Agendas, Meetings and Minutes - Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Venue: County Hall, Worcester

Contact: Simon Lewis  Committee Officer

Media

Items
No. Item

Available papers

The Members had before them:

 

A.    The Agenda papers (previously circulated);

 

B.    12 questions submitted to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services (previously circulated); and

 

C.   The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2018 (previously circulated)

Additional documents:

2006.

Apologies and Declaration of Interests (Agenda item 1)

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Mr R C Adams, Ms R L Dent, Mr M E Jenkins and Prof J W Raine.

 

Mr R P Tomlinson declared an interest in Agenda item 6 - Notice of Motion 1 as a friend was Chairman of the Committee responsible for arranging the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

 

Mr G R Brookes declared an interest in Agenda item 6 - Notice of Motion 3 as his son and daughter were both GPs, and his son was involved in the campaign.

 

Dr C Hotham declared an interest in Agenda item 6 - Notice of Motion 3 as his wife was a GP.

2007.

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, 18 July 2018). 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:

Mr Brennan presented a petition on behalf of St Ambrose Catholic Primary School concerning the School Crossing Patrol on the A456.

 

Mr Miah presented 3 petitions as follows:

 

·         School Patrol on Birmingham Road (A456) petition on behalf of St Georges CE Primary School ;

·         School Crossing Patrol on the A456 petition on behalf of Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form Centre; and

·         School Crossing Patrol on the A456 petition on behalf of Little Trinity Nursery

 

Mrs F M Oborski presented a petition concerning the School Crossing Patrols on Comberton Road and Borrington Road, Kidderminster.

 

Mrs F M Oborski presented a petition requesting a Resident-Only Parking Scheme in both Lea Street and Lorne Street Kidderminster.

 

Mr P Middlebrough presented a petition urging First Bus Group to reinstate the village stops on the bus services between Upton Upon Severn and Tewkesbury

 

Ms Silver asked questions about the termination of contracts of lollipop staff working at zebra crossings in particular relating to Somers Park Primary School, Malvern.

 

Mrs Day made comment on the termination of contracts of school crossing patrol staff and presented letters and posters from the children as well as photographs demonstrating poor parking in the area affected outside Somers Park Primary School, Malvern.

 

The Chairman thanked all the public participants for their contribution and said they would receive a written reply from the relevant Cabinet Member.

2008.

Minutes (Agenda item 3)

To approve as a correct record and authorise the signing of the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2018 (previously circulated electronically).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

2009.

Chairman's Announcements (Agenda item 4)

To receive any announcements to be made by the Chairman.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Noted.

2010.

Reports of Cabinet - Summary of decisions taken (Agenda item 5) pdf icon PDF 84 KB

To consider the reports of the Cabinet and to receive answers to any questions asked on the reports. Matters where decisions have already been taken are on White pages.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council reported the following topics and questions were answered on them:

 

·         Plastics and Non-Recyclable Cups – Notices of Motion from Council 15 February 2018

·         Council-Provided Day Services for Adults with a Learning Disability and Connect Short-term Service

·         Future Provision of Replacement Care (Overnight Respite) Services for Adults with a Learning Disability

·         Streetscape Design Guide

·         Resources Report.

2011.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 1 - 2022 Commonwealth Games (Agenda item 6) pdf icon PDF 84 KB

To receive the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services on any Notices of Motion received by him (Lilac pages).

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Mr R M Udall, Mr R C Lunn, Mr P M McDonald, Ms P Agar, Ms C M Stalker, Mr C J Bloore and Mr P Denham.

 

The motion was moved by Mr R M Udall and seconded by Mr R C Lunn who both spoke in favour of it.

 

The Council agreed to deal with the motion on the day.

 

The following amendment was moved by Mr A I Hardman and seconded by Dr K A Pollock:

 

"Council congratulates Birmingham on becoming the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

 

Council calls upon the Cabinet Member with Responsibility to consider co-ordinating and preparing a report which would develop a strategy for the involvement of Worcestershire, and especially our District Councils with the games"

 

Having received an assurance from the Deputy Leader of the Council that any report/activities would be cross-party and that the University of Worcester and other sporting facilities across the county would be engaged in the process, the mover and seconder of the original motion accepted the amendment which therefore became the substantive motion as altered.

 

In the ensuing debate, the following principal points were raised:

 

·         The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham provided an opportunity for this county to work with partners and play a role in supporting the Games, boosting the local economy and providing a lasting legacy for sporting activities. The County had a co-ordination role in terms of providing transport, hosting visiting teams and accommodation for tourists and spectators   

·         The Council could work with the district councils and the LEP to formulate an on-line communications strategy; approach smaller commonwealth countries by cultivating existing links; promote training facilities in Worcestershire to the smaller nation teams; promote tourism; promote health benefits in schools; and understand that the events were fun and produced great memories of the county. The Games provided an opportunity to achieve great benefits for the county at little cost

·         The Deputy Leader acknowledged that the Council had a co-ordinating role but argued that this was more of a district council led issue. Officers had already met representatives of Birmingham City Council and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure would be preparing a report for Cabinet in due course. Although work was already taking place, the Games belonged to Birmingham and this county's role was purely supportive

·         It was important to utilise the skills of everyone to maximise the opportunities within the county of the Games coming to Birmingham. The Games represented a massive opportunity for hoteliers and sporting venues in the county. 

 

On being put to the vote the substantive motion was unanimously agreed.

 

Council RESOLVED: "Council congratulates Birmingham on becoming the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

 

Council calls upon the Cabinet Member with Responsibility to consider co-ordinating and preparing a report which would develop a strategy for the involvement of Worcestershire, and especially our District Councils, with the games"

2012.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 2 - School Crossing Attendants' Remuneration (Agenda item 6)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Mr P Denham, Mr C J Bloore, Mr R C Lunn, Ms C M Stalker, Ms P Agar, Mr R M Udall, Mr P M McDonald and Ms P A Hill.

 

The motion was moved by Mr P Denham and seconded by Mr R C Lunn who both spoke in favour of it.

 

The Council agreed to deal with the motion on the day.

 

Those in favour of the motion made the following comments:

 

·         It was concerning that School Crossing Patrol attendants were so poorly paid with an hourly rate close to the minimum wage and therefore no surprise that there were so many unfilled vacancies. It was disappointing that the Council was no longer funding these patrols where pedestrian crossings existed. Many children were not capable of using pedestrian crossings safely. Although road safety training had been offered to affected schools, this one-off training was insufficient with a danger that some children would miss out or fail to learn anything and therefore did not compensate for the loss of a School Crossing Patrol. A daily rate should be introduced that would attract and retain suitable people with flexible working hours to meet the needs of individual schools

·         School Crossing Patrols were not just important in terms of the safety of children but also the reassurance they provided for parents to be able to send their children to school on foot. The most likely outcome of this policy would be that more parents would drive to schools increasing congestion, air pollution outside schools and danger to children walking to school. The County Council had responsibility for employing someone to control the traffic and therefore it was not possible for schools to directly employ attendants

·         Road safety training needed to be provided on a regular basis if it was to be effective. School Crossing Patrols were vital on busy roads and complex junctions

·         The budget reductions to this service were creating a postcode lottery where schools in poorer areas would not be able to afford to replace its School Crossing Patrol

·         The Council needed to understand why it was unable to attract people as School Crossing Patrol attendants. The School Crossing Patrol service was one of the few Council services that protected people and saved lives. The savings being made were disproportionate to the value of the service to the children and parents

·         The motion was concerned with how School Crossing Patrols could be retained

·         There was evidence that where School Crossing Patrols had been withdrawn, the number of vehicles on the surrounding roads had increased with associated parking issues in the vicinity of the school and consequent road safety implications

·         The Council might wish to consider some form of branding/sponsorship arrangement to help with the funding of these School Crossing Patrols  posts.

 

Those against the motion made the following comments:

 

·         School Crossing Patrol attendants were employed on a pro-rata  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2012.

2013.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 3 - 'Armed Forces Veteran-Friendly' Accreditation (Agenda item 6)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Mr G R Brookes, Mr M J Hart, Mr A I Hardman, Mrs E A Eyre Mr R C Adams and Mr A P Miller.

 

The motion was moved by Mr G R Brookes and seconded by Mr A P Miller who both spoke in favour of it.

 

The Council agreed to deal with the motion on the day.

 

In the debate, the following principal points were raised:

 

·         With suitable training, local GP practices could receive 'armed forces veteran-friendly' accreditation. To become accredited, GP practices needed to offer support for ex-military personnel who faced additional challenges on their return to civilian life. They would need to adopt a clinical lead, be able to identify and flag up ex-military individuals and receive adequate training

·         The support of the medical experts from the armed forces was welcomed and the CCGs would appreciate the support of the Council for this initiative  

·         The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health welcomed this motion and indicated that the Council would work to support this initiative

·         Members had a role in letting veterans know about the initiative and encourage them to notify their local GP practice.

 

On being put to the vote the motion was unanimously agreed.

 

Council RESOLVED:"This Council recognises the contribution by our armed forces.

 

This Council endorses the NHS initiative to encourage GP practices to become 'Armed Forces Veteran-Friendly' accredited.

 

This Council resolves to request the Chief Executive write to the Worcestershire CCG's to support this initiative.

 

This Council requests that the Worcestershire Health and Well-being Board consider this matter at a future meeting and endorse this and look at what further practical steps can be made to encourage Worcestershire GP practices to become accredited."

 

2014.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 4 - Anti-Semitism (Agenda item 6)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Mrs E B Tucker, Prof J W Raine, Mrs F M Oborski, Mr M E Jenkins.

 

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

 

The Council agreed to deal with the motion on the day.

 

In the debate, the following principal points were raised:

 

·         There had been an increased level of fear amongst the local jewish community as a result of the rise in anti-semitism recently experienced across Europe. The Council had a duty under its equality responsibilities to take care of the needs of all members of the community. It was requested that the Council adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of anti-semitism. The definition was clearly set out in the motion and did not prevent criticism of the political actions of any particular Israeli government in power

·         This motion helped create a clear working definition of anti-semitism which had also been adopted by a number of other public  bodies

·         It was important that this motion was supported to give a clear message to anyone promoting or experiencing anti-semitism that it would not be tolerated

·         This motion supported the premise that it was wrong to support any form of terrorism aimed at people on the basis of their religion

·         The cross-party support for the motion was welcomed as it was important that members were seen to be taking a lead in calling out individuals who made anti-semitic or racist comments.

 

On being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

 

Council RESOLVED:"Council notes with concern the rise in Anti-Semitic attacks against members of the U.K. Jewish Community. Council believes that politicians and officials from all parties and institutions must lead by example, use responsible language and call out others when they do not.

 

In support of our gender and equality responsibilities, Council therefore resolves to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of Anti-Semitism and its appended examples; which has already been adopted by the U.K. Government, the Scottish Government, the Greater London Authority, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and over a hundred local authorities. Anti-Semitism is:

 

       Holocaust denial or minimisation; indicating sympathy for the Holocaust

       Holocaust inversion – i.e. identifying Israel or Zionists as Nazis;

       Giving support to, or failing to oppose, terrorism directed at the Jewish Community inside and outside Israel;

      Theological anti-Semitism, such as accusing jews of killing jesus"

 

2015.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 5 - The Elgar Archive (Agenda item 6)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Mr A T Amos, Mrs L C Hodgson, Ms R L Dent, Ms K J May, Dr K A Pollock, Mr R M Udall and Mr R C Lunn.

 

The motion was moved by Mrs L C Hodgson and seconded by Mr R M Udall who both spoke in favour of it.

 

The Council agreed to deal with the motion on the day.

 

In the debate, the following principal points were raised:

 

·         This motion was concerned with the further action that could be taken to continue the support for the Council's campaign to ask all the interested partners to engage in meaningful discussions about the future location and widest enjoyment of the Elgar Archives at the Elgar Birthplace Museum.  Throughout his life Elgar kept Worcestershire close to his heart and chose to be buried here. The Archive had previously been kept at the Elgar Birthplace Museum. However, the British Library had started the process of creating a national archive. Whilst recognising the important role of the British Library, the County had a fine archive service itself. A petition had been launched with 3,000 signatures as well as a letter and article reported in the Times newspaper. As a result, conversations were being held with the British Library about the future of the Archive and it was hoped to invite them to the Hive in the summer

·         Worcestershire was proud of its links with Elgar and the Archive belonged in the county. His history, music, birth place and grave were all in the county

·         It was important that everyone worked together to show a united front for the county. The idea was to attract scholars to the county to see the archive as it was as easy to get to Worcestershire as to London.

 

On being put to the vote the motion was unanimously agreed.

 

Council RESOLVED: "Sir Edward Elgar is a huge part of our heritage in Worcestershire, he was born here, he lived here and died here and in the words of his daughter Carice 'Worcestershire was everything to him'.

 

Worcestershire is regarded as a great place for residents and visitors alike to go and learn about the famous composer and about his vast contribution to music that has spanned so many years and it would be desirable that this continue.

 

The Elgar Foundation, responsible for this archive, recently made the decision to relocate their collection to the British Library in London from its current location at the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Lower Broadheath. This relocation has now taken place despite continued efforts for them to consider keeping them in the County Archive based at the Hive.

 

Council is asked to support a continued campaign to ask all interested parties to engage in meaningful discussion about the future location and widest enjoyment of this Archive in both physical and virtual forms."

2016.

Report of the Cabinet Member with Responsibility (Agenda item 7) pdf icon PDF 89 KB

To receive the report of the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment on current issues and proposed developments within his area of responsibility and to receive answers to any questions on the report (Green pages).

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

·         Waste Management

·         Flood Risk Management

·         Natural Environment

·         Energy and Carbon Savings

·         Priority activity for next 12 months.

 

The Cabinet Member answered questions about his report which included the following topics:

 

·         Recycling levels

·         Links with Gypsy and Traveller Service for dealing with waste

·         Innovative ways of managing flooding through National Flood Management Project

·         The role of local councillors in Flood Resilience Programme

·         The role of local group (FLAG) in the Flood alleviation schemes in Severn Stoke

·         Drainage clearance in Wythall and surrounding areas

·         Road verge management – mowing policy in relation to pollinators

·         The boilers on prescription scheme

·         European funding for the Business Energy Efficiency Programme.

2017.

Question Time (Agenda item 8) pdf icon PDF 80 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 was delivered in writing to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services by noon on Tuesday, 10 July 2018  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:

Twelve questions had been received by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and had been circulated in advance of the meeting. Eight questions were answered on the day.  The answers to all 12 questions are attached in the Appendix.

2018.

Reports of Committees - Pensions Committee (Agenda item 9 (a)) pdf icon PDF 83 KB

To consider the reports of Committees and to receive answers to any questions asked on those reports as follows:

 

a)    Pensions Committee; and

b)    Planning and Regulatory Committee.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council received the report of the Pensions Committee containing a summary of the decisions taken.

2019.

Reports of Committees - Planning and Regulatory Committee (Agenda item 9 (b))

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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