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.
4) Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chair of the Warwickshire Pension Fund Investment Sub Committee requesting it to divest from all companies involved in the extraction of fossil fuels.
Proposer: Councillor Will Roberts
Seconder: Councillor Johnathan Chilvers
(3) Labour Group Motion 1.
This Council expresses concern about the proposals to review the provision of Community Ambulance Stations in the West Midlands with the potential closure of the local ambulance hub in Rugby.
This Council notes the concerns of Rugby residents of the perceived risks to health and wellbeing as a result and therefore asks that the Leader of the Council write to the Chair and the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Ambulance Service requesting that they engage with relevant local county councillors and the County Council's Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of their review to enable local views to be heard.
Proposer: Councillor Sarah Feeney
Seconder: Councillor Barbara Brown
(4) Labour Group Motion 2.
This Council believes that everyone’s education should include planned, high-quality outdoor learning which includes a residential. It’s a very positive experience and part of the whole curriculum. It is our belief that this is an entitlement, not a luxury or an add-on.
This Council agrees that an amount of revenue funding, equivalent to the proceeds from the sale of Marle Hall, and funded from general reserves, be identified with a view, subject to viability, to setting up a charitable Trust Fund, administered through a Board of Trustees and operated independently from the Council, or to identifying some other appropriate funding mechanism, to enable schools to bid for groups of children and young people to participate in residential activities or apply for bursaries for individuals. The allocated funding would be expected to meet the establishment costs and the running costs of the arrangement.
The Council considers that this is an appropriate way to build on the work of Marle Hall, and to take its legacy forward and demonstrates that Warwickshire recognises the immense value of these activities and is willing to invest in the physical and emotional wellbeing of all our children and young people.
Proposer: Councillor Barbara Brown
Seconder: Councillor Sarah Millar
Minutes:
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 causing more dangerous air pollution.
4) Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chair of the Warwickshire Pension Fund Investment Sub Committee requesting it to divest from all companies involved in the extraction of fossil fuels.
Revised Motion
A revised motion agreed to by Councillor Jerry Roodhouse and Councillor Will Roberts was tabled to replace the two originally proposed. This 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 supports the UN sustainability goals as part of its corporate priorities and the County Council also declared a climate emergency in 2019 and we note the good work that has been taking place regarding Climate Change so far. As with any emergency we must now accelerate adapt and change our plans as needed to reduce our carbon footprint.
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 specialist 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.
4) Warwickshire County Council should 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.
This revised motion was moved by Councillor Will Roberts.
In support of the motion Councillor Will Roberts stated that its single purpose is to strengthen the Council’s commitment to the climate emergency. Council was informed of concerns over climate change and increases in the global temperature. Extreme weather is being experienced more frequently. In Warwickshire the number of summer grass fires has increased markedly. That the cost of addressing environmental issues will be of concern to members was acknowledged. However, there is a need to reduce greenhouse gases now. The meeting was informed that the West Midlands Combined Authority is working to address climate change issues and the Prime Minister has stressed the need to pay heed to scientific evidence.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.
Debate
Councillor Sarah Millar welcomed the work being undertaken by the Council on climate change. She added that she is preparing for the COP 26 climate change conference. There is a need to bring target dates forward, but it needs to be recognised that these are targets and there is also a need to consider accountability. For example, in Denmark the Climate Change Minister is required to attend Parliament and explain what actions they have been taking. In Warwickshire an annual “State of Warwickshire’s Climate” report should be introduced. Councillor Millar thanked members engaged with the pension scheme for raising the profile of investments in companies that can harm the environment eg Companies extracting fossil fuels. The meeting was also informed of the “Great British Green Week” that involves many local organisations.
Councillor Jenny Fradgley emphasised the urgency in addressing climate change. Warwickshire, she said, is doing well but it is only at the start of the journey. Markets that invest in green energy should be supported and green manufacturers such as those making batteries and future fuel should be supported. Parity is required between walking, cycling and driving cars and in addition more public transport is required. All parties should have environment and climate change policies and all Council properties should be well insulated.
Councillor Jack Kennaugh stated that he struggled to identify the point of the motion adding that Warwickshire is clean and green compared to Asia and America.
Councillor Tim Sinclair acknowledged that much is being done to address climate change. The motion before Council is un-costed and its potential impact unclear. The Council is already supporting green jobs and active transport and the pensions committees are investing in energy companies to encourage them to act appropriately regarding the green agenda.
Councillor Heather Timms (Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate and Culture) thanked members for recognising the work on climate change already being performed by the Council. This includes the Green Shoots initiative, rail station development, cycleways, waterways, support for the circular economy and work with partners. She considered that the motion was premature.
Councillor John Holland agreed with the observation made regarding Asia. However, he suggested that it is only possible to lead from the front. Everybody has a role to play and although the motion may not be perfect climate change is happening now. If the incidence of flooding increases the cost of addressing this will need to be met by the County Council.
Councillor Clare Golby observed that the motion lacked any statement clarifying the effect of not acting. She stated that she is supportive of active travel, but her division and town need more roads if air pollution caused by standing traffic is to be resolved. The north of Warwickshire has problems with health, wellbeing and education. These are the issues of concern to people.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe reminded Council of the climate emergency debate of July 2019. With a range of views being expressed it is difficult to say who is right and who is wrong. It will be necessary to consider the cost of meeting the challenge and to weigh actions against other competing priorities. Councillor Izzi Seccombe added that the Council has done much already to reduce its carbon footprint. It has a bio-diversity off-set programme and has established 80ha of wildflower grassland and tree planting. However, more can be done. It is expected that more innovative solutions will come from Warwick University. The key, she concluded, is to take people with you in a measured and managed way.
Councillor Justin Kerridge agreed that it is important to listen to what people want. He suggested that the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee should monitor progress and that this should be undertaken using clear measures. Citing the school to be built south of Warwick Councillor Justin Kerridge suggested that costs will probably limit its green credentials. However, these should be pressed for and one means of doing this is via the overview and scrutiny function. Finally, those engaged in procurement should ensure that those the Council does business with are aware of its green targets.
Councillor Peter Butlin considered the motion unaffordable. He questioned the basis of assertions around climate change and stressed the need to avoid placing residents under pressure from the Council’s own initiatives. If the motion were to be agreed to and followed there would not be sufficient funds for services to adults and children. Councillor Butlin stated that China remains a major polluter with many hundreds of coal-fired power stations.
Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi reminded Council that there are two climate change working groups in operation. He noted the good work of the Portfolio Holder and observed that many community groups are working on climate and environmental issues too.
Councillor Brett Beetham questioned whether the residents of his division would benefit from the motion. He also reiterated that it would carry additional costs.
Councillor Chris Kettle suggested that rejecting the motion does not reject the principle of climate change. The Council Plan seeks to embed climate change considerations in everything the Council does. The new school discussed earlier on the agenda will be climate aware but what about older schools he asked.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (seconder of the motion) suggested that all agree that climate change is an issue that needs to be addressed. The motion seeks to foster debate. He congratulated the Portfolio Holder on all that has been achieved but considered that more could be done. There is a need to address the economy and focus on establishing a circular economy. Warwickshire is in a good position to take the lead on this. Green travel packs in new houses are of limited benefit. It is better to encourage people to cycle. To this end the highways department could be stronger in negotiating for more cycleways on new developments. Cabinet papers, he added, should reference climate change.
Councillor Will Roberts (mover of the motion) thanked members for their contributions. He counselled against thinking that climate change is the fault of others adding that air pollution exists in Warwickshire too. Regarding costs, members were referred to the line in the motion calling for the preparation of a costed plan. Councillor Will Roberts suggested that as well as reflecting on what is being done in Warwickshire to address climate change the actions of other local authorities should be studied too.
Vote
A vote was held. The motion was defeated.
Motion 2 – West Midlands Ambulance Service
The Labour Group proposed the following motion as set out on the agenda.
“This Council expresses concern about the proposals to review the provision of Community Ambulance Stations in the West Midlands with the potential closure of the local ambulance hub in Rugby.
This Council notes the concerns of Rugby residents of the perceived risks to health and wellbeing as a result and therefore asks that the Leader of the Council write to the Chair and the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Ambulance Service requesting that they engage with relevant local county councillors and the County Council's Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of their review to enable local views to be heard”.
Councillor Sarah Feeney moved the motion. In doing so she informed Council that the population of Rugby is growing but people feel that they are receiving less services. Concerns have been expressed over increased waiting times for ambulances and people are feeling forgotten. This is reinforced by the absence of an accident and emergency facility at St Cross Hospital in Rugby; something that the local MP has raised in Parliament.
Councillor Barbara Brown seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.
Amendment
Councillor Margaret Bell proposed a friendly amendment. This was seconded by Councillor Clare Golby who reserved her right to speak. The amendment stated,
“This Council is concerned about the proposals to review the provision of Community Ambulance Stations in the West Midlands, for example, with the potential closure of the local ambulance hub in Rugby.
The Council notes that the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee has extended an invitation to the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) to attend their meeting in November and the Committee has received information from WMAS about the proposed changes.
This Council notes the concerns of Rugby residents of the perceived risks to health and wellbeing as a result of the proposed changes to the location of the ambulance stations and therefore asks that the Leader of the Council write to the Chair and the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Ambulance Service thanking them for engaging with the County Council's Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of their review and encouraging them to accept the invitation to attend their meeting in November.”
The amendment was accepted by the Labour Group as a friendly amendment.
In moving the amended motion Councillor Margaret Bell stated that she understood people’s concerns. Indeed, it was the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee that had invited the West Midlands Ambulance Service to one of its meetings. She suggested that there is no plan to reduce the number of ambulances in Rugby. There are plans, however, for a restructuring. With hospitals and ambulances facing unprecedented demand the proposals aim at optimising the use of ambulances. It reflects a shift to the use of hubs where staff ensure that returning ambulance are cleaned and restocked.
In seconding the motion Councillor Clare Golby observed that decisions regarding ambulance provision rest with the ambulance service. Tales of three-hour waits for ambulances are exceptional. Nuneaton and Bedworth has a large population but no ambulance station.
Debate
Councillor Andy Crump stated that concerns over increased waiting times were raised at a recent meeting of the Blue Light Collaboration Joint Advisory Board. The ambulance service is a member of that body and now regularly sends a representative to meetings.
Councillor Barbara Brown suggested that the proximity of ambulances to residents is very important. Councils have a role in helping people and it will be necessary to establish where reality and perception meet. Accurate data on waiting times and survival rates is required. It will also be important to know if ambulances are removed to operate in different areas.
Councillor Peter Butlin observed that on occasions ambulances are required to wait with patients outside hospitals as there is nowhere to off load them to. The proposed reorganisation will provide an opportunity for the Council to feed back its views.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse thanked Councillor Clare Golby for including the review on the agenda of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He expressed concern over the process the ambulance service has gone through. A study of the board’s papers revealed no reference to consultation with local communities.
Councillor Marian Humphreys suggested that first responders should be included in the statistics.
Councillor Sarah Feeney welcomed the Council’s commitment to the scrutiny of services and thanked Councillor Butlin for his observations regarding the wider health community.
Vote
A vote was held, and the amended motion was agreed unanimously.
Resolved:
This Council is concerned about the proposals to review the provision of Community Ambulance Stations in the West Midlands, for example, with the potential closure of the local ambulance hub in Rugby.
The Council notes that the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee has extended an invitation to the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) to attend their meeting in November and the Committee has received information from WMAS about the proposed changes.
This Council notes the concerns of Rugby residents of the perceived risks to health and wellbeing as a result of the proposed changes to the location of the ambulance stations and therefore asks that the Leader of the Council write to the Chair and the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Ambulance Service thanking them for engaging with the County Council's Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of their review and encouraging them to accept the invitation to attend their meeting in November.
Motion 3 – Outdoor Education
Councillor Barbara Brown moved the following motion.
“This Council believes that everyone’s education should include planned, high-quality outdoor learning which includes a residential. It’s a very positive experience and part of the whole curriculum. It is our belief that this is an entitlement, not a luxury or an add-on.
This Council agrees that an amount of revenue funding, equivalent to the proceeds from the sale of Marle Hall, and funded from general reserves, be identified with a view, subject to viability, to setting up a charitable Trust Fund, administered through a Board of Trustees and operated independently from the Council, or to identifying some other appropriate funding mechanism, to enable schools to bid for groups of children and young people to participate in residential activities or apply for bursaries for individuals. The allocated funding would be expected to meet the establishment costs and the running costs of the arrangement.
The Council considers that this is an appropriate way to build on the work of Marle Hall, and to take its legacy forward and demonstrates that Warwickshire recognises the immense value of these activities and is willing to invest in the physical and emotional wellbeing of all our children and young people”.
Councillor Barbara Brown welcomed that the Leader of the Council had spoken passionately about the value of outdoor education. She was of the opinion that children require challenging outdoor experiences and exposure to the landscape. Outdoor education has a link to the green economy and enable skills to be developed that are not accessible in the classroom. It is particularly important to those children facing challenges in life building self-worth and a greater awareness of those around them. The motion asks the Council to consider the establishment of a trust fund to provide opportunities for all children.
Councillor Sarah Millar seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.
Debate
Recognising the negative impacts of the Covid-19 lockdowns on young people Councillor Jackie D’Arcy stressed the importance of residential outdoor education.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe noted that the future of Marle Hall had been debated for a considerable time. When Marle Hall was opened there was no alternative provision in that area. Any child attending the facility had to be paid for. Now there are many facilities offering outdoor experiences close to Marle Hall. Council was informed that there is no receipt yet for Marle Hall. Also with a cross-party group reviewing future outdoor provision the motion may be considered premature.
Councillor Jeff Morgan was optimistic that the Council will end up with a strong outdoor education strategy. Regardless of the outcome schools will continue to enable children to enjoy outdoor education.
Councillor John Holland expressed some concern that decisions regarding Marle Hall were made in closed session. He considered that people do not like to see services being removed adding that the outdoor education strategy should have been completed prior to the decision regarding Marle Hall being made.
Councillor Andy Crump suggested that the reference in the motion to viability is unclear. He considered that all children should be able to access outdoor education opportunities. Council was informed that these opportunities may include water safety training working with the Fire and Rescue Service.
Councillor Tim Sinclair thanked the Labour Group for its motion. He stated that given the choice he would have liked to see Marle Hall remain open. Outdoor education is very important. Cabinet colleagues were asked to consider the spirit of the motion.
Councillor Clare Golby reminded Council that schools had not been sending children to Marle Hall. There is a need to make the best use of tax payers’ money during times of austerity she added. In addition, schools should work to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to benefit from outdoor education.
Councillor John Cooke stated that for many years he has sat on the William Edwards Educational charity. Over the years this has funded children to attend Marle Hall. However, Manor Adventure in Shropshire is now more popular.
Councillor Jenny Fradgley regretted the loss of the Marle Hall facility.
Councillor Sarah Millar (seconder of the motion) spoke of the motion as being about the legacy of Marle Hall. There is a need to plan for future provision.
Councillor Barbara Brown thanked all members for their contributions to the debate. She stated that it is good to hear a recognition of the value of outdoor education and welcomed the production of the outdoor education strategy.
Vote
A vote was held. The motion was defeated.