Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Altaf and Stanley.

To receive any declarations of interest.

The following declarations of interest were made:

Councillor Bayliss – Minute 49 (Notice of Motion – Investment Zones) - As Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy Infrastructure and Skills

Councillor Geraghty - Minute 49 (Notice of Motion – Investment Zones) - As Leader of Worcestershire County Council

Councillor Lawrance – Minute 46 (South Worcestershire Development Plan Review: Publication Consultation (Regulation 19) and 24 – Employer is a tenant at Throckmorton Airfield. Councillor Lawrance left the meeting for consideration of this item

Councillors Gregson, Mrs L Hodgson, S Hodgson and Udall - Minute 49 (Notice of Motion – Worcester Warriors Rugby Club) - As season ticket holders at Worcester Warriors Rugby Club

Councillor Mitchell - Minute 49 (Notice of Motion – Worcester Warriors Rugby Club) - Has a hospitality box at Worcester Warriors Rugby Club.

Of the meetings held on 5^th July and 11^th September 2022 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 5^th July and 11^th September 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.

Ukrainian Welcome Event

Nearly 100 Ukrainian guests and their host families were welcomed to the Guildhall on 6^th August 2022.  Those that attended gave thanks to the City Council for the support that is being provided.

Worcester City Run

The Mayor had taken part in the Worcester City Run on 4^th September, and his team, which included Councillors Laurenson and Lewing, had raised £1,500 for his charities.

Death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II

Following the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, both County and City Proclamations were held at the Guildhall, followed by a Memorial Service.  Over 4,000 messages had been recorded in the Books of Condolence which were available at the Guildhall, and these have been placed in the County Council Archives. A letter of thanks has been received from the Royal Archives on behalf of King Charles III. The Mayor thanked all who had helped to organise these events in such a short amount of time. 

Inaugural Banquet

The Mayor thanked everyone who attended the Inaugural Banquet on 23^rd September 2022, all seemed to have a good time.

Forthcoming Lectures

The Mayor informed the Council that the Annual Civic Society Lecture will be taking place on Wednesday, 19^th October at 7.30pm at the Guildhall.  Marcus Binney, Executive President of SAVE Britain’s Heritage will be delivering the lecture, which is free. The Worcestershire Archaeological Society Lecture will be taking place on Tuesday, 25^th October at 7.30pm at the Guildhall.  The topic will be The Building of the Guildhall.

Annual Poppy Appeal Launch and Remembrance Sunday

The Mayor announced that the Annual Poppy Launch is to take place at the Guildhall on Saturday, 29^th  October. Invitations for the Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade scheduled for 13th November 2022 have been distributed.  The Parade to be bigger this year as a large number of veterans and serving officers will be attending from The Queen’s Royal Hussars.

Refreshments

The Mayor invited everyone to join him for refreshments in the Assembly Room once the meeting has finished.

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.

That the Council:

1.     approves the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR) Publication consultation (Regulation 19) set out in the Appendices, for consultation from 01 November 2022 for six weeks;

2.     authorises 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 SWDP Publication Consultation (Regulation 19) material prior to publication;

3.     subject to the outcome of the Regulation 19 Publication consultation raising no material issues of concern on the soundness of the Plan, authorises the Corporate Director - Planning and Governance in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee to make minor modifications and submit the SWDP Review for Examination, in accordance with Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and Regulation 22(3) of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, to the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities;

4.   as part of the Examination process, authorises the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee to formally request that the appointed Inspector make recommendations to the Council for any main modifications to the SWDP Review that are considered necessary to make the Plan sound as per Regulation 20 (7C) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

The Council considered a report on proposals for the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) Review Publication (Regulation 19) consultation. Councillor Mrs Lucy Hodgson, Chair of Place and Economic Development Committee, presented the report and explained that this is the next stage in the SWDP Review process. The Appendices to the report included the draft Plan which is proposed for consultation; a link to the SWDP website which displays in draft the substantial number of evidence studies, policies and technical assessments which support the Plan as well as an interactive map; and an easy-read summary leaflet in draft to help navigate readers through the Plan consultation stage.

The draft Plan had been considered by the Place and Economic Development Committee at its meeting on 3 October 2022 and the Committee had unanimously approved the recommendations to Council.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council:

1.    approves the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR) Publication consultation (Regulation 19) set out in the Appendices, for consultation from 01 November 2022 for six weeks;

2.    authorises 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 SWDP Publication Consultation (Regulation 19) material prior to publication;

3.    subject to the outcome of the Regulation 19 Publication consultation raising no material issues of concern on the soundness of the Plan, authorises the Corporate Director - Planning and Governance in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee to make minor modifications and submit the SWDP Review for Examination, in accordance with Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and Regulation 22(3) of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, to the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; and

4.    as part of the Examination process, authorises the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee to formally request that the appointed Inspector make recommendations to the Council for any main modifications to the SWDP Review that are considered necessary to make the Plan sound as per Regulation 20 (7C) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

That the Council:

1.     approves the South Worcestershire Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Policy and Site Allocations Development Plan Document (“DPD”) Publication: Regulation 19 set out at Appendix 1 for consultation from 01 November 2022 for six weeks;

2.     authorises 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 South Worcestershire Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Policy and Site Allocations Development Plan Document Publication: Regulation 19 material prior to publication;

3.     subject to the outcome of the Regulation 19 Publication consultation raising no material issues of concern on the soundness of the DPD, authorises the Corporate Director - Planning and Governance in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee to make minor modifications and submit the DPD for examination, in accordance with Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and Regulation 22(3) of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, to the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities;

4.     as part of the Examination process, authorises the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee to formally request that the appointed Inspector make recommendations to the Council for any main modifications to the DPD that are considered necessary to make the DPD sound as per Regulation 20 (7C) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

The Council considered a report on the South Worcestershire Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Policy and Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) Publication: Regulation 19. Councillor Mrs Lucy Hodgson, Chair of Place and Economic Development Committee, presented the report and explained that, whilst the SWDPR contains a policy for Travellers, it is the intention for this Travellers DPD to act as the primary policy function for new Traveller development. The DPD contains three policies, although no sites had been allocated in Worcester City.

This matter had been considered by the Place and Economic Development Committee at its meeting on 3 October 2022 and the Committee had unanimously approved the recommendations to Council.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council:

1.   approves the South Worcestershire Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Policy and Site Allocations Development Plan Document (“DPD”) Publication: Regulation 19 set out at Appendix 1 for consultation from 01 November 2022 for six weeks;

2.   authorises 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 South Worcestershire Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Policy and Site Allocations Development Plan Document Publication: Regulation 19 material prior to publication;

3.   subject to the outcome of the Regulation 19 Publication consultation raising no material issues of concern on the soundness of the DPD, authorises the Corporate Director - Planning and Governance in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee to make minor modifications and submit the DPD for examination, in accordance with Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and Regulation 22(3) of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, to the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; and

4.   as part of the Examination process, authorises the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee to formally request that the appointed Inspector make recommendations to the Council for any main modifications to the DPD that are considered necessary to make the DPD sound as per Regulation 20 (7C) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

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.

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

1.    Bulky Waste Collection

Council is concerned about the cost-of-living crisis having a new impact on fly tipping, with the cost of bulky waste collection becoming a disincentive for many residents.  Council calls upon the Managing Director to bring reports to the relevant Council Committees, to consider the costs, consequences and benefits of a universal, pre-booked, free household bulky waste collection service for Worcester residents, which will enable elected councillors to consider options and determine what action, if any, to take.

Proposed by: Councillor Udall

2.    Bus Services Within the City Boundaries

Council calls upon the Managing Director to bring reports to relevant Council Committees to enable City Councillors to consider costs and options for either free or reduced price bus services within the city boundaries during December, including weekends and evenings, which would help promote bus use and support key workers, local retailers and their employees, and businesses.

Proposed by: Councillor Norfolk

3.    Proportional Representation for General Elections

First Past the Post (FPTP) originated when land-owning aristocrats dominated parliament and voting was restricted to property-owning men.

In Europe, only the UK and authoritarian Belarus still use archaic single-round FPTP for general elections. Meanwhile, internationally, Proportional Representation (PR) is used to elect parliaments in more than 80 countries. Those countries tend to be more equal, freer and greener.

PR ensures all votes count, have equal value, and those seats won match votes cast. Under PR, MPs and Parliaments better reflect the age, gender and protected characteristics of local communities and the nation.

MPs better reflecting their communities leads to improved decision-making, wider participation and increased levels of ownership of decisions taken.

PR would also end minority rule. In 2019, 43.6% of the vote produced a government with 56.2% of the seats and 100% of the power. PR also prevents ‘wrong winner’ elections such as occurred in 1951 and February 1974.

PR is already used to elect the parliaments and assemblies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. So why not Westminster?

Council therefore resolves to mandate the Managing Director to write to H.M. Government calling for a change in our outdated electoral laws to enable Proportional Representation to be used for general elections.

Proposed by: Councillor Allcott

4.    Worcester Warriors Rugby Club

This Council notes with dismay the financial mismanagement of the Worcester Warriors Rugby Club that has come to light in recent months and has led to the ownership of the club being taken away and transferred to the Joint Administrators of Julie Palmer, Julian Pitts and Andrew Hook all of Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP.

Since the WRFC Trading Limited entered administration on 27^th September horror stories have emerged of a complicated series of financial dealings that have transferred the property assets of WRFC Trading into the hands of a tangled web of Third Parties including Militibus Quanco (subsequently renamed Worcester Sport in August 2020), MQ Properties, and Link Corporate Trustees. It has also emerged  ...  view the full agenda text for item 49.

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

1.    Bulky Waste Collection

Council is concerned about the cost-of-living crisis having a new impact on fly tipping, with the cost of bulky waste collection becoming a disincentive for many residents.  Council calls upon the Managing Director to bring reports to the relevant Council Committees, to consider the costs, consequences and benefits of a universal, pre-booked, free household bulky waste collection service for Worcester residents, which will enable elected councillors to consider options and determine what action, if any, to take.

The proposer, Councillor Udall and the seconder, Councillor Desayrah, both spoke in support of the Motion. Other Members spoke in on the Motion, where a range of views were expressed across the Chamber, following which the Motion was put to the vote. The Motion was agreed and it was

RESOLVED: That the Council agrees to instruct the Managing Director to bring reports to the relevant Council Committees, to consider the costs, consequences and benefits of a universal, pre-booked, free household bulky waste collection service for Worcester residents.

2.    Bus Services Within the City Boundaries

Council calls upon the Managing Director to bring reports to relevant Council Committees to enable City Councillors to consider costs and options for either free or reduced price bus services within the city boundaries during December, including weekends and evenings, which would help promote bus use and support key workers, local retailers and their employees, and businesses.

The proposer, Councillor Norfolk and the seconder, Councillor Barnes, both spoke in support of the Motion, following which the Motion was put to the vote. The Motion was agreed and it was

RESOLVED: That the Council agrees to instruct the Managing Director to bring reports to relevant Council Committees to enable City Councillors to consider costs and options for either free or reduced price bus services within the city boundaries during December, including weekends and evenings.

3.    Proportional Representation for General Elections

First Past the Post (FPTP) originated when land-owning aristocrats dominated parliament and voting was restricted to property-owning men.

In Europe, only the UK and authoritarian Belarus still use archaic single-round FPTP for general elections. Meanwhile, internationally, Proportional Representation (PR) is used to elect parliaments in more than 80 countries. Those countries tend to be more equal, freer and greener.

PR ensures all votes count, have equal value, and those seats won match votes cast. Under PR, MPs and Parliaments better reflect the age, gender and protected characteristics of local communities and the nation.

MPs better reflecting their communities leads to improved decision-making, wider participation and increased levels of ownership of decisions taken.

PR would also end minority rule. In 2019, 43.6% of the vote produced a government with 56.2% of the seats and 100% of the power. PR also prevents ‘wrong winner’ elections such as occurred in 1951 and February 1974.

PR is already used to elect the parliaments and assemblies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

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 receives the Standards Committee Annual Report 2021/22.

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of Standards Committee on the Annual Report of the Committee, which provided a summary of the work undertaken by the Committee in the 2021/22 municipal year.

It was proposed by Councillor Allcott and seconded by Councillor Roberts and on being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council receives the Standards Committee Annual Report 2021/22.

That the Council approves the charges proposed within this report.

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of the Income Generation Sub-Committee on proposed changes to the tariff for the EV charge points installed in St Martin’s Gate car park.

At the meeting on 27^th July 2022, the Sub-Committee had considered a report which explained that the Council’s electricity costs had increased by 22% since the current charge was set in 2021. Officers had reviewed information on the pricing of other electric vehicle charging facilities locally, as a result of which it was recommended that the charge is set at 39p per kWh incl. VAT for the 22kW chargers and 49p incl. VAT per kWh for the 50kW chargers. This was recommended as a market rate which will also cover the cost of service provision.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council approves the proposed charges set out above.

That Council approves, with immediate effect, the amendments to the Constitution set out in this report and authorises the Corporate Director - Planning and Governance to make the necessary drafting changes to the Constitution.

The Council considered a report on proposed amendments to the Constitution. The Joint Leader presented the report and explained that the amendments were to provide clarity on a number of points where the Constitution does not reflect the Council’s preferred operating arrangements. The amendments were:

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

RESOLVED: That Council approves, with immediate effect, the amendments to the Constitution set out in this report and authorises the Corporate Director - Planning and Governance to make the necessary drafting changes to the Constitution.

To receive a report, if necessary.

The Joint Leader informed Members that this would be his last meeting as Joint Leader of the Council. He reflected on his time in the role and noted various achievements of the Council during that period. He thanked members of the Conservative Group, residents of Bedwardine Ward and Officers of the Council for their support. He thanked Members and the Mayor expressed his thanks in return on behalf of the Council.

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.

None.

None.