Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

Councillor J Geary declared non-pecuniary interests in all items as a director of the Springboard Centre, founder of Mantle Community Arts and supporter of Coalville Town Football Club.

Councillor J Legrys declared non-pecuniary interests in all items in relation to his voluntary activities at Hermitage FM and observing role with the local group Friends of Coalville Park.

Councillor M Wyatt declared non-pecuniary interests in all items as an owner of two businesses in Coalville Town Centre.

They remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion on all matters.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2020

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2020.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor A Bridgen and

RESOLVED THAT

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2020 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

Report of the Cultural Services Team Manager

Wendy May, Cultural Services Team Manager, presented the report which provided Members with an update on 2020/21 events within the Coalville Special Expenses Area and the proposals for 2021/22. An update was also provided on the Big Festive Drive in Cinema, which was operating in Coalville from 17 to 21 December, this had received positive outcomes in terms of tickets sold and in the responses from local residents.

Officers were thanked for their hard work and achievements during a very difficult year and the Cultural Services Team Manager agreed to pass these onto her team at their next meeting.

It was clarified that the Market Hall Car Park would be used for the Coalville May Fair in the summer of 2021, with the Steampunk Festival to take place over several locations; one of which would likely be the newly opened Snibston Colliery Park. The park was welcomed by Members as an ideal opportunity for events and promotion of Coalville going forward.

Additionally, Members welcomed the drive-in cinema as a new and exciting idea. Clarification was given regarding arrangements for parking provision to market traders and on any noise impact to residents.

A variety of views were expressed regarding the Christmas trees and lights in Coalville, including that some locations did not seem to have the lights turned on. However, it was acknowledged that these had been implemented under unique circumstances this year and the Cultural Services Team Manager agreed to investigate concerns raised on specific locations.

Referencing the previous meeting of the Working Party where it had been recommended to Cabinet that £30,000 be allocated for the procurement of new Christmas lights, it was asked what influence Members of the Working Party and the public would have over any decisions made on the designs and features of the future lights. The Cultural Services Team Manager agreed that subject to timings of the procurement process, she would look to consult Members through either the Working Party or Events sub-group.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor M Wyatt and

RESOLVED THAT

The Working Party notes the progress update on 2020/21 events.

Report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

Jason Knight, Leisure Services Team Manager, presented the report which updated Members with regards to capital projects within the Coalville Special Expense Area.

It was suggested that the Working Party consider recommending to Cabinet an additional allocation of £4500 to Scotlands Recreation Ground Bowls Pavilion as part of the Asset Management Plan. This would then be used for funding the installation of CCTV and improvement of intruder alarms, in order to help with the prevention of anti-social behaviour in the area. Over the course of the meeting Members spoke in support of this proposal.

The ongoing work at Scotlands Recreation Ground was welcomed as a way to deliver health benefits for residents, who would benefit from additional from additional running and walking routes. The additional funding from Bardon Community Fund and the local Sports Alliance were also welcomed.

The Chairman outlined to Members a proposal for the Working Party to consider investment in equipment to improve the monitoring of air quality at several locations within the Coalville Special Expenses Area. This was based on work recently undertaken by the Air Quality Task and Finish Group, which had subsequently been considered by Community Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet. It was suggested that officers be asked  to bring detailed proposals to a future meeting of the Working Party in order to then make recommendations to Cabinet. It was outlined that the Bardon Community Fund may be willing to match-fund any agreed proposals.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Community Services Portfolio Holder, was then welcomed to the meeting and provided further detail on the specific proposals that had been made by Scrutiny and agreed by Cabinet. It was explained that there was a distinction between statutory monitoring already undertaken by the Council, and non-statutory monitoring such as of Particulate Matter, and the Working Party could consider funding for additional non-statutory monitoring equipment of Particulate Matter to work alongside the approach planned in the Air Quality Delivery Plan recently agreed by Cabinet. 

Members spoke in favour of additional monitoring equipment as important in ensuring the health of residents across the Special Expenses Area, subject to specific and costed proposals being provided at a future meeting of the Working Party. It was also suggested that the opportunities for the public to contribute to additional monitoring be explored, such as through suggesting  sites for equipment, or being supported by the Council in providing their own equipment and data.

Concerns were raised regarding cleanliness, community safety and on the planned improvement works at Coalville Park and London Road Cemetery, where it was suggested a site visit by the Working Party might be beneficial to help identify the solutions. The Leisure Service Team Manager clarified the current situation at these sites and agreed to look into the areas of concern raised.

Regarding London Road Cemetery, it was also explained that there did not currently appear to be sufficient demand for cremation at the site to justify use of funds to implement such a service. However, a Burials review currently  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

To receive a verbal update from the Head of Community Services

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services, gave Members a verbal update on progress on the new Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre. The work undertaken so far was compliant with the requirements made by Leicestershire County Council Highways, and the site was ahead of schedule and on track for completion in July 2022. When complete there would be various opportunities for indoor and outdoor exercise available to residents.

It was suggested that the site currently being unmarked was a missed opportunity to advertise and promote a valuable project for the area. In response, the Head of Community Services outlined the initial reasons why this had not been possible and assured Members that the intention was for suggested signage to be in place by early 2021 at the latest on the site hoardings.

In response to other comments from Members on the new name of the leisure centre, the Head of Community Services explained that the choice was that of the administration. Although section 106 funding from Coalville had contributed to the costs of the centre, the name was a reflection of both the geographical location and expected customer base in Whitwick and Coalville. 

Report of the Head of Community Services

Councillor E Allman left the meeting during consideration of this item.

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services, presented the report, updating Members  on the Period 7 Actuals and forecast outturn for 2020/21 and provided the draft Coalville Special Expenses budgets for 2021/22.

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 had led to significantly less spending than planned in 2020/21, and there was therefore estimated to be a contribution to reserves of £38,000, compared to the original budgeted deficit of £15,000 funded from reserves. The resulting reserves of £119,000 had been used in the calculation of the budgets from 2021/22 up until 2025/26, therefore any additional expenditure could lead to future increases in the precept. 

In response to concerns from Members, the Head of Community Services explained some of the reasons for the increased costs in the draft 2021/22 budgets and the subsequent need for the proposed increase in the Coalville Special Expense Precept. These included the funding for new projects, rises in costs of water, gas and raw material supplies, and increased insurance and rental costs.

Clarification was sought from Members as to the exact percentage increases in the precept for individual households and bands. After the meeting, it was confirmed to Members that the proposed Coalville Special Expenses Precepts for 2021/22 were:

It was moved by Councillor M Wyatt, seconded by Councillor A Bridgen and

RESOLVED THAT

The Working Party:

1)    Notes the 2020/21 Period 7 Actuals and the forecast Outturn for the year.

2)    Provides comments to Cabinet on the draft 2021/22 draft budgets and proposed indicative increase in the Coalville Special Expense Precept.