There were no apologies for absence.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider and approve the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 13 October 2020.

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 13 October 2020 were considered by Council. Councillor Izzi Seccombe (Leader of the Council) moved the minutes. Councillor Jeff Clarke (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) seconded. A vote was held.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the 13 October 2020 meeting of Council are agreed as a true record.

1) Recent Awards

Councillor Alan Cockburn (Chair of Council) stated, “Warwickshire County Council has won a national award for a project to support new and expectant parents who are care leavers. The National Leaving Care Bench Marking Forum (NLCBMF) announced Warwickshire as joint winners of the Best Project Award at a virtual event during Care Leavers Week on 21 October.

The Baby Box Project, led by Liss Philips was launched earlier this year. It was set up to provide useful supplies to help care experienced young people who have recently become parents. Boxes include essential items such as nappies, wipes, new-born clothes, thermometers, bibs, towels and other necessities and also provides the young parents with financial support to help them buy items such as a cot, buggy or car seat. To further support care leavers, the project has a Young Parents Forum that is led by young people to raise awareness of the service and to discuss issues that are important to young parents. The project, along with other support during the COVID-19 pandemic has supported numerous young people, during challenging times. ?A young person who received a baby box during lockdown said: “I love all of it, it’s so useful. I am very grateful and appreciative of the gesture.” The team at the council has worked incredibly hard bringing the project together and promoting Warwickshire’s role as Corporate Parents, and now Corporate Grandparents, to care for inexperienced young people in Warwickshire.

Umar Teerab, a Family Support Worker at WCC, and a care leaver and previously an Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker, also won an award from the NLCBMF for Champion of the Year 2020 for his contribution to supporting other young care leavers”

Councillor Jeff Morgan (Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services) congratulated Liss Philips and Umar Teerab on their respective achievements adding that children and families are at the heart of the County Council.

Umar and Liss were then invited to address Council.

Umar described how he had come to the United Kingdom in 2013 as an unaccompanied asylum seeker. At that time he spoke no English. He rapidly set about learning the language winning an award from Coventry City College in 2016. In 2017 he commenced a car mechanics course but in 2018 he applied for and obtained a a role with Warwickshire County Council. In 2019 he won the Apprentice of the Year Award and at the same time he completed his apprenticeship.

Umar explained how he received much support and been encouraged to push himself. His aim is to achieve as much in life as is possible.

Liss Philips a care experienced parent and family support worker thanked Council for the invitation to address the meeting. Liss was pleased to see her recent award being recognised. Council was informed that career development opportunities are available for care experienced parents. Liss added that the past can cloud people’s views and there is a need to level the playing field to enable people to prosper. There was no shame to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1(4)

To note any requests to speak on any item on the agenda in accordance with the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme (see note at end of the agenda).

There were no public speakers at the meeting.

This report to Council sets out the ways in which Warwickshire County Council has been preparing for European Union Transition.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe moved the motion and reminded Council that a briefing on EU transition had recently been held. She stated that at the time of the meeting she had hoped that there would be some agreement on an EU trade deal. This had yet to happen. Warwickshire County Council had been working hard with businesses to prepare them for whichever outcome there may be. Work is ongoing with the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce.

It had been thought that there was to be a new inland border facility in Warwickshire but it has been decided that this is to be at Birmingham Airport.  Trading Standards staff have been trained but there remain some concerns over capacity to manage the expected workload.

The EU Settlement Scheme is set to end in June 2021. There are currently 41000 EU nationals based in Warwickshire. Councillor Seccombe closed by explaining that the UK Shared prosperity Fund is expected to continue.

Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader of the Council) seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) observed that EU transition should have been resolved sooner. Local government, he observed, would be left to intervene when things go wrong. Funds had been made available to the Council to help manage the transition, but these would be insufficient. He thanked officers for the recent briefing and for their hard word to date. Councillor Roodhouse added that businesses are unclear on what is required of them. The government website was cited as being particularly unhelpful. Council was informed that problems at Felixstowe docks and a global shortage of shipping containers was leading to difficulties with importing goods into the UK.

Councillor Keith Kondakor forecast that any trade deal agreed would not be comprehensive. He expressed his sympathy to those involved in manufacturing. The report he felt was too focused on business. Consideration should also be given to the wider population. For example, there is likely to be a reduction in immigration. This could have an impact in terms of recruitment to jobs.

Councillor Sarah Boad (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) reminded Council that the EU referendum was held four and a half years ago. People’s livelihoods are at risk either through the Pandemic or EU transition she added.

Councillor Peter Butlin expressed his disappointment that the trade deal had not been agreed. It was, he suggested, a matter of who blinks first. The only thing to be done at this stage is scenario planning, filling in the gaps where there is no knowledge. The County Council has been doing a good job. Communication is the key if people are to be helped, he concluded.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe stated that she was confident that the County Council will do its best in difficult circumstances. The UK is an entrepreneurial nation that will recover. This will, however, take time.

Vote

A vote was held. The motion was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council:

1)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

This report recommends proposals for allocating resources in the Education (Schools) Capital Programme to specific projects set out in Section 3. Some of the proposals include funding from developer contributions. (The proposals and recommendations are due to be considered by Cabinet on 10 December 2020. Any updates from that Cabinet meeting will be presented to Council).

Councillor Colin Hayfield (Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning) moved the motion and introduced the report stating that the bulk of the money to be allocated was to go to Stratford-upon-Avon and Nuneaton. That the report and proposals were not the Education Sufficiency Strategy was emphasised.

Councillor Jeff Morgan seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Corinne Davies welcomed investment in schools although in some instances she considered that this was too late. The net result is that parents have to drive their children across the town to access school places. She asked whether a decision on the provider for the new Top Farm, Nuneaton school had been made.

Councillor Keith Kondakor expressed his concern over the way in which school places are assigned. Schools now have too much say in determining their numbers. In addition, government “wave funding” along with funding through the County Council leads to a degree of uncertainty. For example, in  June 2019 Nuneaton missed out on wave funding. Nevertheless, Etone has taken in more pupils. There is also a case for a new school in the Weddington/St Nicholas area of Nuneaton. A proper secondary school building programme is required.

Councillor Jeff Clarke welcomed the report and the investment at Etone College. He explained that school place planning is undertaken by the County Council. Schools that expand too soon tend to attract children from across town. The key is to provide places for local children. Councillor Clarke requested that local residents around Etone College be consulted prior to any development.

Councillor Mark Cargill thanked officers and members for supporting the development at Stratford-upon-Avon High School.

Councillor Clive Rickhards welcomed the proposals for Coughton C of E Primary School in Alcester adding that an overarching system for planning school developments would be of use. In addition, there needs to be more joined up thinking between services at the Council. For example, new toilets and a classroom are proposed for Coughton Primary but thought needs to be given to traffic issues as well.

Councillor Ann Parry welcomed the proposals for Stratford-upon-Avon High School but asked that secondary allocations for Wellesbourne be reviewed. At present half of year 6 children in Wellesbourne move to Kineton whilst half go to Stratford. This means that friendship groups are split.

Councillor Jenny Fradgley welcomed the proposals for Stratford-upon-Avon High School noting the need for new primary schools associated with major development.

Councillor Jeff Morgan (who had seconded the motion) observed that the allocation of school places is one of the few statutory responsibilities left with the County Council in terms of education. He observed that when the expansion is completed Stratford-upon-Avon High School will have a roll of around 2000 pupils. He assured members that school place planning is well managed.

In closing Councillor Colin Hayfield noted that the assignment of funds for expansion is a stage in the implementation of the Sufficiency Strategy. Responding to Councillor Corinne Davies, Council was informed that a provider had yet to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Following consideration by Cabinet in November 2020 this report concerning improvements to the Emscote Road Corridor in Warwick is presented to Council.

In introducing this report Councillor Jeff Clarke explained that the scheme had already been considered and endorsed by Cabinet. Councillor Clark then moved the motion. Councillor Pam Williams seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak.

The proposals for the Emscote Road were welcomed by a number of local members including Councillor Les Caborn, Councillor John Holland, Councillor Nicola Davies, Councillor Bill Gifford, Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi and Councillor Judy Falp. Comments included the welcoming of works to improve Portobello Bridge, the need to address issues with the canal bridge junction by Tescos, the need for a clear cycling strategy, the need to engage with local residents to minimise negative impacts, a desire to see a clear timeline for this scheme and the need to progress neighbouring projects.

Councillor Keith Kondakor commended the inclusion in the appendices of information detailing the benefits of cycling and walking.

Councillor Pam Williams (who seconded the motion) commended the project adding that improvements on the Emscote Road had been needed for many years.

Councillor Jeff Clarke closed the debate by thanking officers for their hard work. He emphasised the need to keep traffic flowing and agreed that it will be necessary to engage with local residents and businesses as the project proceeds. Finally, he stressed that Portobello Bridge had presented a series of challenges but considered that the proposed new deck will provide the solution to many issues.

Vote

A vote was held. The motion was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council

1)      

a)    Approves the allocation of £6.645m from the Capital Investment Fund to the Emscote Road Corridor Improvements Scheme;

b)    Adds the scheme to the capital programme at a total cost of £10.239m; and

c)    Agrees that the allocation from the Capital Investment Fund is reduced by the amount of any alternative external funding secured in the future.

2)       authorises the Strategic Director for Communities to invite tenders and award all necessary contracts, on terms and conditions considered acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources, and secure all necessary consents and take all such other steps as the Strategic Director for Communities considers necessary to deliver the scheme.

The current Chair of the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Local Pensions Board has notified the County Council that he wishes to step down from his position. This report seeks the Council’s approval to the appointment of his successor.

Councillor Kam Kaur (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation) introduced and moved this report and recommendation. Councillor Izzi Seccombe seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak.

There were no questions on the matter.

Vote

A vote was held. The motion was agreed with one abstention and no votes against.

Resolved:

That Council approve the appointment of Mr Martin Reohorn, Director of Finance and Treasurer for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, as the Chair of the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Local Pensions Board for a period of 3 years.

To consider the following motions submitted by members in accordance with Standing Order 5:

(1)      Eco Schools

This Council is committed to tackling Climate Change and has declared it as a priority. Council also committed itself to work in line with the UN Sustainable Development goals of which Education is one part.

Council recognises that schools and education are a critical part of tackling climate change. It also recognises that the Eco Schools programme needs reinvigoration across Warwickshire with the ambition that all schools can achieve green flag status.

Council requests:

1.That a survey takes place of all schools across Warwickshire about their progress in achieving Eco School status, to include a question about what support they need.

and

 2.That the findings are reported to the Climate Change group and     Portfolio Holder with recommendations on what actions need to be taken.

          Proposer: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse

          Seconder: Councillor Jenny Fradgley

(2)      Student Finance

During the pandemic government financial support has been extended to businesses and workers. A number of Councillors have been contacted by Warwickshire students and their parents with concerns that students have received no financial help as such and have, in the vast majority of cases, received a service which is far from that which is normally provided by our university system. As a consequence, and taking into account the financial wellbeing of students living and/or being educated in Warwickshire this Council urges our national government, by means of a letter to the relevant government Minister, to remove all interest payments on loans provided for the 2020 / 21 academic year and that no interest should be charged at any point in the future for loans covering the current academic year.

          Proposer: Councillor Dave Parsons

          Seconder: Councillor Corinne Davies

(3)      Support for Care leavers

Warwickshire County Council has responded extremely well to the increased pressures thrown up by the pandemic, not least in the Children and Families Service area where we have seen how two of our care-experienced young people, now employed by the Council, have been awarded national prizes for their outstanding work with other young people.

As the principal corporate parent, this Council wishes to record its thanks to everyone involved with our young people in care and requests the Chief Executive to write a thank you letter to the Children in Care Council acknowledging their efforts at this difficult time.

          Proposer: Councillor Jeff Morgan

          Seconder: Councillor Pam Williams

(4)      Universal Credit

          This council notes: 

The £20 increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit (and the tax credit equivalent) announced by the Chancellor on 20th March as part of his pandemic response package reflected the reality that the level of benefits were not adequate to protect the swiftly increasing number of households relying on them as the crisis hit. They have had a positive effect on the lives of thousands of local claimants who are better able to pay for life’s essentials such as food, clothing and utilities.

The local economy has also benefited from the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

1) Eco Schools

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse moved the following motion.

“This Council is committed to tackling Climate Change and has declared it as a priority. Council also committed itself to work in line with the UN Sustainable Development goals of which Education is one part.  

Council recognises that schools and education are a critical part of tackling climate change. It also recognises that the Eco Schools programme needs reinvigoration across Warwickshire with the ambition that all schools can achieve green flag status.

Council requests:

1.That a survey takes place of all schools across Warwickshire about their progress in achieving Eco School status, to include a question about what support they need.

and 

 2.That the findings are reported to the Climate Change group and Portfolio Holder with recommendations on what actions need to be taken”.

In support of the motion Councillor Jerry Roodhouse stated that he was keen to reinvigorate the eco schools initiative across Warwickshire. A survey was required in order to make informed decisions regarding progress and support.

This was seconded by Councillor Jenny Fradgley who reserved the right to speak.

Amendment

Councillor Heather Timms (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Heritage & Culture) proposed an amendment which stated,

“This Council is committed to tackling Climate Change and has declared it as a priority. Council also committed itself to work in line with the UN Sustainable Development goals of which Education is one part.

Council recognises that schools and education are a critical part of tackling climate change and would like to work with schools to encourage them to achieve the Eco Schools green flag status or equivalent. It also recognises that the Eco Schools programme needs reinvigoration across Warwickshire with the ambition that all schools can achieve green flag status.

Therefore Council requests

·         Recognises that schools are currently focused on getting through the Covid crisis and on delivering the core curriculum

·         Asks that a survey takes place of all schools across Warwickshire from September 2021 on activities currently undertaken relating to climate change and about their progress in achieving Eco School status or equivalent to include a question about what support they need.

·         That the findings are reported to the Climate Change group and Portfolio Holder Cabinet with recommendations on what actions need to be taken.

(Strike through = deletion, Italics = addition)

This amendment was seconded by Councillor Mark Cargill who reserved the right to speak.

Debate

Councillor Keith Kondakor highlighted the role that schools have to play in setting the environment agenda. Warwickshire schools have demonstrated their commitment to the environment through tree planting and green travel initiatives. The impetus should not be allowed to slide because of the pandemic. Eco schools, he added are not simply about reducing plastic bag usage and recycling. Consideration should be given to building projects with insulation and energy use at the fore.

Councillor Helen Adkins agreed that eco school considerations should embrace energy use and insulation. She did not agree with the amendment but would support the original motion.

Councillor Jonathan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A period of up to 40 minutes is allocated for questions to the Leader, Cabinet    Portfolio Holders and Chairs of Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

1) Question to Councillor Hayfield from Councillor Roodhouse

What assessments have or are been made of the adequacy of catch-up support for remote education and the purchasing additional devices or

more textbooks?

Answer

Councillor Hayfield replied that catch-up funding has been provided to schools. The need for pupils to catch up on their education has been recognised as a huge problem for which Ofsted has been giving advice. The scheme that provides laptops to pupils remains open. The full impact of the Pandemic on education remains unknown and it will be some time before a clearer picture emerges.

A briefing will be provided for all members in the spring of 2021. It may be that this is a matter that the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee would wish to explore.

2) Question to Councillor Clarke from Councillor Fradgley

As the country moves towards 20mph in urban areas what is the view of WCC to developing a policy for 20mph in the county? There is a particular need to establish 20mph around schools and a policy would assist in establishing safer zones around our schools.

Answer

Councillor Clarke replied that the County Council generally supports the principle of 20mph speed limits around schools. However, lower speed limits can, in some instances, present more problems than they solve. The County Council follows the DfT guidelines on the matter. Speed should where possible be self-enforcing. Work is currently underway on the new Local Transport Plan. A member working group has been established to support this work. All members are invited to feed into the work of the group.

In response to this latter point, Councillor Fradgley encouraged all members to engage in the development of the LTP.

3) Question to Councillor Hayfield from Councillor Gifford

Does Councillor Hayfield agree that Marle Hall for nearly 50 years has provided a wonderful learning experience for Warwickshire Children? If it was to be lost how does he feel that experience could be replicated?

Answer

Councillor Hayfield replied that Marle Hall has, over the years, provided an excellent service to the children of Warwickshire. The Council is now engaged in a staff consultation exercise regarding the closure of the site. The facility is not self-financing and is expensive to retain. The number of people that now use the site is very small. Closing the site will save money which could be used to benefit a greater number of children. It is regrettable that Marle Hall is to be closed but there are other organisations that provide the same experience and that can be used.

In response to the answer Councillor Gifford asked to be sent a link to the consultation documents. This was agreed. In addition, he asked whether the County Council was engaging with the schools that use Marle Hall. Councillor Hayfield stated that the pattern of usage varies. Some schools use the site every year and some schools less frequently. Officers would ensure that schools are made aware of the alternatives to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers are urgent.

None