Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

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.

No interests were declared.

No questions were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2022 were considered.

It was moved by Councillor T Gillard seconded by Councillor R Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2022 be confirmed as an accurate record of proceedings.

Reason for decision: To comply with the Constitution.

Report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report, updating Cabinet on the results of the statutory budget consultation.

It was noted that at present the budget balanced, however in the medium term there remained some uncertainty.

Members informed the meeting that in a recent Tenant’s Consultation, tenants were in favour of a rent increase in order to maintain the high standard of housing which was currently provided.

It was also noted that during the consultation, the public were in favour of a freeze in Council Tax rates.

It was moved by Councillor N Rushton, seconded by Councillor R Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and Special Expense budgets be recommended to Council .

This included:

A) The district’s share of council tax in 2022/23 be frozen

B) Rents be increased by up to 4.1%

C) Special expense precepts be changed as detailed in section 5

D) Fees and charges be changed as detailed in appendices 1b, 2b and 2c

2. The S151 assurance statement given in section 5 be noted; and

3. Authority be delegated to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Corporate Portfolio Holder, to make minor amendments to the budget to improve its accuracy prior to consideration at Council on 24 February 2022

Reason for decision: Required as part of the 2022/23 budget process.

Report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report, setting out the medium term financial position for both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account.

The need to begin on the Journey to Self Sufficiency was highlighted, however it was also noted that the district’s business growth rates were overwhelmingly positive, which put the Council in a strong position during what could potentially be precarious times.

By affirmation of the meeting it was

RESOLVED THAT:

The Council’s revised Medium Term Financial Plan be noted.

Reason for decision: For Members to be aware of the medium term financial position when considering the 2022/23 final budgets.

Report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report, determining the affordability and impact of capital expenditure plans and setting out the Council’s overall capital framework.

It was moved by Councillor N Rushton, seconded by Councillor R Ashman and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The following Strategies be recommended to Council

• Capital Strategy 2022-23 (Appendix 1)

• Treasury Management Statement (Appendix 2)

• Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement 2022-23 (Appendix 3)

• Investment Strategy 2022-23 (Appendix 4)

2. Authority be delegated to the Section 151 Officer in conjunction with the Corporate Portfolio Holder to make adjustments to the Strategies to reflect any changes agreed to the revenue and capital budgets between the date of Cabinet and consideration by Council on 24 February 2022.

Reason for decision: To meet the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CPIFA) Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Government.

Report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder

The Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder presented the report, reaffirming the Council’s desire to grow the North West Leicestershire Visitor Economy sector.

It was noted that the Council needed to evolve services in order to boost appeal, and that it was important to attract new visitors as well as retaining existing ones.

With regard to retaining the Tourist Information Service, it was observed that whilst people are often resistant to change, the proposals set out in the report were expected to be positively received overall.

It was moved by Councillor T Gillard, seconded by Councillor K Merrie and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The need to deliver more impactful support to the district’s visitor economy be reaffirmed by Cabinet.

2)    The four priority activities set out in this report as the core of the council’s visitor economy work plan be adopted.

3) Support for Option One, as set out in Appendix 1, as the preferred model for the future provision of TIC services in Ashby and granted delegated powers to the Strategic Director for Place (in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration) and agreed terms for the future operation, be confirmed by Cabinet.

Reason for decision: The Council Delivery Plan sets out clear targets for the visitor economy. Current performance statistics gathered in the NWL STEAM report indicate that we are unlikely to achieve the targets set. Remedial action is required.

Report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Community Services Portfolio Holder

The Community Services Portfolio Holder presented the report, sharing the minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party with Cabinet.

The positive commitment of the Committee was highlighted as well as their endeavours to deliver a portfolio of events and projects to improve the quality of life to local residents.

It was moved by Councillor A Woodman, seconded by Councillor T Gillard and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party at Appendix 1 and the recommendations detailed at Section 3.0 of this report be approved and noted by Cabinet.

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