Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor N Rushton who was unable to attend the meeting in person however was able to attend remotely.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest.

No interests were declared.

No questions were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 29 March 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 March were considered.

Councillor R Bayliss asserted a wish to amend the minutes as although the minutes were an accurate record of what had been said at the previous meeting, some of this information was inaccurate and referred to “bungalows” in Item 105 when in fact “housing” would have been a more accurate representation.

It was moved by Councillor R Bayliss, seconded by Councillor K Merrie and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 March 2022 be confirmed as accurate record of the proceedings, subject to the amendment as presented by Councillor R Bayliss.

Reason for decision: To comply with the Constitution.

Report of the Strategic Director.

Presented by Deputy Leader and Infrastructure Portfolio Holder.

The Deputy Leader and Infrastructure Portfolio Holder presented the report, updating Cabinet on the East Midlands Freeport Project and status of the Final Business Case.

It was noted that Cabinet had overseen the progress of this report but the final decision rested with Council.

The Leader offered thanks to Councillor R Ashman for all of the work he had done toward the Freeport to date. Members also wished to put on record their thanks to the Officers who had worked on the Freeport, with special thanks to the Chief Executive.

It was moved by Councillor R Ashman, seconded by Councillor K Merrie and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     Progress of the East Midlands Freeport Business Project be noted by Cabinet.

2)     The intention of the Chief Executive to appoint the Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure as Director of the EMF Company be noted.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL THAT:

3)     The Council join the East Midlands Freeport Company.

4)     The finalisation of the Members Agreements, Articles of Associations and any other agreements necessary to facilitate the incorporation of the EMF Company be delegated to the Chief Executive.

Reason for decision: To comply with constitutional requirements and to make a recommendation to Council when it meets on 10 May 202

Report of the Head of Finance and S151 Officer.

Presented by Corporate Portfolio Holder.

The Deputy Leader and Infrastructure Portfolio Holder presented the report.

Members congratulated the report author for their efforts to circumvent any potential loophole which could be utilised by occupiers of the Freeport.

It was moved by Councillor R Ashman, seconded by Councillor K Merrie and

RESOLVED THAT:

The Council’s East Midlands Freeport Business Rates Relief Policy be approved by Cabinet.

Reason for decision: As part of the formal creation of the East Midlands Freeport the Council is required to have in place a Business Rates Relief Policy for eligible organisations outlining the eligibility criteria, operation and delivery of Business Rates Relief for East Midlands Freeport Tax Sites.

Report of the Strategic Director of Housing.

Presented by the Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder

The Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder presented the report, outlining the package of support known as the Energy Bill rebate scheme which would be intended to assist people with rising bills.

Members were advised that the Council had been awarded £133,350 for the discretionary scheme. The meeting was informed that the proposed policy for adoption would be focused on those not covered under the main scheme  but who the authority would be aware may still be in need of support.

It was clarified that payments would be made in the same way as the main scheme, either by Direct Debit or via the Post Office.

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

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     The Discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme as set out in the report be agreed by Cabinet.

2)     Any subsequent changes to the scheme be delegated to the Strategic Director with responsibility for the Revenues and Benefits service in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

Reason for decision: To comply with the Constitution

Report of the Strategic Director of Housing.

Presented by the Housing Portfolio Holder.

The Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder presented the report, and offered praise to the Panel for the production of a very good report, despite the parameters imposed by the pandemic.

It was noted that a long list of recommendations had been formulated, and an important idea within this was to meet requirements of the housing white paper, which would impose new conditions upon the authority with regard to tenant participation and the Decent Homes Standard.

It was moved by Councillor R Bayliss, seconded by Councillor R Ashman and

RESOLVED THAT:

The action plan prepared in response to the recommendations from the Tenant Scrutiny Panel’s Inspection of the Resident Involvement Service be approved by Cabinet.

Reason for decision: To improve tenant engagement and support the housing service to prepare for anticipated regulations as a result of the publication of the Housing White Paper.