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.

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

Councillor M Radulovic MBE declared an non-registerable interest in item 6.7 as he is a member of Eastwood Town Council, minute number 64.7 refers.

Councillors S Paterson and M Radulovic MBE, declared other-registerable interests in agenda item 6.8 for their roles with The Helpful Bureau and Eastwood People’s Initiative respectively, minute number 64.8 refers.

Councillors R D MacRae, J W McGrath and S Paterson declared non-registerable interests in item 7.1 as members of the Stapleford Town Board, minute number 65.1 refers.

Councillor J W McGrath declared a non-disclosable pecuniary interest in item 7.2 due to a family member being employed by Liberty Leisure Ltd, minute number 65.2 refers.

Cabinet is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 29 September 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 September 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.

24 September 2026

Spotlight Review: Lime Bikes

The Committee considered the operation of the Lime shared e-bike scheme within Broxtowe Borough.

The Lime Bikes scheme is currently operating within Broxtowe Borough under an informal pilot arrangement that was initially supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Panel and subsequently received Cabinet approval in January 2025.

The spotlight review was held on 7 August 2026 and included representatives from Lime Bikes, Broxtowe Borough Council’s Economic Development team, elected Members and members of the public.

The review considered the impact of the scheme on residents, public spaces, transport connectivity, health outcomes and environmental objectives. Alongside concerns relating to parking, enforcement and accountability of the individual organisations.

RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that:

1. Consider the introduction of an end date for the informal service trial currently underway with Lime as 31 December 2026 and conduct a consultation prior to the award of any new contract with terms that are not at a detriment to Broxtowe Borough Council.

2. Physical corrals should be used instead of digital corrals or painted lines on the ground, where possible, and boundaries tightly managed. Councillors should have input as to where the corrals are placed.

3. To introduce a system, potentially managed by WISE, by which Broxtowe Borough Council issues fines to Lime for the collection of poorly parked or dumped bikes, as have other authorities around the country and learn from areas that have operated the system successfully.

4. Ask that Lime consider their ability to implement temporary parking bays and increases in patrols surrounding events where higher foot traffic is suspected.

5. Direct the Economic Development team to investigate the provision of further Lime parking bays to aid better parking and help reduce the number of poorly parked bikes, and to discover what additional infrastructure would be put in place should the trial period be judged as successful.

Cabinet considered the operation of the Lime shared e-bike scheme within Broxtowe Borough, following consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee after concerns were raised by residents and stakeholders.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The introduction of an end date for the informal service trial currently underway with Lime as 31 December 2026 and conduct a consultation prior to the award of any new contract with terms that are not at a detriment to Broxtowe Borough Council, be approved.

2.       The physical corrals should be used instead of digital corrals or painted lines on the ground, where possible, and boundaries tightly managed. Councillors should have input as to where the corrals are placed.

3.       The introduction of a system, potentially managed by WISE, by which Broxtowe Borough Council issues fines to Lime for the collection of poorly parked or dumped bikes, as other authorities around the country have been considered, and to learn from areas that have operated the system successfully and include a single point of contact at the Council.

4.       To request that Lime consider their ability to implement temporary parking bays and increases in patrols surrounding events where higher foot traffic is suspected.

5.       To direct the Economic Development team to investigate the provision of further Lime parking bays to aid better parking and help reduce the number of poorly parked bikes, and to discover what additional infrastructure would be put in place should the trial period be judged as successful.

Reasons

The resolutions would enable the Council to engage with Lime and provide a more productive experience for residents.

To provide Members with an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Cabinet noted the update on the Local Government Reorganisation and were informed that the Government announced that a pause had been placed on the implementation of the LGR while it undertook a wider review of the LGR programme.

Members stated that the pause created further concern and uncertainty for communities, and it was important to ensure that the opposition to the current terms continues. It was further stated that the Council would not ‘sleepwalk’ into partaking in the reorganisation. It was reiterated that the Council did not oppose LGR, but the opposition was to the current terms.

To seek approval for the proposed Communications and Engagement Strategy 2026-28.

Over the last three years, communications and engagement activity had played an increasingly important role in supporting the Council’s priorities, strengthening relationships with residents, partners, employees and elected members, and ensuring that communities were informed, involved and able to influence decisions that affect them.

RESOLVED that the Communications and Engagement Strategy be approved.

Reason

The strategy will support the Council’s engagement with a wide range of stakeholders including residents, employees, Elected Members, community and voluntary groups, partners and other stakeholders.

To provide detailed analysis of workforce and applicant data relating to a number of key reporting areas. This is in accordance with all the Council’s key priorities.

Members noted the Workforce Profile 2025/26.

This report presents an update on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and highlights progress with 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 2027/28 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.

This report presents an update on the newly developed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Medium Term Financial Strategy and to highlight the key actions that will be necessary to improve the HRA financial position back above the minimum recommended level.  This is in accordance with the Council’s key priority of Housing – a good quality home for everyone.

Cabinet noted the Housing Revenue Account Medium Term Financial Strategy and the associated budget action plan.

To provide Members with the mid-year update on Treasury Management activity and the Prudential Indicators for 2026/27.

Regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003 require the Council to fulfil the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities when undertaking its treasury management activities. As well as the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators annual report that is presented to Cabinet in July each year, there is a regulatory requirement for Members to at least receive a mid-year review. Cabinet noted the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators 2026/27 Mid-year Report.

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

Cabinet considered requests for grant assistance within the protocol for the consideration of grant aid to Parish and Town Councils. Eastwood Town Council had requested up to £2,458 towards the cost of its Remembrance Sunday Event and up to £323 towards the cost for specialist cleaning of the memorial and surrounding stone areas on Plumptre Way.

RESOLVED that the grant aid requests from Eastwood Town Council for up to £2,458 for its Remembrance Sunday Event 2026 and for up to £323 for repairs to soldiers’ names on the memorial on Plumptre Way, Eastwood.

Reason

Consideration was given in respect of awarding grants. 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 requests were in line with the current Corporate Plan aims for supporting people to live well and provide a safe place for everyone.

(Councillor M Radulovic MBE, having declared other-registerable interests, left the meeting without voting or discussion thereon. Councillor G Marshall took the chair for the item.)

(Having declared an other-registerable interest Councillor M Radulovic MBE, left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon. Councillor G Marshall took the Chair for the item.)

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

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

RESOLVED that:

1. The Grant Aid requests be granted as follows:

2.     An additional sum of £40,000 be added to the Grant Aid budget for 2026/27, to be funded by the General Fund Reserves.

Reason

Consideration was given in respect of awarding grants. 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 requests were in line with the current Corporate Plan aims for supporting people to live well and provide a safe place for everyone.

(Councillors S Paterson and M Radulovic MBE, having declared other-registerable interests, left the meeting without voting or discussion thereon on the items for The Helpful Bureau and Eastwood People’s Initiative respectively. Councillor G Marshall took the chair for the item considering Eastwood People’s Initiative.)

To update Cabinet on the progress of economic development and regeneration and to approve a decision.

During the introduction of the item, Councillor M Radulovic MBE proposed a vote of thanks for the work undertaken by the Housing Policy Team for their work on the Toton appeal. This was seconded by Councillor G Marshall and, on bing put to the meeting, was carried.

Members were updated on the progress of economic development and regeneration projects and to approve several decisions relating to car parking provision in Stapleford associated with the new Pencil Works.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The positioning of an LED screen in The Square, Beeston on the roof of the former Argos building and the framework for conditions of use in be approved.

2.       The concept for the rapid delivery of phase 1 of the Bramcote Hills Park visitor facilities, which could be delivered through Stapleford Town Deal funding, be approved.

3.       To give in principle permission for the Council, as the accountable body for the Stapleford Town Deal, to progress lease and licence agreements with the Stapleford and Bramcote Conservative Club for the provision of an alternative car park for the Pencil Works Enterprise Hub.

4.       Subject to the above point, or a satisfactory alternative solution being achieved, to approve that the Victoria Street, Car Park be retained as a public car park instead of becoming a privately managed car park as part of the Pencil Works Enterprise Hub.

5.       A contingent liability for up to 50% of the costs of re-introducing public car parking be set from the 2027/28 budget.

Reason

The Economic Development and Regeneration service is in a period of transition. This has seen the continued build out of externally funded capital projects, the conclusion of the last elements of UKSPF and the re-introduction of some core ‘business as usual’ work.

To provide members with information relating to a structural survey undertaken at Bramcote leisure centre and the remedial works identified.

A structural survey had been undertaken at Bramcote Leisure Centre highlighted some serious failings within the concrete pillars on the south-west face of the building. As part of the repairs that are required, it was noted that there was a complete failure of the internal rainwater pipe from the swimming pool roof. The two options to resolve this would be an extensive and costly lining process with risk of asbestos complications or the chosen option to divert all rainwater to new external pipework into the existing drains. This will involve 7nr scaffold towers to be erected to carry out the roofing works and rainwater diversion to enable the necessary structural repairs.

RESOLVED that the additional funds required to maintain the existing Bramcote Leisure Centre asset be approved and to establish any further remedial works required.

Reason

The works ensured compliance with all applicable health and safety legislation as well as for the protection of employees and the public.

(Having declared a non-registerable interest, Councillor J W McGrath left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)

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

Cabinet noted the report and the key activities aligned to the revised Housing Service Improvement Plan and was presented with an update on the newly developed Housing Revenue Account Medium Term Financial Strategy which highlighted the key actions that would be necessary to improve the HRA financial position back above the minimum recommended level.

To seek approval for two new policies relating to temporary accommodation.

In December 2025, the Government published a new homelessness Strategy, A National Plan to End Homelessness’. There are several new requirements for the Council under this strategy, including creation of two policies in relation to temporary accommodation. There are two separate policies, one regarding placements and one regarding charging as required. The Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy explains how the Council allocates, manages and assesses the suitability of temporary accommodation provided under its homelessness duties and powers contained within Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.

RESOLVED that the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy and the Temporary Accommodation Charging Policy, be approved.

Reason

Relevant legislation and case law is outlined in the policies.

To seek approval for the proposed Cultural Strategy 2026-2028.

Cabinet was informed that over the last three years, cultural activity in Broxtowe had continued to offer opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect, express themselves and take part in cultural life, through events and activities across the Borough. The Cultural Strategy 2026-2028 sets to build on these achievements, continuing to work collaboratively with partners, organisations and residents to ensure that culture continues to thrive in Broxtowe.

RESOLVED that the Cultural Strategy be approved.

Reason

The Strategy has also been developed with an awareness of the forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation across Nottinghamshire, ensuring that culture and heritage remain well positioned to adapt to future governance arrangements.

To put forward proposals for the Council’s Events Programme for 2027/28.

Cabinet considered The Events Programme for 2026/27 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.

RESOLVED that the Council’s Events Programme be approved.

Reason

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

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 considered the Work Programme, including potential key decisions that would help to achieve the Council’s key priorities and associated documents.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, including key decisions, 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 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.

Cabinet noted the Housing Delivery Update.