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 Councillor Mrs H E Darling JP.

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'.

None.

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 30 November 2021 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

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

In relation to the Sports Facilities Update, the Head of Law and Democracy advised that there is currently no budget provision for a 3G pitch at Blaby Road Park, so the consultation has been put on hold, while further assessment is conducted with the agreement of the Committee.

By affirmation of the meeting it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Action List arising from the previous meeting held on 30 November 2021 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.

Report of the Head of Customer Service & Transformation

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out on pages 7-37 of the agenda, which asked it to note the update on progress achieved during the third quarter against achieving the Council’s Corporate Objectives.

A number of questions and requests for further information were raised by the Committee in relation to services covered in the report, including the boiler replacement programme, common diseases affecting the Borough’s trees, climate change initiatives, litter bin replacements and leisure centre membership figures. Officers present at the meeting noted the requests and where applicable, items requiring more detailed reporting have been recorded on the action list arising from the meeting.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report be noted.

Report of the Head of Customer Service & Transformation

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out on pages 38 – 44, which asked it to review the background information, benchmarking analysis and results of a consultation regarding whether the virtual Customer Service Centre should re-instate lunchtime opening hours.

A number of Members raised concerns about how Council services are communicated to residents and stated their objection to the current absence of any paper-based communication with households. The Head of Customer Service and Transformation advised that a Communications Strategy is currently in development which will review in full how the Council engages with its residents.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by the Vice-Chair and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)          The content of the report be noted;

(ii)        The reopening of the virtual Customer Service Centre during the lunchtime period be approved with effect from 1 April 2022; and

(iii)       Customer Service awareness sessions for Members would be organised by the Head of Customer Service and Transformation.