Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllrs Ashraf, L McCarthy, Macnaughton and Ryan.

With the Mayor’s permission Cllrs Allen, Hawkins and Rebeiro joined the meeting virtually.

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

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2022 be agreed.

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

Cllr Sleigh advised that he was referenced in Item 15 on the agenda Overview and Scrutiny Committee WMCA.

Cllr Mackiewicz advised that he had recently visited a battery charging facility but did not discuss any planning matters with them.

To receive petitions from Members of the Council.

The following petition were submitted:

1)  Cllr R Grinsell presented a petition on behalf of 230 local residents requesting Traffic Calming measures on Streetsbrook Road.

2)  Cllr Qais presented a petition on behalf of sixty residents of Buryfield Road requesting the Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure extend the 20mph speed limit to the entire length of Buryfield Road due to the excessive speed by motorists using the highway.

3)  Cllr Howell presented a petition on behalf 361 people expressing their disappointment with HS2 Ltd.’s failure to honour the spirit and word of their commitments to the community, there are two issues requiring urgent attention:

a)  HS2 have failed to provide design options for consultation for the Balsall Common viaduct as promised to the House of Commons select committee; and

b)  The destruction of the Kenilworth Greenaway between Berkswell Station and Waste Lane. It was claimed by HS2 Ltd that this was to provide a haul route because a separate haul route was not possible. We note despite the Greenway being clear cut by the early works contractor, the main contractor has built a separate haul route to the immediate west and appears to be using that route and not the clear-cut Greenway. Three specific actions were called for as detailed in the petition.

4)  Cllr Carthew presented a petition by local residents requesting Traffic Calming on Streetsbrook Road.

5)  Cllr O’Nyons presented a petition on behalf of residents for the removal of the Dovehouse/Rover bus stop from the front of their properties.

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:

·  The Mayor thanked Members for their good wishes during his recent illness and thanked the Deputy Mayor Cllr Tildesley for covering a number of Mayoral engagements.

·  The Mayor referenced a number of faith and cultural events he had attended within the Borough.

·  The Mayor presented Council with a picture created by Wayne Thompson, an ex-soldier, who with the support of the British Legion had taken up art therapy, to aid his recovery from injury.

·  The Mayor had recently visited Solihull Riding Club on the opening of the Solihull Equestrian Academy.

The Leader of the Council briefed Members on actions taken in relation to Children’s Services over recent months.

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.

The following deputations were received:

Cllr David Cole from Kingshurst Parish Council on being introduced by Cllr K Grinsell wished to thank the Council for the support provided following the accident at Babbs Mill lake which had claimed the lives of Samuel, Finlay, Jake and Thomas, and extended his condolences to the family and friends of the four boys. Cllr Courts responded to the deputation.

Cllr Gough introduced three representatives of Our Voices Heard, Conor, Jake and Anthony who shared their experiences of Special Educational Needs in the borough. Cllr Gough responded to the deputation.

Ms Melanie Williams on being introduced by Cllr Long raised issues being experienced by overgrown and dangerous trees belonging to SMBC, which impinged on the boundary line of properties in Maywell Drive. Ms Williams also submitted a petition on the same issue. Cllr Hawkins responded to the deputation.

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

Cllr Feeney to Cllr Hawkins Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Infrastructure

Over the last several months, officers and the Cabinet Member have attended Lanchester Park in Castle Bromwich to view its condition. Solihull has many excellent Green Flag parks, and Lanchester Park deserves this accolade. Can the Cabinet Member advise if officers can bring forward a plan to bring the Lanchester up to the Green Flag standard enjoyed by other parks in Solihull?

The Cabinet Member advised that he had discussed the issue with Officers from the Public Realm team, and they are happy to work with Members to progress Lanchester Park for future Green Flag Accreditation. Officers would be in contact with Ward Members shortly to discuss plans and support the community in attaining a green flag for the park

Cllr Donnelly to Cllr Hawkins Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Infrastructure

We appreciate restoring £50,000 to the displacement parking fund, but can the Cabinet Member answer how much would be needed to meet the residual issues this funding does not cover?

The Cabinet Member advised that there were sixty-one unfunded sites currently on the Parking Displacement Programme, the indicative costs to implement all of these measures would be circa £980,000. Cllr Donnelly questioned whether signage could be used to deter parking. The Cabinet Member advised that this had been tried before but would ask Officers to look at this again.

Cllr Adeyemo to Cllr DiCicco Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health Portfolio

Many local dentists have stopped taking on NHS patients and some dental practices are pulling out of NHS dentistry altogether. What support is there for local people who need urgent dental treatment but are not registered with a dentist?

The Cabinet Member advised that dentistry was currently the responsibility of NHS England but there were plans in place to delegate responsibility to a more local level to Integrated Care Boards. Health and Social Care Scrutiny receive regular updates from the ICB Chief Executive and team and access to dentistry has been noted as an issue at these meeting. Members may want to consider using this route to understand the latest position and impact on local services.

Cllr Adeyemo referenced poorer families who could not afford private dental fees and questioned whether the Council could provide support. The Cabinet Member repeated that the ICB were looking at this issue at a more local level.

Cllr Caudwell to Cllr Dicicco Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health

How can this Council, in its roles as both a local planning authority and a statutory provider of adult social care, ensure that what is proposed by care home developers actually meets our residents' needs, and does not harm existing care?

In response the Cabinet Member advised that in its role as local planning authority the Council can only have regard to material planning matters, while this includes need it cannot have regard to specific elements such as care workforce pressure's. As a result, all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To deal with any Topic of Debate submitted.

No topic of debate was received.

The following motion has been received.

From Cllr McLoughlin seconded by Cllr Caudwell:

“This Council welcomes the work done and progress made against the Net-Zero Action Plan. We also welcome work done on solar mapping identifying the potential for large scale locally generated and owned clean, green and more affordable power. We recognise the contribution renewable energy will make towards our Net-Zero target, countering the rise in energy prices, and reducing demand for energy from regimes we do not support.

We note the current solar mapping progress in Coventry and Birmingham for large private and public sector south facing and flat roofs, including car parks. We also note Solihull’s position in comparison to other Local Authorities and aspire towards more installed capacity and improved performance against the national average.

We welcome progress made in improving the energy performance of buildings within the Borough. We recognise the need to improve our housing stock and would expect housing in Solihull to perform at or above the national average for homes with an Energy Performance Certificate of C or higher.

This Council RESOLVES to:

(i)  Take a proactive role in identifying and promoting opportunities for renewable community energy provision in Solihull;

(ii)  Investigate the potential for collective purchase schemes for renewable energy and insulation;

(iii)  Work to ensure reputable providers maintain a standard of work that is fit for purpose and delivers the stated benefits to the bill payers;

(iv)  Begin installing photovoltaic panels on all suitable Council owned buildings at the soonest available opportunity; and

(v)  Bring to the soonest available decision session of the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Planning and Housing the viability and timescales for each of the resolutions.

The following motion was submitted by Cllr McLoughlin and seconded by Cllr Caudwell:

“This Council welcomes the work done and progress made against the Net-Zero Action Plan. We also welcome work done on solar mapping identifying the potential for large scale locally generated and owned clean, green and more affordable power. We recognise the contribution renewable energy will make towards our Net-Zero target, countering the rise in energy prices, and reducing demand for energy from regimes we do not support.

We note the current solar mapping progress in Coventry and Birmingham for large private and public sector south facing and flat roofs, including car parks. We also note Solihull’s position in comparison to other Local Authorities and aspire towards more installed capacity and improved performance against the national average.

We welcome progress made in improving the energy performance of buildings within the Borough. We recognise the need to improve our housing stock and would expect housing in Solihull to perform at or above the national average for homes with an Energy Performance Certificate of C or higher.

This Council RESOLVES to:

(i)  Take a proactive role in identifying and promoting opportunities for renewable community energy provision in Solihull;

(ii)  Investigate the potential for collective purchase schemes for renewable energy and insulation;

(iii)  Work to ensure reputable providers maintain a standard of work that is fit for purpose and delivers the stated benefits to the bill payers;

(iv)  Begin installing photovoltaic panels on all suitable Council owned buildings at the soonest available opportunity; and

(v)  Bring to the soonest available decision session of the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Planning and Housing the viability and timescales for each of the resolutions.”

An amendment was put by Cllr Mackiewicz which was seconded by Cllr McLoughlin which read:

“This Council welcomes the work done and progress made against the Net-Zero Action Plan. We also welcome work done on solar mapping identifying the potential for large scale locally generated and owned clean, green and more affordable power. We recognise the contribution renewable energy will make towards our Net-Zero target, countering the rise in energy prices, and reducing demand for energy from regimes we do not support.

We note the current solar mapping progress in Coventry and Birmingham for large private and public sector south facing and flat roofs, including car parks. We also note Solihull’s position in comparison to other Local Authorities and aspire towards more installed capacity and improved performance against the national average.

We welcome progress made in improving the energy performance of buildings within the Borough. We recognise the need to improve our housing stock and would expect housing in Solihull to perform at or above the national average for homes with an Energy Performance Certificate of C or higher.

This Council RESOLVES to:

- Take a proactive role in identifying and promoting opportunities for renewable community energy and commercial renewable energy provision in Solihull;

- Investigate the potential for collective purchase schemes for renewable energy and insulation;

-  Promote  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To seek the approval of Council to make an acting appointment to the role of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), and to appoint an Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer of the Council.

The Leader presented his report seeking Council approval to make an acting appointment to the role of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), and to appoint an Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer of the Council. In doing so the Leader expressed his thanks to the previous Chief Executive Nick Page for his service to the Council.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the acting up appointment of Paul Johnson to the role of Chief Executive be approved and in accordance with Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Paul Johnson be designated as statutory Head of Paid Service with immediate effect pending the recruitment of a permanent replacement;

(ii)  That Paul Johnson be appointed with immediate effect as the Returning Officer for local elections in accordance with Section 35 of the Representation of the People Act 1983; and

(iii)  That Paul Johnson be appointed with immediate effect as the Council’s Electoral Registration Officer in accordance with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

Audit Committee 9 January 2023

Minute 7 Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24 To 2032/33 (page 138)

RESOLVED:

The Committee recommends that Full Council approves: -

(i)  The Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24 to 2032/33 (Appendix A) including the Debt and Investment Strategy and Treasury and Prudential indicators contained within Page 37 Agenda Item 7 and specifically;

o  The Authorised Limit Prudential Indicator detailed within paragraph 3.2.2 of Appendix A;

o  The further Prudential Indicators for 2023/24 to 2032/33 contained within the extract from the Corporate Capital Strategy 2023/24 to 2032/33 (Appendix B);

o  The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement contained within the extract from the Corporate Capital Strategy 2023/24 to 2032/33 (Appendix B).

Remuneration Committee 19 January 2023 Minute 5 Pay Policy Statement 2023  (page 178)

RESOLVED:

The Committee recommends that Full Council approve the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2023.

Audit Committee 9 January 2023 Minute 7 Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24 To 2032/33

RESOLVED

The meeting of the Council approved:

(i)  The Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24 to 2032/33 (Appendix A) including the Debt and Investment Strategy and Treasury and Prudential indicators contained within Page 37 Agenda Item 7 and specifically;

·  The Authorised Limit Prudential Indicator detailed within paragraph 3.2.2 of Appendix A;

·  The further Prudential Indicators for 2023/24 to 2032/33 contained within the extract from the Corporate Capital Strategy 2023/24 to 2032/33 (Appendix B); and

·  The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement contained within the extract from the Corporate Capital Strategy 2023/24 to 2032/33 (Appendix B).

Remuneration Committee 19 January 2023 Minute 5 Pay Policy Statement 2023

RESOLVED

The meeting of the Council approved the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2023.

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 23-28)

b) Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnerships and Wellbeing including Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board minutes (pages 29-42)

c) Cabinet Member for Resources (pages 43-45)

d) Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure (pages 47-53)

e) Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing (pages 55-59)

f) Cabinet Member for Children and Education (pages 61-65)

g)  Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure (pages 67-74)

h) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health (pages 75-79) 

The Council received a summary of decisions, reports 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 presented his report, there was a question on the interest in void properties in the town centre and plans for the former M&S site in Mell Square. The Leader informed Council that since the acquisition of Mell Square the void rate had dropped significantly and interest in taking up space was strong. In regard to the former M&S Site the Leader cautioned his response without being able to receive advice on what he could say but drew attention to the media reports of the recent change in strategy by M&S towards town centre shops and reminded Members that they were on a long lease and responsible for paying the rent.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnerships and Wellbeing

The Deputy Leader presented her report, there was a question relating to the statistics on the increase in requests for information, advice and guidance from residents relating to the cost-of-living pressures they were facing and whether there was enough resource to meet demand. A Member thanked the Deputy Leader for the information on the installation of sprinklers and highlighted the case mentioned in the report as evidence that they do in fact work and save lives. A question was asked in relation to primary care access as well as about the number of foodbanks not joining the Council’s foodbank network.

Cabinet Member for Resources

The Cabinet Member presented his report, there were no questions.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure

The Cabinet Member presented her report, there were no questions.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Planning and Housing

The Cabinet Member presented his report, there were questions relating to the Local Plan, what the Council could do to increase the usage of Electric Vehicle Charging Points and whether there was the possibility of offering a wholesale cost of electricity to users of Electric Vehicle Charging Points.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

The Cabinet Member presented his report. There were no questions.

Cabinet Portfolio for Environment and Infrastructure

The Cabinet Member presented his report. There were no questions.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health

The Cabinet Member presented his report. There was a question relating to the location of Family Hub in Elmdon, the number of people who had responded on item 1.4.4, how we can ensure more residents can benefit from the service and whether we can extend the Moped trial in other areas of the Council.

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

a)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services 29 November

10 January (pages 81-103)

b)   Children Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board 5 January (pages 105-110)

c)  Resources and Delivering Value 9 January (pages 111-119)

d)  Economic Development and Managed Growth 17 January (pages 121-132)

e)   Health and Adult Social Care 23 January 23 January (pages 133-135)

RESOLVED

The minutes of the Scrutiny Boards were presented for information:

a)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board 29 November 2022 and 10 January 2023;

b)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board 5 January 2023

c)  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board 9 January 2023

d)  Economic Development and Managed Growth Scrutiny Board 17 January 2023;

e)  Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board 23 January 2023

The minutes of the following Committees are presented for information:

a)  Audit Committee 9 January (pages 137-139)

b)  Governance Committee 18 January (pages 175-176)

c)  Remuneration Committee 19 January (pages 177-178)

RESOLVED

The minutes of Committees were presented for information;

a)  Audit Committee 9 January 2023;

b)  Governance Committee 18 January 2023

c)  Remuneration Committee 19 January 2023

To receive the following reports:

a)  Minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Minutes (pages 199-205)

b)  West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (pages 207-214)

Cllr M McCarthy moved for information only the West Midlands Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Minutes. There were questions relating to bus providers, investment zones and consultations on changes to the bus services. The Leader of the Council encouraged Members to take up these issues directly with Members who attend the Board.

RESOLVED

Council received the minutes of the West Midlands Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Board for information.

Cllr P Hogarth MBE moved for information only the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority Annual report. There were no questions.

RESOLVED

Council received for information the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority Annual report.

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.

The Acting Chief Executive to report on any urgent matters.

There were no urgent matters.

To answer any remaining questions not dealt with under item 8.

All Questions dealt with under Item 7 on the agenda.

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

RESOLVED

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 following private minutes were presented for information:

a)  Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board 23 January (pages 215-219)

RESOLVED

Council noted the private minutes of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board.