Agenda and draft 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 J K Ford, C S Gore, G G Hunt and P Joshi.

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

Councillors F S Ghattoraya and R V Joshi substituted for Councillors J K Ford and P Joshi respectively.

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 approve 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 4 February 2025 be taken as read, confirmed and approved.

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

None.

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 Chief Finance Officer / S151 Officer, Senior Business Partner and Finance Business Partner

Councillor M L Darr entered at 7:08pm.

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 6 – 22 of the agenda reports pack), which provided the Committee with the forecast outturn position for the Council for Q3 2024/25.

The Chair requested it be put on record that the homelessness crisis this Council is facing is also affecting many other Councils, that the grant provided for this issue is insufficient to tackle it, and that central government must provide further help to local Councils.

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

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

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

ii)           The carry forward of slippage as shown in the capital projects be approved.

Report of the Finance Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 3 – 7 of the agenda update pack), which provided an update on the status of debts written off under delegated powers.

By general affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The contents of the report and appendix be noted.

Report of the Senior Strategic Development Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 23 – 58), which asked for the Council’s first ever Air Quality Strategy to be approved.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor S Z Haq, and

UNANIMNOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Air Quality Strategy (2025-2029) provided at Appendix 1 be approved.

Report of the Housing Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 59 – 100 of the agenda reports pack), which sought approval for the Homelessness and Rought Sleeping Strategy (2025-2030), the Temporary Accommodation Policy, and the Rent Setting Policy.

It was moved by Councillor G A Boulter, seconded by Councillor K J Loydall, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The Homelessness and Rought Sleeping Strategy (2025-2030) be approved;

ii)           The Temporary Accommodation Policy be approved; and

iii)         The Rent Setting Policy be approved.