Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lewis and Royle.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9^th February 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9^th February 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to an amendment to minute 97, replacing LCC Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee with Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee.

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 be considered.

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.

No declarations of interest were received.

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 were asked to note the Notice of Key Decisions and Private Meetings (NKDPM) published on 14^th February 2023. 

It was highlighted that there were two items scheduled to be submitted to the April meeting of the Executive, namely Allotment Review 2023 and Empty Homes CPOs and Facelifting, however there wasn’t a scheduled meeting of the Scrutiny Committee to consider these.  It was suggested that Committee Members could speak with the relevant Executive Members upon publication of the reports, rather than calling a special meeting of the Scrutiny Committee. 

As the Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing was present the Chair invited Councillor Lishman to provide an overview of what was to be reported as part of the Allotments Review.  It was reported that Greenspaces were undertaking a clean up of the waiting list and work was being done to increase the number of available allotments.  Community allotments had also been identified at various sites.  Arrangements were being made for spare produce to go to the community shop and food bank. 

The Executive Member for Housing and Development Control and the Head of Housing and Development Control received questions on Empty Homes CPOS and Facelifting. 

Concerns were raised in respect of signage in the Standish Street area.  Due to current works, clearer signage was needed to highlight that the businesses in that area were trading as usual.  Paul Gatrell agreed to look into the issue. 

It was queried if there would be facelifts for the buildings from Yorkshire Street up to Belvedere Road included in the Town to Turf development.  It was reported that it wasn’t under the scheme as it stands but different funding streams were being explored.

RESOLVED – That the NKDPM of 14^th February 2023 be noted.      

To receive a report of the Trustees and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31^st March 2022 for Burnley Leisure. 

A presentation was given on Burnley Leisure Trust (BLT) achievements and performance, alongside the report of the trustees and audited financial statements for the year ended 31^st March 2022.

It was explained that 2021/22 business plan had focussed on recovery from the pandemic and continuing to work in partnership with Burnley Together, delivering volunteer programmes and engaging in community support.  This year was about consolidating their position, financially and usage and looking to refresh the agreements with the Council, producing a new 3-year strategy that tied into the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and provide a framework for annual business plans. 

Concerns were raised in connection with Burnley Leisure not attracting entertainment like other areas in Lancashire, and the long-term strategy was questioned.  Discussions had taken place but there remained a problem with theatres having a deficit despite increased capacity.  However, linking in with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council had helped with the buying power to attract some acts.  It was also reported that a Cultural Strategy Manager had been appointed in recent months and work was being undertaken with the Council regarding next steps.  There had been conversations with the Arts Council with regards to festivals, but funding was still limited.  There would be an update to the BLT Board in April. 

The report format was questioned in terms of details and being representative of the organisation.  It was explained that the report was condensed and to the point to meet the requirements of Companies House.  Assurance was given that the next annual report would be more tailored for Scrutiny.

A query was raised in respect of the pension deficit, which had transferred from the Council and was part of the LCC scheme.  An agreement was in place to deal with it, but it now comes under BLT accounts. 

It was queried what the ‘raising funds’ category in the financial statement encompassed.  Gerard Vinton advised that it was an accounting technique that the auditors/accountants determine against strict submission guidelines.  Gerard Vinton would ask the auditors to provide a breakdown of figures.

It was reported that there were exciting times ahead in terms of growing the business and looking for opportunities.  Refurbishment work was planned for the gyms at Padiham and St. Peter’s at the end of the year.  They had also been successful in winning the rotunda contract at Towneley Park.  New programmes were being looked at, tying in with the health service, such as weight management, fitness, and smoking cessation.

Councillor Whitaker raised a question on what the business and technical support of the Governance and Support costs related to.  Gerard Vinton would get the answer from the auditors and forward on the information. 

A query was also raised on trade debtors and Members were informed that this was a snapshot at the end of the financial year and monies had come in over that last 12 months.  Up to date figures were provided to the Executive on a quarterly basis. 

It was highlighted that the amount  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

To receive a report on Cosy Homes in Lancashire (ChiL).

A report was submitted that sought approval from the Executive for the Council to extend its membership of the Cosy Home in Lancashire (CHiL) consortium for a further 4 years from April 2023; sign a contract with the appointed delivery agent for the provision of CHiL; and adopt a Lancashire wide Statement of Intent so that residents can access Energy Company Obligation (ECO 4 LA flex) funding. 

Reassurance was given that the contract had been out to tender, was timely, and there were no foreseen issues with regards to a gap in service.

It was explained that exemplar model was a different approach to that of private companies, insofar as it took a whole house approach, not just one element. 

Councillor Barton queried how many referrals were received from doctors/GPs.  The Head of Housing and Development Control would forward on this information.

It was further reported that the Home Improvement Agency in Housing was working alongside the hospital discharge team, examining properties and identifying what needs to be done and linking in with health services.   

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.    

To receive a report on the Ex-Offenders Government Support Grant.

A report was submitted that sought approval from the Executive to accept the funding award from the Accommodation for Ex-offenders (AfEO) Programme to allow for the continuation of an East Lancashire wide programme of services targeted at reducing repeat offending by accessing settled accommodation and providing support. 

It was clarified that though this was separate to mental health support, it did link in and the provision of 2 AfEO Officers would support this.

It was also reported that additional funding of £95k had been awarded as part of the AfEO fund to provide incentive packages to private sector landlords to assist and support clients into private rented accommodation. 

Councillor Whitaker queried how many veterans had been assisted through the programme.  The Head of Housing and Development Control would provide this information. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted. 

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

It was clarified that with regards to the Queensgate review, evidence was being gathered and there would be an update submitted to the June meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the work programme for 2022/23 be noted.