Agenda and minutes

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

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.

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

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.

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

None.

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

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

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)

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

None.