Decisions

It was noted that the report on the assessment of the local economic landscape post COVID-19, due to go to Committee on 2 September 2021, would include figures on footfall on the Borough’s high streets.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved.

RESOLVED 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 involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The minutes of the meeting on 25 March were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Committee noted the progress made in achieving the Business Plan for Business Growth and the outturn performance indicators for 2020/2021.

The Committee noted the Update on Key Sites.  It was agreed that the Beeston Town Centre residential development should be added to the report.

The Committee discussed the Toton and Chetwynd Barracks Strategic Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document, with particular reference to concerns about the bus plug on the Bessell Lane access to the HS2 site.

The debate centred on trying to balance the concerns of the Committee regarding the access on Bessell Lane, whilst not inhibiting the progress of the document which was essential to attracting major investment and development to the area.

It was proposed by Councillor T Hallam and seconded by Councillor L A Lally that an amendment be made to the wording of the resolution as follows;

that delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Chair of the Jobs and Economy Committee to finalise the material, including amendments to the wording in relation to access to the development at Bessell Lane, and arrangements for consultation be approved. 

On being put to the meeting the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that:

1.  The Toton and Chetwynd Barracks Strategic Masterplan Supplementary Planning   Document (as included as appendix 1) for public consultation be approved.

2.  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Chair of the Jobs and Economy Committee to finalise the material, including amendments to the wording in relation to access to the development at Bessell Lane, and arrangements for consultation be approved.

The Committee considered the update on the Eastwood Jobs Club and the potential for holding other jobs clubs in the Borough.

It was noted that support could be given to organisations already providing jobs clubs in the area and that access to computers was essential, as one of the main barriers to work was online application processes.  It was suggested that Parish and Town Councils may be able to offer accommodation to jobs clubs. 

Debate progressed on to the need for Jobs Fairs and it was considered that these could be a good way of connecting employers with new recruits to fill vacancies in the hospitality sector. 

RESOLVED that a second jobs club be approved in the area with the highest need identified following the ending of COVID -19 restrictions.

The Committee was updated on the Welcome Back Fund, which was to be used by Councils to encourage visitors to high streets following the lifting of restrictions I place to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was noted that part of the funding was to be used to continue the role of the COVID-19 Marshals, so that they could continue to offer advice and support to the community throughout re-opening and if restrictions were re-imposed. 

It was proposed by Councillor T Hallam and seconded by Councillor L A Lally that a vote of thanks be given to the COVID-19 Marshals.  On being put to the meeting the motion was carried.

The debate continued to include the suggestions of free parking, reservations regarding encouraging gatherings of people, the establishment of a COVID-19 accreditation scheme and the provision of more welcoming signage in town centres. 

The Committee noted that the Welcome Back Fund had to be spent on high street businesses and that the purpose of it was to attract visitors to town centres.  It was further stated that events that had been cancelled because of the pandemic could not be supported by the fund, which was for new, one off events that would not normally happen. 

RESOLVED that a vote of thanks be given to the COVID-19 Marshals in recognition of their hard work and dedication. 

RESOLVED that support be given to the Welcome Back Fund as highlighted in the report.

The Committee considered the opportunities that were currently available to them for their input into the creation of planning policy documents, as well as a proposed task and finish group that could look at drafts of specific documents prior to their submission to Committee.

It was requested that a work item on Section 106 monies be added to the work programme for the task and finish group. 

RESOLVED that when appropriate, decisions on membership and frequency of meetings for the task and finish group be approved.

The Committee noted the report.

Committee noted the progress against outcome targets identified in the Health Business Plan, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives, and was provided an update as to the latest key performance indicators therein.

A vote of thanks was given to Councillor J C Patrick for all her work helping the community with Dementia. Councillor J C Patrick had stood down from her role at the Memory Café.

Committee noted the progress against outcome targets identifies in the Liberty Leisure Limited Business Plan for 2021-2024, linked to Corporate Plan Priorities and objectives, and was provided with an update as the latest key performance indicators therein.

Members considered the work programme and agreed to add a report on Play Days to the next meeting.

RESOLVED that the work programme, with the additional item of Play Days be approved.

Members were updated on the progress of the development of three Food Clubs in the Borough.

Nottinghamshire County Council was currently working with Family Action to deliver 30 Food Clubs across Nottinghamshire by the end of the financial year.

 In Broxtowe the plan was for three Food Clubs to be located at Eastwood Children’s Centre, Beeston North Children’s Centre and Chilwell Children’s Centre. Eastwood had been opened since 22 July with Beeston opened from 9 November. Chilwell Food Club was planned for January 2022. However, this may be delayed due to capacity issues at the Centre.

Councillors received an update on the progress of agreements for the conversion of the Attenborough Colts FC changing and storage rooms into a small bistro, with the provision of a new changing room facility for the Colts FC. There was some concern regarding the on-street parking.

Members considered the updated Corporate Debt Policy. It was important that the debts were managed and recovered in a consistent manner to ensure fairness and equality for those required to pay the Council for services.

The policy had been updated to include the level of involvement to Legal Services and the referral to Legal with cumulative debts over £1200 when all recovery options had been exhausted.

A query was raised if the Council could be more proactive and if early intervention could help to reduce the debt. However, it was acknowledged that business rates could take a significant amount of time to recover and this policy would help to target debt as quickly as possible.

RESOLVED that the implementation of the updated Corporate Debt Policy be approved.

Members were updated with the progress on the Square Phase 2 in Beeston.

Lettings and leases had been agreed for units 2,3 and 6 all of which were expected to be trading by January 2022. This was a little later than expected due to tenants focussing on rebuilding their existing businesses following COVID-19 restrictions and shortages of key materials across the construction industry.

The Cross party project board had received a presentation of options for refreshing and re-modelling the Argos block that had become vacant. Preferred options would be developed to prepare for a planning application and pre tender costs.

Councillors noted the report and further verbal updates that were provided at the meeting.

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 the progress against outcome targets linked to the Corporate Plan priorities and objectives and were updated as to the latest financial performance as measured against the budget.

The Committee considered the work programme.

RESOLVED that the work programme be approved with the additional item of Kimberley Leisure Centre to be added.

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 minutes of the meeting held on 1 July were approved and signed as a correct record.

The Committee were advised of the submission of an application to sign up to the Public Health England’s Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health for all.

The Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health for All is Public Health England’s prevention and promotion framework for better mental health designed for local systems. It was launched in 2017 and had been reviewed and relaunched.

Pre-COVID-19, mental health problems were responsible for over a fifth of the ‘burden of disease’ in England costing over £105 billion. This burden had increased due to the impact of COVID -19 and was expected to increase still with the long term impacts of financial insecurity, widening inequalities, poverty, loneliness and deterioration in mental health problems due to reductions in service provision and working conditions.  

Committee had previously approved the concordat commitment that required a 12-month mental health and prevention and promotion action plan.

RESOLVED that the application submission be approved.

The Committee was advised on the development of a compact between Public Sector Bodies and the Voluntary and Community Sector in Nottinghamshire.

The Compact provided the framework for improved partnership working and recognised and supported the contributions that all partners make.  Shared values and principles would be used to guide and underpin the long term development of the working relationships across Nottinghamshire and Nottingham.

Members formally adopted the Compact to implement the Compact effectively. This ensured that the Compact principles were incorporated within the organisations work and ensure that the Compact would support the development and longer-term sustainability of the Voluntary and Community Organisations.

RESOLVED that the adoption of the Compact on behalf of the Council be approved.

Committee were advised on the progress of the development of the three food clubs in the Borough. Eastwood Food Club had opened 22 July and Beeston was due to open in September. The aim was to give regular access to a sustainable supply of food to people at risk of food insecurity, encourage families to access local support services, increase disposable income for local families and reduce the amount of food being sent to landfill in the UK.

Members were updated with progress for the new Armed Forces Community Covenant Action Plan.

The Covenant sets out a framework for how the veterans Community can expect to be treated.  The Armed Forces Community includes regular personnel, reservists, veterans and families and the immediate family of service personnel who had died.

Construction had started on the veteran’s accommodation that would be completed later this year. The Authorities recruitment policy had also been amended to ensure veterans that meet the essential criteria would be guaranteed an interview. This scheme was being promoted through veteran’s networks.

RESOLVED that the new Armed Forces Community Covenant Action Plan 2021/23 be approved. Progress was noted.

Members considered the items for inclusion and agreed to add Christmas Lights to the work programme.

RESOLVED that the work programme, with the additional item of Christmas Lights be approved.

The Committee considered the proposed options for the delivery of events for the year 2022-23.

Liberty Leisure Limited had adopted the Council’s Broxtowe Events Strategy’, 2015 and beyond as agreed in the Management Agreement between Local Authority Trading Company and the Council. The strategy influenced the annual programme of events delivered by the company from 2017-21.

Suggestions for the events programme for 2022-23 included Hemlock Happening, Play days, Christmas Lights Switch on, Beeston Beach, Cinema, 1940’s event, DHL Festival, Kimberley Christmas Lights and Eastwood Fireworks with three options to deliver the programme.

The Appendix of the report highlighted in a table the different options available between Option A, B and C and associated costs.  It was noted that staffing and event infrastructure costs increased year on year and were expected to increase further in 2022. This meant the Company would be able to deliver less event services within the same budget.

·         Option A Increased the number of Play Days and financial costs would be contained within the Liberty Leisure Ltd events budget requiring no further management fee to the Company.

·         Option B Increased staffing levels and would provide a similar programme to 2019-20 along with a Council funded Events Officer Post and the cost adding to the management fee for 2022-23

·         Option C would increase Planning, delivery and budget management of Civic events to be undertaken by Liberty Leisure Events including Remembrance Parade, Mayors Ball and Freedom Parade and would have required £60,934 in addition to the management fee to cover an additional 1.5 full time equivalent Event Officer post and increased base budget incorporating existing Council events.

Discussions ensued regarding the events chosen, location and lack of consultation. Members would have liked to have had a greater input into the events programme. An explanation on Play days and Cinema events was provided.

RESOLVED that Option C in appendix 1 that will require £60,934 in addition to the management fee to cover additional 1.5 FTE event officers posts and increased base budget incorporating existing council events be approved.

RECOMMENDED to the Council that the chosen option carries a ring-fenced event delivery budget, separate to the operational and staffing budgets of the local authority trading company.

Members were advised of updates to the Tobacco Control Action Plan.

In December 2014, Broxtowe Borough Council signed up to the Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City Declaration on Tobacco Control.

According to the National Health Service, smoking was one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK.  Smoking increases the risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions. As part of the Council’s on-going commitment to reducing the health impacts of tobacco use, a tobacco Control Action Plan had been produced.

A query was raised if the vape bus and youth clubs could be implemented into the Action Plan to support stopping. This was agreed.

RESOLVEDthat the Tobacco Control Action Plan 2021-23 with the addition of the Vape bus and Youth Clubs to be added to the Action Plan be approved.