Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors T A Cullen and H Skinner.

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 Tuesday, 16 December 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 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.

Members were informed of the matters proposed for and undergoing scrutiny.

To report the results of the recent 2026/27 budget consultation exercise. This is in accordance with all of the Council’s Corporate Priorities.

Cabinet noted the results of the 2026/27 budget consultation exercise that took place during 2025. It was stated that it was important that the Council demonstrated that it listened to residents. There was evidence that the Council maintained services in addition to enhancing elements that it delivered. The Council would continue to make the improvements that were a result of listening to residents.

To provide Members with the mid-year update on Treasury Management activity and the Prudential Indicators for 2025/26.

Members noted the mid-year update on the treasury management activity and the prudential indicators for 2025/26. Details of all borrowing and investment transactions undertaken in 2025/26 up to 30 September 2025 had been provided. There had been no issues of non-compliance with the current practices that required reporting. It was confirmed that decisions taken had not exposed the Council to risk and that policy would continue.

Cabinet is asked to note the Infrastructure Funding Statement 2024-2025.

Cabinet noted the Infrastructure Funding Statement 2024/25. The report provided information on the monetary (and non-monetary) contributions sought and received from developers for the provision of infrastructure to support development in Broxtowe, and the subsequent use of those contributions by the Council. The report covered the financial year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. It was stated that the Council would support a move to the Community Infrastructure Levy rather that the system of Section 106 contributions as a change in system would provide more flexibility.

To update Members on the results of the 2025 Parks Standard consultation. This is in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priority for Environment – 'Protect the environment for the future'.

Cabinet noted the progress to date and the results of the 2025 parks consultation. Members were informed that the Council was in the process of refreshing its Play Strategy into a broader Play and Parks Strategy. A consultant had been identified to undertake this work, and procurement details were being considered. Officers would return to Cabinet to seek approval to undertake a public consultation on the refreshed Strategy and then ultimately, its adoption. It was anticipated that this piece of work would be finalised and returned to Cabinet for adoption in autumn 2026. The refreshed Strategy would also inform a wider Pride in Parks programme, aligning asset management inspections to prioritise necessary works such as paths, fences, gates, and seating, which were not included in the current Play Strategy and therefore received less focused investment.

To seek approval for Section 106 open space contributions to be used to fund improvements to the parks and open spaces and for the capital schemes to be include in the capital programme for the relevant year/s.

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval for Section 106 contributions to be used to fund improvements to Parks and Open Spaces for the capital schemes to be included in the capital programme for the relevant years. Section 106 developer contribution funds had been received in relation to the land at Halls Lane, Giltbrook.

RESOLVED that the parks and open spaces improvement scheme for Smithurst Road Open Space and Local Nature Reserve in Giltbrook be approved and added to the Capital Programme for 2025/26 with the cost of £141,700 being funded by an allocation from Section 106 contributions.

Reason

Once completed, these improvements will enhance the Borough’s open spaces and play areas for all users and support the priorities set out in the Play Strategy.

To seek approval for the deletion of T20, Sign Fabricator, Painter and Decorator post and the creation of a new Senior Environmental Development Officer position within the Parks and Open Spaces team.

Approval was sought for the creation of a new Senior Environmental Development Officer position within the Parks and Open Spaces team and for the deletion of the Sign Fabricator, Painter and Decorator post. The Sign Fabricator, Painter and Decorator position had been vacant since June 2024. While a potential restructure was considered at that time, the team had managed the workload and found it more cost-effective to outsource sign fabrication to external contractors rather than retain the role in-house. Since then, the duties previously undertaken by this post had been absorbed by the two Environmental Development Officers and the Conservation and Green Spaces Development Manager, supplemented by external contractors where necessary.

RESOLVED that the creation of a new Senior Environmental Development Officer post, at a projected Grade 9, be approved. The new post would be partially funded by the deletion of the Sign Fabricator, Painter and Decorator post (T20) from the establishment, with the net cost of up to £22,650 being met from the General Fund Reserve balances.

Resolved

This new position will provide the necessary capacity and expertise to support delivery of the Council’s environmental and climate objectives.

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.