Decisions

The Committee discussed the synchronisation of work surrounding the Chilwell Retail Park, Basil Russell Playing Fields and Knapp Ave / Malthouse Close PSPOs.  The aim of this was to reduce the amount of administration involved.

There was a discussion about including the Park and Ride facility at the Tram Terminus on Toton Lane.  It was noted that to change any part of a PSPO would involve a consultation, but that this could be considered if any complaints of offending behaviour were made.

RESOLVED that, in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the Chilwell Retail Park, Basil Russell Playing Fields, and Knapp Ave / Malthouse Close PSPOs be renewed, as detailed in the appendices to this report with an end date of 1May 2023, be approved.

The Committee discussed the enforcement of the PSPO, with particular reference to measuring how successful an order had been.  It was noted that a lack of enforcement could show that the order had discouraged anti-social behaviour and was of benefit to the local community by preventing the offending conduct.  There was concern that problems might be moved to other areas and it was noted that should this happen powers of dispersal or further PSPOs could be used. 

RESOLVED that in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the making of the Eastwood Vehicle Nuisance PSPO, as detailed in appendix 1, be approved.

The minutes of the meeting on 10 September 2020 were confirmed as a correct record.

The Committee requested a report on the use and vandalisation of open water safety equipment. 

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, as amended, be approved.

The Committee noted the update on COVID-19 issues.

The Committee noted the update on recent issues in Stapleford.

Members noted the proposals in respect of retention periods of ashes and personal effects in connection with welfare funerals.

RESOLVED that personal effects and ashes of a deceased person resulting from a welfare funeral are kept for a 12 month period if they have not been properly claimed in the meantime be approved.

The Committee noted the revisions to the Corporate Enforcement Policy.

The intention of the Policy is to ensure that any enforcement action is compliant with the relevant legislation, codes of practice and government guidance. Also that any such action is transparent and accountable, proportionate, targeted, consistent in approach, and appropriate.

RESOLVED that the revised Enforcement Policy be approved.

The Committee cosidered the proposals for business plans, detailed revenue budget estimates for 2021/22 and proposed fees and charges for 2021/22.

1.       RESOLVED that the Community Safety Business Plan be approved.

2.       RECOMMENDED that the Finance and Resources Committee recommends to Council that the following be approved:

          a)         The detailed revenue budget estimates for 2021/22 (base) including any revenue development submissions.

          b)        The fees and charges for 2021/22.

The Committee noted the revisions to the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy.

RESOLVED that the revised Anti-social Behaviour Policy be approved. 

The Committee noted the update on the Police and Crime panel.

Due to a technical issue, the update from the Neighbourhood Policing Inspector will be e-mailed to members.

The Committee considered the work programme.

RESOLVED that the work programme be approved with the addition of an agenda item regarding the odour issues at Trowell and Stapleford.

RESOLVED that a written response to Government be prepared in relation to the Council’s position on:

• Coal and Fossil Fuel Extraction
• Use of Nuclear Fuel
• Onshore Wind Technology
• Greener Housing Infrastructure
• Green Investment Banks
• Ethical Investments in Local Government Pension Funds

and be presented to the Policy and Performance Committee to 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 involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

Due to a technical issue, the presentation from the Chayah Development Project was cancelled and will be re-arranged to present to Committee at a later date.

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2021 were confirmed as a correct record.

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 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Committee was updated on the progress against outcome targets identified in the Resources Business Plan, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives.

The Committee consider the Work Programme.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme with the inclusion of a Suicide Prevention Update, Care Leavers Interview Scheme, Talent Recruitment Update and Equalities Work Group Update, be approved.

The Committee noted actions being taken to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff during the COVID-.19 pandemic.

The Committee considered the Veterans Interview Scheme.

RESOLVED that the Veterans Interview Scheme, with the inclusion of military families, be approved with a follow up report on progress made to be reported in 6 months.

The Committee considered a request to create a new Head of Service position within the Deputy Chief Executive’s department and the transfer of another Head of Service role to the Strategic Directors department.

It was noted that the new post would provide exciting opportunities and provide more senior leadership for functions to attract a wider market.

RESOLVED that the creation of a new Head of Asset Management and Development post be approved.

Members discussed the Pension Discretions Policy. A query was raised with regards to the ethics surrounding the investments of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

RESOLVED that the Pensions Discretion Policy be approved.

The committee received a presentation from Mr Richard Ellis of AVC Wise which detailed how AVC Wise would assist the Council in maximising the savings available whilst also assisting employees throughout the process. 

RESOLVED that the implementation of a new Shared Additional Voluntary Contributions pension scheme in partnership with AVC Wise, be approved

It was agreed that reports on the Effects on Staff of Covid-19 and Updates on the Mental Health Action Plan be added to the Work Programme.

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

The Committee discussed the appointment of a Markets Officer to organise markets in the Borough and how the post would provide much needed resilience and support to the town centres especially since lockdown.  The Markets Officer would look to increase footfall and provide opportunities for start- up retailers and engage with local school and groups to establish more vibrant town centres.

RESOLVED that the recruitment of a Markets Officer, be approved.

The Committee considered the revised Town Centre Trading Policy for the use of all Council owned squares.

There was a discussion about the wording of item 3.1 which concerned market stalls and existing businesses.   There was a minor change to the wording, though it was noted that applications from market traders could not be turned down based on the presence of similar businesses in town centres.  The benefits of competition in town centres were noted. 

RESOLVED that the amendments to the Town Centre Trading policy and the revised policy be APPROVED and implemented with immediate effect.

The Committee had been asked to considered when the Article 4 Direction concerning Housing in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Beeston should come into force.  It was noted that once the Committee had made a decision regarding the implementation date of the Direction, a six week consultation would need to take place and an extraordinary meeting of the Committee would take place to consider responses. 

During the debate it was stated that if twelve months had not passed between the confirmation of the Order and the Direction coming into force, then the Council could be liable for substantial amounts of compensation.  There was concern, however, that a number of developments would take place during the twelve month waiting period and that this would irrecoverably change the character of the areas where HMOs were becoming more commonplace.  

It was proposed by Councillor P Lally and seconded by Councillor D A Elliott that the Direction should come into force nine months from the confirmation of the Order and that the Council should proceed to the consultation stage as outlined in appendix 1.

A counter proposal was made by Councillor R I Jackson and seconded by Councillor D D Pringle that the Direction should come into force twelve months from the confirmation of the Order and that the Council should proceed to the consultation stage as outlined in appendix 1.  On being put to the meeting, the motion was passed.

RESOLVED that the Direction should come into force twelve months from confirmation of the Order and that the Council should proceed to the consultation stage as outlined in appendix 1.

The Committee discussed the Stapleford Town Investment Plan, and voiced concern that it did not adequately deal with the issues of job creation, resilience or vision.  It was noted that there was much to be commended about the plan, in particular the level of detail about employment in the Stapleford area.  There was also discussion about the uncertainty about HS2. 

Debate progressed, and it was noted that the people of Stapleford had been key in driving the plan in the direction of cycling, town centre improvement and an enhanced recreational offer.  It was stated that skills needed investment to attract highly skilled jobs to the area.  There followed a discussion about future engagement and consultation.  It was considered that some changes could be made to make the document more likely in succeeding to get funding from the Towns Deal Fund. 

RESOLVED that the Stapleford Town Investment Plan be APPROVED.

The Committee considered the Work Programme.  The title of the Update on the Article 4 Direction/HMO Policy was changed to Determination on the Article 4 Direction/HMO Policy following Consultation, the meeting of the 26 June was corrected to read 24 June 2021, and an item on the Jobs Club in Stapleford was added to the programme.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme, as amended, be approved.

Subject to a minor amendment the minutes of the meeting on 19 November 2020 were confirmed as a correct record.