Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Chaudhary to the Committee. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Whitaker.

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 8^th February 2024 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 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.

There were no declarations of interest on any of the items on the agenda.

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 on 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 13^th February 2024. 

Members were reminded that should they wish the Committee to consider any items on the NKDPM, they should inform the Chair. 

RESOLVED – That the NKDPM of 13^th February 2024 be noted.

To consider a report on Road Map to Net Zero. 

The Committee considered a report that enabled the Council to meet its aim of minimising the carbon impact of its business operations.  It requested the Executive approve the Road Map to Net Zero Report as a working document to be reviewed and updated periodically.

The Road Map to Net Zero report had been produced to allow informed decision-making around the order in which the Council could take climate action and achieve net zero at the earliest possible date. The document outlined potential costs and timeframes for each action, allowing priorities to be established and a realistic and appropriate timeline to be set. The document allowed the Council to work through climate actions over time, with costs spread out between now and 2050. This allowed for strategic planning and prioritisation within appropriate timescales and resources.

A query was raised in connection with the supply of electricity.  This was on the national agenda and discussions were underway nationally with service providers, including strengthening the national grid.

It was reported that the production of Heat Carbonisation Plans was now expected to be the end of March. 

Clarification was sought as to why the Scope 2 emissions, CO2 Analysis budget of £25k had not yet be spent.  Meetings had taken place with CO2 Analysis to establish what was required in respect of data collection.  It was taking time to gather the information, and some soft market testing had been done in respect of alternatives.

In terms of the transition of all Council fleet cars and vans to electric by 2030, and in light of the national shift, it was queried if this would be put back to 2035.  It was reported that these decisions would be taken on a case by case basis depending on the leasing arrangements and any other relevant factors.

In relation to Council employee home working, it was suggested that a survey be circulated to staff to gather data on travel mode, shared transport and distance, to calculate energy usage compared to an average UK home.

With regards to the continued roll out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, it was pointed out that numbers were still minimal.  Work was continuing with Lancashire County Council to explore opportunities for the provision of electric charging infrastructure on the borough’s highways. 

A query was raised on where the tree planting was taking place.  It was advised that there was an infographic map on the website, but this would be circulated to Members.

The Chair invited the Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Growth to provide further information on the report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted. 

To consider a report on Selective Licensing – Consultation on Future Proposals.

A report was submitted on the Selective Licensing consultation on future proposals. 

The report requested the Executive approve the consultation and evidence gathering for the proposal to designate six areas for selective licensing.  The draft case proposal document set out the Council’s reasons for proposing to designate Trinity; Queensgate; Gannow; Daneshouse and Stoneyholme; Padiham; and Lyndhurst Road areas for Selective Licensing.

The report also requested the approval of the proposed fee and charging structure, staffing structure, case proposal document, proposed designation boundaries and areas for consultation, dates for consultation, Fit and Proper Person Criteria and Licence Conditions.  Furthermore, it requested the Executive approve the appointment of a Project Assistant for the period April 2024 to January 2025, and approve in principle upfront payment for statutory notices of designation in local newspapers, should the schemes by approved by the Secretary of State.

Clarification was sought on whether landlords were considered for registration where they leased property to their family.  It was explained that there were a number of exemptions that could be applied for, and this was included.

Further clarification was sought on the benefits of Selective Licensing and whether it made a difference.  The Head of Housing and Development Control outlined the benefits, including health and safety, dealing with anti-social behaviour and maintaining standards, and the difference that made on communities.      

Regular monitoring of the areas enabled the Council to identify new properties that required licensing and identify those that had not applied.  Audits of the areas were also undertaken to identify individual properties that needed attention.

Feedback from the Landlords forum suggested that Landlords don’t know about the opportunities to work with the Council, and it was felt that this was an area for development. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted. 

To receive an update on the work of any active Scrutiny Review Groups.

A report was submitted from the Climate Change Scrutiny Review Group. 

The group consisted of Councillors Barton, McGowan, Broughton, Horrocks, Hurt, Launer, Bridges, Syeda Kazmi, and Reynolds. The officers supporting the group were Claire Graham and Paul Gatrell. 

The main areas of discussion by the group were climate change action plan prioritisation; electric bus funding (ZEBRA2); electric/hybrid taxis; homeworking action; and resources.

Overall Members concluded that they felt more certain of the climate change actions and the work being undertaken. There was overall interest in the climate change agenda and the need to drive forward actions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider any amendments to the Work Programme for 2023/24.

The Committee received the updated work programme for 2023/2024.    

RESOLVED – That the updated work programme for 2023/24 be noted.

Members determined to exclude the press and public from the meeting before discussion took place on the following items 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 within the meaning of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider a report on Disabled Facilities Grant – Social Care Capital Projects.

A report was submitted on the utilisation of the disabled facilities grant on two identified social care capital projects. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.