Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Butler, Macnaughton, and Sheshabhatter.

Councillors Sheshabhatter and Butler joined the meeting virtually.

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

The minutes of the two meetings held on 7 December 2021 were presented for approval.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the two meetings held on 7 December be approved.

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

There were no declarations of pecuniary or conflicting interests from Members.

To receive petitions from Members of the Council.

The following petitions were submitted:

1)  From Cllr Allen – Public Toilets in Shirley – “We the undersigned call upon SMBC to install public toilets in the area of Shirley Park. We need people to visit Shirley and the lack of toilet facilities has an impact on elderly, very young, disabled people, our regular shoppers, those we want to attract for the first time and those who take advantage of the many attractions at Shirley Park.”

2)  From Cllr L McCarthy – “Residents are asking Solihull Council to undertake a comprehensive investigation into speeding across Elmdon and measures to tackle this. This includes exploring the rollout of average speed cameras across Elmdon, implementation of 20mph speed limits, or else consulting with residents about their preferred method of traffic calming on the worst streets and implementing this. We are also asking West Midlands Police to increase the number of speed checks on Elmdon roads to deter excessive speeding.”

3)  From Cllr L McCarthy – “Residents are asking Solihull Council to undertake another investigation into Rowood Drive with the view to installing average speed cameras to control the speeding or else consult with residents about their preferred method of traffic calming and implement this.”

4)  From Cllr Gibbin – Speed Reduction/Traffic Calming Measures – “We the undersigned call upon SMBC to introduce speed reduction/traffic calming measures on Brook Lane.”

5)  From Cllr Gibbin – Speed Reduction/Traffic Calming Measures –“ We the undersigned call upon SMBC to introduce speed reduction/traffic calming measures on Dovehouse/Lane.”

6)  From Cllr K Thomas – “We, the undersigned, call on Solihull Council to renew the leases of The 1st Olton Scout Group and The Olton Park Guides, for their respective premises on Brackleys Way, ensuring that they have security of tenure for the foreseeable future.”

7)  From Cllr B Grinsell – Road Safety Measures- “Following a fatal accident  and other traffic incidents we the undersigned call upon SMBC to investigate suitable road safety options for the junction of Warwick Road and Grange Road as a matter of urgency. We also request that the yellow hatched “do not enter” box is repainted.”

8)  From Cllr O’Nyons – “Petition requesting that SMBC investigate the issue of speeding on Pierce Avenue and in consultation with residents implement their preferred traffic calming measures.

9)  From Cllr O’Nyons – “Petition requesting that SMBC investigate the issue of speeding on Dovehouse Lane and in consultation with residents implement their preferred traffic calming measures.”

10)From Cllr O’Nyons – “Petition requesting that SMBC investigate the issue of speeding on Marcot Road and in consultation with residents implement their preferred traffic calming measures”

11)From Cllr Sleigh – “We the undersigned residents of Marston Green, call upon SMBC to develop and install measures to prevent excess speed from vehicles along Holly Lane, Marston Green.”

12)From Cllr Tildesley – “We the undersigned call upon SMBC to refuse Planning Application 2021/01581 in respect of 23 Alderbrook Road, Solihull and request that the Planning Committee confirm the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

The Mayor announced that the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Flag would fly at the Council House as a mark of respect and to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ matters. LGBTQ+ History month focused on the celebration and recognition of LGBT+ people and culture.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing provided an update on the Draft Local Plan. It was confirmed that the evidence in public sessions had concluded and that the Council had satisfied its legal responsibilities to cooperate. There were some technical alterations which had been requested by the Planning Inspectorate. The Council would then be given the opportunity to consider these proposals and any changes would require appropriate decision making processes and consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing also announced that Solihull Council had been ranked the fifth best local authority in their response to the Climate Emergency.

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.

No Questions or Deputations were received.

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

Councillor O’Nyons to Councillor Holt Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Skills

As the future of both the Scout and Guides groups who currently occupy the Summerfield Site in my ward is so linked to the future use of the site, could the Cabinet Member who I understand currently hold the site, advise me when he believes the future of the site from the position of his directorate will be determined.

Councillor Rolf responded to Councillor O’Nyons in their answer to Councillor K Thomas’ question below*.

Councillor K Thomas to Councillor Rolf Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Stronger and Safer Communities

Why are the Scouts and Guides huts on Brackleys Way, next to Olton Jubilee Park, still threatened with demolition, four years after promises were made that leases for both Groups would be renewed and they would be able to continue operating out of their current premises?

Will Solihull Council now stop obfuscating and renew the leases for both the 1st Olton Scouts and the Olton Parks Guides without any further delay?”

*Councillor Rolf explained that the lease agreement had not progressed to date as the site was being considered for educational use and the building would fail to meet the Government’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. It had subsequently been confirmed that the site was unsuitable for planned education initiatives and therefore would not be required. It was understood that the Scout and Guide Group planned to make the necessary changes to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. The Council would work with the Group and a decision on the matter would be bought to Cabinet within the next six months, when the lease position was confirmed.

Councillor K Thomas asked what could be done to improve communication with the Scout and Guide Group as the matter progressed. Councillor Rolf accepted that communication had not been satisfactory to this point, however the key contacts would be informed as this issue advanced.

Councillor K Thomas queried what lessons could be learned from this matter to ensure other voluntary and community groups did not have similar experiences. Councillor Courts highlighted that the intent was to continue to support local community groups but recognised that there had been problems in this instance.

Cllr Allen to Cllr Rolf Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Stronger and Safer Communities

Many people in Shirley have been complaining about the lack of public toilets in the high street. Shirley Park is the most popular park in the borough and hosts many community events. People often combine going to the shops with a visit to the park and can stay for several hours. However, the lack of public facilities affects the elderly, the very young, and disabled people and prevents them from taking full advantage of the opportunities on offer in Shirley.

Will the Cabinet Member consider reinstating public toilets in the area of Shirley Park?

Councillor Rolf outlined that there would not be the infrastructure or space to provide public toilet facilities in Shirley Park, and the historic changing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To deal with any Topic of Debate submitted.

No topic of debate was received.

To consider two Motions which have been submitted.

First Motion from Cllr Gibbin:

“On the 15 July 2021 Robert Cleverley sadly died as a result of a road traffic collision on the Warwick Road in Olton, Solihull.

At the time of the accident Robert was driving a quad bike legally on the road, but unfortunately was not wearing a helmet. He suffered catastrophic head injuries and as a result of those injuries died at the scene.

It is estimated that approximately 4 people a year die as a result of head injuries on roads in England whilst driving a quad bike and being involved in a road traffic accident. This obviously does not take into account those who suffer a head injury but survive.

Currently it is legal within England to drive on a public road on a quad bike without an approved helmet, although the Highway Code recommends that you do.

As such this Council formally Resolves the following:

“Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council formally resolves to petition the Secretary of State for Transport to introduce legislation pertaining to England and Wales that requires the driver of a quad bike on a public road/place within England to wear an approved helmet with an appropriate penalty for those who do not do so.””

Second Motion from Cllr Laura McCarthy:

“Council Resolves to:

(i)  Recognises the vital role that police officers play in reducing crime, the impact of technology on types of crime, as well as prevention and detection and the need for the police to be accessible to the public.

(ii)  Acknowledges the need for a properly staffed police station in Solihull Town Centre.

(iii)  Recognises the impact that insufficient central government funding has had on Solihull, leading to our current police station being 80% vacant and a decision to close it by the WMPCC.

(iv)   Affirms its intention to work cooperatively with the WMPCC to agree a police station which can serve Solihull well into the future in Solihull Town Centre with modern facilities to enable the continuation of a customer facing police service in Solihull town centre and to add this new police facility/station to the Town Centre Master plan.”

Two motions were submitted for consideration.

The first motion was from Cllr Gibbin which was seconded by Cllr Bob Grinsell and read:

“On the 15 July 2021 Robert Cleverley sadly died as a result of a road traffic collision on the Warwick Road in Olton, Solihull.

At the time of the accident Robert was driving a quad bike legally on the road, but unfortunately was not wearing a helmet. He suffered catastrophic head injuries and as a result of those injuries died at the scene.

It is estimated that approximately 4 people a year die as a result of head injuries on roads in England whilst driving a quad bike and being involved in a road traffic accident. This obviously does not take into account those who suffer a head injury but survive.

Currently it is legal within England to drive on a public road on a quad bike without an approved helmet, although the Highway Code recommends that you do.

As such this Council formally Resolves the following:

“Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council formally resolves to petition the Secretary of State for Transport to introduce legislation pertaining to England and Wales that requires the driver of a quad bike on a public road/place within England to wear an approved helmet with an appropriate penalty for those who do not do so.”

Cllr McLoughlin subsequently submitted an amendment, which following a short adjournment in the meeting, it was agreed that the following words be added to the end of the motion:-

 “and the Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service and Home Secretary to give the Police the resources to prosecute the illegal use of off-road vehicles”

Following a debate the proposed amendment was put and carried.

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

That Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council formally petition theSecretary of State for Transport to introduce legislation pertaining to England and Wales that requires the driver of a quad bike on a public road/place within England to wear an approved helmet with an appropriate penalty for those who do not do so and the Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service and Home Secretary to give the Police the resources to prosecute the illegal use of off-road vehicles.

The Second Motion was from Cllr Laura McCarthy and seconded by Cllr K Thomas and read:

“Council Resolves to:

(i)  Recognises the vital role that police officers play in reducing crime, the impact of technology on types of crime, as well as prevention and detection and the need for the police to be accessible to the public.

(ii)  Acknowledges the need for a properly staffed police station in Solihull Town Centre.

(iii)  Recognises the impact that insufficient central government funding has had on Solihull, leading to our current police station being 80% vacant and a decision to close it by the WMPCC.

(iv)   Affirms its intention to work cooperatively with the WMPCC to agree a police station which can serve Solihull  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To deal with a recommendation from Audit Committee.

Audit Committee 4 January 2022 (page 126)

Minute 6 Treasury Management Strategy 2022/23 to 2031/32

  RESOLVED

The Committee recommended that Full Council approves:-

The Treasury Management Strategy 2022/23 – 2031/32 including the Debt and Investment Strategy, and Treasury and Prudential Indicators contained within and specifically:

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

·  The further Prudential Indicators for 2021/22 – 2031/32 contained within the extract from the Corporate Capital Strategy 2022/23 – 2031/32 (Appendix B); and

·  The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement contained within the extract from the Corporate Capital Strategy 2022/23 – 2031/32 (Appendix B).

The Vice- Chairman of the Audit Committee of 4 January 2022 introduced the recommendation in relation to Minute 6 Treasury Management Strategy 2022/23 to 2031/32  (page 126).  In doing so he referencedthat there was a minor error on page 152 of the Council agenda, in paragraph 13.4 where the second line says ‘reduce’, it should say ‘increase’

  RESOLVED

That Full Council approves:-

The Treasury Management Strategy 2022/23 – 2031/32 including the Debt and Investment Strategy, and Treasury and Prudential Indicators contained within and specifically:

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

·  The further Prudential Indicators for 2021/22 – 2031/32 contained within the extract from the Corporate Capital Strategy 2022/23 – 2031/32 (Appendix B); and

·  The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement contained within the extract from the Corporate Capital Strategy 2022/23 – 2031/32 (Appendix B).

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 23-29)

b) Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnership and Wellbeing including *Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board minutes (* to follow) (pages 31-34)

c) Cabinet Member for Resources (pages 35-41)

d) Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities (pages 43-51)

e) Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing (pages 53-57)

f) Cabinet Member for Children Education and Skills (pages 59-63)

g)  Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure (pages 65-71)

h) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health (pages 73-77) 

i) Cabinet Member for Leisure Tourism and Sport (pages 79-81)

Leader of the Council and Lead Member for the Economy

The Leader advised Council of the decisions taken at the Cabinet meetings on 9^th December 2021 and 13^th January 2022 and provided a summary of the meetings and activities he had been involved in on behalf of Solihull and the West Midlands, as well as an update on the economic strategy responsibilities of his portfolio.

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

The Cabinet Member presented their report and the minutes of the Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board on 25^th January 2022.

Councillor L McCarthy asked what was being done to encourage male domestic violence survivors to access support. Councillor K Grinsell would encourage males to come forward. The strategy was also a live document and all comments would be welcomed.

Cabinet Member for Resources

The Cabinet Member advised Council of the decisions taken at their decision sessions on 14^th December 2021 and 11^th January 2022.

Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities

The Cabinet Member advised Council of the decisions taken at their decision sessions on 15^th December 2021 and 26^th January 2022.

In reference to 1.4.4, Councillor K Thomas noted the significant increase in residents that requested additional support over the Christmas period, and asked if this had continued into January 2022. Councillor Rolf explained that the increase had been partly a result of the successful roll out of food vouchers. Further information would be provided to Councillor K Thomas. Councillor K Grinsell highlighted that an extra £30,000 of hardship funds had been made available to support local residents.

Councillor Groom asked if the Community Infrastructure Levy funds had been made available for Shirley Sea Cadets following written agreement from Shirley South Councillors. Councillor Rolf confirmed that the funds were now available.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing

The Cabinet Member advised Council of the decisions taken at their decision sessions on 29^th November 2021.

Councillor Howell asked how the Cabinet Member could drive forward on the Council’s climate change strategy. Councillor Mackiewicz stated that there would be more of a focus on delivery as the strategy was now in place.

Councillor Long queried when an update could be provided on the Solihull District Heating Scheme. Councillor Mackiewicz explained they were in the process of receiving offers with an intention to attend scrutiny before the decision would be considered at Cabinet.

Cabinet Member for Children Education and Skills

The Cabinet Member advised Council of the decisions taken at their decision sessions on 16^th December 2021 and 25^th January 2022.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure

The Cabinet Member advised Council of the decisions taken at their decision sessions on 14^th December 2021 and 10^th January 2022.

Councillor R Grinsell thanked the Cabinet Member for their support to have 54 trees planted in Langley Hall Park to celebrate the nations of the Commonwealth.  ...  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 83-88)

b)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services (pages 89-99)

c)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills (pages 101-108)

d)  Economic Development and Managed Growth (pages 109-113)

e)  Health and Adult Social Care (pages 115-118)

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

a)  Resources and Delivering Value 2 December 2021 and 4 January 2022

b)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services 6 January 2022

c)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills 11 January 2022

d)  Economic Development and Managed Growth 12 January 2022

e)  Health and Adult Social Care 18 January 2022

Councillor K Thomas asked how the Building Safety Managers positions would be funded, which were referenced in the Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board on 2^nd December 2021. Cllr Parker as Chairman advised that a response would be sought for Councillor K Thomas.

The minutes of the following Committees are presented for information:

a)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group (pages 119-123)

b)  Audit Committee (pages 125-156)

c)  Governance Committee (page 157)

The minutes of the following Committees were presented for information:

a)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group 13 December 2021

b)  Audit Committee 4 January 2022

c)  Governance Committee 19 January 2022

To receive the following reports:

a)  Minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Minutes

Cllr Dicicco presented the minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Minutes for information of 8 November 2021 and 15 December 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 (Leader of Green Party Group) to Councillor Hawkins, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Infrastructure

“Council will be aware of recent media reports that a ballot has opened among GMB Union members for strike action over pay relating to the Strategic Environment Contract. What action is the Cabinet Member taking to avert that potential strike action affecting our bin collections and street cleaning services and what mitigations are in place to ensure service continuity should the industrial action not be avoided?”

Councillor Hawkins explained that Amey employ the workforce and deliver the Environmental Services Contract which includes refuse collections. It would be Amey’s responsibility to negotiate with the workforce, and therefore inappropriate to comment further or speculate on the outcome of the ballot.

To receive the following reports from the Chief Executive:

a)  Leader’s Scheme of Delegation to Officers ( for Information) (page 169)

b)  Council Appointment – West Midlands Combined Authority Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee (pages 171-174 )

c)  Appointment of Independent Member of Audit Committee (pages 175-176)

d)  Pay Policy Statement 2022 (pages 177-201)

The Chief Executive presented four reports:-

a)  Leader’s Scheme of Delegation to Officers

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.

RESOLVED:

That the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation to Officers be noted.

b)  Council Appointment – West Midlands Combined Authority Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee

Council was asked to appoint one member to represent the Council on the West Midlands Combined Authority Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED:

That Cllr M McCarthy be appointed to the West Midlands Combined Authority Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee.

c)  Appointment of Independent Member of Audit Committee

Council was invited to approve the appointment of Mr Michael Burnett as an independent Member of the Audit Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the appointment of Mr Michael Burnett be approved as an independent member of the Audit Committee for a four year term of office.

d)  Pay Policy Statement 2022

To present to Full Council the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2022 that was fully compliant with Section 38 (1) of the Localism Act.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted and that the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2022 be approved.

The Chief Executive to report on any urgent matters.

There were no urgent matters.

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

No questions remained to be dealt with.

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)  For approval as a correct record the Minutes of the previous Council meeting; (page 203)

b)  For information the private minutes of the Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board (pages 205-206)

c)  For information the private minutes the Audit Committee (pages 207)

The private minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 7^th December 2021 were presented for approval.

RESOLVED

The minutes of the meeting held on 7^th December 2021 were approved.

The following private minutes were presented for information:

·  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board (4^th January 2022)

·  Audit Committee (4^th January 2022)