Agenda and draft minutes

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

An apology for absence was received from Councillor T A Cullen.

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 that he was pre-determined in items 7.1 and 7.2, minute numbers 7.1 and 7.2 refer.

Councillor J W McGrath declared a non-registerable interest in items 7.1 and 7.2 as he owns a number of cemetery plots, minute numbers 7.1 and 7.2 refer.

Councillor H E Skinner declared an other-registerable interest in item 8.2 due to her involvement with Beeston and District Civic Society, minute number 8.2 refers.

Councillors R D MacRae and J W McGrath declared other-registerable interests in item 13.2 as they are members of the Stapleford Town Board, minute number 13.2 refers.

At the Council meeting held on 14 May 2025 Members were informed that there would be amendments to the appointments to Cabinet.

Cabinet is asked to RESOLVE that Councillors R D MacRae and E Williamson be appointed as Cabinet members, and Councillor C Carr replace Councillor G Bunn as the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management.

Members considered appointments to Cabinet.

RESOLVED that Councillors R D MacRae and E Williamson be appointed as Cabinet members, and Councillor C Carr replace Councillor G Bunn as the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management.

Cabinet is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Members are asked to NOTE the minutes of the UKSPF Advisory Panel meeting held on 4 April 2025.

Members noted the minutes of the UKSPF Advisory Panel meeting held on 4 April 2025.

Members noted matters proposed for and undergoing scrutiny. It was requested that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee conduct a review into the democratic arrangements for the East Midlands Combined Counties Authority following its Board Meeting on 16 June 2025.

To provide Members with an update on progress achieved in relation to the memorial safety inspection programme, to detail the options relating to failed memorials, and any potential financial impact, in accordance with the legislative requirement to carry out memorial safety inspections.

To inform Members of historic memorials within the five working cemeteries that have passed the memorial safety testing, but have fallen into disrepair.

Members noted the progress achieved in relation to the memorial safety inspection programme and considered a report which detailed options relating to failed memorials and the potential for any financial impact in accordance with the legislative requirements to carry out memorial safety inspections. It was stated that this was an emotive and sensitive issue, but the Council could not be in a situation that resulted in tragic consequences caused by unsafe memorials.

Members considered the options in respect of making memorials permanently safe. It was considered that option 2 contained within the report would allow for a pragmatic approach. Attempts would be made to contact grave owners in the first instance and the Council would continue to discharge its legal duties in respect of safety. After every opportunity had been undertaken to contact the grave owner to no avail, the Council would then make the memorial safe. It was stated that should there be particular but unforeseen financial circumstances there would be discretion available to provide financial assistance.

Members considered the options in respect of potential repair and maintenance of historical memorials within the five open cemeteries. It was proposed by Councillor G Marshall and seconded by Councillor H E Skinner that option 1, to repair historical memorials in Beeston Cemetery along the driveway, with other cemeteries incurring additional costs be the Cabinet’s favoured option. It was further proposed by Councillor E Williamson and seconded by Councillor R D MacRae that option 2, to tidy the graves and neaten the grave space, be the Cabinet’s favoured option. On being put to the vote, option 1 was approved.

RESOLVED that:

1.   Option 2 contained within the report regarding making memorials permanently safe, with discretion over financial matters being delegated to the Executive Director, in consultation with the Leader, the Deputy Leader, the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change and the Leader of the Opposition, be approved, with any additional costs being funded from General Fund Reserves in 2025/26.

2.   Option 1 contained within the report in respect of the potential repair and maintenance of historical memorials within the five open cemeteries, be approved.

Options considered and rejected

Making Memorials Safe

Option 1

Repair grave memorials at a cost of approximately £77,000.

Potential Repair and Maintenance

Option 2

To tidy the graves and neaten the grave space.

Option 3

The graves remain in their natural state.

Reason

A burial authority was legislatively required to carry out regular inspections on existing memorials, installed prior to 2005, at least once every five-years. Where this inspection programme identifies unsafe memorials, the burial authority had a responsibility to ensure memorials were not a danger to visitors and employees in the cemetery.

(Having declared that he was predetermined Councillor M Radulovic MBE left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon. Councillor G Marshall took the Chair for the item. Having declared that a non-registerable interest Councillor J W McGrath left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)

The purpose of this item is to outline the requirement to clear unauthorised personal memorials, which have accumulated over the years within all the Council’s cemeteries, in accordance with the Council's Cemetery Rules and Regulations. Further information will be published prior to the meeting.

Cabinet considered a report which outlined a requirement to clear unauthorised personal memorials, which had accumulated over the years within all the Council’s cemeteries, in accordance with the Council's Cemetery Rules and Regulations.

It was proposed by Councillor G Marshall and seconded by Councillor H E Skinner that the item be deferred for further discussion. On being put to the meeting the proposal was carried. It was stated that it was important for consultation to take place with all interested parties and all relevant stakeholders.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred for consideration at a future meeting.

Reason

The deferral would allow for further consideration and consultation on the item.

(Having declared that he was predetermined Councillor M Radulovic MBE left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon. Councillor G Marshall took the Chair for the item. Having declared that a non-registerable interest Councillor J W McGrath left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)

To consider requests for grant assistance in accordance with the protocol for the consideration of grant aid to parish and town councils.

Cabinet considered the request for grant assistance within the protocol for the consideration of grant aid to Parish and Town Councils. Kimberley Town Council had requested a grant of £1,919 to support the return of the Kimberley Food Festival in July this year and to cover the cost of the traffic management and road closure requirements of this event to create a safe and entertaining event for visitors and residents in Kimberley.

RESOLVED that the grant aid request to Kimberley Town Council of up to £1,919 be approved.

Reason

As part of the Protocol, Grant Aid would only be given in support of specific projects or services and not as a general grant towards the services provided by a Parish/Town Council. There was no budgetary provision for Capital grants to Parish Councils. The grant aid request was in line with the current Corporate Plan aims for supporting people to live well and provide a safe place for everyone.

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

Cabinet considered requests for grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy. It was stated that the request from the New Stapleford Community Associationwas to cover the cost of rental for Council owned premises and, as such, was a non-cash grant awarded via an internal transfer in the Council’s financial systems.

RESOLVED that the grants be made as follows:

     £

Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and Food Bank           £6,000

New Stapleford Community Association                 £4,000

Empowerment for Heya CIC                                    £3,000

Beeston and District Civic Society                          £2,955

Rylands Shedz                                                        £610

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 will ensure the Council’s compliance with its legal duties.

(Having declared an other-registerable interest in the item Councillor H E Skinner left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)

To approve a series of budget revisions to the Capital Programme for 2025/26.

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

RESOLVED that the capital budget variations for 2025/26 as set out be approved.

Reason

Several capital schemes require amendments to the budgets to more accurately reflect expectations in the current financial year.

Members considered the Managing Abusive, Persistent and/or Vexatious Customers Policy. In accordance with all the Council's Corporate Priorities. It was stated that there was an emphasis on delivering service improvements through the complaints process. Furthermore, the Policy would provide protection for employees and Members while undertaking their duties.

RESOLVED that the Managing Abusive, Persistent and/or Vexatious Customers Policy be approved.

Reason

The adoption of such a policy provides a transparent and consistent basis for decision making. This in turn should reduce the risks of decisions being overturned by the Local Government Ombudsman.

To advise Cabinet of the ongoing progress being made in several key decarbonisation projects that are underway within the Councils commercial asset portfolio. This is in accordance with the Corporate Plan objective for the Environment.

Members noted the progress made in several key decarbonisation projects that were underway within the Council’s commercial asset portfolio. This was in accordance with the Corporate Plan objective for the Environment.

To seek approval for a new People Focused Housing Service Policy. This includes housing applicants, lifeline customers, tenants and leaseholders. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Housing - Regulate housing effectively and respond to housing needs.

Members considered the new People Focused Housing Service Policy. That included housing applicants, lifeline customers, tenants and leaseholders. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Housing - Regulate housing effectively and respond to housing needs.

RESOLVED that the People Focused Housing Services Policy be approved.

Reason

This report was in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Housing Regulate housing effectively and respond to housing needs.The Regulatory Code Tenancy Standard states that Landlords should take into account the needs of those households who are “vulnerable by reason of age, disability, or illness and households with children, including through the provision of tenancies which provide a reasonable degree of stability”.  The Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002) lists a number of categories under which “customer or residents” could be classed as vulnerable (this is not an exhaustive list).

To request the approval of additional funding to deliver Domestic Homicide Reviews. This is in accordance with the corporate value of providing a safe place for everyone.

Members considered the request of additional funding to deliver Domestic Homicide Reviews. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act (2004) places a duty on Community Safety Partnerships to carry out a Domestic Homicide Review when a person who is aged 16 or over was killed by a relative, household member or an intimate partner (or former partner) or commits suicide following reports of domestic abuse. The South Notts Community Safety Partnership was the responsible body for carrying out Domestic Homicide Reviews in Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe Borough Councils.

There were currently three reviews being undertaken with a fourth one expected following a current murder investigation. The funds were currently reported to be in deficit of £4,285.

RESOLVED that additional funding of £5,000 to deliver current Domestic Homicide Reviews be approved and funded from Revenue Contingencies in 2025/26.

Reason

The additional funding was required for the South Notts Community Safety Partnership to comply with the statutory duty to carry out Domestic Homicide Reviews. The report was in accordance with the corporate value of providing a safe place for everyone.

To approve the Borough Council's approach and response to the Prevent Duty as a Specified Authority. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Community Safety – a safe place for everyone.

Cabinet considered the approach and response to the Prevent Duty as a Specified Authority. On 1 July 2015, the Counter Terrorism and Security Act (CTSA) 2015 became statutory. Section 26 placed a statutory Prevent duty on specified authorities in the exercise of their functions, to have ‘due regards to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’. Specified authorities include Schools. Colleges, Universities, Local Authorities, Health, the Police and Prisons. Broxtowe’s Prevent Strategy was informed by National and local priorities and supported CONTEST (the National Counter Terrorism Strategy) and the Counter Terrorism Action Plan.

RESOLVED that the Prevent Strategy be approved.

Reason

Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (CTSA 2015) places a duty on Local Authorities, schools, colleges, universities, health bodies, prisons and probation and police to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, by embedding the Prevent Duty as a part of their wider existing day-to-day safeguarding duties.  The Strategy was in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority of Community Safety- a safe place for everyone.

To seek approval for the Fuel Poverty Strategy. This is in accordance with the Council’s priority of a good quality home for everyone.

Fuel poverty affected around one in seven households in the Borough. The Climate Change and Green Futures Strategy included a commitment to produce a Fuel Poverty Strategy that set out targets and actions for tackling fuel poverty over the next five years. It provided a governance structure to monitor the progress of these activities and continue to identify new opportunities and actions to reduce fuel poverty.

RESOLVED that the Fuel Poverty Strategy be approved.

Reason

In accordance with the Council’s priority of a good quality home for everyone.

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.

Cabinet RESOLVED that its Work Programme, including potential key decisions that will help to achieve the Council’s key priorities and associated objectives be approved. With the addition of a standing item on the agenda to provide an update on Local Government Reorganisation.

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

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:

1.     The procurement of an Asset Management and Repairs solution which will enable Housing and Asset Management to improve service delivery to housing tenants, be approved.

2.The additional one-off implementation fee budget to procure these modules, be approved.

RESOLVED that:

1.          The Stapleford Town Deal Board’s proposal to fund the development of three padel courts and a cycle route in Hickings Lane Park under permitted development be approved.

2.          The consultation plan and proposed mitigation measures as illustrated in Appendix 2 be approved.

(Having declared an other-registerable interest in the item Councillors R D MacRae and J W Mcgrath left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)

RESOLVED that:

1.     The minor amendments to the structure of the Economic Development team and the extended dates for the relevant employees shown in Column 4 of Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

2.     The creation of a second UKSPF Project Delivery & Support Manager using £65,000 from external funding already received by Broxtowe from funding partners, be approved.

3.     A six-month honorarium (part-time, 3 days per week), in order that post holder T430 could manage the initial start-up of phase of the CEDARS project, be approved.

4.     To note any subsequent measures which may be needed to ensure UKSPF can be successfully delivered following the recruitment outcome.