Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Joel.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chair welcomed Councillors and Officers to the meeting, being held at City Hall for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdown, which had led to previous meetings being held virtually.

a)  Councillor John Thomas

The Chair referred to the recent sad passing of Councillor John Thomas.  The City Mayor joined the Chair in recognised the contribution Councillor Thomas had made for the benefit of the City, including a term as Lord Mayor.  The Committee stood to take a period of silence to reflect on the life of Councillor Thomas and offered their condolences to the family.

b)  Sporting Club Achievements

The Chair then referred to recent sporting achievements, including a further World Snooker title for Mark Selby, Leicester City FC’s FA cup victory, promotion of the LCFC Ladies Team to the Womens Premier League and the Riders success in winning the British basketball League title.

c)  Covid-19 Pandemic

In conclusion, the Chair and City Mayor praised citizens and businesses for their ongoing efforts to maintain a positive approach during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The minutes of the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 16 March 2021 are attached and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

AGREED:

That the Minutes of the Overview Select Committee held on 16March 2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

To note progress on actions agreed at the previous meeting and not reported elsewhere on the agenda (if any).

There were no specific updates as progress would be covered in subsequent agenda items.

To note the membership of the Overview Select Committee:

Chair:             Councillor Cassidy

Vice Chair:    Councillor Govind

Councillors Gee, Halford, Joel, Joshi, Kitterick, Porter, Thalukdar and Westley

AGREED:     

To note the membership of the Overview Select Committee for the 2021/22 Municipal Year as follows:

Councillor Cassidy (Chair)

Councillor Govind (Vice Chair)

Councillor Gee

Councillor Halford

Councillor Joel

Councillor Joshi

Councillor Kitterick

Councillor Porter

Councillor Thalukdar

Councillor Westley

To note the meetings of the Overview Select Committee for 2021/22 as follows:

Thursday 27 May 2021

Thursday 15 July 2021

Thursday 16 September 2021

Thursday 4 November 2021

Thursday 16 December 2021

Thursday 10 February 2022

Thursday 24 March 2022

The meetings will commence at 5.30pm.

AGREED:     

To note the meeting dates of the Overview Select Committee for the 2021/22 Municipal Year as follows:

Thursday 27 May 2021

Thursday 15 July 2021

Thursday 16 September 2021

Thursday 4 November 2021

Thursday 16 December 2021

Thursday 10 February 2022

Thursday 24 March 2022

(Meetings to commence at 5.30pm)

The Monitoring Officer submits a report informing the Overview Select Committee that the Executive Decision taken by the Deputy City Mayor Environment and Transport on 14 April 2021 relating to Connecting Leicester: Aylestone Road – Putney Road – Welford Road had been the subject of a five-Member call-in under the procedures at Rules 12 of Part 4D (City Mayor and Executive Procedure Rules) of the Council’s Constitution.

The Overview Select Committee is recommended to either:

a)    Note the report without further comment or recommendation; or

b)    Comment on the specific issues raised by the call-in; or

c)    Resolve that the call-in be withdrawn.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report, which advised that an Executive decision taken by the Deputy City Mayor (Environment and Transport) on 14 April 2021 relating to Connecting Leicester: Aylestone Road – Putney Road – Welford Road had been the subject of a five-member call-in under the procedures at Rule 12 of Part 4D, City Mayor and Executive Procedure Rules, of the Council’s Constitution.

Councillor Porter joined the meeting at 6.20pm.

The Chair invited the Deputy City Mayor (Environment and Transport) to open the item.  Cllr Clarke referred to the opportunity the call-in gave to explaining and supporting the positive aspects of the scheme, including expected confirmation of the minimal cost and disruption compared to the benefit to the environment and support to the manifesto commitment. 

Cllr Nangreave as Seconder of the call-in was invited to address the Committee.  Councillor Nangreave referred to the cost of the scheme which appeared excessive, commenting that the cycle lane proposed for Putney Road involved a steep incline, and doubt was raised as to its potential use and benefit.

The cost of the scheme relative to the length of pedestrian footway and cycleway involved was raised, with suggestions for an alternative use of the finance to fund other more appropriate and easier to use cycling schemes, and the increased availability of cycles, particularly to young people, being cited as a preferable alternative substitute project.  Question was also raised concerning the poor social value and ambitions of the appointed contractors.

The Chair then invited the Director of Planning, Development and Transportation and City Highways Director to comment on the call-in. 

A PowerPoint presentation was given, which provided information and comment on the following key aspects of the scheme:

• Details of the formal decision, and confirmation of the procedural issues since its call-in, in April 2021

• Explanation of the rationale for cycling/walking improvements:

o   Scheme Background – Evolution of cycling/walking scheme

o   Scheme Background – Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)

• Details of the cycling/walking scheme cost breakdown

• Details of the Leicester Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan (with detailed plans of infrastructure being displayed)

The Director of Planning, Development and Transportation concluded the presentation and commented on the process to allow the contractors to work concurrently on the scheme alongside other previously approved works, due to the efficiencies that would be realised through economies of scale.

The Chair reiterated previous comments made in considering the call-in and referred to the introduction of the item by the Deputy City Mayor, and to the issues raised by Councillor Nangreave as Seconder of the call-in, and to the content of the presentation made by the Director. 

Councillor Porter left the meeting at 6:35pm.

Comments of Committee members were requested.

The following points were raised and noted:

• The capital finance benefits to the Council of proceeding with the project at this juncture were acknowledged, although concern that the significant finance to deliver the scheme and the suggestions that the funds would be better used on alternative projects were noted.

• The need to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Monitoring Officer to report on the receipt of any questions, representations and statements of case submitted in accordance with the Council’s procedures.

The Monitoring Officer reported that no Questions, Representations or Statements of Case had been received, in accordance with Council procedures.

The Monitoring Officer to report on any petitions received.

The Monitoring Officer reported that no Petitions had been received, in accordance with Council procedures.

The Monitoring Officer submits a report that updates Members on the monitoring of outstanding petitions. The Committee is asked to note the current outstanding petitions and agree to remove those petitions marked ‘Petitions Process Complete’ from the report.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report, which provided an update on the current status of responses to petitions against the Council’s target of providing a formal response within 3 months of being referred to the Divisional Director.

A verbal update was provided on the progress of the petition relating to Rowsley Street, since publication of the report.

AGREED:
To note the current status of outstanding petitions and to remove those petitions marked ‘Petition Process Complete’ from the report.

A verbal update will be given at the meeting on the current position regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. The Committee is recommended to receive the update and comment as required.

The Chair invited the Director of Public Health to provide a verbal update.

The Director of Public Health referred to the confusing announcement made by the Government on 25 May 2021, which had since been rescinded, concerning lockdown measures in seven areas of the country.  It was clarified and confirmed that the city was not the subject of any separate or specific advice concerning a local lockdown.

It was noted, however, that cases were rising, and the variant first discovered in India was now the dominant strain locally. Having replaced the Kent variant.  It was reported that this variant was now found in 85% of cases locally.  There was evidence that the new variant could be spread more easily, and combined with the recent easement of national restrictions, this had led to a gradual increase in cases. Reassurance was provided that the overall rates were still lower than a number of other places in the country, which had not been included on the Government's initial list of local lockdown areas.

The Director of Public Health advised that although the city was not currently seeing a huge rise in numbers of cases or hospital admissions, it was important that everyone continued to follow the national guidance and take the precautions.

In terms of the vaccination programme, it was reiterated that anyone eligible should arrange their appointments as soon as possible, as it would be putting themselves and others at risk from the new variant if ignored.  It was confirmed that having two doses of the vaccine would give similar levels of protection from the new variant as it does to others, so it was considered vital that vaccinations were undertaken.  The availability of vaccines at the additional NHS drop-in centres was promoted.

It was reported that the city’s levels of positive tests were above the national average and that an increase in over 60s cohort had been acknowledged, which was being monitored.  There had not been a significant increase in figures expected since Leicester City’s FA cup triumph and associated celebrations.

Hospital admissions had reduced and no Covid deaths had been registered in the past two weeks.

The Chair thanked the Director for his report and update and invited questions from members.

It was noted that considerable activity had been experienced in respect of concerns form constituents since the Government’s announcement that the city was one of seven areas being designated in ‘special lockdown measures’, which had since been withdrawn.

Members asked whether Ward data could be provided, and it was confirmed that this would be researched and supplied as far as possible.  It was acknowledged that the reputation of the city during Covid had been sometimes problematic and ongoing work with the communications and media teams was noted.

In respect of the vaccination programme it was also suggested that data be shared with members where there were surges of demand and whether there was a recognisable correlation with the levels of positive tests.

The Director of Delivery, Communication and Political  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits a report to the Committee to outline the current community safety work around ensuring women’s safety, the process used to improve women’s safety further within Leicester city and to outline the opportunity to access government funding to undertake proactive community safety work which will make a difference to the daily lives of women and girls.

The Committee is recommended to note the current work being undertaken and comment on the proposed way forward.

AGREED:
That the item be deferred to a future meeting.

The Chief Operating Officer submits a report which is the final one in the monitoring cycle for 2020/21 and reports the final outturn for 2020/21. The Committee is recommended to consider the overall position presented within the report and make any observations it sees fit.

The Director of Finance submitted a report, which was the final report in the monitoring cycle for 2020/21 and reported the final outturn.

It was recognised that the year had been dominated by the consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic, with the need to incur expenditure to respond to and mitigate the effects of the pandemic, and the loss of income due to facility closure in successive lockdowns.

The outturn report also showed the combined effect on the budget of covid related costs and losses, and other budgetary variations unrelated to covid and one-off grants received by the Government.

In response to comments and questions, the Director of Finance agreed to contact the Chair of the Housing Scrutiny Commission in regard to the outturn reported for the HRA and homelessness/staffing underspends, recognising that there had been an identifiable delay in recruitment. It was also noted that the underspend on repairs and maintenance had caused some concerns and further information would be provided.

In response to a question, it was confirmed that the approach concerning court costs were complex and not intended to generate income from the summons being issued.  The details of how the matter and income was accounted for would be supplied separately.

It was also noted that the reopening of community centres and libraries was expected and that although the closures had been expensive, the use of reserves was noted, and it was acknowledged that this was subject to the subsequent capital monitoring reports. 

It was also acknowledged that ‘New Ways of Working’ and improved use of IT would be subject to future reports to the Committee in due course.

In concluding the item, the Chair asked whether penalties from Government were expected, given the high levels and use of reserves.  The Director of Finance clarified that the levels were in accordance with expectations and good accounting practices, citing the ‘Resilience Index’ as a measure for future management of the reserve funds.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That the Chair of the Housing Scrutiny Commission be advised in due course in regard to the outturn reported for the HRA and homelessness/staffing underspend, and the underspend on repairs and maintenance.

3)    That information and clarification concerning the approach taken on court summons and details of how income was accounted for be supplied to members separately.

4)    That ‘New Ways of Working’ and improved use of IT be subject to future reports to the Committee in due course.

The Chief Operating Officer submits a report to show the position of the capital programme at the end of 2020/21, and is the final capital monitoring report for the financial year following similar monitoring reports as at Period 4, Period 6 and Period 9. The Committee is recommended to consider the overall position presented within the report and make any observations it sees fit.

The Director of Finance submitted a report, which provided the position of the capital programme at the end of 2020/21.  It was reported that this was the final capital monitoring report of the financial year following similar monitoring reports as at Period 4, Period 6 and Period 9. 

As reported throughout the year, the Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the capital programme, with  many schemes delayed.  Some £36.9m slippage had been reported on work programmes. This had an impact on capacity to deliver additional schemes and would be considered when putting together the 2021/22 capital budget.  Work was continuing to monitor any additional cost pressures as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In response to questions it was noted that the additional extra care schemes costs and disabled facility grants being underspent had raised concerns. 

The Director of Finance responded by advising that extra care contractual arrangements were currently in a stage of negotiation, and that the underspends on disabled facilities were often due to tenants being hesitant to allow contractors into homes during the lockdown.

AGREED:

That the report be noted, and members be contacted separately concerning the future update on the extra care contractual arrangements.

The Deputy Director of Finance submits a report which details progress made in collecting debts raised by the Council during 2020-21, together with debts outstanding and brought forward from the previous year. It also sets out the details of debts written off under delegated authority that it has not been possible to collect after reasonable effort and expense. The Committee is recommended to consider the overall position presented within the report and make and observations it sees fit.

The Director of Finance submitted a report, which detailed progress made in collecting debts raised by the Council during 2020-21, together with debts outstanding and brought forward from the previous year.

The report also set out details of debts written off under delegated authority that it has not been possible to collect after reasonable effort and expense.  It was noted that performance had been substantially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with most areas responsible for collection having to do more to support those struggling to pay, and income collected towards the end of 2019/20 due to the pandemic had reduced.

It was also reported and noted that business rates collection had reduced, alongside the reduction in Council Tax collection which had been affected by the inability to arrange Court action.

AGREED:

That the report be noted.

The Deputy Director of Finance submits a report which reviews how the Council conducted its borrowing and investments during 2020/21. The Committee is recommended to note the report and make comments to the Deputy Director of Finance and the Executive as they wish.

The Director of Finance submitted a report, which reviewed how borrowing and investments were conducted during 2020/21.

It was reported that 2020/21 had seen an unprecedented disruption throughout the world due to the emergence of coronavirus with lockdowns for many parts of the economy and huge injections of cash from the Government and the Bank of England required to prevent parts of the economy from collapsing.

It was noted that towards the end of the year, there had been increased optimism regarding recovery with the roll out of various vaccines in the UK and throughout the world.

After the emergence of coronavirus, the focus of treasury management changed initially to ensuring the ready availability of cash rather than maximising income. Nevertheless, income generated had exceeded budget despite record low interest rates mainly due to a number of 2-year loans with other local authorities at the end of 2019/20 at good rates. Income had also held up due to high levels of grant income on which interest was earned.

In response to questions, the Director of Finance agreed to provide details of the Haymarket investment and expected return in future years separately to members.

AGREED:

That the report be noted, and members be informed separately of the Haymarket investment and expected return in due course.

The City Mayor will answer questions raised by members of the Overview Select Committee on issues not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

The Chair invited Questions to the City Mayor.

a)  LCFC – FA Cup Triumph.

It was requested that a celebration be arranged to recognise the achievement of Leicester City FC in winning the FA Cup.  The City Mayor advised that he was discussing options, but clearly the need to be cautious in terms of Covid-19 and public events was significant.

b)  Police and Crime Commissioner

The result of the PCCC Election was noted, and it was considered that Councillor Ross Willmott had campaigned strongly but had not been elected.  The City Mayor confirmed he would be meeting the newly elected Commissioner,  Rupert Matthews, to discuss issues in the city.

The current work programme for the Committee is attached.  The Committee is asked to consider this and make comments and/or amendments as it considers necessary.

The Committee’s Work Programme was submitted for information and comment.

a)  Enhancing Womens Safety

It was noted that the item deferred from earlier in the meeting would be re-scheduled.  In this regard, comments were made that the report would need to be revised to provide more detail on the plans for the progression of the issues going forward.  The City Mayor offered his time to assist in developing future options.

b)  New Ways of Working / IT

It was also recognised that updates on ‘New Ways of Working’ and IT use would be added, due to the previous discussion in the meeting.

AGREED:

                   That the Work Programme be noted.

The meeting closed at 8.20pm.