Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Cleary and Hassan.

To receive any declarations of interest.

The following declarations of interest were made:

Councillors Mrs Lucy Hodgson and Stephen Hodgson - Referral Report from Policy and Resources Committee 7^th February 2023 - Proposed Budget 2023/24 And Medium Term Financial Plan 2023/24 - 2027/28 (Minute 78) – As Members of Warndon Parish Council

Councillor Bayliss - Referral Report from Policy and Resources Committee 7^th February 2023 - Proposed Budget 2023/24 And Medium Term Financial Plan 2023/24 - 2027/28 (Minute 78) – As Deputy West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

The Monitoring Officer explained that, with regard to the Independent Remuneration Panel Recommendations for Members’ Allowances 2023/24 (Minute 77), all Members have a dispensation to speak and vote on this item.

Of the meeting held on 29^th November 2022 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 29^th November 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.

National Moment of Silence to Mark One Year Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The Mayor encouraged all citizens to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people by observing this moment of reflection, if they are able, on Friday, 24^th February at 11am.

Charity Cabaret Dinner

The Mayor stated that invitations for his Charity Cabaret Dinner on Friday, 31^st March at the Guildhall had been sent to all Members, and he encouraged everyone to support this event in aid of the Mayor’s charities, Onside Advocacy and Severn Arts.

Visit to Gheluveld

The Mayor announced that he will be attending the unveiling and service of re-dedication at the First World War Memorial to the Worcestershire Regiment in Gheluveld, Belgium, on Friday 24^th March 2023, to be followed by laying a wreath at the Menin Gate.

Worcester Concert Brass

The Mayor stated that he will be hosting a Charity evening with Worcester Concert Brass on Friday, 17^th March. Invitations will be sent out shortly.

Joy Lister

The Mayor and other Members sent best wishes to Joy Lister of the Guildhall Services Team, who was leaving the Council’s employment shortly.

Mayor’s 60^th Birthday

The Mayor informed the Council that he was currently marking his 60^th birthday by visiting 60 of the city’s historic pubs, to highlight the central role they play in their communities, and would be using this “Mayor-ale trail” to highlight his appeal in aid of the Mayor’s charities.

Ali Asghar

The Mayor paid tribute to Ali Asghar, a founder of the Muslim Welfare Association, who had recently passed away. Mr Asghar’s family had gifted the rug at the entrance to the Chamber to the Council some years ago.

Refreshments

The Mayor invited all present to join him for refreshments in the Mayor’s Parlour at the conclusion of the Council meeting.

City Charter 350^th Anniversary

The Mayor informed the Council that earlier in the day he had been presented with a silver goblet commemorating the 350th anniversary of the City's Charter by former Mayor Liz Smith. This was displayed on the stage in the Council Chamber, together with the Charter bowls.

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.

Ian Pickering spoke in support of Notice of Motion no. 1 - Standing up for Responsible Tax Conduct.

Jessie Jagger spoke in support of a petition about providing toilet facilities for lorry drivers due to concerns about human waste being deposited in hedgerows in Wainwright Road. The petition had been completed electronically and will be submitted by email.

The Mayor thanked both speakers for their representations.

The Joint 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.

1.    Standing up for Responsible Tax Conduct 

The Council notes that:

1.   The pressure on organisations to pay their fair share of tax has never been stronger.

2.   Polling from the Institute for Business Ethics finds that “corporate tax avoidance” has, since 2013, been the clear number one concern of the British public when it comes to business conduct.

3.   Two thirds of people (66%) believe the Government and local councils should at least consider a company’s ethics and how they pay their tax, as well as value for money and quality of service provided, when awarding contracts to companies.

4.   Around 17.5% of public contracts in the UK have been won by companies with links to tax havens.

5.   It has been conservatively estimated that losses from multinational profit-shifting (just one form of tax avoidance) could be costing the UK some £17bn per annum in lost corporation tax revenues.

6.   The Fair Tax Mark offers a means for business to demonstrate good tax conduct, and has been secured by a wide range of businesses across the UK, including FTSE-listed PLCs, co-operatives, social enterprises and large private businesses.

The Council believes that:

1.   Paying tax is often presented as a burden, but it shouldn’t be.

2.   Tax enables us to provide services from education, health and social care, to flood defence, roads, policing and defence. It also helps to counter financial inequalities and rebalance distorted economies.

3.   As recipients of significant public funding, local authorities should take the lead in the promotion of exemplary tax conduct; be that by ensuring contractors are paying their proper share of tax, or by refusing to go along with offshore tax dodging when buying land and property.

4.   Where councils hold substantive stakes in private enterprises, influence should be wielded to ensure that such businesses are exemplars of tax transparency and tax avoidance is shunned.

5.   More action is needed, however, as current and proposed new UK procurement law significantly restricts councils’ ability to either penalise poor tax conduct (as exclusion grounds are rarely triggered) or reward good tax conduct, when buying goods or services.

6.   UK cities, counties and towns can and should stand up for responsible tax conduct - doing what they can within existing frameworks and pledging to do more given the opportunity, as active supporters of international tax justice.

The Council resolves to:

1.   Approve the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration (Copy attached).

2.   Lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities.

3.   Ensure IR35 is implemented robustly and contract workers pay a fair share of employment taxes.

4.   Not use offshore vehicles for the purchase of land and property, especially where this leads to reduced payments of stamp duty.

5.   Undertake due diligence to ensure that not-for-profit structures are not being used inappropriately by suppliers as an artificial device to reduce the payment of tax and business rates.  ...  view the full agenda text for item 75.

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

1.    Standing up for Responsible Tax Conduct 

The Council notes that:

1.   The pressure on organisations to pay their fair share of tax has never been stronger.

2.   Polling from the Institute for Business Ethics finds that “corporate tax avoidance” has, since 2013, been the clear number one concern of the British public when it comes to business conduct.

3.   Two thirds of people (66%) believe the Government and local councils should at least consider a company’s ethics and how they pay their tax, as well as value for money and quality of service provided, when awarding contracts to companies.

4.   Around 17.5% of public contracts in the UK have been won by companies with links to tax havens.

5.   It has been conservatively estimated that losses from multinational profit-shifting (just one form of tax avoidance) could be costing the UK some £17bn per annum in lost corporation tax revenues.

6.   The Fair Tax Mark offers a means for business to demonstrate good tax conduct, and has been secured by a wide range of businesses across the UK, including FTSE-listed PLCs, co-operatives, social enterprises and large private businesses.

The Council believes that:

1.   Paying tax is often presented as a burden, but it shouldn’t be.

2.   Tax enables us to provide services from education, health and social care, to flood defence, roads, policing and defence. It also helps to counter financial inequalities and rebalance distorted economies.

3.   As recipients of significant public funding, local authorities should take the lead in the promotion of exemplary tax conduct; be that by ensuring contractors are paying their proper share of tax, or by refusing to go along with offshore tax dodging when buying land and property.

4.   Where councils hold substantive stakes in private enterprises, influence should be wielded to ensure that such businesses are exemplars of tax transparency and tax avoidance is shunned.

5.   More action is needed, however, as current and proposed new UK procurement law significantly restricts councils’ ability to either penalise poor tax conduct (as exclusion grounds are rarely triggered) or reward good tax conduct, when buying goods or services.

6.   UK cities, counties and towns can and should stand up for responsible tax conduct - doing what they can within existing frameworks and pledging to do more given the opportunity, as active supporters of international tax justice.

The Council resolves to:

1.   Approve the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration (Copy attached).

2.   Lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities.

3.   Ensure IR35 is implemented robustly and contract workers pay a fair share of employment taxes.

4.   Not use offshore vehicles for the purchase of land and property, especially where this leads to reduced payments of stamp duty.

5.   Undertake due diligence to ensure that not-for-profit structures are not being used inappropriately by suppliers as an artificial device to reduce the payment of tax and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

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 2023.

(Report to follow)

The Council considered the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Members’ Allowances (IRP) for 2023/24. The full report and recommendations of the IRP for 2023/24 were appended to the report.

In summary, the IRP recommended a 7.37% increase on the Basic Allowance recommended for 2022/23 (which was £4,732), which gives a figure of £5,081.

On 6^th February 2023, Group Leaders and Deputy Group Leaders were presented with eight options ranging from a 1% increase through to a 7.37% increase on the current Basic Allowance paid. An eighth option represented the IRP’s recommendation for the Basic Allowance for 2023/24. All options recommended no increase to the multiplying factors for the SRAs as agreed by Council in February 2022.

Following the meeting, Group Leaders and Deputy Group Leaders recommended a 5% increase on the current Basic Allowance paid and the consequential change to the value of SRAs. This would result in a Basic Allowance of £4,791. This remained £290 p.a. below the IRP’s recommended allowance.

Group Leaders recommended no change to the multiplying factors of SRAs. However, Group Leaders had requested that the IRP review the SRAs for the Chairs of Planning and Licensing and Environmental Health Committees for 2024/25.

It was proposed by Councillor Bisset and seconded by Councillor Riaz that the Council agree a 5% increase. Upon being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council adopt a Scheme for Members’ Allowances and agree a 5% increase on the current basic allowance and the consequential change to the value of Special Responsibility Allowances with effect from 1^st April 2023.

Record of Voting:

The Council noted that Councillor S. Ditta had left the meeting prior to the vote being taken as he was unwell.

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 2023/24 as set out in this report.  In particular:-

a.     The Budget Requirement for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) 2023/24 at £13,556,495;

b.     The Council Tax Requirement for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) 2023/24 at £6,817,853; and

c.     The Band D Council Tax for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) at £206.89;

2.   That Council approves the Council Tax Resolution 2023/24 set out at Appendix 9 (to follow);

3.     That Council approves the proposed Budget for 2023/24 as detailed in the following appendices:

i.   the summary budget 2023/24 as set out at Appendix 1

ii.  the detailed Budget 2023/24 as set out in the Budget Book at Appendix 2

iii.the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 3

iv.the Pay Policy Statement 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 4

v.the detailed Fees and Charges 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 5 and in Appendix 5a (exempt item);

4.   That Council approves the proposed Medium Term Financial Plan for the next five year period 2023/24 – 2027/28 as detailed in Appendix 1 and the forecast Earmarked Reserves balance at 31 March 2023 as set out in Appendix 7;

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

6.     That Council endorses 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 7^th February 2023 had considered the proposed Budget for 2023/24 and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2023-2028.

The Council were recommended to approve the proposed the Budget and Council Tax and Medium Term Financial Plan including revenue 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 2023/24.

The Council then entered into a debate on the Budget and a range of views were expressed.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council agree to:

1.    approve the proposed Budget and Council Tax for 2023/24 as set out in this report, in particular:-

a.    The Budget Requirement for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) 2023/24 at £13,556,495;

b.    The Council Tax Requirement for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) 2023/24 at £6,817,853; and

c.     The Band D Council Tax for Worcester City Council (excluding Parish Precepts) at £206.89;

2.    approve the Council Tax Resolution 2023/24 set out at Appendix 9;

3.    approve the proposed Budget for 2023/24 as detailed in the following appendices:

i.      the summary budget 2023/24 as set out at Appendix 1

ii.     the detailed Budget 2023/24 as set out in the Budget Book at Appendix 2

iii.  the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 3

iv.  the Pay Policy Statement 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 4

v.   the detailed Fees and Charges 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 5 and in Appendix 5a (exempt item);

4.   approve the proposed Medium Term Financial Plan for the next five year period 2023/24 – 2027/28 as detailed in Appendix 1 and the forecast Earmarked Reserves balance at 31 March 2023 as set out in Appendix 7;

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

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

Record of Voting:

That the Council agrees to adopt a Councillor Parental Leave Allowances Scheme as set out in Appendix 2 and authorises the Monitoring Officer to amend Part 16 of the Constitution to add it into the existing Members’ Allowances Scheme.

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of Personnel and General Purposes Sub-Committee on a proposed Councillor Parental Leave Policy.

At its meeting on 14^th December 2022, the Sub-Committee had expressed broad support for adopting a policy for councillors and agreed to authorise the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Sub-Committee, to finalise the terms of a Councillor Parental Leave Policy for referral onto Council.

Some minor amendments to the template Policy discussed at the Sub-Committee meeting had been identified and a revised Scheme was appended to the report. The Council were advised that the “Policy” should be viewed as an extension of the Council’s existing Members Allowances Scheme, and so the Monitoring Officer has re-worked the initial sections of the document on this basis.

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 to:

1.    adopt a Councillor Parental Leave Allowances Scheme as set out in Appendix 2; and

2.    authorise the Monitoring Officer to amend Part 16 of the Constitution to add it into the existing Members’ Allowances Scheme.

That the Council agrees to adopt the Worcestershire Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2023-2025 (Appendix 2) and the Worcester City Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Action Plan 2023 – 2025 (Appendix 3).

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of Communities Committee on the adoption of the Worcestershire Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2023-2025 and the Worcester City Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Action Plan 2023 – 2025.

At its meeting on 2^nd November 2022, the Committee considered a report on proposals for a new Strategy, which local authorities have a duty to publish every five years. The current strategy expired in December 2022 and a review of homelessness in the Council’s area has been undertaken. An Action Plan has been developed to accompany the Strategy.

The report highlighted that the Countywide action plan will not be adopted in Worcester but replaced with a Worcester City action plan to ensure that it reflects local circumstances.

The draft Strategy and draft Worcester City Action Plan had been subject to a 6-week public consultation exercise, which was now complete, and the final Strategy document and Action Plan were appended to the report.

In the ensuing discussion, a request was made for the Action Plan to include the Council’s proposed actions in relation to armed forces personnel and looked after children. The Chair agreed to feed these points back to the relevant Officers.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council agree to adopt the Worcestershire Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2023-2025 and the Worcester City Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Action Plan 2023 – 2025.

That the Council approves the amendments to the Council’s Constitution, Parts 4 and 5, attached at Appendix 1 and 2 relating to public participation at Council meetings and Committee meetings.

The Council considered a report from the Monitoring Officer on proposed amendments to the Council’s Constitution, specifically Part 4, Council Rules of Procedure, and Part 5, Committee Rules of Procedure

At the Council meeting on 29^th November 2022, Members considered a Motion which proposed amendments to the Constitution intended to demonstrate that the Council values public participation at its meetings. Members from across the Chamber spoke in support of the Motion but voted to refer consideration of the detail of the amendments to the Audit and Governance Committee.

The Committee considered a set of amendments at its meeting on 7^th December 2022. The amendments had been drafted by the Monitoring Officer and borrowed text from the original Motion as far as possible. At the Committee’s meeting, the drafting was further refined to mitigate against unintended consequences which might undermine the principles of the Committee system. Members of the Committee voted unanimously for the changes, which were now appended to the report to Council.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council approve the amendments to the Council’s Constitution, Parts 4 and 5, attached at Appendix 1 and 2 relating to public participation at Council meetings and Committee meetings.

To receive the report of the Health and Safety Champion.

The Council received a report from the Health and Safety 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.

In the ensuing discussion, a request was made to include Members’ health and safety in next year’s report, and the Champion agreed to take this point on board.

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

The Council considered the proposed fees and charges for Trade Waste, 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 Trade Waste, Building Control and Licensing for 2023/24.