Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Ditta.

To receive any declarations of interest.

The following declarations of interest were made:

Councillor Cleary - Fees and Charges 2024/25 (Minute 88) – As an allotment holder

Councillor Ali - Fees and Charges 2024/25 (Minute 88) – As a licensed taxi driver

Councillor Cockeram - Fees and Charges 2024/25 (Minute 88) – As an allotment holder.

Of the meeting held on 28^th November 2023 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th November 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.

Paul Walters

The Mayor paid tribute to Paul Walters, former Chairman of St. Peter’s Parish Council, who had passed away unexpectedly in late January. Other Members spoke and paid their own tributes.

Public Speakers

The Mayor informed the Council that all public speakers at the last Council meeting in November had received a written response from Officers. Further details can be provided upon request.

Events in Worcester

The Mayor highlighted several successful events which had been held over the last few weeks including Love The Arbo, Light Night and the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Charity Fashion Show

The Mayor reminded Members that he will be hosting a charity fashion show on Thursday, 14 March at the Guildhall, in support of Age UK, with students from local schools designing and modelling collections using upcycled clothes and accessories.

Annual Charity Spring Concert

The Mayor informed the Council that this event, by Worcester Concert Brass, will take place on Friday, 15 March at 7.30pm at the Guildhall.

Council Questions

The Mayor advised the Council that, due to the large number of substantive items on the agenda, he had taken the decision to hear Questions after item 12.

Refreshments

The Mayor invited all Members to join him for refreshments in the Mayor’s Parlour at the end of the meeting.

Up to a total of fifteen minutes can be allowed, each speaker being allocated a maximum of five minutes, for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

The following persons addressed the Council:

Elaine Watt spoke about the Council’s sporting facilities, and in particular access to changing facilities and participation in women’s sessions by a biological man claiming to be a woman. She was concerned that her daughters and her mother would feel unsafe using changing rooms in such circumstances. She asked for details to be provided of what policies the Council has in place.

Richard Coopey spoke on the proposed allotment rent rises and their impact. He commented on the value of allotments as environmental assets and the benefits which they offer to mental health. He expressed the view that the benchmarking used in proposing new fees had been flawed and misleading, and the administration costs were unclear as much of the administration work is done by site co-ordinators.

Lucy Graham highlighted the value of allotments, particularly for those with a chronic health condition, for educating children, for exercise and for people who use allotments to grow their own healthy food. She raised concerns over the suggested price increases over the next 3 years and impact on allotment holders who currently benefit from discounts. She also felt there had been poor communication regarding the proposed changes. She asked Members to work with allotment holders when taking such decisions, and for the Council to factor in the value of the many benefits which allotments provide.

Leisa Taylor spoke on the Notice of Motion regarding flooding. She spoke in support of the Motion, and urged the Council to invest in community engagement and public awareness campaigns to help residents to mitigate the effects of excessive rainfall and flooding.

The Mayor thanked all speakers and advised them that they will be provided with a written response.

To consider any Notices of Motion submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8.

Flooding

This council notes that:  

1.  Climate change means that Worcester and the River Severn catchment experience periods of more intense rainfall causing more frequent and costly floods;

2.The flooding disrupts residents trying to go about their daily lives, and afterwards, when the water has receded, buildings need to dry out and the public realm and street infrastructure need to be cleaned. This work diverts council staff from their usual roles and, as floods become more frequent and more severe, other council services are increasingly impacted; and

3.The financial support from the government for the public sector to carry out this work is not adequate. Sometimes no funding is made available at all. It is not fair for the council to have to use our ever-dwindling reserves. 

This council therefore resolves to:  

Ask the Managing Director to write to the government: 

a) to ask the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to overhaul the funding arrangements and provide guaranteed levels of flood recovery funding for our city with the level of funding to be regularly reviewed in line with the frequency of flooding.

b) to ask the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs to implement natural flood management techniques along the length of the Severn so that rainwater can be absorbed rather than flow out to sea. 

c) to call for the River Severn Partnership to be given a renewed purpose and funding base which can benefit Worcester at a local level, or otherwise look into setting up another cross-council working group of stakeholders to actively involve Worcester in discussions with other frequently flooded towns and cities along the River Severn (such as Shrewsbury, Bewdley and Tewkesbury), to bring together experience and voices to work together, to implement meaningful and rapid local improvements while working together on long-term changes throughout the River Severn valley.

Proposed by: Councillor Lewing

Debate Not Hate

The increasing intimidation and abuse of councillors, both in person and online, is eroding democratic principles. Such behaviour undermines the ability of elected representatives to serve their communities effectively, dissuades potential candidates from participating in elections, and corrodes the democratic processes that form the foundation of public life.

This Motion is brought to seek commitment from across the Council Chamber to civility in public life and a safe and respective working environment for councillors.

This Motion is aligned with the principle of fostering a healthy, respectful, and inclusive political environment. It upholds the values of safeguarding democracy, ensuring elected officials can perform their roles without fear, and promoting civic engagement free from harassment and intimidation. Alongside this it supports our goals of equality and diversity in local politics by ensuring that all candidates feel safe and supported when standing for election.

Recent training for Worcester city councillors on civility in public life has highlighted the Local Government Association’s current national campaigns as well as the important role that we can  ...  view the full agenda text for item 86.

The Council considered Notices of Motion submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8.

Flooding

This Council notes that: 

1)   Climate change means that Worcester and the River Severn catchment experience periods of more intense rainfall causing more frequent and costly floods;

2)   The flooding disrupts residents trying to go about their daily lives, and afterwards, when the water has receded, buildings need to dry out and the public realm and street infrastructure need to be cleaned. This work diverts council staff from their usual roles and, as floods become more frequent and more severe, other council services are increasingly impacted;

3)   The financial support from the government for the public sector to carry out this work is not adequate. Sometimes no funding is made available at all. It is not fair for the council to have to use our ever-dwindling reserves; and

4)   That there is a link between flooding and sewage dumps.

This Council therefore refers to the Environment Committee to enable Councillors to have a full debate, discussion and determine the following proposals:

To ask the Managing Director to write to the government:

a) to ask the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to overhaul the funding arrangements and provide guaranteed levels of flood recovery funding for our city with the level of funding to be regularly reviewed in line with the frequency of flooding;

b) to ask the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs to implement natural flood management techniques along the length of the Severn so that rainwater can be absorbed rather than flow out to sea; and

c) to call for the River Severn Partnership to be given a renewed purpose and funding base which can benefit Worcester at a local level, or otherwise look into setting up another cross-council working group of stakeholders to actively involve Worcester in discussions with other frequently flooded towns and cities along the River Severn (such as Shrewsbury, Bewdley and Tewkesbury), to bring together experience and voices to work together, to implement meaningful and rapid local improvements while working together on long-term changes throughout the River Severn valley.

The proposer, Councillor Lewing, spoke in support of the Motion, which was seconded by Councillor Pingree.

The following amendment was proposed by Councillor Udall and seconded by Councillor Denham:

Delete “Council resolves” and insert “Council refers to the Environment Committee to enable Councillors to have a full debate, discussion and determine the following proposals:”

Upon being put to the vote this amendment was agreed.

The following amendment was proposed by Councillor Jagger and seconded by Councillor Murray:

Add the following words: “4. Frequent flooding increases the chances of sewage dumps into the River Severn having an overall detrimental impact on the quality of our water.”

Councillor Lewing did not accept this and suggested it be brought as a separate Motion. Councillor Jagger therefore proposed shortening the wording to read: “This Council notes that there is a link between flooding and sewage dumps into the River Severn.” She clarified  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

To consider motions to adopt reports on matters which by law or in accordance with the Constitution are referred to Council.

The Council received reports on matters which by law or in accordance with the Constitution are referred to Council for decision.

1.       That Council approves the proposed Budget and Council Tax for 2024/25 as set out in this report.  In particular:-

a.   The Budget Requirement for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) 2023/24 at £12,728,175;

b.   The Council Tax Requirement for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) 2023/24 at £7,021,078; and

c.    The Band D Council Tax for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) at £213.08.

2.       That Council approves the Council Tax Resolution 2024/25 set out at Appendix 9 (to follow).

3.       That Council approves the proposed Budget for 2024/25 as detailed in the

          following appendices:

i.            the summary budget 2024/25 as set out at Appendix 1

ii.           the detailed Budget 2024/25 as set out in the Budget Book at Appendix 2

          iii.      the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 3

          iv.      the Pay Policy Statement 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 4

          v.       the detailed Fees and Charges 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 5 and in Appendix 5a (exempt item).

4.       That Council approve the proposed Medium Term Financial Plan for the next five-year period 2024/25 – 2028/29as detailed in Appendix 1 and the forecast Earmarked Reserves balance at 31 March 2024 as set out in Appendix 7.

5.       That Council approve the proposed Capital Programme and Capital Financing as set out in Appendix 6.

6.       That Council endorse the list of revenue projects proposed by the Policy Committees in Appendix 8.

The Council considered a referral report from Councillor Denham in her capacity as one of the Vice-Chairs of the Policy and Resources Committee and as Joint Leader.

Prior to consideration of the report, the Corporate Director – Finance and Resources spoke and clarified that, in relation to Allotments Fees and Charges, the reference on page 94 of the report to the Advance 25% concession given to tenants should read Advance 33% concession, in accordance with the recommendation of the Policy and Resources Committee.

Councillor Denham then spoke and explained that the Committee at its meeting of 6^th February 2024 had considered the proposed Budget for 2024/25 and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2024-2029. The Council were recommended to approve the proposed the Budget and Council Tax and Medium Term Financial Plan including revenue projects approved by the Committee, the proposed Capital Programme and Capital Financing, and the Earmarked Reserves Balance. The Council were also recommended to approve the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Pay Policy Statement and Fees and Charges 2024/25.

The Budget was proposed by Councillor Denham and seconded by Councillor Bisset.

In accordance with the rules set out in the Constitution, the Council considered the following Budget amendments which had been proposed by Members. The S151 Officer, Monitoring Officer and Relevant Director had provided advice and implications on the amendments.

The Officer advice stated that the total cumulative impact of the proposals below is £317,000. The cumulative withdrawal from the business rate risk reserve would reduce the balance to £1,131,379, which is below the £1.4m balance required under previous Council decisions. The project deficit for 2025/26, as presented in Appendix 1 to the budget report, is £1.369m. There would not be sufficient reserves to set a balanced budget for that year without significant savings identified elsewhere.

Proposed Amendment 1 - The following amendment was proposed by Councillor Cleary and seconded by Councillor Geraghty:

That the Council agrees an adjustment to the Capital Programme to include £55k funding for this project.

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of Policy and Resources Committee.

At the meeting on 6^th February 2024, the Committee had considered a report on an energy saving proposal for replacement of LED lighting with motion sensors for St Martins Gate Car Park. The Committee agreed the preferred option, which was to replace the lighting on the top 3 floors of the car park (Floors 2, 3 and 4) with new LED fittings which will be motion sensor activated. The cost of this project will be £55,000 including a contingency. It will be necessary to revise the Capital Programme.

It was proposed by Councillor Stanley and seconded by Councillor Denham and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree an adjustment to the Capital Programme to include £55k funding for this project.

That the Council agrees that from 1 April 2025 properties classed as second homes be charged a Council Tax premium equivalent to 100% of the Council Tax and that the Corporate Director - Finance and Resources be authorised to agree individual exemptions based on government guidance.

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of Policy and Resources Committee.

At the meeting on 6^th February 2024, the Committee considered a report on new discretionary powers that allow billing authorities to introduce a council tax premium of up to 100% in respect of dwellings occupied periodically, which are generally called ‘second homes.’ The Committee agreed to recommend the introduction of a 100% Council Tax premium for second homes from 1 April 2025. In accordance with the Constitution, changes to the Policy and Budgetary Framework are reserved to full Council to determine.

It was proposed by Councillor Stanley and seconded by Councillor Bisset and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree that from 1 April 2025 properties classed as second homes be charged a Council Tax premium equivalent to 100% of the Council Tax and that the Corporate Director - Finance and Resources be authorised to agree individual exemptions based on government guidance.

That the Council agrees to adopt the amended Employees’ Code of Conduct at Appendix 1, as part 14 of the Constitution.

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of the Joint Consultative and Safety Committee.

At the meeting on 29^th November 2023, the Committee considered a report on the review of the Employees’ Code of Conduct. The Committee agreed to approve proposed amendments to the Employees’ Code of Conduct, subject to minor typographical changes, which had now been made. A clean final draft of the amended Code was attached to the report. The revised Code of Conduct was supported by trade union representatives and each of the four Political Group Leaders.

A formal decision from the full Council was required because this Code forms part 14 of the Council’s Constitution.

It was proposed by Councillor Denham and seconded by Councillor Bisset and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree to adopt the amended Employees’ Code of Conduct at Appendix 1 to the report, as part 14 of the Constitution.

1.       That the Council note and consider the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Members’ Allowances; and

2.       That the Council adopt a Scheme for Members’ Allowances from 1^st April 2024.

The Council considered the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Members’ Allowances (IRP) for 2024/25. The full report and recommendations were appended to the report.

In summary, the IRP recommended a Basic Allowance for 2024/25 of £5,518 and the consequential change to the value of Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs). The recommended increase to the Basic Allowance represented an 8.6% increase on its recommendation for 2023/24. The recommended Basic Allowance represented a 15.17% increase to the Basic Allowance which the Council agreed for 2023/24.

The Council were advised that, on 8^th January 2024, Group Leaders were presented with nine options. Eight of those options ranged from a 1% increase through to an 8% increase on the current Basic Allowance paid. A ninth option represented the IRP’s recommendation for the Basic Allowance for 2024/25, being £5,518. All options included the IRP’s recommendation to increase the multiplying factors for the SRA’s for the Chairs and Vice Chairs of Planning Committee and Licensing and Environmental Health Committee.

Following the meeting on 8^th January 2024, Group Leaders and Deputy Group Leaders were unable to reach a consensus on one option to recommend to Council for consideration. As a result the report identified all the nine options.

It was proposed by Councillor Allcott and seconded by Councillor Bisset that the Council agrees Option 6 (6% Basic Allowance increase to £5,078 and the consequential change to the value of Special Responsibility Allowances), as this is in accordance with the budget provision for staff pay for 2024/25.

An amendment in relation to the multiplier and consequential value for each SRA was proposed by Councillor Amos, but following discussion was subsequently withdrawn.

The Council proceeded to debate the proposal, following which it was put to the vote. The proposal was agreed and it was

RESOLVED: That the Council adopt a Scheme for Members’ Allowances and agree a 6% increase on the current basic allowance and the consequential change to the value of Special Responsibility Allowances with effect from 1^st April 2024.

That the Council agree a change to appointments of members to Committees for 2023/24.

The Council were advised that a vacancy had arisen on the Planning Committee, due to the non-attendance of Councillor Shafaz Ditta at the meetings of this Committee for a period of six calendar months. The seat was allocated to the Conservative Group in accordance with the principles of political balance.

The Conservative Group Leader nominated himself for this vacancy.

RESOLVED: That the Council agree to appoint Councillor Stanley to the Planning Committee.

To receive the report of the Heritage Champion.

The Council received a report from the Heritage Champion, Councillor Gregson, setting out the achievements and highlights over the last 12 months. Members thanked Councillor Gregson for his report.

To receive a report, if necessary.

None.

The Joint Leaders of the Council, or the Chair of any Committee or Sub-Committee, to take any questions that may be submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.

The Council considered the following questions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.

The Council is invited to pass the following resolution:-

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

To consider the proposed fees and charges for Building Control, Trade Refuse and some Licensing charges which are classed as exempt items as they are commercially sensitive.

(Exempt – not for publication because the items contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person including the authority holding that information – Paragraph 3).

The Council agreed the proposed fees and charges for Trade Waste, Building Control and some Licensing charges as part of the overall Budget item.

RESOLVED: That the Council approve the exempt Fees and Charges for Trade Waste, Building Control and Licensing for 2024/25.