Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies and to be notified of the attendance of substitutes.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors T A Cullen and M Radulovic MBE.

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

Councillor J W McGrath declared a non-disclosable pecuniary interest in item 14 due to a family member being employed by Liberty Leisure Ltd, minute number 39 refers.

Cabinet is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The purpose of this report is to make members aware of matters proposed for and undergoing scrutiny.

Cabinet noted the matters proposed for and undergoing scrutiny.

Cabinet noted the minutes of the UKSPF Advisory Panel meeting held on 13 June 2025.

To provide Cabinet with an update on activity at the Broxtowe Division of Citizens Advice Central Nottinghamshire and approve the release of the second year of grant aid funding as approved by Cabinet in July 2024.

Cabinet considered a grant application from Citizens Advice Broxtowe Division following the expiration of a previous commitment of a three-year grant funding settlement form 2021/22 in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy. The three-year funding was again agreed and the settlement is seen to provide some much needed stability for Citizens Advice Broxtowe Division and provide a platform to gain additional funds from other sources.

RESOLVED to release the second-year grant aid funding of £73,750 for 2025/26 accordingly.

Reason

The Council was empowered to make grants to voluntary organisations by virtue of Section 48 Local Government Act 1985. The grant supported the Corporate Priorities with providing a safe place for the community and supporting people to live well.

To provide an update on Local Government Reorganisation in Nottinghamshire.

Members noted a report on the latest position on Local Government Reorganisation in accordance with the requirement of Government to submit a final business case for local government reorganisation in Nottinghamshire. A number of points were raised which included dismay at the lack of detail contained within the PWC interim plan options document.

To update the Empty Homes Strategy in accordance with the Council's corporate priority - Housing – a good quality home for everyone.

Members considered the Empty Homes Strategy 2025-2030 and were informed that the Council recognises the importance of bringing long-term empty homes back into use.The issues surrounding empty dwellings were discussed.

RESOLVED that the updated Empty Homes Strategy be approved

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate priority of Housing – a good quality home for everyone.

The Asset Management Strategy is in the process of being refreshed in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Housing – a good quality home for everyone.

Cabinet was informed that the Asset Management Strategy was in the process of being refreshed and a further report would be submitted in September. The Strategy would set out plans to utilise assets held within the Housing Revenue Account.

RESOLVED that the Asset Management Strategy introduction and ‘compass’ be approved.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate priority of Housing – a good quality home for everyone.

The Housing Delivery Plan was being refreshed alongside the Asset Management Strategy which was previously considered. The Housing Delivery Plan document highlighted recent achievements with regards to adding to the Housing Revenue Account housing stock, the methodology for how the Council would build or acquire more housing going forward and the risks associated with this. Members stated that the Plan was a huge achievement with ambitious targets and delivery levels were high.

RESOLVED that the Housing Delivery Plan be approved.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate priority of Housing – a good quality home for everyone.

For Cabinet to acknowledge the positive outcome of the Homes England compliance audit in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Housing – a good quality home for everyone.

Cabinet noted the positive outcome of the Homes England Compliance audit report following the Council’s selection for the audit process. Members passed on their thanks to the various teams that had been involved in the process.

To advise Members of and seek approval for the Food Safety Service Plan 2025/26. This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate vision of “A greener, safer healthier Broxtowe where everyone prospers.”

Cabinet was informed that the Food Standards Agency Framework Agreement sets out what the Food Standards Agency expects from local authorities in their delivery of official controls on food law. It includes the requirement to prepare a statutory Food Service Plan and prescribes in detail which areas of the service should be covered by the Plan. The use of apprenticeships was encouraged and Members commended those involved in achieving compliance.

RESOLVED that the Annual Food Safety Service Plan 2025/26 be approved.

Reason

Failure to have an agreed plan in place is contrary to the Food Law Code of Practice (England) (amended March 2021) requirements and can be a point of failure if the Council receives an audit by the Food Standards Agency. The plan is subject to amendment and review in accordance with good practice, guidance and legal controls.

To seek approval for the updated Contaminated Land Strategy in accordance with the Corporate Priority of Environment – protect the environment for the future.

The Contaminated Land Strategy details the Council’s approach to assessing the risk from contaminated land within the Borough and the need for that land to be remediated, as it is developed to ensure land is suitable for its use. The approach remains unchanged from the previous Strategy but includes actions to review the contaminated land prioritisation software, review the site information and carry out further assessments of the highest priority sites.

RESOLVED that the updated Contaminated Land Strategy be approved.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate priority of Environment – protect the environment for the future.

To advise Members of the latest Air Quality Status Report which has been submitted to the Department of Food Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Environment – protect the environment for the future and Community Safety – a safe place for everyone.

Each year, the Department of Food Environment and Rural Affairs requires all local authorities in England to produce an Annual Status Report in respect of air quality for the preceding calendar year. The production of an Annual Status Report is intended to aid local transparency, increase accessibility of air quality to the wider public audience and encourage buy-in to delivering air quality improvement measures by those best placed to assist.

RESOLVED that the Air Quality Status Report 2025 and the updated Action Plan, be approved.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate priority of Environment – protect the environment for the future and Community Safety – a safe place for everyone.

The purpose of the report is to seek approval for the reallocation of a proportion of the capital expenditure budget for fleet vehicle procurement, from both the 2027/28 and 2026/27 programmes to the 2025/26 programme.

Members considered a report which provided information on a vehicle which had suffered an engine fire and a JCB which had experienced ongoing mechanical problems, including engine fan failures and filter blockages, which had required multiple repairs. The frequency and cost of these repairs were becoming uneconomical and continued investment in repairs to this vehicle are no longer viable. It was queried as to whether the mechanical problems were due to maintenance issues or were integral to the construction of the vehicle.

RESOLVED that the capital budgets for the fleet vehicle and plant replacement programme be reallocated across financial years to allow for the early purchase of two vehicles be approved, subject to assurances being provided that the causes of the mechanical problems to the JCB have been interrogated.

Reason

The reallocation of these capital funds ensures uninterrupted service delivery and operational efficiency. Approving these adjustments facilitates timely procurement of the respective replacements, thereby minimising operational risks and additional costs.

To review and approve the revised Safeguarding Children Policy 2025-28. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Community Safety.

Members were informed that the Council has a specific statutory duty under Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 to make arrangements for ensuring that its functions, and services provided on its behalf, were discharged with regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The Safeguarding Children Policy sets out how the Council would meet its obligations.

RESOLVED that the revised Safeguarding Children Policy 2025-28 policy be approved.

Reason

All individuals, contractors and agencies have a duty to ensure they are familiar with and can access the Council’s reporting safeguarding procedures or are familiar with and can access those of their own company/agency. The Policy incorporates the Council priorities as a safe place for everyone.

To approve the Safeguarding Adults Policy 2025-28. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Community Safety – A Safe Place for Everyone.

Members were informed that the Council was responsible for ensuring that employees are competent and confident in carrying out their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults.

The Safeguarding Adults Policy sets out how the Council would meet its obligations. The Council has a statutory duty to assist Nottinghamshire County Council in making enquires it thinks necessary to decide if and what kind of action should be taken to protect an adult at risk from suspected abuse. 

RESOLVED that the revised Safeguarding Adults Policy 2025-28 be approved.

Reason

The aim of the Policy was to enable the Council to meet the moral and legal responsibilities necessary to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults with care and support needs in order to keep them safe from abuse or neglect. The Policy incorporates the Council priority of as a safe place for everyone.

To seek approval for the annually reviewed and updated Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2024/25 and for its publication on the Council’s website and the Home Office’s modern slavery statement portal. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Community Safety.

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval for the annually reviewed and updated Modern Slavery Statement and for its inclusion on the website and the Home Office’s published Modern Slavery statements. The Statement had been recommended to Cabinet by the Policy Overview Working Group.

RESOLVED that the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2024/25 be approved.

Reason

It is considered that Broxtowe Borough Council should be keen to raise awareness of slavery and human trafficking and as a large scale local employer and provider of services, should make its position of zero tolerance in respect of slavery and trafficking clear and unequivocal.

To seek approval to consult on the renewal of the Boroughs Public Space Protection Orders.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) are designed to deal with a nuisance affecting the whole community in a defined area by imposing conditions on the use of that area. Ten PSPO were currently in place in Broxtowe, six for the control of ASB related to alcohol consumption, two for car cruising, one for dog control and one for the closure of a footpath. In December 2020, all PSPO in the Borough were aligned and the six relating to alcohol consolidated to allow for more efficient management. The consultation will cover Members, stakeholders and members of the public and all Members were encouraged to respond.

RESOLVED that permission to consult on PSPO renewals be approved.

Reason

The Council is required to carry out the necessary consultation before making a PSPO and this must include consulting with ‘the chief officer of police, and the local policing body, for the police area that includes the restricted area’ and with appropriate community representatives and those who own or occupy land within the restricted area. The Council must also notify the local parish councils within the affected area. Before reaching a decision in relation to the extension of the PSPO and its implementation in the revised terms proposed, The Council must conscientiously consider the results of consultation.

This is a noting report to update Members on the work that has now commenced in bringing in this new pilot measure into Eastwood.

Members noted a report which gave an update on the work that had commenced in bringing the new pilot measure into Eastwood.

Cabinet is asked to approve its Work Programme, including potential key decisions that will help to achieve the Council’s key priorities and associated objectives.

Members considered the Work Programme.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, including key decisions, be approved.

Reason

This is in accordance with all of the Council’s Corporate Priorities.

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 paragraph 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 item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that a supplementary capital estimate for additional design fees be approved, the addition to the Capital Programme 2025/26 being funded from General Fund capital receipts.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s key priority of Health – having healthy and supported communities and to promote active and health lifestyles in every area of Broxtowe.

(Having declared an interest in the item Councillor J W McGrath left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)