Agenda and 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.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive questions from members of the public under rule no.10 of the Council Procedure Rules. The procedure rule provides that members of the public may ask 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.

None.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2025

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2025.

It was moved by Councillor P Lees, seconded by Councillor L Windram and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2025 be approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Head of Community Services presented the report to Members, outlining the current underspend in the Disabled Facilities Grant allocation and explained the historical role of the Light Bulb Service in early interventions.

During discussion, several questions of clarity were asked by Members and responses provided by officers.

Reference was made to the focus on private landlords receiving the grants to enable enhancements to be made to make their properties more accessible.  Members were generally in support, however there was some concern regarding the use of public funds to enhance private assets.  Officers assured Members that the foundation would be working on developing the process and criteria to ensure that all the correct processes and legal protections were in place.

Comments were made regarding the historical underspend and the Foundation Service Review that had been undertaken, Members felt that access to the review document would assist in understanding what has been happening.   Officers explained that some elements of the document were sensitive and therefore had not been included in the agenda, however Members were permitted to see the details so the  Head of Community Services would provide the document outside of the meeting if required.

As a result of further discussions, the following concerns and recommendations were raised.

-     The publicity around the availability of the grant.  Following an explanation on publicity methods from officers, Members felt as it was primarily on the website, there would be lots of people who were in need of the grant but would not have access to the internet for various reasons.  It was suggested that more be done to reach the community with this information including the use of local publications.  Officers took the comments on board.

-     Those people who were offered privately rented homes would lose their place on the housing register and therefore be disadvantaged, as they would no longer be eligible for a council property.  Officers gave a technical explanation as to how the housing register operated in that the housing register was a list for any type of rented property not specifically a council property. 

-     It was felt that the cap on the disabled facilities grant was too low as it did not reflect the current cost of living.  Officers explained that although means testing was not ideal, the council was limited to what it could do, however ‘top ups’ grants were available to assist.  The change of the cap would be a decision of the partnership rather than the District Council. The Committee were in favour of this element being reviewed.

A thorough discussion was had on the eligibility criteria for the grants, with a focus on the appropriate length of time for the grant condition period.  Members felt that the current five-year grant condition period should be increased to 10 years.  It was also the consensus that the eligibility criteria should be tightened to ensure that value for money was achieved.

It was moved by Councillor D Bigby, seconded by Councillor S Lambeth and

RESOLVED  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

The Strategic Director of Place introduced the report to Members and then handed over to the Chair to present it.

In relation to the role of scrutiny as detailed in the report and the subject matters the committees could consider, it was noted that when considering the annual report, the Corporate Scrutiny Committee agreed to request the Governance Working Group add carbon zero to the list as part of the annual review of the constitution.  Members endorsed this decision.  Whilst talking about the listed subject matters, questions were asked about statutory crime and disorder, the Strategic Director believed this was now titled differently and would look into the matter further change the title if necessary.

It was moved by Councillor S Lambeth, seconded by Councillor A Barker and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)    The decision of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee to request the        Governance Working Group to include the addition carbon zero on the         subject matter for scrutiny as detailed in the scrutiny terms of reference         as part of the annual review of the constitution, be endorsed.

b)    The authority to make any final amendments to the report prior to the consideration by Council be delegated to the Scrutiny Committee             Chairs.

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

The Strategic Director of Place presented the report to Members.

The Chair spoke in support of the task and finish group as the member who requested the scrutiny topic.

It was moved by Councillor S Lambeth, seconded by Councillor P Lees and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     A Task and Finish Group be established to review water management           in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area.

b)     The principles set out in the draft terms of reference for the Task and Finish Group be agreed.

c)     The following Members of the Community Scrutiny Committee be       appointed to sit on the Task and Finish Group in accordance with the terms of reference:

        Councillor Barker

        Councillor Parle

        Councillor Eynon

d)     The political group whips be consulted on the appointment for the       remaining three seats on the task and finish group.

To consider any items to be included in the work programme. The plan of forthcoming Cabinet decisions and the current work programme are attached for information.

Consideration was given to the Committee Work Programme.

In relation to the ‘Leisure Centres Annual Review’ report, Members requested that more detail be included around community outreach and engagement.

The Committee Work Programme was noted.