Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Deputy Mayor, Councillor Linda Leach, Councillor Christopher Haynes,  Councillor Stephanie Haynes, Councillor John Reynolds, Councillor Tersaim Singh and Councillor Iqra Tahir.

Councillor Louise Miles declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 6 - Capital Programme 2023-2024 to 2027-2028 Quarter Two Review, as a ward councillor for a capital programme detailed within the report.

[To receive minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 November]

The Mayor proposed, Councillor Paula Brookfield seconded, and it was resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 8 November 2023, be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Mayor.

[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

1.         Christmas Jumpers

The Mayor thanked everyone who was wearing a Christmas jumper this evening and thanked everyone for donating to the Mayor’s charitable fund so generously.

2.         Mayoral Engagements

The Mayor advised since the last Full Council meeting, he had attended 30 engagements as Mayor.

The Mayor reported he had attended three memorial events over the course of Remembrance Weekend, all five of the Christmas lights switch-Ons in the City Centre, Wednesfield, Bilston, Tettenhall and Bantock Park and a Diwali celebration at the Arena Theatre.

The Mayor reported he was proud to attend both the Transgender Day of Remembrance flag-raising event on 20th November and the launch of the Orange Campaign to combat violence against women and girls.

3. Windrush Generation Proposals

The Mayor was pleased to announce that he was working with the EDI Team and other partners to propose a series of events and educational initiatives celebrating the Windrush community and broader diverse communities in the city. Several proposals were being considered and progress will be reported at the next meeting of Full Council meeting.

4.         Charity Fundraising

The Mayor reported his efforts to raise funds for his chosen charities continue apace. Following his visit to the Grand Slam of Darts last week, the organisers had kindly donated some memorabilia which was now on sale on eBay. The Mayor encouraged all to view the items and to bid generously.

5.         The Great Mayoral Christmas Bake-Off

The Mayor reported, the Great Mayoral Christmas Bake-Off was taking place on Thursday 7 December 2023, where our employees had been hard at work baking cakes, after judging a winner they would be sold off. 

6.         Childrens Christmas Party

The Mayor reported he would be hosting two Christmas parties in the City Suite for children from City schools, and was aimed at the most deserving of youngsters. The Mayor thanked Tesco, Penn Road and our Markets Department led by Joanne Huntbatch who donated presents and prizes to enable the parties to take place and also our MC for the day, Dickie Dodd.

7.         Mayoral Christmas Card

The Mayor reported his Christmas card this year, featured a photo of the beautiful Bantock Park in the snow and was sponsored by two local businesses who have made donations to his charitable fund: Collins Aerospace, as organised by former councillor Beverley Momenabadi, and Revolver Records, run by former councillors Paul and Olivia Birch. The Mayor placed on record his thanks to these two companies for their generosity. 

8.         Mayoral Quiz Night

The Mayor reported his charity quiz night would be taking place in early February. Full details would be announced in due course but as usual it would be for teams of up to four people with prizes, a raffle and questions set by the Mayoral team.

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

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, provided Council with an update on the Cost of Living.

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

Councillor Stephen Simkins replied to the response.

[To approve the Capital Programme 2023-2024 to 2027-2028 Quarter Two Review]

1.     That the revised, medium term General Fund capital programme of £358.8 million, an increase of £9.0 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 £523.5 million, a net decrease of £5.0 million from the previously approved programme, and the change in associated resources be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Louise Miles presented

the report on Capital Programme 2023-2024 to 2027-2028 Quarter Two

Review for approval.

The report provided an update on the 2023-2024 financial performance of

the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital

programmes, whilst also providing a revised forecast for 2023-2024 to

2027-2028 as at quarter two 2023-2024.

The report also recommend revisions to the current approved capital

programme covering the period 2023-2024 to 2027-2028.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Louise Miles proposed the

recommendations and The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen

Simkins seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council. Councillor Louise Miles replied to the

debate.

Resolved:

1.   That the revised, medium term General Fund capital programme of £358.8 million, an increase of £9.0 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 £523.5 million, a net decrease of £5.0 million from the previously approved programme, and the change in associated resources be approved.

[To approve the Treasury Management Activity Monitoring - Mid Year Review 2023-2024]

1.     That it be noted, 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 2023.

2.     That it be noted, that revenue underspends of £793,000 for the General Fund and £1.5 million for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were forecast from treasury management activities in 2023-2024.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Louise Miles presented the report on Treasury Management Activity Monitoring - Mid Year Review 2023-2024 for approval.

The report provides a monitoring and progress report on treasury management activity for the second quarter of 2023-2024 as part of the mid-year review, in line with the Prudential Indicators approved by Council in March 2023.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Louise Miles proposed the recommendations and The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council. Councillor Louise Miles replied to the debate.

Resolved:

1.    That it be noted, 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 2023.

2.    That it be noted, that revenue underspends of £793,000 for the General Fund and £1.5 million for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were forecast from treasury management activities in 2023-2024.

[To approve the final polling district and polling station proposals]

1.     That the polling district and polling place scheme contained in Appendix 1 to this report be approved and adopted in relation to all elections.

2.     That the necessary amendments to polling districts for the publication of the revised register on 2 January 2023 be approved.

3.     That it be approved, authority be delegated to the Returning Officer and Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Leader and Leader of the Opposition to make minor alterations to the polling station scheme prior to the next compulsory statutory review in five years.

4.     That it be noted, the annual publication of the revised register had been delayed from 1 December to 2 January 2024 due to a by-election taking place during the annual canvass period.

5.     That it noted, the submissions made to the Council as part of the polling district and station consultation, and the Returning Officer response to these were contained in Appendix 2 to this report.

6.     That it be noted, there had been an increase of 2 schools to 17. 1 of these schools stays open on polling day and 7 currently plan for polling day as either an inset day or remote learning day. Comparatively, Wolverhampton uses the least number of schools across the region. From analysis carried out in September 2022, the number of schools used by other metropolitan councils in the region was detailed in this report. All of these councils would also be carrying out their own statutory polling district review and many have boundary reviews so the situation may change.

The Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Councillor Paula Brookfield, presented the report Final polling district and polling station proposals for approval.

The report sought approval for the final proposals for the polling district and polling place scheme for 2024 until the next statutory review in five years time.

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

Resolved:

1.    That the polling district and polling place scheme contained in Appendix 1 to this report be approved and adopted in relation to all elections.

2.    That the necessary amendments to polling districts for the publication of the revised register on 2 January 2023 be approved.

3.    That it be approved, authority be delegated to the Returning Officer and Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Leader and Leader of the Opposition to make minor alterations to the polling station scheme prior to the next compulsory statutory review in five years.

4.    That it be noted, the annual publication of the revised register had been delayed from 1 December to 2 January 2024 due to a by-election taking place during the annual canvass period.

5.    That it noted, the submissions made to the Council as part of the polling district and station consultation, and the Returning Officer response to these were contained in Appendix 2 to this report.

6.    That it be noted, there had been an increase of 2 schools to 17. 1 of these schools stays open on polling day and 7 currently plan for polling day as either an inset day or remote learning day. Comparatively, Wolverhampton uses the least number of schools across the region. From analysis carried out in September 2022, the number of schools used by other metropolitan councils in the region was detailed in this report. All of these councils would also be carrying out their own statutory polling district review and many have boundary reviews so the situation may change.

[To Follow]

1.     That it be approved, with effect from 6 December 2023 the statutory Section 151 Officer function would be assumed by the Deputy Chief Executive as part of the transitional arrangements following the resignation of the Director of Finance.

2.     That it be approved, the implementation of the job allocation outcome for the Chief Accountant post from Grade 12 to Grade 13 with effect from 10 August 2023.

3.     That it be approved, following the job allocation review that the Chief Accountant (Deputy Section 151 Officer) be redesignated to Deputy Director of Finance as per the current structure for Grade 13 posts, retaining the Deputy Section 151 Officer responsibility.

4.     That it be approved, to appoint with immediate effect, James Howse, Interim Director of Finance, as a further Deputy Section 151 Officer.

5.     That it be approved, that interim arrangements would be considered to ensure a smooth transition for the Director of Adults post pending the secondment to the vacancy - any interim Director of Adults would assume the statutory DASS responsibility.

6.     That it be approved, the redesignation of the vacant Executive Director of Families post to Executive Director with effect from 6 December 2023.

7.     That it be approved, the funding for the vacant Executive Director post (detailed at para 1.5 to this report) would be funded from corporate budgets should that be required, following the review by the Chief Executive of strategic capacity.

8.     That it be noted, the Director of Finance, currently the Section 151 Officer leaves the Council on 26 January 2024.

9.     That it be noted, interim arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth transition for the Director of Finance post pending the permanent recruitment to the vacancy, with James Howse, an experienced Section 151 Officer, as interim Director of Finance.

10.That it be noted, the Director of Adults, currently the statutory DASS would be leaving the Council in the new year (2024).

11.That it be noted, the 12 month secondment opportunity for the Director of Adults (including the DASS function) post would be subject to a Special Appointments Committee as per the Constitution.

12.That it be noted, the dedication, commitment and positive impact that both the Director of Finance and Director of Adults have had on our Council and city.

13.That it be noted, the Chief Executive would be carrying out a review of strategic capacity within senior officers and in the event that the vacant Executive Director role is required it would subject to a Special Appointments Committee as per the Constitution and have responsibility for portfolios as determined by the Chief Executive.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, presented the report on Appointment of Section 151 Officer and Other Senior Vacancies for approval.

The report sought approval from Council for the interim arrangements put in place following the resignation of the Director of Finance and imminent departure of the Director of Adults, this would ensure a smooth transition and a clear understanding of responsibility and accountability for the statutory Section 151 officer and statutory DASS function.

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

Council placed on record thanks to the Director of Finance, Claire Nye, for her service to the Council and wished Claire all the very best. Council gave applause to Claire.

Resolved:

1.    That it be approved, with effect from 6 December 2023 the statutory Section 151 Officer function would be assumed by the Deputy Chief Executive as part of the transitional arrangements following the resignation of the Director of Finance.

2.    That it be approved, the implementation of the job allocation outcome for the Chief Accountant post from Grade 12 to Grade 13 with effect from 10 August 2023.

3.    That it be approved, following the job allocation review that the Chief Accountant (Deputy Section 151 Officer) be redesignated to Deputy Director of Finance as per the current structure for Grade 13 posts, retaining the Deputy Section 151 Officer responsibility.

4.    That it be approved, to appoint with immediate effect, James Howse, Interim Director of Finance, as a further Deputy Section 151 Officer.

5.    That it be approved, that interim arrangements would be considered to ensure a smooth transition for the Director of Adults post pending the secondment to the vacancy - any interim Director of Adults would assume the statutory DASS responsibility.

6.    That it be approved, the redesignation of the vacant Executive Director of Families post to Executive Director with effect from 6 December 2023.

7.    That it be approved, the funding for the vacant Executive Director post (detailed at para 1.5 to this report) would be funded from corporate budgets should that be required, following the review by the Chief Executive of strategic capacity.

8.    That it be noted, the Director of Finance, currently the Section 151 Officer leaves the Council on 26 January 2024.

9.    That it be noted, interim arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth transition for the Director of Finance post pending the permanent recruitment to the vacancy, with James Howse, an experienced Section 151 Officer, as interim Director of Finance.

10.That it be noted, the Director of Adults, currently the statutory DASS would be leaving the Council in the new year (2024).

11.That it be noted, the 12 month secondment opportunity for the Director of Adults (including the DASS function) post would be subject to a Special Appointments Committee as per the Constitution.

12.That it be noted, the dedication, commitment and positive impact that both the Director of Finance and Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

[That the Executive Members respond to questions received]

That the responses to written questions be noted.

The Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Craig Collingswood responded to a question put to him by Councillor Harbinder Singh on Carbon Reduction Activities. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same matter.

The question on Grand Slam of Darts was withdrawn.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Chris Burden responded to a question put to him by Councillor Zee Russell on Child Poverty. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same matter.

The Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills Education, Councillor Jacqui Coogan responded to a question put to her by Councillor Celia Hibbert on Wolverhampton University. She also responded to a supplementary question on the same matter.

The Lead Member for the West Midlands Police and Crime

Panel, Councillor Jasbir Jaspal responded to a question put to her by Councillor Wendy Dalton on Merry Hill Policing Hub. She also responded to a supplementary question on the same matter.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Chris Burden responded to a question put to him by Councillor Wendy Thompson on Youth Activity. He also responded to a supplementary question on the same matter.

The Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Councillor Paula Brookfield responded to a question put to her by Councillor Udey Singh on Councillor Support Unit. She also responded to a supplementary question on the same matter.

Resolved:

That the responses to written questions be noted.

[That Council consider the motions received]

1.     That the motion on City Centre Review be agreed.

2.     That the motion on Green Innovation Corridor be deferred to the next meeting and be the first motion considered.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, moved a motion on City Centre Review:

“Council notes that earlier this year, a local business owner commissioned an ‘independent review’ of Wolverhampton City Centre. Although not convinced that such a review was required, Council nevertheless offered its full support to the consultants appointed and were eventually provided a verbal update on the work they had undertaken. Council does not expect the report of this ‘independent review’ to provide any new insight into the challenges faced by city centre businesses in Wolverhampton and indeed, across the country (e.g. factors beyond the council’s control such as the impacts of the pandemic /Brexit, soaring energy costs, ?emergence of online shopping, out of town retail parks etc).? Irrespective of the findings of the ‘independent review’, Council reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses to thrive and establishing Wolverhampton as a destination city for years to come.

Furthermore, Council calls upon the Metro Mayor and the Government for local authorities to be given greater powers, freedoms and adequate funding to keep our city centres thriving, after years of Tory under-investment.”?

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins outlined the rationale for the motion. The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Steve Evans seconded the motion and outlined the rationale for supporting the motion.

The motion was debated by Council.

Councillor Simon Bennett moved the following amendment to the motion:

“Council notes that earlier this year, a well-respected local business owner commissioned a much-needed independent review of Wolverhampton City Centre. An open invitation to the summary presentation of this independent review at the Wolverhampton Business Forum meeting on Thursday 16^th November was attended by many local businesses and stakeholders, including the City Council’s Chief Executive.

This Council recognises and appreciates the time, money and immense effort over a number of years by Henry Carver to make this review happen.

Irrespective of the findings of the independent review, Council will look seriously at the conclusions once the full report is published and work with Wolverhampton Business Forum members and the wider business community in Wolverhampton to implement the tangible recommendations required, in order for local businesses to thrive and establishing Wolverhampton as a destination city for years to come.

Furthermore, Council commits to continue working with the West Midlands Mayor and the Government on expanding the powers, freedoms and funding for local authorities, while noting that since 2019 alone, Wolverhampton has received more than £2.2 billion direct investment from central Government.

Therefore, Council resolves that the Leader of the Council will:

• Send a letter of thanks to Henry Carver for commissioning such a thorough review that benefits the city, its businesses, and its residents, while recognising Mr Carver’s dedication to our city over many years
• Send a letter of thanks to Wolverhampton Business Forum for their efforts to help revive the city’s economy and business environment, after decades of decline under consecutive Labour administrations
• Create a working group to implement the findings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.