Agenda and decisions

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 25 July 2023 were agreed as a true record subject to amendment of the seventh paragraph on page 3 of the minutes to read “Councillor Christopher Kettle spoke as the local division member to ask officers to ensure the track used by the equestrian community as an offroad facility was enabled to be continued.”

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).

That Council approves the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan 2023/24.

That Council approves the appointment of Mr David Vazquez, as a Scheme member representative on the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Local Pension Board of the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme.

That Council:

1.     Approves the separation of the functions of the Executive Director for People and the reconfiguration into two Executive Director roles as set out at section 5 and Appendix 1b to the report and supports the Directorate level changes made to the Council’s Directorate structures at Appendix 1a to the report.

2.     Approves the appointment of the statutory officers of Director of Children’s Services (DCS) and Director of Adult Social Services (DASS) as set out at paragraph 5.8.1 of the report.

3.     Approves the minor modifications to the Constitution, including officer delegations, to reflect the changes made to the Council’s organisational structure.

4.     Approves an amendment to Part 2(9) of the Constitution as set out at paragraph 5.8.2 of the report to change the membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board to include the appointed statutory officers of the Director of Children’s Services (DCS) and the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS) from time to time.

5.     Approves an amendment to Part A of Part 2(10) of the Constitution to increase the level of ex gratia payments to complainants that Executive Directors and Directors have authority to approve from £1,000 up to and including £2,000.

6.     Approves an amendment to Part 4(5) of the Constitution to replace the Officers’ Code of Conduct with an updated version as at Appendix 2 to the report and authorises the Executive Director for Resources to make such minor consequential modifications to reflect HR best practice and guidance.

7.     Approves an amendment to Part 1(9) (Finance, Contracts and Legal Matters) and Part 2(10) (Delegations to Officers) to clarify the delegations relating to the approval of special severance payments as set out at Appendix 3 to the report.

8.     Authorises the Executive Director for Resources to make all the necessary changes to the Constitution arising from this report.

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

(1)      Digital Divide

           This Council notes that there is an ever-increasing use and reliance for services including payment by the use of smart phones, Apps and other digital devices as well as the increase in the use of artificial intelligence and communication tools such as chat functions within websites.

Whilst it is recognised that the use of technology has brought benefits to sectors of the community, it has also driven a growing digital divide.

In recognition of this divide Council requests that the Chief Executive and Leader:

1.              Ensure that implementation of this Council’s digital by design policy does not exacerbate the digital divide and that services are accessible to residents of all ages.   

2.              Ensure that the Council's strategic policies are reviewed against best practice to ensure they meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010;  

3.              Ask the Resources and Fire and Rescue Service Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider this issue and bring forward any recommendations to Cabinet as to what improvements can be made in relation to accessibility of services;  

4.              Support Warwickshire County Council’s ongoing work with The Good Things Foundation in tackling the digital divide.

           Proposer: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse

           Seconder: Councillor Sarah Feeney

This Council notes that there is an ever-increasing use and reliance for services including payment?by the use of?smart phones, Apps and other digital devices as well as the increase in the use of artificial intelligence and communication tools such as chat functions within websites.

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Whilst it is recognised that the use of technology has brought benefits to sectors of the community, it has also driven a growing digital divide.

We therefore welcome that this Council does not subscribe to a digital by default policy, and instead employs a more flexible, customer focused approach to enable access to Council services. As such, we further welcome this Council’s continued commitment to ensure that no resident is forced to go digital if they either do not wish to or are unable to do so.

In recognition of the Council’s commitment to ensuring that no resident is digitally excluded within the County, this Council commits to:

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1.     ?Continuing to ensure through the implementation of this Council’s digital by choice culture the availability of non-digital alternatives to access Council services.???

2.     Continuing to keep the Council's strategies and policies under review in line with legislation and our own ambitions, with periodic updates to the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee to ensure Member engagement and oversight;??

3.     Continuing to build upon the work that is already being undertaken and Warwickshire County Council’s strong relationship with The Good Things Foundation in respect of digital inclusion best practice and to ensure digital inclusion in Warwickshire’s libraries.

4.     Continuing its extensive programme of work to build digital skills, including free access to public computer networks, provision of free WiFi in public spaces and the digital device lending scheme.

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.