Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllrs Adeyemo, Caudwell and Ryan. With the Mayors permission Cllr Butler joined the meeting virtually.

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

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meetings held on 7 February and 23 February 2023 be agreed.

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:

1)  Cllr Thomas presented a petition calling on the Council to refuse permission for a 15m phone mast on Richmond Road.

2)  Cllr Pinwell presented a petition requesting that the Council investigate and help rectify surface water drainage issues in the Langfield Road area.

3)  Cllr Ashraf MBE presented a petition requesting that the Council tackle traffic and parking problems from Shirley Heath Junior School.

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

The Mayor made a number of announcements:

·  The Mayor had recently attended a Transplant Football tournament, which the Solihull Moors Football Club had hosted for free.

·  The Mayor thanked all those who supported the recently held Charity Concert, in particular the music service and the young people who performed.

·  The Mayor attended the launch of Core Creatives, which included a suite of studios in the hub which offered a workspace for artists and cultural activities.

·  The Mayor recognised that the following Councillors would not be standing for re-election and thanked them for their service to the Borough Cllrs Caudwell, Macnaughton, Brain, Rebeiro, Howell, Tildesley and Dr Sexton.

·  As the local election was fast approaching the Mayor also invited the political group leaders and any independent members to sign the election campaign compact.

The Leader of the Council made a statement in light of information circulated by the Labour party regarding the Kingshurst development, and in doing so would provide an answer to a question asked by Cllr McLoughlin under Standing Order 8. It was alleged that the Council no longer had the money to finish the Kingshurst development.

The Leader referenced a press statement he had recently released, which reiterated the Council’s commitment to delivering on this scheme. Progress had been made over the last 2 years, which the Leader detailed.

The Leader wanted to reassure local Councillors and residents that the Council would see the scheme through to the end and work would continue to secure project funding.

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.

A deputation was received from Cars Area Together, presented by Ricky Sandiford, who detailed the communities’ ambition for Bosworth Wood Field. The presentation focussed on the work the CARS community in Smith’s Wood was doing in preparation to take on the management of the remainder of the former school field off Auckland Drive.

Cllr Hamilton introduced Mr Sandiford and Cllr Howell the Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure responded to the deputation.

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

Cllr L McCarthy to Cllr Mackiewicz Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning and Housing

Can the Cabinet Member please advise how many empty properties the Council are aware of in Solihull and of this number, how many are owned by private companies?

The Cabinet Member advised that there were 2,026 properties that were classified as empty for council tax purposes in Solihull. This represented 2% of the total number of council tax properties. Of the 2,026 properties that were empty, 327 have private companies as the liable party for council tax.

Cllr L McCarthy followed up by asking what powers the Council has to force or encourage companies to bring back properties in disrepair back into use. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the Council charge double council tax on empty properties, and that the Empty Homes Group work with residents to try and bring properties back into use. He also cited that there could be genuine reasons for an empty property such as probate or a resident moving into care.

Cllr L McCarthy questioned whether the Council was talking to companies to help meet the need for affordable housing. The Cabinet Member advised he was not aware of any such discussions but would check with officers.

Cllr McLoughlin to Cllr Courts Leader of the Council and Lead Member for the Economy

Can the Leader of the Council reassure residents that the much needed Kingshurst regeneration will be going ahead?

The Mayor advised that this question had be dealt with early in the meeting under announcements from the Leader.

Cllr Rymer to Cllr B Sleigh OBE Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources

Has there been a change of policy in how the Council approaches residents in Council Tax arrears in the last 12 months?

The Cabinet Member advised that the Council recognised the financial difficulties experienced by some residents following Covid and as a result of cost-of-living pressures. The Council are continuing to offer flexible repayment arrangements to residents who are having difficulties paying their council tax. The Council also offer support through our discretionary schemes. Our overriding message is that we are here to help, and we encourage any resident to contact us if they need support. Our Customer Services Advisor and Income Team Officers have received briefings and guidance on the support that is available so that they can signpost residents where needed. There are various discretionary funds available whether this be a discretionary reduction in council tax, help with rent through a discretionary housing payment or help with food, fuel or essential household items through the household support fund. There is lots of helpful information on our Here 2 Help pages on our website including help with council tax or help with debt, alternatively residents can call us with their queries and will be supported over the telephone. We are working closely with our Financial Inclusion partners to promote the variety of help on offer – we have arranged outreach events in December and March for residents to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To deal with any Topic of Debate submitted.

None received.

To deal with any motions submitted.

None received.

To receive the following recommendations:

Governance Committee 15 March 2023

Minute 5 2023/24 Financial Regulation Update (page 145-146)

RECOMMENDED:

That the revised Financial Regulations as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved by Council with the revised Regulations to be implemented with effect from April 2023.

Minute 7 Independent Remuneration Panel Review of Members' Allowances Scheme (page 146)

RECOMMENDED:

1.  That Council accepts the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel as set out in paragraph 1.3 of the report;

2.  That Council approves the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2023-24 (Attached as an appendix to these minutes); and

3.  That the Independent Remuneration Panel be asked to carry out a further review of the Special Responsibility Allowances payable to Political Group Spokespersons.

Minute 5 2023/24 Financial Regulation Update

Cllr P Hogarth MBE, Chair – Governance Committee, moved the recommendation from the Governance Committee. Cllr Thomas queried the recommendation from Minute 5 2023/2024 Financial Regulations Update as on Page 221 there were missing pages from the report. The Acting Chief Executive advised Council that they could defer making the decision, referring it back to Governance Committee for clarification. (Later in the meeting the Acting Chief Executive provided Members with an explanation see minute 17, which enabled Members to make a decision, therefore negating the need to refer the matter back to Committee.)

RESOLVED:

That the revised Financial Regulations as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved with the revised Regulations being implemented with effect from April 2023.

Minute 7 Independent Remuneration Panel Review of Members' Allowances Scheme

RESOLVED:

1.  That Council accepts the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel as set out in paragraph 1.3 of the report;

2.  That Council approves the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2023-24 and

3.  That the Independent Remuneration Panel be asked to carry out a further review of the Special Responsibility Allowances payable to Political Group Spokespersons.

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 29-42)

b) Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnerships and Wellbeing including *Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board minutes (*to follow) (pages 43-48)

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

d) Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure (pages 53-61)

e) Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing (pages 63-68)

f) Cabinet Member for Children and Education (pages 69-74)

g)  Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure (pages 75-81)

h) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health (pages 83-89) 

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 and drew attention to the Devolution Deal that had recently been secured by the West Midlands Combined Authority. Cllr M McLoughlin asked the Leader a question relating to 1.5.2 The Commissioners Report, he thanked Sir Alan Wood CBE for the work he had done in Solihull and sought clarification from the Leader as to whether any future child’s deaths would be taken as seriously as the tragic case of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes. The Leader highlighted the immense focus on Children’s Services at the moment and reassured the Chamber that it was a big focus for the Cabinet Member, himself as the Leader, the Deputy Leader and Officers. He added that it is sad that there continues to be cases up and down the Country but that any future case in Solihull would of course be treated with the same level of scrutiny.

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

The Deputy Leader presented her report and drew attention to the success of the local Apprentice Show held recently and informed Council about the recent visit from Sir Chris Witty, Chief Medical Officer – England, to the Borough. There were no questions.

Cabinet Member for Resources

The Cabinet Member presented his report highlighting the changes to Bereavement Services and the latest Debt Monitoring Position. Cllr K Thomas asked the Cabinet Member about the increase in residents seeking support from the Council due to the Cost-of-Living Crisis and whether the Council had the resource, both financial and staffing, to keep up with the demand. The Cabinet Member detailed how the support received from HM Government was supporting this work alongside schemes the Council were delivering from its own budget and that this would be secured for this Financial Year. The Cabinet Member also highlighted how the Universal Credit split showed how this was an issue not isolated to one area of the borough with 55% of claimants deriving from the North with 45% from the South.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure

The Cabinet Member presented her report and congratulated Tracey Williams, Solihull Heritage and Local Studies Librarian, on her shortlisting for a prestigious national award which celebrated the achievements of library workers. The Cabinet Member informed Council that a further round of the Solihull Voluntary Sector Resilience Fund would be released in May. Cllr R Grinsell asked the Cabinet Member to pass on his thanks to all those involved in the Langley School Mental Health Ambassadors scheme to which she replied she would. Cllr L McCarthy echoed Cllr R Grinsell’s remarks and asked the Cabinet Member if the scheme could be rolled out across other schools in the borough. The Cabinet Member agreed the scheme was a great one and that she would enquire as to whether it could be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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

a)  Resources and Delivering Value 2 February and 6 March 2023 (pages 91-102)

b)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills 2 March 2023 (pages 103-114)

c)  Health and Adult Social Care 7 March 2023 (pages 115-119)

d)  Economic Development and Managed Growth 13 March 2023 (pages 121-127)

e)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services 14 March 2023 (pages 129-136)

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the Council’s Scrutiny Boards were presented for information only and no questions were asked.

a)  Resources and Delivering Value 2 February and 6 March 2023

b)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills 2 March 2023

c)  Health and Adult Social Care 7 March 2023

d)  Economic Development and Managed Growth 13 March 2023

e)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services 14 March 2023

The minutes of the following Committees are presented for information:

a)  Audit Committee 13 February and 13 March 2023 (pages 137-141)

b)  Licensing Committee 15 February 2023 (page 143)

c)  Governance Committee 15 March 2023 (pages 145-252)

d)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group 15 March 2023 (pages 253-254)

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the Council’s Committees were presented for information only and no questions were asked.

a)  Audit Committee 13 February and 13 March 2023

b)  Licensing Committee 15 February 2023

c)  Governance Committee 15 March 2023

d)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group 15 March 2023

To receive the following reports:

a)  Minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Minutes 12 January 2023 (pages 255-260)

b)  West Midlands Police and Crime Panel Update (The minutes have been appended as a supplement and can be viewed online) (pages 261-264)

Cllr M McCarthy presented the Minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Minutes from the 12^{th of} January 2023. Cllr K Thomas asked about the Future Home project and Grant Register and Cllr M McCarthy advised that the detail had not been discussed in the meeting but if Cllr K Thomas had specific questions, then he would be happy to take them away and get an answer.

Cllr A Feeney presented the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel Update and there we no questions.

RESOLVED

Council received the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Minutes and the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel Update 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.

 Cllr Laura McCarthy asked the Leader of the Council what he was doing to open the eyes of the Prime Minister in relation to the underlying issues with potholes. The Leader responded that the Council continued to lobby HM Government where possible on issues like this but as he had not advanced notice of the question then he was unable to provide the detail he would have liked to have given.

Cllr K Hawkins, CPH Environment and Infrastructure advised that January and February had been particularly harsh with low temperatures followed by a very wet March which had impacted the condition of the roads. The team was working on repairing potholes as quickly as possible and they had employed an extra crew to help tackle the backlog with this crew being extended throughout April.

Cllr L McCarthy asked the Leader of the Council why the Council had not engaged meaningfully with support for Children’s Services in January 2022 when it had been in place, as stated in the Commissioners Report. The Leader advised that the Council had spent the last 12 months looking at what has happened in the service and cooperated with Sir Alan Wood CBE to support his report. The Leader stated he did not want to comment on specific cases but reassured members that a new leadership team was in place with action ongoing to drive improvement.

To receive the following report from the Acting Chief Executive:

(a)  Leader’s Scheme of Delegation to Officers

For information only - to advise Council of amendments to the Scheme of Delegation to Officers made by the Leader of the Council, as required under the Cabinet Procedure Rules in the Council’s Constitution.

The Acting Chief Executive presented his report on the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation to Officers. There were no questions.

RESOLVED

Council received the update on amendments to the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation to Officers for information.

The Chief Executive to report on any urgent matters.

The Acting Chief Executive had sought clarification relating to the Recommendations from Committees, Minute 5 2023/24 Financial Regulation Update. He reassured Members that information was not missing and that it started at Point 6 for continuity reasons. He suggested that if Council were happy with the information, he provided that they could make the recommendation this evening. Members agreed they could.

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

There were no questions left to be dealt with.

RESOLVED

That the press and public be now excluded from the remainder of the business to be transacted, on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

To receive for information only the following sets of private minutes:

(a)  Audit Committee 13 February 2023 (page 299)

(b)  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board 6 March (pages 301-302)

(c)  Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board 7 March (pages 303)

RESOLVED:

The Council received for information only the Private Minutes of Committees and Scrutiny Boards:

(a)   Audit Committee 13 February 2023

(b)  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board 6 March

(c)  Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board 7 March