Agenda and minutes

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 R D MacRae declared a registrable interest in item 15.3 as he was Chair of Stapleford Community Group.  Minute number 130.3 refers.

Councillor S J Carr, Councillor G Marshall and Councillor M Radulovic MBE, declared an other registrable interest in item 15.2 as they were members of the Town Centre Board.  Minute number 130.2 refers.

Councillor J W McGrath declared a registrable, personal interest in item 16.1 as a close relative was employed by Liberty Leisure.  Minute number 131.1 refers.

Cabinet is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2023

The minutes of the meeting on 7 February 2023 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.

The work programme for Scrutiny Reviews was noted.

To present the findings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Working Group’s review into Missed Bins.  This is in accordance with the Council’s corporate values of continuous improvement and delivering value for money.

Cabinet received the Scrutiny Review on Missed Bins.

          RESOLVED that the recommendations of the report be implemented.

Reason

This review was in accordance with the Council’s corporate values of continuous improvement and delivering value for money.

2 February 2023

Smoke Free Site Policy

The Joint Committee considered the Smoke Free Site Policy.

Debate focussed on whether there was evidence of harm to support e-cigarettes and vapes being included in the policy on the same level as conventional cigarettes.  

After discussion members of the Joint Committee agreed that evidence suggested that smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping all constituted the same thing and should be banned from Council sites and vehicles.

            RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that the Smoke Free Site Policy should include vaping and e-cigarettes.

2 February 2023

Smoke Free Site Policy

Cabinet considered the recommendations made to it by the Local Joint Consultative Committee.  This included an amendment to the Policy to include vaping and e-cigarettes.

          RESOLVED that the Smoke Free Site Policy, as amended, be approved.

Reason

To ensure that our employees are living out the GREAT values in particular, transparency, to ensure integrity and professional competence.

2 February 2023

Alcohol And Substance Misuse Policy

The Joint Committee considered the Alcohol and Substance Misuse policy. 

It was proposed by Councillor M Radulovic MBE and seconded by Councillor I Tyler that the policy be amended to apply the random drugs and alcohol testing to all employees of the Council and to emphasise support and assistance to those who have positive tests.  On being put to the meeting, the amendments were approved unanimously.

            RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that the Alcohol and Substance Misuse policy be approved including the amendments to apply the random drugs and alcohol testing to all employees of the Council and to emphasise support and assistance to those who have alcohol or drugs issues.

2 February 2023

Drugs and Alcohol Misuse Policy

Cabinet considered the recommendations made to it by the Local Joint Consultative Committee with specific regard to changes proposed to the Drugs and Alcohol Misuse Policy to include all employees in the scheme for random drugs testing.  The debate focussed on helping employees with addiction.

          RESOLVED that the Drugs and Alcohol Misuse Policy, as amended, be approved.

Reason

To ensure that our employees are living out the GREAT values in particular, transparency, to ensure integrity and professional competence.

To report the outcome of the LGA peer review in 2022 and ask Cabinet to approve an action plan in response.

Cabinet noted the Local Government Association (LGA) peer review report that had been written as a result of the evaluation that took place during the first week of December 2022.  It was considered that the positive findings of the review were a compliment to the hard work of officers and members.

The debate progressed on to the action plan to address the concerns raised by the review, though it was noted that the conclusions were mostly positive.

            RESOLVED that the proposed action plan in appendix 2, be approved.

Reasons

Allowing the Council to be scrutinised through a peer review and responding the conclusions reached as a part of that process was integral to a comprehensive governance system and ensured that the Council was effectively regulated, conformed to good practice in its decision making and that our residents could challenge us and become engaged in democracy, as per the Accountability promise in the Corporate Plan 2020 – 2024.

To seek approval for an updated rent setting policy.

Cabinet considered the updated Rent Setting Policy with specific reference to the changes that had been made regarding the use of Affordable Rent rather than Social Rent. 

It was noted with concern that previously, rent had been set at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%, but that the government had introduced a 7% cap for rent increases for the financial year 2023/24.

RESOLVED that the updated Rent Setting Policy be approved.

Reason

Since 1 April 2020 the Council was under a duty to set its rent in accordance with the Rent Standard 2020.

To seek approval for an updated Allocations Policy to reflect the Council’s approach to damp and mould.

Approval was sought for an update to the Allocations Policy that would reflect the Council’s approach to damp and mould.  Cabinet gave due consideration to the policy with the amendments and noted that a trusted assessor could be commissioned as part of the review of the policy in November 2023.

RESOLVED that the updated Allocations Policy be approved.

Reasons

This Policy pertained to the Corporate Plan Priority to provide a good quality home for everyone.

To seek approval for the amended Aids and Adaptations policy

Consideration was given to proposed amendments to the Aids and Adaptations policy.  Cabinet debated the changes.

          RESOLVED that the new Aids and Adaptations Policy be approved.

Reason

This Policy related to the Corporate Plan Priority to provide a good quality home for everyone.

To seek approval to increase the 2023/24 budget allocation for the park attendants.

Cabinet was asked to increase the 2023/24 budget allocation for the park attendants, in order to facilitate the provision of an attendant service in 2023/24.  It was noted that this was to cover an increase in contract costs.

RESOLVED that the revenue budget for the provision of the park attendant service is increased by £30,000, with the additional budget allocation required for this purpose being funded from General Fund reserves in 2023/24.

Reason

This would help the Council to achieve it’s Corporate Aim to protect the environment for the future by investing in parks and open spaces.

To seek approval for a Hate Crime Action Plan.

Cabinet considered the Hate Crime Action Plan.

RESOLVED that

1.    The Hate Crime Action Plan 2023-2026 be approved.

2.    The Cabinet Chair and the Community Safety Portfolio Holder sign the approved Hate Crime Pledge.

Reasons

The Hate Crime Action Plan related to Corporate Aim to make Broxtowe a safe place for everyone.

To seek approval for the renewal of the pre-existing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s) for alcohol control, vehicle control, dog control and footpath gating in order to continue helping to control issues of ASB in public spaces. 

Approval was sought for the renewal of the pre-existing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s) for alcohol control, vehicle control, dog control and footpath gating in order to continue helping to control issues of ASB in public spaces.

RESOLVED that;

1.   Beeston Town Centre Alcohol Control PSPO including extension

be approved.

2.   Beeston North Alcohol Control PSPO be approved.

3.   Stapleford Town Centre Alcohol Control PSPO be approved.

4.   Eastwood Town Centre Alcohol Control PSPO be approved.

5.   Kimberley Town Centre Alcohol Control PSPO be approved

6.   Manor Park Alcohol Control PSPO be approved

7.   Eastwood Vehicle Control PSPO be approved

8.   Chilwell Vehicle Control PSPO be approved

9.   Basil Russell Playing Fields Dog Control PSPO be approved

10. Malthouse Close to Knapp Avenue Footpath Gating PSPO be

      approved.

Reason

PSPOs related to the Corporate Aim to make Broxtowe a safe place for everyone by reducing antisocial behaviour.

To seek approval for the updated Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.

Cabinet considered the updated Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.  It was noted that members should always report any concerns regarding suspicious activity, as this could be an indication of serious and organised crime.

RESOLVED that the updated Serious and Organised Crime Strategy be approved.

Reasons

This strategy is part of making Broxtowe a safe place for everyone, as per the Corporate Aim.

To seek approval of the Broxtowe Crime Reduction Action Plan.

Cabinet considered the Crime Reduction Action Plan 2023 – 2024.

            RESOLVED that the Broxtowe Crime Reduction Action Plan 2023 -24 be approved.

Reason

This was to help to make Broxtowe a place safe for everyone by working in partnership with Police, Probation Services, Nottinghamshire County Council, schools and voluntary agencies across the county to develop a local action plan to reduce crime.

To ask Cabinet to consider making a two-year commitment to support an expansion of the Slavery Exploitation team, (SET) so that more work can be done in Broxtowe and across the county to tackle the problem of modern slavery.

Cabinet was asked to consider making a two-year commitment to support an expansion of the Slavery Exploitation team, (SET) so that more work could be done in Broxtowe and across the county to tackle the problem of modern slavery.

RESOLVED to support the expansion of the Slavery Exploitation team and to commit £12,711 in each of the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years to support this initiative. A budget allocation of £12,750 will be required for his purpose to be funded from General Fund reserves.

Reason

To pursue the Corporate Aim of making Broxtowe a safe place for everyone.

To provide an update on the progress of the Levelling Up Fund in the Borough with immediate considerations for the projects in Kimberley following the successful award of £16.5 million and to note the use of the Chief Executive’s Urgency Powers.

Members received an update on the progress of the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) in the Borough which included consideration of the projects in Kimberley following the successful award of £16.5 million and noted the exercise of the Chief Executive’s Urgency Powers, under the Constitution as set out in section 5 below, to provide an additional capital budget of £200,000 in the Capital Programme 2022/23 for the Kimberley Levelling-Up Fund – Bennerley Viaduct project, with funding being provided by central government grant due from the Levelling Up Fund.

            RESOLVED that the appointment of an additional Economic Development Officer to help with the additional work load and short timespan requirements of the award be approved. The appointment at Grade 7 is to be made on an initial six-month contract at a cost of £19,100 to be wholly funded by Levelling-Up Fund grant receipts from central government.

Reasons

The aim to invest in town centres and people was included in the Corporate Plan, with specific reference to undertaking town Investment schemes in Stapleford.

To enable Cabinet to see the proposed Legislation changes in respect of Council Tax Property Levy from 1 April 2024

Cabinet noted the proposed Legislation changes in respect of Council Tax Property Levy from 1 April 2024.

To seek approval for the creation of a new Senior Accountant (Capital and Projects) post within the Finance Services team to provide a dedicated support for the Council’s key strategic capital projects.

Cabinet was asked to consider the creation of a new Senior Accountant (Capital and Projects) post within the finance Services team to provide a dedicated support for the Council’s key strategic capital projects.

RESOLVED that a new Senior Accountant (Capital and Projects) post be approved at Grade 10 (subject to job evaluation) to be funded from a capital salaries recharge to the Capital Programme and phased reduction of the Finance Services agency budget.

Reason

This would support the Corporate Plan Aim to deliver continuous improvement and value for money.

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.

RESOLVED that the grants be made as follows:

Reason

The Council is 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 accordance with legislation and the Council’s Grant Aid Policy would ensure the Council’s compliance with its legal duties.

(Having declared a non registrable interest, Councillor M Radulovic MBE left the meeting for the duration of the vote on Eastwood People’s Initiative and did not vote thereon.  Councillor S J Carr, Vice Chair, took the Chair for this part of the item.)

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 included in the Capital Programme for the relevant years.

Cabinet was asked to approve Section 106 (S106) open space contributions to be used to fund improvements to the parks and open spaces and for the capital schemes to be included in the Capital Programme for the relevant years.

RESOLVED that the scheme for Parks and Open Space improvements at Beauvale Park in Newthorpe be added to the Capital Programme 2023/24, at a cost of £28,750, to be funded by an allocation from the respective Section 106 contributions.

Reasons

This will help to protect the environment for the future, as per our Corporate Aims, specifically by investing in our parks and open spaces.

(Having left the meeting for the duration of the item, Councillor M Radulovic MBE did not vote thereon.  Councillor S J Carr, Vice Chair, took the Chair for this item.)

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 included in the Capital Programme for the relevant years.

Cabinet was asked to approve Section 106 (S106) open space contributions to be used to fund improvements to the parks and open spaces and for the capital schemes to be included in the Capital Programme for the relevant years.  There was a discussion about skate parks.

RESOLVED that the schemes for Parks and Open Spaces improvements at Long Lane Recreation Ground in Attenborough and; Hickings Lane Recreation Ground in Stapleford; be added to the Capital Programme 2023/24, at a combined cost of £50,050, to be funded by an allocation from the respective Section 106 contributions.

Reasons

This was in pursuit of the Corporate Plan Aim to protect the environment for the future, specifically by investing in our parks and open spaces. 

To seek approval for revisions to the 2022/23 and 2023/24 capital programme specifically relating to the new build programme for 79 new homes on Council owned land and increased scheme costs. To seek approval to proceed into contract at the Inham Nook pub site. To approve a variation to the agreed payback period for the Council’s proposed purchase of the 26 affordable homes at the Field Farm, Stapleford site.

Cabinet was asked to approve revisions to the 2023/24 and 2024/25 capital programme specifically relating to the new build programme for 79 new homes on Council owned land and increased scheme costs, to seek approval to proceed into contract at the Inham Nook pub site, and to approve a variation to the Council’s proposed purchase of the 26 affordable homes at the Field Farm, Stapleford site.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The revisions to the Capital Programme in 2023/24 and 2024/25 for the housing new build schemes at the Chilwell and Watnall garage sites and the Inham Nook site, as set out in the confidential appendix, be approved.

2.     The revisions to the Capital Programme in 2023/24 and 2024/25 for the housing new build schemes at the Bramcote Crematorium site, as set out in the confidential appendix, be approved subject to confirmation from the Council’s external accountant that the scheme can be accommodated within the HRA Business Plan,

3.     The increase in overall scheme costs, as set out in the confidential appendix, be approved.

4.     Delegated authority be made to the Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leaders of the Council, the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Personnel Policy, to allocate additional funding for these schemes using the Section 106 commuted sum budget and additional prudential borrowing.

5.     Delegated authority be made to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Personnel Policy, for all key approvals relating to the assessment of tender returns for the main construction contract, including qualitative criteria and the subsequent award of the building contracts for the redevelopment of the Inham Nook site.

6.     The Council proceeds with charging social rents at the Field Farm, Stapleford site, as required by the Section 106 agreement.

Reasons

This pertained to the Corporate Plan Aim to provide a good 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.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme

          RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved.

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 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.

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.

The confidential appendix was noted.

RESOLVED that the proposed letting to a Special Purpose Vehicle be approved in principle, subject to final negotiations to include a rent guarantee, subject to contract, lease and due diligence.

RESOLVED that the Community Group be granted a licence to occupy the Council’s premises at Montrose Court for an initial period of 11 months and 29 days, subject to contract and formal licence.

(Having declared a registrable interest Councillor R D MacRae left the meeting for the duration of the item and did not vote thereon.)

RESOLVED that:

1.    A further report is brought back to Cabinet (June 2023) with the output from the financial due diligence report provided by Grant Thornton (approved at Feb 2023 Cabinet), the RIBA1 report and specification for the new replacement Bramcote Leisure Centre, using new methods of construction, and with details of the proposed phased delivery.

2.    The cost of £24,670 to cover the RIBA1 scope of works for the new leisure centre, to be provided by ReCreation (see Appendix 1) be approved, funded from General Fund Reserves.

3.    The Council works in partnership with LLeisure Ltd and Chilwell School in developing leisure options, for consideration by the Cabinet and Department for Education as part of the new-build proposals for Chilwell School.

(Having declared a non registrable interest, Councillor J W McGrath left the meeting for the duration of the item and did not vote thereon.)