Agenda and decisions

To consider the Minutes of the previous meeting.

That the Minutes of the meeting held on the 14 October. 2025 be agreed as

a correct record.

That the contents of the update report be noted.

(A)           That the recent developments by HM Government in respect of Local Government Reorganisation and English Devolution be noted.

(B)           That the work undertaken to date with stakeholders to prepare the final submission document be noted.

(C)           That it be recommended to Full Council that a unitary council for Newcastle-under-Lyme was the preferred option for submission.

On Devolution:

(D)           That Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council co-developing a submission to Government setting out a devolution growth framework for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, be supported.

(E)           That the submission document’s focus on devolution, and Staffordshire’s ability to deliver against devolution themes without recourse to completing Local Government Reorganisation, be endorsed.

(F)            That the proposed Strategic Authority geography at a suitable regional footprint to give the Strategic Authority parity of esteem with other regions, be supported.

On forced reorganisation of local government:

(G)           That it be noted that this Council remains of the belief that the current two tiers of local government in Staffordshire should remain in place as the best governance model for the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

(H)           That this Council believes that any new authority must have the highest possible standards of service to residents and any changes to the current governance model in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme must maintain or exceed the current level of local service provision.           

(I)              That the Government be requested to fully fund their selective forced reorganisation of local authorities in England. Funding of local services should not have to be cut nor council tax increased to pay for reorganisation.   

(J)             That Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Members of Parliament be requested to provide active support for these proposals and advocate them to HM Government.

Final Proposal

(K)           That the Leader, in conjunction with the Chief Executive, be authorised to make any required updates to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s final Submission to Government following the Full Council meeting on 19^th November before submission to the Minister by 28^th November 2025.

(L)            That it be noted that further reports will be brought to Cabinet and Council at the appropriate time.  

(i)                        That the report be received and the detailed scheme for improvements to play and recreational facilities at Bradwell Dingle be endorsed.

(ii)                       That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment be authorised to award a consultancy contract to undertake further consultation, detailed design and delivery of the project.

That the allocation of £916,363 towards the costs of a Redevelopment Scheme by Aspire Housing Group on the site of the former Zanzibar Night Club, Marsh Parade, Newcastle, be agreed. 

(i)              That the repair works to the underside of the pool roof to enable the continuation of swimming provision in the Borough for the benefit of residents, be approved.

(ii)             That £64,792.60 be allocated within the Capital Programme for J2 making the total scheme budget £362,018.60. This provides funding for the main contractor works and all associated fees such as Structural Engineer, Architect and Principal Designer. Authorising the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth to award these supporting contracts.

(iii)           That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth be authorised to award the contract for J2 Leisure Centre Poolhall Roof Repair and Refurbishment to Domino Commercial Interiors Ltd.

(iv)           That it be noted that the above works will be followed by the installation of pool covers which will reduce the water heating requirements supporting the Council’s Sustainability programme.

(i)              That the procurement of 18 vehicles to support the Council’s Recycling & Waste collection service including an option to procure on a contract hire basis with maintenance, be approved. 

(ii)             That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment be authorised to approve the award of contract for the supply of 18 vehicles following the procurement and evaluation process having confirmed a best value approach.

That the Forward Plan be received and 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 information contained within the confidential appendix be received.

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