Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor M Ball.

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 19 July 2025.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2025.

It was moved by Councillor S Sheahan, seconded by Councillor M Burke and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2025 be approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

Report of the Head of Human Resources and Organisation Development

Councillor A Woodman, the Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder presented the report.

Prior to general discussion relating to the report, it was noted that there were still concerns relating to the reporting process of the council’s performance and that some Members felt that the Corporate Scrutiny Committee should have the opportunity to review it prior to Cabinet.  However, the improvements made to the report following the Committee’s previous suggestions were acknowledged. The Strategic Director commented that this was not the agreed process which was set up under the new Council Delivery Plan, and that Cabinet received the report first as they are the body who can enact action on the report and therefore receive it first.

There was also some disappointment shared in the way recommendations from both scrutiny committees were reported to Cabinet and dealt with by Cabinet Members at the meetings.  It was felt that they were not considered or acknowledged.  The recently adopted Cabinet/Scrutiny Protocol was referenced, and Members were hopeful that improvements would be seen in the future.  Councillor A Woodman acknowledged the comments and would report back to Cabinet on the matter.

Comments were made on key performance indicators as they were discussed in turn.

Key Performance Indicator 2 (dealing with planning applications): The Committee welcomed improved processing times, however asked for assurances that quality was not being lost over quantity.  The Head of Planning and Infrastructure assured Members that quality of decisions being made on planning applications was still a priority and asked that any concerns on specific applications be raised with him directly.

Key Performance Indicator 5 (delivering the Coalville Regeneration Framework): The Portfolio Holder was asked if the ambitions for the Regeneration Framework would be achievable and how the Cabinet Members felt about it.  As the matter did not fall within his portfolio area, Councillor A Woodman agreed to provide feedback outside of the meeting.

Key Performance Indicator 7 and 8 (provision of service and repairs to housing tenants):  Members noted the declining satisfaction of housing tenants and asked several questions of clarity which were responded to by officers.  Following comments received on the measurable statistics used within the report which were based on the annual targets agreed within the Council Delivery Plan, it was agreed to provide clearer explanations in future reports to assist the Committee in reviewing the data.

Regarding the provision of new homes project, a Member questioned the length and cost to date and asked for a detailed report on the matter.  The Strategic Director of Communities explained the procurement process which was contributing to the delay and agreed to provide some further details outside of the meeting.

Key Performance Indicator 9 (private rental tenants able to live safely in their homes): In response to a question relating to the Private Sector Housing Charter, the Head of Community Services confirmed positive feedback from landlords, and it was expected to be launched within the financial year.

Key Performance Indicator 12 (review of waste service): The stagnation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Report of the Strategic Director of Finance

Councillor A Woodman, the Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder presented the report.

During discussions several questions of clarity were asked in relation to underspends, contingency budget allocations, vacancy control targets and virements.   Responses were provided by the Strategic Director of Resources.

Some concerns were raised in relation to the use of virements and it was questioned if they were being used to mask issues rather than address them.  The Strategic Director of Resources explained that it was a common financial practice and that details of all virements were reported to Cabinet monthly, a report that all Members could view for further information.  It was agreed that the relevant information from the Cabinet updates be included in the quarterly reports for the committee moving forward.   

A comment was made in relation to the current performance against the budget and the fact that, if it was not for the substantial grant received from government, the situation would be much worse.

In relation to the savings programme, it was noted that the planned savings from the removal of a Community Focus Team post was no longer included as the post was retained.  It was agreed that more detail regarding the decision to retain the post be provided to Members outside of the meeting.

In relation to the Capital Programme, the reliance on reserves was noted and compliance was questioned.  Concerns were also raised regarding the projects due to be delivered and the effect the impending local government reorganisation would have on them.  The Strategic Director of Resources assured Members that all was as it should be regarding compliance and confirmed that there was some uncertainty surrounding the use of reserves.  This would form part of the budget discussions moving forward.  Following on from this discussion, it was agreed that the Strategic Director of Resources would draft a layman’s guide on the use of reserves and internal borrowing for Members, and further explanation on the matter would be provided as part of the budget workshops for Councillors.

A discussion was had on future financial reports for the Committee, and it was confirmed that a report regarding plans for the old council office building was scheduled for the December committee meeting and a report regarding the proposals to become a debt free council would be scheduled in due course. 

The Chair raised several concerns including the early overspend of budgets, use of virements, rising arrears, overspending on arrears and the transformation budget.  He concluded that it was an issue that budgets could not be controlled so early in the financial year and was a concern for the year end.  He suggested that separate discussions be had with the Strategic Director of Resources outside of the meeting with updates provided as part of the next financial quarterly update.

The Chair thanked the Committee for their comments.

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 future work programme.

The change of date was noted for the meeting scheduled to consider a report on Local Government Reorganisation to fall in line with the regional timetable.