Venue: Committee Room 2, Shire Hall. View directions
Contact: Nicole Conway Democratic Services Officer
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General Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair read out a pre-election notification to the committee.
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Apologies Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Jenny Fradgley Councillor Jan Matecki (Portfolio Holder Transport and Planning)
Councillor Pemberton gave his apologies in advance for leaving the meeting early at 3pm.
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Disclosures of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests Additional documents: Minutes: None disclosed.
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Chair's Announcements Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair welcomed Andy Mitchell from the press and notified all present that the meeting was being webcast.
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Minutes of Previous Meeting To receive the minutes of the committee meeting held on:
10 April 2024 14 May 2024. Additional documents:
Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 10 April 2024 and 14 May 2024 were confirmed as an accurate record by the Committee.
There were no matters arising |
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Public Speaking Additional documents: Minutes: None. |
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Questions to Portfolio Holder Additional documents: Minutes: In her absence, Councillor Jenny Fradgley put forward the following question, “After the recent heavy rains and grass cutting drains are blocked and any rain is causing standing water. Is there a programme to sweep the gutters and jet blocked drains?”
Scott Tompkins advised that there was a robust programme in place to clean drains. In addition to the regular programmed cleansing work County Highways also has a reactive service, responding to residents who raised flooding or standing water concerns. It was noted that Warwickshire County Council (WCC) had a rigorous grass cutting programme which had been very active after a wet spring.
In response to Councillor Humphreys question on gully cleaning, Scott Tompkins advised that over the last three years WCC had used a system called CarbonTech which uses a handheld device to record the amount of detritus in the gully as well as recording the date and time of the gully clean. This allowed the service to use the data collected to be more reactive in targeting areas where gullies are regularly found to be full or blocked. The system time stamped work meaning that details of when an area was last cleaned can be sourced from the Area Highways Surveyor.
In response to Councillor Singh, Scott Tompkins stated that the gully cleaning programme was influenced by the CarbonTech data, however the aim was to clean at least once every two years, with some areas more frequently. Responding to Councillor Singh’s supplementary question, Scott Tompkins advised that the Local Area Surveyor would be able to check. It was noted that work may occur during the day when residents are away, and cleaning may need to be rescheduled due to obstacles like parked cars however this information was available through the Area Surveyors.
Councillor Chilvers questioned if there was a backlog on the cleaning works. Scott Tompkins advised that an additional jetter had been brought in to help deal with the high demand following a number of winter storm events and the backlog was now decreasing. In response to Councillor Chilvers supplementary question, Scott Tompkins advised he would take the question to the team and circulate backlog details and any trending data figures to the committee.
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Economic Development Update Additional documents: Minutes: The Economic Development update was introduced by Isobel Woods (Head of Economy and Skills) and the following points were discussed.
Unemployment The unemployment rate had reduced from 3.3% to 2.4%, below the West Midlands which sat at 4.4%. There had been some small changes with production and services but overall, the economy had remained steady.
Key Decisions Cabinet had approved the Economic Growth Strategy in April 2024. This was a framework to guide economic development initiatives and activities.
Business and Economy Finance and Investment Quarter four out-performed quarter three with the overall level of funding provided to businesses in Warwickshire for lending and grants for the year was just over £4m. This attracted £3m in private sector investments mainly through the Local Communities and Enterprise strand of the Warwickshire Investment Fund (WIF). The programmes helped safeguard 300 jobs and support 108 apprenticeships and help create 250 new jobs in the county. Warwickshire had successfully secured its first Property Investment Fund Loan worth £9.7m to the Wigley group for the development of two business parks in Coventry, including one bordering Warwickshire.
Business Support During the financial year 2023/24, over 1200 business had received business support despite the transition from EU funding to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). We are now in the the third and final year of the UKSPF with a clear Business Growth Warwickshire offer that captures the six business support programmes working closely with District and Borough Councils.
The King’s Award for Enterprise (KAE) saw a record number of Warwickshire businesses receive this prestigious award. In total eight businesses received Innovation, International Trade, Promoting Opportunities and Sustainable Development awards, with one Warwick business, 3D Technologies being one of five business in the UK to receive two KAE awards. Further to this, an event was held in June 2024 to prepare businesses for Kings’ Award for Enterprise applications for 2025.
Employment and Skills Progress had been made on two new potential employment programmes: 1. Workwell -Warwickshire Skills Hub in conjunction with Coventry Council had developed a bid with NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board. The focus was to provide a triage employment support service for adults and young people with mental health illnesses to gain or retain employment. This work is delivered collaboratively between health care professionals and local employment support team, enabling person centred support which is highly engaging and supports positive outcomes. Further information would be shared with members later in 2024 once funding and agreement was in place. 2. Universal Support – working with the Department of Working Pensions (DWP) this programme was to provide additional supported employment support, which builds on and complements the existing services the Skills Hub successfully delivers to young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism. The aim was to help a further 700 people per year with mental health illnesses into employment. Whilst Workwell will offer light touch triage support, the supported employment services will support those who require more intensive and barrier breaking support into employment. ... view the full minutes text for item 3(1) |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Tristan Hall (Delivery Lead - Project and Programme Management) made the following points on the EDS Dashboard:
The number of schemes successfully delivered since the EDS dashboard was last presented at OSC in November 2023 were outlined as follows: · Bermuda Connectivity - fully open to traffic · Gypsy Lane - a Section 278 scheme. · Greenman crossroads - had been mostly completed with one or two items outstanding. This will remain on the dashboard until fully completed. · Temple Hill Roundabout, Wolvey - a Casualty Reduction Scheme has been successfully delivered and nominated for collaborative working award between Warwickshire County Council and the contractor who delivered the scheme. · Evesham Road Roundabout - a Section 278 scheme. · Gallows Hill (Lower Heathcote Farm) · Harbury Lane crossroads – completed and open to traffic. · Glasshouse Lane – works associated with the new Kenilworth School. · Clopton Bridge renovations (bridge maintenance scheme).
These schemes were identified as in construction: · WCC3 – Ford’s Foundry and Queensway roundabout. · Restoration works on Castle Bridge, Warwick. · Coventry Road Cycleway, Warwick.
The schemes listed below were in development: · Avon Mill - This is the next major scheme, in discussions with the Environment Agency to ensure the flood risk is managed. The timing of any funding from the Department of Transport (DfT) that may be due would be dependent on the General Election. · A444 College Street, Nuneaton - A tree removal consultation for Phase 1 was in progress. Dependant on that outcome, work was due to start in late summer 2024. Due to its close proximity to the Bermuda Connectivity Scheme, it was preferred that it be completed and open to traffic before the commencement of this scheme. · Birmingham Road, Stratford - The scheme will follow the completion of the Warwick Road scheme which was due to be completed by the end of July 2024. · St Johns, Warwick - This scheme was linked into the network management plan and should follow on from the completion of the WCC3 - Ford’s Foundry and Queensway roundabout scheme.
In response to Councillor Humphreys, Tristan Hall advised that in relation to Greenman Crossroads, the final accounts had been received from the contractor and were being worked through. Once the amount had been confirmed an update would be provided. Regarding the A5 work, this was not something Engineering Design Services (EDS) were aware of, but Tristan advised he would take the question away for clarification.
In response to Councillor Chilvers, Tristan Hall advised that National Highways was a key factor in the progression on the WWC1 scheme. Mark Ryder added that as development of the programme progressed, inflation had caused costs to increase therefore the three WCC schemes could not all be delivered in full from the funding currently available. Completing WCC2 work which included the cycle infrastructure was a priority. The next priority was WW3 Ford’s Foundry Roundabout which was under construction. The remaining funds would be used to develop a smaller WWC1 scheme that addresses the key safety concerns around vehicle queueing off the M40 (at junction 14). ... view the full minutes text for item 3(2) |
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Warwickshire Economic Growth Strategy Delivery Plan 2024-2026 Additional documents:
Minutes: Isobel Woods (Head of Economy and Skills) presented the report, which was approved by Cabinet in April 2024. The background of the paper was discussed, and the following points highlighted.
· The two-year plan would build a resilient and diversified economy. · Would allow and have the ability to respond to challenges. · Three broad themes within the plan, ambitions, inclusive and sustainable. · With the focus on key areas - Innovation and research development. Skills development, infrastructure, and sustainable growth. · Strong position for Warwickshire County Council’s economy, short and long term. · Effectively implement the plan with continuous evaluation to ensure achievement and delivery of outcomes.
Isobel Woods drew attention to the appendixes attached to the report outlining the plan in detail as well as the Cabinet report and Economic Growth Strategy. It was noted that there had been strong collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
The next step in the delivery was to set up a key group to oversee the delivery of the plan. An annual report would be presented to the committee regarding the state of the economy, facilitating review and assessment of the progression of the plan.
Councillor Watson added that the strategy was a very important document which would hold the council accountable and outlined specific details on how it would be achievable.
In response to Councillor Chilvers, Isobel Woods advised that there were significant resources in economy and skills with much support from external funding and partnerships. Budgets outlining these figures and sources of funding could be presented to the committee. It was noted that this would be beneficial to highlight any gaps and allow better scrutiny.
Resolved that members support the two-year delivery plan to assist the delivery of Warwickshire Economic Growth Strategy that was approved by Cabinet in April 2024 and; note the proposed approach to monitor and manage the oversight of performance of the delivery plan.
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Year End Integrated Performance Report 2023/24 Additional documents:
Minutes: A report outlining the year end performance of the Communities Directorate during 2023/2024, was introduced by Steve Smith (Director for Strategic Infrastructure and Climate Change). The report and the layout of the appendices and information were discussed.
It was noted that there continued to be an increase of costs in high spend areas such as home to school transport which put a stretch on resources, capacity, and workload. Retention and recruitment issues were noted, these being in specific areas such as in highways, planning, legal and finance with emerging challenges including staff absences in areas such as business support and customer service.
However, it was emphasised that the Communities directorate had a positive year end with 86% of performance measures on track or met. Particular attention was given to two areas, apprenticeship support and a strong waste performance in both measurable areas.
Management of finances was reflected in those areas facing difficulties, notably the home to school transport area. The focus for the new financial year would be on forecasting and maintaining the budget. Risk areas were highlighted with mention of the growth strategy in place and a focus across the county. Sustainable Futures would be a focus with target areas of energy, de-carbonisation of the estate and fleet strategy.
Resolved that That the Committee considered and commented on Year End 2023/24 organisational performance, progress against the Integrated Delivery Plan, management of finances and risk.
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20MPH Speed Limit Verbal Update Additional documents: Minutes: Scott Tompkins gave a verbal update on the 20MPH speed limit, reminding the committee of the task and finish group that was set up to look at 20mph speed zones. This report served as a follow up from that Task and Finish group. The following points were highlighted.
· Six schemes had been completed between February 2023 and June 2024. · 19 schemes were in the process of a) being considered, b) in design or c) under consultation. · Post-implementation studies of speed and accident reduction had not been carried out as these would take three to five years to be completed.
In response to the Chair, Scott Tompkins advised that the variety of schemes made it difficult to allocate a timeframe. It could take 12 to 18 months for a scheme to commence following the national guidelines and any public consultations required. Scott Tompkins also added that changes to traffic speeds required traffic calming which then would include physical work which would need to be completed adding to the overall timeframe.
Councillor Chilvers queried if some of the implementation studies could commence sooner than the stated three to five years. Scott Tompkins advised that the question would be investigated, and a reply circulated to the committee.
In response to the Chair, Scott Tompkins advised that none of the 20mph zones were school zones, however some may contain a school within them. The zones are all fixed with no speed variations.
Councillor Chilvers suggested that a response to the questions about the studies and implementation could be supplied to the Chair and Spokes meeting with a decision on how the committee would receive an update on this.
In response to Councillor Humphreys, Scott Tompkins advised that not all schemes were on the list however he would check regarding locations that had been nominated. It was also suggested that councillors engage with their area highways surveyor for these locations and request them to be added if they had not been.
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Communities OSC Work Programme Additional documents: Minutes: The committee discussed reports for upcoming meetings and noted its work programme. Democratic Services had engaged with officers regarding the outstanding items. The Chair requested any additional items either be raised at this meeting, or the subsequent Chair and Spokes meeting.
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Urgent Items Additional documents: Minutes: None. |