Agendas, Meetings and Minutes - Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Venue: County Hall, Worcester

Contact: John Higginbotham  Committee and Appellate Officer

Media

Items
No. Item

Available Papers

The Members had before them:

 

A.           The Agenda papers (previously circulated).

 

B.           17 questions submitted to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services (previously circulated).

 

C.           The Minutes of the Council held on 14 July 2016 (previously circulated).

Additional documents:

1814.

Apologies and declarations of interest (Agenda item 1)

To receive apologies and invite any councillor to declare any interest in any of the items on this Agenda.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs E A Eyre, Mr W P Gretton, Mr L C R Mallett, Mrs M A Rayner and Mr R J Sutton.

 

Interests were declared by:

 

Mr A T Amos - on the Advisory Council of ASH (Agenda item 9)

 

Mr M L Bayliss – family member employed by the County Council

 

Mr C J Bloore – School Governor at Charford First School in Bromsgrove (Agenda item 7)

 

Mrs L C Hodgson – on the management board of Heart of Worcestershire College (Agenda item 8a)

 

Mr P M McDonald - Owner of an electric vehicle (Agenda item 8b)

 

Mrs F M Oborski – on the Education Trust for Comberton Primary School and Wyre Forest Childrens' Trust (Agenda item 7)

 

Mr J H Smith – wife the nominee for Vice-Chairman of HOSC (Agenda item 6 b) and he would not participate in that item of business

 

Mr J W R Thomas – Governor of Stourport on Severn Primary School (Agenda item 7)

1815.

Public Participation (Agenda item 2)

To allow a member of the public to present a petition, or ask a question relating to the functions of the Council, or to make a comment on any matter on the agenda.

 

Members of the public wishing to take part should notify the Head of Legal and Democratic Services in writing or by e-mail indicating both the nature and content of their proposed participation no later than 9.00am on the working day before the meeting (in this case Wednesday,14 September 2016). Further details are available on the Council’s website. Enquiries can also be made through the telephone number/e-mail address listed below.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Three people participated.

 

Mr Roy Richardson's representative read a statement about the blockage, closure and subsequent re-opening of Northampton Lane, Ombersley and ongoing difficulties along the lane due to the activities of badgers.

 

Ms Frances Thurlow spoke about the potential problems consequent upon the closure of Children's Centres and asked whether the Council believed it would be possible for unpaid volunteers to maintain the services currently offered in the Centres.

 

Mr David Walton asked 2 questions about the funding of Children's Centres which related to the outcomes for children and ultimate responsibility for the effects of the proposals.

 

The Chairman thanked the participants and promised written responses from the appropriate Cabinet Members.

1816.

Minutes (Agenda item 3)

To approve as a correct record and authorise the signing of the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2016 (circulated previously electronically).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2016 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1817.

Chairman's Announcements (Agenda item 4)

To receive any announcements to be made by the Chairman.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman referred to the death of Mr C H Whittaker, the success of Worcestershire sports people at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games and charity walks completed, or being undertaken, by Mrs E A Eyre and Professor John Raine.  He also drew members' attention to the Civic Service being held on Sunday 6 November at 4.00 p.m. at Worcester Cathedral.

1818.

Reports of Cabinet - Summary of decisions taken (Agenda item 5) pdf icon PDF 132 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet and to receive answers to any questions asked on that report. This report relates to matters where decisions have already been taken and is on white pages.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council reported the following topics and answered questions in relation to them:

 

·           Balanced Scorecard – FutureFit Performance and Corporate Risk Update

·           West Mercia Energy – Governance Issues

1819.

Constitutional Matters - Political Balance (Agenda item 6 (a)) pdf icon PDF 82 KB

To consider a report on (a) the political balance on Committees and (b) an appointment to the Vice-Chairmanship of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (yellow pages attached).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a report on political balance following changes to membership since the last meeting.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(a)       the net reduction of 1 in the membership of the Conservative be noted; and

 

(b)       the impact on political balance be considered and the revised allocation of seats on committees as set out in the Appendix to the report be agreed.

1820.

Constitutional Matters - Vice-Chairmanship of HOSC (Agenda item 6 (b))

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a report containing the nomination of the district council members of HOSC, Mrs Frances Smith, for Vice-Chairmanship of that Committee.

 

[Note – Mr J H Smith did not participate in the item.]

 

RESOLVED that the nominee of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC), Mrs Frances Smith, be appointed as Vice-Chairman of HOSC.

1821.

Notices of Motion- Notice of Motion 2 - Children's Centres (Agenda item 7) pdf icon PDF 135 KB

To receive the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services on any Notices of Motion received by him (Lilac pages).  Councillors are asked to note that any Notices of Motion must be received by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services no later than noon on Thursday, 8 September 2016.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In view of the public interest in this item the Chairman agreed to take Notice of Motion 2 first.

 

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion standing in the names of Mr P M McDonald, Ms P A Hill, Mr P Denham, Mr C J Bloore, Mr L C R Mallett, Ms P Agar, Mr G J Vickery, Mr A Fry and Mr R M Udall.

 

The Notice of Motion was moved by Mr P M McDonald and seconded by Mr P Denham who both spoke in favour of it.

 

The Council then agreed to consider and deal with the Motion on the day.

 

A debate ensued during which the following principal points were made.  Those speaking in favour of the Motion:

 

·           the whole consultation process had been opaque and not open as it should have been.  Both consultations had been inadequate and had not set out the shape and scope of future service provision

 

·           Children's Centres were part of a wider framework of community services and community-based services, and if the Council were really serious about its commitment to the "Children and Families" priority in its Corporate Plan, its role as corporate parent and outcomes for children, the present proposals were short-sighted and very damaging and should be deferred

 

·           the proposals would create a fragmented service and put service provision back decades

 

·           it was inappropriate to suggest volunteers, however, well-meaning and well trained, could fulfil adequately what dedicated professionals had offered to service users through Children's Centres

 

·           there was much evidence to suggest outcomes for children were largely dictated and established in the first two years of life – these proposals ran counter to that evidence

 

·           if the proposals were deferred for 12 months realistic alternatives could be worked up and the Scrutiny process could ensure transparency and openness

 

·           the Council would be doing a great disservice to users of Children's Centres if it did not listen to their concerns and anxieties.

 

Those speaking against the Motion:

 

·           did not accept the assertions that the consultation had not been open and transparent.  There had been extensive debate at Cabinet, OSPB and the Children and Young People's Panel.  In addition there had been media briefings

 

·           Children's Centres were not being closed and the services provided were not essentially buildings-based.  It was inaccurate to say that services would become a "postcode lottery" – some areas had never had access to Children's Centres and it was suggested that not all improvement to outcomes for children was down to Children's Centres

 

·           the proposals were a sensible and proportionate response to the climate the Council now had to operate in; opposition to the proposals had been much exaggerated and some politicians were using it for their own ends

 

·           despite claims that alternative funding could be identified, those opposing what the Council were trying to do had not offered any credible alternatives despite opportunities during the consultation process for doing so

 

·           elected members were charged with making difficult decisions in a difficult environment and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1821.

1822.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 1 - Commissioning Services (Agenda item 7)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion standing in the names of Mr P M McDonald, Ms P A Hill, Mr P Denham, Mr L C R Mallett, Ms P Agar, Mr G J Vickery and Mr A Fry.

 

The Notice of Motion was moved by Mr P M McDonald and seconded by Mr J Baker who both spoke in favour of it.

 

The Council then agreed to consider and deal with the Motion on the day.

 

A debate then ensued during which the following principal points were made.  Those speaking in favour of the motion:

 

·           suggested that the whole commissioning-out process for Learning and Achievement had not enhanced the reputation of the Council as a good employer.  The subsequent actions of Babcock Prime in its dealings with staff were much to be regretted

 

·           that money had been found for such a non-productive purpose but could not be found to safeguard services and jobs

 

·           only by Scrutiny of this episode could Members be assured of the motives of politicians and officers

 

·           the Council had to deal responsibly, fairly and openly with staff.

 

Those speaking against the Motion:

 

·           suggested that it was more about political posturing than concern for staff or the reputation of the Council

 

·           that the Motion was unnecessary and that OSPB could scrutinise the issue if it so wished

 

·           the language of the Motion was intemperate and revealed the true intention of the signatories

 

·           that even if the Motion were voted down it would still not prevent its consideration by OSPB.

 

On being put to the meeting the Motion was lost.

1823.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 3 - Standards in Education (Agenda item 7)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion standing in the names of Mrs E B Tucker, Mrs F M Oborski, Mr M E Jenkins, Mrs S Askin and Mr T A L Wells.

 

The Notice of Motion was moved by Mrs F M Oborski and seconded by Mrs E B Tucker who both spoke in favour of it.

 

The Council then agreed to consider and deal with the Motion on the day.

 

A number of Members also spoke in favour of the Motion and the general tenor of debate was in favour.

 

On being put to the meeting the Motion was carried and Council RESOLVED:

Council recognises that changes to Key Stage 2 SATS have meant that, nationally, the percentage of pupils achieving the expected standard has fallen to 53%. However, Council is extremely concerned that the average outcome for Worcestershire pupils is less than 49%. Council therefore requests the Cabinet Member with Responsibility, in partnership with Officers and Babcock Prime staff to produce an improvement plan detailing how they will ensure that outcomes for our pupils are improved in future years.

 

1824.

Reports of Cabinet Members with Responsibility - Children and Families (Agenda item 8) pdf icon PDF 265 KB

To receive the reports of the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families and the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment on current issues and proposed developments within their areas of responsibility and to receive answers to any questions on the reports (green pages).

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families presented his report which concerned a number of overarching issues:

 

·         Education and Skills

·         Early Help and Intervention

·         Children's Social Care

·         Provider Services

·         Financial Summary

 

The Cabinet Member with Responsibility answered questions about his report which included:

 

·         the Council's view on grammar schools and the Government's proposals for their reintroduction

 

·         whether the Council would 'force' academisation on schools

 

·         fairer funding for education in Worcestershire

 

·         the use of unqualified teachers in schools

 

·         the adequacy of provision for students with SEN and the role of the Council in co-ordinating provision for SEN

 

·         ongoing concerns about EBacc

 

·         the role of the virtual headteacher in collecting data on LAC.  The attainment gap between LAC and other students

 

·         provision of schools in Redditch

 

·         recruitment and retention of Social Workers

 

Other actions were promised as follows:

 

  • The Cabinet Member with Responsibility was asked what the Council was doing to accommodate the children of Syrian refugees currently being refused places at Worcestershire schools. The Cabinet Member with Responsibility said he was happy to meet to discuss plans for children of Syrian refugees.
  • The Cabinet Member with Responsibility promised to discuss the implications of the White Paper on post-16 skills which suggested that in future post 16 vocational education courses would only be available at colleges of FE. This matter to be raised at the Lead Members' briefing. 
  • The Cabinet Member with Responsibility promised to write to the Chase School with congratulations on the results of their recent Ofsted inspection.
  • In response to a question about closing the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils which exists between Worcestershire and its statistical neighbours on actions being taken the Cabinet Member with Responsibility promised a briefing note.
  • The Cabinet Member with Responsibility was asked in relation to Paragraph 19 - What are the specific actions proposed? Paragraph 21 What are the current outcomes sought? Paragraph 26 What are the targets? The Cabinet Member with Responsibility promised a written response.
  • The Cabinet Member with Responsibility was asked about the new first school for Redditch – whether this was the replacement for Holyoakesfield FS and where was it to be sited? Was it to be a free school? If it was to be a free school who is the sponsoring organisation? The Cabinet Member with Responsibility promised a written response.
  • The Cabinet Member with Responsibility promised that in future local members to be consulted on the location of young people's accommodation.

·         The Cabinet Member with Responsibility promised a written response on a detailed question on paragraph 56 of the report, namely the range of costs for placements

 

The Chairman thanked the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for his report.

1825.

Reports of Cabinet Members with Responsibility - Environment (Agenda item 8)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment presented his report which concerned a number of overarching issues:

 

·         Waste disposal

 

-        local authority collected waste

-        waste prevention

-        recycling and composting

-        EnviroSort

-        Energy Recovery

-        EnviRecover

-        safe disposal to landfill

 

·         Flood Risk Management

 

-        Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

-        Statutory Planning Application Consultation Role

-        Neighbourhood Area Plans

-        Flood Alleviation and Drainage Schemes

-        community engagement

-        highway and land drainage

-        natural flood alleviation solutions

 

·         Strategic Planning and Environmental Policy

 

-        Vale of Evesham Partnership Scheme

-        EUSiF

-        Pollinators

-        Green infrastructure

-        South Worcestershire Development Plan

-        Worcestershire Habitat Inventory

-        Minerals Local Plan

-        Renewable Energy Strategy

 

·         Sustainability

 

-        Worcestershire Climate Change Strategy

-        WCC Carbon Management Plan

-        Better use of Property Asset Rationalisation Programme

-        Carbon Reduction Commitment

-        'Warmer Worcestershire'

-        Boilers on prescription

-        Green Deal Communities Fund

-        Electric vehicle Fleet and vehicle charge points

-        Eco-schools

-        Heat Networks

-        Business Energy Efficiency Programme

-        Worcestershire Energy Efficiency Supply Chain

-        Sustainability West Midlands

-        Growing Worcestershire

 

The Cabinet Member with Responsibility answered questions about his report

which included:

 

·         likely levels of energy recovery from the EfW plan at Hartlebury

 

·         plans for flood prevention in New Road in Worcester to reduce traffic congestion at times of peak river levels and flooding

 

·         what support the County Council was giving to energy co-operatives and green energy firms to do business with us

 

·         how the County Council proposed to meet the target to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2020 from the 2005 levels

 

·         promotion of the use of charge points and how costing of charge cycles was calculated

 

·         reduction of pollution levels by taking enforcement activity more seriously.

 

The Chairman thanked the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for his report.

1826.

Question Time (Agenda item 9) pdf icon PDF 132 KB

To receive answers to any questions asked by Councillors (Orange pages).

 

(Members are reminded of the timescale adopted by Council for notice of questions. A Councillor may only ask a question if:

 

- It is delivered in writing to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services by noon on Monday 12 September 2016 or

- If it relates to urgent business, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services is notified at least half an hour before the start of the meeting.)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Seventeen questions had been received by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and had been circulated before the meeting.  Eleven were asked at the meeting during the thirty minutes allocated.  (All answers are enclosed with these Minutes).

1827.

Reports of Committees - Summary of decisions taken by the Audit and Governance Committee (Agenda item 10(a))

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council received the report of the Audit and Governance Committee containing a summary of decisions taken.

1828.

Reports of Committees - Summary of decisions taken by the Planning and Regulatory Committee (Agenda item 10(b)) pdf icon PDF 83 KB

To consider the reports of the Audit and Governance Committee and the Planning and Regulatory Committee (white pages - attached) which summarise the decisions taken by those bodies.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council received the report of the Planning and Regulatory Committee containing a summary of decisions taken.