A period of up to 40 minutes is allocated for questions to the Leader, Cabinet Portfolio Holders and Chairs of Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
Minutes:
1) Introduction of New Parking Permit Arrangements
Councillor Roodhouse to Councillor Clarke
“The consultation on resident parking states, “Our existing paper-based permit management system is becoming obsolete with technical support from its suppliers being reduced from October onwards. We must now move to a digital, online system.” Could the Portfolio Holder say when he knew it was going to be obsolete and how much is this change costing”?
In response to this question Councillor Clarke stated that the current system will continue until the new one comes on line.
Councillor Jeff Clarke agreed to send a full response out to members.
2) Environmental Impact Statements on Reports
Councillor Chilvers to Councillor Timms.
“Council reports have recently had an ‘environmental impact’ section added. What framework have officers been given to enable them to assess the impact of a policy?” In response, Councillor Timms observed that the approach to the statements on reports would vary depending on the nature of the report.
3) Waiting Time for OT Assessment
Councillor Chilvers to Councillor Les Caborn (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health.
“How long is the current wait for an OT assessment for adaptations for older people for each level of priority?” In response Councillor Caborn, not having the information to hand, agreed to send it to all of Council in the next few days.
4) De-merge of Police Coalition (i)
Councillor Fradgley to Councillor Dave Reilly (Chair of the Police and Crime Panel).
“The Chair will be aware that the Home Secretary has placed a six-months delay on the de-merger of the Warwickshire and West Mercia Police Forces. The September 2019 Peel Report on Warwickshire Police by HM Inspector of Constabulary notes serious concerns about the force’s efficiency. I am pleased that 7 out of 12 categories are rated “good”, however, four categories are rated “requires improvement” and one, “Planning for the Future” is rated “inadequate”.
The cause of concern for this inadequate rating is the force has not yet defined how all its services to the public will operate in the future nor has it agreed a smooth transition for a future operating model, nor has it consulted with the public on these matters. Amongst other recommendations the report states “the force should improve its arrangements both to consult with the public about business planning and to make feedback as a result of such consultation”.
In view of the importance of the police service to Warwickshire residents and a number of this council’s departments, will the Chair please discuss with the Police and Crime Commissioner what public consultation is planned in response to the inspector’s recommendations and whether there are any ways in which this council can assist in the consultation”
In response to this question Councillor Reilly assured Council that the Police and Crime Panel is working with the Police and Crime Commissioner to address issues around the ending of the alliance.
Councillor Reilly repeated that performance had been found good in many areas adding that the County Council is working to fulfil its role in supporting the police.
5) De-merge of Police Coalition (ii)
Councillor Olner to Councillor Crump.
“Many members will have viewed with concern the very public breakdown of the Strategic Alliance between the West Mercia and Warwickshire Police forces.
We have seen an intervention by the Home Secretary with an inspector despatched to assess the situation resulting in a suspension of the divorce for a period of three months, and the recent announcement by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner offering to act as a mediator because of the serious concerns he has about the implications of the breakdown.
There have also been less than positive comments with regard to Warwickshire Policing in the recently published Peel Report. Given the fact that our Police Commissioner sought and was granted the right to attend Full Council and, in some circumstances, to vote in this Council but is yet to appear in these meetings. Can the Portfolio Holder tell us when the Police Commissioner intends to come to this Council and to give a full account of the current state of policing in Warwickshire and provide members with answers to the considerable number of concerns which are being expressed by those whom they represent?”
In response Councillor Crump assured Council that the Police and Crime Panel works to hold the Police and Crime Commissioner to account. In response to a suggestion by the Chair, Council agreed that an invite be extended to the Police and Crime Commissioner to attend a meeting of Council
6) Stratford upon Avon Fire Station
Councillor Kate Rolfe to Councillor Crump
Displaying her android device Councillor Rolfe shared with Council a press release concerning major improvements at Stratford Fire Station. Councillor Rolfe asserted that she had received no prior notification of this and asked why this was the case.
In response Councillor Crump stated that the improvements had been approved by Cabinet but confirmed that he had not emailed Councillor Rolfe directly to notify her of them.
7) Long Service by Kenilworth Firefighter
Councillor Dave Shilton to Councillor Crump Councillor Shilton asked the Portfolio Holder to recognise the long service of Kenilworth firefighter, Malcolm Gunter who has completed 40 years’ service.
Councillor Crump commended Mr Gunter noting that there are a number of retained firefighters who have served for many years.
8) Government Support for Bus Services
Councillor Kondakor to Councillor Clarke
Noting that government has recently announced a national cash injection for bus services Councillor Keith Kondakor asked whether the Council will be bidding for a share of this.
In response Council was informed that officers are working on this.
9) Flood Water Tanks
Councillor Kondakor to Councillor Clarke Councillor Clarke was asked whether he was aware of an incident whereby soil placed on top of a plastic flood relief tank had caused it to collapse.
It was agreed that Councillor Kondakor would send details to Councillor Crump and the matter would be investigated.
10)Delays with Double Yellow Lines
Councillor Boad to Councillor Clarke
Councillor Boad cited an example where the painting of double yellow lines on a road in her division had been delayed owing to an administrative error. The delay will be over 12 months as parking variations are looked at once a year. Councillor Boad asked the Portfolio Holder to review the process of annual reviews to consider whether they can be undertaken more frequently.
Councillor Clarke agreed to look in to this.