Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies received for this meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 6 March 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 March 2024 were confirmed.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

·       Scrutiny Feedback to Cabinet – Complaints Update

·       Scrutiny Feedback on the Complaints update

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

In accordance with the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the following item had been referred from the Scrutiny committee:

Scrutiny Feedback on the Complaints update.

The Chair of Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Mike Brown, introduced the report advising members that a Scrutiny workshop was held on 21 March 2024 and considered the update on complaints and feedback received by the Council along with the policy which guides how the Council responds to complaints.

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

A report updating Members on the achievements of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and on the proposed interventions that are to be delivered in the financial year 2024/25.

Cabinet NOTED the outputs and achievements of the UKSPF programme for the financial year 2023/24.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report the purpose of which provided Members with an update on the outcomes delivered and the achievements of the UKSPF programme within Melton up to the end of the financial year 2023/24.

The Director for Corporate Services advised members that there would be no further audit review this year though, an audit could be added to next year’s internal audit plan review if Members were to request it.

The Leader of the Council thanked officers for the detailed report.

Cabinet NOTED the outputs and achievements of the UKSPF programme for the financial year 2023/24.

Reasons for Recommendations:

To ensure Cabinet maintain effective oversight of delivery and progress, against the aspirations set out in the Investment Plan approved by government in 2022.

It should be noted that financial year 23/24 will be the first full year of USKPF activity due to the first year (22/23) being condensed into the second because of national delays at the start of the programme.

A report updating Members on progress of the design and development work associated with the Levelling Up Funded (LUF) Stockyard proposition at the Cattle Market and seeking Cabinet approval for submitting the planning application.

Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the progress made and approved the submission of the planning application in line with the approach set out in the report.

2)    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Leader, to finalise the planning application, make relevant amendments to the submission documents and to submit the application on behalf of Melton Borough Council.

3)    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Growth and Regeneration to appoint commercial agents to support the council in promoting the site, securing tenants and negotiating lease conditions until June 2027.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report the purpose of which updated members on the progress of the design and development work associated with the Levelling up Funded (LUF) Stockyard proposition at the Cattle Market and seek Cabinet approval for submitting the planning application.

The Director for Growth and Regeneration advised members that a public consultation would take place in early summer 2024 and large-scale plans and interaction boards would be on site and in Parkside reception for information. 

The Director for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services thanked officers for the detailed report.

Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the progress made and approved the submission of the planning application in line with the approach set out in the report.

2)    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Leader, to finalise the planning application, make relevant amendments to the submission documents and to submit the application on behalf of Melton Borough Council.

3)    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Growth and Regeneration to appoint commercial agents to support the council in promoting the site, securing tenants and negotiating lease conditions until June 2027.

Reasons for Recommendations:

To enable the council to meet its obligation for the delivery of the Stockyard development within the government mandated timeframes, the planning application for the development will need to be submitted by the end of May 2024.

Following delivery of several elements of the work programme for the design stage (design work, architectural input, site wide surveying, feedback from ‘pre-app’ discussions and stakeholders etc) the council now has most of the information it needs, and a robust evidence base, to develop the Stockyard planning application. Work is already underway in completing all necessary documentation, reports, and compilation of evidence to enable an application to be submitted by the end of May.

There is still some outstanding work in relation to key issues such as drainage and further evidence gathering which are ongoing. it is expected these will be finalised by the end of April to ensure the application can be submitted in a timely manner. The request for delegated authority will enable any final refinements to be made prior to submission.

A report setting out the Council’s Homeless Strategy, outlining key priorities to resolve homelessness across the borough between 2024 and 2029.

Cabinet:

1)    APPROVED the Melton Borough Council Homelessness Strategy and associated action plan for the period 2024-2029.

2)    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services to make any subsequent changes arising from legislative or operational charges.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services (Leader of the Council) introduced the report, the purpose of which set out the Council’s Homeless strategy outlining the Council’s approach and priorities to prevent and relieve homelessness.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities, Health and Well-being thanked officers for the detailed report.

Cabinet:

1)    APPROVED the Melton Borough Council Homelessness Strategy and associated action plan for the period 2024-2029.

2)    DELEGATED authority to the Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services to make any subsequent changes arising from legislative or operational charges.

Reasons for Recommendations:

It is a statutory requirement for a local authority to have a homeless and rough sleeping strategy.

A robust strategy will support the Council to effectively discharge its statutory duties in relation to homelessness.

The strategy and action plan are locally relevant and respond to feedback from local partners regarding homelessness within Melton Borough.