Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Paul Appleby, Councillor  Paul Birch, Councillor  Olivia Birch, Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Councillor Asha Mattu, Councillor Barbara McGarity, Councillor Mak Singh and Councillor Udey Singh for lateness.

There were no declarations of interest made.

[To receive minutes of the previous extraordinary and ordinary meeting held on 20 July 2022]

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

That the minutes of the previous extraordinary and ordinary meeting, held on 20 July 2022, be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Mayor. 

[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

1.Minute’s Silence for HM The Queen

The Mayor was saddened to announce the death of our much-loved and admired Queen Elizabeth II who ruled for an unequalled 70 years.

The Council stood in silent tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

2. Queen’s Award for Volunteers

The Mayor reported that she attended the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service awards ceremony at the Birmingham Hippodrome. She was pleased to report that awards had been presented to the following groups:  

·        Let Us Play,

·       The Way Youth Zone Mentoring Programme,

·       The Staffordshire Regiment Association Wolverhampton Branch.

The Mayor added, at the ceremony, Strategic Health Lead - Ric Bravery, was presented with a planter from the ‘Tree of Trees’ sculpture which had kindly been donated for display in the Mayoral Suite.

The Mayor offered thanks on behalf of the Council to all the volunteers.

3. Black History Month Celebrations

The Mayor reported that City of Wolverhampton Council had hosted an active Black History Month during October. She reported that this year’s theme had been ‘Time for Change – Action Not Words’. The Mayor had hosted a number of events throughout the month.

The Mayor added the month concluded with the Mayor’s closing ‘Dare to Dream’ event held in the City Suite, co-hosted by Jay Blades MBE, aimed at inspiring the next generation to know their worth and achieve their full potential.

4. Diwali Mela Celebrations Phoenix Park

The Mayor had the honour of switching on the lights at the City’s Diwali Mela event in Phoenix Park last month attended by thousands of people. She added it was a fantastic event with the Council working in partnership with the Elias Mattu Foundation and community. 

5.Fireworks Spectacular

The Mayor and Consort would be attending the city’s annual firework spectacular which takes place on Saturday, 5^th November at Wolverhampton Racecourse.  It was a family-friendly event that was expected to draw an audience of around 18,000. 

6. Remembrance Events

The Mayor reported that on Friday, 11^th November, she would be joined by Deputy Lieutenant Levermore MBE at the Cenotaph for the Royal British Legion annual Armistice service.

The Mayor reported that on Saturday, 12^th November, she would be joined by Deputy Lieutenant Brendan Connor OBE, members of the Princess Irene Brigade and their Commander, Col Von Kempen, along with RBL members for the annual Dutch War Graves Remembrance service at Jeffcock Cemetery. 

The Mayor reported that on Sunday, 13^th November, the Annual Remembrance Drumhead Service and Church Service would be held.

The Mayor encouraged all to attend these very poignant acts of remembrance.

7. Wolverhampton's Youth MPs

The Mayor reported, Gregory MacDonald and Lshae Green would take part in the Youth Parliament Debates on Friday 4 November 2022 at the House of Commons, with the subjects selected following the national Make Your Mark ballot earlier this year. She added over 10,000 votes were cast by young people in Wolverhampton, the highest turnout in the West Midlands, with young people voting on  ...  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 ‘Cost of Living Crisis’.

The Leader of the Opposition Group, Councillor Wendy Thompson responded to the update.

[To approve Wolverhampton's Youth Justice Plan 2022-2023]

That the adoption of the Youth Justice Plan 2022-2023 be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Beverley Momenabadi presented the report on Wolverhampton's Youth Justice Plan 2022-2023 for approval.

The report detailed the plan relating to the work of the Youth Offending Team (YOT) that was overseen by the partnership YOT Management Board (YMB). The work of this plan was regularly reviewed by the YOT Management Board, which comprises of membership from the City of Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Police, The Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust, Recovery Near You (substance misuse service), National Probation Service, Housing, Public Health, Clinical Commissioning Group, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the Chair of the Black Country Youth Court Bench and the voluntary sector.

The report detailed performance against three overarching national indicators; the number of first-time entrants into the youth justice system, the number of young people who reoffend after their first offence and the number of young people who receive a custodial sentence as opposed to a community sentence.

The plan for 2022-2023 sought to identify priorities that respond to the national YJB key performance indicators whilst also taking the local context of Wolverhampton into consideration.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Beverley Momenabadi proposed the recommendation and the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden seconded the recommendation.

The report was debated by Council. Councillor Beverley Momenabadi replied to the debate.

Resolved:

That the adoption of the Youth Justice Plan 2022-2023 be approved.

[To approve the Corporate Code of Governance]

1.    That the revised Code of Corporate Governance be approved.

2.    That the Chief Operating Officer be authorised to publicise the document and add it to the Constitution.

The Chair of Governance and Ethics Committee, Councillor John Reynolds, presented the report on Corporate Code of Governance for approval.

The report detailed the Code of Corporate Governance (the Code) aims to set out the principles of good governance and to describe the arrangements in place that ensure the Council conducts its business in accordance with the law and proper standards, and that public money was safeguarded, properly accounted for and used economically, efficiently and effectively.

This report outlines the improvements made to the Code of Corporate Governance. The updating of the Code of Corporate Governance was a recommendation from the Council’s Annual Governance Statement in 2021. The Code had been updated to reflect changes in the guidance issued supporting the Code.

The Chair of Governance and Ethics Committee, Councillor John Reynolds, proposed the recommendations and the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Councillor Paula Brookfield seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

1. That the revised Code of Corporate Governance be approved.

2.    That the Chief Operating Officer be authorised to publicise the document and add it to the Constitution.

[To approve the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report 2021-2022]

That the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report for 2021-2022 be endorsed.

The Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Councillor Craig Collingswood presented the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report 2021-2022 for approval.  

The report summarised the main areas of work undertaken by the Audit and Risk Committee during 2021-2022. The Audit and Risk Committee had an instrumental role in providing independent and high-level focus on audit, assurance and reporting arrangements that underpin good governance and financial standards.

The Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Councillor Craig Collingswood thanked members of the committee for their contributions and thanked all internal and external auditors and officers for their hard work.

The Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Councillor Craig Collingswood proposed the recommendation and Councillor Jonathan Yardley seconded the recommendation.

The report was debated by Council. Councillor Craig Collingswood replied to the debate.

Resolved:

That the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report for 2021-2022 be endorsed.

[To consider the final proposals for the polling district and polling place scheme for 2023]

1.    That the polling district and polling place scheme contained in Appendix 1(subject to Rocket Pool Strengthening Families Hub being the polling station for BS6 and BS7) to this report be approved to be adopted in relation to all elections.

2.    That the necessary amendments to polling districts for the publication of the 1 December 2022 electoral register be approved.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Returning Officer and Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Governance, Leader and Leader of the Opposition to make minor alterations to the polling station scheme prior to the next compulsory review (October 2023 to January 2025).

4.    That it be noted, the submissions made to the Council as part of the consultation on the review of polling districts and polling place, along with the Acting Returning Officer Response were set out in Appendix 5 to this report.

The Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Councillor Paula Brookfield presented the report on Final Polling District and Polling Place Proposals for approval.

The report detailed the final proposals for the polling district and polling place scheme for 2023 for approval by Council. The report also detailed the consultation undertaken and responses received.

The Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Councillor Paula Brookfield added that since publication of the report a site visit of Rocket Pool Strengthening Families Hub had occurred and the inspection had proved the ground floor was suitable to be used as a polling station for BS6 and BS7.

The Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities Councillor Paula Brookfield, proposed the recommendations and made the following amendment that Rocket Pool Strengthening Families Hub be the polling station for BS6 and BS7. The Chair of Governance and Ethics Committee, Councillor John Reynolds seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council. Councillor Paula Brookfield replied to the debate.

Resolved:

1. That the polling district and polling place scheme contained in Appendix 1(subject to Rocket Pool Strengthening Families Hub being the polling station for BS6 and BS7) to this report be approved to be adopted in relation to all elections.
2. That the necessary amendments to polling districts for the publication of the 1 December 2022 electoral register be approved.
3. That authority be delegated to the Returning Officer and Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Governance, Leader and Leader of the Opposition to make minor alterations to the polling station scheme prior to the next compulsory review (October 2023 to January 2025).
4. That it be noted, the submissions made to the Council as part of the consultation on the review of polling districts and polling place, along with the Acting Returning Officer Response were set out in Appendix 5 to this report.

[To receive a verbal update on In Year Appointments for the 2022-2023 Municipal Year]

That the item be withdrawn.

Resolved:

That the item on In Year Appointments for the 2022-2023 Municipal Year be withdrawn.

[To receive a report on Key Decisions made under Decision Made Under Special Urgency Provisions]

That the key decision made under Special Urgency Provisions be noted.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report Key Decisions made under Decision Made Under Special Urgency Provisions for noting. The report detailed a Key Decision made under Special Urgency Provisions.

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

The report was debated by Council. Councillor Ian Brookfield replied to the debate.

Resolved:

That the key decision made under Special Urgency Provisions be noted.

[That the Executive Members respond to questions received which were deferred from the July meeting]

That the responses to written questions be noted.

The Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Councillor Paula Brookfield responded to a question put to her by Councillor Jonathan Crofts on motions. She also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.

The substitute member on the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, Councillor Zee Russell responded to a question put to her by Councillor Stephanie Haynes on Police and Crime Panel. She also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins responded to questions put to him by Councillor Wendy Dalton on City Centre Hotel, Councillor Wendy Thompson on Lichfield Street Post Office and Councillor Andy Randle on Heath Town Baths. He also responded to supplementary questions on the same subject matters.

Resolved:

That the responses to written questions be noted.

[That the Executive Members respond to questions received for the postponed September meeting]

That the responses to written questions be noted.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Councillor Chris Burden responded to a question put to him by Councillor Wendy Thompson on second hand uniform shops. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.

Resolved:

That the response to written questions be noted.

[That the Executive Members respond to questions received]

That the responses to written questions be noted.

The Cabinet Member for Resources and Digital City, Councillor Obaida Ahmed responded to a question put to her by Councillor Adam Collinge on Council Tax (Energy) Rebate. She also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.

The Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins responded to a question put to him by Councillor Andrew McNeil on Black Country Plan. He also responded to a supplementary question 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 Ellis Turrell  on Recycling. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same subject matter.

Resolved:

That the responses to written questions be noted.

[That Council consider the motion received for the postponed September Council meeting]

That the motion on a ‘Tribute to Alderman Paddy Bradley’ be deferred to a future meeting.

Councillor Stephanie Haynes moved that the motion on ‘Tribute to Alderman Paddy Bradley’ be deferred to a future meeting. This was seconded by Councillor Ian Brookfield.

Resolved:

That the motion on a ‘Tribute to Alderman Paddy Bradley’ be deferred to a future meeting.

[That Council consider the motion received by Councillor Ian Brookfield]

That the motion on cost of living be agreed.

Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of the Council, moved the motion on Cost of Living:

“This Council recognises that we are in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis for 50 years which is affecting every family across Wolverhampton. Many people are facing dreadful decisions about what they can and cannot afford to do at the most basic levels - some having to choose between heating their homes, travelling to work or feeding their families. We further call on this Council to urge the Government to uplift all benefits in line with the current rate of inflation, not to do so will cost many lives. Finally, this Council is shocked of the possibility of further, major cuts to all public services by this Tory Government of 12 years standing. We urge our local MPs to join with others to campaign and fight against these damaging proposals.”

Councillor Ian Brookfield outlined the rationale for the motion. Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the motion and outlined the rationale for supporting the motion.

The motion was debated by Council.

Councillor Ellis Turrell moved an amendment to the Cost of Living Motion

After paragraph 1, to delete paragraphs 2 and 3 and insert:

“We acknowledge the billions of pounds of support that the Government has already provided to all households as well as more targeted support, including the Council Tax Rebate, the Energy Bills Support Scheme, the Cost of Living Payment, and the Household Support Fund. This has directly helped thousands of families in Wolverhampton and we know there is more support to come

While we recognise the extremely difficult financial situation that the Government is facing, this Council supports the uplifting of benefits in line with inflation, and we await the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement for more detail.

But we also recognise that this Council also has a responsibility to help our residents through these challenging times, and with the Council’s earmarked reserves amounting to almost £100 million, it is right that we explore how we can use those reserves more effectively to support the most vulnerable residents in our city.

This Council therefore tasks cross-party Reserves Working Group with identifying earmarked reserves that can be redirected to helping our City’s residents through the cost of living crisis.”

Councillor Ellis Turrell outlined the rationale for the amended motion. Councillor Adam Collinge seconded the amended motion and outlined the rationale for supporting the motion.

The amended 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 amended motion was LOST by 36 votes. There were 14 votes for.

The Substantive motive on Cost of Living was put before Council.

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

The substantive motion was CARRIED by 35 votes. There were 11 abstentions.

Resolved:

That the motion on cost of living be agreed.