Agenda

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any items on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time. 

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the attached Minutes of the Council meeting held on 26 January 2026.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 8 to allow members of the public to ask questions about the Council’s activities for a period up to fifteen minutes.  The replies to any such questions will be given by the appropriate Cabinet Member.  Questions must be received in writing or by email to the Monitoring Officer by 12 noon twelve clear working days before the meeting.

No questions have been submitted under Procedure Rule No 8 for this meeting.

Report of Councillor P R Kerry, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership and Finance

The decision requested is part of the Budget and Policy Framework and thus can only be made by Council.

Report of the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Paid Service

The decision requested is part of the Budget and Policy Framework and thus can only be made by Council

Report of the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer.

Report of the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 9.2 to allow Members to ask questions about Council activities.  The replies to any such questions will be given by the Chair of the Council or relevant Committee or the appropriate Cabinet Member.  Questions must be received in writing or by email to the Monitoring Officer by 12 noon twelve clear working days before the meeting. 

The following questions have been submitted.

Question A – Proposed by Councillor N Baker to Councillor L Hartshorne, Chair of Planning Committee

In the Council meeting in July 2025 I asked the following question:-   

'Given the long period which has now elapsed since Covid restrictions were lifted, is it not now time that planning committee site visits are carried out in person, instead of continuing them virtually, in order to allow committee members to acquaint themselves, more fully, with the nuances and details of each site they are being asked to consider?'

The answer given by Councillor Pickering was, 'yes'.

However, the vast majority of the Planning Committee site visits still appear to be being held on-line. When is it proposed to fully reinstate Planning Committee site visits?

Question B – Proposed by Councillor C Cupit to Councillor N Barker, Leader of the Council 

Further to the joint letter to DCC just before Christmas, could you provide an update on the relocation of the Clay Cross library planned as part of the Clay Cross Town Deal?

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 10 to consider Motions on notice from Members.  Motions must be received in writing or by email to the Monitoring Officer by 12 noon twelve clear working days before the meeting. 

The following motion has been submitted.

Motion A – Submitted by Councillor R Shipman

Motion: Opposition to the Proposed Tourist Tax by the East Midlands Mayor

This Council notes with concern the proposal by the East Midlands Mayor to introduce a regional tourist tax on overnight stays.

While this Council recognises the importance of sustainable funding for public services and regional infrastructure, it believes a tourist tax would be counter-productive for our district and the wider East Midlands economy.

Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local businesses, including hotels, guest houses, pubs, restaurants, attractions and event venues. Many of these businesses are small or family-run and are already facing significant pressures from rising energy costs, staffing shortages and increased operating expenses. A tourist tax risks discouraging visitors, particularly families and short-stay domestic tourists, at a time when the sector is still recovering.

The East Midlands is not a mass-tourism destination comparable to major international cities. Applying an additional charge risks making our region less competitive than neighbouring areas that do not impose such a levy, diverting visitors elsewhere and reducing footfall in our town centres.

This Council is also concerned that the proposal lacks clear detail on how funds would be collected, administered and ring-fenced, and whether revenues would genuinely be reinvested into the communities most affected.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1.      Formally oppose the introduction of a tourist tax in the East Midlands.

2.      Call on the East Midlands Mayor to abandon the proposal.

3.      Request meaningful consultation with district councils, tourism bodies and local businesses before any similar measures are considered.

4.      Write to the Mayor outlining this Council’s objections

To consider any other matter which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.