Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllrs Hamilton, Rymer, Holt, Parker, Ryan, Macnaughton and N Moses.

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

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of 5 April and 17 May 2022 be approved subject to an amendment to the 5 April minutes. The second motion was seconded by Cllr Long and the subsequent amendment was seconded by Cllr Brain.

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

None received.

To receive petitions from Members of the Council.

The following petitions were submitted:

Cllr Tildesley – That Council allow a road to be named after Mrs Pam Price in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Solihull.

Cllr Howell- Residents call upon Transport for West Midlands to reconsider the decision to terminate the number 89 bus contract and to engage in an open dialogue with residents and Councillors to understand the challenges faced by these rural communities in accessing vital services without a car.

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

The Mayor made a number of announcements which in summary included:

·  Reminded all Members of training being held on 20 July and 19 September with regard to Special Educational Needs and Disability;

·  The Mayor had recently attended the opening of the Armed Forces Garden in Hillfield Park;

·  The Shirley Sea Cadets had recently been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, and the St Johns Ambulance Cadets had recently celebrated their centenary; and

·  The Mayor referenced a number of Jubilee events he had attended and the opening of the new SIAS Centre at Newington Green.

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 O’Nyons introduced Officers from Alcohol Anonymous who made a deputation to Council on the important work and support provided by the organisation. Cllr Dicicco responded to the deputation and acknowledged the valuable work undertaken by the AA.

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

Cllr Dr Sexton to Councillor Dicicco Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health

In a recent LGA survey, 98% of councils that responded did not have confidence that the funding earmarked for the Government’s adult social care reforms is sufficient to deliver them. This is also listed as a red risk 9 on the council’s risk register (alongside pressures in Children’s services), and the mitigating actions for this item include “regular lobbying of Government for further funding”.

Can you tell me, specifically, what actions this administration has taken to lobby Government for further funding for adult social care?

The Cabinet Member advised that the LGA survey sought responses from senior Councillors responsible for adult social care services. The LGA website reports that 80 Councillors replied, a response rate of 54% of Councils. A response was not sent from SMBC.

The Cabinet Member commented that the Council works with several bodies who have raised concerns about the adequacy of funding for social care reforms for example the afore mentioned LGA, as well as the County Councils’ network and the recent Newton report. As national details come out with respect to implementation of the reform’s officers will continue to estimate the local impact and highlight issues and concerns through available routes such as the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and through stakeholder sessions such as those set up by the Department of Health and Social Care. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the Leader of the Council has regular meetings with government ministers and senior civil servants where requests for funding are discussed. As to the risk you raise this is an overall corporate risk for the medium term financial strategy with the Deputy Chief Executive and Director Resource as the risk owner. It takes account of all the Council pressures including those in children services. With respect to adult social care pressures specifically a number of mitigating actions are outlined in the corporate risk register with the Director of Adult Social Care as the risk owner.

Cllr Dr Sexton was concerned about the vagueness of the answer and wanted to know when the Cabinet Member would have more detailed plans. The Cabinet Member advised that the Council continued to work with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Department of Health and Social Care. The Leader and senior Council officers have regular meetings with senior civil servants and ministers to discuss these issues and we will continue to lobby them for extra funding when and where it's required.  At the moment we are happy that we can meet our requirements.

Cllr Dr Sexton inquired how can residents or their families who depend on our adult social care services be reassured that any shortfall in funding will not have to be borne by them. The Cabinet Member advised that the Council had an excellent record in providing very effective and good quality adult social care and we will continue to do that in the future.

Cllr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To deal with any Topic of Debate submitted.

No topic of debate was received.

To consider a motion which has been submitted, which is detailed below:

From Cllr L McCarthy to be seconded by Cllr Thomas

This Council notes that: 

Ø  On 1 April 2022, Ofgem increased the energy price cap by 54 per cent.

Ø  In light of the increased energy price cap, the average standard tariff energy bill will increase by £693 per year. The average pre-pay meter energy bill will increase by £708 per year (Ofgem, 2022).

Ø  On 6 April 2022, the Government increased National Insurance by 1.25 percentage points, which is projected to cost the average family in Solihull an additional £600 a year.

Ø  In 2021/22 Solihull Foodbanks distributed 2,201 food parcels (Trussell Trust, 2022)

Ø  Council notes the decision taken in June 2022 to impose a ‘Windfall Tax’ on the super-profits of oil and gas companies and to redistribute this as a one-off payment of £400 to households later this year. Council notes that the Windfall Tax was first proposed by Sir Ed Davey MP, leader of the Liberal Democrats, in May 2022. Though the Windfall Tax is welcome, Council believes it does not go nearly far enough and the Government should be doing much more to support local people through the Cost of Living crisis.

This Council therefore declares a ‘Cost of Living Emergency’ and calls on the Government to:

(i)  Immediately reduce the standard rate of VAT from 20 per cent to 17.5 per cent for one year, saving the average household in Solihull a further £600 this year;

(ii)  Immediately restore the Universal Credit supplement of £20, which was cancelled by the Government in September 2021;

(iii)  Council instructs the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to express the Council’s demands for VAT to be cut to 17.5%, for the re-introduction of the pensions triple-lock and for the £20 Universal Credit supplement to be restored; and

(iv)  Finally, Council calls for a local Cost-of-Living Emergency Summit, with stakeholders, including Citizens Advice, Food Banks, Local Trades Unions, and Chambers of Commerce and will invite local MPs to attend this hybrid meeting.

Motion from Cllr L McCarthy

This Council notes that: 

Ø  On 1 April 2022, Ofgem increased the energy price cap by 54 per cent.

Ø  In light of the increased energy price cap, the average standard tariff energy bill will increase by £693 per year. The average pre-pay meter energy bill will increase by £708 per year (Ofgem, 2022).

Ø  On 6 April 2022, the Government increased National Insurance by 1.25 percentage points, which is projected to cost the average family in Solihull an additional £600 a year.

Ø  In 2021/22 Solihull Foodbanks distributed 2,201 food parcels (Trussell Trust, 2022)

Ø  Council notes the decision taken in June 2022 to impose a ‘Windfall Tax’ on the super-profits of oil and gas companies and to redistribute this as a one-off payment of £400 to households later this year. Council notes that the Windfall Tax was first proposed by Sir Ed Davey MP, leader of the Liberal Democrats, in May 2022. Though the Windfall Tax is welcome, Council believes it does not go nearly far enough and the Government should be doing much more to support local people through the Cost of Living crisis.

This Council therefore declares a ‘Cost of Living Emergency’ and calls on the Government to:

(i)  Immediately reduce the standard rate of VAT from 20 per cent to 17.5 per cent for one year, saving the average household in Solihull a further £600 this year;

(ii)  Immediately restore the Universal Credit supplement of £20, which was cancelled by the Government in September 2021;

(iii)  Council instructs the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to express the Council’s demands for VAT to be cut to 17.5%, for the re-introduction of the pensions triple-lock and for the £20 Universal Credit supplement to be restored; and

(iv)  Finally, Council calls for a local Cost-of-Living Emergency Summit, with stakeholders, including Citizens Advice, Food Banks, Local Trades Unions, and Chambers of Commerce and will invite local MPs to attend this hybrid meeting.

Councillor Thomas seconded the motion.

The motion was debated and then Cllr L McCarthy proposed an amendment seconded by Cllr Thomas, the amendment read:

This Council notes that: 

Ø  On 1 April 2022, Ofgem increased the energy price cap by 54 per cent.

Ø  In light of the increased energy price cap, the average standard tariff energy bill will increase by £693 per year. The average pre-pay meter energy bill will increase by £708 per year (Ofgem, 2022).

Ø  On 6 April 2022, the Government increased National Insurance by 1.25 percentage points, which is projected to cost the average family in Solihull an additional £600 a year.

Ø  In 2021/22 Solihull Foodbanks distributed 2,201 food parcels (Trussell Trust, 2022)

This Council recognises the efforts made by local government Officers to help local residents. This Council declares a “cost of living emergency”

The amendment was then debated.

Cllr Courts submitted a further amendment seconded by Cllr Bob Sleigh which read:

This Council recognises the efforts made  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To deal with a number of recommendations from Committees.

Audit Committee 20 June 2022

Minute 9 Treasury Management Outturn Report 2021/22 (pages 182-183)

RECOMMENDED:

That Council approves the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2021/22, attached at Appendix A to the report.

Governance Committee 23 June 2022

Minute 9 Appointment of Honorary Alderman (page 198-199)

RECOMMENDED:

1.  That the nomination relating to Mr Stuart Davis be accepted, and

2. A Special meeting of the Council be convened immediately prior to the scheduled meeting on 11th October 2022 to confer on Mr Davis the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough of Solihull.

Cllr Long moved the following recommendation of the Audit Committee:

That Council approves the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2021/22, attached at Appendix A to the minutes.

RESOLVED:

That the Council approves the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2021/22.

Cllr P Hogarth MBE moved the following recommendations from the Governance Committee:

1.  That the nomination relating to Mr Stuart Davis be accepted, and

2.  A Special meeting of the Council be convened immediately prior to the scheduled meeting on 11th October 2022 to confer on Mr Davis the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough of Solihull.

  RESOLVED:

1.  The Council accepted the nomination relating to Mr Stuart Davis; and

2.  Agreed that a Special meeting of the Council be convened immediately prior to the scheduled meeting on 11th October 2022 to confer on Mr Davis the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough of Solihull.

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 25-33)

b) Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnerships and Wellbeing including Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board minutes (pages 35-49)

c) Cabinet Member for Resources (pages 51-56)*

d) Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure (pages 57-61)*

e) Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing (pages 63-66)*

f) Cabinet Member for Children and Education (pages 67-68)*

g)  Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure (pages 69-75)

h) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health (pages 77-81) 

(*Decision tables from these meetings which are held after the minute book has been published, will be circulated separately.)

The Council received a summary of decisions, reports from and dealt with any subsequent questions in relation to the following Cabinet Portfolios:

Leader of the Council and Lead Member for the Economy

The Leader of the Council presented his report. No questions were asked.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnerships and Wellbeing including Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board minutes 

The Deputy Leader of the Council presented her report.

Cllr Dr R Sexton asked a question relating to the Health & Wellbeing Board meeting and how the Council and Members can ensure the Health Inequality Strategy can be embedded into all the Council does. The Deputy Leader assured Cllr Dr R Sexton that it would be considered in all the Council does. 

Cllr D Gibbin asked the Deputy Leader if she would support brining the next Eurovision Song Contest to Solihull at the NEC to which the Deputy Leader highlighted the work that Andy Street had been doing to bring it to the West Midlands and that the Council would support hosting the contest here in Solihull.

Cabinet Member for Resources

The Cabinet Member presented his report.

Cllr A Adeyemo joined the Cabinet Member in welcoming the decision to progress talks regarding the reprovision of accommodation for the 1st Olton Scout Group and the Olton Park Guides.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure

The Cabinet Member presented her report.

Cllr K Thomas welcomed the establishment of a walking orienteering programme within the borough and the Cabinet Member thanked her for supporting the initiative. Cllr P Hogarth MBE asked the Cabinet Member about the management of the Table Tennis Tables in parks across the borough and who is responsible for the equipment. The Cabinet Member welcomed the extension of provision as laid down in the report and assured Cllr P Hogarth MBE that they were a specialist design that can withstand a lot of use from the public.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing

The Cabinet Member presented his report.

Cllr D Holl-Allen MBE asked the Cabinet Member about issues pertaining to the number of houses in the Local Plan and whether Arden School was to be closed. The Cabinet Member responded saying the Local Plan was proceeding through the statutory process and that Arden School was not closing as the plan was clear that any loss of provision had to be replaced.

Cllr D Holl-Allen MBE asked the Cabinet Member about the status of the application for retirement living in the Arden Triangle. The Cabinet Member was aware of the proposals but confirmed no application had yet been received by the Council. He followed up by saying that unless and until the Local Plan is adopted the land will remain in the Green Belt and treated as such.

Cllr S Caudwell asked a question relating to 1.4.11 which talks about Electric Vehicles. He welcomed the Council looking at increasing the charging infrastructure in the borough but had noticed an increase in the level of private investment  ...  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 83-103)

b)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills (pages 105-129)

c)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services (pages 131-144)

d)  Health and Adult Social Care (pages 145-159)

e)  Economic Development and Managed Growth (pages 161-178)

The minutes of the following Scrutiny Board were presented for information with members asking questions of the relevant Chairman of the Boards.

a.  Resources and Delivering Value 31 March 2022 and 6 June

b.  Children’s Services, Education and Skills 6 April and 9 June

c.  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services 7 June

d.  Health and Adult Social Care  8 June

e.  Economic Development and Managed Growth 13 June

RESOLVED:

Minutes of the Scrutiny Boards were noted.

The minutes of the following Committees are presented for information:

a)  Audit Committee (pages 179-195)

b)  Governance Committee (pages 197-199)

The minutes of the following Committees were presented for information:

a.  Audit Committee 20 June

b.  Governance Committee 23 June

Cllr A Sandison asked that the Audit Committee minutes reflect that she sent her apologies.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the Committees were noted.

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.

The Council dealt 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. The following questions were asked:

Cllr L McCarthy to the Leader of the Council

Can the Leader inform the Council of what support the Government is giving the Council to help residents with the increase in the Cost of Living?

The Leader of the Council offered a written response.

Cllr Max McLoughlin to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure

Can the Cabinet Member inform the Council whether the Bike Hire Scheme and permission for Bikes to be on the Town Centre High Street had been removed?

The Cabinet Member offered a written response.

Cllr M McLoughlin to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure

Does the Cabinet Member recognise that incineration is not recycling?

The Cabinet Member responded that items sent to incineration does not end up in landfill and is turned into energy that is fed back into the grid. He highlighted the revenue stream this creates for the Council and the potential the Material Recycling Facility (MRF) in Coventry will create for more materials to be sent there. He highlighted that recycling rates were very good in the borough and that weekly collections will remain.

Cllr M McLoughlin to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure

Does the Cabinet Member know where the Council are in the Local Authority League Tables for recycling rates?

The Cabinet Member responded saying for Local Authorities with weekly collections the Council was in the Top 5.

To receive the following report from the Chief Executive:

a)  Appointment of Director of Children’s Services (pages 201-202)

To seek Council approval to designate an officer as the statutory Director of Children’s Services. 

b)  Council Appointment – University Hospital  Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (pages 203-205)

Council is asked to appoint one member as a stakeholder governor to the Council of Governors of the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

a)  The Chief Executive sought Council approval to designate an officer as the statutory Director of Children’s Services.

Cllr R Sleigh OBE informed the Council that the papers reflected that he attended the Appointment Panel but it was in fact Cllr D Gibbin.

RESOLVED:

The Council ratified the decision of the Appointment Panel to appoint Pete Campbell to the position of Director of Children’s Services in accordance with Section 18 (1) of the Children Act 2004.

b)  The Chief Executive asked the Council to appoint one member as a stakeholder governor to the Council of Governors of the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

Cllr A Feeney was proposed by Cllr I Courts and Cllr D Gibbin.

Cllr A Adeyemo was proposed by Cllr L McCarthy and Cllr K Thomas.

RESOLVED:

After a vote Cllr A Feeney was appointed as the Council’s stakeholder governor to the Council of Governors of the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

c)  The Chief Executive presented the Council Appointment – Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board report for information only.

The Council noted the appointment of the Chief Executive as a Partner Member of the Integrated Care Board (ICB)

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.

All questions under Standing Order 8 were dealt with under Item 7.

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.

To receive a report from the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive:

a)  Treasury Management Investment Strategy – Loan Agreement

The Council received and agreed a report on the Treasury Management Investment Strategy – Loan Agreement.

To receive the following private minutes for information:

a)  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board

The Council received and noted the minutes of the Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board