Decisions

The Committee considered what action to take regarding the provision of defibrillators in the Broxtowe area. It was agreed that the Council should work alongside organisations such as parish councils to ensure communities had access to a defibrillator. Members did not feel that telephone boxes were the best choice of location.

RESOLVED the Council should play a role in the provision of defibrillators working alongside other organisations.

The committee discussed the strategic approach of Broxtowe’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Councillors were informed of the decisions made under emergency powers during the emergency. Each town would have a recovery plan. More flexibility with the Business Grants was needed. The Business Discretionary Grants were the next phase. Businesses could not receive both.

RESOLVED that the approach to recovery set out in appendix 2 be approved.

The Committee discussed the available options. The Covid 19 emergency had highlighted the disparate range of ICT devices used by Councillors and the difficulty for a small number of Councillors in accessing the new ICT platforms that were established to allow for the democratic process to continue. Option 1 was the preferred choice with point 4 being omitted.

The following amendment was moved by Councillor M Radulovic and seconded by Councillor T Hallam:

Option 1 be adopted with point 4 omitted. An additional line be added stating there be annual reviews of new technology/licenses.

The amendment was carried.

RESOLVED that:

1) The procurement of the appropriate module for the Committee Management System to allow for secure remote access to Section 12 documents goes ahead.

2) Option 1 be adopted with point 4 omitted and an annual review of new technology/licenses to be included.

3) It be recommended to the Finance and Resources Committee to include £45,000 in the 2020/21 capital programme as outlined to be funded by a carry forward of £45,500 from2019/20.

This matter was delegated to this Committee by a decision of Annual Council on 15 May 2020. The Code of Conduct was discussed. It was agreed to formalise the agreement that the Leader of the Opposition be consulted, where possible, if the Chief Executive’s Emergency Powers were used.

RESOLVED that the Scheme of Delegation be approved as part of the Constitution of this Council.

Members were updated on progress made. Works had been suspended for a few weeks due to Covid-19. Work had recommenced but social distancing was inevitably slowing the project down. Planning consent had been given to the residential part of the development.

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 & Resources Committee and/or Full Council as appropriate.

The Committee was updated on the Business and Financial Plans. All Neighbourhood Plan referendums had been put on hold due to Covid 19. An answer would be provided to Councillors regarding the reduction of income for off street parking and the reduction in costs for highways sweeping.

The Committee considered the Work Programme with the following items added:

1 October - Covid-19 Recovery

2 December – Covid-19 Recovery.

24 March – Covid-19 Recovery

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved.

Councillor R I Jackson declared a pecuniary interest in item 10. Councillors S J Carr, G Marshall and R I Jackson declared a none pecuniary interest in item 11 as members of the Beeston Town Centre Board.

The Council had made no use of the RIPA powers since July 2015. This was due to the fact that the only use being made by the Council was in connection with investigations into benefit fraud. This function had been transferred back to the Department of Works and Pensions. The RIPA Inspector had made only minor suggestions at the most recent Inspection.

RESOLVED that the Policy and Guidance document be amended to include the reduced number of authorising officers.

The latest Digital Strategy was presented to the Committee. The previous Digital Strategy had worked well and had helped the Council respond to the Covid-19 emergency. The IT department were commended for the work they had done during this time. The Council website was usable on all devices. The Email Me scheme had been helpful communicating with residents during this time and was popular among residents.

RESOLVED that the Digital Strategy 2020-2024 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 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 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.

The Committee considered the Work Programme.

            RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved.

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

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 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 agreement by the council’s representative on the board to the annual business plan; changes to the articles, the process for appointment of independent directors and the decision to move to a statutory development company.

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.

f)      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.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the appointment of a Director of the Interim Vehicle be approved.

The Committee noted the Budget Consultation 2021/22 results.

A total of 277 responses were received. The number of responses received compared was 130 less than the 407 responses received for the budget consultation 2020/21.

RESOLVED that the consultation responses be used to form the 2021/22 budget.

The Committee noted the expenditure on the 2020/21 capital programme to 30 November 2020 and the planned financing of the 2020/21 capital programme.

RESOLVED that the capital budget variations for 2020/21 as set out in appendix 3 be approved.

The Committee considered the Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2021/22. It was noted that The current scheme allows for up to 100% of the council tax liability to be paid in council tax support.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the current LCTSS remains in place for 2021/22.

The Committee considered the Council Tax Base for 2021/22.

It was noted that the 2021/22 Council Tax Base had been calculated in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012.

RESOLVED that based on the number of band D equivalent properties and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, Broxtowe Borough Council calculates its Council Tax Base for the year 2021/22 as follows:

         1.   For the whole of its area 34,217.46. 

         2.   In respect of Parish Precepts and Special Expenses for those parts of its area mentioned in the table below, the amounts specified therein –

                Part of Council’s Area        Area Council Tax Base

            Awsworth                                                          611.38

            Brinsley                                                              690.26

            Cossall                                                                212.88

            Eastwood                                                       2,932.81

            Greasley                                                         3,693.75

            Kimberley                                                       1,845.06

            Nuthall                                                             2,267.65

            Stapleford                                                      4,133.03

            Strelley                                                               173.92

            Trowell                                                                824.48

            Special Expenses Area

            Beeston Area                                              16,832.24

The Committee noted the request for grant assistance in accordance with the protocol for the consideration of grant aid to parish and town councils.

It was noted that Kimberley Town Council had requested funding of up to £1,200 towards the purchase of a new defibrillator to be installed in a reconditioned former telephone kiosk and located in the Kimberley area.

RESOLVED that £1,200 be awarded from the revenue contingencies budget.

The Committee consider the Work Programme.

RESOLVED that items included on the agenda for the next meeting and subsequent extra meeting be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair of the Committee.

The Committee considered the allocation of an additional £65,000 from the 2020/21 HRA Capital Programme to build 5 highly energy efficient flats.

It was noted that the funding was mainly related to the lack of capacity with the existing electrical network at Oakfield Road and the subsequent upgrade work required by Western Power, at a cost of £46,000.   

          RESOLVED that the 2020/21 Capital Programme be amended so that the budget for the New Build – Oakfield Road scheme be increased from £700,000 to £765,000 with the additional £65,000 cost met from HRA capital receipts.

Members considered the General Fund Revenue Budget Amendments 2020/21.

          RESOLVED that the amendments to the General Fund 2020/21 revenue budget as set out in appendices 1 and 2 be approved.

19 November 2020

Markets Officer Programme

The Committee considered the reference from the Jobs and Economy Committee.

RESOLVED that the additional finance of £2,000 be approved.

Members considered the Capital Programme 2020/21 update. The Committee noted the 2020/21 capital programme included schemes totalling £4,238,000 that were carried forward from 2019/20.

RESOLVED that the capital budget variations for 2020/21 as set out in appendix 3 of the report be approved.

The Committee noted the treasury management activity and the actual prudential indicators for 2020/21 up to 31 October 2020.

It was agreed that a report on changes to staffing costs from May 2019 be included at the February meeting.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, as amended, 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 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.