Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor K Merrie.

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.

There were no interests declared.

The Chairman referred to the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen and the honour of reading the proclamation for the District.  Following the forward of the District’s condolences to the Palace, the Chairman announced that a signed card of thanks had been received from His Royal Highness the King.

Members are reminded that under paragraph 11.1 of part 4 of the Constitution, questions can be asked of the Leader and Cabinet Members without notice about any matter contained in any address.  Questions shall be limited to five minutes in total for each announcement.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor R Blunt made the following announcements:

The new Customer  Centre was now complete and would open later in the month.  The next stage was the relocation of staff to Whitwick Business Centre and the final part was the refurbishment of Stenson House into a new Civic Hub.  The work on Stenson House was due to start in the next few months and the plan was to have works completed before the Annual Council meeting in May next year.  He thanked the Strategic Director for his work on the project and although it was acknowledged there would still be challenges ahead, he was confident that all was moving in the right direction.

In relation to what the Council was doing to address the Cost-of-Living Crisis, Councillor Blunt acknowledged the work of the Fuel Poverty Task and Finish Group and referred to the information now available on the website, the bids being made under the Decarbonisation Fund and the ECO4 Scheme.

Plans were moving forward with Marlborough Centre with the Council in the process of submitting a planning application in relation to the frontages and apartments above.

In relation to the former Hermitage Leisure Centre, demolition was expected in the new year and then further decisions would be taken on the site. 

To conclude, Councillor Blunt announced that work was progressing on the Royal Hotel in Ashby with a planning application expected imminently.  As a key part of the town, Councillor Blunt felt it was important to get the building back in to use as soon as possible.

In response to comments and questions, Councillor Blunt shared the view that much had changed in national Government since the last Council meeting, and he would be monitoring how the difficult decisions to come would affect Local Government Finances.  In relation to the proposed Cinema in Coalville, Councillor Blunt confirmed that progress was still being made and gave a brief update on the current process for advertising the sites as available for leisure use.

Councillor T Eynon thanked Councillor Blunt for noting the work of the Fuel Poverty Task and Finish Group and thanked all involved in recent weeks.  She encouraged Members to support the recommendations made by the group. 

To receive questions from members of the public under procedure rule no.10.  The procedure rule provides that members of the public may ask members of the Cabinet any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Commercial Services.

There were no questions received.

To receive members’ questions under procedure rule no.11.  The procedure rule provides that any member may ask the Chairman of a board or group any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Commercial Services.

There were four questions asked which are set out below together with the responses.  Each member who asked a question was invited by the Chairman to ask one supplementary question which is also set out together with the response.

Question by Councillor J Geary

 “How much have the costs to NWLDC been to clear sites up after traveller trespass?"

Response by Councillor A Woodman

Council services in the form of housing, car parking, street cleansing, parks and property have not historically collected this data but will be doing so henceforth starting with the most recent tresspass onto Council land at Silver Street Car Park. Listed below are the incidents over the past five years.

Supplementary question and response

Councillor Geary asked if it was possible for him to have the figures for the latest incident on Silver Street once they had been collated.  Councillor Woodman informed members that there was not a legal requirement to keep this information, but he felt that it was useful for the authority to have.  He was happy for all members to receive the information once available.

Question by Councillor J Legrys

“I am struggling to keep myself informed of staff movement due to promotion, resignation/retirement, joint working with another LA or internal move. I am aware that the Council have employed consultants/agency staff in many unfilled posts.

I would appreciate if the Portfolio Holder could provide regular update on staff changes please.

I would like to know which posts are filled by consultants/agency employees, and the number of unfilled posts?”

Response by Councillor R Ashman

“An updated copy of the current management structure to team manager level with names has been added to the members’ hub for information. This also indicates the posts at those levels currently occupied  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To consider any motions on notice under procedure rule no. 12.

No motions were received.

To receive petitions in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme. 

No petitions were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 6 September 2022.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2022.

It was moved by Councillor R Boam, seconded by Councillor J Bridges and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2022 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The report of the Monitoring Officer

Councillor N J Rushton presented the report to members.

It was moved by Councillor N J Rushton, seconded by Councillor S Gillard and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)   The nomination process be received and noted.

b)   The appointment of Councillor Nick Antill-Holmes to the vacant Parish Representative seat be approved.

The report of the Monitoring Officer

Councillor R Ashman presented the report to members.

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

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillors E Allman and K Merrie be appointed as representatives to serve on the Ravenstone Hospital Charity.