Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Bisset, Hassan and Roberts.

To receive any declarations of interest.

The following declarations of interest were made:

Councillors Altaf, Ditta, Gregson, Riaz, Stephen and Stanley - Minute 95 (Notice of Motion – Increase in the Cost of Living) – As Landlords of properties in Worcester.

Councillor Udall - - Minute 95 (Notice of Motion – Worcester City Council Stands with Ukraine) – Due to business links.

Of the meetings held on 22^nd February 2022 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Council meetings held on 22^nd February 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.

Mayor’s Banquet

The Mayor reminded the Council that his Banquet takes place on Friday, 29^th April 2022 and encouraged Members to support this special event.  Tickets available from his PA.

Queen’s Green Canopy

The Mayor informed the Council that on Tuesday 5^th April 2022 he would be planting a tree at Waitrose, London Road in support of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, he would be joined by children from Nunnery Wood High School for the event.

Jeff Carpenter

The Council were informed that a memorial service to celebrate the life of former Mayor of Worcester Jeff Carpenter will take place at the Cathedral on 9^th May. All Members have been sent an invitation.

Retiring Councillors

The Mayor paid tribute to those Councillors who are retiring in May and were therefore attending their last meeting of the Council, namely Bill Amos, Tom Collins, Mike Johnson, Louise Griffiths and Jo Hodges.

The Mayor also thanked Jim Carver for his time and commitment serving as a Councillor for the Nunnery Ward who resigned last month.

Councillors Bayliss and Gregson also paid their own tributes.

Refreshments

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

Karen Field spoke to the Council in respect of item 95 (Notice of Motion – Sunflowers – A sign of Welcome and Hope to Ukrainian Refugees).  In summary, she spoke in support of the Motion and encouraged Members of the Council to take sunflower seed packets for planting.

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 question submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.

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

Increase in the Cost of Living

Council is concerned about the growing inequalities being caused by the recent dramatic increase in the cost of living.

These put the people of Worcester at greater risk of being unable to afford the basics that we all take for granted- heating our homes, paying for our housing, feeding our families and getting to work.

Council therefore mandates the Managing Director to write to the local Member of Parliament, highlighting our concerns and seeking his support to help tackle this crisis through a cap on private sector housing rents and to cut VAT on domestic fuel.

Proposed by: Councillor Lamb

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

Increase in the Cost of Living

Council is concerned about the growing inequalities being caused by the recent dramatic increase in the cost of living.

These put the people of Worcester at greater risk of being unable to afford the basics that we all take for granted- heating our homes, paying for our housing, feeding our families and getting to work.

Council therefore, mandates the Managing Director to write to the local Member of Parliament, highlighting our concerns and seeking his support to help tackle this crisis through a cap on private sector housing rents and to cut VAT on domestic fuel.

The proposer, Councillor Lamb and the seconder, Councillor Agar, both spoke in support of the Motion.

In accordance with the rules set out in the Constitution, Councillor Stephen proposed an amendment to the Motion, as follows:

Delete the words in paragraph 3 “and to cut VAT on domestic fuel”.

The proposed amendment was seconded by Councillor Laurenson.

Members then entered into a debate on the amendment to the Motion where support and opposition was expressed across the Chamber, following which the amendment was put to the vote.  On being put to the vote the amendment was carried.

In accordance with the rules set out in the Constitution, Councillor Bayliss proposed an amendment to the Motion, as amended, as follows:

Add the following words at the end of paragraph 1: “although it welcomes the Governments investment support through the £150 Council Tax rebate, increasing National Insurance thresholds and the £144 million discretionary support to Local Authorities”.  Delete the following words after the word crisis in paragraph 3: “through a cap on private sector housing rents and to cut VAT on domestic fuel” and replace with the words “through the full range of policy levers at the Governments disposal”.

The proposed amendment was seconded by Councillor Mitchell.

The proposer of the original Motion, Councillor Lamb, stated that he did not accept these amendments.

Members entered into a debate on the amendment of the Motion, following which the amendment was put to the vote.

On being put to the vote the amendment was lost.

Members then entered into a debate on the Motion, as amended, following which the Motion was put to the vote. The Motion, as amended, was agreed and it was

RESOLVED: That the Council request the Managing Director to write to the local Member of Parliament, highlighting our concerns and seeking his support to help tackle this crisis through a cap on private sector housing rents.

Sunflowers – A Sign of Welcome and Hope to Ukrainian Refugee

Worcester City Council stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, extends a hand of friendship to all Ukrainians living in Worcester and offers a warm welcome to any Ukrainian refugees arriving in our city. As a small but visible sign of welcome and hope, Council requests that sunflowers, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

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.

That the Council agrees to adopt the Capital and Investment Strategies 2022/23 – 2024/25 as set out in appendix 1 attached to the report.

(Report to follow)

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

The Committee at its meeting on 22^nd March 2022 had considered  a report on the Capital Strategy for 2022/23-2024/25 and the Investment Strategy for 2022/23-2024/25. 

The Committee had agreed that the Council adopt the Capital Strategy, and to consider and approve the Investment Strategy.

The Capital Strategy and Investment Strategy are required under statutory guidance and form part of the Policy and Budgetary Framework.  In accordance with the Constitution, changes to the Policy and Budgetary Framework are reserved to full Council to determine.

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 Capital Strategy for 2022/23-2024/25 and the Investment Strategy for 2022/23-2024/25 for adoption.

That the Council agrees to the appointment of a Member Champion for Equality Diversity and inclusion.

(Report to follow)

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

The Committee at its meeting on 22^nd March 2022 had considered a proposed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Annual Action Plan.

The Strategy sets out arrangements for Member oversight and sponsorship of this work programme, including a proposal for a new Member Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. This Champion would act as a sponsor of the improvement actions set out in the Strategy and raise the profile of this work, particularly with other councillors.

The Committee had agreed to recommend to Council the appointment of a Member Champion for Equality Diversity and Inclusion.

In accordance with the Constitution, a proposal for a new Member Champion role must be agreed by Council.

It was proposed by Councillor Bayliss and seconded by Councillor Gregson that Councillor Norfolk be appointed to this new Member Champion role and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council approve the appointment of Councillor Robyn Norfolk to the Member Champion role for Equality Diversity and Inclusion.

That the Council receives the Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2021/21.

(Report to follow)

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of Audit and Governance Committee on the Committee’s Annual Report for the 2020/21 municipal year.

The Annual Report shows how the Audit and Governance Committee had

successfully achieved its objectives over the last year and has thereby made a positive contribution to the Council’s overall governance and control environment.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council receives the Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2020/21.

To receive the report of the Heritage Champion.

The Council received a report from the Heritage Champion, Councillor Mrs Lucy Hodgson, setting out the achievements and highlights over the last 12 months.  Following her presentation, there was an opportunity for Members to ask questions.

To receive the report of the Children and Young People’s Champion.

The Council received a report from the Children and Young People’s Champion, Councillor Matt Lamb, setting out the achievements and highlights over the last 12 months.  Following his presentation, there was an opportunity for Members to ask questions.

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.

That the Council approves the proposed Fees and Charges for Trade Waste for 2022/23.

(Report to follow)

The Council considered the fees and charges for Trade Waste Collections for 2022/2. These were not for publication as they contained commercially sensitive information.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council approve the Fees and Charges for Trade Waste Collections 2022/23.