Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alan Butt and Arun Photay.

Tim Johnson declared a pecuniary interest in item 10 and 11 as an employee directly impacted by the recommendations.

[To receive minutes of the meeting held on the 16 May 2018.]

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

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 16 May 2018, be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Mayor.

[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

1.   The Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Mayor was delighted to report that three people were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.  Deputy Chief Officer Michael Rogers was awarded an MBE for Remarkable contribution to the Volunteer Police Force, West Midlands Police Special Constabulary.  Dr Opinderjit Takhar was awarded an MBE for her Services to Higher Education and Mrs Jill Parker was awarded the MBE for her Services to the Magistracy & Community of Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire.

The Mayor had written to Michael, Opinderjit and Jill on behalf of the City Council to extend the Council’s sincere congratulations.

2.   Star Awards

The Mayor reported that approximately 500 employees and partners of the Council attended this year’s employee Star Awards at the Grand Theatre on Monday 18 June. The Star Awards were about recognising employees’ success and achievements and rewarding those who go the ‘extra mile’ to serve the City of Wolverhampton. The Mayor congratulated all the award winners, as well as those nominated.

3.   Armed Forces Day

The Mayor reported that the City of Wolverhampton marked Armed Forces Week with an action-packed programme for both the day itself and during the lead up to it. The celebrations began with a flag raising ceremony at the flag pole on the piazza.

The Mayor added that the Armed Forces Day Celebration event ended with a parade (led by the Band of the Mercian Regiment) and a flag lowering ceremony. As a City, the Council had a special relationship with our armed forces. Armed Forces Day gave the Council an opportunity to celebrate all that the forces do to defend the nation at home and abroad.

4.   Food Festival

The Mayor reported that the City of Wolverhampton’s Festival of Food and Drink, was held on 7 and 8 July and saw record attendance over the two days. More than 25,000 people enjoyed the festival in the heart of the city centre. It was estimated the economic benefit to the City over the weekend was around £420,000.

5.    Memorial Programme

The Mayor reported that on Tuesday 10 July, the Leader opened the Memorial Programme.  This year marked the 23rd anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide and to commemorate this anniversary, the City of Wolverhampton Council held a flag raising vigil with readings and reflections.

6.   Opening of new city centre market

The Mayor reported that the City Council relocated the market from its current Market Square base, to Southside. Where it boasts 20 cabins and 48 stalls, fronting Cleveland Street.  The Mayor was looking forward to attending the opening event on Saturday 21 July.

7.   First WV Living show home

The Mayor reported the first WV Living show home would open on the 19 July 2018 at Danesmore Pastures. A number of customers had already reserved houses on the site. WV Living was the Council’s own housing company, and its first phase would deliver more than 1,000 new homes across a number of sites over the next four years.

8.   VJ Day 2018

The Mayor informed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

[To review the outturn statement in respect of the Council’s capital budgets for 2017 – 2018.]

1. That the revised medium term General Fund capital programme of £385.9 million, an increase of £11.0 million from the previously approved programme, reflecting the latest projected expenditure for the medium term be approved.

2. That the revised medium-term Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme of £328.8 million, a decrease of £1.0 million from the previously approved programme, reflecting the latest projected expenditure for the medium term be approved.

3. That the net additional General Fund resources of £11.0 million be approved for;

a. 12 new projects totalling £18.3 million (as detailed at paragraph 4.1 of the Cabinet report);

b. 58 existing projects net decrease totalling £7.3 million (as detailed at paragraph 3.38 of the Cabinet report).

Councillor Louise Miles presented the report on Capital budget outturn 2017-2018 including quarter one capital budget monitoring 2018-2019 for approval. The report provided an update on the outturn position for 2017-2018 and on the 2018-2019 financial performance of the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programmes. The report also set out a revised forecast for 2018-2019 to 2022-2023 as at quarter one of 2018-2019. Revisions to the current approved General Fund capital programmes covering the period 2018-2019 to 2022-2023 were also recommended.

Councillor Louise Miles proposed the recommendations and Councillor Peter Bilson seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1. That the revised medium term General Fund capital programme of £385.9 million, an increase of £11.0 million from the previously approved programme, reflecting the latest projected expenditure for the medium term be approved.

2. That the revised medium-term Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme of £328.8 million, a decrease of £1.0 million from the previously approved programme, reflecting the latest projected expenditure for the medium term be approved.

3. That the net additional General Fund resources of £11.0 million be approved for;

a. 12 new projects totalling £18.3 million (as detailed at paragraph 4.1 of the Cabinet report);

b. 58 existing projects net decrease totalling £7.3 million (as detailed at paragraph 3.38 of the Cabinet report).

[To approve matters relating to the year-end position with regards to treasury management arrangements.]

1. That it be noted, Council operated within the approved Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators, and also within the requirements set out in the Council’s approved Treasury Management Policy Statement during 2017-2018.

2. That it be noted, revenue underspends of £1.6 million for the General Fund and £731,000 for the Housing Revenue Account were generated from treasury management activities in 2017-2018.

3. That it be noted, there was a revenue underspend of £1.2 million for the General Fund and an overspend of £263,000 for the Housing Revenue Account were forecast from treasury management activities in 2018-2019, subject to the impact of the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) review.

4. That it be noted, the detailed guidance notes for the new Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the Prudential Code were still to be published by CIPFA and therefore the Treasury Management Statements for 2018-2019 were still based on the Council’s interpretation of these Codes.

5. That it be noted, the revised guidance on Local Government Investments and Minimum Revenue Provision was under review by the Director of Finance and updates would be provided to Councillors in due course.

Councillor Louise Miles presented the report on Treasury Management – Annual Report 2017-2018 and Activity Monitoring Quarter One 2018-2019 for approval. The report set out the results of treasury management activities carried out in 2017-2018, together with performance against the Prudential Indicators previously approved by Council. Monitoring and progress on treasury management activity for the first quarter of 2018-2019 was also detailed, in line with the Prudential Indicators approved by Council in March 2018.

Councillor Louise Miles proposed the recommendations and Councillor Peter Bilson seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1. That it be noted, Council operated within the approved Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators, and also within the requirements set out in the Council’s approved Treasury Management Policy Statement during 2017-2018.

2. That it be noted, revenue underspends of £1.6 million for the General Fund and £731,000 for the Housing Revenue Account were generated from treasury management activities in 2017-2018.

3. That it be noted, there was a revenue underspend of £1.2 million for the General Fund and an overspend of £263,000 for the Housing Revenue Account were forecast from treasury management activities in 2018-2019, subject to the impact of the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) review.

4. That it be noted, the detailed guidance notes for the new Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the Prudential Code were still to be published by CIPFA and therefore the Treasury Management Statements for 2018-2019 were still based on the Council’s interpretation of these Codes.

5. That it be noted, the revised guidance on Local Government Investments and Minimum Revenue Provision was under review by the Director of Finance and updates would be provided to Councillors in due course.

[To approve the implementation of the second devolution deal.]

1. That the Second Devolution Deal following the conclusion of negotiations between the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Government be endorsed.

2. That the action plan for the implementation of the Second Devolution Agreement be approved and that further discussions with Government be agreed.

3. That further reports be received at the appropriate time resulting from detailed requirements of the devolution deal.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence presented the report on West Midlands Second Devolution Agreement for approval. The report detailed the contents of the Second Devolution Deal, its implications for Wolverhampton and outlined the implementation plan to support delivery of the agreement. The Second Devolution Deal contained a range of initiatives and commitments with the overall objective to address productivity barriers and support the delivery of a local industrial strategy.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence proposed the recommendations and Councillor Peter Bilson seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

1. That the Second Devolution Deal following the conclusion of negotiations between the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Government be endorsed.

2. That the action plan for the implementation of the Second Devolution Agreement be approved and that further discussions with Government be agreed.

3. That further reports be received at the appropriate time resulting from detailed requirements of the devolution deal.

[To approve the Corporate Parenting Strategy.]

1. That the Corporate Parenting Strategy be approved for three years from April 2018 to March 2021.

2. That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services, to make any final amendments before publication.

Councillor Paul Sweet presented the report on Corporate Parenting Strategy for approval. The Children and Social Work Act 2017 required local authorities to evidence how they met the seven Corporate Parenting Principles in relation to looked after children and care leavers. The refreshed strategy provided a framework for both the City of Wolverhampton Council and its partners to ensure that services provided effective support for children and young people in or leaving care.

Councillor Paul Sweet proposed the recommendations and Councillor Val Gibson seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

1. That the Corporate Parenting Strategy be approved for three years from April 2018 to March 2021.

2. That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services, to make any final amendments before publication.

[To approve the Youth Justice Plan.]

That the Youth Justice Plan 2018-2019 be adopted.

Councillor Paul Sweet presented the report on Youth Justice Plan 2018 – 2019 for approval. The Plan referred to the work of the Youth Offending Team (YOT) partnership under the oversight of the YOT Management Board and the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership. The local priorities that had been identified for Wolverhampton responded to local areas of need and also represented an alignment with the strategic priorities identified by the Youth Justice Board.

Councillor Paul Sweet proposed the recommendations and Councillor Val Gibson seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

That the Youth Justice Plan 2018-2019 be adopted.

[To confirm the appointment of the Managing Director – verbal update.]

That the recommendation of Special Appointments Committee that Tim Johnson be appointed as Managing Director (Head of Paid Service) on the Council’s Senior Management terms and conditions be approved.

Tim Johnson, Deputy Managing Director/ Strategic Director of Place, left the room at this point and took no part in the consideration of this item.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence presented the report on the Appointment of Managing Director (Head of Paid Service). The Special Appointments Committee had met on the 17 July and had recommended that Tim Johnson be appointed on the Council’s Senior Management terms and conditions.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence proposed the recommendation and Councillor Wendy Thompson seconded the recommendation. Both added that Tim’s vision, ambition, dynamism and passion for the City greatly impressed the cross-party interview panel.

Resolved:

That the recommendation of Special Appointments Committee that Tim Johnson be appointed as Managing Director (Head of Paid Service) on the Council’s Senior Management terms and conditions be approved.

[To confirm the appointment of Electoral Registration Officer and Local Returning Officer – to be tabled.]

1. That the new Managing Director, Tim Johnson be appointed, as the statutory Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer (for local elections) with effect from the date on which he assumes office.

2. That the Managing Director be appointed, with effect from the same date as the Returning or Counting Officer for all other elections and referenda that arise, including, but not limited to, Police and Crime Commissioner, Mayoral and European polls, but excepting parliamentary elections.

3. That it be agreed that no fees should be paid for the oversight of local elections or the local registration function, such duties to be considered part of the role of Managing Director and therefore covered by the associated salary.

4. That it be agreed, that the Council should maintain insurance to indemnify the Returning Officer against any claims arising from the management of local, regional or national elections or referenda, and underwrite any policy excess required by an insurer.

5. That it be noted, the Electoral Registration Officer would be the Acting Returning Officer for any parliamentary elections called.

6. That it be noted, that such fees dispersed by government or other bodies (e.g. the West Midlands Combined Authority) for Returning or Counting Officer roles were payable to the individual concerned.

Councillor Val Gibson presented the report on Appointment of Electoral Registration Officer and Local Returning Officer for approval. Following the departure of the previous Managing Director the Council needed to make appointments to the required statutory posts of Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and Returning Officer (RO) for the City of Wolverhampton.

Councillor Val Gibson proposed the recommendations and Councillor Peter Bilson seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

1. That the new Managing Director, Tim Johnson be appointed, as the statutory Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer (for local elections) with effect from the date on which he assumes office.

2. That the Managing Director be appointed, with effect from the same date as the Returning or Counting Officer for all other elections and referenda that arise, including, but not limited to, Police and Crime Commissioner, Mayoral and European polls, but excepting parliamentary elections.

3. That it be agreed that no fees should be paid for the oversight of local elections or the local registration function, such duties to be considered part of the role of Managing Director and therefore covered by the associated salary.

4. That it be agreed, that the Council should maintain insurance to indemnify the Returning Officer against any claims arising from the management of local, regional or national elections or referenda, and underwrite any policy excess required by an insurer.

5. That it be noted, the Electoral Registration Officer would be the Acting Returning Officer for any parliamentary elections called.

6. That it be noted, that such fees dispersed by government or other bodies (e.g. the West Midlands Combined Authority) for Returning or Counting Officer roles were payable to the individual concerned.

[To approve the recruitment process for the Strategic Director of Place.]

That authority be delegated authority to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Managing Director (Head of Paid Service) to:

1.    Approve that the post of Strategic Director of Place is advertised in such a way as to bring it to the attention of persons qualified to apply for it, subject to the approval of promotion of the current post holder.

2.    Approve the creation and composition of a Special Appointments Committee to appoint the Strategic Director of Place, on a politically balanced basis, in accordance with the Constitution

3.    To make any necessary Interim arrangements, as required, whilst the recruitment and selection process for the permanent appointment is undertaken.  

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence presented the report on Recruitment of Strategic Director of Place for approval. Following the promotion of the current post holder the report sought approval for all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence proposed the recommendations and Councillor Peter Bilson seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

That authority be delegated authority to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Managing Director (Head of Paid Service) to:

1.    Approve that the post of Strategic Director of Place be advertised in such a way as to bring it to the attention of persons qualified to apply for it, subject to the approval of promotion of the current post holder.

2.    Approve the creation and composition of a Special Appointments Committee to appoint the Strategic Director of Place, on a politically balanced basis, in accordance with the Constitution

3.    To make any necessary Interim arrangements, as required, whilst the recruitment and selection process for the permanent appointment is undertaken.  

[To receive the Executive Business summary.]

That the Executive Business be noted.

The Council received a summary of executive business relating to:

• Delivery of Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Management
• Implementation of the Devolution Agreement for the Adult Education Budget
• Public Health Annual Report
• Principal Social Worker Annual Report

Resolved:

That the Executive Business be noted.

[That the Leader of the Council, Cabinet Members for City Environment and City Economy respond to questions received.]

That the responses to the written questions be noted.

a.     LGA conference

Councillor Wendy Thompson asked the Leader of the Council: -

Could the Council Leader detail the costs and explain the economic benefits for Council taxpayers for himself, the Deputy Leader and a Director staying for three nights at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Birmingham for the recent LGA conference, a hotel only thirteen miles away from Wolverhampton.

The Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, responded that the LGA Conference was the most important local government event of the year and provided a key opportunity to engage with partners for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in our City. The conference moves between different locations in the UK and, given its significance, was budgeted for every year.

He added that this year, due to the busy agenda of formal engagements, one-to-one meetings during the conference and the exhibition area, it was deemed appropriate to have accommodation for three delegates for a total of nine nights at £130 per person per night – for the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of transparency that was the Leader, the Deputy Leader and the Council’s Strategic Director of People.

He added this small investment was important because, not only were there delegates from Councils up and down the land, but also key national players and influencers who the Council needed to engage with. Anyone who was familiar with the conference would know that during the three days, it was non-stop speakers, briefings, meetings and networking opportunities from very early in the morning until late into the evening. Key engagements included meetings with the Key Cities group (two), Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), SIGOMA and the Combined Authority. The Deputy Leader also spoke at the Localis event during the conference.

He added the City of Wolverhampton Council was in a competitive market place seeking to raise the Councils profile and attract jobs and investment and of course so was everybody else. The Deputy Leader and he felt that the Council needed to be in the thick of the action, batting for the City of Wolverhampton at every occasion that presented itself. As such, the Council delegates needed the flexibility of being close to the conference venue to maximise time spent pursuing opportunities and networking with key contacts."

No supplementary question was asked.

b.    School repairs

Councillor Wendy Thompson asked the Leader of the Council: -

Could the Council Leader explain why a Wolverhampton secondary school which had a major refurbishment costing millions of pounds under the Building Schools for the Future programme only six years ago now has a headteacher appearing on television complaining of over three hundred repairs being required.

The Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, responded that the item referred to was a piece of journalism based on the financial pressures that schools across the country were faced with.

He added it was with interest that he read the findings of the recent report produced by the Institute for Fiscal Studies that clearly showed that there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.