Agenda and minutes

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

There were no apologies for absence.

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 M Radulovic MBE declared an other-registerable interest in agenda item 18 due to him living on the same street as the properties mentioned within the report, minute number 119 refers.

To update the Cabinet on Membership.

Members were informed that Councillor PJ Bales and H J Faccio were no longer members of Cabinet. The Chair thanked them both for their support while they were members of Cabinet.

RESOLVED that Councillor G Bunn would be appointed as Interim Portfolio Holder for Community Safety.

Cabinet is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Members are asked to NOTE the minutes of the meetings as detailed below.

·       UKSPF 16 December 2024.

The minutes of the UKSPF meeting held on 7 January 2025 were noted.

Members noted matters proposed for and undergoing scrutiny.

To report the latest position on local government reorganisation

Members noted the update provided by the Chief Executive in relation to the planned local government reorganisation. Nottingham and Nottinghamshire local authorities had agreed to jointly commission an options analysis from independent consultants. Broxtowe’s share of the costs involved would be £6,000. This work would form the basis of future discussion by individual authorities and Nottinghamshire as a whole. Cabinet agreed that all Councillors should be updated with information of the reorganisation.

RESOLVED that:

1. A contribution of £6,000 be agreed towards the cost of an options identification and appraisal study by independent consultants be approved.

2. An extraordinary Council meeting be arranged for 19 March 2025 to discuss the Council’s response to the Government’s invitation for proposals in March.

Reason

To be accountable for all activities and actions and to ensure that the Council conforms to all financial and legal regulations.

To recommend to Council the capital and revenue budget proposals together with the Capital Strategy, Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy and General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy and to approve the Business Plans.

Cabinet considered recommending to Council the capital and revenue budgets proposals together with the Capital Strategy, Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy and General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy. The service and financial plans were considered as an integral part of the budget setting process by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 20 and 21 January 2025.

RESOLVED that:

1.         The business plans for the Council’s corporate priorities and support service functions, subject to amendment as a result of any budget decisions still to be taken by Council as recommended by Cabinet be approved.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

2.         The Housing Revenue Account budgets as submitted be approved.

3.         The General Fund revenue budgets as submitted be approved.

4.         The capital submissions and priorities within them be approved and that the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to arrange the financing of the Capital Programme as necessary.

5.         An amount of £50,000 be provided for a General Fund Contingency in 2025/26.

6.         The Council Tax Requirement for 2025/26 including special expenses (but excluding local precepting requirements) be £6,862,179.

7.         An amount of £1,277,216 be withdrawn from the General Fund Reserve in 2025/26.

8.         An amount of £55,343 be taken from the General Fund earmarked reserves in 2025/26.

9.         The Capital Strategy 2025/26 to 2027/28 be approved.

10.       The Minimum Revenue Provision policy as set out be approved.

11.      The Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 to 2027/28 be approved.

12.       The Investments Strategy 2025/26 to 2027/28 be approved.

The General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy to 2028/29 be approved.

Reason

The proposals were in accordance with the relevant legislation, Council policy and procedures, and the Council’s statutory and fiduciary powers.

To approve budget revisions to the Capital Programme for 2024/25.

Members considered the capital budget variations for 2024/25. The approved Capital Programme for 2024/25 included a total budget of £435,500 for Aids and Adaptations (Council Housing). Due to resource issues over the recent years, a backlog of works had built up which was now being resolved. Aids and adaptations works were often reactionary, rather than planned, and difficulty to forecast overspends. It was proposed to transfer £250,000 between the Heating Replacement and Energy Efficiency Works budget as this was underspent to fund the anticipated, overspend on Aids and Adaptations. These schemes were funded by a mixture of contributions from the Major Repairs Reserve and prudential borrowing.

RESOLVED that the capital budget variations for 2024/25, as set out in the report, be approved.

Reason

To be accountable for all activities and actions and to ensure that the Council conforms to all financial regulations.

To provide Members with a mid-year, quarter 3 update on the Council's Treasury Management activity and the Prudential Indicators for 2024/25.

Members noted the mid-year, Quarter 3 update on the Council's Treasury Management activity and the Prudential Indicators for 2024/25.Under the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, the Council was required to prepare prudential indicators against which treasury management performance should be measured.  The objectives of the Prudential Code were to ensure that the Council’s capital investment plans were affordable, prudent and sustainable.

To consider a request for capital grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy.

Cabinet considered the application for capital funding of £6,500 that had been received from Beeston Muslim Centre in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy. Beeston Muslim Centre had requested a grant of £6,500 to pay for the removal of asbestos discovered in the roof during the course of wider renovation work. This renovation work has been part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the £40,000 awarded being ‘matched’ with £20,000 of donations from the community. As the asbestos was only discovered after commencement of the work, no financial provision was made and the group stated that it had no funds available to cover the cost of removal. The grant award was in line with the Grant Aid Policy as the services provided by Beeston Muslim Centre benefitted the community of Broxtowe and were complementary to those services provided by the Council, and the activities helped to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

RESOLVED that the grant of £6,500 to pay for the removal of asbestos discovered in the roof during the course of wider renovation work, be approved.

Reason

The Council was empowered to make grants to voluntary organisations by virtue of Section 48 Local Government Act 1985 (as well as other legislation). Having an approved process in line the legislation and the Council’s Grant Aid Policy would ensure the Council’s compliance with its legal duties.

To seek approval for the creation of a permanent Property Management Compliance Officer post, within the Asset Management and Development Team, Grade 12, Spinal Column Point 56.

Members considered the creation of a permanent Property Management Compliance Officer post, within the Asset Management and Development Team. The Property Management Compliance Officer post would link in closely with the Housing Compliance Manager, to ensure the Council meets its statutory obligations, primarily in respect of Fire Safety and Asbestos Management.

RESOLVED that a new permanent Compliance Officer post within the Asset Management and Development Team, at a cost of up to £61,400, be approved.

Reason

The role will be key in assisting the Asset Management and Development team to report coherently in terms of the Council’s position in terms of risk and there was a need to have a specific resource to continue to develop and enhance the Council’s compliance position, working within the framework that was being established as well as develop the strategic direction of the compliance position, both in the short and longer term.

Cabinet noted the car park usage, income, and footfall for each town in the Borough from 2022/23 through to November 2024. Car parking charges will be continually reviewed in line with other fees and charges. It was stated that car par charges were continuously under review and a loyalty scheme was being considered to encourage use of shops and businesses.

To consider whether to confirm the Article 4 Direction to remove specific permitted development rights following the completion of the consultation period. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority to create a safe place for everyone and to protect the environment for the future.

Members considered whether to confirm the Article 4 Direction to remove specific permitted development rights following the completion of the consultation period. This was in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority to create a safe place for everyone and to protect the environment for the future.

The Article 4 Direction would apply to Development within the curtilage of a dwelling house that comprised within Classes A, D and E of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, as amended. The Article 4 Direction had been subject to a period of public consultation.

RESOLVED that Broxtowe Borough Council (Former Beamlight Factory) Article 4 Direction 2025 be approved.

Reason

In order to comply with The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. The purpose of the Article 4 Direction was considered necessary given the requirement for the dwellings as built to have a gas membrane and the potential damage to these from the creation of other floor space and the need for this to be provided in any additional new floor space. 

To seek approval for Section 106 (S106) open space contributions to be used to fund improvements to parks and open spaces and for their capital schemes. These are to be included in the Capital Programme for the applicable years.

Cabinet considered the Section 106 (S106) open space contributions to be used to fund improvements to parks and open spaces and for capital schemes. S106 developer contribution funds have been received by the Council for improvements within certain parks and open spaces. The funds were required to be spent within a five-year period. When completed, the works would improve the Borough’s open space and play areas and would align with the priorities highlighted in the Council’s ‘Play Strategy’ (2017-2025).

RESOLVED that the parks and open spaces improvement schemes for Jubilee Park, Eastwood; Dovecote Lane Recreation Ground Beeston; Hetley Pearson Recreation Ground, Beeston; and Cator Lane Recreation Ground, Chilwell, be added to the Capital Programme for 2025/26 at a combined cost of £62,000 to be funded by an allocation from the respective Section 106 contributions.

Reason

The decision supports the priorities for environment to continue to invest in our parks and open spaces and with protecting the environment for the future.

To seek approval for the establishment of Broxtowe Local Enterprise Agency, and agree to incorporate this as a Community Interest Company, in accordance with the Council’s priority of Business Growth.

Members welcomed the establishment of Broxtowe Local Enterprise Agency, and agreed to incorporate this as a Community Interest Company. The establishment of the Broxtowe Local Enterprise Agency Community Interest Company would provide a boost to the Borough’s economic development objectives by fostering meaningful connections between very small local businesses, entrepreneurs, and larger enterprises based in Broxtowe and was in accordance with the Council’s priority of Business Growth.

RESOLVED that the establishment of the Broxtowe Local Enterprise Agency be approved.

Reason

Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011(the Act) included a ‘general power of competence’. It gives local authorities the legal capacity to do anything that an individual can do that is not specifically prohibited. This power can be for the benefit of the authority, its area or persons’ resident or present in its area. Further, Section 4(2) of the Act states that where, in exercise of the general power a local authority does things for a commercial purpose, it must do so through a company. A Community Interest Company falls within the meaning of a company within section 1(1) of the Companies Act 2006.

To seek comments on a new Housing Strategy.

Members welcomed the new Housing Strategy. The Strategy provided a vision for housing in the Borough and set out the strategic housing delivery priorities that were aimed to be delivered over the three-year period from 2025 to 2028. Housing market conditions and housing needs change over time and it was important to establish direction and to set out strategies and targets for improving housing. The Strategy provided a framework that the authority and relevant partners could deliver their services and create policies on specific housing issues. The Council would lead on a range of improvement initiatives and encourage others across all tenure types to raise standards, address energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and decrease the number of poor quality homes. The Policy Overview Working Group had in addition, inputted into the Strategy.

RESOLVED that the new Housing Strategy be approved.

Reason

The Strategy helped the Council to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Housing Regulator and the Social Housing Regulation Act and was in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Housing - ‘a good quality home for everyone'.

To put forward proposals for the Council’s Events Programme for 2025/26.

Cabinet considered The Events Programme for 2025/26 which included events that ranged from large public events such as the Hemlock Happening, Play Days, Christmas Light Switch On events and Green Festivals. The programme, in addition covered civic events including Remembrance Sunday and Holocaust Memorial Day. Small community events aimed at specific groups such as housing tenants, businesses and special interest groups was also included.  Events aimed to target areas of relative deprivation, as well as being inclusive. They also reflected the diversity of the population of the Borough by taking into account factors such as age, gender, ethnic background, religious beliefs, disabilities and the needs of other groups.

The 2024 Events Programme was awarded £30,000 from the Arts Council to deliver the Broxtowe Creates Festival, with cultural events and activities across the Borough throughout June 2024. Key learnings from the 2024/25 Events Programme included providing free community events, such as the Hemlock Happening and Play Days, engaged a wider range of individuals and consideration of finding new ways to adapt events with unpredictable weather would reduce the need for events to be cancelled as well as loss of income.

It was suggested that the Beeston Play day event could be organised as a Beeston Carnival event and consideration would be given to adding Proms in the Park within the Borough to the Programme. It was suggested that collaboration could be pursued with the existing Community Committee, and CCities programme. It was aimed to extend ‘Friday18’ to Kimberley after being trialled successfully at Beeston. 

RESOLVED that the proposed Events Programme for 2025/26 be approved.

Reason

The Events Programme supports the Corporate priorities and objectives by promoting active and healthy lifestyles in every area of Broxtowe.

To seek Cabinet approval for the Council's response to the LNRS consultation. This is in accordance with the Corporate Priority of Environment to 'protect the environment for the future'

Cabinet welcomed the Council's response to the LNRS consultation. The primary aim of the Strategy was to reverse the on-going decline of nature in England by establishing clear priorities for nature recovery. This involved identifying key locations for creating and enhancing habitats that were most likely to benefit both biodiversity and the wider environment. The Strategy would inform the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain and guide local planning policies for nature recovery.

Nottinghamshire County Council had been appointed as the responsible lead authority for the development of the LNRS for Nottinghamshire. The County Council aimed to present its draft Strategy for district consultation from 17 March 2025 and 13 April 2025.

RESOLVED that authority be delegated to the Executive Director, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, to approve the Council’s consultation response to the LNRS.

Reason

The Environment Act 2021 imposes specific statutory requirements on the Borough Council as regards to nature recovery and specifically the preparation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies. This is in accordance with the Corporate Priority of Environment to 'protect the environment for the future'.

To note the Pay Policy for 2025/26 before approval at full Council.

Cabinet noted the Pay Policy for 2025/26 prior to its submission to full Council. The Pay Policy statement for 2025/26 set out the Council’s policies relating to the remuneration of its Senior Officers, the remuneration of its lowest paid employees. Each Local Authority had a statutory obligation to publish an annual Pay Policy Statement. It was considered that although progress had been made, that the Gender Pay Gap could still be improved. The Policy would be updated prior to its submission to full Council following a decision later in the meeting regarding the ‘Senior Officer Pay review’.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the Pay Policy Statement 2025/26 be approved.

Reason

There is a legal requirement to produce and publish a Pay Policy Statement each year.

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 and gave consideration to the submission of items relating to Arthur Mee, Stapleford, and Shop Watch at a future meeting.

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

Reason

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

Cabinet 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.

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 involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that the arrears in excess of £7,500 on national non-domestic rates, council tax, rents, housing and council tax benefit overpayment and sundry debtors as set out in the report be written off.

Reason

This will assist with the Council’s aim to deliver cost effectiveness.

RESOLVED that the request for adaptations as detailed in the Appendix be approved.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priorities for Housing – ‘a good quality home for everyone’ and responding to housing need by facilitating adaptations to the homes of disabled people in the private sector.

RESOLVED that the purchase of two dwellings, as detailed in the report, be approved.  The estimated total scheme cost of £458,500 will be added to the Capital Programme in 2024/25 and funded from a mixture of capital grants, capital receipts and prudential borrowing. 

Reason

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

(Having declared an Other Registerable Interest Councillor M Radulovic MBE left the room before discussion and voting thereon. Councillor G Marshall took the Chair for the duration of the item).

RESOLVED that:

1.     Senior Officer Posts at Grade CO2 be designated “Assistant Directors” and posts at CO1 be designated “Heads of Service”

2.     The evaluation of senior officer roles recommended by Kornferry Hay in Appendix 1 page 24 be approved.

3.     RECOMMENDED option A in Appendix 1 for inclusion in the draft Pay Policy which will go forward to full Council in March for approval.

4.     The implementation of the option approved at 3 above be backdated to November 2023 in accordance with the Job Evaluation and Re-Evaluation Policy.

5.     The transition between current grades and the new pay scale for individual officers be delegated to the Chief Executive, with an aim to achieve a potential for some future progression within the new grade and a maximum uplift of £10,000

6.     The post of Head of Administrative Services be deleted from the establishment.

7.     The post of Head of ICT and Corporate services be re-designated Assistant Director Corporate Services.

Reason

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