The Charnwood Council Cabinet meeting on 13 June 2024 addressed several key issues, including the establishment of a Town Council for Loughborough, the procurement of a contractor for flood damage reinstatement works, and the approval of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy for 2024-2028.

Town Council for Loughborough and S106 Contributions

County Councillor M. J. Hunt raised questions regarding the establishment of a Town Council for Loughborough, and the management of Section 106 (S106) contributions for the area. The Council explained that a Community Governance Review (CGR) is required to establish a local council. This can be triggered by either the principal authority or a community petition. The Council referenced a previous CGR in 2018, which did not show significant support for a Town Council.

Councillor Hunt also inquired about unclaimed S106 contributions for parks and open spaces. The Council acknowledged an error in recording obligations and confirmed that efforts are ongoing to secure the funds. They highlighted the appointment of a full-time S106 Developer Contributions Monitoring Officer in April 2023 to oversee these obligations. The Council maintains a public spreadsheet and prepares an annual Infrastructure Funding Statement to track contributions.

Procurement of a Contractor for Flood Damage Reinstatement Works

The Cabinet considered a report from the Director of Housing and Wellbeing on the procurement of a contractor to deliver flood damage reinstatement works. Councillor Rattray, Chair of the Scrutiny Commission, presented the Commission’s pre-decision scrutiny and recommendation. The Cabinet resolved to authorise the Director of Housing and Wellbeing to commence a procurement exercise, identify a suitable framework, and award a contract for up to eighteen months to repair flood-damaged properties.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028

The Cabinet approved the Council’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2024-2028 and the associated Equality Action Plan for 2024-2026. Councillor Rattray presented the Scrutiny Commission’s pre-decision scrutiny and recommendation. The strategy aims to improve how the Council promotes equality in its services and employment practices. Additionally, the Council will treat care-experienced people as if they were a protected characteristic, following the approval at the Council meeting on 22 April 2024. This decision aligns with the Public Sector Equality Duty to eliminate discrimination and support individuals with protected characteristics.