Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Child, Douglas, Faulkner, Fisher, Pritchett and Wood.

To confirm the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 October 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27 October 2022 were confirmed.

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

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.

The Mayor informed Members that he attended the following events since the last Council meeting:

•                  Royal British Legion remembrance event at De Montfort Hall, Leicester.

•                  Leicestershire County Chairman’s remembrance event.

•                  Charnwood Mayor’s remembrance event.

•                  Royal British Legion ceremony outside their premises.

•                  Rutland remembrance event at Uppingham School.

•                  Melton Remembrance Parade.

•                  Multi-faith remembrance service at Leicester.

•                  Performing Stars Awards held at the Cattle Market.

•                  Christmas Lights switch on in Melton Mowbray.

•                  Christmas Tree festival at St Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray.

•                  Visited Birchwood School.

•                  Mayor’s Carol Concert at St Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray.

•                  The Mayor’s Staff Christmas Lunch at Parkside.

•                  Ferneley School Carol Concerts

•                  Attended a number of carol services throughout December.

The Leader made the following speech:

“Members, I begin by paying tribute to a former Councillor Brenda Smith, who died recently. Councillor Smith was elected as a Councillor to represent Egerton Ward at a by-election on 28 February 2002 and she served until 2008, when she moved away from the area. She was best known for her work with Residents Action Group Egerton and her role in securing new play equipment and the building of the Cove. I would like to echo the words of Matthew O’Callaghan and agree that she was an ‘outstanding Councillor and true champion of the people of Egerton Ward.’ On behalf of the Council I offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends.

I want to now reflect on the events of yesterday. Firstly, the publication of the finance settlement which will inform the development of our budget. This sets out the funding we will receive from central government for the next year with some principles also announced for the following year. 

Whilst nationally this be the largest cash settlement local government has received for many years, for district councils the increase is only 5%, which is way below current levels of inflation and does not account for lost income streams still impacted by covid. 

In reality, the total of the various grants received by MBC is actually £7k less than that received in 2022/23 and £37k less than that assumed in the draft budget which is disappointing. In better news, the finance team are still assessing the level of business rates we will be able to retain, but we expect this to be an increase over the amount assumed in the draft budget, although not enough to achieve a balanced budget without the need to draw on reserves. As a council we will still need to consider the savings that will be necessary to bring the budget into balance in a measured way.

Scrutiny will be holding a workshop in early January, followed by the more formal scrutiny meeting, prior to consideration by Cabinet and Budget Council in February. I look forward to working with all Members as we navigate this difficult time for the sector. 

As you’ll be aware, one of the ways we were hoping to manage our financial sustainability was through the establishment of a strategic partnership with Harborough District Council. Following a comprehensive debate on the subject last night, their Council chose, by 1 vote, to reject the recommendation from their Cabinet. This is extremely disappointing as it means we will no longer be able to access the considerable benefits that would have been available to us, our teams and our communities, had the partnership been established. As you will appreciate, based on the decision taken by Harborough, there was no option but to withdraw the item from tonight’s agenda. 

Having said that, I continue to believe that the case for working more closely with Harborough remains, and whilst this is a setback and a missed opportunity, it doesn’t  ...  view the full minutes text for item CO42

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.

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 were received by the deadline.

No questions from Members had been received.

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 the Council in relation to the Housing Revenue Account Asset Management Plan 2023 – 2028.

Councillor Browne, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Landlord Services introduced the report and moved the recommendations. The motion was seconded by Councillor Smith.

The continuity of positive progress in relation to the housing management function was noted by a number of members. Concern was raised regarding damp within a number of properties. In response Councillor Browne committed to viewing the issue for himself but assured Members that Officers will look to identify the cause of damp and find a remedy for it.

RESOLVED

Council:

APPROVED the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Asset Management Plan 2023 – 2028 and associated action plan and agreed that they are used to inform the revenue and capital budget proposals for 2023/24.

(Unanimous)

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to the Council in relation to the Strategic Partnership between Melton Borough Council and Harborough District Council.

Due to the decision by Harborough District Council on 19 December 2020 not to proceed with the strategic partnership, this item was withdrawn by the Leader and not considered at the meeting.

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to the Council in relation to the CCTV – Modernisation and Revised Operating Arrangements report.

Councillor Graham, Portfolio Holder for People and Communities (Deputy Leader) introduced the report and moved the recommendations. Councillor Browne seconded the motion.

During the debate, it was clarified that the report related to the purchase and installation of 10 static cameras.

A query was raised on whether the Council is confident that operators in Harborough would be able to easily identify places when required. Councillor Graham responded by stating he was confident as the cameras would be in fixed locations and there are maps for referencing the locations of the cameras.

A Member commented that they thought What3words should be adopted. In response, Members were informed that this could be looked into, however there is a need to be cautious with What3words as if something is slightly wrong then a completely different location would be identified.

The question was asked whether there could be monitoring facilities within Melton monitored by a volunteer, however in response it was explained that it has been difficult to find volunteers and so the Council have found a cost effective way of ensuring that CCTV is monitored professionally. In addition, it takes a while for a volunteered to be fully trained and all the security checks to be completed.

In response to a query regarding ensuring a person from Melton is part of the team at Harborough monitoring the CCTV, Members were informed that they need to see how the arrangement works out and then address any issues if they should arise.

RESOLVED

Council:

(1)  APPROVED the capital investment to modernise the CCTV system, with the capital programme updated accordingly with £26,670 being allocated from the General Fund capital receipts and £17,770 being allocated from the HRA Regeneration and Development Reserve.

(2)  APPROVED that authority is given to collaborate with Harborough District Council for CCTV maintenance and monitoring arrangements.

(Unanimous)

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to the Council in relation to the mid-year Treasury Management Report 2022/23.

Councillor de Burle, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. Councillor Orson seconded the motion.

A query was raised in relation to the impact that increasing interest rates would have upon the Councils budgetary position with regard to the payment to the LCC for education infrastructure. In response the Director for Corporate Services stated that such movements would be accounted for within the medium term financial strategy but a more precise answer would be provided outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  NOTED the mid-year position on treasury activity for 2022/23.

(2)  NOTED the mid-year position on Prudential Indicators for 2022/23.

(3)  APPROVED the proposed change to the Investment Strategy, as outlined in paragraph 5.2 of the report at Appendix 1, to increase the maximum investment period with Banks and Building Societies to three years.

(Unanimous)

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to the Council in relation to the Housing Revenue Account Budget Monitoring Report for the period 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022.

Councillor de Burle, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources introduced the report and moved the recommendation. Councillor Browne seconded the motion.

During the debate, some Members commented that it was pleasing to see that progress has been made.

RESOLVED

Council

APPROVED the proposed virements and realignment of the HRA capital programme for 2022/23 as outlined in paragraph 5.8 of Appendix 1.

(Unanimous)

To receive a report from the Audit and Standards Committee on the Audit and Standards Committee Annual Report.

As the Audit and Standards Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman were both unable to attend the meeting, Committee Member, Councillor Posnett introduced the Annual Report of the Audit and Standards Committee and recommended that Council notes the report. Councillor Graham seconded the motion.

RESOLVED

Council

NOTED the Audit and Standards Committee Annual Report for the year to 31 August 2022.

To receive a report from the Licensing Committee on the review of the Statement of Licensing Policy 2022 - 2027.

In the absence of the Licensing Committee Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Chandler introduced report and moved the recommendation. Councillor Orson seconded the motion.

RESOLVED

Council

AGREED that the revised Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2027 is adopted.

(Unanimous)