Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 27 February 2020.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 27 February 2020 were presented.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 27 February 2020 were approved as a correct record.

To receive declarations of interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct (Members are directed to the guidance sheet attached)

Councillor Mackiewicz made a declaration of interest as a Director of AMPA Associates Ltd who provided contracts procured by Solihull Council.

Councillor Adeyemo made a declaration of interest as he was employed by a company who provided insurance to HS2 Ltd and that a family member was an employee of Solihull Council.

To receive petitions from Members of the Council.

Councillor Adeyemo submitted a petition on behalf of the residents of Campden Green to call on Solihull Council to implement proposals to rectify parking issues within the locality.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor, Leader of the Council or Members of the Cabinet.

The Mayor expressed his gratitude on behalf of all Members for Key Workers within the Borough for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Mayor advised the Council of the passing of Mrs Gail Allport who was the wife of the former Councillor Gary Allport, Mayor and Mayoress 2007-2008, and Mrs Brenda Chapple who was the wife of Honorary Alderman and former Councillor Brian Chapple, Mayor and Mayoress 1992-1993. Members passed on their condolences to Mr Allport and Alderman Chapple.

To answer questions asked by residents of the Borough under Standing Order 9 and to hear petitioners or deputations in accordance with Standing Order 12.

Sky Tudor made a deputation in relation to mental health provision within the Borough, and received a response from the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health. Sky Tudor was introduced by Councillor Adeyemo.

To answer questions asked under Standing Order 8 by Councillors (30 Minutes)

Councillor Rebeiro to Councillor Karen Grinsell the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

“In my opinion it is unquestionable that this Council has demonstrated exemplary and exceptional work across all directorates in battling against the odds in dealing with the challenges to services during and for some time to come with the Covid-19 pandemic. Now the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, in her position of Chair of the Solihull Health and Well Being Board, shared my concerns on the NHS Test, Track and Trace service when on the 9^th June, at the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, she queried the local capacity for the Test and Trace service.

“Has the Cabinet Member also had reason to query the capability, not just the capacity, for the local Test, Track and Trace service to deliver the service within the critical window of opportunity?

“Is she satisfied this will be met and I would refer to the evidence given to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee on June 3 2020 by Professor Christopher Fraser from Oxford University when he stated, as part of his evidence, that “A good way to think about it is that on average—there is variation—you have about four days to complete the loop from the person first developing generally quite non-specific symptoms to finding people through contact tracing.””

The Cabinet Member responded with the following points:

·  Within Solihull, the number of COVID-19 cases reported within the borough was much lower. The next stage of the pandemic was to quickly identify and manage local outbreaks. The role of the NHS Track and Trace was vital to this, and complex cases were referred to Public Health England who would be supported locally by Solihull Council;

·  There was enough local capacity for testing, at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, the NEC and the Ricoh Arena. Postal testing was also available. It was important that people were tested quickly. Continued work needed to be undertaken to ensure there was public confidence in the NHS Test and Trace service whereby people knew to self-isolate should they be contacted;

·  To support this was the Local Outbreak Management Plan which contained the steps taken locally to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The key elements of this were:

o  Prevention

o  Communication

o  Testing

o  Outbreak management

o  Data and surveillance

o  Enforcement

Cllr Rebeiro queried what the “R” value within Solihull was, and how this had changed over the past month as the economy began to reopen.

The Cabinet Member explained that the “R” rate was between 0.7-0.9 nationally, with 23 positive cases over the previous two weeks, with a total confirmed cases of 881 since the start of the pandemic and 273 confirmed COVID-19 deaths.

Councillor Dicicco to Councillor Mackiewicz the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing

Can the Cabinet Member provide the figures for the number of affordable homes, homes for social rent and affordable rent built during the past five years by year,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To deal with a Topic of Debate submitted by Councillor Ashraf which reads:

“To debate the strategic vision for the provision for social housing in Solihull”.

A Topic of Debate submitted by Councillor Ashraf which reads as follows was debated at Council:

“To debate the strategic vision for the provision for social housing in Solihull”.

Members debated this topic.

To deal with the following Motion submitted by Cllr Howell:

“This Council acknowledges the massive impact that Covid-19 has had on the Borough and extends a huge vote of thanks to our Council officers, key workers, partners and community volunteers who have maintained essential services and provided treatment, care and support to our Borough residents and businesses during this pandemic.”

Councillor Howell introduced the notice which was seconded by Councillor Qais.

“This Council acknowledges the massive impact that Covid-19 has had on the Borough and extends a huge vote of thanks to our Council officers, key workers, partners and community volunteers who have maintained essential services and provided treatment, care and support to our Borough residents and businesses during this pandemic.”

Following a debate Full Council moved this motion.

To present for approval the Council Plan 2020 - 2025.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Courts presented the new Council Plan for Council approval. This was seconded by Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Councillor Karen Grinsell.

Members raised a number of questions and sought clarification on a number of  points, which the Leader responded to.

RESOLVED:

That the Council Plan 2020-2025 be approved.

To receive the following recommendations from Committees:

Governance Committee 18 March2020

Minute 5Independent Remuneration Panel Review Of The Members' Allowances Scheme (page 269 )

RESOLVED:

(i)  That Full Council be recommended to approve the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2020-21 and 2021–22; and

(ii)  That the Independent Remuneration Panel be requested to complete a further review of the allowances for group leaders.

Audit Committee 22 June 2020

Minute 7 Treasury Management Outturn Report 2019/20 (Pages 245-246)

RESOLVED:

The Committee recommends that Council approves the Treasury Management Outturn 2019/20 report, as attached at Appendix A to the minutes.

Governance Committee 18 March 2020

Minute 5 Independent Remuneration Panel Review of The Members' Allowances Scheme (page 269)

The Chairman of the Governance Committee invited Members to consider the above report and the recommendations to Council.

RESOLVED

  i.  That Full Council approve the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2020-21 and 2021–22; and

  ii.  That the Independent Remuneration Panel would complete a further review of the allowances for group leaders.

Audit Committee 22 June 2020

Minute 7 Treasury Management Outturn Report 2019/20 (Pages 245-246)

The Vice-Chairman of the Audit Committee invited Members to consider the above report and the recommendations to Council.

RESOLVED

Council approved the Treasury Management Outturn 2019/20 report, as attached at Appendix A to the minutes.

To receive a summary of decisions, reports from and to deal with any subsequent questions in relation to the following Cabinet Portfolios:

a) Leader of the Council Cabinet and Portfolio (Economy) Report

(pages 19-34)

b) Cabinet Member for Resources (pages 35-43)

c) Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities (pages 45-53)

d) Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing (pages 55-65)

e) Cabinet Member for Children Education and Skills– (pages 67-73)

f)  Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways (pages 75-85)

g) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health including Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board minutes  (pages 87-134)

h)  Cabinet Member for Growth and Infrastructure (pages 135-137)

(i) Cabinet Member for Leisure Tourism and Sport (pages 139-145)

Councillor Courts – Leader of the Council

The Leader advised Council of the decisions taken at the Cabinet meetings on 5 March and 18 June 2020 and provided a summary of the meetings and activities he had been involved in on behalf of Solihull and the West Midlands.

The Leader responded to a question from Councillor Adeyemo about the role of the Leader in relation to the economy, and whether the portfolio could be withdrawn. The Leader stated that he did not plan to abolish the portfolio but recognised that a number of the decisions under this Portfolio were considered by Full Cabinet.

Councillor Cole explained that the Post Office in Kingshurst would close soon and asked whether the Council would consider a community run post office. The Leader explained he would need to take advice on this.

Councillor Sleigh – Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources

The Cabinet Member for Resources advised Council of the decisions taken at the decision sessions on 19 February, 2 April and 2 June 2020.

Councillor McCarthy asked whether there had been a rise in Discretionary Housing Payments as a result of COVID-19. The Cabinet Member responded that he would get these figures to Councillor McCarthy.

Councillor A Hodgson asked whether the shortfall from the COVID-19 Hardship Fund was an additional amount to the figure provided. The Cabinet Member explained that he was unsure how much of grant had been provided, and whether there was a shortfall. The Cabinet Member would get a full answer to Councillor A Hodgson.

Councillor Rolf – Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Stronger and Safer Communities

The Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities advised Council of the decisions taken at decision sessions on 24 February, 30 March and 17 June 2020, and provided a summary of activities since the last Full Council meeting.

Councillor Cole requested that the crematoria webcasting fees were not added to the funeral charges. The Cabinet Member explained that this would be considered at the relevant decision session but took on his comments.

Councillor Ashraf asked about the Council’s approach to hate crime. The Cabinet Member explained that there was a hate crime summit, and there was ongoing work to ensure that other religious groups could support this work.

Councillor Mackiewicz – Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning and Housing

The Cabinet Member announced that land would be allocated in a section of woodland for quiet reflection for those who had been bereaved as a result of COVID-19 and in gratitude to the work undertaken by key workers. The Cabinet Member advised Council of the decisions taken at decision sessions on 17 February and 25 March 2020.

Councillor Adeyemo raised plans sent to him from a local resident about a COVID-19 memorial garden in the North and South of the Borough. The Cabinet Member welcomed the contribution of the local resident and hoped to find space for these plans.

Councillor Cole requested that trees were planted in places where they could be protected. The Cabinet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The minutes of the following Scrutiny Board are presented for information:

a)  Resources and Delivering Value (pages 147-166)

b)  Health and Adult Social Care (pages 167-188)

c)  Economic Development and Managed Growth (pages 189-216)

d)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills (pages 217-230)

e)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services (pages 231-235)

The minutes of the following Scrutiny Board were presented for information:

·  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board

·  Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board

·  Economic Development and Managed Growth Scrutiny Board

·  Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board

·  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board

The minutes of the following Committees are presented for information:

a)  Audit Committee (pages 237-257)

b)  Licensing Committee (pages 259-261)

c)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group (pages 263-267)

d)  Governance Committee (pages 269-280)

The minutes of the following Committees were presented for information:

·  Audit Committee

·  Licensing Committee

·  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group

·  Governance Committee

To receive a report from the Chief Executive:

(a)  Council Appointments

To request Council to make a number of appointments identified in the report.

Council were requested to make a number of appointments as detailed in the report.

In relation to the Combined Authority appointments and the need for these to be Conservative given the political balance of the West Midlands, a number of opposition Councillors raised concerns over this with the Chief Executive. 

Solihull Community Housing Board

The nominations were Alderman Bell, Councillor Howell and Councillor Williams.

RESOLVED

Council approved the appointment of Alderman Bell, Councillor Howell and Councillor Williams to for the Solihull Community House Board.

West Midlands Police and Crime Panel

The nominations were Councillor Butler with Councillor Mrs Holl-Allen as the nominated substitute.

RESOLVED

Council approved the appointment of Councillor Butler as the substantive appointment and Cllr Mrs Holl-Allen as the substitute Member to the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel.

West Midlands Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The nominations were Councillor Mrs Wild and Councillor B Grinsell, with Councillor Butler as the nominated substitute.

Following a vote it was RESOLVED:

That Council approved the appointment of Councillor Mrs Wild and Councillor B Grinsell as the substantive appointees and Councillor Butler as the substitute Member to the West Midlands Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Sherbourne Recycling Ltd Shareholders Panel

There were two nominations for one appointment Councillor Hawkins and Councillor T Hodgson.

Following a vote it was RESOLVED that:

RESOLVED

Council approved the appointment of Councillor Hawkins to the Sherbourne Recycling Ltd Shareholders Panel.

West Midlands Combined Authority Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee

There were two nominations for one substantive appointment and one named substitute. The nominations were Councillor Tim Hodgson as the substantive appointment and Councillor Macnaughton as named substitute and Councillor Hawkins as the substantive appointment and Councillor Parker as named substitute.

Councillor Caudwell withdrew Councillor Macnaughton’s nomination as substitute.

That following a vote it was RESOLVED

That Council approved the appointment of Councillor Hawkins to the West Midlands Combined Authority Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee with Councillor Parker as substitute.

To receive annual update on the work of the West Midlands Fire Service.

Councillor Hogarth presented an update on the work of the West Midlands Fire Service.

The Chief Executive to report on any urgent matters.

There were no urgent matters.

To answer any remaining questions not dealt with under item 7.

No questions remained.

That, pursuance of Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be now excluded from the meeting for the remainder of the business to be transacted, on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information in terms of paragraph 3 of Part 9 of Schedule 12A to the said Act.

That, in pursuance of Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be now excluded from the meeting for the remainder of the business to be transacted, on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information in terms of Schedule 12A to the said Act.

To receive for information the following sets of minutes:

a)  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board (page 297)

b)  Economic Development and Managed Growth Scrutiny Board (page 299)

c)  Audit Committee (pages 301-303)

The following private minutes were presented for information:

·  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board

·  Economic Development and Managed Growth Scrutiny Board

·  Audit Committee