No disclosures were received.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2025 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2025 as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

Members will receive the State of the Blaby District update from the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council Cllr. Ben Taylor.

Considered – Presentation of the Chief Executive & Cllr. Ben Taylor, Leader of the Council.

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown welcomed the Chief Executive and Cllr. Ben Taylor, Leader of The Council to the meeting to present the State of the Blaby District.

Cllr. Ben Taylor presented challenges in 2025/26:

·         Homelessness, with 86 Children currently in temporary accommodation.

·         Proposed planning changes and Local Plan

·         Fair funding review implications

·         Balancing the budget at the end of the year.

·         Introduction of food waste now that the consultation is complete.

·         Local Government Reorganisation.

Cllr. Ben Taylor’s current focuses:

·         Local Government Reorganisation November 2025 submission

·         New Member Champions for Net Zero and ICT Digital Transformation

·         Implications and response for fair funding

·         Housing and homelessness

·         Currently hold the Armed Forces silver covenant award working towards achieving the gold award

·         Recruitment and retention of staff

The Chief Executive added that some staff have been concerned about LGR and job security, advising that herself and the Senior Leadership Team are communicating and upskilling staff where appropriate. Workshops have been held to enable staff to feed into the proposals.

Cllr. Ben Taylor added that he is working hard on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and is supporting new Cabinet Members in their roles.

Cllr. Roy Denney asked if future Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) briefings will be private with Councillors or public.

Cllr. Ben Taylor responded that public sessions will be held to be as transparent as possible with residents.

Cllr. Luke Cousin raised concerns within the communities regarding national policy and worldwide issues, asking what Blaby District Council are doing to ensure that communities are supported?

Cllr. Ben Taylor responded that the Council was currently considering this issue with support from partners such as Leicestershire County Council to set up community cohesion groups to aid, help and support residents.

Cllr. Nick Brown expressed the importance of correcting misinformation and getting a more proactive approach when distortions occur.

Cllr. Ben Taylor responded that Officers are fact checking information on social media and providing the correct information to help reduce incorrect information being shared.

The Chief Executive added that where incorrect information is posted on our webpages, this can be corrected. However, the Council is unable to comment or correct other private groups on social media sites. Officers have sought further guidance from the Local Government Association on this too as a response to a comment can generate further comments and misinformation.

Cllr. Nick Brown, asked if there was any reason for concern of potential cuts for homelessness funding in the near future?

The Chief Executive responded that the Council is not expecting any financial cuts for homelessness or housing however there could be a potential risk in other areas which could add a higher risk to homelessness funding in the future.

Cllr. Nick Brown questioned the role of Member Champions (who were categorised into Lead and Support roles), adding that it was raised during Scrutiny’s Work Programme Workshop. Members expressed concerns about their knowledge and value. Some roles were high  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

Members accepted the 25/26 Scrutiny Work Programme.

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown encouraged Members to attend Scrutiny Working Groups.

No items were raised for further information or examination.

Members debated the update the Leader had provided on Member Champions, it was agreed that a Task & Finish Group be created to enable Scrutiny to consider roles and responsibilities of each Champion, how they are held accountable, how they are appointed (e.g. on expertise and knowledge).

The Task and Finish Group would also allow the Champions to share their ambitions, priorities and background on what’s expected of them in their Member Champion roles.