Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Rupinderjit Kaur and Asha Mattu.

David Pattison, Director of Governance advised that all Councillors were eligible to vote in accordance with the legislation, and under the Council’s Constitution there was a standing dispensation to all Councillors in relation to member allowances, business rates, housing matters and rents.

David Pattison, Director of Governance, Emma Bennet, Director of Children’s and Adult Services, Richard Lawrence, Director of Regeneration and Richard Wyatt, Head of Communications declared a pecuniary interest in item 6 (Our Future Senior Leadership (Phase1).

Councillor Linda Leach declared a non-pecuniary interest as a small business owner.

Councillor Adam Collinge declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of the Chartered Landscape Institute and advised he also worked for an environmental consultancy in the city which may relate to later items on the agenda.

Councillor Harman Banger declared disclosable-pecuniary interest as a small business owner.

David Pattison confirmed there was a standard dispensation for business owners.

[To receive minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 May 2021.]

The Mayor proposed, the Deputy Mayor seconded, and it was resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 19 May 2021, be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Mayor.

[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

1.             The Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2021

The Mayor was delighted to announce that in June 2021 there were five worthy winners of the Queen’s Award for the Voluntary Sector:

·                Wednesfield in Bloom,

·                Friends of Bantock Park

·                The Big Venture Centre

·                TLC College

·                The Well Foodbank.

The Mayor had written a letter of congratulations to each of the winners on behalf of the Council.

2.             Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Mayor was delighted to announce that three people with connections to Wolverhampton were recognised as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours:

·       Kim Hatton and Claire McKen who run the charity Let us Play were awarded BEM’s,

·       Barry Bond, Chair of Governors at Green Park School, was awarded an MBE.

The Mayor had written a letter of congratulations to all three on behalf of the Council.

3.             PRIDE Month 2021

The Mayor reported that June 2021 saw the Council celebrating Pride Month.  Pride Month celebrates the rich history of Pride not only in the UK but throughout the World.  The Council was proud to raise the rainbow flag throughout the month.  The EDI Team and the Rainbow Staff Forum produced a number of articles that discussed the various aspects of Pride such as the Councils relationship with Wolverhampton LGBT+ and Stonewall and what pride means to Council Staff.  The Council also encouraged citizens to take part in the Rainbow City Consultation.  The results of this were being reviewed and would form part of the Rainbow City Strategy. 

4.             Armed Forces Day 2021

The Mayor reported that Armed Forces Week began with a short private flag-raising ceremony on Monday 21 June outside the Civic Centre and a Celebration event took place in West Park on Saturday 26 June.

The Mayor added that the Celebration Event was well attended. He had also presented the Mayoral Cadets with their badges. The grand finale to Armed Forces Week was provided by The Wings Parachute Display Team.

5.             Windrush Day 2021

The Mayor reported that on Tuesday 22 June 2021, he had raised the flag in honour of the “Windrush” generation of migrants who came to Britain from the Caribbean in the post war years. 

The Mayor added, that later that day he was invited to the Wolverhampton Heritage Centre in Clifford Street, to unveil a blue plaque in memory of Paulette Wilson.  Paulette was one of the “Windrush Generation” and campaigned for justice after she and many others who entered the UK as children and lived here all their lives were wrongly accused of being illegal immigrants. The blue plaque was a fitting memorial to her legacy of campaigning.

6.             Covid-19 Update

The Mayor reported there had now been over 290,000 vaccinations administered in the City, with 127,345 people having received two doses. There were 1121 positive cases reported in the City in the seven days to 18/7/21 and no deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test recorded in the same week.

7.             Relighting the City

The Mayor announced that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

[To receive a report from the Leader of the Council]

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield, provided Council with an update on the Black Country Plan which was considered by the Cabinet on Wednesday 7 July.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield and Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People gave Council more information on the Yo! Summer Festival.

[To approve the Our Future Senior Leadership (Phase 1)]

1.    That the establishment of an Executive Director of Families post be approved subject to appointment by a Special Appointments Committee.

2.    That the establishment of a Chief Operating Officer post be approved subject to appointment by a Special Appointments Committee.

3.    That a Special Appointments Committee for the appointment of an Executive Director of Families be approved.

4.    That a Special Appointments Committee for the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer be approved.

5.    That the Special Appointment Committees approved within this report have delegated authority to endorse both appointments on behalf of Council.

6.    That a nominated chair of an employee equality forum also be included on the Special Appointment Committee panels as an observer to further embed our absolute commitment to equalities and diversity.

7.    That a revision to the Senior Management Pay structure to support the introduction of new senior management posts; Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Families be approved.

8.    That the financial implications of delivering our future senior leadership would be considered as a whole, taking account of both phases one and two. By the end of phase two there would have been a reduction in headcount, and as a minimum the revised structure would be cost neutral.

Having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this item David Pattison, Emma Bennet, Richard Lawrence and Richard Wyatt left the Council Chamber and took no part in the consideration of this item.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report: Our Future Senior Leadership (Phase 1) for approval. The report proposed changes to the way in which the senior management team were strategically aligned, maximising the council’s ability to respond to its operating environment in terms of both financial constraints and priorities as set through the City’s Vision 2030, Council’s Corporate Plan and Relighting our City programme.

Councillor Ian Brookfield, proposed the recommendations and Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

In response to Councillor Paul Singh’s question regarding the number of BME staff earning £50,000 or more’ Councillor Ian Brookfield agreed to provide a written response.

Upon being put to the meeting, and a division having been demanded and taken voting thereon was as follows:

Resolved:

1.    That the establishment of an Executive Director of Families post be approved subject to appointment by a Special Appointments Committee.

2.    That the establishment of a Chief Operating Officer post be approved subject to appointment by a Special Appointments Committee.

3.    That a Special Appointments Committee for the appointment of an Executive Director of Families be approved.

4.    That a Special Appointments Committee for the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer be approved.

5.    That the Special Appointment Committees approved within this report have delegated authority to endorse both appointments on behalf of Council.

6.    That a nominated chair of an employee equality forum also be included on the Special Appointment Committee panels as an observer to further embed our absolute commitment to equalities and diversity.

7.    That a revision to the Senior Management Pay structure to support the introduction of new senior management posts; Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Families be approved.

That the financial implications of delivering our future senior leadership would be considered as a whole, taking account of both phases one and two. By the end of phase two there would have been a reduction in headcount, and as a minimum the revised structure would be cost neutral.

[To approve the capital budget outturn 2020-2021 including quarter one capital monitoring 2021-2022]

1.     That the revised, medium term General Revenue Account capital programme of £340.2 million, an increase of £3.0 million from the previously approved programme, and the change in associated resources be approved.

2.     That the revised, medium term Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme of £450.3 million, a reduction of £222,000 from the previously approved programme, and the change in associated resources be approved.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report: Capital Budget Outturn 2020-2021 including Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring 2021-2022 for approval. The report provided Council with an update on the outturn position for 2020-2021 and update on the 2021-2022 financial performance of the General Revenue Account and HRA capital programmes whilst also providing a revised forecast for 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 as at quarter one of 2021-2022.

The report also recommended revisions to the current approved capital programmes covering the period 2021-2022 to 2025-2026.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield, proposed the recommendations and Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1.    That the revised, medium term General Revenue Account capital programme of £340.2 million, an increase of £3.0 million from the previously approved programme, and the change in associated resources be approved.

2.    That the revised, medium term Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme of £450.3 million, a reduction of £222,000 from the previously approved programme, and the change in associated resources be approved.

[To approve the treasury management annual report 2020-2021 and activity monitoring quarter one 2021-2022]

1.    That it be noted, the Council operated within the overall approved Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators, and also within the requirements set out in the Council’s approved Treasury Management Policy Statement during 2020-2021, however due to the reprofiling of some capital programmes the operational boundary for commercial activities was slightly in excess of the best estimate included in the Treasury Management Strategy presented to Council on 3 March 2021.

2.    That it be noted, a revenue underspend of £2.3 million for the General Revenue Account and £805,000 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were generated from treasury management activities in 2020-2021.

3.    That it be noted, the revenue underspend of £1.4 million for the General Revenue Account and £11,000 for the HRA were forecast from treasury management activities in 2021-2022 be noted.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report: Treasury Management - Annual Report 2020-2021 and Activity Monitoring Quarter One 2021-2022 for approval. The report provided Council with the results of treasury management activities carried out in 2020- 2021, together with performance against the Prudential Indicators previously approved by Council. It also provided a monitoring and progress report on treasury management activity for the first quarter of 2021-2022, in line with the Prudential Indicators approved by Council in March 2021.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield, proposed the recommendations and Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1.    That it be noted, the Council operated within the overall approved Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators, and also within the requirements set out in the Council’s approved Treasury Management Policy Statement during 2020-2021, however due to the reprofiling of some capital programmes the operational boundary for commercial activities was slightly in excess of the best estimate included in the Treasury Management Strategy presented to Council on 3 March 2021.

2.    That it be noted, a revenue underspend of £2.3 million for the General Revenue Account and £805,000 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were generated from treasury management activities in 2020-2021.

3.    That it be noted, the revenue underspend of £1.4 million for the General Revenue Account and £11,000 for the HRA were forecast from treasury management activities in 2021-2022 be noted.

[To approve the Youth Offending Teams annual plan]

That the adoption of the Youth Justice Plan 2021-2022 be approved.

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, presented a report on Wolverhampton’s Youth Justice Plan 2021-2022 for approval. The plan related to the work of the Youth Offending Team (YOT) that was overseen by the partnership YOT Management Board (YMB).

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi added that the plan for 2021-2022 sought to identify priorities that respond to the national YJB key performance indicators whilst also taking the local context of Wolverhampton into consideration. There was a clear focus on continuing to reduce the number of first-time entrants, reducing reoffending and reducing the number of young people who received a custodial sentence.

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, proposed the recommendation and Councillor Dr Mike Hardacre seconded the recommendation.

The report was debated by Council.

In response to Councillor Paul Singh’s question regarding ‘what offences were being committed by young people to be handed a custodial sentence’ and Councillor Udey Singh’s question regarding ‘were reoffenders committing a similar or a similar sort of offence, are these linked or shifting in nature’. Councillor Beverley Momenabadi agreed to provide a written response to both questions.

Resolved:

That the adoption of the Youth Justice Plan 2021-2022 be approved.

[To approve changes to the Constitution]

1.    That the amendments to the Constitution as detailed in Appendix 1 to this report be approved.

2.    That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to implement the changes.

Councillor Paula Brookfield, presented a report on Changes to the Constitution for approval. The Constitution had been reviewed to ensure the constitution was clear and concise and that the decision-making processes can be followed by all.

Councillor Paula Brookfield, outlined the substantive amendments to be made to the constitution and the rationale for making these changes. She added that this was the second in a series of reports and that additional reports would be provided at future meetings to review the other parts of the constitution.

Councillor Paula Brookfield, proposed the recommendations and Councillor Wendy Thompson seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

1.    That the amendments to the Constitution as detailed in Appendix 1 to this report be approved.

2.    That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to implement the changes.

[To approve the Protocol for Awarding Freedom of the City]

That the protocol for awarding Freedom of the City be approved.

Councillor Paula Brookfield, presented the report: Protocol for Awarding Freedom of the City for approval. The report proposed the adoption of a protocol which would clarify the nomination process and the way in which the Freedom of the City would be awarded in future. There were currently no guidelines or protocols governing the way in which the Council made such awards.

Councillor Paula Brookfield, proposed the recommendation and Councillor Wendy Thompson seconded the recommendation.

Resolved:

That the protocol for awarding Freedom of the City be approved.

[To receive a report on urgent decisions taken by the Council]

That the decision made under the Council’s Urgent Action Powers be noted. 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report: Decisions Made Under Urgent Action Powers for noting. The report detailed the decision taken under Urgent Action Powers.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield proposed the recommendation and Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the recommendation.

Resolved:

That the decision made under the Council’s Urgent Action Powers be noted.

[That Council consider the motions received by Councillor Ian Brookfield and Councillor Ellis Turrell]

1.    That the substantive motion on new planning proposal be agreed.

2.    That the substantive motion on brownfield only policy be agreed.  

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield moved the following motion:

We call upon our Council to join the national uproar from all local authorities about the Government’s new planning proposals.

They are essentially an uninspired ‘Developers Charter’ that fails to respect the most important part of any planning process – the views of local residents.

Their proposals for a zonal based system where all land will be put into 3 different zone categories (Growth, Renewal and Protected) would replace the existing ability of local planning authorities to make individual decisions about developments. It would replace the current system of applying for planning permission, and deny local residents the opportunity to voice their opinions on individual applications. This is an erosion of local democracy.

‘Zonal planning’ is at best, a very blunt instrument and, at worst, a disaster. This council cannot and will not support such an approach.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield outlined the rationale for motion. Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the motion.

Councillor Adam Collinge moved the following amended motion:

“We call upon the Council to join with other local authorities in expressing concern at parts of the draft proposals in the Government’s planning white paper.

“Whilst the Government white paper Planning for the Future remains subject to further consultation, parliamentary scrutiny and approval, this Council believes that Government should review its approach, working as closely as possible with local authorities and local communities to address legitimate concerns in order to build and implement a planning system that is fair and equitable, accounts for local development constraints, considerations and concerns and fully involves local communities in guiding how development proceeds such that we can regenerate and build high-quality, sustainable, healthy, ‘greener’ communities that meet individual and families housing needs. 

“Furthermore, this Council is pleased to see the promotion of neighbourhood plans within the white paper and hopes to see this promotion continued.

“Lastly, this Council agrees to the Chief Executive writing to the Secretary of State for MHCLG advising him of this Council’s views as stated above”.

Councillor Adam Collinge outlined therationale for the amended motion. Councillor Andrew Randle seconded the motion.

The amended motion was debated by Council. The amended motion was lost.

Resolved:

That the substantive motion on new planning proposals be agreed.

Councillor Ellis Turrell will move the following motion:

That this Council, in pursuit of a Brownfield-first policy, agrees to actively promote the identification of further brownfield land across the City for housing, through both the public consultation of the Black Country Plan and a public ‘call for sites’, including making direct contact with landowners; and that council-owned greenfield and green belt land shall not be put forward for development, but instead retained for future generations, ensuring any wider development proposals secure investment for such green spaces for community benefit and ecological enhancements.   

The Councillor Ellis Turrell outlined the rationale for motion. Councillor Adam Collinge seconded the motion.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield moved the following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

[That the Deputy Leader Inclusive City Economy, Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change and Cabinet Member City Assets and Housing respond to questions received]

That the responses to written questions be noted.

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins responded to questions put to him by Councillor Udey Singh on Heath Town Baths, Councillor Ellis Turrell on West Side, Councillor Simon Bennett on Loss of Spending, and Councillor Andrew McNeil on Green Belt Land. He also responded to supplementary questions on the same subject matters.

The Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Steve Evans responded to a question put to him by Councillor Andrew Randle on parks. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal responded to a question put to him by Councillor Adam Collinge on brownfield sites. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.