Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Baker, Hall, L Khan and Whitaker.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24^th November 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair decides should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There were no additional items of business. 

To receive any declarations of interest from Members relating to any item on the agenda, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct and/or indicate if S106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Councillor Barton declared a personal interest in Item 10, Community Safety Strategy Update, insofar that tackling serious and organised crime related to her job.

Councillor Lewis declared a personal interest in Item 15, Memorial Park Wheeled Sports Area, insofar as he is a Padiham Town Council Member. 

To determine during which items, if any, the public are to be excluded from the meeting.

Exclusion of press and public was as set out in the agenda. 

To consider questions, statements or petitions from Members of the Public.

No questions, statements or petitions had been received from members of the public. 

To consider the list of future Key Decisions.

Members noted the Notice of Key Decisions and Private Decisions (NKDPM) published on 13^th December 2022 and were reminded that, when they received notification of each NKDPM being published, they should ask the Chair to request any items of interest to be brought to Committee.

To receive an update on progress in developing the Lancashire 2050 Strategic Framework.

A report was submitted which updated Members on the progress in developing the Lancashire 2050 Strategic Framework.

It was recommended that the outline Lancashire 2050 Strategic Framework that would guide further development of shared detailed priorities and actions with partners and stakeholders across the whole of Lancashire be endorsed; and that it be agreed that the Leader of the Council continues to work with Lancashire Leaders and make representations to that forum on any matters arising from the Council’s consideration of the report. 

Concerns were raised over social housing in Lancashire, being some of the worst in the country.  It was felt that this was not sufficiently reflected in the report, particularly with regards replacement housing.  Members were advised that a more detailed document would be circulated ahead of the next full Council meeting. 

It was reported that the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper in February 2022 set out a proposed devolution framework, to be enacted through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.  Clarity on the ongoing policy direction and timeframes was still awaited. 

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted.

To receive a Powerpoint presentation.

This item was deferred until the next meeting of the Committee. 

To receive an update on Burnley’s community safety performance.

A report was submitted that provided an update on Burnley’s community safety performance as part of the required statutory duty, in accordance with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and sought approval of the Pennine Lancashire Community Safety Partnership’s strategic priorities for 2022-2025, namely: -

·         maintaining low crime and antisocial behaviour

·         targeting repeat offenders and those causing the greatest harm

·         serious violence

·         road safety

·         tackling serious and organised crime

·         domestic abuse

Statistics were requested in respect of the effectiveness of the alleygates schemes for increased home security.  The Committee was advised that the project officer could provide the statistics directly. 

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted.  

To receive an update on how the authority plans to protect and promote food safety throughout the Borough.

The Food Safety Service Delivery Plan for 2022/2023 was submitted for consideration.  The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) “Framework Agreement on Official Feed and Food Controls by Local Authorities” set out what the FSA expected from local authorities in their delivery of official controls on feed and food law.  In recognition of the challenges local authorities faced in delivering statutory food functions whilst having to prioritise protecting communities from Covid 19, the FSA had published the Recovery Plan, of which the delivery plan intended to meet the requirements.   

In 2021/22 a total of 540 Official Control Interventions had been completed.  The workplan for 2022/23 would continue to align with the FSA Recovery Plan, and where possible the Food Safety Team would move at a faster pace in realigning with the intervention frequencies and other provisions set out in the Food Law Codes of Practice. 

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted.   

To receive an outline of the health and safety regulation duties undertaken by Burnley Borough Council’s health and safety team.

The Health and Safety Intervention Plan 2022/23 was submitted which had been produced to outline the health and safety regulation duties undertaken by the Council’s health and safety team. 

Clarification was sought in respect of enforcement action figures, with no notices, caution or prosecution being issued in 2021/22.  It was explained that this was due to the level of proactive working.

Concerns were raised over the condition of pavements in relation to ice, and whilst this was the responsibility of highways, it was felt that grit bin refusal was an issue and Ward Councillors could raise this directly with Lancashire County Council.    

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted. 

To receive a list of a number of proposed compulsory purchase orders for the purpose of renovation and/or re-sale by the most appropriate method.

A report was submitted that sought approval from the Executive to make several Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) for long term vacant properties in the private sector.  It also sought approval to dispose of the properties in accordance with the Council’s Disposal of Empty Dwellings Policy and scheme of delegation or to Calico Homes as appropriate. 

Clarification was sought in terms of compensation and the Committee was advised that there was an obligation to pay market value.   

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted. 

To receive a report on the Council’s environmental enforcement service.

A report was submitted which sought approval from the Executive to undertake the re-procurement of the Council’s environmental enforcement service for the borough.  This provided continuity of service for environmental enforcement services and ensured that a suitable provider was appointed through a tender exercise compliant with the Council’s Contract Standing Orders and the Public Contract Regulations 2015.  It would continue to deliver its ’Clean Burnley’ strategic priorities; provide robust enforcement to challenge and change behaviours where these persisted, regarding littering, dog fouling and excess side waste; and maintain the cleanliness and enforcement across the whole of the borough. 

Some discussion took place around the scope and limits of Kingdom Environmental Services issuing Fixed Penalty Notices, along with deployment of resources.

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted.

To receive a report on proposals in relation to the construction of a Wheeled Sports area at Memorial Park (Park Road) Padiham.

A report was submitted that sought Executive approval to accept the tender submitted by Clark and Kent for the construction of a wheeled sports area at Park Road.

In light of the ‘Make Space for Girls’ initiative, a question was put regarding the exploration around gender balance.  A consultation had taken place the previous year which was being taken into consideration.  The scheme was part of a larger project to develop most of the facilities on Park Road.  The project would include the upgrade of the existing ball court, repainting and relining of the tennis courts, upgrade of the existing play area to improve inclusivity and refurbishment of the youth shelter.      

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted. 

To consider any amendments to the Work Programme for 2022/23.

IT WAS AGREED: that the work programme for 2022/23 be noted. 

Members resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting before discussion took place on the following items of business on the grounds that in view of the nature of the business to be transacted if the public were present there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.     

To receive a report on the Lower St James’s Street Historic Action Zone programme.

A report was submitted on Lower St. James’s Street Heritage Action Zone Creative Hub project. 

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted.

To receive a report on Burnley Bus Station Facilities Management Services procurement.

A report was submitted on the Burnley Bus Station Facilities Management Contract.

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted.

To receive a report on the Stables Café Lease.

A report was submitted on the Stables Café lease variation. 

IT WAS AGREED THAT: the report be noted.