The meeting focused on several key topics, including changes to mowing regimes for biodiversity, the performance of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) program, and planning enforcement issues.

Changes to Mowing Regimes for Biodiversity

The council discussed a proposal to change mowing regimes at various council sites to enhance biodiversity. The aim is to create a more sustainable approach that balances the need for well-kept recreational areas with the benefits of increased biodiversity. The council plans to implement these changes starting in April 2025, with a focus on six initial sites. The approach will include mowing threshold strips around paths and key areas while allowing other sections to grow naturally. Communication with the public will be key to ensuring understanding and support for these changes. The council will work with AES to review the contract and ensure the necessary machinery and staff training are in place.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Program

Richard Cole from ENABLE, a trading arm of Alliance North, presented an update on the DFG program. The council has received significant funding for DFGs, amounting to over £1.9 million this year. The program aims to provide necessary adaptations to homes for residents with disabilities. The council has faced challenges in spending all the allocated funds but has made significant progress in the past year. The program has completed 287 cases in the last 12 months and aims to continue improving service delivery and cost efficiency. The council also discussed the importance of marketing the program to ensure residents are aware of the available support.

Planning Enforcement Issues

Councillor Beswick raised concerns about the prioritization and effectiveness of the planning enforcement service. He cited a specific case where building works had commenced without proper prioritization. Councillor Price responded by emphasizing the importance of raising such issues directly with the enforcement officer and copying in senior officials if necessary. The council also discussed the procedures for dealing with planning appeals and retrospective applications, ensuring that enforcement actions are taken when necessary.

Work Programme

The council discussed the work programme and the importance of bringing reports to scrutiny before making executive decisions. Councillor Beswick emphasized the need for the leisure operations model to come to scrutiny before the cabinet decision. The council agreed to consider this in future planning.

The meeting concluded with a reminder to spread awareness about the DFG program and the upcoming changes to mowing regimes.