Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

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

Councillors T Gillard, K Merrie and N Rushton declared a registerable interest in item 17, Devolution and the Government’s Proposed Local Government Reorganisation, as elected members of Leicestershire County Council.

Councillor R Johnson declared a registerable interest in item 14, Council Tax Resolution 2025/26, as the Chair of Hugglescote Parish Council.

Councillor K Merrie declared a registerable interest in item 14, Council Tax Resolution 2025/26, as the Chair of Ellistown and Battleflat Parish Council.  He also declared an interest in item 22, Appointment of the Independent Remuneration Panel, as the proposed new member was the Clerk of Ellistown and Battleflat Parish Council.

Councillor P Moult declared a registerable interest in item 14, Council Tax Resolution 2025/26, as the Chair of Whitwick Parish Council.

Councillor R Morris declared a registerable interest in item 14, Council Tax Resolution 2025/26, as the Chair of Breedon on the Hill Parish Council.

During discussion of item 19, Review of Cumulative Impact Assessment of Licensed Premises in Ashby de la Zouch, Councillor N Rushton declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as a licenced premises owner in the town, left the meeting and did not take any part in the discussion or voting thereon.

The Chair announced that fundraising throughout the year had raised £13,000 to date for his chosen charity and he thanked everyone for their support. 

The Chair reported the success of the District Council’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations and highlighted the community award ceremony held earlier in the month.  He thanked staff for their hard work in organising the event.

The Chair acknowledged that 2025 marked the fifth-year anniversary since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and that a UK-wide day of reflection would take place on Sunday 9 March 2025.  This day was an opportunity for communities to come together in reflection and commemoration for those who lost their lives and for everyone impacted by the pandemic.

The Chair announced that Monday 10 March 2025 was Commonwealth Day and as part of this His Majesty the King would mark the day by issuing a message to all Commonwealth citizens.  The celebration would be marked by flying the Commonwealth flag outside Stenson House.

Finally, the Chair referred to an incident at the previous Council meeting during the ‘Debate not Hate’ report where several Members raised points of order objections and felt strongly enough to leave the chamber.  The Chair apologised in the way the matter was handled and advised that as a result, the briefing process and meeting preparation had been improved. Councillor S Sheahan thanked the Chair for his approach to the matter and the positive resolution achieved.

Members are reminded that under paragraph 11.1 of part 3 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.

Councillor R Blunt, the Leader of the Council, provided an update on the current situation in relation to the Government’s Devolution White Paper which was published in December.  He announced that a discussion item would take place later in the meeting as an opportunity for Members to voice their opinions.

The Community Services and Climate Change Portfolio Holder referred to the negative impact of empty homes on communities and neighbourhoods, and as the ‘Empty Homes Week’ began on 3 March 2025, it was announced that he would be writing to the Housing Minister requesting that the issue be addressed as a national priority.   The request would also include an increase in provision of additional funds to tackle the issue, a reduction of red tape so that local councils could respond quickly and efficiently, and to allow empty properties to be added to housing allocation within local authority areas.

Several Members spoke in support of the proposed action by the Portfolio Holder.

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 Support 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 Support Services.

One question was asked which is set out below together with the response. 

Question from Councillor J Geary

“Employee Joint Consultative Committee

Each year at the Annual Council Meeting we appoint 5 members to the Employee Joint Consultative Committee, yet to my knowledge this Committee has not met in the past few years.

Therefore, could you please inform me of the date of last meeting of this Committee and supply me with a copy of the minutes.”

Response from Councillor K Merrie

The following paragraphs are extracts from the Constitution in relation to the role and functions of the Employee Joint Consultative Committee:

Employee Joint Consultative Committee - A Committee with representatives from the Council and from trade unions that meets to resolve matters that the Employee Consultation Group has been unable to resolve – see Part 2.

2 FUNCTIONS OF THE EMPLOYEE JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

2.1 To provide a means of resolution for those matters that the Employee Consultation Group has been unable to resolve, provided that the decision is not one that should be made elsewhere.

 2.2 To consider any relevant matter referred to it by a Committee of the Council or by any of the recognised trades unions.

2.3 To discharge any other functions specifically assigned to the Employee Joint Consultative Committee.

2.4 The Employee Joint Consultative Committee may refer any question coming before it for the consideration and advice of the East Midlands Regional Joint Council for Local Government Services.

Cllr Geary is accurate in saying the Committee has not met.

The Chief Executive, Directors and Head of Human Resources meet with local and regional trade union representatives for the Council’s three recognised trade unions on a three-monthly basis in the Employee Consultation Group (known as the Executive Consultation group internally).

There have not been any matters referred for consideration by Committees, trades unions or members or the Employee Consultation Group to necessitate a meeting of the Committee. This is the reason the Employee Joint Consultative Committee has not met.

In the circumstances I am unable to supply copies of any meeting dates or minutes.

Councillor J Geary declined the opportunity to ask a supplementary question.

To consider the following motion received from Councillor S Lambeth:

MOTION

I hereby move that C76 Meadow Lane be reinstated into the local plan. This motion is based upon the recommendation that was given by the planning officers and the thorough site assessment methodology that was provided by independent consultants.

CASE OF SITE ASSESSMENT C76 MEADOW LANE

In the case of site C76 - Meadow Lane, the assessment by officers noted that the site records one of the best scores in the Coalville Urban Area with, good access to services and facilities, and, after careful consideration, they reached a conclusion, that the site was placed first in the hierarchy for housing development in the area.

GUIDELINES AND OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS

The Guide to Probity in Planning for Councillors and Officers, suggest that where advice and recommendation for acceptance are given by officers - then generally these recommendations should be followed. Where councillors decide to overturn the advice, then the decision and reasons need to be explained and documented.

APPEAL RISKS AND COSTS

It is important to recognize that non-inclusion in the local plan may result in an appeal to the planning inspectorate with the appeal being based on national and local planning policy guidance and in this instance, it is particularly relevant given that the officers have already concluded that the site meets the criteria. 

A rejection increases the likelihood of the council losing the appeal, potentially, this could leave the Council in the position that the new local plan submission could be rejected, potentially leaving North West Leicestershire open to widespread development.

CONCLUSION 

Given that a strong recommendation was given by the planning officers, I strongly urge that we consider the matter of C76 Meadow Lane and that it be included in our Regulation 19 submission. This is particularly important especially given the risks associated with a rejection. It is important that proper consideration has been given and that we are certain that we have attained the best outcome for the entire community within the District.

The Chair referred Members to the motion as detailed within the agenda papers and invited Councillor S Lambeth, who made the submission, to speak.

Cllr S Lambeth spoke and then formally moved the motion.  It was seconded by Cllr P Moult.

The Chair announced that in accordance with procedure rule 12.9 of the Council’s Constitution, the motion was automatically referred to the Local Plan Committee as the matter of the motion fell within the remit of the Committee.  The matter would be heard at the next meeting of the Local Plan Committee on 11 March 2025.  Following requests from Members, the Chair gave assurances that the matter would be dealt with at the next meeting of the Local Plan Committee.

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 5 November 2024.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2024.

It was moved by Councillor K Horn, seconded by Councillor R Morris and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2024 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources.

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members.

Thanks were given to all officers for the work undertaken on all elements of the budget process.

The report was noted.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor Rushton.

No comments were made.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)        The following limits be approved:

a)   The authorised limit and operational boundary for external debt as detailed in table 3 of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025-26 at appendix 2 of the report.

b)   The maturity structure of borrowing as detailed in paragraph 6.6 of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025-26 at appendix 2 of the report.

2)       The following be approved:

a)     Capital Strategy 2025-26 at appendix 1 of the report.

b)   Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025-26 at appendix 2 of the report.

c)   Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement 2025-26 at appendix 3 of the report.

d)   Non-Treasury Investment Strategy 2025- 26 at appendix 4 of the report.

3)       Authority to move a capital scheme from the development pool to the active programme as long as the scheme is within the approved budget, be delegated to Cabinet.

4)       Authority to make any necessary changes to appendices 1-4 of the report be delegated to the Section 151 Officer, should any amendments be agreed to the General Fund Budget and/or Housing Revenue Account budget at this meeting.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor M Wyatt.

The Chair referred to an amendment to the motion, which had been circulated in the additional papers.  Councillor S Lambeth was invited to put forward the amendment. 

Councillor S Lambeth outlined the amendment to the General Fund Budget as detailed in the additional papers.  It was seconded by Councillor A Morley.

A full debate was had both in support and against the proposed amendment before the Chair put it to the vote.  A recorded vote being required, the voting was as detailed below.

The amendment was declared LOST.

The Chair referred Members to the original motion as set out in the report.

No further comments were made.

The Chair put the original motion to the vote.  A recorded vote being required, the voting was as detailed below.

The motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)       The General Revenue Budget for 2025/26 as summarised in section 2 of the report, including the increase of the District Council’s share of Council Tax in 2025/26 by 2.5% be approved.

2)       The General Fund Revenue Indicative Budget for 2026/27 to 2029/30 at appendix 1 of the report be noted.

3)       The General Fund Fees and Charges approved by cabinet on 28 January 2025 at appendix 3 be noted.

4)       The Proposed General Fund Capital Programme, at appendix 4 of the report, for 2025/26 and planned financing, as set out in section 3 of the report be approved.

5)       The remaining elements of the General Fund Capital Programme 2026/27 – 2029/30 be noted.

6)       The Special Expenses Revenue Budget for 2025/26, at appendix 6 of the report, as summarised in section 4 of the report, including setting the Special Expense Band D Council Tax at the levels detailed in table 4 of the report be approved.

7)       The continuation of North West Leicestershire District Council in the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Rates Pool in 2025/26 be approved. 

8)       The contribution to a contingency budget as detailed in the General Fund Budget Summary 2025/26 to 2029/30 at appendix 1 of the report be noted.

9)       The allocation of £100,000 from the Medium-Term Financial Plan reserve to create an earmarked reserve to support necessary work to understand the wider implications of the English Devolution White Paper as set out in paragraph 2.2.2 of the report be approved.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Councillor A Woodman, Housing and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor N Rushton.

The Chair referred to an amendment to the motion, which had been circulated in the additional papers.  Councillor D Bigby was invited to put forward the amendment. 

Councillor S Lambeth outlined the amendment to the Housing Revenue Account Budget as detailed in the additional papers.  It was seconded by Councillor J Legrys.

A discussion was had during which Members spoke both in support and against the proposed amendment before the Chair put it to the vote.  A recorded vote being required, the voting was as detailed below.

The amendment was declared LOST.

The Chair referred Members to the original motion as set out in the report.

No further comments were made.

The Chair put the original motion to the vote.  A recorded vote being required, the voting was as detailed below.

The motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)        The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2025/26, at appendix 1 of the report, as summarised in section 2 of this report, including the increase of rents by 2.7% be approved.

2)        The Fees and Charges approved by Cabinet on 28 January 2025 at appendix 3 of the report be noted

3)        The HRA Budget for 2026/27 to 2029/30 at appendix 4 of the report be approved. 

4)        The proposed HRA Capital Programme for 2025/26, at appendix 4 of the report, and Planned Financing, as set out in section 3 of the report be approved.

5)        The HRA capital programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 at appendix 4 of the report be noted.

Councillor R Johnson left the meeting at the conclusion of the item.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor N Rushton.

No comments were made.

The Chair put the motion to the vote.  A recorded vote being required, the voting was as detailed below.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Council Tax Resolution 2025/26 as set out in section 2 of the report be approved.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members.

During discussion it was acknowledged how important the issue was becoming nationally, and it was noted that the Audit and Governance Committee would continue to monitor the situation.

The report was noted.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members.

No comments were made.

The report was noted.

The Leader of the Council will provide a verbal update to Council on Devolution and the Government’s proposed Local Government Reorganisation of all two tier areas and provide members of the Council the opportunity to provide comments to be considered as part of developing the initial proposals to Government required by the 21 March.

Councillor R Blunt, Leader of the Council, addressed the Committee.  It was reported that since the publication of the Government’s Devolution White Paper the Leaders and Chief Executives of the District and Borough Councils across Leicestershire had been working together, on what they believed was the best proposals for the area.  Councillor R Blunt had serious concerns about the County Council’s proposal for a single unitary authority and would continue to work towards a proposal for smaller unitary councils in Leicestershire and Rutland, based on evidence and engagement with people.

Members were reminded that ‘no change’ was not an option due to the Government’s clear direction for all two-tier authority areas to bring forward proposals for reorganisation.  As the Government timescales were short, Councillor R Blunt asked for views from Members to ensure that initial proposals due by March 2025 were informed by those elected to represent their areas.

The Chair invited comments from Members.

A Member strongly felt that the process of devolution was not democratic, took away local services from the community and by imposing it onto local people, it was the wrong way to promote democracy.

The majority of comments made across the Chamber were not in favour of a single unitary authority and it was acknowledged that this was something the County Council had been attempting to do for many years, some Councillors had been involved during their time as elected County Council Members. 

Several Members agreed with the proposal of a North/South split across the region and also, that the Mayoral element required much more discussion.  It was noted that very little information was available in relation to the devolution of power to Parish and Town Councils.

Some comments were made on the devolution element in that due to neighbouring authorities receiving more funds for transport and infrastructure due to combining areas, it was disappointing that the County Council wanted to remain separate. There was some scepticism on reorganisation.

There was some support for a unitary authority in that it would lead to a better outcome for the customers with one point of contact, but it was important for seamless integration from a customer point of view to not cause more frustration.

There was some confusion due to the lack of detail available and the speed in which it was being dealt with.  The importance of getting the best possible outcome for the District was acknowledged.

Councillor R Blunt thanked Members for their comments.  It was noted that it would be ‘business as usual’ for the next two to three years and that he would do everything possible to support local people.  Members would be kept updated at every stage moving forward.

Report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor A Saffell.

Members spoke in support of the proposals and thanked the Legal Team and the Members on the Working Group for their work on the review.

RESOLVED THAT:

The proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution, as set out in appendices A to C be adopted to come into effect from 1 March 2025.

Report of the Strategic Director of Communities.

At this point, Councillor N Rushton declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as a licenced premises owner in the town, left the meeting and did not take any part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Councillor M Wyatt, Community Services and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor N Smith.

During discussion it was highlighted that there was no information in the report in relation to the work undertaken by the licensed premises, the police and the community to make Ashby a better place to visit.  It was felt this information was important to show the progress that had been made.  The Portfolio Holder noted the comments and agreed to ask officers to provide a response outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Cumulative Impact Assessment at appendix 1 of the report be approved.

Report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor R Blunt.

During discussion, it was noted that as in previous years, the car allowance payments did not encourage greener vehicle options as there was no incentive to opt for electric vehicles.  The comments were noted.

Mike Murphy, the Head of Human Resources, was thanked for his 35-year service and wished well in his coming retirement.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26, as attached at appendix 1 of the report, be approved.

Report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor J Simmons.

No comments were made.

RESOLVED THAT:

The relevant information outlined in paragraph 1.2 of the report be reported to Government.

Report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor K Merrie, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor R Morris.

No comments were made.

RESOLVED THAT:

Karen Bowler be appointed to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Report of the Chief Executive

Councillor R Blunt, Leader of the Council, presented the report to Members.

No comments were made.

The report was noted.