Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received for the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 14 December 2022 were confirmed as being correct.

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

Councillor Orson declared an interest in any items relating to Leicestershire County Council, due to his role as a County Councillor.

·         Scrutiny Feedback on Damp and Mould

·         Scrutiny Feedback on the Debt Management Update

·         Scrutiny Feedback on Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy

·       Damp and Mould

Cabinet AGREED to have regard to Scrutiny Committee’s feedback.

·       Debt Management update

Cabinet AGREED to have regard to Scrutiny Committee’s feedback.

·       Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050

Cabinet AGREED to have regard to Scrutiny Committee’s feedback.

·       Damp and Mould

In accordance with the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, this item had been referred from the Scrutiny Committee.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Robert Child, introduced the report to the Committee, the purpose of which updated Members on the Council’s approach and response to damp and mould in properties across the rented sector.

Councillor Child highlighted comments from the Scrutiny Committee, including queries and concerns raised and answered during the Scrutiny Committee meeting on 11 January 2023.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Landlord Services, Councillor Ronan Browne, thanked the Scrutiny Committee for their work on the report and highlighted the hard work and commitment of the officers involved advising that any mould or damp problems reported to the Council would be dealt with and monitored for the following 6-12 months to make sure it is rectified.  He also commented that tenants were now more aware on how to report any mould, damp or condensation issues.

Cabinet AGREED to have regard for Scrutiny’s feedback.

·       Debt Management update

In accordance with the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, this item had been referred from the Scrutiny Committee.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Robert Child, introduced the report, the purpose of which updated Members on the progress made of managing debt owed to the Council.

Councillor Child highlighted comments from the Scrutiny Committee, including queries and concerns raised and answered during the Scrutiny Committee meeting on 11 January 2023.

Councillor Child commented that following the Scrutiny meeting of 11 January 2023 he could now confirm that housing benefit is paid weekly direct into the rent account and Universal Credit is paid 4-weekly in arrears and that has brought the number of tenants in arrears to 627 owing £622,000 not 800 tenants as shown in the report.

Councillor Child advised that the Tenancy Services Manager would be reviewing all cases of tenant rent arrears to determine what arrears action could be taken and when. Contact would be made with the tenants with higher rent arrears through phone calls and letters and support offered to help clear the debts with either lump sums or payment plans depending on what can be afforded. The Income and Tenancy Sustainment officers would make it very clear what would happen if they failed to keep to the payment arrangements. Those with lower arrears would be contacted to engage with them to prevent arrears from getting any higher.

Councillor Child commented that since the Scrutiny meeting of 11 January 2023 he can now advise that garage rent arrears cases do not need to be taken to court, as a 7-day notice letter could be issued followed by a notice to quit. Councillor Child confirmed currently there are 36 garage tenants owing £18,000.

Councillor Child confirmed that Scrutiny members were not too concerned about the council tax and business rates arrears as the performance of council tax and business rates is over 98% and the Finance Department set stretch targets each financial year and the collection rate for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

Report by Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement on the final draft of the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy (LRWS Strategy) 2022-2050.

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050 as per Appendix A and RECOMMENDED to Council:

1.1)         That the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050 is APPROVED.

1.2)         That authority is DELEGATED to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement to sign off any further amendments to the strategy on behalf of Melton Borough Council, to incorporate legislative, regulatory, or national policy changes recommended by the Leicestershire Waste Partnership. Any such changes would be communicated in writing to all members.

1.3)         That continuation of the Waste Partnership be ENDORSED but requested that it is developed and enhanced to ensure appropriate political, strategic, and operational engagement.

1.4)         That the Leicestershire Waste Partnership is REQUESTED to explore collaborative opportunities which have the potential to deliver environmental improvements, whilst helping to reduce costs across the waste-system, ensuring that mutual benefits are shared across all partners.

The Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive) Michelle Howard introduced the report the purpose of which set out the final draft of the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy (LRWS) 2022-2050.  The LRWS 2022-2050 would be considered for adoption by all councils that form the Leicestershire Waste Partnership (LWP) subject to sufficient ongoing additional funding provided by the Government.  This Strategy had replaced the previous Leicestershire Municipal Waste Management Strategy originally adopted in 2002.

The Director for Housing and Communities advised that the strategy had considered forthcoming legislative changes though some changes are still not yet known due to the delay of confirmation from the Government, these would be included in due course.

The Director for Housing and Communities advised that findings from the Public Consultation survey found that 83% of respondents agreed with the vision of the Strategy with fly tipping being the most common issue, in response the LWP has committed to add an additional pledge to address this.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, Councillor Alison Freer, thanked the Director for Housing and Communities for the report stating it had a clear framework through collaboration with partners and the public consultation.

The Portfolio Holder praised the Council for an excellent track record on attacking fly tipping and sent a thank you to the Melton Wombles. She also praised the introduction of the high-profile social media platforms like ‘what 3 words’ which help to give a precise location for areas that need attention.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the strategy is also relevant in sustainability, climate and environment issues by encouraging reuse, repair and recycle which is in line with the climate environmental objectives and the climate emergency strategy.

The Leader thanked Ms Howard for the in-depth report.

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050 as per Appendix A and RECOMMENDED to Council:

1.1)         That the Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy 2022-2050 is approved.

1.2)         That authority is delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement to sign off any further amendments to the strategy on behalf of Melton Borough Council, to incorporate legislative, regulatory, or national policy changes recommended by the Leicestershire Waste Partnership. Any such changes would be communicated in writing to all members.

1.3)         That continuation of the Waste Partnership be endorsed but requested that it is developed and enhanced to ensure appropriate political, strategic, and operational engagement.

1.4)         That the Leicestershire Waste Partnership is requested to explore collaborative opportunities which have the potential to deliver environmental improvements, whilst helping to reduce costs across the waste-system, ensuring that mutual benefits are shared across all partners.

Reasons for Recommendations:

The Leicestershire Resources and Waste Strategy has been developed over a long period of time, through a collaborative approach between Leicestershire County Council and the District and Borough Councils (Leicestershire Waste Partnership). It has been finalised further to an extensive public consultation and sets out how the Leicestershire Waste Partnership  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

Report by Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources to update on the Council’s Health and Safety activities over the last twelve months, current performance and planned actions and next steps.

Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the contents of the report

2)    Agreed to SUPPORT the key areas of focus in 2023 as per section 8.1

The Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive), Michelle  Howard, introduced the report the purpose of which provided assurance that Health and Safety was being proactively and appropriately managed, including an update on the Council’s Health and Safety activities over the last 12 months, current performance, planned actions and the next steps.

The Director for Housing and Communities advised that with the introduction of the Corporate Health and Safety Officer, significant progress had been made over the last 12 months giving assurance that health and safety is being proactively and appropriately managed.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, Finance and Resources, Councillor Ronnie de Burle, thanked the Director for Housing and Communities for the comprehensive report and passed thanks to the Corporate Health and Safety Officer.

The Leader thanked the Director for Housing and Communities for the excellent report.

Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the contents of the report

2)    SUPPORTED the key areas of focus in 2023 as per section 8.1

Reasons for Recommendations:

Health and Safety is taken seriously by the Council and this report provided assurance and confidence in the continued emphasis across the organisation. The Council seeks to not only meet its statutory and regulatory requirements, but to enable a culture of continuous learning and improvement.