Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillors Rav Thakor, Peter Swift , David Carter, Marie Chamberlain.

Cllr Kevin Loydall advised that he was associated with two members of the Independent Panel in respect of Agenda Item 16 (Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel).

In relation to the Urgent Motion, the following declarations were made:

Cllr Sharon Morris advised that she was part of an organisation that had received the same letter but had made no comment or reply.

Cllr Jillian Gore stated that that her husband is the Chair of Governors at Guthlaxton College and that she is associated with a local primary school.

Cllr Bill Boulter declared he is an associate Governor at Guthlaxton College.

RESOLVED: that minutes of the following meeting held on 9 December 2014 be taken as read, confirmed and signed

The Action List be noted.

None received.

The Electoral and Democratic Services Officer informed Members that an urgent motion from Cllr J Kaufman had been submitted on 19 February 2015.

Members resolved to suspend Standing Order 12a in order that the motion could be considered.

Cllr J Kaufman reported the contents of the letter received in respect of an independent local pressure group called Save Our Schools, which outlined objections to proposed changes to school admissions in Oadby.

Cllr J Kaufman stated that this topic is important to the residents of Oadby and as such the Council has a role in supporting the community.

Cllr J Kaufman summarised concerns outlined in the letter and requested that “the Council notes the content of the letter sent by ‘Save Our Schools’ to the Council’s Director of Services on 17 February 2015 and requests that Leicestershire County Council and the schools take the issues raised into account in resolving the admissions policy”

Cllr Haq supported the motion stating all help to residents would be appreciated.

Cllr Dave supported the motion and identified that the consultation process had been disjointed and that the existing system had worked well for residents of Oadby.

Cllr Gore supported the motion and suggested that careful consideration to the consequences of any change be given. 

Cllr Boyce stated that although education is not a role of the authority, the Council does have a community leadership role to fulfil and must ensure that residents concerns are heard. He echoed the prior comments stating that good quality education must be the key consideration and that in order for this to happen, cooperation is needed amongst schools.

RESOLVED: That the Motion be carried.

The Announcements included in the agenda were noted.

The Mayor stated that the Richard III fundraising “Curry Night” raised a total of £1740.

The Mayor announced the following forthcoming event: Barn Danced on 25 April 2015 at the newly refurbished Parklands Leisure Centre.

None received.

The Leader informed Members that the Housing Cottage Farm Housing Appeal had been allowed. He suggested to Members that there are two reasons for appealing. The first, the development is in the countryside which appeared to have been disregarded. The second reason being the strength of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment and Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

The Leader reminded Members that the Council’s Core Strategy set out an allocation of 90 houses per year to be built over the next 20 years. This commitment had been exceeded through the Memorandum of Understanding to build 95 homes per year with the district councils of Leicestershire. The Inspector determined that the allocation should be 195 per year – which would amount to 2000 over 20 years. In addition, the Inspector determined that the 5 year land supply is not sufficient. The Leader went on to say that the Chief Executive will appeal the decision – which will inevitably attract costs to the Council.

Members considered the report of the Chief Financial Officer (Section 151 Officer) as set out in report pages 10-42 which should be read in conjunction with the minutes as a composite document.

The Mayor reminded Members that this item required a recorded vote.

The Chief Financial Officer (Section 151 Officer)  stated that the Council has exercised robust and good financial management.

Cllr Sharon Morris reaffirmed the above and congratulated all on having a sound and balanced budget. Cllr Boyce seconded.

RESOLVED: That Recommendations contained within Appendix 1-5, as set out on page 15-42 of the report, be approved and adopted; Cllr Gore abstained from voting. All other Members voted in favour of the recommendations.

Members considered the report of the Chief Financial Officer (Section 151 Officer) as set out in report pages 43-46 which should be read in conjunction with the minutes as a composite document.

The Mayor reminded Members that this item required a recorded vote.

Members emphasised that there would be no increase in this Council’s rate of council tax.

Cllr Boyce seconded the recommendation. All Members present, bar Cllr Gore (who abstained) voted in favour of the recommendations set out below.

RESOLVED: That Recommendations 1 – 5, as set out on pages 43

and 46 of the report, be approved and adopted.

Members considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources as set out in report pages 47-61 which should be read in conjunction with the minutes as a composite document.

The Electoral and Democratic Services Officer advised Members that the Panel had proposed a few minor amendments to the Members Allowance Scheme in line with revised governance arrangements and legislative changes.

Cllr Boyce proposed and Cllr Charlesworth seconded the motion. Cllr K Loydall advised he would not vote as he knew two member of the Independent Remuneration Panel in a personal capacity.

RESOLVED:  That the Members Allowance Scheme for the 2015/16 year proposed by the Independent Remuneration Panel be adopted.

Members considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources as set out in report pages 62 - 71 which should be read in conjunction with the minutes as a composite document.

The Chief Financial Officer (Section 151 Officer) explained that it was a requirement to publish the Pay Policy Statement on an annual basis.

RESOLVED: That Members approved the Pay Policy Statement for

2015/16.

Members considered the report of the Chief Executive as set out in report pages 72 - 73 which should be read in conjunction with the minutes as a composite document.

The Chief Executive stated that a decision was required to advance the full pedestrianisation of Bell Street in Wigston. Members heard that in order for County Highways to consider the works, the Council must fund the project.

Members emphasised that this project was widely supported amongst residents of Wigston.

RESOLVED:

1)    That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive to pursue pedestrianisation of Bell Street in Wigston with the County Council.

2)    That up to £10k be allocated to the project.

Cllr Charlesworth proposed and Cllr Loydall seconded motion.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the committees, forums and working groups as set out in the report be received.

Cllr Charlesworth proposed and Cllr Loydall seconded motion.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the committees, forums and working groups as set out in the report be received.

RESOLVED: That the common seal of the Council be affixed to all

contracts, orders, deeds and other documents arising out of the

Minutes and Reports in the foregoing items.

None received.

Cllr Boyce advised that the County Council had reduced the budget and increased Council Tax. The reductions included the green credits being removed and it was forecast that the same would occur for dry recycling over 3 years. The Council has given residents a choice when it comes to green waste by offering them a bin.

Despite a 25% budget cut the following services had been protected:

-       Weekly waste collections

-       Car Parks in the town centres are free for shoppers

-       Council tax has been frozen for 5 years

-       Members pay has been held for 4 years

-       Paying the living wage – although he advised that this issue will need to be addressed, especially with regards to staff remuneration/good housekeeping.

He further stated that a saving of £200,000 per year has been made by investing in a new leisure contract. He said that the aim is to make spending reductions without affecting services, wherever possible.

The Leader reminded Members that the Residents Forums continued to exist and be supported and funded by the Council.

The Leader announced that the Council will build new council homes in units on Bennett Way and will continue to build at an aspirational rate of 5 homes per year. Planning permission for the same is to be sought in the next month or so and the final cost is yet to be calculated. The budget for the same is £750,000.