Agenda and minutes

Councillors Pete Gilbert, Claire Golby, Chris Mills, Jeff Morgan, Daren Pemberton, Will Roberts, and Martin Watson

Councillor Judy Falp declared a personal interest relating to the properties concerned at minute number 2 – Children’s Services Residential Proposals.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2022.

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 8 February 2022 were agreed as an accurate record for signing by the Chair subject to noting the presence of Councillor Drew.

1) National Child Exploitation Awareness Day

Councillor John Horner (Vice-Chair of the Council) made the following statement:

“This week is Child Exploitation Awareness Week in Warwickshire to support the National Child Exploitation Awareness Day on Friday, 18th March 2022.  Child exploitation is when an abuser takes advantage of a young person under the age of 18 for their own personal gain. This can take many forms, including sexual exploitation or encouraging or coercing the child to commit crime. It often comes with the promise of something they desire as a reward and without knowing they are being exploited.

The awareness week aims to highlight the issues surrounding child exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.

Representatives of the Council’s CE Team are present in the antechamber today and I would encourage all Members and visitors to visit the team before you leave today to make a pledge to educate ourselves more about child exploitation and how to spot the signs.”

2) Death of Former County Councillor Helen McCarthy.

Councillor John Horner (Vice-Chair of the Council) made the following statement:

“It is my sad duty to inform Council of the recent passing of former County Councillor Helen McCarthy.

Helen, a Conservative Councillor, served the Studley Division for 8 years from 2001 to 2009. In that time, she sat on the Children, Young People and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Stratford Area Committee. 

Our condolences go to Helen’s family.”

Councillor Isobel Seccombe spoke in memory of Helen McCarthy noting that she was elected at the same time and served two terms of office.  She reflected on Helen McCarthy’s background in education and how that had helped make a difference to the work of the Council, and Helen McCarthy’s love for Studley, the division that she had represented.

Councillor John Horner also paid tribute to Helen McCarthy, fondly reflecting on memories of working with her at the Parish Council. 

3) Royal British Legion

Councillor John Horner (Vice-Chair of the Council) informed the Council of a recent fundraising event he had attended arranged by the Mayor and Mayoress of Shipston-on-Stour to raise funds for the Royal British Legion through the sale of ‘cooking for heroes’ cookbooks.  He welcomed enquiries from members on how to purchase a copy.

To receive the following petitions submitted in accordance with the Council’s Petitions Scheme:

·       20mph speed limit zone in the central area of Shipston;

·       Safe Cycling Network to the proposed new Kenilworth School.

1)    20mph speed limit zone in the central area of Shipston

The Chair welcomed representatives of the Shipston 20mph Campaign Group to the meeting to present a petition against seeking speed control in Shipston-on-Stour.

Jacey Jackson, Shipston Speedwatch Co-ordinator, stated that the increase in traffic speed, volume and weight on the A3400 had increased since she moved into the village in 2013 and that she had been volunteering with Speedwatch to monitor speeds on the main roads in and out of Shipston since 2017.  The group had provided details of 1718 speeding incidents to police and in 2018, a survey had found 80% of vehicles were exceeding the speed limit. As the country emerged from the pandemic, residents along the main roads were finding the speeds unbearable and the petition was launched as a result.  1080 signatures were collected and those choosing not to sign were generally supportive but sceptical of enforcement capability. She urged the introduction of a 20mph zone to begin a change in driver psychology to improve the lives of residents and sought discussions with highways engineers to seek to address the local issues.

Town Councillor John Dinnie explained that residents wanted a 20mph area covering the bulk of the town and other measures on the approaches to slow traffic. He noted that the Town Council had opened discussions with the County Council’s road safety team and would be hosting a site visit in May 2022 when advice would be sought on speed control measures. He welcomed sensible discussions around the key danger zones in the town and considered that enforcement was a separate issue for the police.

Councillor Wallace Redford (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) thanked Ms Jackson and Mr Dinnie for the petition adding that he would consider it and provide a response.

2)    Safe Cycling Network to the proposed new Kenilworth School

The Chair welcomed George Bell and Isodora McAinish to the meeting to present a petition supporting a safe cycling routes in Kenilworth.

Isadora McAinish stated that the Pedal to Protect campaign had been set up in response to her own and George Bell’s desire to cycle more and that other young people were put off from doing so due to the dangers involved. She noted that the route to the new school could take one hour or more to walk and that there were no safe cycle routes, despite there being provision for 544 bike racks with the potential for 240 additional ones.  She asked the Council to consider introducing segregated off road cycle paths together with pedestrian and cyclist friendly measures to support a change in home to school travel habits. 

George Bell stated his view that Kenilworth was being left behind in the development of cycle routes, with the narrow roads often being cited as a barrier.  He considered that there were simple measures that could be introduced around changing priorities at junctions, reducing speed limits and traffic calming measures and the creation of off-road cycle paths.   He understood  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1(5)

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).

None.

Councillor Isobel Seccombe introduced the report and moved the recommendation. In doing so she stated that the paper set out the funding requirements to deliver phase two of the Internal Children’s Homes Project.  She noted that the project was a diversion from previous policy and that the first registered residential children's home in the project was shortly due to open.  Expansion into other areas of the county was being sought. 

Councillor Marian Humphreys seconded the recommendation.  In doing so, Councillor Humphreys emphasised the importance of providing specialised units for the children who needed them to support their learning of life skills.

Debate

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse welcomed the quality of provision that this report provided for and applauded the process that had been undertaken with local members in the implementation of the first phase.   He considered that this different offer in the market was good for the sector since it would provide a beacon of good practice.

Councillor Kate Rolfe welcomed the local engagement that had taken place during the development of the first children’s home and hoped that this would be replicated in the proposed new locations.

Councillor Tracey Drew asked how this project fitted with the Council’s commitment to fund fostering and adoption services including the recruitment of foster carers and adopters and how the risk of homes expanding in size could be mitigated against.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers echoed the sentiments of Councillor Rolfe, applauding the team for their exemplary engagement work. 

Councillor Jeff Clarke considered that this report represented a positive step to bring children being cared for out of the area care back into the county where they could remain close to their families.  The savings that this would generate would mean the Council could support more people in future.

Councillor Sarah Feeney welcomed the report, considering that it was critical to provide looked after children with the care they needed in the areas they came from and lived in.  It also had a positive impact in terms of travel reduction and the proposed small units were beneficial due to their resemblance to a family home.

Councillor Barbara Brown endorsed previous comments in the context of developing looked after children in the county and the challenge to the private sector.  She considered that there were more areas in the county where provision needed to be considered in future.

Councillor Kennaugh welcomed the proposals and also sought an expansion of the project into more areas in the county.

By way of reply, Councillor Seccombe advise that the project fitted alongside fostering and adoption within Warwickshire.  She considered that the cost and demand of caring for looked after children was outpacing the Council’s ability to help and support children and that this project provided for choice in the system where different models were needed.  The project ensured that children were not taken too far away from their network of support and she recognised the appropriateness of maintaining small family sized units and stated that there was no intention for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Councillor Andy Jenns introduced the report and moved the recommendation.

Councillor Jill Simpson-Vince seconded the recommendation.

Councillor Sarah Millar noted the current makeup of the Board and noted the lack of gender diversity in the membership.

Councillor Bill Gifford commended the proposals which would see the retention of Mr Mike Snow on the Board, together with his valued experience.

Councillor Andy Jenns noted the point about gender diversity and that this could be a consideration in future but on balance he considered that the recommendations were the most sensible option for the time being.

Vote

A vote was held. The recommendations were agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council

1.        Approves the appointment of Mr Mike Snow as a Scheme Member representative on the Local Pension Board.

2.        Approves the appointment of Mr Jeff Carruthers as an Employer representative on the Local Pension Board.

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

(1)      Conservative Motion – Paper free meetings

           This Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. Despite this we have continued to print and post out large agenda packs to support Council meetings and committees. The Council has now completed the digital update for members with the use of Surface Pros.

Therefore this Council welcomes the positive impacts for the climate and resources, provided by this motion and;

1.     agrees to operate all public meetings and task and finish group meetings without printed papers, instead distributing them to Members and relevant Officers by electronic digital means

2.     will work towards operating all functions, involving all members of staff and associated contractors, without the need for or with minimised use of printed papers

3.     will offer appropriate training to Members and Officers to enable them to use electronic digital alternatives to printed papers effectively

4.     recognises that exceptions and reasonable adjustments for those who require them will need to be made (for example as a result of legal or regulatory requirements or due to the document size and/or images or content concerned).

           Proposer: Councillor Piers Daniell

           Seconder: Councillor Adrian Warwick

(2)      Labour Motion – Integrated Care Systems

           This Council supports the establishment of Integrated Care Systems and identifies the patient route from hospital to home as one of the priorities for Warwickshire. This Council commits to exploring closer links between the services commissioned and delivered by the NHS and the Council and lobbying the Government for suitable funding for Councils in regard to such services.

           Proposer: Councillor John Holland

           Seconder: Councillor Caroline Phillips

(3)      Support for Ukraine

           Warwickshire County Council is disturbed by the horrific devastation in Ukraine, and the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Country.  In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine;

This Council;

a.     Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Warwickshire.

b.     Stands ready to provide support to those affected by this War and will open our arms to people displaced and affected.

c.     Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help and comfort to those in need.

           Proposer: Councillor Isobel Seccombe

           Seconder: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse

Paper free meetings

Councillor Piers Daniell proposed the following motion as set out on the agenda:

This Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. Despite this we have continued to print and post out large agenda packs to support Council meetings and committees. The Council has now completed the digital update for members with the use of Surface Pros.

Therefore this Council welcomes the positive impacts for the climate and resources, provided by this motion and;

1.         agrees to operate all public meetings and task and finish group meetings without printed papers, instead distributing them to Members and relevant Officers by electronic digital means

2.         will work towards operating all functions, involving all members of staff and associated contractors, without the need for or with minimised use of printed papers

3.         will offer appropriate training to Members and Officers to enable them to use electronic digital alternatives to printed papers effectively

4.         recognises that exceptions and reasonable adjustments for those who require them will need to be made (for example as a result of legal or regulatory requirements or due to the document size and/or images or content concerned).

In moving the motion, Cllr Daniell stated that, upon election in May 2021, he had been impressed with the high level of technical abilities the council possessed.  He noted the high volume of paper the council used for council, committee and board meetings through external printers for non-exempt paperwork and internal staff for exempt papers.  He noted that the cost of printing over the previous financial year had been circa £16,000 but that this could increase to pre-pandemic levels and he considered that the time had arrived when printing and posting papers was an exception rather than a rule.   He considered it was counter to the declaration of the climate emergency if policies that were resource hungry and wasteful were not  reconsidered.  He explained that the motion made provision for those who needed papers to continue to receive them upon request.  In time, Councillor Daniell hoped that modernisation of the chamber would further allow for a reduction in paper.

Councillor Adrian Warwick seconded the motion and reserve his right to speak.

Amendment 1

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers proposed an amendment to add a point 5 stating “recognises that IT equipment also has a significant carbon and resource footprint particularly in the manufacturing process and requests that a paper be brought to Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee detailing these impacts and how they could be minimised.”

In moving the amendment, Councillor Chilvers advised that the addition sought to provide context in terms of carbon emissions.  He advised that the paper used by the organisation equated to about 26 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.  In terms of laptop and device manufacture (not including usage) for the whole organisation, this equated to 1784 tonnes of carbon emissions over four years. This meant that even when factoring in the life of the device, the manufacture of electronics was about 20 times more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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 Redford from Councillor Bill Gifford

“Councillor Redford at the Council Meeting in February you reflected on the frustration caused by road closures and provided reassurance that active discussions were taking place with utility companies to improve their performance in this regard. 

How many meetings have there been with the utility companies since the Council Meeting and what has been agreed with the utility companies?”

In response Councillor Redford advised that the network management team was in regular contact with utility companies and he provided a flavour of the work that had been carried out:

·       Network Rail - Four meetings and approximately 20 phone calls with Network Rail directly as well as 183 emails in particular relating to the Princess Drive and Rugby Road works.  This had resulted in Network Rail recognising their lack of early engagement with residents and prompted them to issue letters to affected residents and businesses.  They had since promised to do better on this in future.

·       Severn Trent Water - Monthly strategic performance meetings were held with Severn Trent Water managers alongside individual scheme meetings.  There were currently two major schemes operational (at least two meetings per scheme) and over 20 emails.  Severn Trent Water had also been given notice on serious failures under the Caution of Notice of intended prosecution for over running works.

·       Cadent Gas - Fortnightly management meetings were held as well as site meetings and they were active on give sites, with more than 50 emails related to coordination of these works.

·       Western Power Distribution - Quarterly management meetings were held, currently operational on two major schemes with multiple meetings and email exchanges having taken place.

·       Virgin - Fortnightly meetings were being held and whilst there were no works at the time of the meeting, some works were due to commence.

Additionally, the team held quarterly coordination meetings with representatives of all the major utility operators.  In future, the team would be looking for tighter completion times for the works.

Councillor Gifford welcomed the response.  He was pleased to hear those meetings were taking place and hoped that timescales for works could be reduced to a level that was satisfactory for residents.

(2)      Question to Councillor Bell from Councillor Tim Sinclair

The Nicol Unit at Stratford Hospital, within my Division, is well appreciated by locals and although patients often prefer to be looked after in their own home, sometimes it’s not appropriate or possible to do that. So, I’m keen that the number of in-patient beds and the services offered at the Nicol Unit are at least maintained, or ideally increased. What reassurances can the Portfolio holder give me that the Council is using its influence to protect and/or enhance the facilities at the Nicol Unit?

Councillor Bell responded that the services provided at the Nicol Unit and the Ellen Badger Community Hospital were being reviewed in the context of the wider health and social care offer in South Warwickshire.  The review had a focus on the discharge  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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

None.