Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Hodges.

To receive any declarations of interest.

The following declaration of interest was made:

Councillor Alan Amos – Minute 79 (Referral Report from Policy and Resources Committee 8th February 2022 - Proposed Budget 2022/23 And Medium Term Financial Plan 2022/23 - 2026/27) – As a Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport.

The Monitoring Officer explained that, with regard to the Independent Remuneration Panel Recommendations for Members’ Allowances 2022/23 (Minute 77), a dispensation had been granted to all Members to speak and vote on this item.

Of the meeting held on 30^th November 2021 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 30^th November 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.

Mayor’s Banquet – 29^th April 2022

The Mayor informed the Council that his Banquet in support of the Mayor’s Charities will take place on 29^th April 2022. He encouraged all Members to support it.

Worcester Concert Brass – 25^th March 2022

The Mayor highlighted this concert in support of the Mayor’s charities. Tickets are available from Gill Preece, the Tourist Information Centre and Eventbrite.

St. Barnabas School - Children’s Woodland

The Mayor made reference to the speeches that had been given by children from St. Barnabas school at the last meeting. He thanked them for bringing this matter to the Council’s attention and he informed the Council that progress is being made to give the children access to woodland space by their school.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2022

The Mayor informed the Council that this recent event at the Guildhall had been very well attended, and the Mayor encouraged all Members to view the film on YouTube – search for Worcestershire Interfaith Forum.

Visit to Parma

The Mayor commented on his recent visit to the Italian city of Parma, where he had been pleased to meet the Mayor and view the Council Chamber.

Buffet Supper

The Mayor invited everyone present to a buffet supper in the Lower Hall following the conclusion of the Council meeting.

Tributes

The Mayor concluded by paying tributes to former Mayors Jeff Carpenter and Aubrey Tarbuck, and to former Honorary Recorder for Worcester Alistair McCreath, all of whom had recently passed away. There will be a  Memorial Service for Jeff Carpenter and more details will be circulated in due course. Councillors Gregson and Bayliss also paid their own tributes.

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.

None.

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.

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

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

St. John’s Co-op Store

Council is concerned at the decision of the Co-operative Group to close their St John's Store. Council believes the site has importance to the commercial and economic viability of St John's and is relied upon by many vulnerable residents. The decision will be a sad one for its staff, customers and other retailers. Council accepts this is a commercial decision; however, Council recognises the importance of the site and wishes to protect St John's as a commercial economic centre. Council calls upon the Managing Director to enter into communication with the society in order to express the concerns of Council and to explore new commercial opportunities.

Proposed By: Councillor Udall

Standards Expected for Elected Representatives

Council believes this is the right time to remind Councillors, potential councillor candidates and the general public of the need for local councillors to conform to the Seven Principles of Public Life – the Nolan Principles – of Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership.

Council further believes that elected councillors should re—commit to these principles on an annual basis.

Council therefore proposes:

1 - that the Declaration of Acceptance of Office signed by new councillors is amended to include direct reference to the key elements of the Code outlined in the current Constitution, for example (from the LGA Model Code) –

“In accordance with the public trust placed in me, on all occasions when I act in my role as a Member or as a representative of the Authority:

• I act with integrity and honesty

• I act lawfully

• I treat all persons fairly and with respect; and

• I lead by example and act in a way that secures public confidence in the role of councillor.

In undertaking my role:

• I impartially exercise my responsibilities in the interests of the local community

• I do not improperly seek to confer an advantage, or disadvantage, on any person

• I avoid conflicts of interest

• I exercise reasonable care and diligence; and

• I ensure that public resources are used prudently in accordance with my local authority’s requirements and in the public interest”.

2 – that all Councillors be asked to renew their declaration of commitment on an annual basis.

3 - that appropriate amendments be made to the Constitution in order to effect these decisions.

Proposed By: Councillor Gregson

Developers’ Sustainability Declarations

This Council recognises that:

•       Current building regulations standards for energy efficiency are not adequate to address the climate emergency

•       New developments do not incorporate renewable energy to an adequate level

•       New developments often do not incorporate adequate features to promote biodiversity

•       Those developers who do go beyond the minimum standards required by national government are not recognised.

This Council resolves:

To ask developers alongside, but separate to, the planning application to complete a declaration with each relevant planning application that provides answers to the following  ...  view the full agenda text for item 76.

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

St. John’s Co-op Store

Council is concerned at the decision of the Co-operative Group to close their St John's Store. Council believes the site has importance to the commercial and economic viability of St John's and is relied upon by many vulnerable residents. The decision will be a sad one for its staff, customers and other retailers.

Council accepts this is a commercial decision; however, Council recognises the importance of the site and wishes to protect St John's as a commercial economic centre. Council calls upon the Managing Director to enter into communication with the society in order to express the concerns of Council and to explore new commercial opportunities.

The proposer, Councillor Udall and the seconder, Councillor Lamb, both spoke in support of the Motion. Other Members spoke on the Motion, following which the Motion was put to the vote. The Motion was agreed and it was

RESOLVED: That the Council request the Managing Director to enter into communication with the Co-operative Society in order to express the concerns of Council at the decision to close the  St. John’s Co-op Store and to explore new commercial opportunities.

Standards Expected for Elected Representatives

Council believes this is the right time to remind Councillors, potential councillor candidates and the general public of the need for local councillors to conform to the Seven Principles of Public Life – the Nolan Principles – of Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership.

Council further believes that elected councillors should re—commit to these principles on an annual basis.

Council therefore proposes:

1 - that the Declaration of Acceptance of Office signed by new councillors is amended to include direct reference to the key elements of the Code outlined in the current Constitution, for example (from the LGA Model Code) –

“In accordance with the public trust placed in me, on all occasions when I act in my role as a Member or as a representative of the Authority:

• I act with integrity and honesty

• I act lawfully

• I treat all persons fairly and with respect; and

• I lead by example and act in a way that secures public confidence in the role of councillor.

In undertaking my role:

• I impartially exercise my responsibilities in the interests of the local community

• I do not improperly seek to confer an advantage, or disadvantage, on any person

• I avoid conflicts of interest

• I exercise reasonable care and diligence; and

• I ensure that public resources are used prudently in accordance with my local authority’s requirements and in the public interest.”

2 – that all Councillors be asked to renew their declaration of commitment on an annual basis.

3 - that appropriate amendments be made to the Constitution in order to effect these decisions.

The proposer, Councillor Gregson and the seconder, Councillor Lamb, both

spoke in support of the Motion. Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

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 2022.

(Report to follow)

The Council considered the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Members’ Allowances (IRP) for 2022/23. The full report and recommendations of the IRP for 2022/23 were appended to the report.

In summary, the IRP recommended a 1.75% increase on the Basic Allowance recommended for 2021/22, which was £4,650. This gave a figure of £4,732.

On 7 February 2022, all Group Leaders were presented with six options ranging from a 1% increase through to a 5.8% increase on the current Basic Allowance paid. The sixth option represented the IRP’s recommendation for the Basic Allowance for 2022/23 being £4,732. All options recommended no increase to the multiplying factors for the Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) as agreed by Council in February 2021.

Following the meeting of 7 February, Group Leaders recommended a 2% increase on the current Basic Allowance paid and the consequential change to the value of SRAs. Group Leaders recommended no change to the multiplying factors of SRAs. This would result in a Basic Allowance of £4,563. This remained £169 p.a. below the IRP’s recommended allowance.

It was proposed by Councillor Bayliss and seconded by Councillors Gregson and Stephen that the Council agree a 2% increase. Upon being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council adopt a Scheme for Members’ Allowances and agree a 2% increase on the current basic allowance and the consequential change to the value of Special Responsibility Allowances with effect from 1^st April 2022.

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

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 2022/23 as set out in this report.  In particular:-

a.           The Budget Requirement for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) 2022/23 at £12,261,852;

b.           The Council Tax Requirement for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) 2022/23 at £6,534,265; and

c.           The Band D Council Tax for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) at £200.88;

2.   That Council approves the Council Tax Resolution 2022/23 set out at Appendix 9 (figures for H&WFRA are advised but not published at the date of this report - final figures will be confirmed following the HWFRA meeting on 15 February);

3.   That Council approves the proposed Budget for 2022/23 as detailed in the following appendices:

i.               the summary budget 2022/23 as set out at Appendix 1

ii.              the detailed Budget 2022/23 as set out in the Budget Book at Appendix 2

iii.        the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23 as set out in Appendix 3

iv.        the Pay Policy Statement 2022/23 as set out in Appendix 4

v.         the detailed Fees and Charges 2022/23 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 2022/23 – 2026/27as detailed in Appendix 1 and the forecast Earmarked Reserves balance at 31 March 2022 as set out in Appendix 7;

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

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

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

The Committee at its meeting of 8^th February had considered the proposed Budget for 2022/23 and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2022-2027, and also a list of projects proposed by the Policy Committees.

The Council were recommended to approve the proposed the Budget and Council Tax 2022/23 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2022/23 – 2026/27, including the projects approved by Policy and Resources 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 2022/23.

In accordance with the rules set out in the Constitution, the Council considered two 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 following amendment was proposed by Councillor Bisset and seconded by Councillor Barnes:

The Council then entered into a debate on the amendment. Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Record of Voting:

The following amendment was proposed by Councillor Lewing and seconded by Councillor Stephen:

That the Council approve the final draft of the City Plan 2022 – 2027 for adoption.

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

At the meeting on 14^th December 2021, the Committee had considered a report on the outcome of the consultation on the draft refreshed City Plan. Some adjustments had been made to the draft to reflect comments received as part of the consultation, which took place in October and November 2021.

The Committee considered the revised draft and agreed to recommend it to Full Council for adoption. A copy of the final draft was attached to the report.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council approve the final draft of the City Plan 2022 – 2027 for adoption.

That the Council agree to opt into the PSAA auditor appointments process for the period 2022 - 2027.

The Committee considered a referral report from the Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.

At the meeting on 8^th December 2021, the Committee had considered a report on the Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) process. The report explained that Ernst Young were appointed by PSAA for Worcester City and the other two south Worcester Districts, Wychavon and Malvern Hills, for the period to 31^st March 2023. The contract with them was therefore due to expire following the audit of the 2022/23 accounts and PSAA had launched a new ‘opt-in’ process. The Council had until 11^th March 2022 to notify PSAA of its intentions.

The Committee had agreed that the Council should opt into the appointments process.

It was proposed by Councillor Alan Amos and seconded by Councillor Barnes and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree to opt into the PSAA auditor appointments process for the period 2022 - 2027.

That the Council agree that the revised Statement of Principles 2022-25, as attached, be approved and published.

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of the Licensing and Environmental Health Committee.

At the meeting on 13^th December 2021, the Committee had expressed support for adoption of the final draft of the revised Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles, incorporating additions and amendments made after consideration of comments received during the consultation period.  The revised Statement was attached to the report.

In accordance with Section 154 of the Gambling Act 2005, the authority’s Statement of Principles must be approved by the Full Council.

It was proposed by Councillor Ditta and seconded by Councillor Hassan and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree that the revised Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles 2022-25 be approved and published.

1.     That the Council approve the South Worcestershire Local Development Scheme 2021-2024 set out at Appendix 1 to come into effect from 1^st March 2022; and

2.     That delegated authority is given to the Corporate Director - Planning and Governance 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 referral report from the Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee on proposed changes to the Local Development Scheme (LDS).

The report explained the reasons for the proposed timetable changes to the South Worcestershire Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Policies and Site Allocations Development Plan Document. The proposed changes had been agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 24^th January 2022.

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Lucy Hodgson and seconded by Councillor Agar and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council agree:

1.    to approve the South Worcestershire Local Development Scheme 2021-2024 set out at Appendix 1 to come into effect from 1st March 2022; and

2.    that delegated authority is given to the Corporate Director Planning & Governance 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 approve a supplementary estimate of £87,500 for the Capital Programme for 2021/22.

The Council considered a report on a proposal to amend the capital programme to include a supplementary estimate in 2021/22 for £87,500 for the purchase of 7 Sheffield Close. The Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee presented the report and explained that the Council currently had a policy to acquire properties as part of a decision to acquire temporary accommodation units taken by the Communities Committee in 2019.

An opportunity had arisen to purchase 7 Sheffield Close following the demise of the occupier. This was a ‘part-ownership’ property which gave the Council the right to retain an interest in the property. There was a strict procedure under the lease which allowed only 28 days to decide whether to purchase it back.

A third-party valuation was commissioned and an offer under delegated powers made and accepted of £73,718, excluding purchase costs and a reduction of £11,000 agreed for repairs. This gave a total capital value of £87,500. Council was requested to approve a supplementary estimate for that value.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council approve a supplementary estimate of £87,500 for the Capital Programme for 2021/22.

To receive the report of the Health and Safety Champion.

The Council received a report from the Health and Safety Champion, Councillor Stephen, setting out achievements and highlights over the last 12 months. Following his presentation, there was an opportunity for Members to ask questions.

RESOLVED: That the Council receive the report of the Health and Safety Champion.

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 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 and some Licensing charges which are classed as exempt items as they are commercially sensitive.

The Council considered the proposed fees and charges for Building Control and some Licensing charges which were classed as exempt items as they are commercially sensitive.

RESOLVED: That the Council approve the exempt Fees and Charges for Building Control and Licensing for 2022/23.