had sent to HM King Charles III on behalf of the Borough of Melton.

 

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

·       Friday 15 December 2023, Royal British Legion Christmas raffle draw

·       Saturday 16 December 2023, Scalford Christmas Concert

·       Monday 18 December 2023, Gretton Court Party

·       Monday 18 December 2023, Charnwood Christmas Carol Service

·       Wednesday 20 December 2023, Loros Christmas Concert

·       Saturday 13 January 2024, Eastwell History Quiz Night

·       Thursday 18 January 2024, Community Tree Planning

·       Tuesday 23 January 2023, Lord Mayor Charity all you can eat buffet

 

The Deputy Mayor informed Council that he had attended the following events on behalf of the Mayor:

·       Friday 19 January 2024, Mayor’s Quiz Night

·       Saturday 27 January 2024, Holocaust Memorial Day Service

 

In beginning his announcements, the Leader thanked the Mayor and all Members for their support at the meeting in December when Councillor Cliff collapsed. He thanked all who rallied round calmly and quickly.

 

The Leader informed Members that since the last meeting he had a number of meetings including with the MP, Alicia Kearns, and seven meetings about flooding.

 

Members were informed that in relation to the UKSPF, the current round of business and community grant allocations is complete. The Leader thanked the members of the panels, especially the external members from business and charity sector, as they made an important contribution to the professional assessments and ensured proper due process with no hint of favouritism or prejudice. The Leader stated that a full report would be made to the local area board, and to Scrutiny Committee. The Leader added that going forward, the task is to ensure that all money received from government is used on time and where it is needed.

 

In relation to the progress on the levelling up fund project and town centre regeneration, the Leader stated that the Council is working actively with partners in Rutland and thanked the MP Alicia Kearns for her continued interest and support, particularly over the future of Brooksby Melton college and the £2m investment in their theatre. The Leader stated that there is much activity behind the scenes on the problem and in due course he will invite Leaders of all groups to a full briefing on this matter.

 

Members were informed that work continues at the cattle market and that two information meetings with stakeholders have taken place. Following the statutory planning process including with the County Council highways department, construction work will start in the autumn after this season of key business and social events. All existing tenants are being encouraged to put forward their own particular needs during the transition period and proposals for their future business ambitions. The Leader stated that the Council are following due process and due diligence.

 

In regard to the town centre, the Leader expressed his gratitude to the contribution that the business improvement district (BID) board has and is making to the detailed proposals. The Council are pushing ahead with those elements, such as cleaning, greening and signage within existing budgets and UKSPF funding. Members were informed that some of this and other harder design elements are yet to be agreed but will set the tone for harmonising with the LUF development. The Leader thanked Councillor Butcher for all her attention to detail and the work of the Town Centre Working Group.

 

The Leader explained that in parallel with the developments, a new approach to car parking schemes would be developed this coming year. Currently the Council are waiting input from the BID board before going out to other stakeholders and interest groups.

 

In regard to the new leisure contract, legal and other preparatory work is proceeding, including attention to the needs and concerns of groups currently using MSV. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item CO54

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.

 

Three questions have been received. The questions are as follows.

 

Question 1

 

Councillor I Atherton is asking The Leader

 

In mid-January 2024, Arla announced a review of their business and, according to the article in the Melton Times, this review potentially puts the Arla Creamery, previously known as Tuxford and Tebbutt, at risk. The review is scheduled to conclude in April 2024. This creamery has been producing cheese since 1780 and is surely considered a focal point of Melton Mowbray’s being the Rural Capital of Food. Although, publicly at least, Arla HQ in Leeds have yet to make a decision, it would appear from press articles that they are seeking a buyer which may protect the Creamery, but this is far from certain. Given the current financial crisis that many families find themselves in, the potential loss of employment could be devastating not only for those employed by the Creamery, but also for those in its supply chain.

 

On hearing of this news, on Monday 22nd January I emailed the MBC Chief Executive to understand what support we can offer to those who might lose their jobs should the Creamery be closed. I did receive a response the same days stating that he had immediately offered support, in a number of ways, to assist their review, namely:

·       Provision of an up-to-date assessment of Melton’s growth potential re town expansion and infrastructure investment as they may see that growth making Melton a more attractive proposition to maintain commitment to.

·       Direct support from our growth and regeneration team re any economic development assistance.

·       A meeting with himself and the Leader to demonstrate our strategic support to their business and the employment in sustains.

 

Sadly, I’ve been informed that, at the time of this submission, Arla have not yet responded to this offer.  I would hope that Arla looks on the offer favourably but would ask that the Craven Ward members be included in any further correspondence with Arla so that we can present a unified, well-informed approach to supporting them.

 

While I welcome the fact that we are offering support, it would appear that our support is limited to providing information to the Creamery and a demonstration of support meeting, whatever that might mean. This prompts the following questions:

a)    What representation have we made to Arla HQ in Leeds in support of the Melton Mowbray Creamery and to impress on them the impact of the potential loss of the Creamery to Melton Mowbray town centre and wider Borough?

b)    What further measures are we planning to practically demonstrate the Councils support to not only the Arla Melton Mowbray management but to the Arla Melton Mowbray workforce and its suppliers?

 

Question 2

 

Councillor R Browne is asking The Leader

 

Can the  ...  view the full agenda text for item CO56

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 had been received.

 

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the new Corporate Strategy, Vision 2036 and Corporate Delivery Plan.

The Leader introduced the report and moved the recommendation. The Deputy Leader seconded the motion.

 

During the debate the following points were raised:

• No mention of working with Housing Associations in order to deliver exception sites. This is important because going forward site viability will reduce the number of affordable homes becoming available.
• Overhead of being MBC dwarfs added value, with little mention on developing shared services. Although it was noted that regarding shared services, some partners are withdrawing from shared service arrangements.
• It was noted that the support hub which developed out of Me and My Learning wasn’t mentioned.
• The comment was made that there was little on the rural area despite rural area contributing a significant amount in Council Tax, business rates and new homes bonus.

 

A suggestion was made that recommendation number three should be altered to include the words ‘and Deputy Leader’ after the words ‘in consultation with the Leader’. The proposer accepted the suggestion and the recommendation was altered.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council

 

(1)  Approved the Corporate Strategy including the Vision 2036 and 4-year Corporate Delivery Plan.

 

(2)  Approved the supporting documents; the refreshed Performance and Risk Management Framework (Appendix D) and the Communications and Engagement Strategy (appendix E).

 

(3)  Delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader, to update the Corporate Delivery Plan with any amendments required following consideration of the Budget reports, and to make any other minor operational amendments as required.

 

(For 16, Against 0, Abstaining 11)

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Asset Management Plan for Corporate Assets.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. The Leader seconded the motion.

 

During the debate the following points were raised:

• The Plan is missing any previous Cabinet decisions and strategic direction.
• Whilst the Plan mentions assets for jobs, home and income, it was noted that community is missing, particularly as community centres is mentioned within the Plan. The Portfolio Holder accepted the comments regarding community centres but stated that the services located in those centres are declining. There is a desire to retain community buildings, however there is little budget to do so.
• The comment was made that the cost comparison formulae, which is used within the Plan, is only for commercial assets and not play areas, community centres etc.
• The report doesn’t mention value, income, constraints or options.
• Slow to review leases and rents.
• The question was raised what strategic considerations had been given to selling community assets upon health impacts of the residents of the areas where the assets are located.
• The planned maintenance schedule was welcomed.
• It was noted that the assets and plan were discussed at the  Asset Working Group and all parties were invited to participate.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council

 

(1)  Approved the Asset Management Plan for Corporate Assets as attached in Appendix 1.

 

(2)  Noted the financial implications arising from the AMP have been incorporated into the 2024/25 budget proposals.

 

(3)  Delegated to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, to make relevant amendments to the AMP.

 

(4)  Delegated to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, to procure contractors for implementation of works as identified in the action plan.

 

(For 16, Against 11, Abstentions 0)

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Capital Programme 2023-2028, General Fund and Capital Strategy 2024/25.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. The Leader seconded the motion.

 

During the debate the following points were raised:

• In regard to the IT update, a query was raised on how the cost would be shared amongst the partners and how it was derived. Also, the risk if one or more partners withdraws was raised, however the Portfolio Holder stated that provision has been made for the scenario.
• Also relating to the IT update, the comment was made that there doesn’t appear to be money set aside for maintenance costs. Although it was noted that there is an efficiency plan which will deliver the ongoing maintenance.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council

 

(1)  Approved the removal of the MMDR contribution, condition survey asset works and ICT programme item from the 2023/24 capital programme as referred to in para 5.2;

 

(2)  Approved the General Expenses Capital Programme for 2024-28 as attached at Appendix B;

 

(3)  Approved the sources of funding for the General Expenses capital programme for 2024/28 as set out in Appendix C;

 

(4)  Approved the Special Expenses Melton Mowbray Capital Programme for 2024-25 and associated sources of funding as set out in Appendix D;

 

(5)  Delegated authority to the Director for Corporate Services to amend the amount in the capital programme for Disabled Facilities Grants once funding confirmation has been received as referred to in para 5.6;

 

(6)  Approved the Capital Strategy 2024-25 as attached at Appendix E.

 

The above resolution was considered through a recorded vote as follows:

 

FOR THE MOTION (16)

Adcock, Allnatt, Brown, Butcher, Carter, Clay, Cliff, Cox, Cumbers, Glancy, Gordon, Hewson, Higgins, Lumley, Sharp, Thwaites

 

AGAINST THE MOTION (0)

 

ABSTAINING FROM THE MOTION (11)

I Atherton, S Atherton, Browne, Child, Evans, Freer, Graham, J Orson, S Orson, Pritchett, Webster

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the General Fund Revenue Budget 2024/25 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 to 2027/28.

At 7:58pm, prior to the consideration of this item, Councillor Gordon left the meeting.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. The Leader seconded the motion.

 

Councillor Graham proposed the following amendments. Councillor Child seconded the motion.

 

1)    Requests a review into the Council’s approach to tourism, in order to demonstrate impact and value for money.

 

2)    Requests a review into the Council’s approach to communications in order to demonstrate impact and value for money.

 

3)    Commission an organisation to engage young people in Melton Mowbray and key rural villages to divert them away from risky behaviours and into other services and activities. Review whether alternate funding sources could be found beyond 1st year.

 

4)    Make Community Coordinator role permanent and full time and increase focus on liaison with Parish Councils.

 

5)    Establish a £50k Rural Flood grant scheme to support Parish Councils’ ability to prevent and respond to flood events. Scheme to require match funding from Parish Councils.

 

6)    Whilst the funding allocated to the Design Guide and the additional allocation of funding for the town centre is welcomed, the initial focus for the funding should be on establishing an approved Town Centre Masterplan, setting out the long-term plan for the town layout and function. This should then be underpinned by the Design Guide, place branding and a 10-year asset management plan, which are owned and adopted by all relevant partners. The £20k (and associated UKSPF funding) allocated should be reserved until such time as these plans are in place and, where possible, the development of the Masterplan should be incorporated within the Local Plan Review.

 

7)    Requests a review into the Council’s approach to managing corporate property responsibilities, specifically in relation to ensuring an appropriate balance between the core in-house team managing day to day, and the requirement to support development projects with additional and specific expertise and capacity.

 

8)    Requests a review of financial affordability over the medium term and consideration of options and opportunities for shared services to support long term sustainability.

 

In addressing the amendments, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources stated the following:

• The administration are not against increasing staffing levels but the increases must be affordable.
• Amendments 1, 2 and 7 were not accepted, as they had either been covered or there are more appropriate means of carrying out the work proposed.
• Amendment 3 was not accepted. It was noted that there had been a 77% cut in youth funding since 2010 and that this was an area that the County Council were ultimately responsible for. It was also highlighted that the Council was going to develop a Young Persons Strategy and that this should be done first.
• Amendment 4 was not accepted, as the growth can’t be supported as it isn’t sustainable and the current post is new and needs to be reviewed for impact first.
• Amendment 5 was not accepted, as it would not deliver the required improvements, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item CO61

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Revenue Budget Proposals 2024/25 for the Housing Revenue Account.

At 8:59pm, prior to the consideration of this item, Councillor Carter left the meeting.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. The Leader seconded the motion.

 

Councillor Graham proposed the following amendment. Councillor Brown seconded the motion.

 

1)    Establish a £50k hardship fund which utilises a platform like e-vouchers, facilitate a way in which tenants facing hardship could be supported with top ups for gas or electricity or essential food purchases.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources explained that the amendment was not supported because it would mean that low income families would be supporting other low income families.

 

During the debate on the amendment, the following points were raised:

• The comment was made that the Council needs to do the right thing to support those most affected and that the amendment was only asking to do what other Councils and the sector are doing.
• It was noted that the amendment would be diverting cash for a non-recurring item. There are other ways of supporting families which have already been started.
• Most Council tenants are not in arrears. Need to make sure there is help and advice for those tenants who can’t manage.
• A comment was made that this is a one-off measure designed to assist tenants during the cost-of-living crisis.
• Amendment proposed only addresses social tenants and not others who may be struggling.
• £50k is not a huge amount of money and would impact little.

 

At 9:21pm, during the consideration of the item and in accordance with the Constitution (Chapter 3, Part 1, Procedure Rule 5.1), Councillor Graham proposed that the meeting continues beyond the three hour time limit. Councillor J Orson seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council agreed to continue the meeting beyond the three hour time limit.

 

(Unanimous)

 

The Mayor moved to a vote on the amendment proposed by Councillor Graham and seconded by Councillor Browne.

 

Council voted against the motion and therefore it fell.

 

(For 11, Against 12, Abstentions 2)

 

The Mayor opened the debate on the substantive motion. There were no comments therefore the Mayor moved to a vote.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council

 

(1)  Approves the budget estimates for 2024-25;

 

(2)  Approves the average rent increase of 7.70% for all Council dwellings with effect from 1 April 2024;

 

(3)  Approves that the Intensive Housing  Management Service charges are not applied to rent accounts from 1 April 2024, pending the conclusion of the service review as referenced at paragraph 6.51 of Appendix 1;

 

(4)  Approves the 2024-25 capital programme, and

 

(5)  Delegates authority to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and Portfolio Holder for Council Housing and Landlord Services, to approve virements within the HRA capital programme during the year to provide flexibility to meet emerging needs and maintain decent homes.

 

(For 14, Against 11, Abstentions 0)

 

In accordance with the Constitution at Chapter 3, Part 1, Procedure Rule 17.6, Councillor Child wished for his vote against to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item CO62

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25.

At 9:30pm, prior to the consideration of this item, Councillors Carter and Gordon returned to the meeting.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. The Leader seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council

 

(1)  Approved that the prudential indicators and limits are adopted as outlined in Appendix A section 2.

 

(2)  Approved the Treasury Management Strategy as outlined in Appendix A.

 

(3)  Approved that the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement which sets out the Council’s policy on MRP as outlined in para 5.3 of Appendix 1.

 

(For 25, Against 1, Abstentions 0)

 

At 9:32pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor Evans left the meeting and missed the vote.

The Chief Executive is to provide a report on the Council Size Submission Proposal in relation to the Boundary Commission’s review of Melton Borough Council’s Boundaries.

At 9:35pm, Councillor Evans returned to the meeting.

 

The Chief Executive introduced the report. The Deputy Leader moved the recommendations and the Leader seconded the motion.

 

During the debate the following points were raised:

• A comment was made that the average amount of time a Member of the Planning Committee would spend per application could be in excess of 6 hours. It was noted however that the document refers to an average of 4 hours and above, which would include the 6 hours referred to.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council

 

(1)  Approved that the Council Size Submission Proposal, at Appendix A, is submitted to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England as the agreed position of the Council by 8 April 2024.

 

(2)  Delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer to make amendments to the Submission document in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services, following consultation with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

 

 (For 26, Against 1, Abstentions 0)

The Monitoring Officer to present a report on the proposed approach to applying the annual uplift of Members’ Allowances.

The Monitoring Officer introduced the report. The Leader moved the recommendations and the Deputy Leader seconded the motion.

 

During the debate the following points were raised:

• It was noted that the Conservative Group would be voting against the motion due to how it would be perceived during the cost of living crisis.
• A comment was made that the Council needs to encourage candidates from different backgrounds and the allowance is important in doing so.
• Members agreed to support the recommendations of the Independent Renumeration Panel when it is carried out later in the year.

 

As per the Constitution, Chapter 3, Part 1, Procedure Rule 17.5b, Councillors Browne, Child and Graham requested that a recorded vote takes place.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council

 

(1)  Note the options for applying the annual 2023/24 uplift of Members’ Allowances as set out at Paragraph 6;

 

(2)  Approves an increase in the basic allowance for 2023/24, backdated to April 2023, in line with that applied from the bottom of Band 14 of 3.88%, while the level of special responsibility allowances should be frozen; and

 

(3)  Notes that the Members’ Allowances Scheme is due to be reviewed later this year, and that the Independent Remuneration Panel will be asked to consider and recommend an appropriate formula for applying the annual increase of allowances, where the pay award is not stated as a simple percentage.

 

The above resolution was considered through a recorded vote as follows:

 

FOR THE MOTION (16)

Adcock, Allnatt, Brown, Butcher, Carter, Clay, Cliff, Cox, Cumbers, Glancy, Gordon, Hewson, Higgins, Lumley, Sharp, Thwaites

 

AGAINST THE MOTION (11)

I Atherton, S Atherton, Browne, Child, Evans, Freer, Graham, J Orson, S Orson, Pritchett, Webster

 

ABTAINING FROM THE MOTION (0)

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources is to provide the Pay Policy Statement.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. The Leader seconded the motion.

 

Other than the proposer and seconder, there were no comments from Members in relation to the report.

 

RESOLVED

 

Council

 

Approves the attached Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25 at Appendix A.

 

(Unanimous)