Agenda and minutes

A webcast of the meeting can be viewed at Committee meetings at Leicestershire County Council - YouTube

Tom Purnell

The Chairman reported that Tom Purnell, Assistant Chief Executive, would be leaving at the end of August and taking a break.  He had worked at the County Council for more than 25 years, with a total of 38 years in local government to his name.  Tom had been Assistant Chief Executive since December 2013, a role he had undertaken calmly, thoroughly and with a great deal of tact and diplomacy.  The Council had a great deal to be thankful to Tom for including his commitment to economic development and growth for the county and his excellent understanding of, and approach to the partnership landscape.  His leadership of the local resilience function, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic had been exemplary. Members joined the Chairman  in placing on record their appreciation of Tom’s contribution to the County Council over the years, and in wishing him all the best for the future.

Jane Moore (Paralegal)

The Chairman reported that Jane Moore in Legal Services would be retiring at the end of July after 50 years of service with the County Council. This was probably a record for the longest ever service which could not pass without Jane being thanked and congratulated on reaching this incredible milestone.  Jane had been working as a paralegal in Legal Services, making Traffic Orders, dealing with Commons Registrations as well as other property work.  Her hard work, diligence and experience would be missed by colleagues.  Members joined the Chairman in wishing Jane a long and happy retirement.

Armed Forces Week

Monday 24^th June marked the start of Armed Forces week and veteran June Sisson, who served as a communications specialist in the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF), raised the Armed Forces Day Flag at a ceremony at Stand Easy.

On Saturday 29^h June, together with the Lord-Lieutenant and Lord Mayor of Leicester, the Chairman attended the Armed Forces Day in Leicester City. There was a parade through the City Centre comprising horses and dogs from the Defence Animal Training Regiment, service personnel, veterans, the Seaforth Highlanders and cadets.  Following the parade there was an outside ‘Drumhead Service’ in Jubilee Square. It was a very moving occasion.

County Service

The Chairman confirmed that he would be hosting his County Service at St. Mary’s Church in Melton Mowbray on Sunday 6^th October. The sermon would be given by The Rt. Reverend Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester. All Members would receive an invitation in due course.

Civic Life

Since the Council meeting in May when elected, the Chairman reported that he had attended a number of events representing Members and the Council and said it was a real pleasure to carry out this role. The Chairman said he was looking forward to continuing to represent Members and the Council in the coming year.

It was moved by the Chairman, seconded by the Vice-Chairman and carried:-

“That the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 15 January 2024, copies of which have been circulated to members, be taken as read, confirmed and signed.”

The Chairman invited members who wished to do so to make declarations of interest in respect of items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations were made.

The Chairman reported that he had agreed to vary the order of business as provided for in Standing Order 5(1) to enable Agenda Item 5 – To Receive Position Statements under Standing Order 8, to be taken next.

The Leader made a statement regarding his personal health circumstances and advised members that he had appointed Mrs D. Taylor CC (current Deputy Leader) as Acting Leader whilst he underwent medical treatment.

The Acting Leader, gave a position statement on the following matters:

-         General Election

-         ‘East Midlands’ County Combined Authority

-         Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board

-         Member Update

The Acting Leader, in her role as Cabinet Lead Member for Children, Families, Safer Communities and Regulatory Services gave a position statement on the Inspection of the Leicestershire Children’s Services.

The Cabinet Lead Member for Community and Staff Relations gave a position statement on the 2024 Communities Annual Report

A copy of the Position Statements is filed with these minutes.

(A)          Mr Galton asked the following question of the Leader or his nominee:

“1.  Approximately how much does it cost the Council in energy charges per LED street light per annum having regard to the Council’s policy on part time night lighting and dimming?  

2. How much does it cost in energy charges to operate all street lights across the county per annum having regard to the Council’s policy on part time night lighting and dimming?  
3. How much money is currently being saved per annum from implementing the policy of dimming street lights across the county?”   

Mr O’Shea replied as follows:

“1.  Average cost per street light is approximately £43.60.

2.       £3,045,654 is the actual cost for 2023/24 financial year.

3.       Anticipated full year savings is to be £380,000. Actual savings achieved for Q4 in 2023/24 financial year was £131,224.”

It was moved by Mr Barkley, seconded by Mr Richardson and carried:

“That the information contained in the Corporate Governance Committee Annual Report 2023-24, attached as Appendix A to this report, be noted.”

It was moved by Mr Barkley, seconded by Mr Richardson and carried:

“That the revised Planning Code of Good Practice, attached as Appendix A to the report, be adopted.”

It was moved by Mr Mullaney, seconded by Mrs Page and carried:

“That the information contained in the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24, attached as Appendix A to this report, be noted.”

It was moved by Mrs Rushton and seconded by Mrs Taylor:

“That it be noted that the Leader has appointed the following members named on List ‘1’ attached to the Order Paper as members of the Cabinet.”