Decisions

Resolved;

1. That, having considered the Strategic Case for Change for Local Government Reform in Warwickshire, the Council supports its submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in order to seek from Government an invitation to enter into conversation and consideration of the future local government structure for Warwickshire. 
2. That the Council considers that in the next phase of work to shape a future model for local government in Warwickshire, conversations should take place at all levels, including with residents, based on the following principles 
   1. double devolution - moving influence and power closer to communities, levelling up health and wellbeing and tackling inequalities; 
   2. ensuring that Climate Change and adaptation are built into a new model of local government; 
   3. achieving better value for our taxpayers; 
   4. simplified governance with clear, accountable leadership; 
   5. co-design of the model is undertaken; and 
   6. a balance of local focus with a strategic approach when needed. 
3. That the Council considers that a Residents Panel should be established and that an invitation should be extended to the District and Borough Councils to do so jointly with the County Council,  to seek the views of Warwickshire residents.
4. That the Council requests that the Leader , following this meeting, considers inviting the Warwickshire District and Borough Councils to make their submission to MHCLG along with and at the same time as any submission made by the County Council

1. Black Lives Matter

Resolved:

The recent conversations around racism and the Black Lives Matter movement have highlighted the systemic disadvantages suffered by Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. Such disadvantages manifest in health, educational and employment outcomes and opportunities. The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted that the BAME community has been disproportionately affected with reported higher mortality and infection rates. In light of this, this Council considers it important to consider how well the needs of the BAME community are being met within the County.

Therefore, this council:

Notes the work that has been initiated to progress the findings of the Public Health England Review of the impact of Covid 19 on BAME communities following the report to Cabinet in July, endorsed by the Health and Wellbeing Board, and the inclusion of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme in the Council’s Recovery Plan and asks that an interim report be brought to a joint meeting of the Communities and Adult Social Care and Health OSC’s by December 2020, so that members can consider the continuing work and the establishment of a task and finish group to investigate and to report back on race inequalities across Warwickshire, both internally within the County Council and externally in relation to meeting the needs of BAME communities within Warwickshire.

2. SEND

Resolved:

Given the immense pressure that the Council faces in meeting the cost of SEND provision, this Council will:

Initiate a cross party delegation to lobby Government in relation to the need for more funding for this key service and request the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee to set up a Task and Finish Group to monitor delivery of SEND provision.

3.  Tuberculosis in Cattle

Resolved:

This Council recognises that farming is a very important part of the Warwickshire economy and that the county council supports farming in many ways including through its own small holdings. The Council further recognises that Bovine Tuberculosis in cattle is a very serious problem for farmers which needs long term sustainable action, including the development of accurate testing and an effective bovine vaccine.

Therefore, this Council agrees:

To write to DEFRA stating that the Council is concerned with proposals for the culling of badgers on land in its ownership and wishes them to explore with them alternatives that enable a sustainable approach to bovine TB control.

4. Promoting the Warwickshire Canal Network

 Resolved:

The canal network in Warwickshire passes through all five districts and boroughs and is a massive asset for tourism, wellbeing and ecology. In developing recovery plans for Warwickshire and mindful of the need to increase UK based tourism, the County Council:   

1. Acknowledges the work being undertaken to develop a Waterways strategy for Warwickshire as part of the Heritage and Culture Strategy action plan; 
2. Will actively promote our local canal network and its opportunities for leisure, wellbeing and employment (including 2021/22 City of Culture, Birmingham 2022 and beyond);  
3. Will work with the Canal and River Trust and other partners to identify, prioritise and cost key stretches of towpath to improve accessibility and connectivity in order to better attract funding. 

The Sub Committee received the apologies of Councillor John Horner.

Jane Pollard (Legal Service Manager) introduced the published report. She summarised the key points, explaining that Councillor Brain’s wife was employed on a part time basis by Stratford on Avon District Council.

Members of the Sub Committee recalled the decision it had taken on 26 August to grant dispensations to members who were either on district and borough councils or who had a spouse who was on a district or borough council.

The Sub Committee agreed unanimously to support the grant of dispensation.

Resolved::

That the Dispensations Sub-Committee agrees to grant the dispensation to Councillor Mike Brain as set out in the report.

The meeting finished at 10.05AM