Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Barker, D Bigby, N Smith and A Wilson.

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

In relation to item 10 – Community Governance Review Draft Recommendations, the Interim Monitoring Officer confirmed that a dispensation had been granted for all Members, therefore Members did not have to declare an interest on this occasion.

There were no declarations of interests.

The Chairman of the Council gave an update on the recent engagements and events attended, including community and charity activities.  A video was then shared about the Chairman’s chosen charity, Canine Partners, to demonstrate the great work they do and the difference they make.

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, introduced new guidance aimed at improving working relationships between councillors and officers, emphasising mutual respect, clearer expectations, and alignment with national standards on behaviour in public life.

Members welcomed the initiative.  Some concerns were shared regarding the adherence to procedures at council premises, particularly around building access.

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.

No questions were 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.

No questions were received.

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 12 May 2026.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2026.

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

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2026 be approved and signed by the Chairman of the Council as a correct record.

Report of the Interim Head of Legal and Support Services

Councillor N Rushton, the Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report as detailed in the additional papers and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor A Woodman.

During discussion, Members acknowledged the significant work undertaken to date and the level of consultation responses received. Comments were made in respect of the options for parish and town council arrangements within the Coalville area, including considerations around the viability of smaller parish councils, the potential for fragmentation, and the importance of local identity and accountability.

Concerns were also raised regarding the financial implications of the proposals, including precept levels, special expenses, and the need for clear financial information and options appraisal to be provided as part of the consultation to ensure residents were fully informed.  Officers confirmed that work was underway with to provide clearer financial information for the consultation.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)  That the proposals as set out in section 3 of the report be adopted by the Council as draft recommendations for the purposes of the Community Governance Review.

2)  The draft recommendations be published for consultation purposes from 1 July to 13 September 2026 inclusive.

3)  The results of the consultation be reported to Full Council on 16 November 2026.

Report of the Head of Finance

Councillor K Merrie, Corporate and Finance Portfolio Holder presented the report and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor M Ball.

During discussion, Members expressed strong support for the proposal, highlighting the importance of investing in the District’s industrial heritage, the regeneration benefits of the project and its role in enhancing tourism and community use of the site.

RESOLVED THAT:

The addition of £2,455,000 into the active Capital Programme for the Moira Furnace Visitor Experience Improvement Programme (Phase 2) be approved.

Report of the Interim Head of Legal and Support Services

Councillor T Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, presented the report and moved the recommendations within the agenda and additional papers.  It was seconded by Councillor N Rushton.

RESOVLED THAT:

1)  Councillor D Everitt be appointed to the Audit and Governance Committee.

2)  Councillor R Johnson be appointed as a representative on the Cliffe Hill Quarry Liaison Committee.