Agenda and minutes

By-election – North Evington Ward

The Lord Mayor made reference to the recent by election in the North Evington ward where Councillor Sanjay Modhwadia was elected. The Lord Mayor invited Councillor Deepak Bajaj to formally welcome Councillor Modhwadia to Council which he duly did. Councillor Bajaj congratulated him on his recent victory and said that he would work hard for the residents of the ward. Council then welcomed Councillor Modhwadia with a round of applause.

Civic Team

The Lord Mayor informed Council that he wished to thank the Council’s Civic Team for their support provided to him as he undertook his role. He acknowledged that he had some nerves when he started in the role, but the team had been immensely helpful in helping him through the process, and he welcomed the support provided to him by the team.

Western Ward

The Lord Mayor noted that as he had been busy with his Civic duties he had not been able to devote much time on his ward Councillor duties. He paid tribute to Councillor Gary O’Donnell for stepping in to take on the role of maintaining an effective ward Councillor representation in the ward.

Visits

The Lord Mayor referred to the visits which he had been on around the city as part of his role. He welcomed the opportunity to find out more about the city, things that people did and how volunteers stepped in to help people.

The Lord Mayor particularly referred to a visit to Inglehurst Junior School as part of Black History Month, where he was embarrassed to see his picture on the wall as a person of achievement. He felt the atmosphere of the school was inspiring.

The Lord Mayor also noted that he had a fascinating visit to the Mason’s Lodge on London Road.

The Lord Mayor also attended an International Men’s Day event where details were provided about how men could be supported to keep their family together.

City of Leicester

The Lord Mayor spoke of how special he felt when going around the city to meet people. It really made him recognise what a great place the city was and how lucky he was to live in such a city.

Charities

The Lord Mayor reminded Council of his chosen charity, Sickle Cell Society. He was also looking to promote issues around Prostate Cancer. He noted that there were a number of events coming up to support these charities and he urged Members to attend them.

The Lord Mayor invited Members to declare any interests they might have in the business to be discussed.

There were no declarations.

The minutes of the meetings held on 13 September 2022 and 29 September 2022 are available to view at the following links:

Agenda for Council on Tuesday, 13 September 2022, 5:00 pm (leicester.gov.uk)

Agenda for Council on Thursday, 29 September 2022, 5:00 pm (leicester.gov.uk)

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 meetings of Council held on 13^th September 2022 and 29^th September 2022, copies having been circulated to each member of the Council, be taken as read and that they each 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.

1.         Councillor Dr Moore:-

“Can the Deputy City Mayor describe actions taken by the Council over the recent fireworks season to persuade people to show more consideration to their neighbours by choosing pretty but quiet fireworks?”

Deputy City Mayor Councillor Singh Clair in response stated firework safety was an annual issue that was a matter of interest to the Council as the Police, Fire services, Ambulance, RSPCA and other animal welfare organisations. The Council had limited legal powers to control the use of fireworks in private gardens, but could control their sale and use in public displays regarding maximum noise level. The Council would continue to work with partners to encourage the safe and responsible use of fireworks.

The Deputy City Mayor thanked Councillor Dr Moore for her question as it alerted him about fireworks issues and assisted with the development of a campaign about their safe use. Minimal complaints had been received compared to the previous year. It was always the intention to promote residents being safe.

Councillor Dr Moore asked a supplementary question. Based on her personal experience, Councillor Dr Moore noted particular noise issues, and three particularly loud bangs this past firework season. She asked the Council to consider having discussions with the Police about fireworks and introducing a whistleblowing phoneline. She noted that loud bangs were damaging to people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health issues.

The Deputy City Mayor in response stated that decibel levels were not something that Council could control. He also noted that fireworks noise issues tended to be short lived and by the time a complaint was made, those responsible had moved on. He undertook to work with the Police and Fire Authority to make people more aware of good practices.

2.         Councillor Kitterick:-

“When can an announcement be expected on the creation of a Public Right of Way across the campus of Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College Campus linking University and Victoria Park Road?”

Deputy City Mayor Councillor Clarke thanked Councillor Kitterick for his painstaking and judicious approach to lobbying on this matter. The Deputy City Mayor confirmed that he would take a decision on the day after the meeting to confirm the right of way. If this was challenged, it would be subject to review by a planning inspector.

Councillor Kitterick asked a supplementary question. He warmly welcomed the decision, but suggested that the decision maker urge the Board of Governors from the college to not object. He felt the proposal was about making things safe for residents, in particular, ensuring that women did not have to walk through Victoria Park alone.

The Deputy City Mayor said that formal and informal routes had been used to engage with the college. He agreed that it was important to have safe walking routes in the city and wanted to undertake actions such as filling in the underpasses at St Margarets to ensure the city was as walkable as possible.

3.         Councillor Waddington:-

“Could the Deputy Mayor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

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

That Council:

a)     Notes, that following 3 substantive public consultations, this final submission plan responds to the need for growth, the housing crisis and how we will shape the city of the future. It addresses important issues such as climate change, our economy, transportation and health.

b)     Notes that substantial evidence had been prepared by officers to underpin the Local Plan. This included preserving our environment whilst maximising all options to accommodate housing in the city.

c)      Recognises that we have reached agreement with the majority of districts in terms of taking almost half of the city’s housing need.

d)     Notes the key strategy of the plan to prioritise new housing on brownfield land within the city centre. 71% of the proposed housing are on brownfield land and 21% on greenfield sites.

e)     Notes that there is a typographical error on page 236 as part of Appendix 6 to the Submission Plan which incorrectly includes site 546 Herrick Primary School Playing Fields in the allocation for development. All the other supporting documents confirm this is not the case and Appendix 6 will be amended in the finalised document under the delegation to the Director to correct any inaccuracies before consultation.

f)       Approves public consultation for the Leicester Local Plan (2020 – 2036) pursuant to Regulation 19 of the Town and Country (Local Planning) England Regulations 2012 as amended, and thereafter its submission, together with consultation responses, for Examination in Public to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

g)     Authorise the Director of Planning, Development and Transportation to make any necessary minor technical/factual amendments to the plan prior to consultation.

Moved by Assistant City Mayor Councillor Cutkelvin, seconded by Councillor Chamund and carried:

That the District Heating Services Charges report be withdrawn.

Moved by Councillor Cank, seconded by Assistant City Mayor Councillor Cutkelvin and carried:

a)     That the waiver of the six-month attendance rule provided for within Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act for Councillor Bill Shelton due to illness, be approved; and

b)     Having regard to the extenuating circumstances arising from Councillor Shelton’s illness, an extension of time until the end of the current municipal year, 19 May 2022, be granted.

Moved by Councillor Barton, seconded by Councillor Cank, and carried:

That the report be noted.

-        To note any changes to the Executive

-        To vary the composition and fill any vacancies of any Committee of the Council

There was no Executive or committees business.

Proposed by Assistant City Mayor Councillor Cutkelvin, seconded by Councillor Gee that:-

“This Council recognises that there are sustained and escalating pressures on our Council Housing stock in Leicester City meaning that we are no longer in the same position we once were to support the most vulnerable residents.

Due to the loss of stock from Right To Buy, and the absence of credible National Build programme, we declare a Housing Crisis in Leicester.

We welcome the recent scrutiny Task Group review which looked into this matter and will support their recommendations to be contained within an action plan to be delivered to scrutiny.”

The Task Group Review Report setting out their recommendations is attached.

Moved by Assistant City Mayor Councillor Cutkelvin, seconded by Councillor Gee and carried:

This Council recognises that there are sustained and escalating pressures on our Council Housing stock in Leicester City meaning that we are no longer in the same position we once were to support the most vulnerable residents.

Due to the loss of stock from Right to Buy, and the absence of a credible National Build programme, we declare a Housing Crisis in Leicester.

We welcome the recent scrutiny Task Group review which looked into this matter and will support their recommendations to be contained within an action plan to be delivered to scrutiny.

There being no other business, the Lord Mayor declared the meeting closed at 8.32pm.