Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Yardley, Mattu, Angus, Bedi and Haynes, and from Kevin O’Keefe, Director of Governance.

The following Councillors declared the interests detailed below in respect of agenda item seven “Housing Revenue Account Business Plan”

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

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 16 December 2016, be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Mayor.

To receive the Mayor’s announcements.

Queen’s New Year’s Honours list

The Mayor extended congratulations to three residents of the City who received royal recognition, namely, Councillor Sandra Samuels, for political service and services to local government and foster carers Clifford Alan Bennett and Jacqueline Bennett for services to children and families.  Congratulatory messages on behalf of the Council had been sent.

Holocaust Memorial Day

The Mayor thanked all those who attended the Holocaust Memorial service at the Cenotaph that morning, including Interfaith Wolverhampton, Councillors, employees and members of the public.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence, delivered his State of the City Address which had been timed to coincide with the launch of the City Vision 2030.

He highlighted the following issues:

·       Challenges facing the Council

·       Railway and interchange development work

·       Investment sites and regeneration in the City

·       Housing development improvements

·       Role of independent enterprises

·       Local employment and training opportunities

·       Devolution deal

The Leader of the Opposition group, Councillor Wendy Thompson (Conservative Group), responded to Councillor Roger Lawrence’s state of the city address.

To consider the proposed Statement of Gambling Policy for implementation with effect from 31 January 2016.

Council received a report on the reviewed Statement of Gambling Policy, which was outlined by Councillor Bolshaw, Chair of the Licensing Committee.

It was moved by Councillor Bolshaw and seconded by Councillor Dass.

Resolved:    
To adopt the proposed Statement of Gambling Policy for implementation with effect from 31 January 2016.

To receive a report on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan, including the proposed HRA budget for 2016/17.

Council received a report on the Housing Revenue Account business plan.  Councillor Bilson presented an overview of the recommendations and recommendations for noting. He responded to a question from Councillor Thompson regarding the building programme and timespan for dealing with voids.

It was moved by Councillor Bilson and seconded by Councillor Johnson.

Resolved:

1.     That the implementation of the 1% reduction in social housing rents in accordance with the Welfare Reform and Work Bill and the proposed 28 days’ notice to all secure and introductory tenants of the rent reduction from 4 April 2016 be approved.

2.     That the business plan as set out at appendix A to the Cabinet report be adopted as the approved Housing Revenue Account business plan.

3.     That the increases to garage rents and service charges as set out in appendices B1-B3 of the Cabinet report and the formal notification of tenants be agreed.

4.     That the Cabinet Member, City Assets, circulate details of the average turnaround for voids to the Leader of the Opposition.

5.     To note:

(a)  That all Council dwelling rents will reduce by 1% in line with the proposals contained in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill.

(b)  The consultation responses as outlined at appendix C of the cabinet report.

(c)  Proposals to meet the requirements of the Heat Network regulations 2014 for the district heating schemes at Heath Town and New Park Village.

(d)  The potential impact of the current Housing and Planning Bill on the HRA business plan.

To receive a summary of Executive Business to include;

·       Violence Against Women Strategy

·       Playing Pitch Strategy and Assessment Report

·       Active Travel Strategy

Council received a summary of executive business in relation to:

·       Violence against women strategy

·       Playing pitch strategy and assessment report

·       Active travel strategy

Local Authority assistance for local recruitment

Councillor Thompson to ask Councillor Reynolds (as Cabinet Member for City Economy):-

“Could the Cabinet Member advise Council of progress with the steps being taken by the authority to match local people with jobs over the last two years, in terms of the numbers of local people successfully placed in permanent jobs in or near to Wolverhampton?”

Councillor Thompson asked the following question:

‘Could the Cabinet Member advise Council of progress with the steps being taken by the authority to match local people with jobs over the last two years, in terms of the numbers of local people successfully placed in permanent jobs in or near to Wolverhampton?’

Councillor Reynolds reported that unemployment had fallen in the City and highlighted the Council’s role in achieving this through:

·       Employee support such as the Amazon warehouse development

·       City jobs fair, which was attended by approximately 8500 job seekers and 120 employers

·       Support for young people through 1,811 work experience placements with 458 local companies

·       Bespoke training and tailored employment opportunities

·       Development of employment programmes with partners such as the university, college and voluntary and community sector

·       Development of skills for work through the adult education service

·       Work to secure external funding to support future employment.

Councillor Thompson thanked Councillor Reynolds for his response and asked about his awareness of the gender gap of secondary school educational achievement rates in the City.

Councillor Reynolds responded by explaining that the gender gap was a national trend which was not solely attributable to the City of Wolverhampton. He advised that this was an education rather than local economy issue and suggested that the Cabinet Member for Education might be able to provide a more detailed local analysis.