Decisions

Nicholas Dauncey (Principal Transport Planner) presented the report. He stated that the MRN are government designated strategic roads and it is the Council’s role is to connect with the Strategic Road Network. Nicholas Dauncey stated the MRN is essential to maintain for economic growth and the DfT have set out objectives, including supporting housing delivery, supporting resilience on the strategic road network and supporting all road users. Special measures for cyclists, pedestrians and bus permeability are also expected in the scheme delivery.

The committee was informed that Midlands Connect is the responsible body for the MRN in Coventry and Warwickshire. Midlands Connect has stated that between 2020-2025, schemes with a good business case would be prioritised. Nicholas Dauncey stated they are currently prioritising the 2025-2030 funding so the council is in a position to put schemes forward that will receive funding. He added that they are also looking at other sources of funding to ensure the road schemes go ahead. Nicholas Dauncey stated that the report is to evaluate emerging schemes against National and Local Transport Plan objectives andMidlands Connect deliverability criteria.

He added that in view of the climate emergency declaration in Warwickshire, developers’ schemes need to provide incentives for non-motorised road users to take advantage of the funding provided. Nicholas Dauncey concluded that the County Council is looking at purchasing new air quality software to monitor this across Warwickshire.

In response to Councillor Shilton, Nicholas Dauncey stated that a construction management plan will be implemented in Kenilworth. He added they are looking at a review of the Local Transport Plan so aviation and air quality will be looked at.

In response to Councillor Kondakor, Nicholas Dauncey responded that as part of the Nuneaton transformation they are looking at developing a sustainable transport strategy and improve connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians; proposals would be brought to committee when they are made. He added that he will contact environmental officers at the district and borough councils regarding monitoring air quality effectively.

In response to Councillor Holland, Nicholas Dauncey stated that the requirements for the MRN will shift depending who uses the network. He concluded that they could segregate part of the road for vulnerable road users.

In response to Councillor Fradgley, Nicholas Dauncey stated that the schemes developed to date have dedicated foot and cycle bridges and he confirmed that the DfT expect cycle lanes as part of the MRN schemes.

Resolved

That the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee notes the contents of the report.  

Andrew Pau (Strategy and Commissioning Manager (Waste & Environment) presented the item. The review started a year ago, but for a series of reasons the production of the final report was delayed, however, an action plan was provided. Andrew Pau stated that the government have had the first round of consultation on a new Resources and Waste Strategy for England, but this will not be published until the summer of 2020. He continued that the government’s final strategy should be published in 2021. The action plan focused on household recycling and recycle centres which are managed by council. Some of these actions have already been completed and they intend to focus on the other actions by improving plans, reviewing the joint waste strategy and developing a new household Waste Recycling Centre Strategy. Andrew Pau concluded that a major part of the business is heavily dependent on the government's new Resources and Waste Strategy for England, therefore it is important to wait until this has been finalised.

In response to Councillor Shilton, Andrew Pau stated that recycling and composting are one of the core objectives of Warwickshire’s Joint Waste Strategy which has been agreed by all districts and boroughs and the county. He continued that every household in the county have the maximum opportunity to recycle and waste is now prioritised due to the climate change agenda. Andrew Pau agreed more could be done with educating the disposal of electronic goods.

Councillor Kondakor observed that minimising waste needed to be looked at and there needs to be a data consistency with regards to other reports received by the committee.

Andrew Pau stated that they are focusing on minimising waste first and then maximising recycling and composting. Regarding maximising energy recovery with residual waste, the main methods of energy recovery are burning or landfilling; however, this is constrained by environmental and cost reasons. Andrew Pau continued that several authorities charge for green waste, but this increases home composting. He concluded this is manageable in the council.

Resolved

That the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

1)     Notes the report including the recommendations and actions in the action plan attached.

2)    Agrees the service area response and timetables as set out in the report.

Requests that a further report be presented to the committee after the government strategy has been published.

Janet Neale summarised the published report. The last report predicted that the community infrastructure levy (CIL) funding would be implemented across the county by 2018 but it has only been implemented in Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District. Janet Neale stated that the total amount of obligations contained within live S106 agreements as at 2019/20 is £304m which shows rapid development. She concluded that there are many different developments and they need to ensure they met the requirements for the S106; there will be a report for them by the end of the year.

In response to the Chair, Janet Neale stated that developers are rarely asked to contribute funding upfront as the developer needs to make money and the land is worth more after development.

In response to Councillor Andy Jenns, Janet Neale stated that it is up to the district and borough councils if they wish to roll out S106. She continued that boroughs usually wait until their local plan is developed as they cannot assess infrastructure cost. If the local council has adopted a Neighbourhood Plan, 25% of any CIL income collected in that area goes directly to them. If a local council does not have plan, they can get 15% on any CIL income which is capped at £100 per dwelling.

Janet Neale stated they have been working with the council’s debt recovery regarding developers who do not pay S106 contributions on time; they contact developers 10 days before they are invoiced, and this cuts out some of the deadline.

Janet Neale agreed to circulate the breakdown spreadsheet for any councillors who wish to see it.

In response to Councillor Kondakor, Janet Neale replied that one reason for the differences in funding from education contributions across the county was the amount of school capacity in different parts of Warwickshire. Funding could only be secured if additional capacity was needed, which was now the case in the north of Warwickshire.

Resolved

That the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee notes the contents of the report and the current position relating to Section 106 and Developer Contributions.

Paul Taylor (Traffic and Safety Manager) presented the report. He advised the committee that the statistics show KSI’s (killed or seriously injured) trended downwards in 2019 but this will not be confirmed until mid-2020. 

Paul Taylor stated that there are reduced resources with safety initiatives, and they are left with difficult engineering work to carry out. Sites with a high collision rates have been identified; six sites have received funding to improve engineering amendments and four sites belong to Highways England who are being consulted with.

The engineering schemes undertaken are the council’s responsibility and these are being worked on with its partners and investors.

The meeting was informed that Warwickshire has a successful education scheme which is delivered by the Police and Fire and Rescue service. A new governance structure for the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership has been implemented; the Strategic Board meet twice annually, and the Operational Board will convene in the next few weeks. The Operational Board will be looking at gaps and overlaps across all partners and they are primarily focused on intervention schemes.

Paul Taylor stated they are allocated £350,000 for smaller casualty reduction schemes and CIF (Capital Investment Fund) allocated £5 million between 2018-2024; this funding is used for speed cameras and major schemes.

Paul Taylor stated officers can raise concerns with hard shoulders, smart motorways and recent serious accidents with Highways England who are in the Road Safety Partnership. He confirmed that the education strategies promote wearing bicycle helmets and encourage safe cycling.

Councillor Crump added that motor users and pedestrians need education on road safety. He added that the Fire and Rescue Service have problems with motorway congestion when attending traffic accidents; Councillor Crump is speaking with the Chief Fire Officer and will raise this issue with him.

Mark Ryder (Strategic Director for Communities) raised that the Department for Transport (DfT) have paused rolling out smart motorways, therefore speculation should be avoided until the DfT have completed their review of smart motorways.

Paul Taylor stated accidents tended to be worse in North Warwickshire due to the large concentration of people and traffic in the area but this is being resolved with the funding for the high collision areas.

Councillor Kondakor noted that the committee have not had the data broken down and it is useful to look at the different road users and look at fatalities on all roads.

The Chair asked for a breakdown of road casualties and KSIs.

In response to the Chair, Paul Taylor stated a design has been prepared to improve the Warwick to Harbury Road and it is parallel running with a large-scale development. The development may be funded by the council until the development funding is available.

Janet Neale (Infrastructure Development Manager) clarified that this junction is linked to the development of 3000 homes at Gaydon so it will be delivered through a S278 scheme. The scheme was approved before houses started development and it needs to be implemented when 120 houses are occupied. The scheme is on S278 rather than S106 because the risks of financial overspend are removed and fall on the developer rather than the council.

In response to the Chair, Paul Taylor stated there is a maintenance issue with vehicle activated road signs and there is a low budget for them. It was agreed that funding can be looked at for these signs.

Resolved

That the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee notes the report on road safety and requests that officers provide further details of the extent of serious (KSI) accidents on Warwickshire’s roads.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe reminded members that one of the County Council’s key priorities is the growth of the economy. In addition, she emphasised the future role of 5G in promoting growth.

Councillor Richard Chattaway emphasised the need to provide an enhanced skills agenda. Councillor Heather Timms noted the growth in the “green economy” and emphasised the need to develop the correct skills in the workforce.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse suggested that there should be less reliance on Gross Value Added. The next strategy should have a greater emphasis on the evaluation of growth through the use of Warwickshire-specific indicators. In addition, Councillor Roodhouse proposed that attention be given to the circular economy. A public interest debate on the matter was proposed. Finally, Councillor Roodhouse observed that the health economy is strong in Warwickshire with health providers and research and development having a high profile.

Councillor Jeff Clarke highlighted the needs in terms of investment and training of Nuneaton and Bedworth.

Councillor Peter Butlin emphasised the future importance of 5G and added that the extent of construction work in the area highlights the need for civil engineers.

In answer to a question from Councillor Richard Chattaway the meeting was informed that the County Council works with all schools to encourage them to develop the right skills. In Nuneaton a new Education Strategy is being developed. This has received input from all the secondary schools in that part of the county.

Resolved:

1.    That Cabinet approve the Economic Growth Strategy 2020-2025

2.    That the views and suggestions of all members expressed at the meeting be taken account of in the delivery of the strategy.

In introducing this report Councillor Colin Hayfield (Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning) drew Cabinet’s attention to paragraph 1.4 (Page 59) which states that no changes have been proposed for any school where the local authority is the admission authority.

Councillor Richard Chattaway wondered if it might have been useful for the Overview and Scrutiny committee to have reviewed the report. He added that he would be happy for it to be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Heather Timms (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Heritage & Culture) observed that the report made little reference to environmental implications adding that there would be environmental advantages in aligning home to school transport and admissions.

Regarding the complexity of the arrangements it was agreed that for next year officers be asked to produce a version that could be easily understood by parents and carers.

In closing Councillor Hayfield suggested that if the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was minded to review any aspect of the report it should focus on one element such as the relationship between admissions and home to school transport.

Resolved:

That Cabinet

1)       approves the Admission Arrangements and Co-ordinated Scheme for school admissions during the 2021/2022 Academic year as outlined in the appendices to the published report.

2)       authorises the Strategic Director for Communities in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning to approve Admission Arrangements and the Co-ordinated Scheme in future years, unless those arrangements or schemes are subject to consultation as outlined in Section 1 of the published report.

Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader – Finance and Property) introduced the report explaining that the Treasury Management Strategy is an annual report that explains how and where the County Council manages its resources. Officers were commended for the report which was considered to be clear and understandable.

Cabinet’s attention was drawn in particular to page 30 of the document pack and the proposal for the early payment of pension fund contributions. This, it is expected, will lead to a gross saving of £4.7m in total cash contributions and provide a net one-off saving of £3.3m.

Regarding ethical investment (Section 8, Page 33) the meeting was informed that whilst this is a strong aspiration, the treasury management function is controlled by statute and the first priorities of the treasury must remain security, liquidity and yield.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe (Leader of the Council and Chair of Cabinet) reminded members that the matter before them is to be considered by Council in March 2020.

In response to the report, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) questioned what the money saved by early payment of pension fund contributions would be used for. In addition, he asked what percentage of the pension fund is invested in companies in Warwickshire.

Councillor Richard Chattaway (Leader of the Labour Group) sought clarification over the risks around early payment of pension fund contributions. He observed that pension funds in London are shifting to an ethical basis and counselled that Warwickshire should not get left behind in this.

Councillor Seccombe reminded the meeting that the Warwickshire Pension Fund is now part of a larger pool of funds and as such its influence on investment decisions has changed in nature.

Councillor Butlin noted the role of the Local Pension Board in informing decisions on ethical investment. He added for Councillor Roodhouse that page 2 of appendix 2 includes a list of local companies that the County Council invests in.  Any savings will be used for the running of services.

In response to a question from Councillor Chattaway, Richard Ennis (Interim AD Finance) explained that decisions regarding early payment have yet to be confirmed. A final piece of advice is awaited. This concerns the optimum time to enter the market. If the timing is wrong, then the Council could lose out financially. Due to this uncertainty it would not have been appropriate to include it in the 2020/21 budget. It was emphasised to Cabinet the money being discussed is not a bonus.

In closing, Councillor Butlin observed that the £3.2m discussed had not featured in any group’s budget.

Resolved:

That:

1.         Cabinet recommends to the County Council that the Treasury Management Strategy for 2020/21 be approved and that its provisions have effect from 1st April 2020.

2.         Cabinet recommends to the County Council that the Investment Strategy for 2020/21 is approved.

3.         Cabinet recommends that the County Council requires the Strategic Director of Resources to ensure that gross borrowing does not exceed the prudential level as specified in Appendix 1 Annex B, taking into account current commitments, existing plans, and the proposals in the budget report.

4.         Cabinet recommends that the County Council delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Resources to undertake all the activities listed in Appendix 1 Annex H of the published report.

5.         Cabinet recommends that the County Council requires the Strategic Director of Resources to implement the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy as specified in Appendix 1 Annex I.

6.         Cabinet recommends that the County Council requires the Strategic Director of Resources to enact an early payment of pension fund contributions subject to the conditions set out at Section 7.24 of the Treasury Management Strategy being met.

Resolved

That Council agrees the 2020/21 Budget and authorises work to continue on ensuring the 2020-25 Medium Term Financial Strategy is aligned with and supports the delivery of the Council’s ambitions as set out in the Council Plan 2025.

Apologies were received from the following Councillors:

Neil Dirveiks

Dan Gissane

Jeff Morgan

Bill Olner

Wallace Redford

Kate Rolfe

Resolved:

That Council approve the Council Plan 2025.