Agenda and minutes

The Lord Mayor welcomed all those present to the meeting.

By-election – North Evington Ward

The Lord Mayor made reference to the recent by-election in the North Evington ward where Councillor Vandeviji Pandya was elected. The Lord Mayor invited the City Mayor to formally welcome Councillor Pandya to Council, which he did, and he congratulated her on her recent victory. Council then welcomed Councillor Pandya with a round of applause.

Councillor John Thomas

The Lord Mayor reflected on the recent sad passing of Councillor John Thomas. He noted that John was a well liked and respected Councillor who had served since 1993 in both City and County Councils.

The Lord Mayor noted that John had represented a number of wards in the City, including Belgrave, Charnwood, Thurncourt and most recently Humberstone and Hamilton. John was closely associated with Licensing in the Council where he was chair for over 10 years. He was also Lord Mayor for the year 2014/15.

The Lord Mayor further said that John would be sadly missed, but also missed personally by himself as he was a close family friend for over 3 decades.

Council stood for a minute’s silence in John’s memory.

Civic Events

The Lord Mayor referred to a number of Civic events he had attended recently.

During Armed Forces Week, the Lord Mayor was joined by the Lord-Lieutenant to raise the flag at the Town Hall.

This was followed by the opening of Memorial Walk in Watermead Park which remembered those affected by the pandemic.

Later in the week, the Lord Mayor collected the peppercorn rent from O’Neil’s in Loseby Lane as part of the Damask Rose Ceremony, a tradition which dates back to 1637.

Also, during the week, the Lord Mayor joined guests at a service at Leicester Cathedral to celebrate and show thanks to those who serve in the Armed Forces.

The Lord Mayor also took place in National Thank You Day on 4^th July where he sent a short video message to the citizens of Leicester for their efforts during the pandemic.

Finally, the Lord Mayor noted that the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire had recently been recognising those who had gone above and beyond during the pandemic. The Lord Mayor supported this initiative and also paid tribute to volunteers who had been active in their communities during the pandemic.

Fire and Emergency Evacuation Procedure

The Lord Mayor reminded all present of the evacuation procedures as detailed on the agenda for the meeting.

The Lord Mayor invited Members to declare any interests they might have in the business on the agenda, not already declared on their register of interests.

There were no declarations.

The minutes of the meetings held below are available to view at the links shown:

17 February 2021 – Budget Council Meeting

http://www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk:8071/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=81&MId=10569&Ver=4

17 February 2021 – Special Meeting

http://www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk:8071/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=81&MId=10570&Ver=4

29 April 2021 -  Annual Council Meeting

http://www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk:8071/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=81&MId=10847&Ver=4

29 April 2021 – Special Council Meeting

http://www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk:8071/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=81&MId=10848&Ver=4

Copies are also available from Democratic Support on (0116) 454 6350 or committees@leicester.gov.uk

Moved by the Lord Mayor, seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor and carried:

That the minutes of the meetings of Council held on 17 February 2021 (Budget Council Meeting), 17 February 2021 (Special Meeting), 29 April 2021 (Annual Council) and 29 April 2021 (Special Meeting) having been circulated to each Member of the Council, be taken as read and that they be approved as a correct record.

There were no statements.

-           Presented by Members of the Public

-           Presented by Councillors

-           Petitions to be debated

There were no petitions.

There were no questions from Members of the public.

The following questions were asked by Councillors:

1.      Councillor Dr Moore

“While we can all enjoy the spectacle of fireworks, does the executive recognise that very loud bangs, particularly when unexpected, can be very disturbing for people with mental health problems, and, of course, animals.  What can be done about this?”

Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Clair in response thanked Councillor Moore for her question and he sought to clarify issues in relation to fireworks particularly on the issue of loud bangs and unsuspected impact. He noted that category 3 fireworks, the loudest kind, could not be sold direct to the public, but only used at public displays. He also explained that the Public Safety Team led on firework safety and enforced legislation in relation to businesses that stocked and sold fireworks. Businesses that sold fireworks must be licensed and subject to inspections.

The Deputy City Mayor also noted that there was a report produced by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) where it was tasked to develop evidence in relation to fireworks. He acknowledged that people have experience of the impact on animals and health, but the report was inconclusive on the impact of fireworks on animal health. Further research was being undertaken on firework decibel levels by the OPSS.

The Deputy City Mayor further explained that efforts were already undertaken to raise awareness to celebrate safely and there was work ongoing with partners such as the Fire and Rescue Service and the Police in this area. He was happy to discuss further with Councillor Moore what could be done, but provided assurance that monitoring was undertaken in order to ensure that festivals were a success.

Councillor Moore asked a supplementary question. She welcomed Councillor Clair’s reply and the enforcement activities which were being undertaken. She enquired whether, as the fire ‘season’ approached, could a high-profile campaign promoting safe use of fireworks with consideration for others be undertaken?

Deputy City Mayor responding further said that this was a very good suggestion. He said that he would make sure that officers undertake a campaign and raise awareness, particularly for those events held on Council land. He noted that there was more limited control on events on private land or back gardens, but monitoring could be undertaken and sometimes fines were issued. He agreed to ask officers to undertake more work on the campaign to ensure festivals were enjoyed in a safe manner.

2.      Councillor Rae Bhatia

“I would like to bring to Council’s attention the traffic issues that the residents of Ashton Green are facing. There are two main issues that the council must address immediately-

1.      Site traffic of heavy vehicles passing though the residential area of Glebelands causing disruption, at times unsafe and speeding;

2.      Ashton Green Road itself needs immediate attention and proper resurfacing and repairs must be done;

3.    20 MPH zone must be extended from Deacon Road junction to the Bevan Road roundabout.

May I  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

Moved by the City Mayor, seconded by Deputy City Mayor Councillor Clair, and carried:

That the changes to the Council’s Constitution as set out in the report of the Monitoring Officer be agreed, subject to the following amendments:

(i)      Paragraph 5.14 - Council notes the proposal to consult with the Trades Unions over whether Members should no longer determine disciplinary, capability, and sickness procedure appeals. Any agreement to implement such a change, by amending the Terms of Reference for Employee’s Committee, will be brought back to Full Council after that consultation has been concluded.

(ii)      Paragraph 5.23 - The proposal to amend CPR Rule 14(a)(ii) to add the word “specifically” is withdrawn. 

(iii)     Paragraph 5.24 - The proposal to add to CPR Rule 14 a restriction on asking questions about businesses / charities / organisations unless directly linked to Council business is withdrawn.

In presenting the report, the City Mayor welcomed any further comments from Members to the Monitoring Officer in relation to any instances of gender specific language for further amendment.

The City Mayor also wanted to put on record that whilst responsibility for consideration of Traffic Regulation Orders has been removed from the Planning and Development Control Committee, he gave an assurance that an alternative process, most likely through the Scrutiny process, would be developed in order to provide a mechanism for elected member consideration of Traffic Regulation Orders.

Moved by Councillor Cank, seconded by the City Mayor and carried:

That the appointment of Councillor Pantling as Vice-Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and Councillor Shelton as Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee be confirmed.

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

Proposed by Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by the Councillor Dr Barton:

“Leicester City Council is proud of the outstanding achievements of all our sports stars and teams. For many of our citizens, Leicester City Football Club’s victory in the FA Cup Final was the highlight f a difficult and anxious year. A year in which Leicester has endured lockdown and additional restrictions for almost the entire time. The achievements of Leicester’s sporting heroes and heroines have raised local spirits in an otherwise dark time and raised the profile of our city in positive way. Highlights incude Mark Selby’s nerve-jangling winning frame, the excitement of Leicester City Women’s FC receiving their trophy, and Youri Tielemans’ rocket of a goal followed by Kasper Schmeichel’s breath-taking save to win the FA Cup.

Leicester City Council congratulates our sports men and women on their various achievements and offers them our gratitude on behalf of the city: -

Mark Selby, World Snooker Champion for the fourth time

Leicester City Women’s Football Club, FA Women’s Championship winners for 2020-2021, securing   promotion to the FA Women’s Super League

Leicester Riders, British Basketball League Champions 2021

Leicester Rugby Football Club, The Tigers, finalists in the European Challenge Cup, only narrowly beaten

Leicester City Football Club, FA Cup Winners 2021

Leicester City Council also commends all our sports clubs, both elite and grass roots, for the work they do, win or lose, to support our communities, whether providing activities for young people, fundraising for good causes, volunteering, promoting equalities, and promoting community cohesion. For example:

            Leicester City in the Community

            The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation

            Leicester Tigers Foundation

            Leicester Riders Foundation

            Leicester Cricket Club Foundation

Leicester City Hockey Club’s work experience partnership with Ellesmere College

On behalf of our citizens, Leicester City Council offers our hearty congratulations to all those celebrating success and thanks all our sports clubs for their positive contributions to life in the city.”

Moved by Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor Dr Barton and carried:

Leicester City Council is proud of the outstanding achievements of all our sports stars and teams. For many of our citizens, Leicester City Football Club’s victory in the FA Cup Final was the highlight of a difficult and anxious year. A year in which Leicester has endured lockdown and additional restrictions for almost the entire time. The achievements of Leicester’s sporting heroes and heroines have raised local spirits in an otherwise dark time and raised the profile of our city in positive way. Highlights include Mark Selby’s nerve-jangling winning frame, the excitement of Leicester City Women’s FC receiving their trophy, and Youri Tielemans’ rocket of a goal followed by Kasper Schmeichel’s breath-taking save to win the FA Cup.

Leicester City Council congratulates our sports men and women on their various achievements and offers them our gratitude on behalf of the city: -

Mark Selby, World Snooker Champion for the fourth time

Leicester City Women’s Football Club, FA Women’s Championship winners for 2020-2021, securing promotion to the FA Women’s Super League

Leicester Riders, British Basketball League Champions 2021

Leicester Rugby Football Club, The Tigers, finalists in the European Challenge Cup, only narrowly beaten

Leicester City Football Club, FA Cup Winners 2021

Leicester City Council also commends all our sports clubs, both elite and grass roots, for the work they do, win or lose, to support our communities, whether providing activities for young people, fundraising for good causes, volunteering, promoting equalities, and promoting community cohesion. For example:

Leicester City in the Community

The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation

Leicester Tigers Foundation

Leicester Riders Foundation

Leicester Cricket Club Foundation

Leicester City Hockey Club’s work experience partnership with Ellesmere College

On behalf of our citizens, Leicester City Council offers our hearty congratulations to all those celebrating success and thanks all our sports clubs for their positive contributions to life in the city.

There being no other business, the Lord Mayor declared the meeting closed at 5.45pm.