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 N Alam, L M Broadley, F S Broadley, H E Darling, P Joshi, D W Loydall, S B Morris and I K Ridley.

J W Boyce attended the meeting remotely, but in accordance with the provisions in the Local Government Act 1972, was not considered present for the purposes of voting.

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 7 February 2023 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

There was no Action List arising from the previous meeting.

There was no Action List arising from the previous meeting.

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 Finance / Deputy Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 9 – 45 of the agenda reports pack) which presented a revised Corporate Debt Policy for Oadby and Wigston for approval.

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

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The revised Corporate Debt Policy be approved.

Report of the Revenues & Benefits Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 46 – 58 of the agenda reports pack) which provided an update on the progress of the Collection Rate Improvement Plan.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and appendix be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director / Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report (as set out at pages 59 – 64 of the agenda reports pack) which sought approval to write off debts above £10,000 and to provide a status update on the status of debts written off under delegated powers.

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

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Committee note the contents of the report and approve the Non Domestic Rates and Housing Benefit Overpayment write-offs that are above £10,000.

Report of the Housing Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 2 – 66 of the agenda update reports pack) which sought the Committee’s approval to adopt and bring into effect an updated Housing Allocations Policy, Garage Management Policy and a new Repairs and Maintenance Policy.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by D A Gamble

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Council adopts and brings into effect the following new/updated Housing Allocations Policy, Garage Management Policy and Repairs and Maintenance Policy subject to the comments raised by Members being incorporated into the same.

Report of the Head of Customer Service & Transformation

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 65 – 98 of the agenda reports pack) which asked Members to approve the Council’s Customer Experience Strategy and Action Plan for the next three years covering 2023 – 2026.

It was noted that the Strategy and the Action plan would be reported periodically to the Service Delivery Committee under its delegated remit should it remain in budget.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by L A Bentley and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Council’s Customer Experience Strategy and Action Plan for 2023-26 (at set out at Appendix 2 and Appendix 3) be approved.

Report of the Selective Licensing Team Leader

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 67 – 87 of the agenda update reports pack) which outlined the property strategy to engage and manage empty dwellings within the Borough.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by L Kaufman and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)       The contents of the report be noted; and

(ii)      The Proposed Empty Homes Strategy (2023-2028) (set out at Appendix 1 to this report) be approved.

Report of the Head of Law & Democracy / Monitoring Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 99 – 109 of the agenda reports pack) which provided the figures for local determination of complaints and ethical indicators for Q3 2022-23.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and appendix be noted.

There is no Committee Work Plan for remainder of 2022-2023.

There was no Committee Work Plan for remainder of 2022-2023.