No disclosures were received.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2024 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2024, 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 Accountancy Services Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the financial performance for 2023/24 be accepted.

2.    That the Council increases the upper limit for the level of General Fund balances as a percentage of the net revenue budget from 35% to 45%.

Reasons:

The unaudited accounts for 2023/24 were published on 31st May 2024. Whilst the accounts are still subject to external audit, it is important to give Members early sight of the outturn to assist with the financial planning process.

Considered - Report of the Accountancy Services Manager.

Other Options Considered: None.

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

DECISIONS

1.    That the treasury management activities for 2023/24 be approved.

2.    That the prudential and treasury indicators for 2023/24 be approved.

3.    That the delegated decision taken to transfer proceeds from asset sales in the Lothbury Property Trust into the UBS Triton fund be noted.

Reasons:

1.    The regulatory framework governing treasury management activities includes a requirement that the Council should produce an annual review of treasury activities undertaken in the preceding financial year. It must also report the performance against the approved prudential indicators for the year.

2.    This report fulfils the requirement above and incorporates the needs of the Prudential Code to ensure adequate monitoring of capital expenditure plans and the Council’s prudential indicators. The treasury strategy and prudential indicators for 2022/23 were contained in the report approved by Council on 22nd February 2023.

3.    Following termination of the Lothbury Property Trust on 30th May 2024, it is considered that there is a greater chance of recouping the Council’s initial property fund investment by re-investing the proceeds in a new property fund.

Considered - Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Other Options Considered: None. It is a legislative requirement that the Council receives an annual report covering its treasury activities for the financial year.

To consider the report of the Executive Director (Section 151 Officer) (enclosed).

DECISION

That the Annual Governance Statement in respect of 2023/24 financial year be approved.

Reason:

It is a requirement of the Account and Audit Regulations 2015 for the local authority to prepare and approve an Annual Governance Statement.

Considered – Report of the Executive Director (Section 151 Officer).

The Executive Director informed Members of an amendment to the Annual Governance Statement (Appendix A) found at page 58 of the agenda pack and explained that the next Audit and Corporate Governance Committee meeting was rescheduled and would now be taking place on Tuesday 30 July 2024.

Other Options Considered: Not to produce a separate report on the Annual Governance Statement for the Cabinet Executive. This option was dismissed given it of utmost importance that the Cabinet Executive are fully informed and assured by the completion of the Corporate Assurance Review and the production of the Governance Statement.

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

DECISION

That the leasing policy at Appendix A is approved.

Reason:

To ensure that the Council only enters a lease arrangement where it offers best value for money, and after having fully explored all alternative procurement options.

Considered - Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Other Options Considered: Not to introduce a lease policy. This is not considered appropriate as it may lead to the Council leading to a greater cost than necessary over the life of the asset procured.

To consider the report of the Environmental Services Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the Annual Status Report 2024 be approved for appropriate consultation and submission to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and publication.

2.    That consultation be undertaken prior to revocation of Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) 3 (M1 corridor between Thorpe Astley and Leicester Forest East).

3.    That delegated authority be given to the Environmental Health, Housing & Community Services Group Manager, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder, to make minor amendments to the Annual Status Report 2024 prior to submission and publication.

Reasons:

1.    It is appropriate for Members to be informed of the air quality monitoring data for the District in 2023.

2.    Air quality monitoring has demonstrated that levels of Nitrogen Dioxide in AQMA 3 are below the Air Quality Objective. Consultation is needed with appropriate parties to comply with relevant legislation and guidance.

3.    This is to ensure any final amendments to the ASR report can be made in time for the statutory deadline for submission to Defra by 30th June 2024.

Considered – Report of the Environmental Services Manager.

Other Options Considered:

1.    Completion and submission of the ASR is a statutory requirement and therefore there are no other options.

2.    Revocations and declarations of AQMAs have to comply with the provisions of the Environment Act 1995 (as amended) and associated Defra guidance, therefore there are no other options.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive (enclosed).

DECISION

That the Productivity Plan at Appendix A of the report, be approved for submission to DLUHC and delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive to update the Plan from time to time in consultation with the Leader.

Reason:

To deliver on the Governments requirement and demonstrate the Councils commitment to being an ambitious and well managed council.

Considered – Report of the Chief Executive.

Other Options Considered: No other options have been considered.

To consider the report of the Assets & Major Projects Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the Active Travel Strategy and Action Plan be approved.

2.    That delegate authority be given to the Assets and Major Projects Group Manager, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder, to oversee the implementation and development of the Active Travel Strategy and accompanying action plan.

Reason:

To enable the Council and partners to increase and improve Active Travel across the district.

Considered – Report of the Assets & Major Projects Group Manager.

Other Options Considered: The alternative option is to not develop an Active Travel Strategy & LCWIP, this option is rejected as it will limit future funding opportunities and investment into the district.

To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the preferences and changes to appointments to Outside Bodies as proposed at Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

2.    That unless otherwise stated all appointments be held, until the first Cabinet Executive meeting following the Annual Council meeting in 2025.

3.    That all appointments be endorsed as approved duties for the payment of allowances.

4.    That the Constitution be amended accordingly.

Reason:

It is appropriate to give effect to the wishes of the political groups.

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer.

Other Options Considered: None.