Agenda and decisions

To consider the Minutes of the previous meeting.

That the Minutes of the meeting held on the 17 March, 2026 be agreed as

a correct record.

That the contents of the update report be noted

(i)              That the outcomes of the Inspectors report into the examination of the Borough Local Plan 2020-2040 (appendices 1 and 2 to this report), be noted.

(ii)                    Notes that the Administration seeks positive engagement and, where possible, agreement with opposition groups on the respective positions towards the adoption of the Borough Council Local Plan (2020-2040) in advance of the meeting of Full Council.

That work on the new Local Plan not be taken forward until the outcomes and implications of Local Government Reorganisation is known.

(i)                  That the report be received and the outcomes for 2025-2026 and the work of the Community Safety Partnership in continuing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as the work in progress to continue to tackle identified priority issues, be noted.

(ii)                 That the Service Director - Neighbourhood Delivery be authorised to formally accept project funding for the Night Time Economy Pilot Town status, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Residents Services and Neighbourhoods, if the bid is successful, and to implement the project.

That the establishment of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Community Fund which allocates Councillor’s a maximum of £2,500 per annum to address local priorities within their wards, as identified by their local communities, be approved.

(i)                   That an application to the National Lottery of up to £150,000 to deliver a project between April 2027-March 2029, be approved.

(ii)                 That the museum  be approved to use its previous public fundraising and forthcoming public fundraising to provide the 10% match funding.

(iii)               That, to meet the additional grant match funding, the use of £500 from the museum’s existing annual conservation budget and £1,000 from the annual exhibition budget to carry out preventative conservation and create a high-quality exhibition celebrating the history of Newcastle high street, be approved.

(iv)               That the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader & Cabinet Member for Planning & Town Centres be authorised to accept and utilise any funding allocated in line with the bid, including any necessary contracts.

(i)                  That continued support be given to the development of a pet cremation service to provide residents with a local caring service when needed.

(ii)                 That the progress made in relation to the planning application and the procurement of the necessary products to deliver the service in line with the up to date business plan, be noted.

(iii)               That the Service Director for Commercial Services in consultation with the Leader & Cabinet Member for Planning & Town Centres be delegated authority to complete all necessary contracts to ensure the effective delivery of the project in line with the legislative requirements.

(iv)               That the fees and charges as set out in the report and marketing commences at the appropriate time, be adopted.

That, subject to the successful procurement process of a new contract, it be approved that the Service Director Commercial Delivery in consultation with the Leader & Cabinet Member for Planning & Town Centres, to enter into a contract with the successful provider for a period of two years with an option to extend the term by a further year.

That the contents of the attached report and appendices be noted and the Council’s service and financial performance for this period be continually monitored and challenged.

That the update on the Forward Plan be noted.

To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following reports, because it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Local Government Act 1972.

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration if the following matter because it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs contained within Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

That the recommendations, as set out in the confidential report be agreed.