Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R Johnson.

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

Councillor T Gillard declared an other interest in item 8, Petitions, as he had signed the petition being presented at the meeting.

With Remembrance Day approaching, the Chair of the Council had several services to attend and was looking forward to standing alongside his fellow councillors.  He stressed the importance of remembering those in the armed forces who paid the greatest sacrifice and to celebrate those who serve today with bravery and courage.

The Chair of the Council provided an update on the events that himself and the Deputy Chair of the Council had attended around the district since the last Council meeting.

The Chair of the Council announced he had presented a certificate to Brooklyn Dooley, the winner of the staff Star Scheme, who was nominated for his outstanding contribution in his role.

To conclude, the Chair of the Council referred to a recent event as part of the South Derbyshire civic celebrations, at which he attended the High Sheriff’s Justice Service.  During which an important message was shared about the importance of unity, which he hoped to bring into the chamber.

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, Leader of the Council, made the following announcements:

An update was provided on the current position of the Local Government Reorganisation process.  Officers were thanked for the work undertaken so far.  He also thanked Members who attended the recent briefing and the Corporate Scrutiny Committee who contributed to the process, provided comments and supported the proposals.

An update was provided on progress of the demolition of the old council office building and the next step in the process including removal of the rubble.  Members were informed that plans for the site were being developed and following public engagement it was expected for planning applications to be ready for 2026.

Several Members spoke in support of both the Local Government Reorganisation proposals and the removal of the trees on the site of the old council office building due to their poor health.

Councillor M Wyatt, Deputy Leader, made the following announcements:

Members were informed that following the additional budget created for improvements to CCTV monitoring, the cameras were now monitored live in both Ashby and Coalville including Sundays.  An update was provided on the success of the service and the impact it has having, assisting the police in incidents that otherwise would have been missed.

Councillor A Woodman, Portfolio Holder, made the following announcements:

Members were provided with an update on some areas of the Housing Service including the positive progress made on the backlog within housing repairs, the work underway in upgrading homes to an EPC C rating and the reduction in the use of temporary accommodation.

Members were reminded of the recent housing inspection that was undertaken, the outcome of which was due to be published in the coming weeks and would be reported to Cabinet.

To conclude, the new Head of Housing, Gary Hall was introduced and welcomed to the authority.

In relation to the housing repairs backlog, a Member asked how long it would take to complete all outstanding repairs.  Councillor A Woodman agreed to consult with officers and to provide a response outside of the meeting.

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 with the response.  The Member was invited by the Chair of the Council to ask a supplementary question which is also set out together with the response.

Question from Councillor D Bigby

‘In the light of Kemi Badenoch’s recent statements that she believes the UK’s 2050 net zero target is “impossible” to achieve and that, if ever elected again to government, the Conservative Party plans to repeal the Climate Change Act, as Council Leader and  Leader of the Conservative Group, can you confirm the Administration’s  continued commitment to the Council’s current net- zero policies including working towards a net-zero council by 2030 and a net zero district by 2050.’

Response from Councillor R Blunt

‘The Council declared a climate emergency on 25 June 2019 and adopted its Zero Carbon Roadmap and Action Plan on 31 March 2020. The Action Plan recommends activity to achieve the ambition of working towards a net Zero Carbon Council by 2030 and a net Zero Carbon district by 2050.

Whilst I share the view that these targets are challenging, the Administration remains committed to doing all it can in addressing climate change.

There is no change in the Council’s position and commitment. "Clean green and zero carbon district" remains a Council Delivery Plan priority with the aim to be carbon neutral as a council by 2030 and as a district by 2050.  

The Council's emissions are predominantly driven by utilities and fuel. We have transitioned fifteen vehicles to electric and there is a long-term commitment to use HVO instead of diesel for all other fleet, driving significant emissions benefits.  Costs to decarbonise the Council's property portfolio, across both the general fund and HRA, however, may prove unaffordable, however, without additional government funding.’

Supplementary question and response

The commitment to the zero emissions target was welcomed and it was hoped that the budget provision would continue.  It was acknowledged that online training on Zero Carbon was available for Members, however it was noted that not all councillors had completed it.  Councillor R Blunt confirmed his commitment to the target and continued budget provision.

To consider the following motion received from Councillor M Wyatt:

Council notes the recent announcement by Keir Starmer’s Labour Government of plans to introduce a mandatory Digital ID scheme for all UK residents.

Council further notes that the Government’s plan:

• Could require every resident to obtain a Digital ID to access public services and entitlements;
• Could risk criminalising millions of people, particularly older people, those on lower incomes, or those without access to digital technology;
• Raises significant privacy and civil liberties concerns; 
• Could result in billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money being wasted on a massive IT project, with no clear benefit or safeguards.

Council believes that Labour’s scheme:

• Represents an expensive measure that will undermine public trust;
• Will do nothing to address the real priorities facing communities such as NHS backlogs, cost of living crisis, etc.];
• Fails to protect our core British values of liberty, privacy and fairness.

Council resolves:

• To formally oppose the Labour Government’s Digital ID plans;
• To request the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive write to: The Secretary of State for the Home Department; the local Members of Parliament representing North West Leicestershire and the Minister for Digital Infrastructure expressing this council’s firm opposition to Labour’s mandatory Digital ID system and calling for the plans to be scrapped.

The Chair of the Council referred Members to the motion as amended in the additional papers and invited Councillor M Wyatt, who made the submission, to speak.

Councillor M Wyatt spoke and then formally moved the motion.  It was seconded by Cllr A Woodman. 

A debate ensued in which Members spoke both in support and against the motion. 

The motion was put to the vote and CARRIED.  As a recorded vote was requested, the voting was as detailed below.

RESOLVED THAT THE COUNCIL:

1)    Formally oppose the Labour Government’s Digital ID plans;

2)    Requests the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive write to the Home Secretary, the local Members of Parliament representing NWL and the Minister for Digital Infrastructure expressing this council’s firm opposition to Labour’s mandatory Digital ID System and calling for plans to be scrapped.

To consider the following petition submitted by Bernadette Whelton

Background

We emphatically oppose the proposal to build 242 houses on the land off Torrington Avenue and Hall Lane – Site Reference C19a. Our reasons are:

Environmental Impact: It threatens our green spaces, natural habitats, and biodiversity. Destruction of trees and open land will negatively affect air quality and wildlife. A negative impact on our water drainage and sewage systems.

Overcrowding and Infrastructure Strain: Increased traffic causing congestion. Adding a link road to meet with the site C19a from the proposed site C19b (700 houses) off Stephenson Way site 19b would further exacerbate traffic congestion.  More pressure on already overburdened services, especially healthcare.

Loss of Community Character: Development would erode the separation between Whitwick and Coalville. Whitwick risks losing its identity as a distinct village. It diminishes the historical and cultural integrity of the area.

Noise and Construction Disruption: Long-term noise, dust, and disruption during construction. Ongoing noise pollution from increased traffic, affecting health and quality of life (stress, sleep issues).

Inappropriate Location: The area lacks the infrastructure to support such large-scale development. Housing would be better situated near industrial units and existing road networks that can accommodate an increase in traffic.

Action petitioned for

We the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now to remove the land at Torrington Avenue, Whitwick - Site Reference – C19a – the build of 242 houses from the Draft Local Plan.

There are 1005 valid signatures on the petition.

The Chair of the Council referred Members to the petition as detailed within the agenda papers and invited the Petition Organiser to come forward and speak to the petition.

Several questions of clarity were asked by Members, and responses provided by the Petition Organiser.

Councillor N Rushton, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, addressed the meeting and raised the difficulties facing the Local Plan Committee in allocating sites and the importance of addressing the shortfall in housing provision in the Coalville Urban Area.

Councillor L Windram moved that the matter be placed on the next convenient meeting of the Local Plan Committee.  The motion was seconded by Councillor T Gillard.

The motion was put to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED THAT:

The subject matter of the petition be placed on the next convenient meeting of the Local Plan Committee.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 16 September 2025.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2025.

It was moved by Councillor P Lees, seconded by Councillor J Simmons and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2025 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Report of the Director of Resources

Presented by the Corporate and Finance Portfolio Holder

Councillor K Merrie, as Corporate and Finance Portfolio Holder, presented the report and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor N Rushton.

RESOLVED THAT:

The revised Capital Programme as detailed in appendix A of the report be approved.

Report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Infrastructure Portfolio Holder

Councillor N Rushton, as Infrastructure Portfolio Holder presented the report and moved the recommendations. It was seconded by Councillor M Wyatt.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The terms of reference for the Community Governance Review be approved for publication and consultation.

2)    Authority be delegated to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chair of the Electoral Review Working Party, to make any changes to the terms of reference following the consultation process and consideration by the working party.

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Presented by the Infrastructure Portfolio Holder

Councillor N Rushton, as Infrastructure Portfolio Holder presented the report and moved the recommendations. It was seconded by Councillor T Gillard.

Members discussed how seats on boards such as the Safer North West Leicestershire Community Partnership were appointed.  Some felt that more consideration should be taken on the distribution of the seats so that more opportunity was available to all groups.  It was suggested that options such as observing roles be considered.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder be appointed to represent the Council on the Safer North West Leicestershire Community Partnership.