Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Civic Centre, St Peter's Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1SH

Contact: Jaswinder Kaur  01902 550320 or Email: jaswinder.kaur@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies for absence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Paul Appleby.

2.

Declarations of interest

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Philip Bateman declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 6 (Capital Programme 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Quarter Two Review) as an advisory board member on Canal and River Trust - West Midlands Partnership and a school governor for Ashmore Park Nursery School.

 

Councillor Stephen Simkins declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 6 (Capital Programme 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Quarter Two Review) as a board member on Bradley Arm Canal Restoration Group.

 

Councillor Mary Bateman declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 6  (Capital Programme 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Quarter Two Review) as school governor for Ashmore Park Nursery School.

3.

Minutes of previous meeting pdf icon PDF 591 KB

[To receive minutes of the previous meeting held on 3 November 2021]

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 3 November, be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Mayor.

 

4.

Communications

[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

Additional documents:

Minutes:

1.             Ron Flowers MBE

The Mayor was saddened to report the passing of Wolves and England football legend Ron Flowers, at the age of 87. Ron was part of Stan Cullis’s triple League Championship and 1960 FA Cup winning team. He also won 2 caps as an England Under 23 International, and 49 senior caps and took part in the 1966 World Cup.

 

The Mayor had the honour of representing the City Council at a Memorial Service held for Ron in St Peters Church and was able to pass on condolences to his widow Yvonne and family.

 

Council stood in silent tribute to the late Ron Flowers MBE.

 

2.              Remembrance Events

The Mayor reported he attended several events of Remembrance over the weekend of 11th - 14th November. This included a small ceremony at the Cenotaph on the 11th, Armistice Day, the annual service at the site of the Dutch War Graves in Merridale Cemetery on the 13th. Finally, the Remembrance Sunday Services in the City Centre to pay our respects to the fallen of 2 World Wars and many other conflicts since.

 

3.             Molineux Sleepout

The Mayor reported he took part in the Molineux Sleepout which aimed to raise funds and awareness to support the homeless and vulnerable in Wolverhampton. He took part in this event, along with other employees from the Council and Councillor Simon Bennett to spend a Friday night sleeping out in the open air at Molineux Stadium. He added so far, more than £38,000 has been raised according to the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation who organised the event.

 

4.             Civic Reception for Olympians, Paralympians, Special         Olympians and Officials

The Mayor reported on Thursday 18th November, he hosted a reception to congratulate Wolverhampton’s competitors from the Olympics, Paralympics, Special Olympics and officials. He thanked the competitors for representing the City on the international stage so magnificently.

 

5.             Transgender Day of Remembrance

           The Mayor reported that Saturday 20th November marked International Transgender Day of Remembrance, to memorialise those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. He added a Ceremony was held at the flagpole in St Peters Square with readings, poetry and people talking of their experiences before the Transgender Pride flag was raised.

 

6.             Orange Campaign

The Mayor reported that this year’s Orange Wolverhampton campaign was now running until 10th December, as the City says “NO” to interpersonal violence. The campaign was launched last Thursday with a flag-raising in St Peters Square, followed by a gathering in the City Suite.

 

7.             Quiz Night in aid of the Mayoral Charity Trust

The Mayor reported he would be hosting a Quiz Night on Thursday 9th December, at 7pm in the City Suite. This was to raise money for his chosen charities. He added the Quizmaster for the night would be Dicky Dodd, and there were fantastic prizes to be won and encouraged all to enter.

 

8.             Christmas Light Switch On

           The Mayor was very delighted to host  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Report of Leader of the Council

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield, provided Council with an update on Wolves at Work 18 - 24 and asylum related issues.

 

The update was debated by Council.

6.

Capital Programme 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Quarter Two Review pdf icon PDF 133 KB

[To approve the Capital Programme 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Quarter Two Review]

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the revised, medium term General Revenue Account capital programme of £298.1 million, an increase of £6.7 million from the previously approved programme, and the change in associated resources be approved.

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield present the report on Capital Programme 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Quarter Two Review for approval. The report provided Council with an update on the 2021-2022 financial performance of the General Revenue Account and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programmes whilst also providing a revised forecast for 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 as at quarter two of 2021-2022.

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield recommended revisions to the current approved capital programmes covering the period 2021-2022 to 2025-2026. He outlined the changes to the capital programme and the rationale for the change.

 

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

 

Resolved:

 

That the revised, medium term General Revenue Account capital programme of £298.1 million, an increase of £6.7 million from the previously approved programme, and the change in associated resources be approved.

7.

Treasury Management Activity Monitoring - Mid Year Review 2021-2022 pdf icon PDF 135 KB

[To approve the Treasury Management Activity Monitoring - Mid Year Review 2021-2022]

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.    That it be noted, that a mid-year review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement had been undertaken and the Council had operated within the limits and requirements approved in March 2021, however due to the reprofiling of some capital programmes the authorised limit and operational boundary for commercial activities for 2022-2023 is forecast to be slightly in excess of the best estimate included in the Treasury Management Strategy presented to Council on 3 March 2021. This would be reviewed as part of the 2022-2023 Treasury Management Strategy.

2.    That it be noted, the revenue underspends of £899,000 for the General Revenue Account and £706,000 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were forecast from treasury management activities in 2021-2022, arising as a result of re-phasing of the capital programme and lower interest rates forecast on borrowing

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report on

Treasury Management Activity Monitoring - Mid Year Review 2021-2022 for approval. The report provided Council with a monitoring and progress report on treasury management activity for the second quarter of 2021-2022 as part of the mid-year review, in line with the Prudential Indicators approved by Council in March 2021.

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield noted that the Council had not undertook any new borrowing in the last two financial years.

 

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 that a mid-year review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement had been undertaken and the Council had operated within the limits and requirements approved in March 2021, however due to the reprofiling of some capital programmes the authorised limit and operational boundary for commercial activities for 2022-2023 is forecast to be slightly in excess of the best estimate included in the Treasury Management Strategy presented to Council on 3 March 2021. This would be reviewed as part of the 2022-2023 Treasury Management Strategy.
  2. That it be noted, the revenue underspends of £899,000 for the General Revenue Account and £706,000 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were forecast from treasury management activities in 2021-2022, arising as a result of rephasing of the capital programme and lower interest rates forecast on borrowing.

8.

In Year Appointments for the 2021-2022 Municipal Year pdf icon PDF 140 KB

[To approve In Year Appointments for the 2021-2022 Municipal Year]

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.    That the removal of Councillor Wendy Dalton from the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Panel for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.

2.    That the appointment of Councillor Mak Singh to the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Panel for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.

3.    That the removal of Councillor Tersaim Singh from the membership and Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.

4.    That the appointment of Councillor John Reynolds as Chair to the Governance and Ethics Committee for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.

5.    That the appointment of Councillor Milkinder Jaspal to the Governance and Ethics Committee for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.

6.    That the appointment of Councillor Tersaim Singh to the Vibrant and Sustainable City Scrutiny Panel for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.

7.    That the appointment of Councillor Lynne Moran on the Interpersonal Violence Board for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.

8.    That Councillor Phil Page be appointed to Kingswood Trust Board for a four year term of office.

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report In Year Appointments for the 2021-2022 Municipal Year for approval. The report recommended in year changes to Scrutiny Panels, Governance and Ethics Committee and an outside body.

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield proposed the recommendations and Councillor Milkinder Jaspal seconded the recommendations and moved an additional recommendation that Councillor Phil Page be appointed to Kingswood Trust Board for a four year term of office. The additional recommendation was seconded by Councillor Stephen Simkins.

 

In response to Councillor Milkinder Jaspal’s questions, the Chief Operating Officer, David Pattison agreed to provide Governance and Ethics Committee a report on whether background papers should be included for Council papers and review the term of office for appointments to outside bodies for city partnerships.

 

Resolved:

 

  1. That the removal of Councillor Wendy Dalton from the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Panel for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.
  2. That the appointment of Councillor Mak Singh to the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Panel for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.
  3. That the removal of Councillor Tersaim Singh from the membership and Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.
  4. That the appointment of Councillor John Reynolds as Chair to the Governance and Ethics Committee for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.
  5. That the appointment of Councillor Milkinder Jaspal to the Governance and Ethics Committee for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.
  6. That the appointment of Councillor Tersaim Singh to the Vibrant and Sustainable City Scrutiny Panel for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.
  7. That the appointment of Councillor Lynne Moran on the Interpersonal Violence Board for the remainder of the Municipal year 2021/2022 be approved.
  8. That Councillor Phil Page be appointed to Kingswood Trust Board for a four year term of office be approved.

9.

Motions on Notice pdf icon PDF 336 KB

[That Council consider the motions received by Councillor Ian Brookfield and Councillor Adam Collinge]

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.    That the motion on UK Shared Prosperity Fund be agreed.

2.    That the substantive motion on Inspection of SEND Services be agreed

Minutes:

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

 

That this Council notes that the government plans to replace European Union ‘structural funds’ with a new UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), due to launch in April 2022. Indeed, in their 2019 general election manifesto, the Conservatives promised that their ‘new’ UKSPF would “at a minimum” match the level of EU spending in each of the four nations of the UK.

 

Prior to the introduction of the UKSPF, the government’s UK Community Renewal Fund (CRF) aims to support communities to pilot programmes and new approaches.

 

However, the early indications are that areas in need are not receiving the allocation they need from the CRF or that they reflect previous allocations of EU funding. On the contrary, wealthier, non-priority areas are getting relatively more. For example, a Priority 2 area like Coventry received more than some Priority 1 areas like Birmingham and Dudley.

 

The fact that areas like Devon are receiving more CRF funding (£9.3million) than the West Midlands (£5.3 million), not reflecting current EU allocations in those areas, raises serious questions about the government’s attempts at levelling up and the methodology they are using to allocate funds.

 

This Council, therefore, is instructed to use all available avenues to lobby the government to ensure it is fair, consistent and equitable in its approach in distributing UKSPF monies, now and in the future to reflect EU allocations, ensuring the areas with the greatest needs receive their fair share.”

 

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

 

Councillor Ellis Turrell moved the following amended motion:

 

After paragraph one, delete paragraphs two to five and insert:

 

This Council welcomes that the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund will remove much of the inefficiency associated with the previous EU funds, which was described in Parliament by the cross-party Work and Pensions Select Committee as being “mired in inordinate bureaucracy”.

 

Prior to the introduction of the UKSPF, the government’s UK Community Renewal Fund (CRF) aims to support communities to pilot programmes and new approaches.

 

This Council notes that so far this calendar year the UK Government has provided the following funding to Wolverhampton worth a total of at least £346.3 million:

 

November:

·       UK Community Renewal Fund (Wolverhampton VCS Partnership): £719,703

·       Local Reform and Community Voices 2021 - 2022: £197,247

·       War Pensions Disregard Grant 2021 - 2022: £31,573

·       Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund (Adult Social Care): £931,990

 

October:

·       Self-Employment Income Support Scheme: £2.7m

·       Levelling Up Fund (City Learning Quarter): £20 million

·       Homelessness Prevention Grant 2021 to 2022 Exceptional Winter Top-Up Allocations: £185,848

·       Additional House Benefit Administration Subsidy: £97,170

·       Pension Credit Uplift funding: £2,066

·       Discretionary Housing Payments: £1,353,558

·       Additional New Burdens (Welfare Reform Change) £129,395

·       Payments for the Verify Earnings and Pensions Service: £35,084

·       Housing Benefit Award Accuracy Initiative: £19,436.99

·       Mid-year Discretionary Housing Payments: £1,904,278

·       Housing Benefit Administration Subsidy (2021.22): £1,000,947

 

September

·       Household Support Fund: £2,631,877.25

 

August:

·       Traffic Signals Maintenance Grant Awards 2021/22: £500,000  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Written Questions by Councillors pdf icon PDF 196 KB

[That the Cabinet Members respond to questions received]

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the responses to written questions be noted.

Minutes:

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins responded to questions put to him by Councillor Mary Bateman on Civic Halls. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield responded to a question put to him by Councillor Wendy Thompson on Social Media. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.

 

That the responses to written questions be noted.