Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P Clayfield, J G Coxon, R Holland and J Ruff.

Members are reminded that any declaration of interest should be made having regard to the code of conduct.  In particular, members must make clear the nature of the interest and whether it is 'pecuniary' or ‘non pecuniary'.

Councillor J Legrys declared a disclosable non pecuniary interest in item 10 – Budget and Council Tax 2014/15 due to his association with Hermitage FM.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

The Civic Service was taking place on Sunday, 16 March 2014 at St Helen’s Church in Ashby; the Chairman encouraged everyone to attend.

The Annual Green Footprint Award Dinner was taking place on Friday, 4 April 2014 at the Radisson Blu Hotel; the Chairman informed Members that tickets were available and that the proceeds would be going to his chosen charity, the Breast Care Unit at Burton Hospital.

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.

Councillor R Blunt made the following announcements:

-   The Boundary Commission had now released the results of the recent boundary review of the District.  This meant that the District Elections in 2015 would be based on the new ward structure.

-   Another successful budget proposal was to be considered by Members, in particular, council tax had been frozen for the fifth year in a row, car parking charges had been frozen for the seventh year in a row and there were no charges for green waste collections.  As part of the budget process, provisions had been made to support the Living Wage for the Council’s lower paid staff; this was to help the lowest paid staff during the difficult economic climate.  It was acknowledged that the Labour group had also been working on the issue and it was pleasing to see them join the debate by introducing the motion which was on the agenda.  Unfortunately, Councillor R Blunt advised that the Conservative group could not support the motion in its entirety as it could have a negative impact on local businesses and potentially increase tender prices for the Council.

-   Provision was being made to provide financial support to spruce up town centres, support existing and new businesses, and increase affordable housing.

Councillor T Gillard announced that plans for the new Formula E at Donington Race Track were going well and he would give a more detailed update at the next meeting.

Councillor T J Pendleton announced that the eight children’s centres within the District had recently been inspected by OFSTED and all had been classified as good, this was a great success for the District.

Councillor T Neilson stated that he welcomed the changes that had been made to the budget proposals during the budget process and he was glad the Labour group had had some impact.  He reminded Members that he had strongly opposed the boundary review as the Labour group believed it was unnecessary, however they took part fully in the consultation process and were pleased to see some of their suggestions in the final results.  He thanked the Council Officers and the Boundary Commission for the work they had undertaken.

Councillor S Sheahan stated that he was pleased with the outcome of the OFSTED inspection on the children’s centres and thanked the staff for the great work that they do day to day with the children.

Councillor D De Lacy asked for an update on the issue that was raised under Questions from Councillors at the previous meeting regarding 45 people within the District who according to tenancy records could be entitled to ‘Bedroom Tax’ refunds.  He explained that he expected to see it on the agenda as the Portfolio Holder had promised to provide an update at the previous meeting.  Councillor R D Bayliss reported that the reason an update had not been given was that it was still a work in progress but was happy explain the current position.  He explained that the refund  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

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.

There were no questions received.

To consider the following motion received from Councillor N Clarke:

“Council notes:

That a growing number of local authorities are now paying the Living Wage.

That the Living Wage is a level of pay which is based on the principle of decency that work should pay at least enough to provide for the essentials of life.

That the Living Wage has been independently set nationally at £7.65 and £8.80 for London per hour.

Therefore this Council;

·        Supports the introduction of the Living Wage for all its employees with effect from 1 April 2014

·        Works towards accreditation as a Living Wage Employer.

·        Seeks to ensure its contractors and suppliers of goods and services do likewise.

·        Uses its influence to encourage all employers within the District to also implement the living wage for their employees”.

Councillor N Clarke moved the following motion:

“Council notes:

That a growing number of local authorities are now paying the Living Wage.

That the Living Wage is a level of pay which is based on the principle of decency that work should pay at least enough to provide the essentials of life.

That the Living Wage has been independently set nationally at £7.95 and £8.80 for London per hour.

Therefore this Council:

-   Supports the introduction of the Living Wage for all its employees with effect from April 2014.

-   Works towards accreditation as a Living Wage Employer.

-   Seeks to ensure its contractors and suppliers of goods and services do likewise.

-   Uses its influence to encourage all employers within the District to also implement the Living Wage for their employees.”

Councillor N Clarke stated that he was delighted that the Council was adopting the living wage for its employees, he then urged Members to fully commit and support the motion.  He explained that it was proven that adopting the Living Wage improved the standard of work as it motivated employees, this in turn would improve the service.  He stressed the importance of encouraging others to adopt the Living Wage and since employers had no pressure to do so, the Council should be applying the necessary pressure.  He concluded that this would improve the local economy, lift people out of poverty and restore people’s dignity.

The motion was seconded by Councillor D De Lacy. 

Councillor J Bridges stated that he could not support the motion due to the way it was worded as administering it for contractors would be impossible.  He stressed that there should have been some cross party discussion before the motion was submitted to get it right.  Councillor P Hyde stressed that it was possible as other Councils and contractors already worked in that way.

Councillor D Everitt reiterated the comments from Councillor P Hyde and explained that he understood it was possible from his past working experience.  He added that he was disappointed that the Conservative group could not support the motion as they were missing a good opportunity.

Councillor T J Pendleton reported that the Living Wage was receiving support from many employers and was pleased that the Council was committed to it also.  He believed that it was wrong to tell employers what they should be paying their employees and the Council was setting an example by adopting the Living Wage.

Councillor L Spence stated that he was proud that the Council had adopted the Living Wage but was disappointed that the Conservative group would not support the motion in its entirety.  He believed that the Council should act as an ambassador as it has done in the past on other initiatives and asked for further discussions on the topic outside of the meeting.  Councillor J Legrys agreed with these comments.

Councillor J Legrys reported that approximately £24 billion was spent nationally on housing benefit and this was a burden on the tax  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

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

There were no petitions received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 21 January 2014.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2014.

It was moved by Councillor G Jones, seconded by Councillor G A Allman and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2014 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of the Head of Finance

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

Councillor N J Rushton presented the report to Members, outlining the General Fund and Special Expenses revenue budgets for 2014/15 which included over £11 million net expenditure which enabled the Council to continue to deliver front line services without the need to increase Council Tax.  He referred to the Housing Revenue Account budget for 2014/15 which was in accordance with the rent convergence policy introduced in 2002.  He explained that this would result in an average rent increase of £4.30 per week in rent for tenants but in return they were seeing a massive investment in improvements to their homes.  He added that the rent increase would also ensure that the Council would be in a position to repay its HRA debt as agreed in the 30 year Housing Business Plan.  He explained that garage rents would increase by 3.2% and there would be a 1.02% increase in service charges.

Councillor N J Rushton outlined the proposals in the General Fund Capital Programme and the Coalville Special Expenses Programme for 2014/15. He referred to the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme and reported that the Council was still on target for all properties to achieve decent homes status by 31 March 2015.

Councillor N J Rushton concluded by thanking the Chief Executive, Head of Finance and all staff who had been involved in preparing the budget and to all the staff who continue to deliver the services so well within the agreed budgets.

The recommendations within the report were moved by Councillor N J Rushton and seconded by Councillor R Blunt.

Councillor R Blunt commented that he hoped to have cross party support as all could be proud of the budget proposals.  He explained that he had been involved in discussions with other Councillors about what they would have liked to have seen in the budget proposals but due to the timescales of the budget process, were unable to accommodate.  He urged Members to have these discussions in plenty of time so that it could be considered for next year’s budget proposals. 

Councillor P Hyde thanked all staff for their work on the budget process.  He was pleased to see that certain proposals had been removed but was disappointed that there was nothing included to assist in getting people out of poverty. 

Councillor S Sheahan commented that he was pleased that the green waste collection charge had been removed but was disappointed that there had been no consideration of the cumulative impact on Council tenants due to another increase in rent.  He concluded that he could not support the budget proposals due to this as it was attacking people that could not afford it.

Councillor D J Stevenson commented that if the Labour group had major issues with the budget proposals then they should have submitted an alternative budget proposal for Members to consider.

Councillor N Smith thanked Officers for fantastic budget proposals.  He added that he was aware that the Labour group were asking for an increase in Council Tax  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

Councillor N J Rushton presented the report to Members and referred them to the nominations detailed within the additional papers booklet.

Both Councillor J Legrys and J Bridges thanked the Chief Executive and the Director of Services for the work undertaken in reaching the current stage in the process as it had not been an easy task.  Both Councillors also stressed the importance of cross party working for success.

Councillor J Legrys added that he welcomed that the group would report directly to Council and that there would be an opportunity for public involvement.  He concluded that it was important to gain trust between the political parties as it was currently low.

It was moved by Councillor N J Rushton, seconded by Councillor T J Pendleton and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)    A Cross Party Advisory Committee to work with Planning Officers on the Local Plan be established and the terms of reference as set out in appendix A of the report be approved.

b)    The following Members be appointed to the Advisory Committee for the remainder of the civic year:

Councillor R D Bayliss

Councillor J Bridges

Councillor D De Lacy

Councillor C Large

Councillor J Legrys

Councillor V Richichi

Councillor S Sheahan

Substitutes:

Councillor R Adams

Councillor A Bridges

Councillor A Smith

Councillor R Woodward

c)    The authority to make any consequential changes to the constitution as set out in appendix B of the report, be delegated to the Monitoring Officer.

Report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Leader

Councillor R Blunt presented the report to Members.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor A V Smith and

RESOLVED THAT:

The report be noted.