Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

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.

There were no questions received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2015

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2015.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor T J Pendleton and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2015 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Leader

The Chief Executive presented the report and updated Members of the progress including governance arrangements, stakeholder engagement and financial arrangements.  She drew Members attention to phase one of the project which included the Council Offices and Stenson square, plus the consultancy work being undertaken on Leisure and Cultural Services.

Councillor R Blunt commented that due to the project being on a large scale this quarterly report was being provided for Members as agreed.  He reported that he had attended consultation meetings with a number of groups already which had gone well and he was about to consult with a number of other community groups, network groups and volunteer staff members in the near future.  He stressed the importance of allocating funds to the project to show a meaningful commitment and he assured Members that it would not be at the expense of other areas.

Councillor T J Pendleton agreed that they were right to commit the funds to make the much needed improvements to Coalville as this was the Council’s statement of intent.  He also agreed with the review being undertaken on the Leisure Service as the costs involved need to be assessed.

Councillor R D Bayliss believed that the creation of the Coalville Project reserve was crucial as there was a need to correctly budget the project.

Councillor T Gillard felt that the report provided a positive step forward for the project.

Councillor A V Smith felt that it was an excellent piece of work and much needed in Coalville.  She was also pleased that the Leisure Service provision was being looked into as part of the process.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor T J Pendleton and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     The establishment of internal project governance be noted.

2)     The progress of specialist advisors to deliver the feasibility stage of phase 1 of Coalville Project be noted.

3)     The procurement of specialist advisors to conduct an options appraisal for the leisure and culture offer of the District be noted.

4)     The creation of a Coalville Project reserve and re-assignment of underspent reserves be approved.

Reason for decision: To seek Cabinet approval to re-assign underspent reserves into a Coalville Project reserve.  

Report of the Head of Finance

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report and referred Members to the Council tax base figures as detailed at appendix one and two.

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

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The calculation of the council tax base for each parish and special expense area for the financial year 2016/17, as shown in appendix 2 to the report, be approved and adopted.

2)    In accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England)  Regulations 2012 SI 2012/2914, the amount calculated by North West Leicestershire District Council as its council tax base for the financial year 2016/17 shall be 30,319.

3)    The amounts of Council Tax Support Grant for each Town and Parish Council as detailed in appendix 3 be approved for the financial year 2016/17.

Reason for decision: Statutory requirement to facilitate the setting of Council Tax for the forthcoming Financial Year.

The Chairman announced that item 7 – Authority to Award Energy Contracts, was withdrawn from the agenda and would be considered at the next meeting of Cabinet to be held on 9 February 2016.

Report of the Director of Services

Presented by the Regeneration and Planning Portfolio Holder

The Regeneration and Planning Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.  He informed Members that North West Leicestershire District Council had a duty under the Housing Act 2004 to assess, identify and plan to meet the District’s housing needs including those of the gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople.  He added that the Local Plan Advisory Committee had already considered a report on the subject and was in support.

Councillor T Gillard commented that this was something that the Council had to do and he believed it added credibility to the Local Plan.

Councillor R Blunt thanked the Members of the Local Plan Advisory Committee for the work that had already been undertaken as it was very much appreciated.

It was moved by Councillor T J Pendleton, seconded by Councillor T Gillard and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     The preparation of a Gyspy and Travellers Site Allocations Development Plan document commences.

2)     The consultation and a call for sites as set out in the report to the Local Plan Advisory Committee commence.

Reason for decision:To approve the proposals for consultation.