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 market town communities we
share much in common with Harborough and Rutland, the Chief Executive and I
recently had a productive discussion with our respective colleagues from both
councils in the context of forming a county deal for Leicestershire. It is
vital that this strong and united rural voice is heard and I look forward to
continuing to explore ways in which we can do this more effectively.
Over
the last few years I have been extremely proud of the steps we have taken to
transform this Council, rebuilding and reshaping our governance system, introducing
meaningful scrutiny for the first time in a decade and leading the local
response and recovery from Covid.
I'm
delighted to confirm that just last week, Melton Borough Council has been
shortlisted in the local land charges awards for excellence. This is an area
that historically had been under pressure but decisive action taken last year
to strengthen resources and improve processes has delivered incredible results
with searches now process in just a few days. Naturally I hope that we win but
to be shortlisted is another reminder of what we are capable of at Melton
Borough Council.
Finally,
I would like to acknowledge that after nearly 18 years dedicated service to
Melton Borough Council tonight is Jim Worley's last council meeting and his
last day tomorrow before he takes early retirement. Jim's time at Melton
included many notable achievements in particular the adoption of the local plan
in 2018 and more recently to work to deliver a number of key SPDs and master
plans to support the delivery of the MMDR. Given all that has been achieved it
is certainly a fitting time for Jim to reflect positively on his legacy and
consider a new chapter in his life. To oversee the transitional period we
welcome Paul Feehily, our Interim Assistant Director, who will support in
shaping and establishing the longer-term arrangements for the planning service.
On behalf of the whole Council, can I say a huge thank you to Jim for all he
has done for the Council and for Melton and wish him all the very best for the
future.”
At
this point, a presentation for Mr Worley took place.