Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence submitted on this occasion.

Councillor Melissa Fisher declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 13 - Taxi Testing, due to her spouse operating an MOT testing station.  With the permission of the meeting, she would introduce the report, but would then withdraw from the meeting and take no part in the debate or voting.

Councillor Noordad Aziz declared a person interest in Agenda Item 19 – Lease of Mercer Hall to Hyndburn Leisure, due to his appointment to the Board of the Leisure Trust.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 10 – Appointment of the Operator and Granting of a Lease for Accrington Market Hall, due to the employment of a family member as a market attendantby Hyndburn Borough Council,

To approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Cabinet held on 29^th January 2025 and the meeting of Cabinet held on 12^th February 2025.

The minutes of the special meeting of Cabinet held on 29^th January 2025 and the ordinary meeting of Cabinet held on 12^th February 2025 were submitted for approval as correct records.

Resolved                                    -    That the Minutes be received and approved as correct records.

To receive the minutes of the meetings of the following bodies:-

The minutes of the following boards and panels were presented:

Resolved                                    -    To note the minutes of the boards and panels as indicated above.

To receive verbal reports from each of the Portfolio Holders, as appropriate.

Leader of the Council

Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP reported on the following:

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

The Council’s initial response to the Government’s proposals had been submitted in January following the report presented at the Council meeting.  A further submission had been made in March by Lancashire County Council, the two unitary authorities in the Lancashire area and the 12 district councils.  All of the authorities had agreed to the content of the submission, which highlighted that they would work together to identify the best way forward.  A response had been received from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), expressing thanks to those councils for their submission and looking forward to the detail of the proposals.  The letter indicated that MHCLG would provide formal feedback on 28^th April 2025 had would begin to hold meetings with local leaders in May to discuss the initial proposals.

Accordingly, Councillor Dad would continue to meet with his Lancashire peers and with Labour councillors to develop firm proposals.  There would be numerous opportunities for local councillors to comment on reorganisation and to communicate the plans to residents.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder forHousing and Communities

Councillor Melissa Fisher reported on the following:

Accrington Stanley FC

A meeting had taken place on Monday 24^th March 2025 with representatives of Accrington Stanley Football Club (ASFC) to discuss the way forward following the outcome of the recent licensing hearing.  The club had admitted that they were partly at fault for the issues that had led to the review of the premises licence.  Councillors and representatives of ASFC had discussed a possible course of action for the future and the Council was looking forward to working closely with the club on this.

Councillor Aziz added that the Council had previously allocated some Community Cohesion and Resilience Funding to ASFC.  This had enable the club to hold an Open Iftar event (breaking of the fast) at the Wham Stadium on 16^th March 2025, which he had attended personally.  The event had been a great success.

Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services

Councillor Stewart Eaves reported on the following:

Waste Collection

Waste collected over the last 6 monthly reporting period compared to the same period in the previous year showed a slight decrease in the amount of dry recycling collected (3,320 tonnes) and a slight increase in the residual waste collected (7,920 tonnes).  The County Council dashboard showed that Hyndburn remained the top authority for the collection of dry recycling at 26%.

Enforcement

Waste enforcement actions continued, with the Waste Team issuing 838 Section 46 notices to residents and 25 Fixed Penalty Notices for non-compliance with the s.46 notice.

Fly Tipping

Reported fly tipping incidents had decreased by 336 incidents compared to the same period in 2023/24, with a total of 1,385 occurrences.

Food Waste

Some 40,000 cadies of the 7 litre and 23 litre variety had been ordered on 26^th January  ...  view the full minutes text for item 399.

Report attached.

Members considered a report of Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP, Leader of the Council, presenting an action plan for adoption by the Council, addressing the Corporate Peer Challenge recommendations.

Councillor Dad provided a brief introduction to the report.

Councillor Zak Khan commented that Recommendation 8 (below) – Forward Planning, appeared not to have been fully implemented, as a number of reports at the meeting had been provided by way of a supplemental agenda.  The Leader confirmed that this was still a work in progress.

Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

The Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge had culminated in a peer team visit to Hyndburn between 29^th and 31^st October 2024.

The team had presented their main findings and recommendations verbally to the Council on their final day in Hyndburn and had provided a formal report just before the Christmas break.

The following were the peer team’s key recommendations to the Council:

1. Conduct the planned review of the corporate strategy and align the organisational structure accordingly.
2. Engage in top team development to develop effective relationships within Cabinet/CMT as a group to create agreed ways of working and clarity of roles and responsibilities.
3. With partners, lead the development of a clear and well understood vision for the whole Borough (Place Strategy).
4. Consider what capacity and skills the Council needs to develop and address this as part of the review of organisational structure, including options for collaboration with partners and the use of consultants.
5. Design a transformation & digital strategy and action plan.
6. Develop a strategy for income generation, including commercial income, fees & charges and council tax.
7. Review and implement new plans for internal and external communication, aligning it with the new corporate strategy.
8. Create and implement a well understood and effective process for forward planning of Council decision making which engages Cabinet members and Scrutiny.
9. Promote the Council’s approach to climate change and decarbonisation and play a key role in leading the Borough on this agenda.
10. Continue and broaden the authority’s engagement with local government and beyond in order to learn from others and offer the Council’s experience and learning.

Reports to Council and Cabinet during January had shared the report (now published on the authority’s website as required by the LGA), outlined the many positive findings, and set out the recommendations. 

The Council was required to agree an action plan to address the recommendations within three months.  The following steps had led to the action plan, as appended to the report:

• January / February - Management Team and Service Managers had considered recommendations and developed a draft action plan.
• February – cross-party working group established. (Terms of Reference agreed by Cabinet)
• Early March - Draft action plan brought to working group for discussion.
• 26^th March 2025 - Final draft to Cabinet for formal agreement.

A progress visit was being arranged for some or all of the peer team for early September 2025.

The action plan was intended  ...  view the full minutes text for item 400.

Report attached.

The Cabinet considered a report of Councillor Noordad Aziz, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Education and Skills, regarding the future provision of Weight Management Services in Hyndburn.

Councillor Aziz provided a brief introduction to the report.  He reported that the funding to be received from Lancashire County Council would be slightly greater than had been indicated in the report, up from £66,770 to around £70,700 per annum.

Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

The levels of obese and overweight adults and children in Lancashire continued to increase and working collaboratively provided the opportunity to reshape and redesign the service in the Borough.  In Hyndburn, 71.7% of adults were overweight or obese.  In children, the figure was 24.6% for reception year and 42.4% for Year 6.  All of these were significantly higher than the Lancashire and National averages.

Since the transfer of public health services from NHS to local authorities, Councils in Lancashire had provided Tier 2 weight management services, tackling obesity with community-based support.  These programs typically ran for around 12 weeks and often operated in group settings.  Participants received expert guidance on diet, nutrition, and lifestyle changes, with a strong focus on behaviour change generally centred around exercise.

These programmes empowered individuals to manage their weight, improve their well-being, and reduce their risk of weight-related health issues.  Though limited in duration, they acted as a crucial springboard for lasting change, helping individuals find their footing on the path to a healthier life.

Hyndburn Borough Council had entered into a collaboration agreement with Lancashire County Council for the provision of Weight Management Services in Hyndburn from 1^st April 2024 until 31^st March 2029.

The Council did not have the resources or expertise to deliver the service in house, and therefore would have to appoint a provider to deliver the service on its behalf.

Hyndburn Leisure had a proven track record of delivering weight management services, with over 200 adults completing their 12-week programme and had the staff resource and expertise required to deliver the new service going forward.

The report recommended that the Council waive its Contract Procedure rules to appoint Hyndburn Leisure to deliver the new service from 1^st  April 2025 for one year for the following reasons:

·      Proven track record of weight management service delivery since 2016 and Play and Skills at Tea-time Activities (PASTA) service delivery since 2023;

·      Time and resources required for the Council to go to full tender for this service would not allow for the service to be up and running by 1^st April;

·      Potential TUPE implications involving Hyndburn Leisure staff currently delivering the service

The Council would be required to tender these services for the remaining 3 years of the collaboration agreement period from 1^st April 2026 to 31^st March 2029.

Alternative Options considered and Reasons for Rejection

Cabinet could determine not to waive Contract Procedure Rules to appoint Hyndburn Leisure to deliver the service on the Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 401.

Report attached.

Members considered a report of Councillor Noordad Aziz, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Education and Skills, setting out recommendations for the use of the Council’s final allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025-26 and seeking delegated authority for officers to submit a proposal to the Lancashire Combined County Authority based on those recommendations.

Councillor Aziz provided a short introduction to the report, highlighting the funding available, the three Government priority areas for funding and the Council’s five continuing funding themes.  Councillor Khan expressed disappointment that the overall level of funding allocated for advice and support for business, as this was less that the amount proposed by the Opposition at the Council Budget meeting.  He requested that this funding be internalised for future years to ensure that this function was not diminished in the longer term.  Councillor Aziz undertook to look into that question in the future and reiterated the comment about potential good news made by Councillor Brerton at Minute 399 above

Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund had been launched by the previous government on 13^th April 2022, which had been intended to reduce inequalities between communities as part of the Government’s wider “levelling up” agenda.

The Shared Prosperity Fund allocation 2023-25 had been allocated to lead local authorities across the UK using a formula rather than by inviting competitive bids.  In two tier areas, the district councils had been classed as the lead authority rather than the County Council.  The formula for the allocation reflected the amounts that areas received from the EU structural funds, with some needs-based adjustments.

In a report to Cabinet in June 2022, Cabinet had supported the Accrington Town Centre Partnership recommendation to allocate the authority’s £2.9m funding across the following two spending Themes: (1) Business Support Growth & New Business and (2) Regeneration.

On Wednesday 30^th October, following the Budget, MHCLG had announced the Government would be “continuing the UK Shared Prosperity Fund at a reduced level for a further year, providing £900 million; this transitional arrangement will allow local authorities to invest in local growth, in advance of wider funding reforms.”  All areas of the UK would receive a ‘final’ allocation of UKSPF to commence in April 2025 and enabling local authorities to make the necessary arrangements in bringing any existing UKSPF agreements to a finish by 31^st March 2026.  Further guidance and investment/spending plan forms were to be provided by MHCLG sometime in April.

The UKSPF investment prioritised the new Government’s five Missions, these being:

1. Kickstart Economic Growth;
2. Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower;
3. Take Back our Streets;
4. Break Down Barriers to Opportunity;
5. Build an NHS fit for the future.

On Friday 13^th December, MHCLG informed all Lancashire authorities that as they were now part of a devolution deal area, the lead local authority and accountable body position would change accordingly to Lancashire County Combined Authority (LCCA).  A total of £21,748,007,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 402.

Report attached.

The Cabinet considered a joint report of Councillor Noordad Aziz, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Education and Skills and Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, seeking approval to the Accrington Town Centre Masterplan Framework (MF) and Delivery Strategy.

Councillor Whitehead provided a brief introduction to the report and highlighted that the framework would be a continuingly evolving document.  Discussions were on-going with the local college about the potential to deliver town centre change.  Councillor Khan indicated that he was supportive of the proposals and engagement with the education sector.  He hoped that the outcomes would be ambitious and visionary and was keen to work with the Controlling Group to shape the way forward.  Councillor Whitehead acknowledged that buy-in from everyone was needed to progress the Masterplan and added that she would be pleased to work cross-party on this important issue.

Approval of the report was deemed a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

In 2005, Hyndburn Borough Council had created the Accrington Town Centre Strategy.  This strategy had highlighted that Accrington Town Centre was facing major challenges due to changes in shopping habits.  It was also recognised that Accrington had the potential to enhance the quality of the environment in Accrington Town Centre and position itself as a competitive visitor destination.

The Town Centre Strategy had recognised the need for a masterplan which would support the town’s regeneration ambitions and create a town centre that better met the needs of the local community – both existing, and new communities attracted to Accrington in the future.

Cabinet had given its support to the Accrington Town Centre Partnership Board’s recommendation to allocate £150,000 funding to undertake an Arndale Masterplan in the Council’s Investment Plan for the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding allocation (UKSPF).  In December 2023, the Government had announced 55 towns (which included Accrington) who would each receive up to £20m from Long Term Plan for Towns funding (LTPfT) and it was considered prudent for the Council to extend the work and undertake a wider town centre masterplan.

Lancashire County Council had provided £50,000 match funding to expand the masterplan project to enable high level Transport and Connectivity work to also be undertaken.  Both authorities had worked together in developing a MF to deliver positive change for Accrington Town Centre.  The MF had been developed as a guide to inform planning & development decisions within the town centre and set a vision for the town centre, identifying the short, medium and long-term opportunities for Accrington.

The purpose of the MF document was to build upon the vision established within the Town Centre Investment Plan (TCIP).  The MF had developed a series of key strategic actions and drivers for positive change within the town centre, defining principles which were outlined within the strategic actions.  The site and local character had been thoroughly investigated in order to develop the illustrative masterplan which complemented the historic context.  The illustrative masterplan was intended to provide a clear framework to shape  ...  view the full minutes text for item 403.

Report attached.

Members considered a joint report of Councillor Noordad Aziz, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Education and Skills, and Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, updating Cabinet on the outcome of the recent tender evaluation process to appoint the operator for Accrington Market Hall and seeking approval for the grant of a lease of the Market Hall and Pavilion to the successful bidder.

Councillor Whitehead provided a brief introduction to the report, highlighting that this was a key moment for the Market Hall at the heart of Accrington Town Centre.  She confirmed that she had now met the proposed operator, as per the recommendation in the report, and had been accompanied by a representative from the night-time economy.  The business had indicated their support for the new operator.  The Council wanted the Market Hall to be a vibrant hub and it was anticipated that the preferred operator would bring the necessary expertise to realise the potential of this valuable asset.

Approval of the report was deemed a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

The Levelling Up Fund (LUF) had been announced at the 2020 Spending Review and had focused on capital investment in local infrastructure projects that required up to £20m of funding and built on prior programmes such as the ‘Local Growth Fund’ and ‘Towns Fund’.

In January 2022, Cabinet had given its formal approval in support of the Town Centre Stakeholder Board’s recommendations that the Council’s LUF submission should focus around the following three principal interventions, noting that at the time of submission, those listed at 2 and 3 below were not in the Council’s ownership.

1. Redevelopment within the Indoor Market Hall and outdoor pavilions along Peel Street – the intervention known as Market Hall.
2. Improvements and redevelopment to the block of properties at 43-59 Blackburn Road / 2-4 Church Street – the intervention known as Market Chambers.
3. Improvements and redevelopment to the block 61-69 Blackburn Road – the intervention known as Burtons Chambers.

There was a risk that the new Market Hall offering might not be a financial success as the Council did not have specific knowledge or experienced staff ‘in-house’.  This risk had been reduced by choosing to appoint an experienced operator to manage the proposed new and enhanced offerings within the Market Hall.

The Council had appointed CBRE through the Crown Commercial Service Framework as lead consultant for the procurement of operators for the Market Hall and Burtons Chambers.  CBRE had a specialist and very experienced team and were supported by property consultants Barker Proudlove (BP) who had a very knowledgeable team on market redevelopments.

The work procured from CBRE included:

• Reviewing the proposed product and identifying any key issues or concerns that should be addressed prior to procurement.
• Providing an initial assessment on the state of the market, competition and precedent developments that provided an opportunity for lessons to be learnt.
• Summarising the optimum models that could be considered, including viability and potential revenue models.
• Setting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 404.

Report attached.

The Cabinet considered a joint report of Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts and Councillor Vanessa Alexander, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Council Operations, regarding continuing the support for market traders decanted into the temporary cabins on the market square through increased rent and licence fee concessions.

Councillor Whitehead provided a brief introduction to the report.  She noted that Market Hall traders and the Official Accrington Stanley Supporter Trust (OASST) shop had temporarily relocated during the refurbishment works.  This was likely to be completed at the end of this year.  The Council had agreed to continue to provide financial assistance to these traders during this period of disruption, or until the Market Hall re-opened, whichever came first.

Councillors Walsh and Whitehead had met recently with another business affected by Levelling Up Funded projects, Chocky Mike’s, about a possible move to Broadway.  This would help to ensure that the majority of units on Broadway were filled.  Councillor Walsh commented that it was good to see that the Council continued to support local businesses in this way.

Councillor Khan welcomed the support provided to Market Hall traders, but expressed a hope that businesses would not come to expect and rely on subsidies over the longer term.  The Leader noted the possibility that the Market Hall project could overrun slightly which might need to be taken into account for the purposes of ending all concessions/financial support granted to these traders.

Approval of the report was not considered to be a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

Trading conditions on the high streets were still extremely difficult and whilst some of the market traders on the square reported an improvement due to the market’s temporary location, others had signalled a decline in footfall levels due to the redevelopment works around the town square, the weather conditions, general downturn in the economy and sharp rise in the cost of living.  The Portfolio Holder had received requests from market traders asking the Council to revisit rent and service charges or risk some traders simply leaving the cabins as they were unable to make a living.

The Council had supported the market hall and outside traders over many years, mostly through rent concessions, (see below).  The current leases for traders in the cabins on the town square would expire at the end of March 2025 so it was critical that new leases were agreed and signed prior to the start of the new financial year.  The previous concessions were as follows:

• a 50% concession on rents and service charges for two months agreed in 2018
• a permanent reduction in rents of 13.4% agreed in 2019
• a 30% concession on rents for a period of three years agreed in 2020
• a 22.5% concession on rents for twelve months agreed in 2020
• an extension to the 22.5% concession on rents for a further six months agreed in 2021
• a further extension to the concessions on rents until 31^st March 2023 agreed in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 405.

Report attached.

Members considered a report of Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, seeking approval to implement a scheme for new a community woodland at Bullough Park, creating a significant resource for people to enjoy and harnessing external resources for the benefit of the local area.   This was also an opportunity to demonstrate positive climate action.

Councillor Whitehead provided a brief introduction to the report and highlighted the benefits of the £250k scheme, including the reduction in anti-social behaviour and off-road motorbike nuisance and future biodiversity plans.   She thanked PCSO Mat Gill for his attention tothis particular site and his work across the wider Spring Hill ward.

The Leader thanked Anne Hourican, Senior Environmental Initiatives Officer, for her work on this project and also expressed his gratitude to PCSO Gil.  Councillor Khan noted that other wards had benefited from a similar approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and he hoped that this type of scheme could be rolled out further across the Borough.

Approval of the report was not considered to be a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

This was a significant, multi-benefit enhancement project at Bullough Park, Accrington, including new entrances and boundary treatments, woodland planting, wildflower meadow and wetland habitat creation and new surfaced footpaths to extend the ‘all-ability’ access network.  It was on the middle plateau of Bullough Park, which was currently in a poor, waterlogged condition, and subject to repeated anti-social behaviour from motorbike trespass.

This was the largest current project in the TreeACTION community woodland programme, which was part of the climate action work of the Council, delivered in tandem with the Prospects Foundation.  TreeACTION was all about enhancing the local area, enabling people to get involved in tangible climate action, with many benefits for nature, carbon capture and enhancing spaces for public enjoyment.

The 1^st phase, starting in Spring 2025, was to create new entrances and boundary treatments to protect the site from persistent motorbike trespass.  This was an essential pre-requisite to deter long-standing public nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

The project was supported by joint working with Lancashire Constabulary, the Prospects Foundation and Proffitts C.I.C. community design team, residents groups and extensive local engagement activity.

Support for the 1^st phase entrance improvements included Police staff involvement, together with funding through the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC).  Details of the purpose and funding for each of the three phases were included within Appendix 1 to the report.  The Neighbourhood Policing Team would also follow up with increased patrols to help resolve public nuisance from unauthorised motorbike trespass.

Potential investment through grant bids

The overall project value was some £150K for Phases 1 and 2 in the short term, plus up to £100k for further enhancements in the medium term (Appendix 1 to the report refers).  A number of grant bids were being made and phases of improvements would be progressed subject to availability of funding.

A key funding bid was to the Forestry Commission (FC), English Woodland  ...  view the full minutes text for item 406.

Report attached.

Members considered a report of Councillor Melissa Fisher, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, informing Cabinet about the proposal to externalise taxi testing in Hyndburn.

Councillor Fisher provided a short introduction to the report, in which she explained that the Council had been listening carefully to the taxi trade.  The intention was to introduce new policies and procedures, which would maintain high safety standards while giving more choice to operators, obtaining better value for money through competition and supporting local garage businesses.

Following her introduction to the report Councillor Fisher withdrew from the meeting and did not take part in the moving of the recommendations, debate or vote on this matter.

The Leader commented that, subject to Council approval to the Cabinet’s recommendations, the responsibility for drafting the detailed arrangements would be delegated to the Licensing Manager.  The newly appointed person had experience of this type of arrangement having formerly been employed by Preston City Council, which currently had an externalised testing service.  Councillor Aziz noted that externalisation would increase local choice for taxi operators and might dissuade them from obtaining taxi vehicle licences out of the Borough.  Councillor Khan expressed a view that monitoring of standards was essential and that he would wish to see regular reports provided to councillors to maintain oversight of these arrangements.

Approval of the report was not considered to be a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

Provisions within the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 permitted district councils to grant licences to any vehicle proprietor to use the vehicle as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle. 

Under Section 50 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 any hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licensed by a district council had to present for inspection and testing on no more than three occasions during any one twelve month period.  The primary reason for this legislation was to maintain public safety, both in respect of taxi passengers and other road users.

Currently in Hyndburn vehicles up to the age of 2 years when tested would be issued with a 12 month licence.  Any car over the age of 2 years of age would be required to pass the Council’s vehicle examination test twice yearly and would be issued a 6 month licence each time.  When a vehicle reached 15 years of age it would be subject to the Council’s vehicle examination test three times per year and would be issued with a 4 month licence each time.

The inspection and testing was currently undertaken by staff employed by the Council and based at the Council’s Vehicle Maintenance Unit (CVMU) located on Library Street in Church.  The tests were booked via the Council’s licensing team.

In addition to the standards required for a class 4 MOT test by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the Council had additional supplemental standards which vehicles must pass in order to be licensed by the Council.  The supplementary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 407.

Report attached.

The Council considered a joint report of Councillor Kate Walsh, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Families, and Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, proposing the creation of a non-decision making working group to monitor progress in respect of Oswaldtwistle Theatre and to report to Cabinet in respect of the same.

Councillor Whitehead provided a brief introduction to the report.  Councillor Khan noted that the draft terms of reference provided for five councillors and reported interest from Councillor Josh Allen in taking up a seat.  He also requested a second Opposition seat, if possible.  The Leader confirmed that the working group would include cross-party representation, but that the proportionality was still to be determined.

Approval of the report was not considered to be a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

The Cabinet was committed to progressing the refurbishment of the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, which was currently in a poor physical condition and closed to the public.  Given public interest in the building, Cabinet was keen to promote wide-ranging dialogue about the future of the Civic, harnessing the enthusiasm of local stakeholders to provide an element of external challenge, ideas and oversight.

It was therefore proposed that a non-decision making working group be established as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, which would meet four times a year.  The working group would be advisory only and would report to Cabinet.  The political groups and external organisations would be invited to nominate members of the working group for approval at the next Cabinet meeting.  Those nominated would be advised of the requirement to declare conflicts of interest.  As the working group would hopefully play a part in shaping future management arrangements for the Civic, those nominated for membership would be advised that participation in the working group might prevent them from bidding to run the Civic (or be involved in its future management) and from bidding for contracts relating to the proposed repair and refurbishment work.

Alternative Options considered and Reasons for Rejection

Cabinet could decide not to create the proposed working group and to monitor progress in respect of the Civic Theatre via existing arrangements, but this would not bring the element of external oversight and challenge.

Resolved                                    -    That Cabinet approves the establishment of the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre Working Group, with the terms of reference as set out in Appendix 1 attached to the report.

Report attached.

Members considered a report of Councillor Melissa Fisher, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, updating Cabinet on the Huncoat Garden Village (HGV) project and advising Cabinet on the next key steps of the project.

Councillor Fisher provided a brief introduction to the report, highlighting the overall aims of the project, key features of the development, the overall funding and potential risks.  She commented that Councillor Parkins (Huncoat Ward) had requested completion of the access road prior to any development on site.  Councillor Khan added that Councillor Cassidy, (Huncoat Ward) had expressed the same view.

Mark Hoyle, Head of Regeneration and Housing, reported that Homes England required the Council to enter into an agreement with them by the end of March 2025.  A final draft of the agreement had recently been received from Homes England, but this had included some last minute changes which required urgent consideration by the Council and which might alter some of the conclusions as set out in the report now presented, particularly in relation to the risk register at Appendix 2 to the report.  Any significant variations would be discussed with the Leader and relevant Portfolio Holder.  Notwithstanding this, the report remained relevant and its formal recommendations were unchanged.  Councillor Khan requested a copy of any updates to the risk register following the above-mentioned review.

Approval of the report was not considered to be a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

On the 30^th October 2024 Cabinet had agreed to accept Homes England’s offer of £29,897,722 for the HGV project towards infrastructure costs.  Cabinet had also delegated authority to the Head of Regeneration and Housing in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder, and following consultation with the Executive Director (Legal and Democratic Services) to negotiate and enter into a grant funding agreement (for Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land [BIL]) with Homes England.  A summary of the main terms of the Grant Funding Agreement was included at Appendix 1 to the report.

The funding provided key infrastructure and enabling funding for the development of 1,816 new homes at Huncoat over the next 15-20 years.  The overall investment from the project was estimated at £463.24 million.  The BIL funding of just under £30 million was for the following specific items:

• A new 1.1km residential relief road connecting Huncoat directly with the A56, such road to be constructed by the Council and subsequently adopted by Lancashire County Council;
• Land acquisition to enable the delivery of the new residential relief road
• Brownfield land remediation on the former colliery and power station sites;
• A contribution towards improvements to  junction 8 on the M65 motorway (and potentially towards improvements to the Shuttleworth Mead junction) to alleviate traffic pressures arising from the residential development.

The project would have significant regeneration and growth benefits for Hyndburn by diversifying the housing offer, and proving modern housing in a high quality environment.  The scale of development supported the Council’s and Lancashire’s wider economic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 409.

In accordance with Regulation 11 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, approval is being sought from Councillor Stephen Button, Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to the following decision being made by Cabinet on 26^th March 2025, under the special urgency provisions for key decisions, on the grounds that the decision is urgent and cannot reasonably be deferred.

Approval is also being sought from the Mayor to the disapplication of the call-in procedure on the grounds of urgency, in accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule C14.

Report attached.

In accordance with Regulation 11 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, approval was granted by Councillor Josh Allen, Deputy Mayor, (in the absence firstly of the Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee and secondly of the Mayor), to the following decision being made by Cabinet on 26^th March 2025, under the special urgency provisions for key decisions, on the grounds that the decision was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred.

Approval was also obtained from the Deputy Mayor (in the absence of the Mayor) to the disapplication of the call-in procedure on the grounds of urgency, in accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule C14.

Members considered a report of Councillor Melissa Fisher, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, seeking Cabinet’s approval for a new Housing Renewal Assistance Policy.  The report advised upon the Council’s power under The Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 which provided local authorities with wide ranging powers to provide assistance for the purpose of improving living conditions in their area.  A summary of changes to the existing policy and reasoning behind them was also included.

Councillor Fisher provided an outline of the report.

Approval of the report was considered to be a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

The Regulatory Reform (England and Wales) (Housing Assistance) Order 2002 (the RRO) granted a general power to local authorities to provide “assistance” “in any form” “to any person”, to improve, repair, adapt or rebuild residential premises.

This Order required the Council to adopt a housing renewal policy setting out what forms of discretionary financial assistance they would provide to address local needs.

The RRO acknowledged that it was primarily the responsibility of private sector owners to maintain their own property, but recognised that some owners, particularly the elderly and most vulnerable, did not have the necessary resources to repair or improve their homes.  Local authorities therefore, subject to resources, had an important role to play in providing assistance in these cases.

Hyndburn’s current Housing Renewal Policy had last been reviewed in 2019.

Following a recent review, a new Housing Renewal Assistance Policy was proposed (as set out at Appendix 1 to the report) which identified the forms of assistance, including financial assistance that would be available from the Council to assist vulnerable occupiers in all tenures (including disabled people) to improve or adapt their homes, the eligibility criteria for assistance and the terms upon which this assistance would be provided.

The Council funded housing renewal activity and assistance through the Capital Programme.  Due to austerity measures, including public sector funding cuts, there was very little money now available to support housing renewal activity.  However, one area where funding was increasing was for disabled facilities grants (DFG’s).  In 2025/26, the Council was due to receive £1,359,906 for DFG’s, which was allocated through the Better Care Fund (BCF).

The BCF was a programme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 410.

Approval is also being sought from the Mayor to the disapplication of the call-in procedure on the grounds of urgency, in accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule C14.

Report attached.

Approval was obtained from the Chief Executive (in the absence firstly of the Mayor and secondly of the Deputy Mayor) to the disapplication of the call-in procedure on the grounds of urgency, in accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule C14.

The Cabinet considered a report of Councillor Noordad Aziz, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Education and Skills, seeking approval to enter a new 15-year lease of Mercer Hall, Great Harwood with Hyndburn Leisure.

Councillor Aziz provided a brief intriductio9n to the report.  The new lease would help to secure funding for the development of modern facilities at Mercer Hall.

Approval of the report was not considered to be a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

Mercer Hall was located in the Great Harwood Conservation Area of Lancashire and did not have charitable status.  In 2002, the Council had leased Mercer Hall to Hyndburn Leisure for a term of 25 years in a lease that had also included Hyndburn Sports Centre in Accrington.  That lease remained in force.

Mercer Hall was a vital community asset that faced increasing challenges.  Built in the early 19^th century with Greek-inspired architecture, it had been an integral part of Great Harwood’s heritage and public life.  However, in recent years, the closure of its swimming pool, structural issues, and declining use had threatened its long-term viability.

To support this effort, a range of studies, including structural surveys and building appraisals, had been conducted.  A repurposing group with local stakeholders had been formed, and public consultation had revealed strong community support for the facility’s revitalisation.  Mercer Hall’s redevelopment was expected to be phased, with initial efforts focused on structural repairs and accessibility improvements.

Hyndburn Leisure had secured grant funding of £250,000 from the Community Ownership Fund (COF) for immediate repairs and improvements, and additional funding was being pursued through organisations such as the Lancashire Environment Fund, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  This grant would enable the initial phase of works to be completed and future phases would require larger funding applications to fully realise the building’s potential.

The grant from the Community Ownership Fund (COF) was to repurpose the building and address some of the building’s defects.  COF had indicated that the funding offer would be subject to conditions and that COF were likely to require the registration of a legal charge or a restriction against the title to Mercer Hall to prevent a sale or change of use of the same unless they consented and / or received repayment of all or part of the grant.  It was likely that similar conditions would apply to any grant funding received from other sources, such as the National Lottery.

The success of Mercer Hall’s repurposing would depend on continued community engagement, careful planning, and securing the necessary funding to ensure the building’s preservation and its future role in enhancing the well-being of local residents.

Following a successful bid to COF, Hyndburn Leisure had developed a strategic plan for the initial phase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 411.

Recommended                               That, in accordance with Regulation 4(2)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items, when it is likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings that there will otherwise be disclosure of exempt information within the Paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 specified at the items.

Resolved                                    -    That, in accordance with Regulation 4(2)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during the following item, when it was likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings that there would otherwise be disclosure of exempt information within the Paragraph at Schedule 12A of the Act specified at the item

In accordance with Regulation 5(6)(a) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, approval is being sought from Councillor Stephen Button, Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to the following decision being made by Cabinet on 26^th March 2025, in private, on the grounds that the decision is urgent and cannot reasonably be deferred.

Exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Report attached.

In accordance with Regulation 5(6)(a) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, Councillor Josh Allen (in the absence firstly of the Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee and secondly of the Mayor) confirmed his agreement to the following decision may be made by Cabinet on 26^th March 2025 in private, on the grounds that the decision was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred.

Exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3 - Relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Members noted that the full details of a grant offer were currently embargoed.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, gave a brief introduction to the report.  Representatives of the Council had met with the funding organisation on site, on Friday 20^th March 2025.  The meeting had been very productive and had given the funders a good understanding of the local area and of the overall condition of the building.  Councillor Aziz noted the importance of this asset to the people of Oswaldtwistle and to the wider Borough.  In response to a question from Councillor Khan, Councillor Whitehead indicated that the anticipated grant funding had enabled existing Council funding set aside for the Civic Theatre to be reassigned to focus on dry rot issues.

Approval of the report was not considered to be a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

The reasons for the decision were set out in the exempt report.

Alternative Options Considered and Reasons for Rejection

The alternative options considered and reasons for rejection were set out in the exempt report.

Resolved        -           That the recommendations as set out in the exempt report be approved.