Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were recived from Councillors D Bagshaw, S A Bagshaw, K A Harlow, J W McGrath, V C Smith and E Williamson.

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 G S Hills, D D Pringle and HE Skinner declared non-registrable interests in item 6.3 as tram, minute number 56 refers.

Council is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2023 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Mayor gave a brief résumé of her recent engagements.

To receive a report from the Leader and to receive questions and answers on the report should there be any.

The Leader expressed his gratitude to staff at Chiwell Leisure Centre who saved a man’s life following a heart attack as a result of an undetected fault with his pacemaker. He was successfully treated by defibrillation and taken to hospital from where he has been discharged from hospital ready to spend Christmas with his family.

Thanks were also expressed to staff for the support they gave to local residents and businesses following the recent flooding incidents. Disappointment was expressed by the apparent inability of some of the Council’s key partners to take prompt enough action to do things like supply sandbags, or undertake drain clearance work or address what appeared to be a lack of capacity in the Borough’s drainage systems.

There was pride at all the Council was achieving through the house building programme. The current new build and acquisitions programme forecasted 112 new build properties and 30 acquisitions which was assuming an average of six per year.  Additionally, the Council was in the process of purchasing several blocks of flats on the open market, resulting in a total of 183 new properties in the current programme. Over £2m had been successfully bid for from Homes England towards the costs of the programme.

The Leader recorded his disappointment at the government’s decision not to allow authorities like this to make submissions for a further levelling up bid, which had resulted in Eastwood not getting the funding which it desperately needed. Eastwood remained the only area of Broxtowe not to have the investment.

The Leader would be attending meetings to represent other district leaders, with the unitary and county leaders in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to discuss the governance mechanisms and work streams involved in setting up the new East Midlands Combined authority.

“Given the increasing cost of living, particularly for the poorest in society, and the increases being seen in fly-tipping across the Borough, we call upon the Council to abolish Bulky Waste collection charges for residents on Housing Benefit, the Housing Element of Universal Credit, Pension Credits and Council Tax Support.”

The motion was proposed by Councillor S J Carr and seconded by Councillor R D MacRae.

“Given the increasing cost of living, particularly for the poorest in society, and the increases being seen in fly-tipping across the Borough, we call upon the Council to abolish Bulky Waste collection charges for residents on Housing Benefit, the Housing Element of Universal Credit, Pension Credits and Council Tax Support.”

On being put to the meeting, the motion was defeated.

“Tackling the Energy Crisis - United for Warm Homes

This Council notes with concern that our national housing and energy systems are broken. People across the UK are paying sky-high bills and feeling the brunt of living in poorly insulated homes. Without rapid, meaningful action, we’ll face continuous hardship. In Broxtowe, only 32.7% of homes have “good” insulation with the average fuel bill in energy crisis hotspot areas in Broxtowe running at £2,420.

Therefore, this Council resolves to call on the government to:

?       Provide long term funding for those most vulnerable to the cost of living crisis, ensuring everyone can afford the energy they need to keep their homes warm

?       Roll out a rapid, street-by-street insulation programme, coordinated by councils as part of a mass green new jobs programme. This should start with the neighbourhoods hardest hit by the crisis to be provided free of charge in areas where people are living on low incomes. This must be followed with deeper measures to upgrade our homes to ensure they are cheaper and greener to heat by 2030.

?       End the need for expensive and polluting gas in the long term, we must move to a home-grown, renewable energy system.

This council resolves to:

?       Roll out a rapid street-by-street insulation programme, when provided with government funding to do so. Starting with neighbourhoods hardest hit by the crisis and providing it free of charge to areas where people are living on low incomes.”

The motion was proposed by Councillor G Marshall and seconded by Councillor R S Falvey.

This council notes with concern that our national housing and energy systems are broken. People across the UK are paying sky-high bills and feeling the brunt of living in poorly insulated homes. Without rapid, meaningful action, we’ll face continuous hardship. In Broxtowe, only 32.7% of homes have “good” insulation with the average fuel bill in energy crisis hotspot areas in Broxtowe running at £2,420.Therefore, this Council resolves to call on the government to:

·       Provide long term funding for those most vulnerable to the cost of living crisis, ensuring everyone can afford the energy they need to keep their homes warm

·       Roll out a rapid, street-by-street insulation programme, coordinated by councils as part of a mass green new jobs programme. This should start with the neighbourhoods hardest hit by the crisis to be provided free of charge in areas where people are living on low incomes. This must be followed with deeper measures to upgrade our homes to ensure they are cheaper and greener to heat by 2030.

·       End the need for expensive and polluting gas in the long term, we must move to a homegrown, renewable energy system.

·       This Council resolves to:

·       Roll out a rapid street-by-street insulation programme, when provided with government funding to do so. Starting with neighbourhoods hardest hit by the crisis and providing it free of charge to areas where people are living on low incomes.

On being put to the meeting, the motion was carried.

“Broxtowe Borough Council are dismayed that the Conservative led Nottinghamshire County Council are proposing to end free tram travel for the elderly and disabled.

The tram is a lifeline for many older and disabled people living in Nottinghamshire, particularly for those with mobility scooters. It is positive for their health and well-being to be able to travel safely and easily around the county.

The Chief Medical Officer’s annual report, 'Health In An Ageing Society', devotes an entire section on the importance of accessible public transport for older people, for example attending medical appointments and leisure activities.

The Tram is also a sustainable, green form of transport contributing to a lower carbon and clean air alternative in our communities.

The County Council claim they will save £0.9 million on this cut but they have a budget of £1.3 billion with millions in reserves. The East Midlands mayoral election due to take place in May 2024 will provide access to significant additional funding of which much can and should be allocated to public transport provision. Introducing cuts at this time is short-sighted and unnecessary.

We call upon our Chief Executive Officer to respond to the Tram consultation stating that Broxtowe Borough Council oppose any proposed cuts to elderly and disabled passenger concessions.

We also call upon our Chief Executive Officer, to write to Mark Harper MP (Secretary of State, Transport) calling on the government to provide appropriate funding to public transport infrastructure, identifying the key role that it plays in helping the UK meet its net zero climate commitments.”

“Broxtowe Borough Council are dismayed that the Conservative led Nottinghamshire County Council are proposing to end free tram travel for the elderly and disabled.

The tram is a lifeline for many older and disabled people living in Nottinghamshire, particularly for those with mobility scooters. It is positive for their health and well-being to be able to travel safely and easily around the county.

The Chief Medical Officer’s annual report, 'Health in an Ageing Society', devotes an entire section on the importance of accessible public transport for older people, for example attending medical appointments and leisure activities.

The Tram is also a sustainable, green form of transport contributing to a lower carbon and clean air alternative in our communities.

The County Council claim they will save £0.9 million on this cut but they have a budget of £1.3 billion with millions in reserves. The East Midlands mayoral election due to take place in May 2024 will provide access to significant additional funding of which much can and should be allocated to public transport provision. Introducing cuts at this time is short-sighted and unnecessary.

We call upon our Chief Executive Officer to respond to the Tram consultation stating that Broxtowe Borough Council oppose any proposed cuts to elderly and disabled passenger concessions.

We also call upon our Chief Executive Officer, to write to Mark Harper MP (Secretary of State, Transport) calling on the government to provide appropriate funding to public transport infrastructure, identifying the key role that it plays in helping the UK meet its net zero climate commitments.”

On being put to the meeting, the motion was carried.

(Having declared non-registerable interests Councillors L A Ball BEM, M Brown, R Bullock, A Cooper, G S Hills, J M Owen, P J Owen, D D Pringle, H E Skinner and E Winfield left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)

“This Council notes that:

·         It is estimated that 50–70% of people will experience or witness a trauma at some point in their life. Around 20% of people who experience a trauma may go on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (equating to 10% of the general population).

·         4 in 100 people in the UK are expected to have PTSD at any given time (this stat doesn’t include Chronic-PTSD), which equates to 2,612,000 people in the UK.

·         Women aged 16-24 are most likely to screen positive for PTSD (12.6% of the population in this age range). 

·         Age 55-64 is the only age category where men were more likely to screen positive than women for PTSD. 

·         One in 13 young people in the UK will suffer from PTSD at some point during childhood.

·         Trauma occurs when people are exposed to prolonged distressing situations including: Adverse Childhood Experiences, Health Crises and associated caring responsibilities, Poverty, Crime & Antisocial Behaviour, Bereavement, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Accidents, Natural Disasters, Bullying, Discrimination and Victimisation (and others).

·         That activities and processes embedded within this council could exacerbate peoples’ responses and trigger memories of their trauma.

This Council further notes that:

·         There are six principles of trauma-informed practice: safety, trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment and cultural consideration. These principles are also recognised in best practice throughout council work.

·         Becoming trauma-informed is about supporting people such that they feel safe enough in their interactions with services to build trust, and helping people overcome any barriers to an effective supporting relationship.

·         Becoming trauma-informed is not an end state, but a process. The journey to becoming a trauma-informed service can be conceptualised within four stages:

o   Trauma-aware: Staff understand trauma, its effects and survivor adaptations.

o   Trauma-sensitive: The agency integrates some concepts of a trauma-informed approach into operational ethos

o   Trauma-responsive: Individuals and the agency recognise and respond to trauma, enabling changes in behaviour and strengthening resilience and protective factors.

o   Trauma-informed: The culture of the whole system, including all work practices and settings reflects a trauma-informed approach.

This Council Commits to becoming a trauma informed borough by:

o   Reviewing and reflecting upon the emerging evidence regarding trauma informed approaches and Adverse Childhood Experiences, and continuing to define an approach that envisions Broxtowe as a Trauma informed borough.

o   Promoting a “Trauma Informed Broxtowe” approach within communities, agencies and partnership systems through training, presentations and hearing from service users and experts.

o   Working alongside & supporting communities, agencies, and partnership systems in becoming trauma aware and trauma responsive.

o   Promoting a system level response to the Trauma Informed approach and supporting system change as a critical friend.

This Council also seeks to create a trauma informed network of professionals from different agencies, including (but not limited to) the police, NSPCC, Nottinghamshire ICS, Nottinghamshire County Council, schools, charities and Broxtowe Borough Council.”

“This Council notes that:

·       It is estimated that 50–70% of people will experience or witness a trauma at some point in their life. Around 20% of people who experience a trauma may go on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (equating to 10% of the general population).

·       4 in 100 people in the UK are expected to have PTSD at any given time (this stat doesn’t include Chronic-PTSD), which equates to 2,612,000 people in the UK.

·       Women aged 16-24 are most likely to screen positive for PTSD (12.6% of the population in this age range). 

·       Age 55-64 is the only age category where men were more likely to screen positive than women for PTSD. 

·       One in 13 young people in the UK will suffer from PTSD at some point during childhood.

·       Trauma occurs when people are exposed to prolonged distressing situations including: Adverse Childhood Experiences, Health Crises and associated caring responsibilities, Poverty, Crime & Antisocial Behaviour, Bereavement, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Accidents, Natural Disasters, Bullying, Discrimination and Victimisation (and others).

·       That activities and processes embedded within this council could exacerbate peoples’ responses and trigger memories of their trauma.

This Council further notes that:

·       There are 6 principles of trauma-informed practice: safety, trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment and cultural consideration. These principles are also recognised in best practice throughout council work.

·       Becoming trauma-informed is about supporting people such that they feel safe enough in their interactions with services to build trust, and helping people overcome any barriers to an effective supporting relationship.

·       Becoming trauma-informed is not an end state, but a process. The journey to becoming a trauma-informed service can be conceptualised within 4 stages

–       Trauma-aware: Staff understand trauma, its effects and survivor adaptations.

–       Trauma-sensitive: The agency integrates some concepts of a trauma-informed approach into operational ethos

–       Trauma-responsive: Individuals and the agency recognise and respond to trauma, enabling changes in behaviour and strengthening resilience and protective factors.

–       Trauma-informed: The culture of the whole system, including all work practices and settings reflects a trauma-informed approach.

This Council Commits to becoming a trauma informed Borough by:

·          Reviewing and reflecting upon the emerging evidence regarding trauma informed approaches and Adverse Childhood Experiences, and continuing to define an approach that envisions Broxtowe as a Trauma informed borough.

·          Promoting a “Trauma Informed Broxtowe” approach within communities, agencies and partnership systems through training, presentations and hearing from service users and experts.

·          Working alongside & supporting communities, agencies, and partnership systems in becoming trauma aware and trauma responsive.

·          Promoting a system level response to the Trauma Informed approach and supporting system change as a critical friend.

This Council also seeks to create a trauma informed network of professionals from different agencies, including (but not limited to) the police, NSPCC, Nottinghamshire ICS, Nottinghamshire County Council, schools, charities and Broxtowe Borough Council.”

It was proposed by Councillor M Radulovic MBE and seconded by Councillor G Marshall that the item be referred to the Policy Overview Working Group for consideration to review the Council’s procedures.

Councillor H Land and Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

There were no questions submitted by members of the public.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources and Personnel Policy addressed the Council. There were comments regarding the handling of telephone calls to the Council, the restriction of the publication of Mayor’s announcements and the figures around the budget consultation.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management addressed the meeting.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing had sent apologies for the meeting. It was stated that any queries would be responded to by email following the meeting.

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Health presented his report. Queries centred around the consideration of external funding opportunities for the D H Lawrence Heritage Centre and the amount of subsidy for each visitor.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change presented her report.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety presented her report. Discussion points included the number of cases of e coli, and the reduced levels of anti-social behaviour in Beeston.

To receive reports from the Committees and receive questions and answers on the reports.

14 November 2023

Review of Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 2024 – 2029

The Committee noted the comments received from the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as part of the consultation period. This comment related to the changing of the phrase “fire precautions” to “fire safety”.

RECOMMENDED to Full Council that the Statement of Licensing Policy be approved for publication by 7 January 2024 and implementation on 7 January 2024 by Full Council on 13 December 2023

14 November 2003

Review of Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029

Council noted the comments received from the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as part of the consultation period.

RESOLVED that the Statement of Licensing Policy be approved for publication by 7 January 2024.

27 November 2023

Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places

Members noted the proposed changes to the polling districts and polling places set out in the appendices to the report

RECOMMENDED to Council that the proposed changes to the polling districts in appendix 2 and the designation of polling places set out in appendix 3 to the report be approved.

27 November 2023

Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places

Members considered a slight amendment to the recommendation and were informed that at the Governance, Audit and Standards Committee on 27 November 2023 it was recommended to merge the GRE1 and GRE5 polling districts due to changes following the recent Parliamentary Boundary Review and the small electorate of GRE5 (70 electors).  After the meeting it was identified that although the GRE5 polling district was no longer necessary for Parliamentary elections, it was still required for administration of elections to the Beauvale Ward of Greasley Parish, which consists of the EHA2 and GRE5 polling districts.

Due to this requirement it was recommended to retain the current polling district arrangements for GRE1 and GRE5.

RESOLVED that the proposed changes to the polling districts in appendix 2 and the designation of polling places set out in appendix 3 of the report be approved as per the amendment.

(Having declared other registerable interests in the item Councillor M Brown, H Crosby G S Hills, J M Owen, P J Owen, A G W A Stockwell left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee will give a report to full Council and answer questions on Scrutiny matters.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee updated the Council on current scrutiny matters.

Councillor D D Pringle update Members as to issues in Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell Ward.

There were no questions on Outside Bodies.

“COP28 in the United Arab Emirates has, despite the actions of the petro-chemical companies and producers, once again reminded us of the absolute need to urgently tackle climate change. The British government have used COP28 to trumpet their alleged environmental credentials. Does the Portfolio holder agree with me that:

a)    it is highly unlikely that any other countries will be green with envy when they look at the reality of the Government’s failing and inadequate environmental policies;

b)    it is important not just to talk the talk but to walk the walk, and that the government’s impulsive and damaging decision-making on climate action, including the delaying of net-zero targets, the licensing of a new coal mine and the approval of the Rosebank oil field all show that their words are absolutely hollow when judged against their actions;

c)     we are at a stage where this sort of duplicity is actively harming the country and the planet, not just for this generation but for future generations, and that we are in a position where we now need bold and radical action and not just lip service to the issue;

d)    will she join me in calling on the government to stop bowing down to the petro-chemical industry and instead to actually provide that bold and radical leadership that we need?”

The Portfolio Holder responded that COP28 was disappointing and that there was a need to stop the subsidy for fossil fuels.

A supplementary question was asked to the Portfolio Holder by Councillor D K Watts around whether she agreed with her party colleagues over the standards for the 470 dwellings East of Coventry Lane, Bramocote.

The Portfolio Holder responded that each Councillor should be responsible for lobbying their own parties.

“Despite bringing the issue about persistent Nitrous Oxide (N²0) Abuse in the Council Owned Car Park on Cossall Road Trowell to Full Council on 11 October, the problem is not going away.

Empty N²0 are still appearing regularly. On Tuesday evening the 5 December, at some point the contents of 4 640g appear to have been used, as 4 empty cylinders were found in the car park the next morning.

Doing your Maths will show you that nearly 3kg of N²0 Gas was consumed by individuals that evening.

Cossall Road Car Park is very remote, difficult to access by foot, mostly accessed by vehicles, after all it is a Car Park. Users leaving the car park will be severely impaired, a tragedy to an innocent road user is likely.

At Policy Overview on 7 of December, the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy is being considered for amendments and submission to Cabinet.

Can the Portfolio Holder assure me and the Residents of Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell that she and the Agencies within her Portfolio will work together, to ensure that the usage of this now Class C drug is controlled and hopefully eradicated.? Work is also needed to trace and sanction the suppliers, who are providing this Product illegally.”

The Portfolio Holder responded that the matter was being taken very seriously. The offence was a criminal matter and any suspicions should be reported to the police. Intelligence would assist with the necessary enforcement of the offence.

To seek approval of the Programme of meetings for May 2024 to April 2025.

Members considered the Programme of Meetings for the period between May 2024 and April 2025.

RESOLVED that the Programme of Meetings be approved.

To make appointments to committees and working groups.

There were no appointments to Committees or working groups.

To consider Urgent Business.

There was no urgent business to consider.