Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest.

The following declarations of interest were made:

Councillors A. Amos, Geraghty, Mrs L. Hodgson, Mackay and Roberts – item 38 - Referral Report from Policy and Resources Committee - Land at the Rear of The Pines, Bilford Road – as Members of Worcestershire County Council.

Of the meeting held on 14^th July 2020 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 14^th July 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.

Neville Swanson

The Mayor paid tribute to the former Chair of Worcester Twinning Association, Neville Swanson, who had recently passed away.

Heritage Open Days

The Mayor commented on the Heritage Open Day held at the Guildhall on Saturday, 19 September 2020. She thanked all of the staff who had helped to make the event a success.

Black History Month

The Mayor informed the Council that she would be supporting Black History Month throughout the month of October. She explained the aim of Black History Month in the UK and highlighted activities that will be taking place in support of this year’s celebration.

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.

Paul Snookes from Worcester Environmental Group spoke on the importance of biodiversity to the residents of Worcester and what is being done by other local authorities

The Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader 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.

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

Motion to Declare a Biodiversity Emergency

Full Council notes:

1.   Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) on global species and habitat loss which detail.

2.   The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever.

3.   Over one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, many within decades.

4.   Transformative changes are needed to protect and restore nature.

5.   It is not too late to make a difference, if we start now at every level, from local to global.

6.   Current Council strategies and plans are, unfortunately, not sufficiently addressing this emergency.

7.   Councils are responding by declaring a “Biodiversity Emergency” and committing resources to address this emergency.

Full Council believes that:

1.   A healthy and biodiverse environment is necessary, for a sustainable future.

2.   All governments (national and local) have a duty to act; local government must be proactive, for the benefit of their community.

3.   Bold action, is required, now to make a difference, globally and locally.

Full Council will:    

1.   Declare a “Biodiversity Emergency.”

2.   Pledge to act during the first year of Motion being accepted, to secure future measurable biodiversity net gain, for Worcester.

3.   Pledge to act during the second year of Motion being accepted and beyond, to secure further biodiversity net gain for Worcester, based on assessment of available scientific reports.

4.   Call on Westminster to provide powers and resources necessary to make net gains.

5.   Work with other governments and partners, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

6.   Create a cross party steering group, to work with the Environmental Sustainability Officer and report to the Environment Committee, on actions the Council will take with key stakeholders to address this emergency.  This work will be led with the Chair of the Environment Committee.

7.   Strategy and plans to be formulated in conjunction with the declared Climate Emergency.  Prioritisation of sustainable land management, sympathetic to wildlife.  Prevention of wildlife habitats, being unnecessarily destroyed.   Creation and care for wildlife-rich spaces, in every part of the city and across the region.

Proposed by: Councillor Allcott

The Council considered the following Notices of Motion, which had been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8:

1.    Motion to Declare a Biodiversity Emergency

Full Council notes:

1.   Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) on global species and habitat loss which detail.

2.   The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever.

3.   Over one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, many within decades.

4.   Transformative changes are needed to protect and restore nature.

5.   It is not too late to make a difference, if we start now at every level, from local to global.

6.   Current Council strategies and plans are, unfortunately, not sufficiently addressing this emergency.

7.   Councils are responding by declaring a “Biodiversity Emergency” and committing resources to address this emergency.

Full Council believes that:

1.   A healthy and biodiverse environment is necessary, for a sustainable future.

2.   All governments (national and local) have a duty to act; local government must be proactive, for the benefit of their community.

3.   Bold action, is required, now to make a difference, globally and locally.

Full Council will:    

1.   Declare a “Biodiversity Emergency.”

2.   Pledge to act during the first year of Motion being accepted, to secure future measurable biodiversity net gain, for Worcester.

3.   Pledge to act during the second year of Motion being accepted and beyond, to secure further biodiversity net gain for Worcester, based on assessment of available scientific reports.

4.   Call on Westminster to provide powers and resources necessary to make net gains.

5.   Work with other governments and partners, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

6.   Create a cross party steering group, to work with the Environmental Sustainability Officer and report to the Environment Committee, on actions the Council will take with key stakeholders to address this emergency.  This work will be led with the Chair of the Environment Committee.

7.   Strategy and plans to be formulated in conjunction with the declared Climate Emergency.  Prioritisation of sustainable land management, sympathetic to wildlife.  Prevention of wildlife habitats, being unnecessarily destroyed.   Creation and care for wildlife-rich spaces, in every part of the city and across the region.

The proposer, Councillor Allcott and the seconder, Councillor Laurenson, both spoke in support of the Motion.

Other Members spoke in support of the Motion.

On being put to the vote, the Motion was unanimously agreed and it was

RESOLVED: That the Council agree to:

1.  declare a “Biodiversity Emergency;”

2.  pledge to act during the first year of Motion being accepted, to secure future measurable biodiversity net gain, for Worcester;

3.  pledge to act during the second year of Motion being accepted and beyond, to secure further biodiversity net gain for Worcester, based on assessment of available scientific reports;

4.  call on Westminster to provide powers and resources necessary to make net gains;

5.  work with other governments and partners, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally;

6.  create a cross party  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

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

The Council considered the following reports from the relevant Committee on matters which were referred to Council for decision.

1.     That Council approve the Local Development Scheme (LDS) 2020-2023 set out at Appendix 1 and for the LDS to come into effect from 1st October 2020; and

2.     That delegated authority is given to the Corporate Director – Place in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Place and Economic Development Committee to make minor amendments to the LDS prior to publication.

The Council considered a report from the Chair of the Place and Economic Development Sub-Committee. The report explained that the most recent Local Development Schemes for the South Worcestershire Councils were adopted in November 2019.  The National Planning Practice Guidance stated that Local Development Schemes should be updated at least annually.  The September 2020 Scheme would cover the period 2020-2023.

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs L. Hodgson and seconded by Councillor Gregson and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree:

1.    to approve the Local Development Scheme (LDS) 2020-2023 set out at Appendix 1 and for the LDS to come into effect from 1^st October 2020; and

2.    to delegate authority to the Corporate Director – Place in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Place and Economic Development Committee to make minor amendments to the LDS prior to publication.

That the Council declare the land at the rear of The Pines (identified as the “Site” and shown edged red on the plan attached to the report) as surplus to the Council’s requirements and to authorise the Site to be offered jointly with the County Council’s land on the open market for disposal by way of freehold sale.

The Council considered a report from the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee. The report explained that the Committee had considered a proposal to dispose of 0.15 hectares of land which is part of the City Council’s wider ownership at Perdiswell and had been occupied by Worcestershire County Council under the terms of a licence since 1976 at a fee of £1 per annum. The Committee expressed support for the proposal.

In accordance with the decision of Full Council on 22nd November 2016, any proposal to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of land at Perdiswell should be determined by Full Council.

It was proposed by Councillor Stephen and seconded by Councillor Bayliss and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree to declare the land at the rear of The Pines (identified as the “Site” and shown edged red on the plan attached to the report) as surplus to the Council’s requirements and to authorise the Site to be offered jointly with the County Council’s land on the open market for disposal by way of freehold sale.

That the Council agree an amendment to the Capital Programme to include an additional £17,075 in respect of this scheme in 2020/21.

The Council considered a report from the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee on proposals to create a small, informal park and memorial on Council-owned land off Sanctuary Close/Hopton Street, in accordance with a motion agreed by full Council on 19^th July 2019.

The preferred option was to undertake the works as proposed in the report at a total cost of £30,000. A contribution of £12,925 had been secured from Platform Housing, which was regarded as a fair reflection of the costs of works required under planning obligations to improve the site.

The Committee had agreed to authorise the Corporate Director of Place to accept the financial contribution and to recommend to Council an amendment to the Capital Programme to include an additional £17,075 in respect of this scheme in 2020/21.

In accordance with the Constitution, changes to the Policy and Budgetary Framework are reserved to full Council to determine.

Members spoke in support of the Motion.

It was proposed by Councillor Stephen, seconded by Councillor Gregson and upon being put to the vote it was unanimously agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree an amendment to the Capital Programme to include an additional £17,075 in respect of this scheme in 2020/21.

That Council agree an amendment to the Capital Programme to include an additional £25,850 in respect of these schemes in 2020/21.

The Council considered a report from the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee on the outcome of the Council’s application for funding under the Accelerated Towns Fund.

The report explained that three relevant projects were identified in the application. The details of the proposals were set out in a letter to the Minister on 14 August 2020. These totalled £1,025,800. The Managing Director’s urgency powers had been used to submit an application for £1m funding (the maximum allowed). The Council had now been allocated £1m under the Fund.

The Committee had agreed to recommend to Council an amendment to the Capital Programme in respect of these schemes.

In accordance with the Constitution, changes to the Policy and Budgetary Framework are reserved to full Council to determine.

It was proposed by Councillor Stephen, seconded by Councillor Bayliss and upon being put to the vote it was unanimously agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree amendment to the Capital Programme to include an additional £25,850 in respect of these schemes in 2020/21.

That the Council note the details included within the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2019/20.

The Committee considered a report from the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee on the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2019/20.

The report explained that, in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management in the Public Services (2009), the Council should receive regular treasury management reports, including an annual review report after the close of the year.

It was proposed by Councillor Stephen, seconded by Councillor Gregson and upon being put to the vote it was unanimously agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council receive the Treasury Management Annual Report 2019/20.

That the Council receive the Standards Committee Annual Report 2019/20.

The Council considered a report from the Chair of the Standards Committee on the Annual Report of the Committee, which provided a summary of the work undertaken by the Committee in the 2019/20 municipal year.

It was proposed by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Roberts and upon being put to the vote it was unanimously agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council receive the Standards Committee Annual Report 2019/20.

That the Council authorises the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution with regard to the execution of contracts in the terms set out in section 3 of the report.

The Council considered a report from the Leader of the Council on proposals for minor amendments to the Procurement Code to provide clarity and more flexibility over the formalities for execution of contracts, without affecting the fundamental principles or the financial and legal controls within the Constitution.

In summary, the Monitoring Officer had reviewed the current procedures and recommended the following amendments:

It was proposed by Councillor Bayliss, seconded by Councillor Gregson and upon being put to the vote it was unanimously agree and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree to authorise the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution with regard to the execution of contracts in the terms set out above.

To receive a report, if necessary.

None.

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 items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

Of the meeting held on 14^th July 2020 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes (exempt items) of the Council meeting held on 14^th July 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

None.