Agenda and draft minutes

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

Apologoes for absence were received from Councillors R D MacRae and J W McGrath.

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

Further information can be found at: Member Code of Conduct of Broxtowe Borough Council

There were no declarations of interest.

Cabinet is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2026 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.

To provide Members with an update on the ongoing preparatory work being undertaken across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in relation to Local Government Reorganisation.

Cabinet noted the update on the Local Government Reorganisation. It was stated that internal meetings would include other group leaders.

Following the recent appointment of the permanent Chief Executive and the interim Directors, this report recommends the current interim management structure being made permanent. 

Following the recent appointment of the permanent Chief Executive and the interim Directors, this report recommended the current interim management structure being made permanent. The report also recommended the next steps in appointing permanently to the four interim Chief Officer posts. Cabinet noted the use of the Chief Executive’s delegation powers to re-allocate the delegated powers to the newly appointed interim Directors.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The permanent senior management structure, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved.

2.       The Chief Executive’s recommendation to convene a Chief Officers’ Appointment Committee to agree the process for making permanent appointments to the four interim Chief Officer posts be approved.

Reason

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

To present the Business Plan Performance Report for 2025/26 detailing progress against all the outcome targets linked to the Corporate Plan priorities and objectives.

Cabinet noted a report which outlined progress against outcome targets linked to Corporate Plan priorities and received an update as to the latest financial performance as measured against the budget.  Areas of concern were highlighted, and it was stated that there were ambitious targets within the report.

To report on the revenue and capital outturn position for 2025/26, provide an update on progress with the preparation of the draft annual Statement of Accounts for 2025/26 and approve the revenue and capital carry forward requests to the 2026/27 financial year. This is in accordance with all of the Council’s objectives and key priorities.

Cabinet was updated on the revenue and capital outturn position for 2025/26 and provided with an update on progress with the preparation of the draft annual statement of accounts for 2025/26.

The accounts for 2025/26 had been finalised, subject to audit, and showed an underspending on the General Fund revenue account of £2.506m and an overspend on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) of £276k when compared to the revised estimates. There was praise for the officers who had prepared the report and it was highlighted that these were difficult times for local government finances.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The accounts summary for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, subject to audit, be approved.

2.       The revenue budget carry forward requests outlined in the report be approved and included as supplementary revenue estimates in the 2026/27 budget.

3.       The capital budget carry forward requests outlined in the report be approved and included as supplementary capital estimates in the 2026/27 budget.

Reason

To be accountable for all activities and actions and to ensure that the Council conforms to all financial regulations. The report summarises the Council’s finances at the end of each financial year.

To inform Members of the treasury management activity and the actual prudential indicators for 2025/26. This is in accordance with all the Council’s objectives and key priorities.

Cabinet noted the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026. The report met the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.  The Council was required to comply with both Codes through regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003.

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

Cabinet considered a request for grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy.

RESOLVED that The Pythian Club be awarded £1,500.

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.

To approve adoption of the Sexual Harassment Policy.

A new Sexual Harassment Policy had been introduced as a result of The Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act. This Act placed a legal duty for employers to proactively take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Under the new Act, organisations were required not only to respond to incidents of harassment but to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.

RESOLVED that the new Sexual Harassment Policy be approved.

Reason

The policy has been updated in line with ACAS best practice and where relevant legal/statutory requirements.

To present Cabinet with the amended Employee Domestic Abuse Policy and ask that Cabinet resolve to approve its adoption.

Members were informed that the Policy clarifies who falls within its remit and the definition of Domestic Abuse had been tightened to align with legislation. Additional employee support was outlined, such as Occupational Health and the Council’s Employee Assistance Programme. Detailed recording had been tightened and home safety is now reference.

RESOLVED that the Employee Domestic Abuse Policy be approved.

Reason

There are a number of legislative requirements placed on the Council both as a local authority and employer to meet various safeguarding obligations. This policy and its implementation will assist the Council in approaching its safeguarding obligations towards its employees in relation to domestic violence.

To seek Cabinet approval for the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Policy and to inform Members that none of the RIPA powers have been used in 2025. 

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval for the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Policy and informed Members that none of the RIPA powers have been used in 2025. The RIPA Policy document should be reviewed at least once a year by Members to ensure it remains fit for purpose.

RESOLVED that the Policy for ensuring compliance with RIPA is appropriate and remains fit for purpose and notes that there has been no use of the RIPA powers in 2025.

Reason

This relates to the Council’s Corporate Plan Priority for the Community Safety priority: to make Broxtowe a safe place for everyone.

To provide Cabinet with an update on the Housing Service Improvement Plan following the recent judgement from the Regulator of Social Housing.

The Council continued to implement actions within the refreshed Housing and

Asset Management Service Improvement Plan following the inspection from the Regulator for Social Housing in October 2025. Progress continued to be

made to meet the Regulator requirements and improve service delivery. Cabinet noted the report and the key activities aligned to the revised Housing Service Improvement Plan.

To obtain feedback on the updated Allocations Policy.

The Allocations Policy sett out who could apply for social housing; how priority was given to different applicants; and how the housing register was maintained. The draft Allocations Policy was considered by the Tenants Influence Panel, and a workshop held with Housing employees who used the Policy prior to being submitted to the Policy Overview Working Group for consideration.

RESOLVED that the updated Allocations Policy be approved.

Reason

This ensures there is a robust structure in place for the allocation of social housing.

To update Members on the Bramcote Quarry consultation results and to seek agreement on the proposed name for the site.

In July 2025, Broxtowe Borough Council formally adopted the former Biffa sand quarry and landfill site at Bramcote. The site now formed an important area of young woodland, grassland and biodiversity?rich habitats, located alongside an established residential community. With funding secured for improvement works, the Council had begun to implement initial enhancements, including measures to improve site accessibility, and was progressing the statutory process to designate the area as a Local Nature Reserve. Members received an update on the Bramcote Quarry consultation results and to seek agreement on the proposed name for the site.

RESOLVED that the site be named the Bramcote Quarry Nature Reserve.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate priority to protect the environment for future generations

To approve the proposed extension to the D. H. Lawrence walking route to incorporate key green spaces and wider mining heritage in the north of the Borough.

The Council was proposing the development of an enhanced D.H. Lawrence walking route to strengthen connectivity between key heritage assets and green infrastructure across the Borough. The proposal builds on the existing D.H. Lawrence Walk, which currently provided a circular route centred on Eastwood and incorporates several important literary and historic locations, including the Birthplace Museum, Beauvale School and Colliers Wood.

RESOLVED that the proposed D.H. Lawrence walking route be approved, with an additional budget of £5,000 being provided for this purpose to be funded from available General Fund Revenue Contingency in 2026/27.

Reason

This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate priority to protect the environment for future generations.

To provide Members with an update on pesticide usage across the Borough and to seek approval to implement a targeted trial of reduced pesticide use, including alternative management approaches, within selected parks and open spaces.

Members received an update on pesticide usage across the Borough and to seek approval to implement a targeted trial of reduced pesticide use, including alternative management approaches, within selected parks and open spaces.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The development of a Pesticide Usage Policy be approved.

2.       The implementation of a trial to cease pesticide use in selected parks and open spaces be approved.

Reasons

1.     Council will develop a formal Pesticide Usage Policy, setting out a clear framework for the use, reduction and management of pesticides across all service areas.

2.     To inform the development of this policy and provide an evidence base for future decision-making, it is proposed to introduce a targeted trial of reduced pesticide use. The trial will apply across selected Council-managed parks and open spaces, with particular emphasis on high-use areas, including major parks and those with children’s play facilities.

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 it was stated that the next meeting would receive a report to consider the Housing New Build Programme. Furthermore, it was stated that the Hate Crime Strategy would be submitted to a later meeting of the Cabinet.

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

Reason

The items included in the Work Programme will help to achieve the Council’s key priorities and associated objectives.

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 1, 2 & 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The proposed new structure for the Housing Repairs and Compliance service, as outlined in the report, be approved.

2.     The proposed establishment changes include the redesignation of the Repairs and Compliance Manager to the Head of Repairs and Compliance; the creation of two Compliance Assurance Officer posts and a Compliance Co-ordinator post; the deletion of the Disrepair Inspector post and two Multi-Skilled Operatives posts; and the regrade of the Customer Services Manager and the Compliance Manager in line with the outcome of job evaluation.

3.     The overall net increase in costs, which is partially offset by removing a temporary interim role within the Capital Works team, will be met by the Housing Revenue Account, either directly or, where appropriate, capitalised through a recharge to the Capital Programme.

Reason

This will ensure that compliance is effectively managed and regulatory requirements are met.

RESOLVED that:

1.               The establishment structure changes to the Planning department, as set out, which includes the creation of a new Senior Planning Officer (Local Plan) post and a new GIS and Planning Policy Assistant post, be approved.

2.               The establishment structure changes to Economic Development department, as set out, which include the appointment of a new permanent Economic Development Delivery Manager from April 2027, be approved.

3.               The overall net increase in costs be met from earmarked external grant funding received, with the balance being funded from General Fund Reserves, utilising previously recognised savings from updated senior management arrangements.

Reason

This will provide resources required for both Planning and Economic Development over the next two years.

RESOLVED that the establishment structure changes to the Environment department, as set out, which includes the creation of a new Grounds Maintenance Senior Team Leade, a new Tree Inspector and a new Waste and Recycling Projects Officer, be approved. The overall net increase in costs will be met from earmarked Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding, with any remaining balance funded from General Fund reserves, utilising previously identified savings from the revised senior management arrangements. The cost associated with the additional Tree Inspector post will be met separately through a virement of the existing tree survey revenue budget, which is already in place. This will be transferred into the establishment budget.

Reason

This will support the delivery of key environmental projects and waste service priorities.

RESOLVED that an additional permanent Private Sector Housing Officer post at Grade 10 be approved, with the cost in the first year being fully met from an allocation of New Burdens Funding.

Reason

It is suggested that there should be a minimum of one Private Sector Housing Enforcement Officer per 800 private rented properties. This will provide additional officer resources are required for House in Multiple Occupation licensing, Disabled Facilities Grants, resettlement scheme inspections and empty homes.

RESOLVED that the proposed water supply works at the Factory Lane Industrial Estate be approved and that the cost of up to £23,100 be added to the Capital Programme and funded from General Fund Capital Contingencies in 2026/27.

Reason

This will create the required budgetary provision to carry out works at Factory Lane Industrial Estate in Chilwell.

RESOLVED that a budget for works relating to site and equipment security at the Viaduct Enterprise Park be approved, with the budget for the combined cost of £52,000 being added to the Capital Programme 2026/27 and funded from prudential borrowing.

Reason

This will provide the capital budget for site and equipment security works at the new Viaduct Enterprise Park.