Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Shire Hall. View directions

Contact: Deb Moseley  Democratic Services Team Leader

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Election of Chair

To elect a Chair for the ensuing municipal year. The Chair to make a declaration of acceptance of office.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Isobel Seccombe, seconded by Councillor John Cooke proposed that Councillor Christopher Kettle be elected as Chair of Council for the ensuing year.

 

There were no other nominations.

 

Resolved:

 

That Councillor Christopher Kettle be elected as Chair of Warwickshire County Council for the municipal year 2023/2024.

 

In accepting the position as Chair, Councillor Christopher Kettle noted that times had changed since his late father had been Chair and whilst there had been many changes in the county, the role of councillors was still to represent a diverse range of residents.  He looked forward to the year ahead and shared some words in prayer that he hoped would provide some inspiration for the year ahead.

 

Vote of thanks to the retiring Chair

 

Councillor Christopher Kettle led a vote of thanks for the outgoing Chair, Councillor Dave Humphreys, who had taken on the role following the sad death of Councillor John Horner, conducting himself with a strong sense of leadership.

 

Councillor Peter Butlin thanked Councillor Humphreys for steering the Council throughout his year in office.   

 

Councillor Marian Humphreys expressed her pride for the way her husband had conducted his year in office.

 

Councillor Isobel Seccombe noted that Councillor Humphreys had been Chair during a significant year which had seen the demise of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III and that he had conducted himself without fault throughout. She expressed her gratitude.

 

In response, Councillor Humphreys reflected the diverse range of events he had attended during his year in office and highlighted some of the key memories he held.  He expressed his thanks to Councillor Marian Humphreys for her support as his consort.

 

Resolved:

 

That the Council records its appreciation for Councillor Dave Humphreys service as Chair of the Council for 2022/23.

2.

Election of Vice-Chair

To elect a Vice-Chair for the ensuing municipal year. The Vice-Chair to make a declaration of acceptance of office.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Peter Butlin proposed that Councillor Jeff Clarke be elected Vice-Chair of Council for the ensuing year and was seconded by Councillor Jeff Clarke.

 

There were no other nominations.

 

Resolved:

 

That Councillor Jeff Morgan be elected as Vice-Chair of Warwickshire County Council for the municipal year 2023/2024.

3.

General

Additional documents:

3(1)

Apologies for Absence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillors Jackie Darcy, Pete Gilbert, Jack Kennaugh, Howard Roberts and Mejar Singh

3(2)

Members’ Disclosures of Pecuniary and Non-pecuniary Interests

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None.

3(3)

Minutes of the previous meeting pdf icon PDF 148 KB

To consider and agree the minutes of the 21 March 2023 meeting of Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 21 March 2023 were agreed as a true record.

3(4)

Chair's announcements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Celebration of 30 Years’ Service – Councillor Jerry Roodhouse

 

The Chair drew attention to Councillor Jerry Roodhouse who was celebrating 30 years’ since he was first elected to serve on the County Council.   Councillor Roodhouse had been elected to represent Rugby Eastlands in May 1993 and had had a distinguished career in public service ever since.   Councillor Kettle led the applause for Councillor Roodhouse’s dedicated service to the county and extended thanks for his valuable contributions over the years.  The Chair then invited members to extend their own congratulations:

 

Councillor Isobel Seccombe summed up Councillor Roodhouse with three words: fairness, knowledge and friendship.  She shared how she had valued conversations with Councillor Roodhouse over the years and considered that the values shared by councillors were what made Warwickshire County Council strong. 

 

Councillor Sarah Boad also reflected on Councillor Roodhouse’s dedication and approach to his role and the contributions he had made, particularly in the field of health scrutiny.

 

Councillor John Holland shared congratulations for Councillor Roodhouse, especially noting his dedication to providing solutions for Warwickshire residents.

 

Councillor Sarah Feeney extended her gratitude to Councillor Roodhouse for his generosity of spirit and support to newly elected councillors in order to work together and achieve strong outcomes.

 

The Chair presented a Certificate of Long Service to Councillor Roodhouse.

 

Councillor Roodhouse thanked the Chamber and officers for their support and noted the wonderful spirit that existed in Warwickshire. 

 

Death of former County Councillor Mick Jones

 

The Chairman informed Council of the recent passing of former County Councillor Mick Jones, from the Labour group, who had served as a Warwickshire County Councillor representing Nuneaton Galley Common between 2001 and 2008.  Mick was also a former Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Councillor and Mayor of the Borough.  The Chairman extended condolences to his family and friends and invited Councillors to pay tribute.

 

Councillor John Holland noted that Mick Jones had died unexpectedly.  He reflected on his long service at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, the fundraising he had undertaken, and his cheerful, friendly approach.  Councillor Holland also shared details of the memorial service due to take place on 2 June.

 

Councillor Isobel Seccombe noted the sadness she felt that very few of her group had known Mick Jones.  She stated that it was what each of us did in our time on earth that mattered, and that Mick Jones had lived his life to the full, with a great sense of humour and passion.  Councillor Seccombe expressed condolences to his family and friends.

 

Councillor Caroline Phillips shared her personal memories of her friendship with Mick Jones and expressed her condolences to his family. 

 

Councillor Sarah Boad considered that Mick Jones had a larger than life character and she had been saddened at the news of his passing.  She shared commiserations with his family and friends.

 

Councillor Jeff Clarke note that Mick Jones had been a strong advocate for local residents and a stalwart political opponent.  He had been a real gentleman and Councillor Clarke extended condolences  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3(4)

4.

Appointments to Committees and Other Bodies pdf icon PDF 123 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Isobel Seccombe, Leader of the Council, moved that Council agree proposals tabled at the meeting with the following amendments:

 

  • Children & Young People Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Cllr Penny-Anne O'Donnell to replace Piers Daniell.
  • Adult Social Care and Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee  - Cllr Marian Humphreys to replace Rob Tromans 

 

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader, seconded the proposals, which were put to the vote and agreed as set out below.

 

Resolved:

 

1.     That the Council confirms the Committee structure and delegations of non-executive functions to member bodies as set out in the Constitution

 

2.     That the number of places on Council Committees be as follows

 

Committees

Con

Lab

LD

GR

WRA

 Total

Audit & Standards Committee (6)

4

1

1

 

 

6

Regulatory Committee (12)

10

1

 

 

1

12

Staff & Pensions Committee (6)

4

1

1

 

 

6

Adult Social Care & Health (10)

7

1

1

1

 

10

Children and Young People (10)

8

1

1

 

 

10

Communities (10)

7

1

1

1

 

10

Resources and Fire & Rescue (10)

7

1

1

1

 

10

Political Balance Entitlement 2022

47

7

6

3

1

64

 

3.     That the Council agrees the appointment of members to the Committees and other bodies as set below:

 

Opposition Group Spokespersons are indicated for Overview and Scrutiny Committees (Sp)

 

Committees

Con

Lab

LD

Green

WRA/Ind

Vacancy

Total

Audit & Standards Committee

(6 +2 co-optees, being J Bridgeman + R Edwards Zara)

John Cooke

Brian Hammersley

Ian Shenton

Bhagwant Singh Pandher

Sarah Feeney

Bill Gifford

 

 

6

Regulatory Committee

Jill Simpson-Vince (C)

John Cooke (VC)

Jeff Clarke

Dave Humphreys

Jack Kennaugh

Justin Kerridge

Andy Jenns

Chris Mills

Ian Shenton

Adrian Warwick

Caroline Phillips

 

 

Judy Falp

12

Staff and Pensions Committee

Yousef Dahmash (C)

Brian Hammersley

Chris Kettle

Mandy Tromans

Sarah Millar

Bill Gifford (VC)

 

 

6

Adult Social Care & Health OSC 

Jo Barker (C)

John Cooke

Andy Jenns

Marian Humphreys

Chris Mills

Ian Shenton

Mandy Tromans

John Holland (VC)

Kate Rolfe (Sp)

Tracey Drew (Sp)

 

10

Children &Young People OSC

Marian Humphreys (C)

Clare Golby

Penny Anne O’Donnell

Chris Mills

Justin Kerridge

Brian Hammersley

Jeff Morgan

Jill Simpson-Vince

Barbara Brown (Sp)

Jerry Roodhouse (VC)

 

 

10

Communities OSC

Jeff Clarke (C)

Daren Pemberton

Dave Humphreys

Bhagwant Singh Pandher

Pete Gilbert

Mejar Singh

Andrew Wright

Sarah Feeney (Sp)

Jenny Fradgley (Sp)

Jonathan Chilvers (VC)

 

10

Resources and Fire & Rescue OSC 

Adrian Warwick (C)

Parminder Singh Birdi (VC)

Piers Daniell

Ian Shenton

Wallace Redford

Rik Spencer

Rob Tromans

Sarah Feeney (Sp)

Sarah Boad (Sp)

Will Roberts (Sp)

 

10

Joint Staff Negotiating Body (2) [*+ Leader Appointment x2]

+Izzi Seccombe

+Yousef Dahmash

Barbara Brown

Bill Gifford

 

 

 

Joint Teachers Negotiating Body (2) [*+ Leader Appointment x2]

+Kam Kaur

+Yousef Dahmash

Barbara Brown

Bill Gifford

 

 

 

Pension Fund Sub-Committee

*appointments are made by Staff and Pensions Committee 

Brian Hammersley

Christopher Kettle

Mandy Tromans

Sarah Millar

Bill Gifford

 

 

 

Pool of Members to sit on the Appointments Sub-Committees and Staff Appeals Sub-Committees.

Margaret Bell

Parminder Singh Birdi

Peter Butlin

Jeff Clarke

John Cooke

Andy Crump

Yousef Dahmash

Piers Daniell

Brian  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2022/2023 pdf icon PDF 67 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Adrian Warwick, Chair of the Resources and Fire and Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee, proposed that the annual report be received by Council and was seconded by Councillor Jeff Clarke, Chair of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

The Chairs of the Committees each highlighted the work of their Committee and paid tribute to the invaluable support provided by Officers and more particularly the Democratic Services Team.  The support of Cabinet for the role of scrutiny was acknowledged together with the parity of esteem in which it was held. 

 

Resolved:

 

That Council notes the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2022-23.

6.

Annual Report of Call-in and Urgent Decisions 2022/2023 pdf icon PDF 124 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Isobel Seccombe presented the annual report on the use of the Council’s urgency and call-in procedures, and noted that several urgent decisions had been required during the course of the year but that there had been limited use of the call-in process over the same period. Councillor Peter Butlin seconded the proposal to note the report echoing the view that the processes worked well.

 

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers noted that whilst it was important for the Council to be able to make decisions at pace it was also vital to maintain the democratic process wherever possible and ensure that sufficient notice was provided to enable queries or comments to be made ahead of decisions being made.

 

Resolved:

 

That Council note the report.

7.

Education Capital Programme 2023/24 pdf icon PDF 109 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Kam Kaur (Portfolio Holder for Education) moved the recommendation as set out in the report.  Councillor Peter Butlin seconded the recommendation.  A short debate ensued during which Councillor Tracey Drew expressed her disappointment that costings for net zero had been delayed for the scheme and Councillor Clare Golby welcomed the investment in Education in her division.

 

In reply, Councillor Kaur noted that the scheme would increase capacity to meet demand for school places in the north of the county and whilst she took on board the concerns of Councillor Drew, the Council would strive to build to current building standards.

 

Resolved:

 

That Council agrees the addition of £2.714 million to the capital programme to deliver the scheme at Oak Wood Secondary School to be funded from the Department for Education (DfE) High Needs Grant and developer contributions.

8.

Any Other items of Urgent Business

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None.