Agenda

To receive any declarations of interest.

Of the meeting held on 26^th September 2023 to be approved and signed.

To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.

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.

The Joint Leaders 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.

Ash Die Back

Ash Die Back is a non-native invasive fungus that presents a major threat to trees across the UK.  At its current rate, the disease is predicted to kill over 80% of Ash across the UK.  The economic costs are predicted to run into the billions, and it will take decades for the Ash population to recover, if recovery is possible.

Trees can survive Ash Die Back, but year on year infections will eventually kill it.  The rate of loss of Ash across the UK currently outweighs the rate of woodland creation and tree planting.

This Council notes that:

•    In 2015 Worcester City Council was made aware of Ash Die Back within the city.

•    Now a significant number of the trees across Tolladine, New Plantation and Warndon Woods are under threat from Ash Die Back.

•    Without effective management some or all of the woods may need to have access restricted for safety reasons.

•    Forestry Commission and Forest Research Agency estimates that around 5,000 Ash trees on Worcester city council land are likely to be affected by the disease.

This Council believes that:

•    Public access to all woodland including Tolladine, New Plantation and Warndon Woods is vital for the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of residents and visitors and must, therefore, be maintained.

•    These are important ecological sites which need to be carefully and sensitively managed.

This Council therefore resolves to ask the Environment Committee to consider adopting a range of measures to manage Ash Die Back including:

•    Rapidly adopt and begin to implement an action plan using the Woodland Trust’s template;

•    Identify potential sources of funding to manage Ash Die Back across all Council owned sites, including Tolladine, New Plantation and Warndon Woods and to support a programme of replanting in accordance with good woodland management;

•    Maximise the value of felled wood and reinvest the money from the sale of that wood to offset the cost of management;

•    Raise public awareness of the need for woodland management throughout Worcester for the benefit of public health;

•    Explore the feasibility of an Adopt a Tree scheme for residents to directly support the replanting of affected woodland;

•    Work with nature organisations and landowners in the city and across our boundaries to ensure that best practice and knowledge on Ash Die Back management is applied and promoted across all of our treasured green spaces.

Proposed by: Councillor Murray

Ceasefire in Gaza

Council:

(a)   (i) deeply regrets and condemns the tragic loss of civilian life in both the Hamas terrorist attacks on 7th October and the ensuing Israeli bombardment of Gaza;

(ii) condemns Islamophobia, antisemitism, and all other forms of racism that are being propagated by those looking to divide our communities and who are seeking to dismantle any hope for a peaceful settlement.

Council notes:-

(b)   (i)  that East Jerusalem,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

To consider motions to adopt reports on matters which by law or in accordance with the Constitution are referred to Council.

That the Council considers the preferred option identified by Policy and Resources Committee for the ordinary year of election for St Peter the Great County Parish Council and Warndon Parish Council and makes a final determination.

(Report to follow)

That the Council approves the Fees and Charges submitted by Freedom Leisure for 2024 (covering the period 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024 inclusive).

That the Council agrees the allocation of seats between Political Groups, as set out in Appendix 1, to take effect from the date of the Council meeting.

That the Council agrees changes to appointments of Members to Committees for 2023/24.

To receive a report, if necessary.

To consider any exempt matters which might arise.