Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors C Benfield and K Merrie.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring

disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and

whether it is pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 17 March and 22 July 2020

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meetings held on 17 March 2020 and 22 July 2020.

The Chairman explained that as the minutes of the meeting held on 17 March had previously not been moved and seconded by members present at that meeting; they had been brought back to this committee for reconsideration.

It was moved by Councillor S Gillard, seconded by Councillor D Bigby and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meetings held on17 March 2020 and 22 July 2020 were approved as a correct record.

Report of the Finance Team Manager

The Finance Team Manager presented the report to Members.

In response to a question relating to the possible effect of the negative base rate on the authority’s borrowing, a discussion ensued.  The Finance Team Manager confirmed that the negative base rate is under consideration in relation to the authority’s treasury management practices.

In response to a question regarding the UK economy, the Head of Finance confirmed that the unemployment figure included within paragraph 2.0 was the national figure and it was agreed for the local figure to be circulated to Members outside of the meeting.

It was moved by Councillor D Harrison, seconded by Councillor S Gillard and

RESOLVED THAT:

The report be approved.

Report of the Head of Legal and Commercial Services

The Chairman announced that this item would be deferred to allow the Planning Cross Party Working Group the opportunity to discuss the matter in more detail.  The item would be brought back to this committee for consideration at a future meeting. 

Report of the Head of Finance

The Head of Finance presented the report to Members.

In relation to the medium term financial planning, concerns were raised on the achievability of the self-sufficiency savings due to the current economic climate.  The Head of Finance confirmed that the self-sufficiency fund was constantly reviewed and the current opinion was that the savings were still achievable, although the way they were to be achieved may change.

It was moved by Councillor S Gillard, seconded by Councillor D Harrison and

RESOLVED THAT:

The conclusion that North West Leicestershire District Council is a going concern and the basis for that assumption be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director

The Strategic Director presented the report to Members.

The Strategic Director clarified a number of points within the risk register following comments from Members and agreed to update the  description of the two items in the COVID Risk Register following comments from members.

It was moved by Councillor S Gillard, seconded by Councillor D Harrison and

RESOLVED THAT:

The report be noted.

Report of the Audit Manager

The Audit Manager presented the report to Members and invited the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development to provide an update on the progress made towards the ongoing audit recommendation in relation to the Health and Safety function. 

It was moved by Councillor S Gillard, seconded by Councillor D Harrison and

RESOLVED THAT:

The report be noted.

Report of the Head of Legal and Commercial Services

The Interim Legal Services Team Manager presented the report to Members.

A Member referred to the modern day slavery ethical indicator within the report and reminded Members of a council motion that was agreed to publicise, on an annual basis, any actions undertaken in relation to concerns of modern day slavery.  The Interim Legal Services Team Manager agreed to consult with the Strategic Director and circulate to Members the proposed publication date. 

It was moved by Councillor J Clarke. Seconded by Councillor V Richichi

RESOVLED THAT:

The report be noted.

To note the Committee’s work plan

The committee considered its current work plan.

By affirmation of the meeting it was

RESOLVED THAT:

The committee work plan be noted.