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.    9 questions submitted to the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance (previously circulated); and

 

C.   The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2022 (previously circulated).

 

Additional documents:

2345.

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 Cllrs Salman Akbar, Matt Dormer, Aled Evans, Luke Mallett, Jo Monk, Tony Muir, Jack Satterthwaite.

2346.

Chairman (Agenda item 2)

To elect a Chairman of the Council to hold office until his or her successor becomes entitled to act.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The outgoing Chairman described his year of office and thanked the Council and its officers for their support.

 

RESOLVED that Cllr Chris Rogers be elected Chairman to hold office until his successor becomes entitled to act.

2347.

Vice-Chairman (Agenda item 3)

To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Council to hold office until immediately after the election of a Chairman at the next Annual meeting of the Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED that Cllr Kyle Daisley be appointed Vice-Chairman to hold office until immediately after the election of a Chairman at the next Annual meeting of the Council.

2348.

Public Participation (Agenda item 4)

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 Assistant Director for Legal and Governance in writing or by e-mail indicating both the nature and content of their proposed participation no later than 9.00am on the Monday before the meeting (in this case 16 May). Further details are available on the Council’s website. Enquiries can also be made through the telephone number/e-mail address listed in this agenda and on the website.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

David Hill presented a petition requesting that the Council does what it can to resurface part of the A422 running through Kington and Dormston.

 

Alan Bailes asked a question about the environmental impact of high traffic volume, speed of traffic, and traffic queuing on the health of Bordesley Village residents.

 

Peter Millar asked a question about climate change.

 

Elena Round asked a question about Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision.

 

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

2349.

Minutes (Agenda item 5)

To approve as a correct record and authorise the signing of the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2022 (previously circulated electronically).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2022 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

2350.

Chairman's Announcements (Agenda item 6) pdf icon PDF 148 KB

To receive any announcements to be made by the Chairman.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Noted.

 

A Minute’s silence was held in memory of former county councillor Mr Philip Gretton who had sadly passed away.

2351.

Reports of Cabinet- Matters which require a decision - Corporate Plan 2022-27 (Agenda item 7 (a)) pdf icon PDF 224 KB

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

 

a)    Reports of Cabinet – Matters which require a decision; and

b)    Report of Cabinet – Summary of decisions taken.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered the Corporate Plan 2022-27.

 

The Leader introduced the report and commented that the revised Corporate Plan retained the four key themes: Children and Families, Environment, Health and Well-being and Open for Business which had guided the work of the Council over the last 5 years. The contributary narrative and projects included in it had been updated to reflect progress made, the schemes delivered and the revised context in the county including this Council’s and partner organisation’s plans and strategies.

 

He added that new performance measures had been included for each of the themes as well as some corporate cross-cutting measures which would be closely monitored during the plan period. The themes encapsulated the key responsibilities and core duties of safeguarding children, education, adult social care, improving public health and well-being, waste disposal and highways. They focused on making Worcestershire an attractive place for residents, businesses and visitors. The Plan addressed the issues that the public had told the Council were important and needed improving. The refreshed plan prioritised and progressed the One Worcestershire approach for co-ordination between partner organisations. The Plan embraced new initiatives such as Here to Help, the use of digital technology and mobile and flexible working together with a focus on working communities to empower and enable them to do more.

 

He thanked the Chairman and members of the OSPB for their contribution and recommendations, some of which had been taken on board, for example in relation to crime and disorder, targets for first preference schools, and consistency in how things were measured.

 

In the ensuing debate, the following points were raised:

 

·         There was no reference in the Plan in relation to the support provided for local bus services and active travel

·         The Plan failed to address the bigger environmental picture and was contradictory in places. Climate change needed to be central to the whole plan and annual targets should be incorporated in the Plan to ensure it met the overall  climate change target for 2050. The focus on high-tech business and in particular the green elements was welcomed

·         Problems associated with SEND, EHCPs and CAMHS needed to be addressed in the Plan. There was insufficient capacity in schools to address issues associated with SEND. Prevention was a key element of the approach to health and well-being

·         Transport was a key area in terms of the impact on emission levels and the Council could make a huge impact in this area. Building more roads just added to congestion. The Council’s bus strategy had been rejected by the Government and bus companies were struggling to provide a commercially viable service. How was it possible to meet these corporate targets when the county was dominated by car use

·         The plan lacked a joined up approach to setting out how Worcestershire would be a place where people wanted to live and work, stay fit and healthy and live independently

·         A major issue in terms of economic development and the impact on people’s lives was lack of mobility around  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2351.

2352.

Reports of Cabinet- Summary of decisions taken (Agenda item 7 (b))

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

·         Worcestershire Response to the Invasion of Ukraine

·         Approval of Worcestershire Children First’s Business Plan 2022-23

·         Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy

·         The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 Update

·         Adult Social Care – Annual Local Account 2021-22

·         Continuing Health Care Partnership Policy

·         Section 75 Agreement between Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG

·         Pershore Area Review Consultation Findings and Recommendations.

2353.

Constitutional Matters (Agenda item 8) pdf icon PDF 145 KB

To consider a report on (a) Overview and Scrutiny arrangements, (b) Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Member Bodies, and (c) Council Meeting dates 2023.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(a)  Overview and Scrutiny Arrangements

 

The Leader of the Council introduced the report and commented that the only proposed change to the overview and scrutiny arrangements was to split the Economy and Environment Panel into two separate panels. The change was proposed after discussions with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Panel, because of the emphasis in the Corporate Plan on the environment as well as the economy. The change would allow each of the Corporate Plan priorities to have at least one panel focused on its work.

 

In the ensuing debate the following points were raised:

 

·         The Chairman of OSPB commented that it was important that the Overview and Scrutiny structures accorded with the Council’s priorities. The additional panel also meant that the vast majority of councillors could become involved in scrutiny work and have an active role in shaping future policies. He thanked the previous Panel Chairmen, who had moved on to other political positions within the Council, for their contribution. He requested that the newly appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council be allowed to complete his work with the scrutiny task groups

·         The split of the Economy and Environment Panel was welcomed. It would enable more manageable and robust scrutiny of the subject matter

·         The Leader summed up and commented that part of the reason for the proposed change was to provide scrutiny members with the capacity to focus on important forward-looking policy development work.

 

RESOLVED: that

 

(a)  the revised Overview and Scrutiny Arrangements be approved as set out in paragraphs 5-7 of the report;

 

(b)  the number and size of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board and Panels and proposed allocation of seats between the political Groups on those bodies, other committees and on Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority be agreed as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;

 

(c)  individual members be appointed to those committees in accordance with the nominations from time to time of the respective political Groups in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, and requires the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance to give effect to such wishes expressed by the political Groups;

 

(d)  the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance be authorised to settle any outstanding details relating to the political structures and to make changes as necessary to the Council's Constitution (Articles and Appendices) to give effect to the Council's decisions and any other revisions necessary to reflect needs or circumstances.

 

(b)  Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Member Bodies

 

RESOLVED that Members be appointed to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman roles in accordance with Appendix 2 of the report.

 

 

(c)  Council meeting dates 2023-24

 

County Council meeting dates were currently scheduled up to November 2022. To enable the 2023 meetings programme to be produced and help members plan their commitments, the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance suggested that further meetings of the Council were now scheduled for 2023 and through until the end of the next Municipal Year in 2024.

 

RESOLVED that the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2353.

2354.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 1 - Equality Impact Assessments and the Council's obligations to people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 (Agenda item 9) pdf icon PDF 212 KB

To receive the report of the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance on any Notices of Motion received by him.

 

Councillors are asked to note that any Notices of Motion must be received by the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance no later than noon on 10 May.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Cllr Lynn Denham, Cllr Mel Allcott, Cllr Dan Boatright, and Cllr Richard Udall.

 

The motion was moved by Cllr Lynn Denham and seconded by Cllr Mel Allcott, who both spoke in favour of it.

 

Those in favour of the motion commented:

 

·         This motion was being brought before Council following consideration of the subject matter by Worcester City Council. The City Council had reviewed its obligations to people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. It was clear that a recent Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) presented in a report to a meeting of this Council concerning the All-Age Disability Service did not adequately consider the obligations to people with protected characteristics. The screening of reports to take account of different individual needs did not appear to be sufficiently robust. There was a danger of unconscious bias if all EIAs were undertaken by white middle class managers

·         The highest number of placements for Looked after Children had been out of county and there had been no explanation for this situation. Was there an unconscious bias or were assumptions being made that resulted in these placements? The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families commented that the main reason that Looked after Children had been placed out of county was to enable them to be with family members. However, he would provide details of those children in care who had been placed out of county

·         The review did not necessarily require consideration by a meeting scrutiny panel but could be undertaken by the Cabinet Member with Responsibility.

 

Those against the motion commented:

 

·         The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Corporate Services and Communication commented that the Council had a good track record in producing EIA reports and in particular meeting its Public Sector Equality duties. EIAs were assessed through a digital screening platform by individuals and service areas which allowed an in-depth understanding of the impacts of initiatives on residents, staff or visitors in relation to one or more of the protected characteristics. The process was sufficient, modernised and provided the necessary due regard to the Council’s duties as stated in the Equalities Act 2010. The robustness of the process was enhanced by the EIA being reviewed and challenged and signed off by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead. The Council’s approach had recently been reviewed and a new Strategy would be implemented, after consultation with trade unions. The new governance approach would be council-wide and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion was at the heart of everything that the Council did. It would be managed by individual directorate equality groups and reported to the Strategic Diversity Leadership Group, chaired by the Chief Executive. The Council would work with partner councils to share best practice and continuously improve its approach. Awareness of the issue had been drawn to the attention of all employees and included in the Workforce Strategy

·         There had been plenty  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2354.

2355.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 2 - Valuing and Encouraging Foster Carers (Agenda item 9)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Cllr Richard Morris, Cllr Adam Kent, Cllr Mike Rouse, Cllr Kyle Daisley, Cllr Andy Roberts, and Cllr Emma Marshall.

 

The motion was moved by Cllr Richard Morris and seconded by Cllr Emma Marshall, who both spoke in favour of it.

 

In the ensuing debate, the following points were raised:

 

·         Foster carers provided a safe, loving environment for vulnerable children which allowed children to adapt and thrive. The aim of the motion was to encourage councillors as corporate parents to help build that body of carers to provide this vital service and become advocates for and support the campaign for foster care across Worcestershire. 34% of looked after children were in foster care and of those 33% had been placed in external placements. The Council’s foster care team were particularly focused on finding foster carers for teenage children and respite support placements

·         In April 2022, the Council had 200 approved foster carers and 224 approved kinship foster carers compared to the 890 children who were in care. 466 children were awaiting a foster placement. Children in foster care had better outcomes than children in residential care. Foster carers could make a huge difference to a child’s life and the outcomes could be very rewarding. Foster carers were provided with opportunities for development and training and were be able to join support groups. Statistically care leavers were more likely not to go into further education and were more likely to become homeless. This did not have to be the case because foster carers could make a significant impact

·         A particular issue associated with out of county placements in residential homes was children running away from home because they had been taken away from their local area which made them very vulnerable

·         Council should consider drawing on the expertise/research of Professor Peter Unwin from the University of Worcester in relation to the potential role of disabled foster carers, particularly for teenage Looked after Children

·         Anyone could become a foster carer, all that was needed was to provide a child with a loving safe and caring home

·         The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families emphasised the importance of these types of motions at Council. Debates at previous council meetings had recently indirectly led to foster carers receiving an increase in pay by 2% for the whole county and for carers of teenagers a further 2%

·         The recent communication regarding the Foster Care Fortnight would be recirculated to all councillors.

 

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

 

RESOLVED “Foster Care Fortnight is between 10 to 23 May this year. The annual campaign aims to raise the profile of fostering and to show how foster care transforms lives. It is also the UK’s biggest foster carer recruitment campaign.

 

Foster carers provide a safe, loving environment for vulnerable children. With their love and support, the children in their care  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2355.

2356.

Notices of Motion - Notice of Motion 3 - Acknowledgement of Worcestershire's Veterans and Service Personnel (Agenda item 9)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Cllr Martin Allen, Cllr Matt Jenkins, Cllr Josh Robinson, Cllr Dan Boatright, Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Cllr Mel Allcott, Cllr Luke Mallett, Cllr Natalie McVey, and Cllr Lynn Denham.

 

The motion was moved by Cllr Martin Allen and seconded by Cllr Tom Wells, who both spoke in favour of it, and Council agreed to deal with it on the day.

 

In the ensuing debate, the following points were raised:

 

·         This Council should recognise the courage, sacrifice and commitment of  Worcestershire’s Veterans and Service Personnel of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. Acknowledging their service was recognising the great debt that was owed to them all

·         The impact on the children of serving men and women of their service to the country should be acknowledged

·         The conflict in the Falklands had left mental and physical impacts on all those involved and many did not ask or did not know how to ask for help. The country needed to do better in looking after veterans when they returned from conflicts

·         Service families led a very nomadic life but with a strong sense of family support. Children spent long periods where a parent was away on duty and the family effectively acted as a single parent family. The support for families had improved but there remained issues in accessing support and the suicide rate was still too high

·         The Worcestershire Armed Forces Champion welcomed the motion as an opportunity to pay tribute to all those men and women who had served in the Falklands conflict. He praised the work of the previous Armed Forces Champion for raising profile of veterans. There would be an event for Falklands veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum on 14 June to mark 40 years since the conflict. The Royal British Legion had created a message board for those wishing to pay tribute and honour the sacrifice made. Businesses, GP practices and charitable organisations were being asked to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and thereby pledge to make their commitment to support veterans

·         The key element of the motion was to recognise the debt owed and to reach out and support the families as well as the veterans themselves.

 

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

 

RESOLVED “As indicated by its active involvement with the Armed Forces Covenant, this Council acknowledges the service and sacrifice of  Worcestershire’s Veterans and Service Personnel of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

 

In the fortieth anniversary year of the Falklands Conflict, this Council requests that the Chairman send to her Majesty the Queen, our grateful thanks, and good wishes to all Veterans and Service Personnel for their loyal service and dedication in protecting and upholding the values and traditions of our Country.  This Council further acknowledges the great debt we all owe to these men and women, who step into danger when called upon to do so.”

2357.

Report of the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills (Agenda item 10) pdf icon PDF 481 KB

To receive the report of the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills on current issues and proposed developments within his area of responsibility and to receive answers to any questions on the report.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills presented his report to Council which covered various topics.

 

The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills answered a broad range of questions from members.

 

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

2358.

Question Time (Agenda item 11) pdf icon PDF 215 KB

To receive answers to any questions asked by Councillors.

 

(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 Assistant Director for Legal and Governance by noon on 10 May or

·         If it relates to urgent business, the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance is notified at least half an hour before the start of the meeting and the Chairman agrees the matter is urgent’.)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Nine questions had been received by the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance and had been circulated in advance of the meeting. Seven were answered on the day. The answers to all the questions are attached in the Appendix.

 

2359.

Reports of Committees - Audit and Governance Committee (Agenda item 12 (a)) pdf icon PDF 224 KB

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

 

a)    Audit and Governance Committee;

b)    Pensions Committee; and

c)    Standards and Ethics Committee.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

2360.

Reports of Committees - Pensions Committee (Agenda item 12 (b))

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

2361.

Reports of Committees - Standards and Ethics Committee (Agenda item 12 (c))

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council received the report of the Standards and Ethics Committee containing a summary of the decisions taken.