Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

Councillors S J Carr, R I Jackson, M Radulovic MBE and G Marshall declared a non – pecuniary interest on items 7 and 13 as they were members of the Beeston Town Centre Board.  Minute numbers 44 and 47 refer. 

The Committee is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2020 were approved as a correct record.

To update the Committee on the response of the Council to the threat and risk COVID-19 poses to the local community and progress in implementing the Council’s approach to recovery which was agreed at Committee in July 2020, included at appendix 1.

The Committee was informed that in the 10 days since the report had been written there had been an increase in the rate of COVID-19 infections.  It was noted that prior to this the Borough had seen infection rates radically decrease below the national average.  It was considered that the return of pupils to schools was a major cause of the increase in infections.

The Committee thanked officers for the extra work that they had done throughout the pandemic, and the success of the Business Grants Scheme was singled out for praise. 

Discussion centred on whether or not there was a correlation between deprivation and a higher rate of death from COVID-19. 

It was proposed by Councillor M Radulovic MBE and seconded by Councillor S J Carr that this Committee notes with concern the number of deaths from COVID - 19 experienced in Broxtowe, especially in the north of the area, and calls on the CCG to undertake a review so that any learning and preventative measures can be incorporated into responses to any further pandemic waves.  Debate focused on whether discussions about data should be held in public, the correct forum for an investigation and the lack of a discernible pattern in the data.  On being put to the meeting the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that this Committee notes with concern the number of deaths from COVID - 19 experienced in Broxtowe, especially in the north of the area, and calls on the CCG to undertake a review so that any learning and preventative measures can be incorporated into responses to any further pandemic waves.

To provide members with an annual review of activity and outcomes in respect of the Council’s equality and diversity work.

The Committee noted the report, including the Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2019/20 and progress against objectives for 2019/20.  The Committee reflected on the need to review the impact of COVID-19 and integrate that into future objectives.

There was a discussion about the welcome increase in job applications from our black and minority ethnic (BME) community, though there was concern that this had not translated into a higher number of appointments. 

The increase in complaints progressing to stage two of the process was noted.  It was stated that there was no pattern to indicate systemic injustices and that a more detailed report on complaints was to go to Governance, Audit and Standards.

Discussion progressed on to the assisted bins collection service and it was noted that this was available to people with mental illnesses as well as those with physical disabilities.

The work experience programme was noted and there was a request that children in care be prioritised for placements. 

RESOLVED that the proposed Equalities Objectives and action plan for 2021-23 contained in appendices 2 and 4 be approved.

To seek approval for the response to Government on ‘The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’.

The Committee considered the Council’s response to the Government consultation on ‘The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.’  There was debate on the role of fossil fuel, condemnation of coal mining, and support for the use of nuclear fission as a source of green energy. 

The balance between encouraging green building without putting onerous restraints on developers was discussed, as was the problem of water wastage through the use of inefficient domestic white goods.  The debate progressed on to ethical investments.

It was proposed by Councillor M Radulovic MBE and seconded by Councillor S J Carr that there be minor amendments to the letter to include reference to this council's objections to fracking, acknowledgement that nuclear fission technology could present clean energy opportunities, proposals for legislation on water efficiency for domestic white goods and concerns of this Council that increased environmental standards for housing development are highly desirable, but could result in developments becoming unviable.  On being put to the meeting the motion was carried. 

RESOLVED that the proposed response to the Government outlining the Council’s position on the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution be approved, with minor amendments to the letter to include reference to this council's objections to fracking, acknowledgement that nuclear fission technology could present clean energy opportunities, a request for legislation on water efficiency for domestic appliances and concerns of this Council that increased environmental standards for housing development are highly desirable, but could result in developments becoming unviable.

To update members on progress on The Square Phase 2 in Beeston.

Members received an update on the progress of the Beeston Square Phase 2 project.  It was noted that the cinema was on schedule to open in June 2021.  There was discussion about the cross party support that the project had enjoyed, as well as support from the community.    

RESOLVED that the Committee continue to delegate to the Deputy Chief Executive all key approvals, in consultation with the cross-party Project Board, and subject to the overall project cost remaining within the financial limits already set or subsequently changed by the Finance and Resources Committee and/or Full Council as appropriate.

To report progress against outcome targets linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives and to provide an update as to the latest financial performance as measured against the budget.

The Committee noted the progress made in achieving the Corporate Plan priorities and the financial position for 2020/21. 

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, as amended, be approved.

To request that the Committee, agree to a conversion of the Colts Football Club’s changing and storage rooms into a small Bistro, with the provision of a new changing rooms facility for the Colts FC.

Consideration was given to a proposal to convert the Colt’s Football Club changing rooms into a small bistro.  There was support for the proposal, but there was concern that the property had not been put on the open market for rent and that the café could exacerbate an existing problem with parking.

RESOLVED:

1.         that the Committee supported the project in principle.

2.         it was noted that any development was subject to approval from the Planning, Estates and Legal Teams.

The Committee is asked to RESOLVE that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Committee noted this item.

The Committee noted this item.