Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Clements, T Hodgson, L McCarthy, Sandison and Dr Sexton.

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 July 2021 were presented for approval.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 July be 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 which provided contracts procured by Solihull Council.

To receive petitions from Members of the Council.

Cllr Hawkins submitted a petition on behalf of 2,031 residents objecting to the development of 2000 new homes at Fulford Hall Farm, to be known as Fulford Green.

Cllr Pinwell submitted a petition on behalf of 20 residents calling on the Council to introduce traffic calming measures on the residential area of Jacobean Lane in light of residents’ concerns about frequent, excessive speeding and its regular use as a “cut through” when the M42 is busy.

Cllr Howell submitted a petition on behalf of 244 residents who oppose planning application PL/2021/01360/MAJFOT and want the Council to refuse planning permission for a 100 new homes on Balsall Common greenbelt.

Cllr Tildesley submitted a petition on behalf of 524 residents objecting to planning application 2021/01582 for the proposed demolition of an existing bungalow at 66 Whitefield’s Road and the construction of an apartment complex containing eight two bedroomed apartments.

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

The Mayor made the following announcements:

Black History Month

The Mayor highlighted that it was Black History Month, and the theme for this year was “Proud to Be”. Residents were encouraged to share their stories and responses to the question “who are you proud to be” through social media. This would provide an opportunity to explore the rich and varied identities within Solihull and gain insight from the unique perspectives of the individuals that make up the borough.

Solihull Community Housing

The Mayor praised Solihull Community Housing as they had been named Landlord of the Year.

The Mayor also provided a brief summary of his activities since the last full Council meeting. This included an event to mark the awarding of British Empire medals to residents of Solihull.

Councillor Rolf announced that she had completed the London Marathon raising £3,300 for the Soldiers’ Charity and thanked all those who had sponsored her.

The Leader thanked all those who had supported the efforts to assist refugees from Afghanistan.

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.

Cllr Hawkins read out a deputation on behalf of a local resident Mr Shawn Baldock regarding concerns over the failings of Solihull Healthcare Partnership (SHP), since the Covid Pandemic. Of key concern were the difficulties with phone contact, getting an appointment and lack of communication.

Cllr K Grinsell Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Partnership and Wellbeing advised that a formal written response would be shared with Mr Baldock. Cllr K Grinsell confirmed that the issue of GP access had been brought to the attention of the Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board on several occasions. A review had been undertaken by the CCG, and Solihull was not an outlier but the issue was a national one. Cllr K Grinsell confirmed that she had arranged a meeting with Mr Baldock and his group with the SHP, CCG and PPG.

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

Cllr K Thomas to Cllr Sleigh Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources

How many houses are currently being charged higher rates of council tax as a result of being unoccupied for 2 or more years and how many of these have minimum age limits on the occupier I.e. are retirement properties?

The Cabinet Member confirmed that there were currently 107 properties that were charged an empty homes premium as a result of the property being unoccupied for 2 or more years. 23 of the 107 properties were retirement properties.

Cllr K Thomas went on to question what action was being taken to get the 107 properties back into use. The Cabinet Member advised that this question was outside of his Portfolio’s remit, but would seek a written response.

Cllr M McCarthy to Cllr Hawkins Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Infrastructure

The Residents of Castle Bromwich are very concerned about the speed of traffic along Water Orton Road. With a Police Speed check detecting 30 speeding vehicles in 30 minutes in a recent enforcement operation there. Can the Cabinet Member inform me and my residents of the plan of action to address vehicle speeds on Water Orton Road?

The Cabinet Member confirmed he was aware of the issue, knew the area very well, and was alarmed when he saw on social media the local police team had caught 30 speeding vehicles in 30 minutes. Having done that for a living when a police officer, it was a great return for their endeavours, but he did not want speeding. The Cabinet Member had contacted the Chief Superintendent to find out where the speeding drivers where from.

With regard to road safety, Officers were currently carrying out a road safety review across the whole borough, including Water Orton Road. A report would be presented to a future decision session, when road safety for the whole borough would be looked at.

Cllr M McCarthy questioned what the time scale was for the assessment and what kind of work was being considered. The Cabinet Member advised that statistical data was being reviewed and the views of stakeholders (emergency services) sought. A report would be considered at the decision session in January 2022. The Cabinet Member also drew attention to a consultation that was ongoing regarding the use of £2.5m HS2 Road Safety Fund. The Cabinet Member encouraged Members and residents to respond.

Cllr M McCarthy stated that the feature of the road encouraged people to speed and asked the Cabinet Member to review what changes on the ground could be made? The Cabinet Member confirmed he would look at what could be done to ameliorate the issues.

Cllr Buxton-Sait to Cllr Hawkins Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Infrastructure

I have had several residents contact me raising the state of the footways in Castle Bromwich. Active travel is more important than ever, so can the Cabinet Member reassure me that the Borough's footways will be maintained to an acceptable standard?

The Cabinet Member advised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

A Topic of Debate has been received from Cllr Mackiewicz which reads:

“The Cabinet Member wishes to hear the views of Members on the proposed Net Zero Action Plan prior to the decision being made.”  

A Topic of Debate was submitted by Councillor Mackiewicz which read:-:

“The Cabinet Member wishes to hear the views of Members on the proposed Net Zero Action Plan prior to the decision being made.” 

A summary of the key points raised were as follows:

·  The Council had a responsibility to show leadership to enable the collective goal of Net Zero by 2040. They should aim to bring the public and other organisations with them.

·  There was an agreement that transport was a key factor. This included improved public transport, sustainable transport and to encourage residents to drive less.

·  In order to successfully meet the aims of the Net Zero Action Plan, there was a recognition that it would need to be sufficiently resourced. It also needed to be supported by central government policies.

·  To encourage buy in from residents and businesses that were likely to be impacted; there would need to be clear and simple communication. This would help to empower and inform those who would be impacted.

·  It was noted that the changes should not exacerbate inequalities, such as fuel poverty. Instead practical measures should be followed to enable buy in from local stakeholders.

To receive the following Motion from Cllr Mackiewicz which reads:

“The Council welcomes the benefits the 5G network can bring for the residents and businesses of Solihull.  However, the Council calls on 5G providers to engage in early and meaningful consultation with residents, parish councils, neighbourhood forums and local Councillors to ensure the new masts and supporting infrastructure are located in the most suitable places.  In particular the Council is opposed to the location of masts in prominent locations such as local shopping areas where their appearance is detrimental to the street scene and the creation of high quality public realm.”

Cllr Mackiewicz presented the following motion to Council which was seconded by Cllr M McCarthy:

“The Council welcomes the benefits the 5G network can bring for the residents and businesses of Solihull.  However, the Council calls on 5G providers to engage in early and meaningful consultation with residents, parish councils, neighbourhood forums and local Councillors to ensure the new masts and supporting infrastructure are located in the most suitable places.  In particular the Council is opposed to the location of masts in prominent locations such as local shopping areas where their appearance is detrimental to the street scene and the creation of high quality public realm.”

Cllr K Thomas proposed an amendment which was seconded by Cllr Long which was to include the words local businesses in the third line after the words neighbourhood forums.

On putting the amendment to the vote it was carried. The substantive motion was then put and carried.

RESOVLED:

That the Council welcomes the benefits the 5G network can bring for the residents and businesses of Solihull.  However, the Council calls on 5G providers to engage in early and meaningful consultation with residents, parish councils, neighbourhood forums, local businesses and local Councillors to ensure the new masts and supporting infrastructure are located in the most suitable places.  In particular the Council is opposed to the location of masts in prominent locations such as local shopping areas where their appearance is detrimental to the street scene and the creation of high quality public realm.

To inform Council of the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme from April 2022.

Council was asked to consider a recommendation from Cabinet on the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme from April 2022.

RESOLVED:

That that it be agreed that the current scheme continues, and no changes are made to the Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme from April 2022.

To deal with a number of recommendations from Boards and Committees:

Remuneration Committee 21 July 2021

Minute 5 Pay Policy Statement 2021 V2 Updated July 2021 (page 153)

Recommendation

That Full Council approve the amended Pay Policy Statement v2 contained within Appendix A.

Governance Committee 28 July 2021

Minute 7 Review of Honorary Alderman Scheme (page 192-193)

Recommendation:

That the eligibility criteria in the Council’s Honorary Alderman Scheme of Enrolment be amended to read as follows:

“A person shall be deemed to be eligible for consideration to be nominated to the position of Honorary Alderman if he or she: -

  i.  Has rendered 12 years’ service as a Member of the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council which is calculated on a cumulative basis (in exceptional circumstances less than 12 years may be considered at the discretion of the Governance Committee);

  ii.  has rendered eminent or notable service to the Borough of Solihull; and

  iii.  they must have been a serving Member within the previous 10 years of the start of the scheme.

N.B. In the case of qualification (i) previous service before 1st April 1974 with a constituent authority will be taken into account.”

Governance Committee 23 September 2021

Minute 6 Calendar of Meetings for 2022/23 (page 196)

Recommendation:

That Council approves the Calendar of meetings for 2022/23.

Governance Committee 23 September 2021

Minute 7 Appointment of Honorary Alderman (page 197)

Recommendation:

That the Council agrees to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Gary Allport, subject to Council agreeing on 5 October 2021 to an amendment to the qualifying scheme.

Audit Committee 20 September 2021

Minute  10 2021/22 Mid-Year Treasury Management Strategy Review (page 182)

Recommendation:

The Committee recommends that Council approved the revised forecasts for the 2021/22 Capital Financing Requirement of £492.292million, Authorised Limit of £510.788million, and to note the Operational Boundary and treasury activity to date.

Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board 22 September 2021

Minute 7 Appointment of Co-opted Members

  Recommendation:

That Council agrees the: 

(i)  appointment of Sajida Goldby as a Parent Governor representative to the Scrutiny Board; and

(ii)  appointment of Stephanie Freeman as a non-voting Co-optee to the Scrutiny Board.

The following recommendations were considered by Council:

Remuneration Committee 21 July 2021

Minute 5 Pay Policy Statement 2021 V2 Updated July 2021

The Chairman of the Remuneration Committee proposed the recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That the amended Pay Policy Statement v2 contained within Appendix A of the minutes be approved.

Governance Committee 28 July 2021

Minute 7 Review of Honorary Alderman Scheme

The Chairman of the Governance Committee proposed the recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That the eligibility criteria in the Council’s Honorary Alderman Scheme of Enrolment be amended to read as follows:

“A person shall be deemed to be eligible for consideration to be nominated to the position of Honorary Alderman if he or she: -

  i.  Has rendered 12 years’ service as a Member of the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council which is calculated on a cumulative basis (in exceptional circumstances less than 12 years may be considered at the discretion of the Governance Committee);

  ii.  has rendered eminent or notable service to the Borough of Solihull; and

  iii.  they must have been a serving Member within the previous 10 years of the start of the scheme.

N.B. In the case of qualification (i) previous service before 1st April 1974 with a constituent authority will be taken into account.”

Governance Committee 23 September 2021

Minute 6 Calendar of Meetings for 2022/23

The Chairman of the Governance Committee proposed the recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That the Calendar of meetings for 2022/23 be approved.

Governance Committee 23 September 2021

Minute 7 Appointment of Honorary Alderman

The Chairman of the Governance Committee proposed the recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That the Council agrees to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Gary Allport.

Audit Committee 20 September 2021

Minute 10 2021/22 Mid-Year Treasury Management Strategy Review

The Vice-Chairman of the Audit Committee proposed the recommendation.

  RESOLVED:

That the revised forecasts for the 2021/22 Capital Financing Requirement of £492.292 million, Authorised Limit of £510.788 million be agreed, and to note the Operational Boundary and treasury activity to date.

Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board 22 September 2021

Minute 7 Appointment of Co-opted Members

 The Chairman of the Scrutiny Board proposed the recommendation. 

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the appointment of Sajida Goldby as a Parent Governor representative to the Scrutiny Board be approved; and

(ii)  That the appointment of Stephanie Freeman as a non-voting Co-optee to the Scrutiny Board be approved.

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 and Lead Member for the Economy

(pages 31-44)

b) Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnership and Wellbeing (pages 45-48)

c) Cabinet Member for Resources (pages 49-51)

d) Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities (pages 53-59)

e) Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing (pages 61-67)

f) Cabinet Member for Children Education and Skills (pages 69-76)

g)  Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure (pages 77-84)

h) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health (pages 85-89) 

i) Cabinet Member for Leisure Tourism and Sport (pages 91-97)

Councillor Courts – Leader of the Council

The Leader advised Council of the decisions taken at Cabinet on 15 July and 16 September 2021, and provided Members with an update on the economic strategy responsibilities of his portfolio.

Councillor Karen Grinsell – Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnership and Wellbeing

The Deputy Leader referenced some of the partnership working which had taken place.

Cllr Gibbin requested that the Deputy Leader pass on his thanks to Solihull Community Housing for the progress made around the installation of sprinklers in high rise blocks.

Councillor Sleigh OBE – Cabinet Member for Resources

The Cabinet Member advised Council of decisions taken at his decision session held on 9 September. With regard to the Empty Homes Council Tax Premium, the Cabinet Member advised that he had asked officers to review the policy in light of emerging trends and report back.

Councillor Rolf – Cabinet Member for Stronger and safer Communities

The Cabinet Member advised Council of decisions taken at her decisions sessions on 29 July and 21 September.

Cllr K Thomas thanked the Council for highlighting Black History month. Cllr B Grinsell referenced the fact that attendance at Olton Parklife Community Event was attended by up to 1000 people and not 100 as indicated in the report.

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

The Cabinet Member advised Council of decisions taken at his decision sessions on 27 July and 22 September. The Cabinet Member updated Council on the fact that SCH had won the regional award for the Faulkner Road development as detailed in paragraph 1.4.14 of his report.

Cllr Howell referenced the difficulties being experienced along HS2 Lorry Routes and the need for HS2 Ltd to be better neighbours and improve their communication with residents. The Cabinet Member agreed that HS2 Ltd should consult wider and deeper with the local community.

Councillor Holt – Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills

The Cabinet Member advised Council of decisions taken at his decision sessions on 1^st July and 20^th of September 2021. The Cabinet Member referenced a recent Ofsted Inspection of Children’s Services on the theme of extra familial abuse. The Cabinet Member was pleased to report that Ofsted found that vulnerable children were cared about and well protected, with some improvement needed to the response for children who go missing.

Councillor Hawkins – Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure

The Cabinet Member advised Council of decisions taken ay his decision sessions on 8 July and 14 September.

Cllr Blunt thanked the Cabinet Member and officers involved in establishing two rainbow crossings in the borough, in support of the Council’s equality agenda. Cllr B Grinsell questioned when Tranche 2 of the Cycleways in Meriden would be completed. The Cabinet Member advised as soon as possible.

Councillor Dicicco – Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

The Cabinet Member advised Council of decisions taken at his decision sessions on 26^th July and 30th  ...  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 99-105)

b)  Health and Adult Social Care (pages 107-118)

c)  Economic Development and Managed Growth (pages 119-130)

d)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills (to follow)

e)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services (pages 131-135)

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

·  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board - 20^th July 2021 and 7^th September 2021;

·  Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board - 22^nd July 2021 and 14^th September 2021;

·  Economic Development and Managed Growth Scrutiny Board - 13^th September 2021;

·  Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board - 22^nd September 2021; and

·  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhoods Services Scrutiny Board - 9^th September 2021.

The minutes of the following Committees are presented for information:

a)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group (pages 137-141)

b)  Call-In  Committee (pages 143-149)

c)  Remuneration Committee (pages 151-154)

d)  Audit Committee (pages 177-183)

e)  Governance Committee (pages 191-197)

f)  Licensing Committee (pages 203-204)

The minutes of the following Committees were presented for information:

·  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group - 12^th July 2021;

·  Call-in Committee - 13^th July 2021;

·  Remuneration Committee - 21^st July 2021;

·  Audit Committee - 26^th July and 20^th September 2021;

·  Governance Committee - 28^th July and 23^rd September 2021; and

·  Licensing Committee - 1^st September 2021

To receive the following reports:

a)  Minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Minutes

The following minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee were presented for information:

·  8^th March 2021

·  21^st July 2021

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.

Councillor Caudwell on the back of Cllr M McCarthy’s question regarding Water Orton Road, advised Council that he and Cllr Buxton-Sait had made previous representations on this issue, and asked the Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure to agree to meet all ward members of Castle Bromwich to agree a way forward. The Cabinet Member confirmed he was agreeable to a meeting taking place.

Cllr K Thomas with regard to the safety of women referenced the issue of how the media focussed on women having to moderate their behaviour to protect themselves, rather than the onus on men changing their behaviour, she asked the Leader what was being done to challenge this perception. The Leader agreed that this was a fair point and it was a societal issue, which he hoped the work the Council was undertaking would pick up on.

To receive a report from the Monitoring Officer:

(a)  Appointment of Independent Persons Under The Localism Act

The Monitoring Officer presented a report on the appointment of Independent Persons under the Localism Act.

RESOLVED

Council confirmed the appointment of Howard Darling, Mumtaz Goolam, Garth Murphy, Maureen O’Sullivan, David Stone and Ray Tomkinson as Independent Persons under the Localism Act.

The Chief Executive to report on any urgent matters.

There were no urgent matters to report.

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, 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.

The minutes of the following Board/Committee are presented for information:

a)  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board

The private minutes of the Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board from 7^th September were presented for information.