Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Sarah Boad, Tracey Drew, Jonathan Chilvers, Bill Gifford, John Horner, Andy Jenns, Jan Matecki, Daren Pemberton, Caroline Phillips, Wallace Redford, Howard Roberts, Kate Rolfe, Jill Simpson-Vince and Adrian Warwick

Referencing item 3 on the agenda, Police and Crime Commissioner Representation, Councillor Izzi Seccombe (Leader of the Council) declared a personal interest stating that she would leave the room whilst the matter was being addressed.

To consider the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 1 July 2021

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 1 July 2021 were agreed as an accurate record for signing by the Chair.

Councillor Pete Gilbert (Chair of Council) made the following announcements.

a) Young Authority of the Year

Over recent years we have worked hard to attract and encourage young colleagues into a career in local government. We have recently become involved in the LGA’s National Graduate Development Programme. Through the scheme we have been able to recruit three graduates who are currently working their way through a two-year programme of placements.

Two of our graduates represented Warwickshire County Council at the Young Local Authority of the Year competition. This is a national competition which aims to further the professional development of people in the early stages of their careers.

Laura Pain and George McVerry battled against 16 other teams from across the country and I’m delighted to say that they have brought the trophy back to Warwickshire and we now officially hold the title of Young Local Authority of the Year.

Huge congratulations to Laura and George.

Members joined to congratulate Laura Pain and George McVerry.

b) Warwickshire County Cricket Club

Last Friday marked a very memorable moment in the sporting calendar. It saw the culmination of the County Cricket Championship and it gives me great delight and pride to say that the overall winners were Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

The County Council has excellent links with the cricket club and many of our residents are fans of the club.  Indeed, a former pupil of Warwick School scored a century in that final match, helping to seal a memorable victory for the Bears.

The county has a very significant cricketing heritage, and we share the great pride of all involved in the cricket club's tremendous achievement. I'm sure you will all join me in passing on the congratulations of the council to all involved.

Members joined to congratulate Warwickshire County Cricket Club on its achievement.

c) Statement of Accounts

I have been asked to read out this notice from the Strategic Director for Resources in his capacity as the Council’s Section 151 officer. This is to inform all councillors that it has not been possible to present accounts for approval at this meeting to meet the end of September deadline for reasons entirely outside the Council’s control.

The County Council finance team produced the accounts, both for the Council and the Warwickshire Pension Fund, to the agreed timetable. However, the external auditor informed us in late July that due to resourcing problems and delays on other client audits, our external audit work will not be completed until mid-October. This means we will now present the audited accounts to Audit & Standards Committee on the 4 November and Full Council on the 14 December.  The delay is solely due to Grant Thornton's inability to resource the external audit work to the originally agreed timetable.

I have written formally to the auditor to express my strong disappointment that the Council is in this situation for these reasons and have published a formal notice of the delay.  

It is worth pointing out that this situation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1(4)

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

None.

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 Kam Kaur (Portfolio Holder for Economy and Place) moved the recommendation. Councillor Will Roberts seconded the recommendation.

There was no debate but Council joined to wish Councillors Tracey Drew and Kate Rolfe well.

Resolved:

That the Council approves the absence of Councillor Tracey Drew and Councillor Kate Rolfe from meetings of the authority on the grounds of ill health.

Having previously declared an interest Councillor Izzi Seccombe left the room.

Councillor Andy Crump (Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety) introduced the published report. Members were informed of a correction. The period of office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is to 2024 and not 2025 as stated in the report. Members were informed that the PCC has a legal right to sit on the County Council to speak on and consider matters regarding the Council’s function as Fire and Rescue Authority. Collaboration between blue light services has increased significantly in recent years as evidenced through the creation of the Blue Light Collaboration Joint Advisory Board. In addition, recent months have seen examples of practical collaboration at a number of high profile incidents. It was made clear that the PCC will not be able to speak at the Council’s budget setting meeting.

Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell seconded the recommendation and reserved her right to speak.

Councillor John Holland observed that the PCC is not elected as a County Councillor. He should not have a right to speak on any issue.

Vote

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed.

Resolved:

That the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner be reappointed as a co-opted member of the full Council for the purposes of Section 7 Policing and Crime Act 2017

Councillor Jeff Morgan (Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Education) moved the recommendation. He explained that a considerable amount of development has taken place to the south of Leamington Spa. This has resulted in the requirement for a new school.

Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor John Holland suggested that the location for the proposed school is inappropriate. He noted that the major development referred to by Councillor Morgan falls within Warwick and not Leamington Spa. When it was evolving the draft Local Plan for Warwick District was opposed by Warwick members. Nevertheless, the development is now underway. Observing that the privately run Kings High School for Girls has relocated to new site Councillor Holland expressed his doubts that the new school being proposed would be of a similar high standard. Councillor Holland stated that there were no references in the report to meeting special needs. In addition, the proposed location of the school on the edge of the development is inappropriate. It should, he suggested, be in the middle of the development as this would make it more readily accessible. The location will also mean a reduction in the amount of land available for the public park. It was also noted that the proposal is that parents and carers taking their children to school will be able to park on the school site. This will not serve to reduce car journeys.

Councillor Barbara Brown expressed her concern that the need for new schools is not being met outside of Warwick. For example, there is a shortage of school places in Rugby.

Councillor Rob Tromans welcomed that the County Council is working to provide a new school. He noted that the report does make reference to special education needs. A similar report and scheme for Nuneaton would, he suggested, be welcome.

Councillor Peter Butlin informed Council that it was Warwick District Council that had identified the site for the school. Recognising that the County Council has a statutory responsibility to provide adequate school places Councillor Butlin expressed concern over the increased costs of the project caused by competing projects such as HS2 and the need to level the site. Sufficient money has been set aside but Councillor Butlin advised that costs may increase further.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse welcomed the funding that is being made available for new schools adding that the HS2 project is being blamed for many instances of additional costs. Concerning special education, as referenced on page 35, he looked forward to seeing the action plan around its delivery.

Councillor Judy Falp agreed with Councillor Holland’s comments regarding the location of the school. Nevertheless, that a new school is to be built was welcomed.

Councillor Justin Kerridge reminded Council that it is the district and borough councils that are the local planning authorities. He suggested that the County Council and the district and borough councils do not always work as closely to together as they might and whilst the County  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Councillor Kam Kaur introduced the published report adding that the individuals listed are happy to continue in their role.

Councillor Chris Kettle seconded the recommendation.

Referencing paragraph 1.5 of the report Councillor Rob Tromans noted the degree of cooperation between local authorities.

Vote

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council appoint Howard Darling, Mumtaz Goolam, Garth Murphy, Maureen O’Sullivan, David Stone and Raymond Leslie Tomkinson to the position of Independent Person for a four-year period to 30 September 2025.

Councillor Kam Kaur introduced the report and moved the recommendation.

Councillor Yousef Dahmash seconded the recommendation. In doing so Councillor Dahmash emphasised the importance of parity of esteem across the scrutiny process. He also commended the Democratic Services team for its hard work.

Vote

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council approves the proposals for scrutiny reform as set out in Appendix 2 of the published report.

Councillor Jeff Morgan introduced the report and moved the recommendation. In doing so he stated that he is very proud of the Youth Justice Service in Warwickshire. He had been impressed with the professionalism of the staff when he had met them. The Strategy, he stated, is written in a style and format that is prescribed by the Youth Justice Board. It is required as part of the funding process. Council was informed that performance is generally good although the rate of first time entrances to the system requires close monitoring. In addition, NEETS performance is not as good as it might be and there has been a noticeable increase in serious violent crime reflecting the national picture.

The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse commended the Youth Justice Service adding that it requires more investment. Referencing paragraph 6.8 of the strategy Councillor Roodhouse noted the challenge around “county-lines” and cross boundary information sharing. Whilst agreements are in place these, he suggested, should be more comprehensive. In addition, more investment is required around victims and victim support.

Councillor John Holland supported the strategy. He emphasised the importance of remembering that over time protection of the public has moved away from the Council to the Ministry of Justice.

Councillor Justin Kerridge commended the Youth Justice Service. The strategy, he observed, is difficult to understand. Plans are unclear and the words and aspirations in the document are not backed up by any measures.

Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell stated that that there is a need to focus on the victim. Demand for the service is unprecedented. She welcomed input to the plan from the Police and Crime Commissioner and that it had been shared with the Chief Officer Board. She observed that young people benefit from speech and language support.

Councillor Jeff Morgan welcomed the support expressed in the chamber. He agreed with comments concerning “county-lines” and with those regarding the style and format of the strategy. There is, he suggested, a need to abolish the passive voice. Performance data is presented to the Chief Officer Board. Consideration will be given to whether it can be incorporated in the annual report.

Vote

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council approves the Warwickshire Youth Justice Plan 2021/22

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

(1)      Liberal Democrat Group Motion

This Council supports the UN sustainability goals as part of its corporate plan and notes the good work that has been taking place regarding Climate Change so far and welcomes the Green Shoots initiative along with other actions that have been taken.?? 

This Council also recognises the increased scientific evidence that we need to act more quickly, as confirmed by the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report (sixth assessment). The UK is hosting the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 and holding the Presidency for this critical conference, and there is an ever-increasing focus on net zero carbon.??

In light of these facts, Council requests that it establishes a framework by which all full Council and Cabinet decisions made by Warwickshire County Council are checked against a climate change assessment.

Warwickshire County Council should also use its unique position to bring forward strategic proposals on further developing the direction of Warwickshire’s economy.   For example, this could include greater investment towards green skills as indicated in the latest growth hub report. With the increase in electric vehicles and the greater reliance and use of batteries, we as a county should also seek to work with innovators and lead in developing the recycling actions that will be needed to make Warwickshire a circular economy

          Proposer: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse

          Seconder: Councillor Bill Gifford

(2)      Green Group Motion.

The latest IPCC report (August 21) was loud & clear. The Climate Emergency is not something we will face in the future but is happening right now. Warwickshire County Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, but with any emergency we must adapt and change our plans as needed.

Therefore, this Council recognises the August 2021 IPCC report and the report's conclusion that we must reduce carbon output with greater urgency.

Therefore, this Council will take the following steps to strengthen its own climate action plan:

1) Develop for consideration a fully costed plan which is based on:

·       Bringing forward our commitment to become a climate neutral Council from 2030 to 2025 and our aim for the whole of Warwickshire from 2050 to 2033 and setting an indicative carbon budget for Warwickshire through to 2100.

·       Creating a dedicated 'Carbon Management Team' to implement and manage the Council's climate goals from April 2022.

·       Building all new WCC buildings, schools and any buildings built with aid of Warwickshire County Council funding to carbon neutral and fabric-first standards, including the creation of a dedicated team to manage the Council's retrofit schemes across the County.

2) Ensure all new procurement and grants require a plan to be incorporated into the award documentation with the expectation that all partner organisations will be carbon net zero by 2030.

3) By 2025 over two thirds of the Council’s new transport capital investment is in walking, cycling routes, rail schemes, electric buses and charging rather than building new roads for vehicles causing more dangerous air pollution.  ...  view the full agenda text for item 8.

Motion 1 – Climate Change and Climate Emergency

Members recognised that the agenda indicated two motions concerning climate change.

That motion proposed by the Liberal Democrat Group stated,

“This Council supports the UN sustainability goals as part of its corporate plan and notes the good work that has been taking place regarding Climate Change so far and welcomes the Green Shoots initiative along with other actions that have been taken.

This Council also recognises the increased scientific evidence that we need to act more quickly, as confirmed by the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report (sixth assessment). The UK is hosting the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 and holding the Presidency for this critical conference, and there is an ever-increasing focus on net zero carbon.

In light of these facts, Council requests that it establishes a framework by which all full Council and Cabinet decisions made by Warwickshire County Council are checked against a climate change assessment.

Warwickshire County Council should also use its unique position to bring forward strategic proposals on further developing the direction of Warwickshire’s economy. For example, this could include greater investment towards green skills as indicated in the latest growth hub report. With the increase in electric vehicles and the greater reliance and use of batteries, we as a county should also seek to work with innovators and lead in developing the recycling actions that will be needed to make Warwickshire a circular economy.

That motion proposed by the Green Group stated,

“The latest IPCC report (August 21) was loud & clear. The Climate Emergency is not something we will face in the future but is happening right now. Warwickshire County Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, but with any emergency we must adapt and change our plans as needed.

Therefore, this Council recognises the August 2021 IPCC report and the report's conclusion that we must reduce carbon output with greater urgency.

Therefore, this Council will take the following steps to strengthen its own climate action plan:

1) Develop for consideration a fully costed plan which is based on:

·       Bringing forward our commitment to become a climate neutral Council from 2030 to 2025 and our aim for the whole of Warwickshire from 2050 to 2033 and setting an indicative carbon budget for Warwickshire through to 2100.

·       Creating a dedicated 'Carbon Management Team' to implement and manage the Council's climate goals from April 2022.

·       Building all new WCC buildings, schools and any buildings built with aid of Warwickshire County Council funding to carbon neutral and fabric-first standards, including the creation of a dedicated team to manage the Council's retrofit schemes across the County.

2) Ensure all new procurement and grants require a plan to be incorporated into the award documentation with the expectation that all partner organisations will be carbon net zero by 2030.

3) By 2025 over two thirds of the Council’s new transport capital investment is in walking, cycling routes, rail schemes, electric buses and charging rather than building new roads for vehicles  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

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 Jeff Morgan from Councillor Jenny Fradgley

I understand that government legislation means that councils now have to restrict the number of home to school seats that can be sold on school buses. Whilst pupils living in a school's catchment area continue to be entitled to seats, I am told that only 20% of the remaining vacant seats can be sold to other pupils requiring transport.

Would the Portfolio Holder please confirm that this is the position and tell me whether this has led to some parents having to make alternative arrangements for home to school transport?

Answer from Councillor Jeff Morgan

The new legislation requires that all vehicles carrying paying customers must comply with Public Service Vehicle Access Requirements. There were exemptions that could be applied for, but these have ceased. New exemptions have been introduced but these will run only to March 2022. After this date they will be reviewed further, and it may be that no exemptions are permitted in the future. Where it is considered that paying customers will make it viable some vehicles in Warwickshire have been converted.  If the cost of any upgrade cannot be covered it has not been possible to offer transport to some paying customers. In Warwickshire around 30 students have been affected in this way.

Some services have been transferred to the private sector. This has helped to reduce the burden of upgrading on the County Council. The ultimate goal is to make all vehicles compliant.

Councillor Fradgley thanked the Portfolio Holder for his answer adding that it is important that parents should not have to se their cars given concerns over climate change.

(2) Question to Councillor Margaret Bell from Councillor Jenny Fradgley  

The government has announced proposals to cap care costs. I understand that for nursing homes this cap applies to the care cost element of charges, but not to the accommodation part of the charge ie. cost of the room, meals, cleaning, entertainment etc.

Would the Portfolio Holder please give me an estimate for Warwickshire of the proportion of nursing home charges that cover care and the proportion that goes to cover other costs?

Answer from Councillor Margaret Bell

It is very difficult to provide a definitive answer as this will vary from home to home.

The Dilnot Report proposed a 'contribution' towards living costs of between £7k and £10k per year, or £135 to £192 per week (but that was in 2011). This would be the equivalent of up to £230 per week today (based only on general inflation).

An estimate of one third of the total cost being accommodation costs has been quite widely used (and is as good an estimate as any other at this stage - and ahead of any detailed guidance).

More details will be available when the white paper is published.

(3) Question to Councillor Heather Timms from Councillor Bill Gifford

In the absence of Councillor Bill Gifford Councillor Jerry Roodhouse read the following.

As Warwickshire County Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

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

None