Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hollingsworth and Councillor Paling.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the above meeting, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record.

None.

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

Consideration was given to a report of the Democratic Services Manager, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, detailing the Executive’s draft Forward Plan for the next six-month period.

RESOLVED:

To note the report.

Report of the Assistant Director of Communities, Leisure & Wellbeing

The Assistant Director of Leisure and Wellbeing presented a report which had been circulated prior to the meeting, to present the findings of the public consultation undertaken between 26 November and 18 December 2025 regarding the future of Joint Use Agreements at Carlton Forum Leisure Centre, Calverton Leisure Centre and Redhill Leisure Centre.

Also, to provide an update on the strategic context for leisure provision across the Borough, including work to date regarding the Carlton Active leisure and wellbeing centre and the future of Carlton Forum Leisure Centre and capital investments at other sites.

RESOLVED:

THAT:

1.     Cabinet noted and considered the findings of the Joint Use Leisure Centre consultation undertaken between November and December 2025 regarding the Council’s potential withdrawal from the Joint Use Agreements at Carlton Forum Leisure Centre, Calverton Leisure Centre and Redhill Leisure Centre.

2.     Cabinet agreed that Gedling Borough Council would continue operating leisure services at Calverton Leisure Centre under the existing Joint Use Agreement.

3.     Cabinet agreed that Gedling Borough Council would continue operating leisure services at Redhill Leisure Centre under the existing Joint Use Agreement.

4.     Cabinet kept under continuous review the operation of leisure services at Calverton Leisure Centre and Redhill Leisure Centre, as part of the wider Leisure Strategy, including operating models and programming to ensure services remain financially sustainable and responsive to local need.

Report of the Assistant Director of Revenues & Welfare Services.

The Assistant Director of Revenues and Welfare Services presented a report which has been circulated prior to the meeting, which sought approval to introduce a council tax discount to support households living with a terminally ill family member.

RESOLVED:

THAT:

1.     Cabinet approved guidance at appendix 1 to this report for determining applications for a reduction in council tax for households living with a terminally ill family member.

2.     Cabinet approved a delegation to the Chief Finance and s151 Officer to determine applications for discretionary reduction in council tax under section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 in relation to households living with a terminally ill family member in the Borough of Gedling, in line with the guidance at appendix 1 to this report.

3.     That Cabinet approved an additional budget of £25,000 for this year and an equivalent budget in future years for this purpose, with the level of future budget to be determined based on requirement.

Report of the Assistant Director of Development

The Assistant Director of Development presented a report which had been circulated prior to the meeting, to present the Local Authority Biodiversity Report for the period 01/01/2024 – 01/01/2026 and sought approval to publish the report within 12 weeks of the end of the reporting period, in accordance with section 40A of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (as amended by the Environment Act 2021).

RESOLVED:

THAT:

1.     Cabinet noted the contents of the Local Authority Biodiversity Report for 01/01/2024 – 01/01/2026.

2.     Cabinet approved publication of the Local Authority Biodiversity Report on the Council’s website in accordance with section 40A(6)(b) NERC Act 2006 (as amended)

Report of the Parks Operations Manager

The Assistant Director of Environmental Services presented a report which had been circulated prior to the meeting, to present the findings of a review undertaken by Environmental Services to assess the business case, feasibility, and operational implications of introducing Saturday ashes internments, following the motion presented to Council in January 2024.

The report outlines the costs of providing the service on two Saturdays per month on a trial basis, as set out in the motion. Along with the costs and options if this service was to be implemented going forward, current position, identifies key considerations, and sets out a range of options for Cabinet to consider.

Councillor McCrossen proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Fox, to keep the position under review and undertake consultation and engagement with residents on the provision of an ash’s internment service on a Saturday in future.

RESOLVED:

THAT:

1. Cabinet considered the information within the report.
2. Cabinet rejected the proposal due to additional budget that would be required, and the risk of reputational damage to the Council.
3. Cabinet keeps the position under review and undertakes consultation and engagement with residents on the provision of an ash’s internment service on a Saturday in future.

Report of the Assistant Director of Development

The Assistant Director of Development presented a report which had been circulated prior to the meeting to seek approval to transfer the Council’s statutory and discretionary building control services to the Erewash Building Control Partnership.

Councillor Clarke proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Ellis to bring a progress report back to Cabinet six months after the commencement of the agreement.

RESOLVED:

THAT:

1.     Cabinet approved the transfer of the Council’s Building Control Service into the Erewash Building Control Partnership.

2.     Delegated authority to the Director of Place to sign the contract for Erewash Building Control Partnership to deliver the Council’s Building Control function.

3.     The Director of Place brings back a progress report to Cabinet six months after the commencement of the agreement.

None.