Venue: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Contact: Mrs J Twomey (Tel: 0116 305 2583) Email: joanne.twomey@leics.gov.uk
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Webcast. A webcast of the meeting can be viewed at |
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In attendance Mr J. B. Rhodes CC |
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Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd and 14th September 2020 were taken as read, confirmed and signed. |
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Question Time. Minutes: The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been received under Standing Order 34. |
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Questions asked by members under Standing Order 7(3) and 7(5). Minutes: The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been received under Standing Order 7(3) and 7(5). |
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Urgent items Minutes: There were no urgent items for consideration. |
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Declarations of interest. Minutes: The Chairman invited members who wished to do so to declare any interest in respect of items on the agenda for the meeting. All members of the Commission who were also members of a
district and/or parish council declared a personal interest in the report on the
Draft City of Leicester Local Plan (agenda item 8). |
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Declarations of the Party Whip in accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 16. Minutes: There were no declarations of the party whip. |
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Presentation of Petitions under Standing Order 35. Minutes: The Chief Executive reported that no petitions had been received under Standing Order 35. |
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Draft City of Leicester Local Plan 2020 to 2036 Grant
Butterworth, Head of Planning at Leicester City Council has been invited to
attend for this item. Additional documents: Minutes: The Commission
considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the draft City of
Leicester Local Plan for 2020 to 2036 which sought its view on the draft County
Council response to the proposals. A
copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 8’ is filed with these minutes. The Chair welcomed
Mr Grant Butterworth, Head of Planning at Leicester City Council to the
meeting. Mr Butterworth provided a
presentation as part of this item and a copy of the slides is filed with these
minutes. Arising from
discussion the following points were raised, and responses provided by Mr
Butterworth on behalf of the City Council: Redistribution of
housing
i.
Whilst
it was recognised that regeneration opportunities in the City were limited and
capacity to meet all its housing need constrained, concern was expressed that
7,742 dwellings would need to be redistributed to the districts.
ii.
It
was noted that the City Council had explored a number of
options to use land in the City, and that this included some controversial
sites which would result in the development of green open space which was
already limited in the City. Mr
Butterworth said it was recognised this would be a sensitive issue and every
effort had been made to seek to minimise the number required to be
redistributed, but it would be important for the City, County and district
councils to work together to manage this.
iii.
A
comparison was made to the approach adopted in Manchester which had undertaken
significant regeneration of living accommodation in its City centre. Mr Butterworth responded that Leicester City
was a smaller and more compact City which presented different challenges to
those faced in other areas. University
accommodation
iv.
It
was questioned whether there had been an overdevelopment of university
accommodation in the City and whether this had affected its ability to now
provide long term dwellings for permanent residents. Mr Butterworth reported that the City Council
had been reliant on the University providing projections for its accommodation
needs which had been forecasted over the next 5 – 10 years. The City when compared to other University
towns had been below the national average in terms of the level of its student
accommodation, but this had increased in recent years and was no longer
considered to be an issue. It was noted
that there was now a move away from purpose built
accommodation to private rented properties which was considered positive.
v.
The
impact of Covid-19 on university accommodation was yet to be confirmed. It was acknowledged that some students now
attended courses remotely. Feedback on
this issue from the University would be considered as part of this
consultation. Employment
vi.
Members
raised concerns about the distribution of employment developments and the
proposal for offices (which generally attracted high paid jobs) to be primarily
located in the City whilst warehousing (which attracted a lower paid workforce)
as well as housing, would be pushed out to the County. It was emphasised that warehousing often
generated heavy vehicular traffic and therefore had a negative impact on air
quality and pollution levels. Further
concerns were raised that this did not support the generation of a wide range
of job opportunities for those leaving the three Universities in Leicester and
Leicestershire. It was suggested that
more thought should be given to creating a more even distribution of employment
facilities across the County and City. vii. Given the effects of Covid-19 and the number of people now working from home, it was queried whether there was or would continue to be the same level of demand for office space in the ... view the full minutes text for item 34. |
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Annual Delivery Report and Performance Compendium 2020 Additional documents:
Minutes: Arising from discussion and questions asked,
the following points were made: (i)
The Commission welcomed the broader approach
taken to the Annual Delivery Report with the inclusion of wider information on
comparative funding, service pressures and risks, as well as wider performance
data in the Compendium. (ii)
A member questioned current reliance on EU
funding, namely the European Social Fund, which underpinned delivery in a
number of areas including skills and inclusion work. It was noted that it was not yet clear how
these areas would be carried forward and what funding streams might be
introduced by the Government post-Brexit.
Reference was made to the Government’s proposed new national Shared
Prosperity Fund and a member requested that further information on this be
shared once this became available. (iii)
It was noted with concern that the Government’s
Fair Funding Review had been delayed and that the County Council therefore
continued to be the lowest funded county authority in the country. Members highlighted that the Council and
Leicestershire residents suffered a wide and unfair funding gap compared to
other authorities particularly, but not just, the London Boroughs. Despite its low funding position, however,
Members welcomed the achievement of the Council noting that its performance
when compared against its statistical neighbours remained high. Members thanked staff that had continued to
deliver services to such a high standard even during the Covid 19 pandemic. (iv)
The Commission welcomed the work being
undertaken to provide more average speed cameras across the County but agreed
that the Treasury should continue to be pressed to enable local authorities to
keep the proceeds arising from such cameras to support road safety
schemes. (v)
The importance of tackling obesity was
highlighted, particularly in children, and it was agreed this was a much
broader issue than just a physical activity offer. The role played by schools was emphasised. (vi)
A Member highlighted that homelessness provision
seemed to be focused in Loughborough and suggested that consideration should be
given to improving provision in the south of the County. (vii)
It was questioned whether the comparative data
showed two tier or unitary authorities to be performing better. Members noted that the performance data for
unitary counties needed to be carefully interpreted, due to the impact of
demographic factors on outcomes, as a number of unitary counties were achieving
higher performance than their demographic levels would suggest. The Commission said it would welcome clarity
on the latest position with regard to the submission of unitary proposals for
Leicestershire, once the Government’s position was made clear. (viii)
The need for continued transformation was noted
and the importance of projects such as the recent Adult Social Care Target
Operating Model. The support given by
the Transformation Unit in enabling change across the Authority was welcomed,
though concern was expressed about the additional use of consultants and
whether this offered value for money. It was agreed that this would be
something that required close monitoring.
However, Members noted that the Adults and Communities Overview and
Scrutiny Committee had recently received a detailed report on the outcomes
delivered by the TOM and that that Committee had been pleased to see the
outcomes and cost reductions delivered by the project which far outweighed the
cost of appointing consultants to support this. (ix) Members sought further ... view the full minutes text for item 35. |
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East Midlands Development Corporation 'Interim Vehicle (DEVCO)' and Freeport Proposals Minutes: The Commission
considered a report of the Chief Executive which set out the background,
progress to date and expected benefits of the East Midlands Development
Corporation Programme, known as “The Alchemy Project”. The report detailed
proposals for the establishment of an Interim Vehicle to maintain momentum
prior to a Statutory Development Corporation being created by Parliament,
including the award of £1.5m in the form of a £0.5m annual grant (2021-2024)
which will be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 15 December 2020, and
outlined the latest position with regard to the East Midlands Airport
‘Freeport’ proposal which could form part of the Development Corporation’s
emerging proposition. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 10’ is
filed with these notes. Arising from
discussion the following points were noted: (i)
The principal of looking at and coordinating
growth developments across county boundaries was welcomed, as was the proposal
that spending of government funds allocated for such projects would be
controlled locally through the planned Development Corporation. The Commission agreed this was an important
issue and the Council and its partners would be treading new ground which could
reap significant benefits in the long term. (ii)
Concern was expressed that given current
national spending pressures and the current pause of the eastern leg of HS2
there was a risk that funding for the programme could be withdrawn by
Government and it was questioned whether, given the Council’s financial
investment to the project, an exit strategy had been put in place.
It was acknowledged that the project was not without risk. However,
Members were reassured that if, for example, Government funding was withdrawn or
reduced, or the eastern leg of HS2 did not take place, Midlands Engine would
need to reassess the scope of the development corporation and what benefits
could still be achieved. (iii)
It was acknowledged that there was still much
uncertainty regarding the proposals at this time, but it was hoped further
detail would be known to enable a report to the presented to the Cabinet come
December. (iv)
A Member queried whether housing and employment
allocated as part of the development corporation would go towards achieving
North West Leicestershire District Council’s requirement. Officer’s
undertook to provide further clarification on this after the meeting. (v)
A member queried whether it was now accepted
that HS2 would be a passenger line and that freight would therefore be serviced
by the midland mainline. It was suggested that if this was the case, this
supported proposals for the electrification of that line. RESOLVED: (a) That
proposals to establish and East Midlands Development Corporation be noted; (b) That
further clarification be provided on whether the housing and employment allocated
as part of the development corporation would go towards achieving North West
Leicestershire District Council’s requirements. |
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East Midlands Shared Services Performance Update The Lead
Member for Resources, Mr J. B. Rhodes CC, has been invited to attend for this
item. Minutes: The Commission considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources which provided an update on the performance of East Midlands Shared Services (EMSS) during the past 12 months. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 11’ is filed with these minutes. The Chairman welcomed the Lead Member for Resources, Mr J. B. Rhodes CC to the meeting. Arising from discussion, the following points were made: (i)
EMSS provided critical services and had
performed exceptionally well despite difficult circumstances during both the
national and local lockdown. Services
had continued to be delivered despite officers being located at home, including
payroll and the payment of suppliers and contractors which had all gone ahead
as normal. It was acknowledged that the
County Council’s ICT Service had played a significant role in ensuring staff
were provided with appropriate kit which enabled business as usual to continue
in the way it did. (ii)
Whilst disappointing given the work that had
been undertaken, the Commission agreed that delaying the implementation of the
new system ‘Oracle Cloud’ had been the right approach. It was noted that implementation would
instead now go ahead later this month, first within Leicestershire County
Council, followed shortly by Nottingham City Council. (iii)
It was noted that the effect of Covid-19 had
presented some opportunities to review the Services current ways of
working. The Service currently employed
200 people who were located in offices split across two sites. Whilst staff were offered the opportunity to
work from home this had rarely been taken up.
It was likely that this would now change. Many were grateful for the flexibility and
improved work/life balance remote working provided. Productivity had also remained high. However, many still felt for work and
wellbeing reasons, attending the office part of the time would be
beneficial. A balance between the two
would likely therefore be struck for the long term. (iv)
It was acknowledged that the Service was heavily
dependent on IT and it was queried what measures had been put in place for if
the system failed. Members were
reassured that Oracle was regarded as a world leading application which gave
confidence that total system failure was unlikely. As the Service was hosted by the County
Council’s IT systems it also benefited from all the usual IT safeguards it put
in place. (v)
A Member queried the need for efficiencies, as
was suggested in paragraph 28 of the report, if the Service was generating
sufficient income. It was explained
that, rather than efficiencies, the Service sought continuous improvement in
its operations and regularly looked at and challenged current ways of working. (vi) The presentation of the cost of the Service against the income generated and how this fared against the cost of the County Council providing the same service in house was challenged. The Director confirmed that the figures set out in the report perhaps did not show the position clearly, but that he was confident the Service offered good value for money and that future reports would set this out more clearly. RESOLVED: That the update now provided regarding the operation of the EMSS during the last 12 months and in particular during the Covid 19 pandemic, be noted. |
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Financial Resilience The
report to be considered by the Cabinet on 20th November 2020 is
attached for the Commission to consider and comment on. The Lead
Member for Resources, Mr J. B. Rhodes CC, has been invited to attend for this
item. Additional documents: Minutes: The Commission
considered the Cabinet report of the Director of Corporate Resources which
provided an overview of the County Council’s current level of financial resilience,
considering the significant increase in financial pressure created by Covid-19,
and its latest position on earmarked funds.
A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 12’, is filed with these
minutes. Arising from
discussion, the following points were made:
i.
A
strong balance sheet had ensured that the County Council had been able to be
responsive and support Leicestershire residents during the Covid
19 pandemic despite the significant increase in financial pressures this had
caused. The County Council had been able
to provide grants for local businesses and support free school meals as well as
invest in IT equipment to support staff working from home, ensuring Council
services could continue to be provided during the national and local lockdown. ii.
Members
noted that the County Council had a debt level of £265 million and that this
generated a cost in interest at 3.9%.
However, it was welcomed that this was significantly lower than other
authorities such as Nottingham, Kent and Leeds.
Avoiding borrowing in recent years, despite low funding had put the
Council in a relatively strong financial position. The Lead Member for Resources confirmed that
the Council had not borrowed any money since 2009 and provided assurance that
there was currently no intention to borrow for the foreseeable future. iii.
The
Government’s failure to take forward the County Council’s fair funding
proposals was disappointing. The current
‘unfair’ formula had been used to calculate the Council’s share of the Covid -19 funding allocated by the government, which meant
again, the County Council had not received an adequate share compared to other
authorities. It was agreed that this
should continue to be pursued with Government. iv.
It
was noted that a review of the Council’s assets was being undertaken but was at
a very early stage. The Director
confirmed that it had been recognised for some time that the number of staff needing to be permanently office based was reducing
and the pandemic had driven this change forward at pace. It was not clear what the longer
term implications of the Covid 19-pandemic
would be. It was likely that a number of
staff currently working from home would, at least in
part, prefer to come back into the office in time and so a balance would need
to be struck. In response to questions
raised, the Director said it would be likely that renting and or selling
surplus accommodation would be considered where appropriate and this would be
done alongside partner organisations who may also be undertaking a similar
exercise. RESOLVED: (a)
That
the contents of the report and the update now provided be noted; (b)
That
the comments made by the Commission be reported to the Cabinet for
consideration at its meeting on 20th November 2020. |
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Revenue Budget and Capital Programme Monitoring - Period 6 Additional documents:
Minutes: The Commission
considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources which provided an
update on the 2020/21 revenue budget and capital programme monitoring position
as at the end of period 6 (the end of September). A copy of the report
marked ‘Agenda Item 13’, is attached to this report. Arising from
discussion the following points were made: (i)
The Commission reiterated its disappointment
that the Government did not currently plan to take forward the Council’s fair
funding proposals and agreed that the Council should continue with its campaign
to redress the position. (ii)
It was noted that despite being the lowest
funded local authority in the country the County Council had managed to
continue to provide good services for residents and aimed to still deliver a
balanced budget at the end of the financial year. Members thanked
officers and the Lead Member for Resources for their hard work in managing the
Council’s finances particularly during this difficult period. (iii)
A member expressed concern that the Government
had set out an incorrect and misleading position in respect of funding
allocated to local authorities during the Covid 19
pandemic and the suggestion that this could be used to fund free school meals
during the October half term. Members noted that the Government had
allocated £63m to upper tier authorities and that the County Council’s share of
this had been £541,860. The Director confirmed that whilst the grant had
not been ringfenced the Government had stipulated certain conditions including
a requirement that interventions be targeted from July with the majority of
spend within 12 weeks (i.e. by September). The County Council had complied
with those requirements and this funding had now been spent with most of this
having been allocated to foodbanks. (iv)
The Director reported that, whilst not set out
in the report, the Leader had announced that the County Council would allocate
funding for free school meals until the end of March 2021. These costs
would be met out of the additional allowance set aside in the budget for
further Covid costs that had not yet been
committed. The Commission noted that this had only been made possible
because the Council had significantly reduced its forecasted overspend and
therefore had a degree of flexibility in the short term. (v)
Proposals to develop land in Snibston
were still being considered. The proposals to build a residential extra
care home and private housing on the site remained unchanged. The
business case would need to be developed and consideration given to land
contamination that would require action and whether this affected the viability
of the proposals. Potential funding being made available by Homes England
would also be a determining factor. (vi)
The cost of SEN Transport was not funded by the
Dedicated School Grant received by the Council but from the Council’s revenue
budget which meant any additional spend in this area needed to be supported by savings
elsewhere. The number of children attending placements out of County
remained high and continued to rise. Covid 19
had further increased costs in this area as many children needed to be
transported individually to allow for social distancing. RESOLVED: That the revenue
budget and capital programme monitoring position as at the end of September
2020 be noted. |
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Date of next meeting. The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled to take place on Monday, 25th January 2021 at 10.30am. Minutes: RESOLVED: It was noted that the next meeting of the Commission would be held on Monday, 25th January 2020 at 10.30 am. |