Agenda

Minutes of the previous meeting

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

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).

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

This Council notes with concern the proposed changes to inheritance tax announced by the Government in the recent Autumn budget, which would see major changes to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) regime.  

APR has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship.  

In Warwickshire this tax is estimated to impact over 1,700 family holdings, managing 144,400 hectares, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000, which will force many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership over family ownership.

The Council believes that this tax will have severe impacts for: 

1.     Food Security: British family farms are critical to ensuring a steady supply of homegrown food. The total income from farming in Warwickshire is estimated to be £57 million.

2.     Rural Community Stability: Family farms are the foundation of rural Britain, contributing to local jobs, schools, and essential services. In Warwickshire circa 4,800 work on farms with 1,000 being casual labour. 

3.     Environmental Stewardship: Farms cover approx 70% of the UK’s land, with family farms playing a leading role in nature recovery, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. Farmers in Warwickshire manage circa 6,500 hectares of farm woodland and help maintain approx 1,750 miles of public rights of way.  

This Council resolves to:  

1.     Write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expressing this Council’s opposition to the proposed changes to inheritance tax under the Agricultural Property Relief regime which would have a significant impact on Warwickshire’s family farms and expressing support for the introduction of an exemption for such farms

2.     Urge all Warwickshire County Councillors to stand with Britain’s family farms, to support our rural communities, and to protect the environment by voicing their concerns about the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and by signing such petitions as are available.

Proposer: Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell

Seconder: Councillor Isobel Seccombe

Council notes:

1.              Buses are the most accessible, affordable and sustainable mode of public transport;

2.              The £2 maximum single fare ticket has been fundamental to the success in growing the use of buses; 

3.              Buses are relied upon by many who don't have access to a car - to go to work and medical appointments;

4.              The work of the Bus Services Improvement Plan working group which has been in place since July 2021 and is working to improve bus services in Warwickshire;

5.              Warwickshire's successful 'Two Squid' campaign to encourage bus use via the £2 fare cap;

6.              The Government's decision to replace and increase the £2 cap on single fares from January 2025 to a £3 cap representing a 50% increase in one go.

This Council resolves that:

The Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister expressing the Council’s concern that the increase from £2 to £3 for a single capped fare will undermine Warwickshire's success in growing bus patronage, negatively impact disadvantaged groups in the County and have a negative effect on attempts to increase modal shift away from the car to the use of buses.

Proposer: Councillor Sarah Boad

Seconder: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse

This Council notes that the Government has announced an additional allocation of £8.9 million (comprising capital and revenue) to Warwickshire in support of the county’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Warwickshire County Council strongly believes that local bus services are vital to the wellbeing of residents across the county, particularly those who have no access to their own private transport.  Bus services are vital as a means to travel to work, school, appointments, shops and to meet friends and family. 

This Council resolves to:

1.     re-affirm its support for the delivery of improved local transport services with residents’ needs placed at the heart of decision making.

2.     bring forward for approval at the earliest opportunity a mechanism for guiding the use of BSIP revenue funding allocations towards maintaining and improving bus services and

3.     in so far as the grant conditions allow, seek to encourage activity that   

·       promotes the resident voice in route planning  

·       influences the market to provide bus routes that link with key sites such as hospitals given the changes to the way health services are managed; and 

·       encourages sector led research into passenger safety 

Proposer: Councillor Sarah Feeney

Seconder: Councillor Sarah Millar

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

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

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’.