Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Cleary, Riaz, Round, Udall and Willmore.

To receive any declarations of interest.

The following declarations of interest were made:

Councillor Lewing – Referral Report from Income Management Sub-Committee, 15^th November 2023 - Freedom Leisure Proposed Fees and Charges for 2023/24 (Minute 75) - as a member of Perdiswell Leisure Centre and Question no. 4 (Minute 71) - son is a former employee of the Duckworth Trust

Councillor Hodgson - Referral Report from Policy and Resources Committee 21^st November 2023 - St Peter the Great County Parish Council/ Warndon Parish Council: Review of Electoral Arrangements (Minute 74) - as a member of Warndon Parish Council

Councillor Lawrance – Referral Report from Income Management Sub-Committee, 15^th November 2023 - Freedom Leisure Proposed Fees and Charges for 2023/24 (Minute 75) - as a member of Perdiswell Leisure Centre

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

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th September 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor, subject to the spelling of the word “Robin” in minute 52 being amended to “Robyn.”

To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.

Former Councillor Margaret Wills

The Mayor paid tribute to former Councillor Margaret Wills, who represented the St. Barnabas Ward from 1981 to 2000. She had passed away peacefully on 11 November 2023, aged 86 years, after a long illness. Councillor Gregson and Councillor Cookson also paid tribute.

Welcome to Councillor Katie Collier

The Mayor welcomed Councillor Katie Collier to her first meeting of the Council following her election at the recent Warndon Parish South Ward By-election.

Armed Forces Events

The Mayor commented on a number of armed forces events which he had attended recently, including an Armed Forces mini-conference at the Guildhall organised by Councillor Agar, the Gheluvelt commemoration, Poppies to Paddington, the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal launch and Armistice and Remembrance Day commemorations.

Other Recent Events

Other notable events which the Mayor had attended included the Civic Society Lecture as a fundraiser for Age UK, the blue plaque unveiling for aviator Sheila Scott, the very well-attended Black History Month celebration in the Guildhall, the Apprentice Awards and the Small Business Festival. He had also presented awards to teaching assistants. Last Saturday he attended the launch of the White Ribbon Campaign and switched on of the Christmas lights.

Coming Up

The Mayor highlighted the opening of the Victorian Fayre this coming Thursday at 4pm; the Christmas meal at St Pauls on Thursday, 7^th December where Councillors from each of the political groups will be serving food; and the Mayor’s charity carol concert at the Guildhall on 13 December. He hoped to see councillors there and asked everyone to help in promoting the event on social media.

This Evening’s Meeting

The Mayor noted that the last Council meeting had lasted 3 and a half hours. He acknowledged that Group Leaders had subsequently discussed ideas to make the meeting more streamlined whilst ensuring a balance between Members being able to get their points across and ensuring this is done on a respectful and timely way.

Refreshments

Finally, the Mayor invited everyone to join him for refreshments in the Mayor’s Parlour at the end of the 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.

Melissa Poulton asked what the Council is doing to support people from LGBTIQA+ communities. The Mayor advised that a written response will be provided.

Jade Smith spoke about what is happening in Gaza and the importance of an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.

Sohail Farraz made points about the ongoing events in Gaza and he asked Councillors to express their support for the people of Palestine.

Paul Walters, Chairman, St Peter’s Parish Council spoke regarding the election cycle realignment of the Parish Council, and how the proposal to hold an election in 2024 (Option 2) will have a detrimental impact upon the Parish precept. He explained the reasons why the Parish Council supports Option 1.

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.

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.

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 72.

The Council considered 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.

The proposer, Councillor Murray spoke in support of the Motion, which was seconded by Councillor Jagger.

The following amendment was proposed by Councillor Lewing:

Delete all words after “This Council believes that:” and replace with:

•    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.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

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

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

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)

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

At the meeting on 21^st November 2023, the Committee considered a report on the outcome of a public consultation on options for the ordinary year of election for both St Peter the Great Parish Council and Warndon Parish Council. The consultation invited respondents to select a preferred option from the following list:

Option 1:      Extend term of office following May 2023 elections by 1 year resulting in the next Parish elections taking place in May 2028 with City Council elections.

Option 2:     Reduce term of office following May 2023 elections to 1 year resulting in the next Parish elections taking place in May 2024 with City Council elections.

Option 3:     Make no changes, resulting in the next Parish elections taking place in 2027 on their own and every four years after.

Option 4:     Hold an election in 2027 and then have another election in 2028 and thenceforward every four years (in line with the Worcester City Council cycle)

Option 5:      Hold an election in 2027 and then not have another election until 2032 and thenceforward every four years (in line with the Worcester City Council cycle).

The responses were as follows:

51.8% (14 respondents) favoured option 1

33.3% (9 respondents) favoured option 2

3.7%  (1 respondent) favoured option 3

0 %    (0 respondents) favoured option 4

11.1% (3 respondents) favoured option 5

Council officers contacted the Parish Councils to obtain their views on the preferred option. St Peters Parish Council has confirmed their preference was Option 1. Warndon Parish Council confirmed their preference was Option 2.

The Committee had expressed unanimous support for Option 2.

The Council proceeded to debate the options. It was proposed by Councillor Stanley and seconded by Councillor Denham and upon being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That:

1.    pursuant to section 53 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, the Council resolves to change the ordinary year of election for St Peter the Great County Parish Council and Warndon Parish Council so that it falls on the ordinary day of election in 2024 and every four years thereafter; and

2.    the Council delegates authority to the Corporate Director - Planning and Governance to make and publicise the requisite legal order and take any other necessary steps to implement the Council’s resolution.

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).

The Council considered a referral report from the Chair of Income Management Sub-Committee.

At the meeting on 15^th November 2023, the /Sub-Committee considered the proposed Fees and Charges submitted by Freedom Leisure for the period 1^st January to 31^st December 2024 inclusive. The Sub-Committee agreed to recommend to Council the approval of the Fees and Charges as submitted by Freedom Leisure.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Cooper and seconded by Councillor Cross that the proposed increase in School Swimming fees for primary schools should be deferred and implemented with effect from 1^st April 2024. Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

It was proposed by Councillor Stanley and seconded by Councillor Norfolk and upon being put to the vote it was agreed and

RESOLVED: That the Council approve the Fees and Charges submitted by Freedom Leisure for 2024 (covering the period 1^st January 2024 to 31^st 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.

The Council considered a report on the allocation of seats between Political Groups as a consequence of the by-election for the Warndon Parish South which was held on 19^th October 2023. The Monitoring Officer presented the report and explained that the Council’s political balance was now as follows:

The allocation of seats to give effect to this new political balance had been discussed with Group Leaders. The proposals set out in Appendix 1 to the report reflected those discussions and complied with the relevant legal principles.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council agree 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.

The Council considered a report on changes proposed by Group Leaders to membership of committees as a consequence of the changes to political balance agreed under the previous item, and to changes to the appointments of Chairs and Vice-Chairs in accordance with the principles in the Group Leaders’ Protocol.

It was noted that vacancies had arisen on Communities Committee and Health and Wellbeing Committee, due to the non-attendance of Councillor Ditta at meetings of those Committees for a period of six calendar months. These seats were now allocated to the Green Group in accordance with the political balance changes.

There were vacancies on Policy and Resources Committee and Environment Committee which were not filled at the last Council meeting. The seats on each of these Committees were allocated to the Conservative Group in accordance with the principles of political balance.

The Conservative Group Leader proposed the following:

·        Policy and Resources Committee – Appoint Councillor Altaf

·        Environment Committee – Appoint Councillor Hodgson

·        Place and Economic Development Committee – Remove Councillor Stanley

The Green Group Leader proposed the following:

·        Communities Committee – Appoint Councillor Collier

·        Health and Wellbeing Committee – Appoint Councillor Collier

·        Place and Economic Development – Appoint Councillor Collier

·        Income Management Sub-Committee – Councillor Round to replace Councillor Piotrowski; appoint Councillor Round as Chair in place of Councillor Stanley

·        Place and Economic Development Committee – Appoint Councillor Cooper as Vice-Chair in place of Councillor Cleary.

RESOLVED: That the Council agree the changes to Committee appointments as set out above.

To receive a report, if necessary.

None.

To consider any exempt matters which might arise.

None.