Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ian Angus.

Tracey Christie, Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that the following declarations of interest had been made:

Item 7 – Wolverhampton Homes Business Plan 2019-2023

Item 8 – Senior Management Restructure – April 2019

Item 9 – Senior Pay Policy Statement 2019-2020

No other declarations of interests were made.

[To receive minutes of the previous meeting held on the 6 March 2019.]

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

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 6 March 2019, be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Mayor.

[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

1.     Retiring Members of the Council

The Mayor expressed his thanks to the following Councillors who were not seeking re-election in May 2019:

·       Councillor Val Gibson

·       Councillor Ian Angus

·       Councillor Peter O’Neill

·       Councillor Harbans Bagri

·       Councillor Welcome Koussoukama

·       Councillor Arun Photay

2.     Letter of condolence to Christchurch, New Zealand

The Mayor condemned the recent terror attack which had taken place on Friday 15 March in Christchurch, New Zealand, where 50 people attending Friday prayers in a mosque were killed. The Mayor and Mayoress had sent a letter of condolence to Mayor Dalziel on behalf of the City and as a sign of respect the City flag was lowered to half-mast.

3.     Former Mayoress Miss Beryl Hart

The Mayor announced that there was further cause for sadness, as former Mayoress Miss Beryl Hart, to Former Mayor and Councillor, Alan Hart in 2004 - 2005 passed away Wednesday 27 March 2019. The Mayor and Mayoress had sent a condolence card on behalf of the Council to the family.

4.     Leader of the Council

The Mayor reported that this evening’s meeting was a major milestone for the Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence. It was his last Full Council meeting as Leader, after 15 years in the role. On behalf of all Councillors the Mayor thanked Roger for his service to the City and the region and added the Council would find an appropriate way to recognise and celebrate his contribution in the coming months.

[To approve the Our Council Plan 2019-2024.]

That the Council’s Our Council Plan 2019-2024 be approved.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence presented the Our Council Plan 2019-2024 for approval. He advised the current Our Council Plan had been refreshed following extensive consultation with over 3000 people which consisted of Councillors, residents, businesses, partners, voluntary  and community sector etc.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence advised the outcomes of the Our Council Plan was “Wulfrunians will live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives, this was underpinned by six key priorities; children and young people getting the best possible start in life, well skilled people working in an inclusive economy, more good jobs and investment in our city, better homes for all, strong, resilient and healthy communities and a vibrant, green city we can all be proud of”.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence  added the Our Council Plan was also supported by a performance framework to ensure priorities were being delivered by the relevant director.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence proposed the

recommendation and Councillor Peter Bilson seconded the recommendation.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

That the Council’s Our Council Plan 2019-2024 be approved.

[To adopt the Wolverhampton Strategic Economic Plan 2019-2024.]

That the Wolverhampton Strategic Economic Plan 2019-2024 be adopted.

Councillor John Reynolds presented the Wolverhampton Strategic Economic Plan 2019-2024 for approval. He advised the Wolverhampton Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) 2019-2024 had been widely consulted upon and that the refreshed SEP would sit within a hierarchy of plans. The outcomes of the SEP were: delivering prosperity for all,  aims to deliver inclusive growth and create conditions for growth through four key themes; an enterprising city, a working and inclusive city, a vibrant city and a future city. The updated SEP plan also detailed the key achievements of the City, challenges faced and priority actions.

Councillor John Reynolds proposed the recommendation and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence seconded the recommendation.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

That the Wolverhampton Strategic Economic Plan 2019-2024 be adopted.

[To approve the Wolverhampton Homes Business Plan 2019-2023.]

That the Wolverhampton Homes Business Plan 2019-2023 be approved.

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the Wolverhampton Homes Business Plan 2019-2023 for approval. He advised the Business Plan was a four year plan which would allow for long-term service and financial planning. The four year plan ends in 2023, inline with the management agreement between the Council and Wolverhampton Homes.

Councillor Peter Bilson added the Business Plan replaced the previous delivery plan which was an operational document whereas the Business Plan detailed how Wolverhampton Homes would contribute to meeting the wider strategic objectives of the Council Plan and contribute the priority of better homes for all.

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

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

That the Wolverhampton Homes Business Plan 2019-2023 be approved.

[To approve the Senior Management Restructure.]

1.    That the Director of Pensions post to be regraded from Grade 14 to Grade 15 be approved.

2.    That the Assistant Director – Investment and Pensions post to be regraded from Grade 13 to Grade 14 be approved.

3.    That the establishment of an Assistant Director – Pensions post Grade 14 subject to appointment by a Special Appointments Committee be approved.

4.    That the Service Director for City Environment post beredesignated to Director for City Environment and the post be regraded from Grade 13 to Grade 14 be approved.

5.    That the Service Director for Housing post beredesignated to Director for City Housing and the post be regarded from Grade13 to Grade 14 be approved.

6.    That the Head of Communications post beredesignated to Director of Communications and External Relations and the post be regraded from Grade 12 to Grade 14 be approved.

7.    That the Director of Black Country Transport post be regraded from Grade 13 to Grade 14 be approved.

Having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this item Ross Cook (Service Director of City Environment) and Ian Fegan (Head of Communications) left the Council Chamber and took no part in the discussion of this item.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence presented the Review of Senior Management Restructure – April 2019 for approval. He advised the recently appointed Managing Director had undertaken a thorough review of the current Senior Management Structure and had taken into consideration budget reductions set by the Leader.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence advised the recommendations in this report were designed to strengthen the Council’s Senior Management Structure whilst making cost savings. The outcome of the wider proposed changes equated to a £350,000 saving to the General Fund.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence added the changes to the posts reflected the increased responsibility allocated and empowered directors to lead their service areas. The changes would also ensure a consistent approach was adopted across the Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence proposed the

recommendations and Councillor Val Gibson seconded the recommendations.

Councillor Val Gibson clarified that the grades detailed within this report referred to the current grading system and the grades detailed in the Senior Pay Policy Statement referred to the new pay grading system. She added that Directors would transfer across on their current spinal point.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1. That the Director of Pensions post to be regraded from Grade 14 to Grade 15 be approved.
2. That the Assistant Director – Investment and Pensions post to be regraded from Grade 13 to Grade 14 be approved.
3. That the establishment of an Assistant Director – Pensions post Grade 14 subject to appointment by a Special Appointments Committee be approved.
4. That the Service Director for City Environment post be redesignated to Director for City Environment and the post be regraded from Grade 13 to Grade 14 be approved.
5. That the Service Director for Housing post be redesignated to Director for City Housing and the post be regarded from Grade13 to Grade 14 be approved.
6. That the Head of Communications post be redesignated to Director of Communications and External Relations and the post be regraded from Grade 12 to Grade 14 be approved.
7. That the Director of Black Country Transport post be regraded from Grade 13 to Grade 14 be approved.

[To approve the Senior Pay Policy Statement for 2019-2020.]

1.    That the Senior Pay Policy Statement for 2019 – 2020be approved.

2.    That the publication of the Senior Pay Policy Statement be approved in line with the requirementsof the Localism Act 2011.

3.    That it be noted, the Service Director and Director grades become a single grade 13 recognising the parityof the roles and responsibilities of the postholders.

4.    That it be noted, the Senior Pay Policy Statement 2019-2020 now incorporated a delegation to the Leaderof the Council, in consultation with the Head of Paid Service, to approve additionalpayments to senior management, upon cessation of employment, in addition toredundancy payments where these amount to less than £100,000 in total.

5.    That the it be noted, the constitution would require some changes to comply with legislation and this Senior PayPolicy. These would be reported to a future Governance Committee.

Having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this item Tim Johnson (Managing Director), Claire Nye (Director of Finance), Meredith Teasdale (Director of Education) and David Watts (Director of Adults Service) left the Council Chamber and took no part in the discussion of this item.

Councillor Val Gibson presented the Senior Pay Policy Statement 2019-2020 for approval. She advised the Council had a responsibility under the Localism Bill 2011 to prepare and publish an annual pay policy statement which detailed the remuneration of chief officers, the remuneration of its lowest paid employees and the relationship of remuneration between chief officers and employees.

Councillor Val Gibson added that Lord Hutton recommended a pay ratio a ratio of 20:1, the Councils ratio was at 8.61:1 which exceeds its target of 10:1, the private sectors ratio was at 111:1.

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

In response to Councillor Wendy Thompson’s request, Councillor Val Gibson agreed to inform the Shadow Leader if the delegation detailed in recommendation four to this report was exercised.

In response to Councillor Jane Stevenson’s question on the pay grades Councillor Val Gibson agreed to provide a written response.

The report was debated by Council. 

Resolved:

1. That the Senior Pay Policy Statement for 2019 – 2020 be approved.
2. That the publication of the Senior Pay Policy Statement be approved in line with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.
3. That it be noted, the Service Director and Director grades become a single grade 13 recognising the parity of the roles and responsibilities of the postholders.
4. That it be noted, the Senior Pay Policy Statement 2019-2020 now incorporated a delegation to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Head of Paid Service, to approve additional payments to senior management, upon cessation of employment, in addition to redundancy payments where these amount to less than £100,000 in total.
5. That the it be noted, the constitution would require some changes to comply with legislation and this Senior Pay Policy. These would be reported to a future Governance Committee.

Senior Employees re-entered the Council Chamber. 

[That the Cabinet Member for City Environment respond to questions received.]

The responses to written questions be noted.

Councillor Jonathan Yardley asked the Cabinet Member for City Environment:

Can the Cabinet Member for City Environment confirm when the works to repair Tettenhall Pool will commence, and whether he anticipates the pool will reopen in time for the Summer?

The Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans  responded that he would be in a position to confirm the opening date once the contract had been signed with the specialist contractor this month. He anticipated that the pool would open in time for the summer.

Councillor Jonathan Yardley asked the following supplementary question:

Will the pool be open by Whitson Bank Holiday as usual ?

The Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans  responded that this would be dependent on the specialist contractor completing the work in time and ensuring work was completed to the correct PWTAG standard.

a.     Household Waste Recycling Centres

Councillor Udey Singh to ask the Cabinet Member for City Environment:

Earlier this month, the Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mike Bird, announced that he would be opening the two tips in his authority seven days a week on a trial basis to tackle fly-tipping. We know that fly-tipping continues to be problem in Wolverhampton, and that the Council has recently launched a new campaign to combat it. But this does not go far enough, so will the Cabinet Member for City Environment now also commit this Council to opening its tips seven days a week?

The Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans  responded that Wolverhampton had two tips which were accessible over seven days and that one of the tips operated extended hours on a Wednesday, to ensure the tips were accessible to working residents too. He added that Wolverhampton’s residents also had a shorter distance to travel to a tip when compared to Walsall.  

He added that Wolverhampton took an evidence based approach to decision making and evidence proved that fly tipping occurred at times when tips were open. Wolverhampton’s campaign was proving a success and to date fly tipping had reduced by 50% and in Walsall it was on the increase.

Councillor Udey Singh asked the following supplementary question:

Can the Cabinet Member confirm if hardworking residents of Wolverhampton would continue to foot the bill of hundreds and thousands of pounds which is a direct result of fly tipping at no fault of their own?

The Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans  responded no. The Council had taken action against fly tippers and that fly tipping occurred irrespective whether tips were open or closed.

He added following the trial at Walsall it would be interesting to compare the results of the two authorities. The Council operated a number of initiatives to reduce fly tipping and keep the city clean. The council had issued a number of fixed penalty notices, seized a vehicle, crushed a car and taken a case to court.

He added Councillors also needed to lead the way in their ward and support residents, by organising  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.