Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Dene Vernon

Members of the Council are requested to declare any interests which they have in any items or issues before the Council for determination.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

Minutes attached.

The minutes of the two meetings held on 25 February 2026 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To answer questions from members of the public, notice of which has been given, on any matter relevant to the Council or its services to the community. Up to 30 minutes will be set aside for this purpose. If time permits, further questions will be invited from members of the public present.

No questions had been submitted in advance

Questions without notice:

(i)             Audit Committee, 8 December 2025 - Anti fraud and corruption strategy

It was moved by Councillor Thorpe and seconded by Councillor O’Brien, with all members voting for and the Mayor abstaining that, Council approves:

·       Members to approve the Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy

·       Members to approve the Whistleblowing (Confidential Reporting) Policy

·       Members to approve the Fraud and Corruption Prosecution Policy

·       Members to approve the Anti Bribery Policy

·       Members to approve the Anti Money Laundering Policy

(ii)           Licensing and Safety Committee, 19 February 2026 - HMO Licensing Policy and Updated Standards and Amenity documents

It was moved by Councillor O’Brien and seconded by Councillor Cummins, with all members voting for and the Mayor abstaining that, Council approves:

·       That the Committee approves the HMO Licensing Policy and the updated Standards and Amenities Guidance, and delegates authority to the Assistant Director for Public Protection and Resilience to make any necessary amendments arising from consultation, as well as any future amendments required to reflect new or amended legislation

(iii)         Democratic Arrangement Forum, 23 March 2026 / Cabinet meeting 11 March 2026 - Appointment of Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2026/27

It was moved by Councillor O’Brien and seconded by Councillor S Arif, with all members voting for that, Council approves:

·       To appoint Councillor Mike Smith as Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2026/27

(iv)         Democratic Arrangement Forum, 23 March 2026 - Approval of meetings timetable 2026/27

It was moved by Councillor O’Brien and seconded by Councillor Moss, with all members voting for and the Mayor abstaining that, Council approves:

·       To approve the meetings timetable for the municipal year 2026/27

(v)           Cabinet meeting, 11 March 2026 - Business Rates and Council Tax Discretionary Policy

It was moved by Councillor Thorpe and seconded by Councillor O’Brien, with all members voting for and the Mayor abstaining that, Council approves:

·       That Cabinet makes a recommendation to Council to approve the new Business Rates and Council Tax Discretionary policy from 1st April 2026.

·       That Cabinet note that adoption of the policy must be made by Full Council.

(vi)         Cabinet meeting, 11 March 2026 - Write Off Policy 2026

It was moved by Councillor Thorpe and seconded by Councillor O’Brien, with all members voting for and the Mayor abstaining that, Council approves:

·       That Cabinet approve the new policy and relevant changes to the constitution being forwarded to Full Council for ratification

·       That Cabinet note that adoption and constitution changes must be by Full Council

Report from the Section 151 officer attached

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation is attached.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation is attached.