Venue: Parkside, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1GH
Contact: Democratic Services
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Carter, Hewson, Lumley and Wood. |
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To confirm the minutes of the
meeting on 16 December 2021. Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting
held on 16 December 2021 were confirmed. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST PDF 85 KB Members to declare any
interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting. In accordance with the Regulations, Members are invited to
declare any disclosable interests under the Code of Conduct and the nature of
those interests in respect of items on this Agenda and/or indicate if Section
106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them. Minutes: A personal interest in
respect of Councillors Orson and Posnett MBE, was noted as being on record for
any matters which related to the Leicestershire County Council. Councillor Browne
declared a personal interest in relation to Minute Number CO69, Pay Policy
Statement, due to his wife being a Council employee. Councillor Orson declared a personal interest in relation to Minute Number CO68, Council Tax Setting 2022/23, as he is a Member of the Fire Authority. |
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MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: The Mayor commented that he
had attended no events since the last meeting. Members agreed that the
Mayor should write a letter on behalf of the Council to Matt Hampson, to
congratulate him on his MBE. |
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LEADER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: The
Leader provided the following announcement: “This
evening, I start by reflecting on the shocking events we've seen emerging from
the Ukraine throughout the day. I'm sure all Members will join me in wholly condemning
the actions of the Putin-led government and the Russian invasion of a
democratic sovereign state. It would appear this is only the beginning of what
has the potential to become the most significant conflict in Europe since the
second world war. I strongly urge our government and our allies to send a
clear, united and unequivocal message to the Putin government that this action
will not be tolerated. Locally Mr Mayor I have instructed our Officers to
urgently review any suppliers or contracts that we have and to ensure we are
not linked to any company or individual connected with Russia or banned
individuals. Turning
to the business of tonight, every year our meeting in February represents a
crucial point in the Council's calendar, setting the budget is one of the most
important responsibilities a Council has, particularly given the financial
challenges local government has faced in the last 12 years. I look forward to
Councillor de Burle introducing the budget proposals later in the agenda but I
am delighted that once again, through extensive work by Members and Officers,
we are in a position to set a balanced budget which protects services,
maintains commitments to our corporate strategy and strengthens our financial
resilience by putting money back into reserves. I'm also grateful for the
extensive and constructive role of scrutiny in the budget development process
both through the initial task and finish group and then the formal committee
meeting held last month. I hope the budget will be one that all Members can
support and look forward to the debate later in the agenda. Mr
Mayor, you will remember last time that we met we were in the grip of the
omicron wave. It is pleasing that since then things have improved significantly
and we now know this variant is less severe than delta. The government has set
out a living with Covid plan and we are taking steps to review it and will
provide further guidance and support to our communities as we move into this
new phase. January saw the publication of the long-awaited levelling up white paper and the confirmation that Leicestershire will have the opportunity to negotiate a county deal. This represents a great opportunity for Leicestershire and there is a huge amount that district and borough councils can contribute in relation to the 12 missions set out within the white paper. My fellow District Leaders and I have written to the leader of the County Council seeking assurances that we will play a full and active part in the development of the county deal and I look forward to working with them all to get the best deal for our residents. We continue to work with our neighbours Mr Mayor, exploring opportunities for collaboration and strategic alignment. As rural ... view the full minutes text for item CO59 |
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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. Minutes: No questions from the public had been received. |
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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. No questions were
received by the deadline. Minutes: No questions from Members had been received. |
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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. Equality Motion 2022 The following motion was received from Councillor Freer (Seconded by Councillor Smith). Melton Borough
Council is committed to promoting equality and creating a Melton community that
is strong, safe, and inclusive for everyone. Social
stereotypes and expectations can play a significant role in shaping attitudes
and behaviour towards people with protected characteristics, including harmful
behaviour. Melton Borough
Council plays a crucial role in reinforcing behaviours that do not perpetuate
such harmful stereotypes across our communities. As a public body, we must
ensure the right balance is struck between the human right to freedom of
expression that does not undermine or limit the rights of others to dignity and
equality. We must therefore lead with integrity and as an exemplar of achieving
that balance. We must stand
together to promote and celebrate a Council that values and respects each
individual and treats people with fairness and dignity. To do this we must
actively stand against prejudice, stereotypes, inequality, and all forms of
discrimination. This includes striving against conscious or unconscious use of
outdated norms that have no place within our richly diverse workforce and
communities. I request that
Members join me in supporting the following motion: 1)
Reaffirm our
commitment to equality and diversity, and creating a workforce and community
that is strong, safe, and inclusive for everyone and an accessible environment
that values and respects every individual. 2)
Endorse and
reaffirm our commitment to meeting the objectives in our Single Equality Scheme
Action Plan (2020-2024). 3)
Ensure we foster
an environment that gives people the confidence to actively challenge language,
attitudes and behaviours that go against our principles of equality, fairness,
respect, and dignity. 4)
To ensure that
Melton Borough Council continues to do everything in its power to build a
Borough free from misogyny and violence against women and girls. This includes
continuing to invest in vital services, listening and responding to women and
girls about the action needed, and calling out misogyny and sexism wherever we
see or hear it. 5)
All Councillors
commit to attending equality training. Simon Cole (Outgoing Chief Constable) Motion The following motion was received from
Councillor Graham (Seconded by Councillor Orson). The Chief Constable of Leicestershire, Simon
Cole, is leaving his post in the spring after 12 years. I request that Members join me in supporting
the following motion: That the Mayor writes on behalf of the Council
to Mr Cole to formally thank him for the service he has provided to Melton and
Leicestershire over the past 12 years. Minutes: Equality Motion 2022 The following motion was
proposed by Councillor Freer and seconded by Councillor Smith. Melton Borough Council is
committed to promoting equality and creating a Melton community that is strong,
safe, and inclusive for everyone. Social stereotypes and
expectations can play a significant role in shaping attitudes and behaviour
towards people with protected characteristics, including harmful behaviour. Melton Borough Council plays
a crucial role in reinforcing behaviours that do not perpetuate such harmful
stereotypes across our communities. As a public body, we must ensure the right
balance is struck between the human right to freedom of expression that does
not undermine or limit the rights of others to dignity and equality. We must
therefore lead with integrity and as an exemplar of achieving that balance. We must stand together to
promote and celebrate a Council that values and respects each individual and
treats people with fairness and dignity. To do this we must actively stand
against prejudice, stereotypes, inequality, and all forms of discrimination.
This includes striving against conscious or unconscious use of outdated norms
that have no place within our richly diverse workforce and communities. Cllr Freer requested that
Members join her in supporting the following motion:
During the debate, the
following comments were made:
In accordance with Chapter 3 Part 1 of the Melton ... view the full minutes text for item CO62 |
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To receive a report on Cabinet recommendations referred to Council in relation to General Fund Revenue Budget 2021/22 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2025/26. Additional documents:
Minutes: Portfolio Holder for
Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources introduced the report and in doing
so explained that it has been a challenging year for the Council. It was
explained that there is expected to be a budget surplus in 2022/23 and that the
surplus would go into the Regeneration and Innovation Reserve. Members were informed
that the financial future remains uncertain beyond 2022/23. Councillor Graham seconded
the motion. During the debate the
following comment was made:
RESOLVED Council
The
above resolution was voted for as follows: FOR
THE MOTION (23) Bindloss,
Browne, Chandler, Child, Cumbers, de Burle, Douglas, Evans, Faulkner, Fisher,
Freer, Glancy, Graham, Higgins, Holmes, Illingworth, Orson, Posnett, Pritchett,
Smith, Steadman, Webster, Wilkinson. AGAINST
THE MOTION (0) ABSTAINING
FROM THE MOTION (0) |
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To receive a report on Cabinet recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Capital Programme 2021-2026, General Fund and Capital Strategy 2022/23. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Portfolio Holder for
Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources introduced the report. Members were
informed that the Council is required to produce a report on the capital
strategy and, by approving the programme, Members would be supporting the
improvement of Council assets. Councillor Freer seconded
the motion. During debate the following
comment was made:
RESOLVED Council approved
The
above resolution was voted for as follows: FOR
THE MOTION (23) Bindloss,
Browne, Chandler, Child, Cumbers, de Burle, Douglas, Evans, Faulkner, Fisher,
Freer, Glancy, Graham, Higgins, Holmes, Illingworth, Orson, Posnett, Pritchett,
Smith, Steadman, Webster, Wilkinson. AGAINST
THE MOTION (0) ABSTAINING
FROM THE MOTION (0) |
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To receive a report on Cabinet recommendations referred to Council in relation to the revenue budget proposals 2022/23 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). Additional documents:
Minutes: Portfolio Holder for Council
Homes and Landlord Services introduced the report. In doing so, Members were
informed that rents would be increased by 4.1%, this is so that the Council is
able to continue to invest in the housing stock, especially considering the
current level of inflation. Also, it was stated that the Council would provide
advice to tenants suffering hardship. Members were informed that
the Council would continue to meet and maintain the decent homes standard;
improve the condition of homes and improve the environment of where homes are
located. This would be done through engagement with tenants. The Portfolio Holder stated
that the HRA Business Plan would be considered by Scrutiny in March and then
tabled at Council in April. The Portfolio Holder thanked all Officers who had
worked on the budget and improving the performance of the service. Councillor de Burle seconded
the motion. During the debate the
following points were noted:
RESOLVED Council
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To receive a report on Cabinet
recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Treasury Management
Strategy and Prudential Indicators 2022/23. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Portfolio Holder for
Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources introduced the report and in doing
so highlighted to Members the new prudential code that the Council would have
to adhere to. Councillor Orson seconded
the motion. RESOLVED Council
The
above resolution was voted for as follows: FOR
THE MOTION (23) Bindloss,
Browne, Chandler, Child, Cumbers, de Burle, Douglas, Evans, Faulkner, Fisher,
Freer, Glancy, Graham, Higgins, Holmes, Illingworth, Orson, Posnett, Pritchett,
Smith, Steadman, Webster, Wilkinson. AGAINST
THE MOTION (0) ABSTAINING
FROM THE MOTION (0) |
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To receive a report on Cabinet recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Design of Development Supplementary Planning Document. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Portfolio Holder for
Growth and Prosperity introduced the report. Councillor Smith seconded the
motion. During the debate the
following comments were made:
RESOLVED Council Adopted the final version of
the Design of Development SPD, included as Appendix A, as a formal
Supplementary Planning Document. (Unanimous) |
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COUNCIL TAX SETTING 2022/23 PDF 227 KB To receive the Council Tax Setting 2022/23 report. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Portfolio Holder for
Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources introduced the report. Members were
informed that when all the precepts are included there would be an average
increase of 3.21%. The increase as a result of this
Council is 2.35%. Councillor Orson seconded
the motion and in doing so stated that the proposed increase of 2.35% is half
of what inflation was at the time. RESOLVED Council Noted the calculations and
set the Council Tax for the year 2022/23 in accordance with regulations set out
in the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The
above resolution was voted for as follows: FOR
THE MOTION (23) Bindloss,
Browne, Chandler, Child, Cumbers, de Burle, Douglas, Evans, Faulkner, Fisher,
Freer, Glancy, Graham, Higgins, Holmes, Illingworth, Orson, Posnett, Pritchett,
Smith, Steadman, Webster, Wilkinson. AGAINST
THE MOTION (0) ABSTAINING
FROM THE MOTION (0) |
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PAY POLICY STATEMENT PDF 206 KB Council is to consider a report on the Pay Policy Statement in order to comply with the requirement of the Localism Act 2011 to approve and publish the statement on the Council’s website by the 31 March each year. Additional documents: Minutes: Pursuant to the provisions
of Section 100(B) (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Mayor agreed to exercise discretion and allow consideration
of the Pay Policy Statement as an urgent item. The Portfolio Holder for
Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources introduced the Pay Policy
Statement. Councillor Orson seconded the motion. RESOLVED Council Approved the attached Pay
Policy Statement for 2022/23 at Appendix A. (Unanimous) |
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Before closing the
meeting, the Mayor announced that he had received a
request from Councillor Higgins to make a statement at the meeting. The Mayor confirmed that he had taken advice on this request and
understood that it was within his discretion to allow this statement, but that
he had discussed with Councillor Higgins the specific parameters within which
the statement could be made. The Mayor confirmed his
intention to close the meeting immediately after the statement and that there
would be no opportunity for discussion on the statement. (At
8:29pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillors Posnett, Steadman
and Webster left the meeting and did not return.) (At
8:30pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillors Chandler and Child
left the meeting and did not return.) Councillor Evans
raised a point of order and questioned how the statement was being allowed when
there was no item of business to allow any other business. In response the
Deputy Monitoring Officer confirmed that the Mayor did
have ultimate discretion over the meeting under common law and therefore could
accept the statement. It was also
confirmed that if the statement exceeded that which had been agreed and there
was any risk that it could prejudice the outcome of any process or was
inappropriate in any other way then the Mayor had been
advised to intervene to protect the integrity of the Council and its processes. Councillor Holmes
stated that in a previous standards matter she had received advice not to
mention the matter at any meeting of the Council. The Deputy Monitoring Officer
reiterated her advice that the statement should not refer to any specific or
ongoing standards process or investigation. (At
8:38pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor Evans left the
meeting and did not return.) Councillor
Illingworth stated that despite his reservations, his overriding view was that
the Council Chamber should be a place where Members were allowed to express
their views and opinions. (At
8:40pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillors Bindloss and Browne
left the meeting and did not return.) The Deputy
Monitoring Officer confirmed that any detail about the standards process and any ongoing investigation should be
avoided. It was further confirmed that
the statement that was to be made by Councillor Higgins may refer to an event
but would not refer to, nor impact on, any ongoing process. The Leader of the
Council requested clarification regarding how many Members were required to
maintain quoracy. It was confirmed that
14 Members were required to maintain quoracy. (At
8:43pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor Holmes left the
meeting and did not return.) Before Councillor
Higgins made his statement, the Mayor confirmed that
the meeting was quorate. Councillor Higgins
made the following statement to Council: “In the autumn of 2021, complaints were made
relating to comments I made at the Best of Melton Awards on the 17th September 2021. My tribute is absolutely no way
intended or otherwise to be offensive, on the contrary, I wanted to recognise
and honour all in the room. I was mortified to learn that my acknowledgements
and comments have been misinterpreted, as I did not intend to act in a way that
risks demeaning anyone or those present at those awards. For those who've made
those complaints, I want to sincerely apologise for causing offence to them or
to anyone else, something I unequivocally never intended to do. Thank you, Mr
Mayor.” |