Agenda and minutes

The Mayor’s chaplain, Reverend Jac Bull, delivered a thought for the day which focused on holocaust memorial day.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Boyle, Dunkin, Hollingsworth, Pearson and Towsey-Hinton.

The Mayor expressed his best wishes to everyone for the New Year. He also confirmed that he had recently had the pleasure of taking part in some Chinese New Year celebrations, which were a great success.

RESOLVED:

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

None.

None received.

None received.

Question to the Portfolio Holder for Environment from Cllr Andrew Ellwood:

In view of the ongoing Green Lung Project at the Digby Park Arboretum, can the portfolio holder confirm when work will start on the re-surfacing of the footpath to the rear of Linsdale Gardens/ Kneeton Close and what measures will be put in place to alleviate flooding into the rear gardens of nearby residential properties?

A question was asked of the Portfolio Holder for Environment from Councillr Andrew Ellwood:

“In view of the ongoing Green Lung Project at the Digby Park Arboretum, can the portfolio holder confirm when work will start on the re-surfacing of the footpath to the rear of Linsdale Gardens/ Kneeton Close and what measures will be put in place to alleviate flooding into the rear gardens of nearby residential properties?”

Response by Councillor Ron McCrossen:

“A capital budget was allocated to support the Green Lung labour manifesto pledge, and we are delivering the project over a three/four year period.

Stage 1: 22/23

Woodland planting at Digby Park and the launch of the Digby park arboretum with QR code identification information and a route map that locates the trees. This will include the positioning of new bins and benches and interpretation panels – due for installation in 2023.

Stage 2: 23/24                      

Path surfacing and drainage improvements. To prevent flooding and washout of the path/cycleway at the foot of the Golf Course near Neaton Close.

Stage 3: 2024                     

The installation of a link path that will lead from Arnold Lane on the new Keepmoat Development [funded by Keepmoat] to pick up from the Digby Park cycleway and walking path at the intersection where it meets Arnold Lane, across the estate to Collier Way.

Stage 4: 2024 onwards      

The installation of a link path from Collier Way [GAR] that will link into the path infrastructure in Gedling Country Park near to the methane extraction Plant. This being the last stage of the Green Lung route project. Sometime during 2024 on current timelines estimates.

There will be further tree planting and establishment of Bee Pollinator grassland meadows in these areas as they are developed - this will eventually allow cyclists and walkers from Carlton to travel to the Country Park along a green way, with put the requirement to use a vehicle.

The Council’s engineering officer John Evens is currently drawing up some drainage designs for the path near Neaton Close to divert water away from the properties on the close. Due diligence surveys are also being carried out in advance of tender preparation. Tenders should be invited in spring 2023 and installation work commence summer 2023.Following which the path will be resurfaced and fully reinstated. It is hoped that, weather, labour and materials permitting, the work will be complete for winter 2023/24”

Report of the Head of HR, Performance and Service Planning.

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of HR, Performance and Service Planning, which sought to approve the Pay Policy Statement for subsequent publication on the Council’s website.

RESOLVED that:

1) The Pay Policy Statement be approved and published to the website; and

2) The new Special Severance Payment Policy contained at Appendix ix of the Pay Policy Statement be approved and adopted to include the proposed delegations contained therein.

Report of the Housing and Welfare Manager

Consideration was given to a report of the Housing and Welfare Manager, which sought to approve the current council tax reduction scheme to continue without revision in 2023/24.

RESOLVED that:

1) The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) 2023/24, to apply from 1 April

2023, be approved and adopted by full Council, and;

2) There are no changes to the CTRS for working age people as described in Section 2 of the report, except for the annual uprating and amendments of allowances and premiums in line with Housing Benefit levels; and

3) There are no changes to CTRS for pension age people except for those contained within the annual Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Amendment) (England) Regulations.

Report of the Chief Executive

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive, which sought to approval to consult on a draft Gedling Borough Council Parental Leave Policy for Councillors.

RESOLVED:

That Members agree to launch a consultation on the Draft Gedling Borough Council Parental Leave Policy at Appendix 1, in line with details set out in the report.

None received.

None received.

None received.