Issue - meetings

The Report of the Strategic Director.

Presented by the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder.

The Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder presented the report to members and acknowledged the time which the working party had spent considering the draft budget, for which Cabinet had been grateful. It was noted that the working party had been expected to produce a balanced budget without an increase in the level of precept.

Councillor T Gillard wished to move that the wording of the recommendation be amended to request that Cabinet “considers” rather than “agrees” the recommendation from the working party. This was seconded by Councillor N Rushton and is reflected in the recommendations below.

The amendment was put to the vote and was supported unanimously.

Councillor J Legrys requested to speak in order to clarify proceedings at the meeting of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party. Councillor J Legrys stated that the working party had been tasked with making cuts to expenditure and had worked closely with the finance team, however had felt that they did not have sufficient time to cover the issue in detail. It was noted that the working party had provided a series of recommendations but that the working party was now “past its sell by date” and that cross-party collaboration would be required to reach a resolution regarding the next steps. Councillor J Legrys expressed a hope that Cabinet would be able to reach a decision of how money would be spent within the Coalville Specials area. The Leader thanked Councillor J Legrys and agreed that at present the working party and its remit was not fit for purpose and acknowledged that should the Conservative administration remain after the election, the improvement of the functions of the working party would be a priority.

The Portfolio Holder wished to thank Councillor J Legrys and members of the working party for their efforts.

As the Portfolio Holder of whom the working party was previously under, Councillor A Woodman wished to note that he concurred that reforms would be necessary. Councillor Woodman also drew attention to the minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party whereby a member had claimed that Coalville Town Football Club had been a “profit making organisation”, however, Councillor Woodman disputed this and had confirmed with the Chairman of the club that of the last five years which were ‘non covid’, the club had run at a loss.

The recommendations as amended were formally moved by Councillor T Gillard, seconded by Councillor N Rushton

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party held on 24 January 2023 be noted by Cabinet.
2. Cabinet considers that the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party precept be increased by the maximum allowed without triggering a referendum.

Reason for decision: So that the recommendations of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party can be considered.