Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from Members to determine the quorum of the meeting in accordance with Rule 7 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

An apology for absence was received from Councillors F S Broadley, Mrs L M Broadley, D M Carter and F S Ghattoraya.

To appoint substitute Members in accordance with Rule 26 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Substitution Procedure Rules.

None.

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

Councillor G A Boulter declared a non-pecuniary interest with regard to item 15 of the agenda, insofar as in relation to paragraph 5.5 of the report (at page 20) where a grant was given to the Wigston Framework Knitters Museum for which he is Trustee.

To read, confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 19 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 September 2020 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

To read, confirm and note the Action List arising from the previous meeting.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Action List arising from the previous meeting held on 8 September 2020 be noted.

To receive any Petitions and, or, Deputations in accordance with Rule(s) 11 and 12 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Petitions Procedure Rules respectively.

None.

To consider any Motions on Notice in accordance with Rule 14 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

Proposed by Councillor Kevin J Loydall

The Committee gave consideration to the Motion on Notice (at page 9 of the agenda reports pack) which asked Members resolved that the Council support the correct display of firework displays, public awareness campaign regarding the impact of animal welfare as well as encourage the government to introduce a maximum noise level of fireworks.

It was moved by Councillor K J Loydall, seconded by the Chair and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

This Committee resolves:

(i)       To require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people;

(ii)      To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks;

(iii)    To write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays; and

(iv)    To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

Proposed by Councillor Garth (Bill) A Boulter

The Committee gave consideration to the Motion on Notice (at page 9 of the agenda reports pack) which asked Members resolved that the Council support the efforts to ban the use and release of sky lanterns and helium balloons.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor K J Loydall and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

That this Committee resolves:

(i)       To ban the use and release of sky lanterns and helium balloons meant for release on all Council-owned public open space;

(ii)     To discourage the release of sky lanterns and helium balloons at any events licensed by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council and request third parties who lease Council property to observe the ban on balloon and sky lantern releases;

(iii)   To delegate authority to the Head of Law & Democracy, in consultation with the Chair & Vice-Chair of the Policy, Finance & Development Committee  to make any consequential changes to Council policies and agreements in relation to the use of Council land as a result of this motion; and

(iv)   To promote information to local people, leading to better understanding of the damage sky lanterns and helium balloons can do.

Report of the Head of Customer Service & Transformation

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out on pages 11 - 43 of the agenda reports pack) which asked it to note the update regarding the progress during quarter three of the 2020/21 financial year towards achieving the priorities of the Council’s Objectives.

In relation to Lightbulb (at pages 15 and 35 - 43), the Committee requested details be provided to the next Committee meeting in relation to:

·      purported underperformance reflected in the figures for the Borough;

·      the number of hoarders within the Borough and the success rate in assisting the same;

·      the use of acronyms throughout the report and appendices; and

·      the financial position regarding the Council’s statutory responsibility for Disabled Facilities Grants.

The Committee also requested that a representative from the Lightbulb team attend a subsequent meeting of the Committee to assist in explaining the report etc.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The performance of the Council against its Corporate Objectives in delivering services be noted.