Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllrs Hamilton *A Hodgson, L McCarthy *A Rebeiro, Macnaughton and Ryan.

(* with the Mayor’s permission both Councillors joined remotely but did not vote on any items).

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 February 2022 were presented for approval.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 February 2022 be approved.

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.

From Cllr Allen – We the undersigned call upon SMBC to install a pedestrian crossing on Hurdis Road opposite the entrance to Shirley Park.

From Cllr Clements – Requesting from Elmdon Ward the renaming of Elmdon Park Beacon to The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee.

From Cllr Howell – Submitted a petition against HS2 Ltd applying for planning permission to run construction lorries through Balsall Common.

From Cllr Sleigh OBE – We the undersigned call upon Solihull MBC to work with Royal Mail to return the post box to a location close to the original site at the junction of Land Lane/Elmdon Road, Marston Green B37 7BD.

From Cllr Courts – We the undersigned residents of Hockley Heath oppose the allocation of any of the sites around Hockley Heath in the South Warwickshire Joint Development Plan and oppose any further erosion of the green belt in that area.

From Cllr O’Nyons – We the undersigned, support the campaign to encourage Solihull Council to start footpath improvements around Barn Lane Recreation Ground to link up all the entrances/existing footpaths thereby providing a footpath around the entire park and grassed area.

From Cllr M McCarthy – We the undersigned, residents of Castle Bromwich, call upon Solihull MBC and Birmingham CC Environmental Officers to agree the re-instatement of access to Tameside Drive HWRC for the residents of Castle Bromwich.

From Cllr Rolf – We the undersigned residents of Blackfirs Lane, Marston Green call upon Solihull MBC to support us by providing signage at the entrance to Blackfirs Lane, to advise goods vehicle drivers that there is no access to Progress Way on Birmingham Business Park via Blackfirs Lane.

From Cllr K Grinsell – Submitted a petition requesting the re-instatement of the Minor Injuries Unit at Solihull Hospital. 8,029 people had signed the petition.

From Cllr K Thomas – Submitted a petition on behalf of residents of Solihull calling for more community police on our streets and a fully functioning police station in the Town Centre.

From Cllr Long- Submitted a petition from residents of Elmdon regarding the lack of community centre services.

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

Election Campaign Compact

The Mayor invited all Group Leaders and independent Members to sign the election campaign compact.

First Magazine for Councillors

The Mayor advised of two articles from Solihull Councillors which appeared in the latest First Magazine for Councillors.

Nomination for Mayor

The Leader advised Members that he would be nominating Cllr Ken Meeson as Mayor for the next municipal year.

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)

Cllr Rebeiro to Councillor Holt Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Skills

I acknowledge the proactive work of the Council in preparations for supporting Ukrainian refugees to this Borough. How advanced is the Council’s engagement with the Borough’s Education sector in preparation for the provision of appropriate education and special needs support for young Ukrainian refugees?

The Cabinet Member responded that Education services were working with the settlement team to ensure effective planning for all children coming into the borough. We have already seen significant numbers of children moving into Solihull through the Hong Kong repatriation scheme and have worked with many schools to increase their capacity so all children have access to a school place; and will continue that approach. Where children with special needs move into Solihull we will be carrying out the necessary assessments to determine the most appropriate provision for them.

Cllr Rebeiro questioned whether there had been a dialogue with the Schools Strategic Accountability Board regarding this matter. The Cabinet Member assured Members that Officers had been in communication with many agencies, including the DfE. The Leader also advised that he had, had a meeting with the refugee minister regarding schools and education and this issue was very much on his radar.

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

I noticed in the Cabinet Member's report that a part of Elmdon has been included in the net zero neighbourhood’s pilot. Can the Cabinet Member provide more details?

The Cabinet Member advised that SMBC had been successful in applying to the WMCA to include Elmdon in its Sustainable Warmth Programme for 2022/23. Several Local Authorities submitted applications but SMBC and Coventry City Council were the two preferred partners. Elmdon was put forward because it is an area with particularly high levels of fuel poverty, based on the energy efficiency of properties and household income. WMCA will be working with SMBC to put in place a range of retrofit measures that can improve the energy efficiency of properties in the area, as well as connect residents to energy advice and help with fuel bills. Further details can be found in the WMCA press release concerning the delivery of their Sustainable Warmth Programme An additional three hundred homes in the West Midlands to receive deep retrofit from WMCA.

SMBC has also been successful in its own application for Sustainable Warmth funding and will be working with the Midlands Energy Hub to deliver a £1.265 million programme in the borough. This will see up to 150 low income, fuel poor households receiving energy efficiency improvements. The scheme will be open to households across the borough but with some directed work in fuel poverty hotspots such as Chelmsley Wood and Shirley.

The Council is also in the process of completing its proposal to include Chelmsley Wood in WMCA’s Net Zero Neighbourhood programme. The outcome of this process won’t be known until July but if the application is successful then it would  ...  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, which are detailed below:

Motion from Councillor Courts:

“The unlawful invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Country, represents a direct threat to peace and security in Europe. 

 This Council Resolves to:-

(i) Condemn unequivocally the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Solihull;

(ii) Stand ready to provide support to those affected by this War and will open our arms to people displaced and affected.

(iii) Work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help and comfort to those in need.”

Motion from Cllr L McCarthy

“Council recognises the contribution that health care workers have made during the pandemic and beyond.Council is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to appropriate medical care at all times and recognises the impact that the loss of services in Solihull in recent years has had on residents. 

Council notes that:

a)  Due to high demand and ongoing technical issues, many residents are unable to secure appointments with their local GPs.

b) The loss of the A&E, Maternity Unit, and Ambulance Station at Solihull Hospital has left a gap in care provision for residents of the borough

c) Ambulance response times in the region are consistently missing their target in recent months

d) There is concern that the Minor Injuries Unit has not yet returned in its full capacity to Solihull Hospital.

Council Resolves to:

(i)  Request an extraordinary scrutiny meeting to look at the issues around GP access for patients;

.

(ii)  Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to WMAS encouraging the re-opening of the ambulance station at Solihull Hospital;

(iii)  Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to all relevant partners requesting the full reinstatement of the Minor Injuries Unit at Solihull Hospital.”

Motion from Councillor Courts:

“The unlawful invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Country, represents a direct threat to peace and security in Europe. 

This Council Resolves to:-

(i) condemn unequivocally the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Solihull;

(ii) Stand ready to provide support to those affected by this War and will open our arms to people displaced and affected.

(iii) Work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help and comfort to those in need.”

Councillor Mackiewicz seconded the motion.

The following amendment was proposed by Cllr Caudwell with the addition of (iv) below and seconded by Cllr Burn.

(iv) Call on the Home Office to follow the example of many other countries and drop the requirement for Ukrainian nationals to have completed visa applications before being eligible for evacuation to the United Kingdom

The amendment was put and lost.

Council RESOLVED:

(i) To condemn unequivocally the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Solihull;

(ii) To stand ready to provide support to those affected by this War and will open our arms to people displaced and affected; and

(iii) To work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help and comfort to those in need.

Motion from Cllr L McCarthy –in the absence of Cllr L McCarthy the motion was moved by Cllr K Tomas and seconded by Cllr Long

“Council recognises the contribution that health care workers have made during the pandemic and beyond. Council is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to appropriate medical care at all times and recognises the impact that the loss of services in Solihull in recent years has had on residents. 

Council notes that:

a)  Due to high demand and ongoing technical issues, many residents are unable to secure appointments with their local GPs.

b) The loss of the A&E, Maternity Unit, and Ambulance Station at Solihull Hospital has left a gap in care provision for residents of the borough.

c) Ambulance response times in the region are consistently missing their target in recent months.

d) There is concern that the Minor Injuries Unit has not yet returned in its full capacity to Solihull Hospital.

Council Resolves to:

(i)  Request an extraordinary scrutiny meeting to look at the issues around GP access for patients;

.

(ii)  Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to WMAS encouraging the re-opening of the ambulance station at Solihull Hospital;

(iii)  Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to all relevant partners requesting the full reinstatement of the Minor Injuries Unit at Solihull Hospital.”

The following amendment was proposed by Cllr Dr Sexton and seconded by Cllr Brain.

“Council recognises the contribution  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The Council is invited to approve the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2021:  Counting the Cost of Covid and agree the next steps that have been set out.

Council were invited to receive and approve the Director of Public Health’s annual statutory report the topic of the report was the impact of and response to Covid-19 in Solihull.

RESOLVED:

That the report and next steps that have been set out as part of recovering from and living with Covid-19 be approved.

To seek approval for the Solihull Council Plan, 2022/23 update.

 Council approval was sought for the Solihull Council Plan, 2022/23 update.

RESOLVED:

That the Solihull Council Plan, 2022/23 update be approved.

To deal with a number of recommendations from Governance Committee 29 March 2022. As the meeting is being held after the publication of the Council agenda, Members will be provided with the agreed recommendations. Detailed below are what the Committee are being asked to consider.

Audit Committee Terms of Reference

That a recommendation be made that Full Council approves the revised terms of reference for the Audit Committee.

Financial Regulations Update – March 2022

To review and agree the revised Financial Regulations and other associated guidance documents as set out in Appendices A-B, following consideration from Audit Committee on 14 March 2022 before final approval being sought at Full Council on the 5 April 2022– with the regulations to be enforced from April 2022.

Independent Remuneration Panel Review of Members' Allowances

The Committee is requested to make recommendations to Council in respect of the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2022-23.

Council received three recommendations from Cllr Hogarth the Chairman of the Governance Committee: –

Audit Committee Terms of Reference

RESOLVED:

That the revised Terms of Reference of the Audit Committee attached as Appendix A to the minutes be approved.

Financial Regulations Update – March 2022

RESOLVED:

That the revised Financial Regulations and other associated guidance documents as set out in Appendices A and B to the report be approved with the revised Regulations to be enforced from April 2022.

Independent Remuneration Panel Review of Members' Allowances

RESOLVED:

That the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2022-23, as attached at Appendix B to the minutes 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 135-146)

b) Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnership and Wellbeing including Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board minutes (pages147-160)

c) Cabinet Member for Resources (pages 161-166)

d) Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities (pages 167-171)

e) Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing (pages 173-181)

f) Cabinet Member for Children Education and Skills (pages 183-186)

g)  Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure (pages 187-193)

h) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health (pages 195-199) 

i) Cabinet Member for Leisure Tourism and Sport (pages 201-205)

Leader of the Council and Lead Member for the Economy

The Leader of the Council presented his report covering decisions of Cabinet made on 10 February and 10 March 2022, including an update on the Economic Strategy Portfolio he covered and highlighted a number of issues, including options for a police station in Solihull.

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

The Deputy Leader presented the minutes of the Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board 1 March 2022 and highlighted a number of issues.

Cabinet Member for Resources

The Cabinet Member presented decisions taken at meetings held on 22 February and 29 March 2022.

 Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities

The Cabinet Member presented decisions taken at the meeting held on 22 February 2022 and highlighted a number of issues.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Housing

The Cabinet Member presented decisions taken at the meetings held on 15 February and 23 March 2022.

Cabinet Member for Children Education and Skills

The Cabinet Member presented decisions taken at the meeting held on 17 February 2022.

Cllr Thomas questioned whether the Cabinet Member was satisfied with the quality of the consultation that had been undertaken in relation to Summerfield Education Centre, given the concerns raised by Lyndon School. The Cabinet Member advised he would discuss this with officers.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure

The Cabinet Member presented decisions taken at the meetings held on 14 February and 17 March 2022 and highlighted a number of issues.

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

The Cabinet Member presented decisions taken at the meetings held on 28 February and 29 March 2022 and highlighted a number of issues.

Cabinet Member for Leisure Tourism and Sport

The Cabinet Member presented decisions taken at the meeting held on 16 March 2022.

Cllr Gough questioned whether Solihull Shining Stars programme was open to all schools. The Cabinet Member advised that the programme was targeted based on need. Cllr Dr Sexton questioned how programmes such as eat well move more would be effected by the recent announcement to cuts in funding. The Cabinet Member advised this area would be monitored and reviewed across all programmes, but she was not anticipating any adverse impact for the next year. Cllr K Thomas queried whether Bookfest would be returning next year, the Cabinet Member hoped it was.

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

a)  Resources and Delivering Value (pages 207-211)

b)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services (pages 213-225)

c)  Health and Adult Social Care (pages 227-240)

d)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills (pages 241-247)

e)  Economic Development and Managed Growth (pages 249-258)

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

a)  Resources and Delivering Value 1 March 2022

b)  Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services 16 February and 9 March 2022

c)  Health and Adult Social Care 23 February and 14 March 2022

d)  Children’s Services, Education and Skills 3 March 2022

e)  Economic Development and Managed Growth 8 March 2022

The minutes of the following Committees are presented for information:

a)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group (pages 259-262)

b)  Audit Committee (pages 263-269)

c)  Remuneration Committee (pages 271-274)

d)  Governance Committee (to follow)

The minutes of the following Committees were presented for information:

a)  HS2 Implementation Advisory Group – 7 March 2022

b)  Audit Committee 14 February and 14 March 2022

c)  Remuneration Committee 21 March 2022

d)  Governance Committee 29 March 2022

To receive the following reports:

a)  Minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny 10 January 2022 Minutes

The Minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny 10 January 2022 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.

There were no questions.

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 8.

There were no outstanding questions to deal 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 for information the private minutes of:

a)  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board (pages 279-281)

b)  Audit Committee (pages 283-287)

c)  Stronger Communities & Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board (pages 289-290)

The following sets of minutes were received for information:

a)  Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board 1 March 2022

b)  Audit Committee 14 February and 14 March 2022

c)  Stronger Communities & Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board 9 March 2022