Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2017 were signed as a true record.

To be presented by the Lord Mayor and His Honour Judge Lockhart QC, Honorary Recorder

On behalf of the City Council, the Lord Mayor and His Honour Judge Lockhart QC presented Mr and Mrs John and Margaret Hartley with the Good Citizen Award. Their citation read:

“John Hartley has been a member of the Rotary Club of Coventry for 34 years and supported by his wife Margaret has given remarkable service to the community of Coventry.  The Rotary movement consists of men and women who want to help others locally and around the world, including young children and those recovering from natural disasters.  John served at its President in 1998/99 and now serves as its historian and editor of their newsletter.  During most of his membership he has been secretary of the Community Service Committee and for over 25 years has been responsible for organising a week’s Outward Bound Course for dozens of young people with disabilities. 

Outside of the Rotary Club, John has been supporting Godiva Harriers’ 16 year old member Kare Adenegan, a local Paralympian who brought back one silver and two bronze medals from both the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the World Disabled Championships held in London.  John is an Associate Member of the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild, has links to the Lord Mayor’s Peace Committee and the Coventry-Hiroshima Friendship Group in Japan.  For many years John was the Secretary for John Gulson Old Boy’s Association.

Through all of his work, his wife, Margaret has supported him and provided secretarial support for John so that he can continue to provide all he does for this community.  Amongst many other contributions she has baked cakes, applied face painting at events, as well as working for many years for Children’s Services at Coventry City Council.

It is evident that John and Margaret are both loving and caring individuals who are passionate about what they do and love being able to help people in any way they can.  Their actions truly merit this City of Coventry Good Citizen Award”.

(a)  Terrorist attack in Barcelona

The Lord Mayor referred to another terrorist attack following the news of the incident that took place in Barcelona.

Members noted that a joint letter from the Leader of the Council and the Lord Mayor had been sent to the Mayor of Barcelona expressing the City’s condolences. 

(b)  Death of Former Lady Mayoress

The Lord Mayor referred to the recent death of Mrs Brenda Kelsey, wife of former Lord Mayor Brian Kelsey. Brenda was Lady Mayoress in 2010/2011 and served the City with dignity and dedication.

Members noted that a letter expressing the Council’s sincere condolences had been sent to Brian and his family.

(c)  Sporting Success

The Lord Mayor referred to recent success achieved by Myke Grimes of Coventry who won the 2017 British Cycle Speedway final to become the first rider in Coventry’s history to ever achieve this accolade. This was an outstanding sporting achievement for Myke as well as bringing pride and success to the City.

(d)   Message to the City of Kiel

The Lord Mayor referred to the forthcoming visit by him and Councillor A Khan to the City of Kiel to attend a specially convened meeting of their Council to mark the 70^th anniversary of our friendship links. They will be accompanied by The Bishop and The Dean. The Lord Mayor has been asked to address the meeting of Kiel Council on behalf of the City Council and in accordance with the Constitution, and with the Council’s agreement, moved the following Motion without Notice to enable him to extend the following message:

 “In 1947 the City of Kiel was presented with the first Cross of Nails from Coventry Cathedral marking the start of a friendship link and the foundation of the Community of Cross of Nails. Today that is a very important symbol for our City – it is a part of our history and famous around the world. 20 years later, on 10^th September 1967, the City of Coventry and the City of Kiel signed the official twinning agreement.

On the 70^th Anniversary of Friendship and 50^th Anniversary of Twinning, it is resolved unanimously that the Council extends to the City of Kiel a message of peace and wishes to reaffirm its commitment for the future as we continue to work towards a more peaceful world. It is inspiring to think that a bond formed through hardship and at a time when friendship was not the first reaction of many, is still so strong 70 years later – and that it enriches so many lives.

Thank you to the City of Kiel for everything you have done for Coventry over the past 70 years and we look forward to many more years of friendship”.

The Motion, as set out above, was seconded by Councillor A Khan and unanimously adopted.

The Lord Mayor presented Councillor Lindsley Harvard, Lord Mayor for

2016/17, with his illuminated address.

RESOLVED that the following petitions be referred to the appropriate City Council bodies/external organisations:

(a)  Request the Council in conjunction with the Police to take action to prevent and stop vehicles excessively speeding down Swanswell Street – 19 signatures, presented by Councillor O’Boyle.

(b)  Request the Council to stop proposed plans to implement the parking meter charges in the car park in Holmsdale Road - 79 signatures, presented by Councillor A Khan.

(c)  Objection to the proposed creation of a foot/cycle path across Holloway Field Village Green – 100 signatures, presented by Councillor Williams.

(d)  Objection to planning application HH/2017/1904 – 22 signatures, presented by Councillor Lucas.

(e)  Request the Council, Cardinal Wiseman School and the Cardinal Wiseman Board of Governors to rethink their position and to save the Cardinal Wiseman Farm – 55 signatures, presented by Councillor Maton.

(f)  Objection to planning application to build student accommodation regarding the rear numbers 1-9 Botoner Road in the CV1 area for 14 student studios – 51 signatures, presented by Councillor O’Boyle (on behalf of Councillor Welsh).

(g)  Request the Council to implement a one way traffic flow system on Holmsdale Road – 5 signatures, presented by Councillor A Khan.

There were no declarations of interest.

From Ethics Committee 20 July 2017

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

Further to Minute 37 of the Audit and Procurement Committee, the City Council considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which detailed the work of the Ethics Committee during the 2016/17 Municipal Year, providing an Annual Report for the Committee.

The Annual Report covered a number of areas including membership, Code of Conduct complaints received against councillors, Code of Conduct training, Independent Members and changes to the Officer, Members Gifts and Hospitality and the review of existing and adoption of a new Whistleblowing Policy.

RESOLVED that the City Council:

1.  Notes the Annual Report of the Ethics Committee.

2.  Considers that currently there no is any work within the Committee’s terms of reference that Council would wish the Committee to undertake.

From the Audit and Procurement Committee, 24 July 2017

Further to Minute 22 of the Audit and Procurement Committee, the City Council considered the Committee’s Report to Council 2016/17 which provided an overview of the Committee’s activity during 2016/17.

The report provided details on the routine reports that were considered by the Committee during 2016/17 focusing on services and functions such as internal and external audit and financial functions that report to Committee. In addition, the report provided information on ad-hoc reports that were considered by the Committee which focused either on a specific concern or developments that impacted directly on the Committee. 

The report stated that in 2017/18, the Committee’s initial focus would be ensuring that action was taken in response to disclosures made in the Annual Governance Statement, ensuring that any issues raised by the external auditors in the audit of the Council accounts were addressed in a timely manner, ensuring that Members of the Committee were appropriately supported through training and development and that any actions arising from the outcome of the annual review of the Council’s Code of Corporate Governance were effectively implemented.

RESOLVED that the City Council endorse the Audit and Procurement Committee Annual Report 2016/17. 

From the Cabinet, 1 August 2017

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People)

Further to Minute 25 of the Cabinet, the City Council considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) which sought approval for the use of the additional Better Care Fund funding, which was being made available by the Department for Communities and Local Government direct to councils. The funding was intended for three purposes - to meet adult social care need; to provide support to the NHS (especially through application of the 8 High Impact Changes) and to sustain the social care provider market.

The integration of health and care had been a long standing policy ambition based on the premise that more joined up services would help to improve the health and care of local populations and make more efficient use of available resources.

Whilst the Sustainability and Transformation Programme (STP) was the primary planning tool for health and care, the Better Care Fund is the only mandatory policy to facilitate integration. The Better Care Fund (BCF) is a programme spanning both the NHS and local government which seeks to join-up health and care services, so that people could manage their own health and wellbeing, and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.

In March 2017 a new policy framework for the Better Care Fund covering the period 2017 to 2019 was issued at the same time as significant additional funding being made available to councils in order to protect adult social care.  These sums arose from the 2015 spending review and the 2017 spring budget.  Taken together these sums comprise the Improved Better Care Fund (BCF). 

Plans for use of the grant would need to be agreed by the City Council with the relevant CCG (in this case Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group (CRCCG) and with the local Health and Wellbeing Board.  Once plans were agreed, the resources could start to be spent but must be done so through a pooled budget arrangement (unless ministerial exception is granted).

Since the implementation of the Better Care Fund (BCF) in 2015, the Council has had a BCF plan facilitated by the Health and Wellbeing Board supported by a section 75 partnership agreement with Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group (CRCCG). A new plan was required covering the period to 31 March 2019 with a supporting section 75 partnership agreement identifying how the additional resources identified in the spring budget were to be used.  Once the planning tools are made available, this new plan would be developed followed by the required section 75 partnership agreement.

The report and associated appendices sought approval for the use of the additional Better Care Fund resource against the three stated purposes.  The use of the grant without the associated planning tools being provided, completed and assured was permissible on the basis that spend plans had been agreed by the Local Authority and the CCG through the Health and WellBeing Board

RESOLVED that the City Council approves the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

Further to Minute 38 of the Cabinet, the City Council considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which advised of the forecast outturn position for revenue and capital expenditure and the Council’s treasury management activity as at the end of June 2017 (Quarter 1). The headline revenue forecast for 2017/18 identified an overspend of £4.6m. In comparison, the projected overspend at the same time in 2016/17 was £6.4m. 

This position reflects areas that had reported overspends in recent previous years and ones where new budgetary issues were emerging. Although the initially reported overspend position was not as large as this time last year, the Senior Management Board was aware of the need to address the range of budgetary issues facing the Council. This included continued challenges in delivering savings targets set in previous Budgets and some local demand pressures, particularly in relation to looked after children and housing related costs, even at this early stage, it was likely that some of these pressures would need to be considered as part of the Council’s Budget Setting process for the 2018/19 Budget although further work would continue to keep these to a minimum.

The Council’s Capital spending was projected to be £128m for the year, a net increase of £5m on the programme planned at the start of the year.

The report also recommended a change to the Council’s Investment Strategy and Policy to enable the council to continue its current level of investment in property based Collective Investment Schemes.

RESOLVED that the City Council approves a change to Council’s Investment Strategy and Policy increasing the maximum investment limit with property based Collective Investment Schemes to £10m, up from £8m.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

Further to Minute 39 of the Cabinet, the City Council considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which sought approval for the City Council to officially agree to accept the additional Growth Deal funding of £42.44m into its Accountable Body remit secured from central Government to add to the existing approval of £89.4m.

Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) successfully negotiated and secured this additional funding and the Growth Deal now totalled £131.8m which would support economic growth. By 2021 up to 7,500 jobs would be created and 3,500 homes built with a total investment of up to £240m.

The enlarged Deal remained focus on the four key areas of:

·  New Infrastructure that would improve connections, tackle congestion and support housing and employment sites.

·  Driving innovation in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering.

·  Supporting businesses to flourish

·  Growing local skills and talent

The Council had previously agreed to be the Accountable Body for the Coventry & Warwickshire First and Second Wave of Growth Deal funding and the programme had been operational since 2015.

RESOLVED that the City Council authorises the acceptance of an additional £42.44m of Growth Deal Funding in its role as Accountable Body and guarantor for the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Deal and the entering into grant aid agreements with delivery organisations.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The City Council considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which sought approval to amend appointments made at the Annual Meeting of the City Council in May 2017 in respect of membership of Licensing and Regulatory Committee and amendments to the allocation of seats subsequent to Councillor J Birdi joining the Conservative Group.

RESOLVED that the City Council approves:

(a)  The allocation of seats to political groups in accordance with the political balance rules (attached at Appendix 1).

(b)  The appointment of Councillor T Sawdon to the Audit and Procurement Committee and the appointment of Councillor R Bailey as the Conservative Group Substitute with immediate effect.

(c)  The appointment of Councillor J Birdi as a member of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee in place of Councillor M Lapsa with immediate effect.

(a)  Written Question – Booklet 1

(b)  Oral Questions to Chairs of Scrutiny Boards/Chair of Scrutiny

Co-ordination Committee

(c)  Oral Questions to Chairs of other meetings

(d)  Oral Questions to Representatives on Outside Bodies

(e)  Oral Questions to Cabinet Members and Deputy Cabinet Members on any matter

Councillor Innes and Ruane provided written answers to the question set out in the Questions Booklet together with oral responses to supplementary questions put to them at the meeting.

The following Members answered oral questions put to them by other Members as set out below, together with supplementary questions on the same matters:

The Leader of the Council made a statement in respect of “Progress on the Combined Authority”.

Councillor Ridley responded to the statement.

15.1 To be moved by Councillor Maton and seconded by Councillor J Mutton

“This Council welcomes the fact that Coventry has been shortlisted for the City of Culture 2021.

Congratulations to the City of Culture Team for the work they have done so far, we call upon all the organisations in Coventry to make one final effort to secure victory in December 2017” .

  15.2 To be moved by Councillor Ridley and seconded by Councillor Lapsa

"That Council welcomes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to produce new guidance and policy statements on hate crime.

Council recognises the importance of combating hate crime. These changes will make a significant difference to the lives of Coventry citizens.

Council particularly welcomes three significant developments:

a) the move to treat online crime as seriously as offline offences;

b) removing barriers to justice for disabled victims and witnesses, which is vital to ensure that they get the right support to give evidence with confidence; and

c) launching a new social media campaign, #HateCrimeMatters - to encourage people to report hate crime incidents.

Council resolves to support this campaign and to promote it to local residents in the City of Coventry in a proactive manner."

The following motion was moved by Councillor Maton and seconded by Councillor J Mutton:

“This Council welcomes the fact that Coventry has been shortlisted for the City of Culture 2021.

Congratulations to the City of Culture Team for the work they have done so far we call upon all the organisations in Coventry to make on final effort to secure victory in December 2017”

RESOLVED that the Motion as set out above ne unanimously adopted.

The following Motion was moved by Councillor Ridley and seconded by Councillor Skinner:

“That Council welcomes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to produce new guidance and policy statements on hate crimes.

Council recognises the importance of combating hate crimes. These changes will make a significant difference to the lives of Coventry citizens.

  Council particularly welcomes three significant developments:

a)  The move to treat online crime as seriously as offline offences;

b)  Removing barriers to justice for disabled victims and witnesses, which if vital to ensure that they get the right support to give evidence with confidence; and

c)  Launching a new social media campaign, #HateCrimeMatters – to encourage people to report hate crime incidents.

Council resolves to support this campaign and to promote it to local residents in the City of Coventry in a proactive manner.”

RESOLVED that the Motion as set out above be unanimously adopted.