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.

Councillors S J Carr, G Marshall, R I Jackson and M Radulovic MBE declared a non-pecuniary interest in items 6 and 10 as all were members of Beeston Town Centre Board.  Minute numbers 30 and 34 refer.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 1 October 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 October 2020 were approved as a correct record.

5^th November 2020

DOMESTIC ABUSE POLICY

To consider the introduction of a new Domestic Abuse Policy to replace the Domestic Violence and Abuse Policy.

The Local Joint Consultative Committee is asked to RECOMMEND to the Policy and Performance Committee that the Domestic Abuse Policy be approved.

The Committee discussed the Domestic Abuse Policy, with a view to making some minor amendments to wording. 

RESOLVED that the Domestic Abuse Policy, with some minor amendments to wording, be approved.

To seek approval for the establishment of an Interim Vehicle, to be known as ‘EM Devco CLG’, to maintain progress prior to a Statutory Development Corporation being created by Parliament.

The Committee considered the creation of a company, also known as an interim vehicle, to unify the efforts of relevant local authorities in ambitious projects for the development of three major sites, namely Toton and Chilwell centred on the HS2 Hub, Ratcliffe on Soar power station and East Midlands Airport.  The Council would be a minority shareholder in the company, which would be a forerunner of the statutory Development Corporation to be created by Parliament.

There was concern that the funding was to come from reserves and that it could be wasted on the company, rather than invested in development.  It was noted that the annual business plan would have to have consensus from each of the participating local authorities.  Discussion progressed on to the difficulty for balancing the ability of the company to make decisions and the need for each local authority to have their views reflected in actions.  There was also concern about the lack of certainty around the HS2 project.

The debate progressed on to the possibility that planning powers would be transferred from the Council to the interim vehicle, meaning that the usual level of local accountability would be lost. 

The proposal to create a freeport at East Midlands Airport was discussed with particular reference to the need for high quality employment in unionised industries and the skills agenda.

It was proposed by Councillor M Radulovic MBE and seconded by Councillor G Marshall that the conditions of the recommendation to Council be amended to include the following:

e) that the Council will look to ensure that the freeport proposition and any development on the Ratcliffe on Soar site is consistent with the Council's net carbon zero climate change strategy ambitions and contribute to regional resilience and clean growth and that the ambition for the national skills academy in the Broxtowe area be further developed and strengthened.

On being put to the meeting the proposal was carried.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

1.         The proposal for the Council to join the interim vehicle and participate in its incorporation be approved.

2.         The Council enter into a proposed Members’ agreement and articles of association as outlined in appendix 2 (the final content of these documents being delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the three group leaders).

RECOMMENDED to the Finance and Resources Committee and Council that the expected financial contribution of £500,000 over three financial years funded from the Council’s general fund reserves, with the profile from 21/22, 22/23 and 23/24 to be confirmed, subject to the following conditions:

a)      That the funds will not be used in a manner which contravenes state aid rules,

b)      If the government decides not to financially contribute to the interim vehicle the Council, will reserve the right to review its financial commitment;

c)      If government policy changes so that the HS2 hub station does not come to Toton the Council, will reserve the right to review its position

d)      For consensus on a number of key points namely  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To update members on progress on The Square Phase 2 in Beeston.

The Committee noted the report and was updated on the progress of the project, which was on time and within budget in spite of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. 

RESOLVED to continue to delegate to the Deputy Chief Executive all key approvals, in consultation with the cross-party Project Board, and subject to the overall project cost remaining within the financial limits already set or subsequently changed by the Finance and Resources Committee and/or Full Council as appropriate.

The Committee noted reports on the Update on the Council’s COVID – 19 response and Implementation of Recovery the Plan, Review of Corporate Plan Progress and Financial Performance and the ICT Strategy 2017-2021 Review.

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

The Committee considered 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.

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 involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The appendix to the Beeston Town Centre Redevelopment report was noted.

RESOLVED that a payment of £4,300 be made.