Agenda and draft minutes

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

An apology for absence was received from Councillor 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.

There were no declarations of interest.

Cabinet is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 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.

Members noted the report on Local Government reorganisation and stated that the result of the consultation regarding the matter would be debated at an extraordinary Full Council meeting on 26 February prior to a Cabinet decision on 27 November. It was further stated that the Council would act in accordance with the residents of Broxtowe’s wishes.

To update Cabinet on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and provide an overview of progress in delivering the delivery of the Business Strategy.

Cabinet was updated on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and the progress with the delivery of the Business Strategy. There were a number of significant issues concerning local government finance that would have a major impact upon the financial position of the Council. They included the current and ongoing economic impact of inflation on pay and prices and uncertainty on the Business Rates Pool in relation to National Non-Domestic Rates.

RESOLVED that the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy and the Business Strategy 2026/27 be approved.

Reason

To be accountable for all activities and actions and to ensure that the Council conforms to all financial regulations. The Medium Term Financial Strategy was the Council’s key financial planning document.

To approve a series of budget revisions to the Capital Programme for 2025/26, in accordance with all the Council's priorities.

Cabinet was informed that a number of capital schemes required re-profiling of the budgets to more accurately reflect delivery expectations in the current financial year. In all cases the capital financing would not be adversely affected, with schemes either being funded by capital grants or through previously agreed prudential borrowing which would now be moved back into later periods to match spends.

RESOLVED that the capital budget variations for 2025/26, as set out in the appendix to the report, be approved.

Reason

The variations would more accurately reflect delivery expectations in the current financial year.

To consider a report on holding a Freemen and Aldermen ceremony in 2025/26 and providing the necessary budget for the associated costs.

Members considered holding a Freeman and Alderman Ceremony in 2025/26. It was proposed that the ceremony take place on 28 January 2026, to allow time for appropriate preparations to take place. As in the previous ceremony in January 2024, the Council makes use of the relevant legislation to include the titles of both Freeman/Alderman and Freewomen/Alderwoman for those who wish to use them.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The official admittance to the office of Honorary Freeman/Alderman of the Borough will take place at a special meeting of the Council to be held on 28 January 2026.

2.     Cost option 1 of £5,650, as detailed in the report, be the preferred option, to be met from the existing Ceremonial Events Budget.

Reason

It is feasible for the event to take place within the Council Chamber, providing that there were no more than four new Freemen or Aldermen to be admitted in order to meet the safe capacity limits of the space.

Options considered and rejected

Option 2 – event to take place at an external venue with an additional budget requirement of £12,000.

The Asset Management Strategy has now been refreshed and ready for approval in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Housing – a good quality home for everyone.

The Asset Management Strategy sets out how the Council plans to fully utilise assets held within the Housing Revenue Account, how all Council housing will achieve the Decent Homes Standard and how all dwellings are to meet climate standards.

It was stated that the Strategy would assist the Council in meeting the complex needs of more and more residents. Officers were commended for the work that had been put into this important document and it was further stated that this Strategy would work alongside other Council policies.

RESOLVED that the Asset Management Policy be approved.

Reason

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

To seek approval from Cabinet to recruit a new Modernisation Apprentice, using under used Apprenticeship Levy, within the Asset Management & Development Team, and outline the strategic benefits, onboarding process and expected outcomes of the appointment.

To seek approval from Cabinet to recruit a new Modernisation Apprentice, using under used Apprenticeship Levy, within the Asset Management & Development Team, and outline the strategic benefits, onboarding process and expected outcomes of the appointment. It is intended that this role is targeted at an ex-offender, as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to recruiting hard to reach groups, set out in the Recruitment Policy.

RESOLVED unanimously that the recruitment of an Apprentice for the Asset Management and Development Team, be approved.

Reason

The role also helps to further utilise unused apprenticeship levy and continues to support the tradition the Authority has in developing colleagues from within. It allows the Council to ensure there is sufficient cover for these positions.

To seek approval for the revised Blue/Green Infrastructure Strategy. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Environment – 'Protect the environment for the future’.

The revised Strategy is structured around the principles set out in Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework, with four key themes: Thriving and Prosperous, Nature Rich and Beautiful, Resilient and Climate Positive, and Active and Healthy. An integral element of the revised strategy is blue infrastructure, which has been incorporated as a cross-cutting theme rather than a stand-alone section. This helps to highlight its importance across all four theme areas and reflects the Council’s commitment to integrate blue infrastructure within the Borough’s broader Environmental agenda.

Members stated that it was important to have a collaborative approach between environmental and planning plans.

RESOLVED that the Blue/Green Infrastructure Strategy 2025-30 be approved.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Environment – 'Protect the environment for the future'.

To seek approval for amendments to the Council's Sanctuary Scheme Policy to protect access to the service for all applicants.

The Sanctuary Scheme Policy sets out the approach that the Borough Council takes when a referral for assistance from the Sanctuary Scheme is received. This has been updated following the significant increase in referrals over the last two years which due to the very high cost of some referrals may result in the scheme being withdrawn before the end of the financial year.

RESOLVED that the Sanctuary Scheme Policy be approved.

Reason

The Policy provides a framework for how requests will be processed and the steps that the Council should take when processing a request. The Sanctuary Scheme applies to owner occupiers, Council tenants and tenanted properties, rented properties in the private sector and those that belong to registered providers.

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.

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

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 items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

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, 2, 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 item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To seek Cabinet approval for an increase in the capital budget provision to enable the procurement of additional software modules, not originally included within the agreed scope, for the Civica Property Management system.

RESOLVED that the purchase of the additional Project Management Modules, as set out in the report, be approved.

Reason

This in accordance with the Council’s corporate value of continuous improvement and delivering value for money.

RESOLVED unanimously, in principle, that the purchase of the building detailed in the report be approved and that delegation be given to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Portfolio Holders for Housing, and Resources and Personnel Policy, and members of the opposition, to negotiate the suitable purchase price.

Reason

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