Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

There were no declarations of interest submitted.

[To receive minutes of the previous meeting held on 02 March 2022 ]

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

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 2 March 2022, be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Mayor.

[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

1.    Retiring Councillors

The Mayor expressed thanks to Councillor Keith Inston who was not seeking re-election in May 2022.

2.    International Women’s Day

The Mayor reported it was International Women’s day on 8 March and was pleased to report that Wolverhampton played its part in marking the event.

The Mayor was invited to open a small exhibition to mark the day at Bilston Library, hosted by Bilston and District Soroptimists, which showcased the work of notable local ladies.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor also welcomed members of the Women’s Institute into the City Suite, to celebrate their 150^th Anniversary.

3.    Honorary Freewoman Lisa Potts

The Mayor reported on Friday 11 March, the Mayoress and he hosted a celebratory lunch for Honorary Freewoman of the City Lisa Potts GM.

4.    Commonwealth Tribute to Life Event

The Mayor reported he attended the launch of the ‘Tribute to Life’ project; hosted by Dr Satya Sharma on Monday 14 March. The Tribute to Life project offers a unique opportunity to highlight the ongoing need to increase levels of organ and tissue donation and transplantation across the world.

5.    Wolverhampton Neighbourhood Policing Awards

The Mayor reported he had the honour of attending the Wolverhampton Neighbourhood Policing Awards on Tuesday 29 March, where he handed out several Mayoral Awards to our hard-working Police Officers based here in Wolverhampton. The event highlighted some of the brave feats carried out by officers over the past few years; rightfully rewarding and acknowledging them for their commitment to public safety.

6.    Ben Whittaker – School Visits

The Mayor had the pleasure to visit Khalsa Academy and Heath Park School with Olympic Silver medallist Ben Whittaker who talked to pupils about his journey to success and hopefully inspire the next generation of Olympians.

7.    Mayors RockFest

The Mayor reported the Annual Mayors Charity Rockfest was scheduled to take place on 9th and 10^th April. The Rockfest would take place at the Robin 2 on the 9^th  and in the Gifford Arms on the 10th.

8.      Ramadan – 1^st April to 2^nd May

The Mayor wished all observing Ramadan, Ramadan Mubarak (blessed Ramadan).

[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 cost of living crisis.

The report was debated by Council.

[To provide an update on the funding status and strategy for the City Learning Quarter and seek approval to take the required steps to allow commencement of procurement and delivery works for Phase 2]

1.    That it be approved, that if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants were received.

2.    That it be approved, that as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x million of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates were subject to tender prices.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins presented the report on City Learning Quarter Delivery for approval. The report provided an update on the overall financial status of the City Learning Quarter (CLQ) following the conclusion of various funding applications that were submitted during 2021.

The report sought approvals to enable the project to proceed whilst final confirmation of funding was secured. The report also considered the procurement options available and notes the intention to transfer freehold of the College building on completion.

A corresponding private report detailing confidential financial matters was also submitted for consideration.

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins proposed the recommendations and the Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Councillor Dr. Michael Hardacre seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1. That it be approved, that if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants were received.
2. That it be approved, that as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x million of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates were subject to tender prices.
3. That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

[To approve the Wolverhampton Homes Delivery Plan 2022-2023]

1.    That the Wolverhampton Homes Delivery Plan 2022-2023 be approved.  

2.    That it be approved that arrangements for monitoring the delivery of the Wolverhampton Homes Delivery Plan be reported to Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal presented the report on Wolverhampton Homes Delivery Plan 2022-2023 for approval. The report sought approval of the Wolverhampton Homes Annual Delivery Plan 2022-2023 and its monitoring arrangements.

The annual Delivery Plan as detailed in Appendix 1 to this report, sets out how strategic priorities would be operationalised over the coming year. The key performance indicators were detailed in Appendix 2 to this report.

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal proposed the recommendations and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1. That the Wolverhampton Homes Delivery Plan 2022-2023 be approved.
2. That it be approved that arrangements for monitoring the delivery of the Wolverhampton Homes Delivery Plan be reported to Cabinet.

[To approve a development proposal for the creation of a Health and Social Care Hub on the former Oxley Day Training Centre site]

That the project and appropriate capital budgets funded through grant and prudential borrowing as detailed within the report, subject to confirmation of successful grant bids be approved.

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal presented the report on Oxley Health and Wellbeing Facility and Residential Accommodation for approval.

The report sought approval to progress the capital project but not until obtaining outline planning consent, securing grant funding, achieving cost certainty from market tenders, securing leases with health care tenants and a pre-sale agreement with a Registered Provider for the new homes. These conditions would protect the Council by reducing the financial exposure until cost certainty, rental income and grant funding were secured.

A corresponding private report detailing confidential financial matters was also submitted for consideration.

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal proposed the recommendation and Councillor Susan Roberts seconded the recommendation.

Councillor Adam Collinge moved an amendment to insert three additional recommendations to the report as follows:

1. Undertaking a full local community consultation on the project at an appropriate stage.

2. Continued proportionate and appropriate security, management and maintenance of the site until such time as the site has been redeveloped and possession taken.

3. That, without prejudice to the project and wherever practical, the Council endorses working collaboratively with adjacent landowners in the interests of addressing mutual considerations, issues of site security and seeking complimentary proposals for any adjacent brownfield, disused or potentially disused land, along Probert Road.

Councillor Stephanie Haynes seconded the amendment.

The amendment was debated by Council and lost.

Resolved:

That the project and appropriate capital budgets funded through grant and prudential borrowing as detailed within the report, subject to confirmation of successful grant bids be approved

[To present the outcome of the Youth Offending Team Inspection]

That the adoption of the Youth Offending Team inspection action plan be endorsed.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Councillor Dr. Michael Hardacre presented the report on Youth Offending Team Inspection Outcome for approval. The report provided an overview of the recent Youth Offending Team (YOT) inspection outcome which was rated as Good; to identify the areas of strength and the areas for development that would support Wolverhampton YOT to build on its strong foundations and ensure the team continues to deliver a high-quality service for young people.

The report also detailed an action plan which had been produced based on the inspection recommendations and progress would be overseen by the multi-agency YOT Management Board on a quarterly basis.

Overall, Wolverhampton YOT was rated as ‘Good’, with five specific aspects judged to be 'Outstanding', six 'Good' and one 'Requiring Improvement'.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Councillor Dr. Michael Hardacre proposed the recommendation and the Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the recommendation.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

That the adoption of the Youth Offending Team inspection action plan be endorsed.

[To receive a report on SEND Local Area Inspection and Written Statement of Action – To Follow]

1.    That the constitution of a Cross Party Scrutiny Review Group under the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel as outlined in Appendix 1 to this report be approved.

2.    That it be approved, that authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for the Education, Skills and Work and the Executive Director for Families for the additional funding as agreed by Council (2 March 2022) to support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) into employment and support employers in taking on young people with SEND through the existing Wolves@Work budget via a dedicated ringfenced resource within that budget of not less than £100,000 per annum. This would be added into the Written Statement of Action.

3.    That it be noted, the Ofsted approval of the Local Area Written Statement of Action (WSoA) submitted as a requirement following the outcome of the Local Area SEND inspection of services and provision in Wolverhampton as detailed in Appendix 2 to this report.

4.    That the proposed monitoring arrangements for overseeing the progress against the WSoA be noted.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Councillor Dr. Michael Hardacre presented the report on SEND Local Area Inspection and Written Statement of Action for approval. The report provided assurance to Members that the Written Statement of Action developed as the Local Area response to the SEND Inspection outcome had the support of Ofsted.

The report also provided assurance to families that the Local Area is committed to improving services and provision for children, young people and families with SEND.

The report outlines the proposed monitoring arrangements for the 18 months that the WSoA was being implemented and to demonstrate that it was reported on regularly to the Department for Education.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Councillor Dr. Michael Hardacre proposed the recommendations and Councillor Rita Potter seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1. That the constitution of a Cross Party Scrutiny Review Group under the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel as outlined in Appendix 1 to this report be approved.
2. That it be approved, that authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for the Education, Skills and Work and the Executive Director for Families for the additional funding as agreed by Council (2 March 2022) to support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) into employment and support employers in taking on young people with SEND through the existing Wolves@Work budget via a dedicated ringfenced resource within that budget of not less than £100,000 per annum. This would be added into the Written Statement of Action.
3. That it be noted, the Ofsted approval of the Local Area Written Statement of Action (WSoA) submitted as a requirement following the outcome of the Local Area SEND inspection of services and provision in Wolverhampton as detailed in Appendix 2 to this report.
4. That the proposed monitoring arrangements for overseeing the progress against the WSoA be noted.

[To approve the Statement of Gambling Policy]

That the Statement of Gambling Policy 2002-2025 be adopted.

The Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Steve Evans, presented the report on Gambling Act Policy for approval. The report sought approval of the Gambling Act Policy following full public consultation.

The Council was under a legal duty to review the Gambling Policy every three years, this was last undertaken in 2019. Only minor amendments had been made to policy and most were references to the paragraphs of the Gambling Commission Guidance for Licensing Authorities document which was updated in May 2021.

A table had been added to the policy which provided a breakdown of gambling establishments on a ward-by-ward basis to give a more in-depth local area profile. 

The Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Steve Evans proposed the recommendation and the Chair of Statutory Licensing Committee, Councillor Phil Page seconded the recommendation.

Resolved:

That the Statement of Gambling Policy 2002-2025 be adopted.

[To receive the auditor’s annual report]

That the Annual Report from the Council’s external auditors, Grant Thornton be noted.

The Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Councillor Alan Butt presented the report on Auditor's Annual Report, on City of Wolverhampton Council 2020-2021 for approval. The report provided members with an update on the Auditor’s Annual Report, on City of Wolverhampton Council for 2020-2021.

The report by the auditor’s considered whether the Council had put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in its use of resources. The auditor’s report went in more detail on the Council’s overall arrangements, as well as key recommendations on any significant weaknesses in arrangements identified during the audit. Overall, no statutory or key recommendations were reported by Grant Thornton.

The Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Councillor Alan Butt proposed the recommendation and the Vice Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Councillor Jonathan Yardley seconded the recommendation.

The report was debated by council.

Resolved:

That the Annual Report from the Council’s external auditors, Grant Thornton be noted.

[To approve the Annual Scrutiny Review 2020-2021]

That the Annual Scrutiny Review 2020-2021 be approved.

The Chair of Scrutiny Board, Councillor Paul Sweet presented the report on Annual Scrutiny Review 2020-2021 for approval. The Annual Review highlighted some of the key achievements of the Scrutiny function over the 2020-2021 municipal year including details of the progress and outcomes from a selection of Panel meetings.

The annual scrutiny review 2020 – 2021, detailed the main areas of considerations, challenges and future direction for scrutiny. Scrutiny sought to add value through its work and positively impact the lives of citizens in Wolverhampton through influencing policy and working closely with partners.

The Chair of Scrutiny Board, Councillor Paul Sweet proposed the recommendation and the Vice Chair of Scrutiny Board Councillor Simon Bennett seconded the recommendation. Both placed on record their thanks to the Scrutiny Officers.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

That the Annual Scrutiny Review 2020-2021 be approved.

[To approve the Municipal Calendar of Meetings 2022-2023]

1.    That the City of Wolverhampton Council Municipal Calendar of Meetings for 2022- 2023 be approved.

2.    That it be noted, the titles of the scrutiny panels would be reviewed in advance of the Annual General Meeting.

The Chair of Governance and Ethics Committee, Councillor John Reynolds presented the report on Municipal Calendar of Meetings 2022-2023 for approval. The report sought approval for the calendar of meetings for the next municipal year. 

The Chair of Governance and Ethics Committee, Councillor John Reynolds proposed the recommendations and the Vice Chair Councillor Jonathan Crofts seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

1. That the City of Wolverhampton Council Municipal Calendar of Meetings for 2022- 2023 be approved.

That it be noted, the titles of the scrutiny panels would be reviewed in advance of the Annual General Meeting.

[To provide an update on the funding status and strategy for the City Learning Quarter and seek approval to take the required steps to allow commencement of procurement and delivery works for Phase 2]

1.    That it be approved, if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants were received.

2.    That it be approved, as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x million of budget as detailed in the exempt report, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates are subject to tender prices.

3.    That it be approved, that authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins presented the exempt report on City Learning Quarter Delivery for approval. The report was exempt as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins proposed the recommendations and the Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Councillor Dr. Michael Hardacre seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

1. That it be approved, that if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants were received.
2. That it be approved, that as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x million of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates were subject to tender prices.
3. That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

[That Council consider the motion received by Councillor Ellis Turrell]

That the motion on brownfield land was lost.

Councillor Ellis Turrell moved the motion on Brownfield Land:

 “The Leader of Wolverhampton Council has previously stated that “every inch” of brownfield land in Wolverhampton has been assessed for housing and has been included in the draft Black Country Plan for development.

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, will be imminently publishing a report commissioned to assess all brownfield land and seeking to offset the use of greenbelt sites in Wolverhampton. In a previous Full Council meeting, the Labour Group voted against the active promotion of identifying further brownfield land in the city.

On 11th March 2022, Dudley Council announced that it would remove two council owned greenbelt sites in the borough from the Black Country Plan, in response to the huge number of objections received during the consultation. Thousands of objections have been received to building on greenbelt land in Wolverhampton in the first consultation phase. The Leader of the Council has said that he would listen to what people have to say, but so far there has been no evidence of this in the Council’s actions.

This Council therefore:

i)               Rejects the assertion from the Leader of the Council that “every inch” of brownfield land has been included in the Black Country Plan.

ii)              Will upon publication of the Mayor of the West Midlands Brownfield Report commit to working with the Mayor to include any additionally identified brownfield sites into the draft Black Country Plan.

iii)            Welcomes the decision by Dudley Council to remove its own greenbelt land from the Black Country Plan, and commits to immediately doing the same in Wolverhampton.”

Councillor Ellis Turrell outlined the rationale for the motion. Councillor Simon Bennett seconded the motion and outlined the rationale for supporting the motion.

The motion was debated by Council.

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

The motion was LOST by 26 votes. There were 14 votes for.

Resolved:

That the motion on brownfield  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

[That the Cabinet Members 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 Craig Collingswood on the Eye Infirmary and Councillor Jonathan Yardley on Civic Halls. He also responded to supplementary questions on the same subject matter and agreed to provide a written response to Councillor Jonathan Yardley on contractual dates.

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal responded to a question put to him by Councillor Susan Roberts MBE on Oxley Day Training Centre, Councillor Clare Simm on Nelson Mandela Site, Councillor Paul Singh on Penn Cricket Club and by Councillor Wendy Thompson on Parking. He also responded to supplementary questions on the same subject matter.

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal agreed to provide a written response to the question submitted by Councillor Qaiser Azeem on Wolverhampton Homes. 

The Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Steve Evans agreed to provide a written response to the question Councillor Paul Appleby on Climate Change Emergency.

The Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Steve Evans responded to questions put to him by Councillor Andrew McNeil on Dudley Street and Councillor Adam Collinge on Road Sweep Programme. He also responded to supplementary questions on the same subject matter.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield responded to questions put to him by Councillor Wendy Dalton on Wolves at Work and Councillor Jonathan Crofts on Covid Support Grants. He also responded to supplementary questions on the same subject matter and agreed to provide a written response to Councillor Jonathan Crofts on fraudulent claims.

Resolved:

That the responses to written questions be noted.

[To pass the following resolution: That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information on the grounds shown below]

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Resolved: That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

[To approve a development proposal for the creation of a Health and Social Care Hub on the former Oxley Day Training Centre site]

That the project and appropriate capital budgets funded through grant and prudential borrowing as detailed within the report, subject to confirmation of successful grant bids be approved.

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal presented the exempt report on Oxley Health and Wellbeing Facility and Residential Accommodation for approval. The report was exempt as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

The Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal proposed the recommendation and Councillor Susan Roberts seconded the recommendation.

Resolved:

That the project and appropriate capital budgets funded through grant and prudential borrowing as detailed within the report, subject to confirmation of successful grant bids be approved