The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown invited Members and Officers to join him in a minutes silence in remembrance of Mr Bhim Kohli who had sadly died following a tragic event in Braunstone.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2024 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2024 as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

To consider the annual report of the Leader of the Council, Cllr. Terry Richardson to the Scrutiny Commission.

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown welcomed the Leader of the Council Cllr. Terry Richardson and the Chief Executive to the meeting.

The Leader and the Chief Executive provided an update on the following topics:

·         Homelessness figures in the District.

·         The latest update on HNRFI and an invitation to the Deputy Prime Minister to visit Blaby District.

·         Ensuring that the new ICT project is fit for purpose and secure.

·         Emergency planning response during the recent storms, gas outages and contaminated land areas.

·         New housing figures released for District, but this may include unmet targets too.

·         Future funding challenges – the Council may receive 2 year funding plan, and the UKSPF is not expected to continue. The Council awaits further news on any devolution plans.

Members questioned the Leader and Chief Executive on the following:

·         Updated Blaby District Plan following the General Election and revisiting any priorities.

·         Flooding response.

·         Green initiatives, including support towards solar panels

·         Support for residents regarding winter fuel allowance.

Members will receive a presentation from the Environmental Health, Housing & Community Services Group Manager.

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown welcomed the Environmental Health, Housing & Community Services Group Manager (EHHCSGM) and Cllr. Les Phillimore (Housing, Community Safety and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder) to the meeting.

The EHHCSGM presented the following points:

·         Summary of Corporate Parenting Responsibilities under the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and guiding principles.

·         Summary of the 2019 Leicestershire Partner Commitment & Promise.

·         The Blaby Offer (free leisure membership, local connection to anywhere across Leicestershire, no Council Tax until they are 25, appointed Care Champion roles in key departments, protected characteristic status 2024.

Members questioned the EHHCSGM and the Portfolio Holder on the following:

·         Levels of contact the Council has with people in care and how it is monitored.

·         The Blaby Offer – Members commented that the Council tax initiative and the leisure offer provided was excellent.

Members will receive a presentation from the Environmental Health, Housing & Community Services Group Manager and the Housing Services Manager.

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown welcomed the Environmental Health, Housing & Community Services Group Manager (EHHCSGM), the Housing Services Manager (HSM) and Cllr. Les Phillimore (Housing, Community Safety and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder) to the meeting.

Members considered the current homelessness caseload in comparison to data from September 2023, Members noted that there was an increase in both open homelessness cases and officer caseload. Members were concerned to learn that there had been an increase in homelessness due to domestic violence and requested further information from the HSM on this.

Members questioned the officers on the increasing number of families in temporary accommodation, they requested the latest figures of individuals and children currently homeless. Members were pleased to learn that properties purchased by the Council to support families in need were having a positive impact.

Members requested that the costs associated with temporary accommodation to the Council be provided to Scrutiny.

Members discussed the current increasing caseload of officers and reaching trigger points whereby the team would require extra support. It was requested that should the trigger point be reached that Scrutiny be notified.

The Chairman thanked the Housing Services Manager and Portfolio Holder for their analysis and update.

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown presented the latest update to the Work Programme which included the addition of the Blaby District Growth Plan on 15 October 2024 and RIPA Policy being considered by Scrutiny Commission at its next meeting on 13 November 2024.

Members accepted the items on the Scrutiny Work Programme 2024-25 and no additional actions were proposed.

No items were raised for further information or examination.

There were no further actions arising from the meeting.