Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Shire Hall. View directions

Items
No. Item

1.

General

1a

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Jo Barker

1b

Members’ Disclosures of Pecuniary and Non-pecuniary Interests

Members are required to register their disclosable pecuniary interests within 28 days of their election of appointment to the Council. A member attending a meeting where a matter arises in which s/he has a disclosable pecuniary interest must (unless s/he has a dispensation):

 

• Declare the interest if s/he has not already registered it

• Not participate in any discussion or vote

• Must leave the meeting room until the matter has been dealt with.

• Give written notice of any unregistered interest to the Monitoring Officer within 28 days of the meeting

 

Non-pecuniary interests must still be declared in accordance with the Code of Conduct. These should be declared at the commencement of the meeting.

Minutes:

With reference to motion number 1, Councillor John Holland and Councillor Bill Gifford declared an interest being impacted by proposals for changes to residents’ parking permits.

1c

Minutes of the previous meeting

Minutes of the previous meeting

Decision:

Council considered the draft minutes from the meeting of 25 July 2019.

 

Resolved

That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019 be approved as a correct record.

Minutes:

Council considered the draft minutes from the meeting of 25 July 2019.

 

Resolved

That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019 be approved as a correct record.

1d

Chair's announcements

Minutes:

A series of announcements were made to Council.

 

 1. The recent death of former Warwickshire County Councillor Doug Hall was announced. Doug Hall represented the Council from 1973– 1988. He also served for many years on Rugby Borough Council (serving Brownsover Ward) and as a Parish Councillor. Councillor Alan Webb stated that he had known Doug Hall for many years. He was a truly committed public servant who worked hard to get things done for his constituents. Councillor Izzi Seccombe spoke on behalf of the Conservative Group recognising that when a person stands for public office, they put their lives on hold. Councillors Richard Chattaway and Councillor Jerry Roodhouse echoed these views.

 

 2. The recent death of Bob Meacham OBE, Independent member of the Council’s Audit and Standards Committee, was announced. Councillor Alan Cockburn stated that Bob Meacham sat as an independent member of the County Council’s Audit and Standards Committee from May 2008 until August of this year. For 10 years between 1981 and 1991 Bob Meacham was Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council being awarded an OBE in 1986 for services to local government. In addition to his public Service, Bob Meacham was a keen and talented motor racing driver campaigning Lotus, Jaguar and Volkswagen cars over the years. Council stood in tribute to Doug Hall and Bob Meacham.

 

 3. Councillor Nicola Davies (Chair of Council) informed the meeting that she had recently attended the opening of the Veterans’ Centre in Nuneaton. This, she observed was a good example of the delivery of the Armed Services Covenant. Councillor Bill Olner thanked the Chair for attending the event emphasising that military veterans have a range of experiences that can present challenges at any time in their lives. It would be good, he concluded if there was more than one such centre in Warwickshire. Councillor Bob Stevens explained that the Veterans’ Centre had originally been established in the offices of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. That arrangement had come to an end and new premises were identified. The move to the new facility had been supported in terms of materials and labour by Balfour Beatty.

1e

Petitions

To receive any petitions submitted in accordance with the Council’s Petitions Scheme.

 

Minutes:

Dr Alex Jones presented a petition concerning the proposed K2L cycleway. She stated,

 “Thank you for inviting me to present the petition for the K2L cycle route between Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, on behalf of three local cycling groups, Cycleways, Kenilworth Cycle Group and University Bicycle User Group. Our petition achieved over 3000 signatures this summer.

 

 When signing the petition, people commented that they used to cycle between the towns but were now afraid because traffic has become faster and heavier, drivers expressed frustration that cyclists on the road hold up rush hour traffic, parents said how much they would like to have a safe cycle route particularly at weekends, students enthused that they would be able to visit the neighbouring towns more easily in the evening.

 

 In addition to signatures, Warwick University has expressed its official support for K2L, in a letter to WCC from the pro-vice chancellor, Simon Swain, and we understand that Chiltern Railways will also write soon, since the southern end of the route could improve commuter access to Leamington rail station. K2L is supported by Leamington Spa Town Council and has received attention in local papers and was mentioned in a parliamentary committee by our MP for Warwick and Leamington, Matt Western. Jeremy Wright, MP for Kenilworth and Southam, also has expressed strong support.

 

 The proposed K2L route is a segregated cycle path parallel to the A452 between north Leamington to Kenilworth via Rocky Lane. K2L would dramatically improve cycle access between these two towns, benefiting schools, the university, and business parks. Additionally, shop and restaurant owners in Kenilworth could expect more local business, similar to studies commissioned by Transport for London that show that traffic reduction in retail areas benefits local retail.

 

 Our county suffers from some of the worst air pollution in the country and one third of UK's CO2 emissions come from transport (Dept Energy figure). These problems are caused by two different type of pollutants, but both can be improved by cleaner transport. Furthermore, cycling to school or work can enable people to increase their regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Physical inactivity directly contributes to 1 in 6 deaths in the UK, the same number as smoking, creating a burden on health services. It is time to prioritise infrastructure for healthy sustainable transport.

 

 The provision of cycle routes makes good financial sense, as the Dept of Transport recently noted, investments in walking and cycling on average yield £5.50 of benefits for every £1 invested. This is excellent value for money, and a far higher benefit-to-cost ratio than many large road and rail schemes. Investment in K2L would be a useful contribution to WCC’s strategy to move to a low carbon transport system.

 

 On 25th July this year, the WCC declared a climate emergency. Warwickshire needs a coherent and comprehensive cycle network. Let K2L be the start of a bold and necessary new strategy in low carbon transport for the county. This is an ideal opportunity for you to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1e

1f

Public Speaking

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

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed three members of the public to the meeting, namely Mrs Ellen Boylin, Mrs Mags Sinclair-Bailie and Mr Phil Gregg. All were present to address Council regarding potential changes to the residents’ parking scheme.

 

Speaker 1 – Mrs Ellen Boylin

“Good morning Madam Chair and thank you for the opportunity to address you all on the problems we foresee with the proposed changes to our visitors permits. We appreciate it doesn’t involve Rugby, it’s the whole of Warwickshire that is currently permitted.

 

 Firstly, we feel these proposed changes to the visitor permitting are very unfair, unjust and totally unworkable. At the moment the details are very sketchy to say the least. We also feel it been an invasion of our privacy to have to log each and every visitor. And who will be registering with yourself? The County Council or NSL who it has been outsourced to, and to try and limit just to 50 visits per year is just unacceptable on so many levels. Is that 50 hours, 50 actual visits or 50 days? It is not clear and at what cost? At the moment, we all feel it feels very much like “Big Brother” is watching us. I’ve queried this with the council and Mr John Rollinson assures me that the council has no interest in how many visitors we actually receive.

 

So, in which case we are asking why are we having the register them at all? We have a lot of minority groups within the Rugby borough and I’ll leave my fellow neighbour here to address these issues in more detail when he speaks but I would like to give you a couple of examples from people who have contacted me. Number 1 is a single mother with two children, and she is concerned because she only currently has a resident’s permit which is £25 a year but she cannot afford a visitor’s permit which is also £25 a year. But as under the current proposal she wouldn’t be able to afford anything, but also as a single mum she occasionally needs help from her parents but has no visitor permit to give them. Equally her parents cannot risk the chance of getting a parking ticket. I’m sure those who are in the room who are parents and grandparents will acknowledge that children come with various risks i.e. they often need to be taken to a doctor’s appointments, hospital appointments etc. so a car is a definite necessity.

 

 My second example is an elderly neighbour who is very worried and upset, because she currently has a visitor’s permit just so her son can visit her for one hour a week to bring her shopping. This group I’m very concerned about. The elderly are often very lonely as well and rely on visitors. This lady has no computer or smartphone so how is she meant to register her visitors under the new proposal? This question has been asked to the Council and I think I  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1f

2.

Warwickshire County Council Brexit Preparation pdf icon PDF 342 KB

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Izzi Seccombe Council is requested to consider the latest position regarding Brexit and its anticipated impact on the County Council.

Decision:

Resolved:

That the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan 2019/20 be adopted by Warwickshire County Council 2018-19.

Minutes:

Councillor Izzi Seccombe (Leader of Council) moved the report and recommendations. She was seconded by Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader – Finance and Property) who reserved the right to speak.

 

 Councillor Helen Adkins (Deputy Leader – Labour Group) highlighted the possible impact of Brexit on social care and homelessness asking what actions were proposed to mitigate against these.

 

 Councillor Bill Olner welcomed the work being carried out to assess the potential impact of Brexit. Regarding social care and the need to protect the vulnerable he stated that it will be of great importance to ensure these people are kept fed. In addition, Councillor Olner observed that Brexit could have a significant impact on social care staffing as this area of employment relies heavily on those from the rest of Europe.

 

 Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) reminded Council that it had previously discussed the potential impact of Brexit on small businesses. He reported that mixed messages concerning potential shortages of certain products have been circulated with people being particularly concerned over that possibility of shortages of medicines. It was reported that Rugby Borough Council is examining “settled status” and how it will impact on people in that area.

 

 Councillor Richard Chattaway (Leader of the Labour Group) stated that some reports have suggested that 30000 people in Warwickshire could be directly affected by Brexit. He cited a school where the majority of the foreign language teachers are from mainland Europe. In addition, a significant number of County Council support staff are from outside the UK.

 Councillor Chattaway called for contingency arrangements to be made known adding that in his area reports of hate crime had increased. The threat of Brexit related scams was highlighted. Trading Standards will have a key role in tackling these. Finally, it should be recognised that many “ex-pats” will seek to return to the UK. A significant number of these will be elderly, having medical conditions requiring attention.

 

 Councillor Dave Parsons supported the comments made by Councillor Jerry Roodhouse adding his concern that consideration could be given to a points-based immigration system.

 

 Councillor Keith Kondakor welcomed the report but expressed a sense of not knowing what is happening. Warwickshire relies heavily on the motor and agriculture industries. A downturn in these could see a significant reduction in jobs. Reductions in the restaurant and building trades could lead to the failure of major contracts.

 

 Councillor Sarah Boad (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) noted that Coventry Airport at Baginton is classified as a port. She asked that information be provided on what actions are proposed for it. That a by election is scheduled for Warwick District was noted. Constituents are angry at the lack of progress and there is a risk that someone will be injured as a result. Councillor Peter Gilbert called on politicians to support the democratic process.

 

 Councillor Maggie O’Rourke echoed concerns over the future of social care provisions adding that she was proud to be at a meeting that was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

Warwickshire Youth Justice Plan 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 116 KB

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Jeff Morgan

This report seeks adoption by Council for the Youth Justice Plan previously considered and endorsed by Cabinet.

Decision:

Resolved:

That the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan 2019/20 be adopted by Warwickshire County Council 2018-19.

Minutes:

Councillor Jeff Morgan (Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services) presented the plan to Council explaining that it was something that the whole authority should be proud of.

 

 The document had been endorsed by Cabinet and sent to the Youth Justice Board. Councillor Morgan had visited the Youth Justice Team at their office in Nuneaton and spoken to most of the staff there. He had been most impressed by their work. It was noted that children in care and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are not overly represented in the data.

 This is contrary to what some people believe to be the case. Councillor Pam Williams seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak. Councillor Jonathan Chilvers (Leader of the Green Group) welcomed the stability of the budget available for the team and noted the low number of first-time entrants and reoffending. Councillor Gilbert suggested that the key is to find meaningful employment for young offenders thus breaking the pattern of criminality. This view was echoed by others.

 

Councillor Pam Williams observed that early intervention is important to avoid patterns of inappropriate behaviour developing. The recommendation was put to the vote. It was agreed unanimously.

 

 

 Resolved:

That the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan 2019/20 be adopted by Warwickshire County Council 2018-19.

4.

Addition of two Developer-Funded Schemes to the 2019/2020
Capital Programme pdf icon PDF 132 KB

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Peter Butlin

 

This report seeks Council gives approval to the addition of two schemes to the Capital Programme for 2019/2020:

• A425 Banbury Road and A452 Europa Way, Warwick. Developer – Barwood Land. Approximate value £3.5 million

• B4632 Campden Road, Long Marston. Developer – CALA Homes. Approximate value £2.5 million

Decision:

Resolved:

That Council gives approval to the addition of the following two schemes to the Capital Programme for 2019/2020:

 

• A425 Banbury Road and A452 Europa Way, Warwick. Developer – Barwood Land. Approximate value £3.5 million.

• B4632 Campden Road, Long Marston. Developer – CALA Homes. Approximate value £2.5 million

Minutes:

Councillor Butlin explained that although some members may not necessarily agree with the proposals before Council, legal advice is that any refusal to cooperate and agree the schemes’ addition to the Capital Programme would be unlawful. Councillor Jeff Clarke (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak.

 

Councillor Judy Falp acknowledged the position the Council was in but expressed her disappointment that major planning applications that result in major disruption are being approved on appeal. With reference to the A425 Councillor Chilvers expressed his dissatisfaction at the mitigating measures proposed adding that for future schemes more consideration should be given to them.

 

 Councillor John Holland stated that the knowledge that the County Council has little control over the schemes in question served to strengthen his resolve to vote against them. He added that Warwick District Council had refused the development sites to the south of Warwick, but its decision had been overruled. In addition, it was noted that none of the major development sites in the local plans is close to a railway line. The A452 development will draw traffic off the M40 motorway and into Leamington Spa. The only hope, he concluded, is to work to improve air quality in Warwick town centre. Regarding the A452 Councillor Adkins noted that the development had resulted in the loss of many trees. She challenged whether this had been necessary.

 

 Councillor Kondakor suggested that it is important to consider how to move people sustainably with minimal additional infrastructure for cars. The evolving local transport plan should focus on public transport and cycle way provision. In addition, it is important to consider lifetime maintenance costs when assessing the suitability of proposed schemes. Councillor Alan Webb called on the Portfolio Holder to provide a report on examples of schemes that have encountered problems in their implementation and the impact that these have had on tax payers. In response, Councillor Clarke noted that as all such schemes are fully funded by developers there is no cost to tax payers. In concluding,

 

 Councillor Butlin reminded Council that the time to challenge major developments is the planning stage. It is the district and borough councils that are the planning authorities. Developers are required to enter into a bond agreement so that if they face financial difficulties the Council is protected.

 

The recommendation was put to the vote. It was agreed with five members voting against it. There were no abstentions.

 

 

 Resolved:

That Council gives approval to the addition of the following two schemes to the Capital Programme for 2019/2020:

 

• A425 Banbury Road and A452 Europa Way, Warwick. Developer – Barwood Land. Approximate value £3.5 million.

• B4632 Campden Road, Long Marston. Developer – CALA Homes. Approximate value £2.5 million

5.

Notices of Motion

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

 

(1)      XXX Motion 1.

 

          Motion

 

          Proposer: Councillor

 

          Seconder: Councillor

 

(2)      XXX Motion 2.

 

          Motion

 

          Proposer: Councillor

 

          Seconder: Councillor

 

(3)      XXX Motion 3.

 

          Motion

 

          Proposer: Councillor

 

          Seconder: Councillor

 

(4)      XXX Motion 4.

 

          Motion

 

          Proposer: Councillor

 

          Seconder: Councillor

 

 

 

5a

Labour Motion 1

This Council regrets the proposals that have been the subject of recent consultation which would, if approved, see increased charges to the current resident parking schemes across Warwickshire.

 

This Council therefore asks that a select committee be established to consider the implications of maintaining the current charging base and what if any changes need to be made to the current parking permit schemes and parking enforcement arrangements.

The findings of the Select Committee shall be included in a report to Cabinet with clear recommendations.

 

Proposer: Councillor Maggie O’Rourke

Seconder: Councillor Dave Parsons

Decision:

Resolved

“The Council supports the timetable in respect of the recent consultation on parking charges. The timetable allows the analysis of the consultation to be assessed and presented to Overview and Scrutiny to give Members time to consider and comment on. The report will then be presented to Cabinet with any recommendations that may be made by Scrutiny”.

Minutes:

1)    Revisions to Permitting for On-Street Parking

Councillor O’Rourke proposed the motion as set out on the agenda.

 This stated, “This Council regrets the proposals that have been the subject of recent consultation which would, if approved, see increased charges to the current resident parking schemes across Warwickshire.

 This Council therefore asks that a select committee be established to consider the implications of maintaining the current charging base and what if any changes need to be made to the current parking permit schemes and parking enforcement arrangements.

 

 The findings of the Select Committee shall be included in a report to Cabinet with clear recommendations”.

 

 In proposing the motion Councillor O’Rourke made the following points.

 1) When Rugby Borough Council had recently considered the proposals for parking as put forward by the County Council, they unanimously rejected them.

 2) Local residents are concerned to have their views heard.

 3) The proposed system will rely heavily on a digital interface. Many residents do not have access to computers or struggle to use them.

 4) Many of the streets where permitting is proposed have houses of multiple occupancy. These require more than one parking permit and have a very limited number of parking spaces along their length.

 5) Shift workers struggle to find parking spaces when they return from work. Having to walk any distance at unusual hours of the day can leave people feeling vulnerable. Councillor Dave Parsons seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.

 

 

Amendment 1

 An amendment was tabled by the Conservative Group.

 This was proposed by Councillor Clarke and seconded by Councillor Seccombe.

 This stated, “The Council supports the timetable in respect of the recent consultation on parking charges. The timetable allows the analysis of the consultation to be assessed and presented to Overview and Scrutiny to give Members time to consider and comment on. The report will then be presented to Cabinet with any recommendations that may be made by Scrutiny”.

 

Following some discussion over the nature of the amendment the Chair confirmed that it was acceptable.

 

 

Amendment 2

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Roodhouse.

This stated, “This Council regrets the proposals that have been the subject of recent consultation which would, if approved, see increased charges to the current resident parking schemes across Warwickshire. This Council therefore asks that a select committee be established and takes evidence from Bed & Breakfast owners, community and business groups from across Warwickshire. The select Committee should consider an impact analysis on the implications of maintaining the current charging base and what if any changes need to be made to the current parking permit schemes and parking enforcement arrangements. The findings of the Select Committee shall be included in a report to Cabinet with clear recommendations”.

 (Amended wording in bold).

 

In introducing the second amendment Councillor Roodhouse made the following points.

1) The proposed scheme appears to be ill thought out having been driven by a need to replace the current scheme.

2) Permit prices have not increased for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

5b

Labour Motion 2

This Council would like to understand why The Administration has failed to ensure that all monies collected from the rate payers of Warwickshire have not been fully utilised and spent on much needed services in our towns and communities.

 

We therefore ask Cabinet to produce a detailed report for consideration by the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee identifying why the underspends and slippage in the capital programme and revenue have occurred and what actions will be taken to ensure that this is not repeated in the future.

 

This report should include an assessment of capacity to deliver budgets.

 

Proposer - Councillor Richard Chattaway

Seconder - Councillor Helen Adkins

Decision:

A vote was held on the motion. The vote was lost with one abstention

Minutes:

Councillor Chattaway moved the motion stating,

 “This Council would like to understand why The Administration has failed to ensure that all monies collected from the rate payers of Warwickshire have not been fully utilised and spent on much needed services in our towns and communities. We therefore ask Cabinet to produce a detailed report for consideration by the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee identifying why the underspends and slippage in the capital programme and revenue have occurred and what actions will be taken to ensure that this is not repeated in the future. This report should include an assessment of capacity to deliver budgets”.

 

 In tabling the motion Councillor Chattaway noted significant reported underspends in capital and revenue in the 18/19 financial year. Regarding capital underspends he suggested that this was because of a failure to progress projects at an adequate pace. In addition, he suggested, a focus on the Council’s transformation programme appears to have had an impact on the Council’s capacity to deliver in some areas.

 

 Councillor Chattaway requested that a report be produced to explain why the underspends are arising. Regarding members’ delegated budgets Councillor Chattaway considered that projects supported by these were moving too slowly.

 

Councillor Adkins seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.

 

 

Debate

Councillor Kondakor expressed the view that the term “late spends” should be used as opposed to “under spends adding that costs increase with delays. He considered that members are not kept adequately informed of schemes and that there appeared to be little planning around when best to undertake work. Small projects, he concluded, should be kept in reserve to use resources that have been assigned to projects that are delayed.

 

Councillor Andy Crump (Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety) explained to Council that underspends are not unusual and can be attributed to a range of different factors including, late payment of government grants and unexpected additional income. The flexibility that underspends can present means that other council services can benefit. For example, additional resources have been provided for the Fire Protection Service from reserves.

 

Councillor Adrian Warwick suggested that the actions called for in the motion before Council are already being undertaken by the overview and scrutiny committees and Cabinet. The principal objection, he suggested, is to obtain best value for money.

 

Councillor Peter Butlin stated that of the £14m underspend reported in 2018/19, £9m was the result of increased income. He assured Council that services are being delivered and that customer satisfaction rates remain high. In the first quarter of this financial year an underspend has been reported for adult social care. However, this is attributable to the late payment of a government grants and not to a drop in demand for services.

 

Councillor Adkins (Seconder of the motion) stated that whilst she appreciated the need to retain reserves there are people in communities in need of services. She called for consideration to be given to the establishment of a cross party group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

5c

Labour Motion 3

Given the increasing demands on primary care provision in Bedworth and North Warwickshire we would ask that this Council invites the CCG and NHS England to attend the next appropriate Adult Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee to provide,

 

• full details of the reasons for closures of 4 GP practices in Bedworth and North Warwickshire,

• full details of what provision is being put in place to ensure that primary care services are both accessible and fully meet the needs of local residents in these areas, and

• a list of all statutory consultees and details of all consultations held including disclosure of feedback received in relation to these closures.

 

Proposer - Councillor Richard Chattaway

Seconder - Councillor Bill Olner

Decision:

The motion as amended was agreed unanimously

Minutes:

In proposing the motion Councillor Richard Chattaway stated, “Given the increasing demands on primary care provision in Bedworth and North Warwickshire we would ask that this Council invites the CCG and NHS England to attend the next appropriate Adult Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee to provide,

1) full details of the reasons for closures of 4 GP practices in Bedworth and North Warwickshire,

2) full details of what provision is being put in place to ensure that primary care services are both accessible and fully meet the needs of local residents in these areas, and

3) a list of all statutory consultees and details of all consultations held including disclosure of feedback received in relation to these closures”.

 

Councillor Chattaway added,

1) The George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton is currently experiencing major pressures. One reason for this is a shortage of GP practices.

2) Warwickshire has experienced a shortage of GP practices for some time. 3) The closure of a surgery can affect around 2000 people. These have then to be served by remaining practices.

4) Nuneaton and Bedworth are set to grow. This growth will only apply greater pressure to surgeries.

5) The re-tendering of GP services ay not provide the answer to the problem of this shortage.

 

Councillor Bill Olner seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.

 

Councillor Margaret Bell moved a friendly amendment. This was to the first bullet point of the motion, changing it to say, “Full details of the re-contracting of the four Alternative Provider of Medical Services (APMS) primary care services in Nuneaton, Bedworth and North Warwickshire”.

The reason behind the friendly amendment was to avoid creating undue anxiety amongst local residents who might fear for the future of their services. Councillor Bell explained the background to the Alternative Provision of Medical Services (APMS). This arrangement involves the re-contracting of GP services every five years. At present 3 practices are up for contract. Councillor Bell was keen to emphasise that the Clinical Commissioning Groups have worked hard to ensure that stakeholders and communities are kept informed on progress.

 

There is a possibility that the Leicester Road surgery will close but Councillor Bell stated that the CCG would have an opportunity to explain this at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

Councillor Les Caborn seconded the proposed friendly amendment. In doing so he agreed with Councillor Chattaway adding that “winter pressures” are now experienced throughout the whole year. He agreed to circulate to the Council a briefing note and letter that he had received on it.

 

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse noted that it had previously been agreed with the health providers that whenever changes to services were proposed these would be discussed with the Council. In this case such discussions had not been held. Councillor Roodhouse suggested that the concordat required refreshing and that the Council should do more to hold the health providers and commissioners to account.

 

Councillor Keith Kondakor agreed that getting GP practices to set up in Nuneaton is a challenge.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5c

6.

Member Question Time (Standing Order 7)

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

Minutes:

1)    Introduction of New Parking Permit Arrangements

Councillor Roodhouse to Councillor Clarke

“The consultation on resident parking states, “Our existing paper-based permit management system is becoming obsolete with technical support from its suppliers being reduced from October onwards. We must now move to a digital, online system.” Could the Portfolio Holder say when he knew it was going to be obsolete and how much is this change costing”?

In response to this question Councillor Clarke stated that the current system will continue until the new one comes on line.

Councillor Jeff Clarke agreed to send a full response out to members.

 

2)    Environmental Impact Statements on Reports

Councillor Chilvers to Councillor Timms.

“Council reports have recently had an ‘environmental impact’ section added. What framework have officers been given to enable them to assess the impact of a policy?” In response, Councillor Timms observed that the approach to the statements on reports would vary depending on the nature of the report.

 

3)    Waiting Time for OT Assessment

Councillor Chilvers to Councillor Les Caborn (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health.

“How long is the current wait for an OT assessment for adaptations for older people for each level of priority?” In response Councillor Caborn, not having the information to hand, agreed to send it to all of Council in the next few days.

 

4)    De-merge of Police Coalition (i)

Councillor Fradgley to Councillor Dave Reilly (Chair of the Police and Crime Panel).

“The Chair will be aware that the Home Secretary has placed a six-months delay on the de-merger of the Warwickshire and West Mercia Police Forces. The September 2019 Peel Report on Warwickshire Police by HM Inspector of Constabulary notes serious concerns about the force’s efficiency. I am pleased that 7 out of 12 categories are rated “good”, however, four categories are rated “requires improvement” and one, “Planning for the Future” is rated “inadequate”.

The cause of concern for this inadequate rating is the force has not yet defined how all its services to the public will operate in the future nor has it agreed a smooth transition for a future operating model, nor has it consulted with the public on these matters. Amongst other recommendations the report states “the force should improve its arrangements both to consult with the public about business planning and to make feedback as a result of such consultation”.

In view of the importance of the police service to Warwickshire residents and a number of this council’s departments, will the Chair please discuss with the Police and Crime Commissioner what public consultation is planned in response to the inspector’s recommendations and whether there are any ways in which this council can assist in the consultation”

In response to this question Councillor Reilly assured Council that the Police and Crime Panel is working with the Police and Crime Commissioner to address issues around the ending of the alliance.

Councillor Reilly repeated that performance had been found good in many areas adding that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Any Other items of Urgent Business

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

Minutes:

None.

8.

Exclusion of Press and Public

To consider passing the following resolution:

 

‘That members of the public be excluded from the meeting for the items mentioned below on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972’.

 

Minutes:

Resolved:

That members of the public be excluded from the meeting for the items mentioned below on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

9.

Consideration of the exempt minutes of the meeting of Council held on 25 July 2019.

To consider and agree the exempt minutes of the Council meeting held on 25 July 2019.

Minutes:

The exempt minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019 were considered by Council.

 

Resolved

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019 be approved as a correct record.