Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous Council meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7^th July 2020 were approved.

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

Councillor Rebeiro made a declaration of interest in relation to any business related to the Local Plan, as his property was adjacent to one of the sites within the plan.

Councillor Kathryn Thomas made a declaration of interest in relation to any business related to the Local Plan, as she had influence in the choice of site space for her employee Jaguar Land Rover.

To receive petitions from Members of the Council.

Councillor Dicicco submitted a petition on behalf of local residents which objected to a planning application at Woodlands Lodge, Green Lane, Meriden.

Councillor Kathryn Thomas submitted a petition which requested Solihull Council to reopen the blue badge parking on Drury Lane and Mill Lane.

Councillor McCarthy submitted a petition on behalf of residents which requested Solihull Council to install CCTV cameras in Elmdon Park and Damson Lane Park.

Councillor Slater submitted a petition on behalf of residents of Rangoon Road and Valley Road to prevent these roads being used to circumvent the Coventry Road.

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

The Mayor requested a moment of reflection to consider those who had lost loved ones during the COVID-19 crisis and those who were suffering at this time.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health provided an update on the local COVID-19 situation

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.

Alderman David Bell asked the Leader about the draft Local Plan Sites 2 and 3 and why the country park proposal had not been included in the submission. The Leader responded to the points raised, and explained why the proposal for a country park had not been included.

Mr McAllister made a deputation in relation to road safety for cyclists within the Borough. Mr McAllister was introduced by Councillor Tim Hodgson. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways explained that this would be addressed at future Decision Session meeting.

Mrs Cooper on behalf of the CPRE Warwickshire made a deputation in relation to sustainability and the Green Belt within the draft Local Plan. Mrs Cooper was introduced by Councillor Howell. The statement from Mrs Cooper was read out on her behalf. The Leader responded to the points raised, and explained that any representations would be passed to the planning inspectorate as part of the examination process.

Mrs McGarry made a deputation which requested the removal of site 3 from the draft Local Plan. Mrs McGarry was introduced by Councillor Dicicco. The Leader responded to the points raised, and explained that any representations would be passed to the planning inspectorate as part of the examination process.

Mr O’Sullivan made a deputation in relation to the potential impact of the draft Local Plan on primary care services. Mr O’Sullivan was introduced by Councillor Dr Sexton. The Leader responded to the points raised.

Mr Lowe made a deputation which raised concerns with the amount of houses proposed for Shirley within the draft Local Plan. Mr Lowe was introduced by Councillor Allen. The Leader responded to the points raised.

To consider the recommendation from Cabinet that Council endorses the Local Plan Review - Draft Submission Plan; and approves publication of the plan and arrangements for submission of the plan to the Secretary of State for examination.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing introduced the recommendations from Cabinet that Council endorse the Local Plan Review – Draft Submission Plan: and approve the publication of the Plan and arrangements for submission of the Plan to the Secretary of State for examination.

Members raised a number of questions and sought clarification on a number of issues which the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing responded to.

There then followed a debate and it was proposed by Cllr McCarthy and seconded by Cllr Burn that the Cabinet’s recommendation (iii)(a) be amended to read:

(iii)  (a) The Draft Submission Plan be published for a period of 12 weeks inviting representations on the soundness and legal compliance of the plan.

The amendment was put and lost. The following Councillors requested that their names be recorded as voting for the amendment.

(Councillors Adeyemo, Allen, Ashraf, Burn, Buxton-Sait, Caudwell, Fairburn, Groom, Hamilton, A Hodgson, T Hodgson, Macnaughton, McCarthy, McLoughlin, Dr Sexton, Slater, K Thomas, Williams and Wilson).

The substantive motion was then put and carried and Council RESOLVED:

(i)  To endorse the Local Plan Review - Draft Submission Plan (Appendix A);

(ii)  To note the Sustainability Appraisal (Appendix B) and the Fair Treatment

Assessment (Appendix C) as supporting documents to the Draft Local Plan;

(iii)  To agree:-

a) The publication of the Draft Submission Plan for a period of 6 weeks inviting representations on the soundness and legal compliance of the plan;

b) That prior to the formal publication of the Local Plan for a statutory period of representations, authority to make minor changes to the plan (if necessary) be delegated to the Director for Economy & Infrastructure in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning & Housing. Any such changes will be recorded in a schedule and published for transparency; and

c)  That following a review of the representations that are subsequently received, delegate authority to the Director for Economy & Infrastructure in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning & Housing to take full account of the representations received, propose minor amendments to the Local Plan (where this is necessary to correct any errors and aid clarity) and submit the Local Plan to the Secretary of State for a period of public examination.

The following Councillors requested that their names be recoded as voting against the substantive motion.

(Councillors Adeyemo, Allen, Ashraf, Burn, Buxton-Sait, Caudwell, Fairburn, Groom, Hamilton, A Hodgson, T Hodgson, Macnaughton, McCarthy, McLoughlin, Dr Sexton, Slater, K Thomas, Williams and Wilson).

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

Councillor Buxton-Sait to Councillor Karen Grinsell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

“How many families have been placed in temporary hotel accommodation so far this calendar year?”

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health responded that there had been 112 family placements for the period January 2020 to date.

Councillor Buxton-Sait queried what the Council had done to prevent families being accommodated in inappropriate bed and breakfasts.

The Cabinet Member explained that their needs would be assessed and the family supported into appropriate permanent accommodation as soon as possible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was extra support made available to these families.

Councillor Buxton-Sait asked for reassurance that if a second lockdown occurred, housing allocations would not stop. The Cabinet Member outlined that these families would continue to be fully supported.

Councillor Kathryn Thomas to Councillor Karen Grinsell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

“There are a number of run down garage areas/parking sites across Elmdon and Lyndon wards. Many residents are reluctant to use them due to fears over safety and anti-social behaviour, creating parking problems on nearby streets. Would it be possible to convert these sites into badly needed additional housing?”

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health responded that they were committed to building more social and affordable housing, however it was difficult to achieve this. Officers were investigating private garages in the area in relation to complaints. Council had no current issues on the sites owned by the Council. These sites are visited by SCH officers and cleared of rubbish.

Councillor Thomas highlighted there were a number of sites in Lyndon where drugs and drinks were being used and asked what the Council could do to improve communications between departments.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that it required people to continue to flag areas of concern.

Councillor Macnaughton to Councillor Karen Grinsell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

“What is the current average waiting time of a family of two parents, a two year old child and a new born baby in an urgent priority status (Band B) for a socially rented property in Solihull.”

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health provided the following information:

·  The 2 bed average waiting time is 127 weeks (889 days)

·  The 3 bed average waiting time is 162 weeks (1134 days)

Councillor Macnaughton asked what the health impact would be on a child who lived their first 1001 days in these circumstances.

The Cabinet Member outlined that the first 1001 days of a child’s life was a key priority for the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Councillor Macnaughton queried what actions would be taken to create socially rented accommodation within the Borough.

The Cabinet Member explained that the draft Local Plan enabled more properties to be built within the Borough to add to the stock of houses.

Councillor Kathryn Thomas to Councillor Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing

“Can the Cabinet Member please tell us what  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To deal with any Topic of Debate submitted.

There was no topic of debate.

To receive the following Motion:

From Cllr Sleigh OBE Cabinet Portfolio for Resources:

“This Council welcomes the financial support given by this government to business, to the Council and to residents of the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull during the current Covid-19 Pandemic.

Whilst welcome, pressures not least financial, continue beyond the support already received.

This Council therefore calls on government to consider further support to business, the Council itself and residents of Solihull Borough to take us through this Pandemic period and beyond.”

Councillor Sleigh introduced the motion which was seconded by Councillor Courts.

“This Council welcomes the financial support given by this government to business, to the Council and to residents of the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull during the current Covid-19 Pandemic.

Whilst welcome, pressures not least financial, continue beyond the support already received.

This Council therefore calls on government to consider further support to business, the Council itself and residents of Solihull Borough to take us through this pandemic period and beyond.”

It was RESOLVED that the motion be referred to the Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board for consideration.

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 31-39)

b) Cabinet Member for Resources (pages 41-43)

c) Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities (pages 45-51)

d) Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing (pages 53-59)

e) Cabinet Member for Children Education and Skills– (pages 61-65)

f)  Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways (pages 67-74)

g) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health including *Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board minutes and the Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2019/20 (pages 75-126)

h)  Cabinet Member for Growth and Infrastructure (pages 127-129)

(i) Cabinet Member for Leisure Tourism and Sport (pages 131-139)

*Marked to follow

Councillor Courts – Leader of the Council

The Leader of the Council presented the decisions taken at Cabinet meetings on 16^th July, 13^th August and 16^th September 2020 and attached the Economic Strategy report.

Councillor Adeyemo asked why the Leaders Decision Sessions had been cancelled and whether future meetings could be cancelled with more notice. The Leader responded that the majority of business took place at Full Cabinet and would look into whether future meetings could be cancelled.

Councillor Sleigh – Cabinet Member for Resources

The Cabinet Member for Resources presented the decisions taken at the Decision Session on 8^th September 2020.

Councillor Rolf – Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities

The Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities presented the decisions taken at the Decision Sessions on 29^th July and 21^st September 2020.

Councillor Robert Grinsell questioned when the community would be told whether there could be a Remembrance Service outside Olton Library The Cabinet Member confirmed that a response would be a provided as soon as possible.

Councillor Adeyemo asked what actions were being taken to commemorate Black History Month. The Cabinet Member advised that a written response would be provided.

Councillor Cole queried when local libraries would reopen. The Cabinet Member explained that libraries were being reopened gradually with the bigger ones initially. Local libraries had safety assessments undertaken and a date for Kingshurst would be confirmed.

Councillor Groom asked whether the Crematoria Webcasting Fees would be reviewed, and if Members could be involved in this decision. The Cabinet Member explained that they had not planned to review the decision and a planned review would take place in December. If changes to lockdown rules occurred sooner, a review would take place.

Councillor Mackiewicz – Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing presented the decisions taken at Decision Sessions on 30^th June, 28^th July and 29^th September 2020.

Councillor Kathryn Thomas queried why work to create the rapid electric bus charging infrastructure at Solihull Train station had started, prior to the confirmation of the Sprint rapid transit bus route. The Cabinet Member explained that there were plans to have electric buses use Solihull, and therefore the infrastructure needed to be in place to accommodate this.

Councillor Hawkins – Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways presented the decisions taken at the Decision Session on 1^st September 2020.

Councillor Williams asked whether Coleshill Heath Road could access the HS2 Road Safety Fund. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways explained that he would ask officers to look into this.

Councillor Kathryn Thomas questioned whether there would be a list of the roads covered by the carriageway resurfacing programme. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways confirmed this would be circulated.

Councillor Ken Meeson – Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills

The Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills advised Council of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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

a)  Resources and Delivering Value (pages 141-150)

b)  Health and Adult Social Care (pages 151-158)

c)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services (pages 159-167)

d)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills (pages 169-173)

e)  Economic Development and Managed Growth (to follow)

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

·  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board 21^st July 2020 and 14^th September 2020

·  Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board 15^th July 2020 and 28^th September 2020

·  Economic Development and Managed Growth Scrutiny Board 22^nd September 2020

·  Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board 17^th September 2020

·  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board 9^th September 2020

The minutes of the following Committees are presented for information:

a)  Call in Committee (pages 175-186)

b)  Audit Committee (pages 187-191)

c)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group (pages 193-198)

d)  Licensing Committee (pages 199-200)

e)  Governance Committee (pages 201-202)

The minutes of the following Committees were presented for information:

·  Call-in Committee 23^rd July 2020

·  Audit Committee 27^th July 2020 and 7^th September 2020

o  Re Minute 7 of the minutes of 7^th September 2020 - 2020/21 Mid-Year Treasury Management Strategy Review Council RESOLVED to Approve the revised forecasts for the 2020/21 Capital financing requirement of £464.510m, Authorised Limit of £481.644m and noted the Operational Boundary and treasury activity to date.

·  Licensing Committee 30^th July 2020

·  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group 27^th July 2020

·  Governance Committee 23^rd September 2020

To receive the following reports:

a)  Minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Minutes

The minutes of WMCA Overview and Scrutiny minutes from 20^th September 2020 were presented for information.

To deal with any questions by Leaders of political groups to the Leader of the Council, a member of the Cabinet, a Chairman of a Committee, Board, Sub-Committee or Task and Finish Group.

There were no questions received.

To receive the following report:

a)  Appointment of Independent Member on Audit Committee

The Chief Executive invited Council to appoint an independent Member on Audit Committee.

RESOLVED

That Mr David Page was approved as an Independent Member on the Audit Committee.

The Chief Executive to report on any urgent matters.

The Chief Executive explained that a report would be bought to Group Leaders to consider the alteration of timings for Full Council meetings.

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 (pages 215-216)

b)  Audit Committee (pages 217-219)

The following private minutes were presented for information:

·  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board 21^st July 2020

·  Audit Committee 27^th July 2020 and 7^th September 2020