To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2023 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2023, as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

Requests received by the Protocol deadline to be reported by the Senior Democratic Services Officer with details of the Agenda Item to which they relate. (Such persons entitled to use the Protocol attend for the purpose of making representations, answering questions or giving evidence relating to the business of the meeting and the time allocated to each person is a maximum of three minutes unless extended at the discretion of the Chairman).

No requests were received.

To consider the report of the Finance Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the financial performance against the budget for the quarter ending 30th June 2023 be accepted.

2.    That the forecast contribution of £489,416 from General Fund balances be accepted.

3.    That additional establishment budget in the sum of £69,743, as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report, be approved.

4.    That the irrecoverable debts set out in paragraph 4.5 of the report be written off.

Reasons:

1.    It is good practice that Members have oversight of the Council’s financial performance at regular points during the financial year.

2.    To recognise movements in the call on reserves and balances to date, along with potential variances in establishment costs and key income streams that may arise between now and the end of the financial year.

3.    To recognise demand pressures and additional resource requirements within the Finance and Neighbourhood Services teams.

4.    The debts listed in paragraph 4.5 are uncollectable. Where applicable, all available means of recovery has been explored.

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Other options considered:

None.

To consider the report of the Finance Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISION

That the latest position in respect of treasury activities, and the prudential indicators, be accepted.

Reason:

The 2023/24 edition of the Prudential Code has added a requirement for quarterly reporting of treasury management activities and prudential indicators. Whilst quarters 1 and 3 do not need to be formally reported to full Council, there is an implicit understanding that they should be adequately scrutinised by Cabinet Executive.

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Other options considered:

None, this report is a requirement of the 2023/24 Prudential Code.

To consider the report of the Finance Group Manager (enclosed).

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

1.    That the report be accepted.

2.    That the latest Capital Programme for 2023/24, totalling £9,187,982, be accepted.

Reasons:

1.    To ensure that the Council has adequate resources in place to meet its capital expenditure commitments.

2.    To reflect additions or other changes to the Capital Programme since it was approved by Council on 22nd February 2023, including the carry forward of unspent budget from 2022/23.

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Other options considered:

None.

To consider the report of the Finance Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISION

That the revised Risk Management Strategy be adopted.

Reasons:

1.    The Risk Management Strategy should be subject to regular review to ensure that it reflects the Council’s risk appetite and procedures.

2.    The strategy forms part of the Council’s governance framework.

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Other options considered:

None.

To consider the report of the Business, Partnerships and Health Improvement Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the installation of the soft play equipment at Enderby Leisure Centre be supported.

2.    That delegated authority be given to the Business, Partnerships & Health Improvement Group Manager in consultation with the Neighbourhood Services & Assets Portfolio Holder to make any decisions in relation to timescales for the project to be delivered.

Reasons:

1.    The installation of the equipment is at no cost to Blaby District Council (BDC), helps to safeguard the contract management fee paid to BDC, improve the offer to residents, support Everyone Active to grow the business and could improve any future profit share generated.

2.    To provide delegated decision making to allow the project to progress quickly.

Considered – Report of the Business, Partnerships and Health Improvement Group Manager.

Other options considered:

Not to support the project – this is rejected as the leisure centres need to develop and grow to remain competitive, financially viable and to continue improving the offer to residents.

To consider the report of the Business, Partnerships and Health Improvement Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the Economic Development Framework 2023-2026 for Blaby District be agreed.

2.    That delegated authority be given to the Business, Partnerships & Health Improvement Group Manager in consultation with the Leader to monitor progress against the priorities in the framework and make any changes needed to ensure delivery of it.

Reasons:

1.    Delivery of the framework can commence and action plans supporting the five key priorities can be developed.

2.    To monitor progress against the framework and make decisions that are required to keep the document on track.

Considered – Report of the Business, Partnerships and Health Improvement Group Manager.

Other options considered:

It could be decided not to have an Economic Development Framework for the district, but this would mean the Council would not be supporting Blaby District to have a strong and prosperous local economy.

This could potentially have an impact on other documents which links to and supports the achievement of business growth including the Council’s Corporate Plan, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Tourism Growth Plan and Commercial Strategy 2022-2027.