Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 3 December 2024 were agreed and signed as a true record.

To consider whether to exclude the press and public for the items of private business for the reasons shown in the report.

RESOLVED that the City Council agrees to exclude the press and public under Sections 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 relating to the private report in Minute XX below headed ‘Strategic Acquisition of a Waste Asset’ on the grounds that the report involves the likely disclosure of information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act, in that it refers to the identity, financial business affairs of an organisation and the amount of expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Council under a particular contract for the supply of goods or services.

On behalf of the City Council, the Lord Mayor and Judge Lockhart KC presented Diane Tolley with the Good Citizen Award. Her citation read:

“Diane has worked in a voluntary capacity in Canley for over 45 years. She volunteers to bring a voice to the voiceless and to amplify those who aren’t always heard.

Without recognition or remuneration, Diane has long been a keen advocate for others, devoting countless hours to improving local services by making space for people who have different experiences.

Diane is so proud of where she lives and always aspires to improve the area for the better, for all ages and demographics, she has an amazing skill of being able to communicate with everyone.

Diane is the Chair of the Canley Stakeholder Group and has encouraged residents to attend the group to ensure they have a voice. She has been a lynchpin for her neighbourhood and brought countless people together.

Diane has been a bus champion since 2013, taking feedback to senior management as well as helping spread the word about network changes in the community.

Diane has improved healthcare services as a patient representative, she helped roll out 111 for the NHS and spent several years sharing a Coventry perspective with the Secretary of State for Heath who had spotted her constructive approach.

In addition to her contributions as a patient representative, Diane shares her time and experiences with the next generation of doctors at Warwick Medical School. She addresses hundreds of them at a time to talk about the importance of dignity and compassion for patients and those around them.

During the Covid 19 pandemic, Diane volunteered at the local vaccination centre and was a Community Messenger for the City.

Diane is a wonderful citizen and shines brightly in her community, Diane never gives up trying to work with others and always wants the best for the community and especially the residents and she is a worthy recipient of this Coventry Good Citizen Award.”

1.  King’s Birthday Honours

The Lord Mayor highlighted three community groups in Coventry that were recognised by The King in His birthday celebrations on Thursday 14 November 2024 by receiving a King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). A KAVS Honour is the only Honour given to groups of volunteers to recognise the significant contribution they make to their community. 

Mercia MS Therapy Centre

Since 1984, volunteers have developed the Mercia MS Therapy Centre as a beacon of hope and sanctuary for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions. Demonstrating partnership work between volunteers and the NHS University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, the Centre provides relief to countless individuals and offers a range of therapies, including ground-breaking hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Moat House Community Trust

Moat House Community Trust is a community hub providing housing, food and community services in the Henley Green/ Wood End area of Coventry.

Warwick Volunteers

Warwick Volunteers help integrate international students from the University of Warwick into the local community by placing them in volunteer positions, be it in nature conservation, help with modern technology, foodbanks, language skills for refugees and in other charity and community groups. The students gain confidence, connections and a sense of achievement helping and their support is valued by the local community.

2.  New Year’s Honours

The Lord Mayor referred to five local Coventry citizens recognised in the recent New Years Honors list:

Janet McConkey, Chair of Coventry Children’s Boot Fund has been awarded an MBE in recognition for services to vulnerable children and families in Coventry.

Mandy Sanghera, Project Manager in the Migration Team here at Coventry City Council has been awarded an OBE for services to refugee resettlement.

Gareth Hopkins, Apprenticeship Programme Manager at the Forestry Commission has been awarded an MBE for services to forestry.

Safeena Karen Mohammed, Foster Carer, Warwickshire County Council has been awarded a BEM for services to Foster Care.

Kasim Mohamed Sharifi, Foster Carer, Warwickshire County Council has been awarded a BEM for services to Foster Care.

Following the announcements, the Lord Mayor and Members congratulated all recipients on their awards.

RESOLVED that the following petitions be referred to the appropriate Cabinet Member/City Council body/external organisations:

1.  Petition requesting the Council to make considerations on better road safety on Radford Road – 145 signatures, presented by Councillor M Ali.

2.  Petition to cancel proposed increased car parking charges at War Memorial Park – 650 signatures, presented by Councillor J Lepoidevin.

3.  Petition to stop the proposed cuts to tackling fly-tipping in our city – 161 signatures, presented by Councillor T Sawdon.

4.  Petition requesting the Council to install traffic calming measures on Job’s Lane – 68 signatures, presented by Councillor M Lapsa.

5.  Petition requesting the Council to review its pre-budget proposal to reduce funding to Grapevine by 45% - 53 signatures, presented by Councillor J Gardiner.

There were no declarations of interest.

Report of the Director of Innovation

(From Cabinet, 10 December, 2024)

Further to Minute 43 of Cabinet, the City Council received a report of the Director of Innovation, which sought approval to approve the investment of £10.28m to progress with the upgrade of the majority of the city’s streetlights (29,500) to LEDs.

In 2023/24 the Authority spent £3.4m on energy for streetlights; based on 38p kwh. There was now an opportunity to reduce revenue costs by investing in energy efficient LED street lighting technology, which used approximately 50% less energy than the current lights. LEDs also had a much lower maintenance requirement. Overall, this would result in savings of over £900k based on current consumption, which would more than cover the borrowing cost as well as delivering all the other benefits. The lower energy consumption would result in a reduction of carbon emissions by 1200 tonnes per annum.

LEDs would provide resilience to changes in energy prices which could

be impacted by world affairs. LED lighting would provide the City Council with the opportunity to dim the lights to as low as 30% whilst still providing the same quality of our current lighting at 50% dim. This would enable a review of the part night switch off policy and to potentially generate additional savings.

The LED upgrade also offered the opportunity to help make Coventry a ‘Smart City’ by incorporating smart sensor ports in 1 in 5 of the new lanterns. This would offer opportunity to easily collect environmental data (air quality, noise, or traffic flows for example) across the whole city.

A successful LED trial had been implemented in the Hillfields area which had received positive feedback from residents and Ward Councillors. All new street lighting installations were LED in line with the Street Lighting Development Specification document.

The PFI partnership had been very successful and had reduced energy and CO2 consumption by 73,599,228 kwh, 60,2898 tonnes and a mitigated saving of £14,747,435 to date. The improved efficiency of the LEDs would further reduce annual carbon emissions by 1200 tonnes, furthering the ambition to become a net zero city. 

RESOLVED that the City Council:

1)  Approves capital expenditure of a maximum of up to £10.28m to be financed from borrowing, to fund the LED upgrade of up to 29,500 streetlights with up to 1 in 5 having smart sensor ports.

2)  Delegates authority to the Director of Innovation, Director of City Services & Commercial and the Director of Law and Governance and the Director of Finance and Resources, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for City Services, to enter into and finalise the financial and legal terms necessary to implement the LED upgrade via the appropriate mechanism contained within the PFI Streetlighting Agreement.

Report of the Director of City Services and Commercial

(From Cabinet, 10 December, 2024)

Further to Minute 47 of Cabinet, the City Council received a report of the Director of City Services and Commercial, that was also considered at the meeting of Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee on 18^th December 2024, which sought approval to undertake Regulation 19 stage of the Local Plan Review. Appendices to the report provided: Regulation 19 Proposed Submission Version CCC Local Plan; Regulation 19 Proposed Submission Appendices; Sustainability Appraisal; Sustainability Appraisal Appendices; Equalities and Health Impact Assessment; Consultation Statement; Policy matrix – 2017 Local Plan Policy Proposed Policy updates and changes guidance note; and Policy guidance – 2017 City Centre Area Action Plan Proposed Policy updates and changes guidance note.

On 6th December 2022 Council resolved to adopt a new Local Development Scheme (LDS) and to undertake a review of the Local Plan (their minute 84/22 referred). In July 2023 Cabinet approved the Regulation 18 ‘Issues and Options’ consultation (minute 12/23 referred) which ran until September 2023. Approval was now sought to undertake Regulation 19 stage for a 6-week publication period.

The Local Plan review was presented to the Community and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4) on 21st September 2023 (their minute 9/23 referred) during the Regulation 18 stage to inform the ongoing development of the plan. Ongoing member engagement had also been undertaken through meetings of the Local Plan Advisory Group in the formulation of the draft plan for regulation 19 publication.

Approval to publish for Regulation 19 was in line with the Council’s adopted timetables and was the most effective route to adopting an up-to-date Local Plan for the city and for meeting the development needs of communities in a balanced and sustainable way.

The Council received 930 separate responses from the Regulation 18 consultation which had been used to inform the development of the Regulation 19 plan, alongside a range of engagements and a specialist evidence base. The report sought authority to undertake this next required phase of plan preparation, prior to returning to Cabinet and Council for authority to submit to the Secretary of State for examination, this later request would be accompanied with a summary of responses from the Regulation 19 stage.

RESOLVED that the City Council:

1)  Approves the Proposed Submission version of the Local Plan (Regulation 19) document and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment / Sustainability Appraisal and Equalities / Health Impact Assessment for a 6-week consultation period to begin at the earliest opportunity.

2)  Delegates authority to the Director of City Services and Commercial, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to authorise any non-substantive changes to the documents prior to consultation.

Report of the Director of Adults Services and Housing

(From Cabinet, 10 December, 2024)

Further to Minute 48 of Cabinet, the City Council received a report of the Director of Adult Services and Housing, which sought adoption of the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-29 and the supporting Delivery Plan. Appendices to the report provided: the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy; the Delivery plan; the Consultation Report; the Equality Impact Assessment; the Coventry City Council Homelessness review 2024.

There was a statutory duty on all Local Authorities in England to publish a Homelessness and a Rough Sleeping Strategy following a review of homelessness in their area every 5 years.

Following engagement with key stakeholders and people who used the homeless service as well as using the findings from the latest homelessness review 2024, a Strategy had been developed for the period 2025 - 2029 (attached as an Appendix to the report) detailing how the City Council’s responsibilities would be delivered. The results of the consultation that was undertaken were summarised in Section 3 of the report and in a further Appendix to the report.

The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy (2025 - 2029) focused on three main themes:

•  Early intervention and prevention

•  Targeted and crisis support

•  Move on and tenancy sustainment

It was underpinned by 4 key principles:

•  Partnership

•  Intelligence led

•  Improving life chances and health outcomes

•  Maximizing opportunities.

The Strategy was supported by a Delivery Plan that would remain a live document and be monitored and delivered by the City Council and its relevant partners.

The draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy was considered by the Communities and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4) at its meeting on 5th September 2024 (their minute 8/24 referred) and resolved that the Board 1) Agreed the priorities and themes within the new strategy and 2) Supported the Draft Strategy and the development of a comprehensive Action Plan that would deliver the key priorities and themes.

RESOLVED that the City Council:

1)  Notes the consultation responses received to the draft homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025/2029 (set out at Appendix C to the report).

2)  Adopts the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025/29, (set out at Appendix A to the report), and the supporting Delivery Plan (set out at Appendix B to the report).

3)  Delegates responsibility to the Director of Adults and Housing and the Director of Finance and Resources, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make variations and updates to the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Delivery plan.

Report of the Director of Innovation

(From Cabinet, 7 Janaury, 2025)

Further to Minute 55 of Cabinet, the City Council Received a report of the Director of Innovation, which sought approval to let a contract for the construction and operation of a 220m long single track demonstrator of Coventry’s Very Light Rail on Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road.

The report indicated that, following successful development and trials of track and vehicle, Coventry’s groundbreaking Very Light Rail is now ready to be tested in an on road live environment. This would be a crucial step in the Council’s mission to develop and deliver an affordable tram system with a target cost of £10m/km.

The initial section of track, a 220m track on Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road, would test the track and vehicle in a live setting and is intended to be completed in Spring 2025, with the vehicle in operation for a four week period. This would provide an opportunity for local people, along with other interested parties, to rid on the vehicle in a controlled environment and provide feedback.

The purpose of the on street showcase / or demonstrator is to:

·  Trial and optimise installation methods on a live road;

·  Prove that the track can be installed in significantly less time and at a much reduced cost compared to conventional tram systems;

·  Provide assurance to utility companies that it is possible for their apparatus to remain under the track;

·  Monitor and collect data on track performance;

·  Stimulate commercial interest.

RESOLVED that the City Council:

1)  Provides approval to proceed with the installation and operation of the four week on road test in Greyfriars Road/Queen Victoria Road, which is funded within the existing CVLR approved budget.

2)  Provides approval to proceed with securing the necessary Statutory approvals to construct the on road test in Greyfriars Road/Queen Victoria Road.

3)  Delegates authority to the Director of Law & Governance, The Director of Finance and Resources and the Director of Innovation following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change to enter into all necessary legal agreements for the on road test in Greyfriars Road/Queen Victoria Road.

4)  Delegates authority to the Director of Law & Governance, The Director of Finance and Resources and the Director of Innovation following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change to agree the award of contract(s) and for the Council to enter into all necessary contracts, including but not limited to construct and operate the on road test in Greyfriars Road/Queen Victoria Road.

5)  Delegates authority to the Director of Law & Governance, The Director of Finance and Resources and the Director of Innovation following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change to enter into the appropriate lease agreements for associated infrastructure required to deliver and promote the CVLR system.

Report of the Director of Law and Governance

The City Council considered a report of the Director of Law and Governance which sought approval to changes to appointments made at the Annual General Meeting of the Council on 16 May 2024 to Council Bodies and Outside Bodies for the Municipal Year 2024/25.

The changes were sought to the Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3), to the University of Warwick Science Park Business Innovation Centre Ltd and to the Green Group non-voting representative on Cabinet.

RESOLVED that the City Council:

1)  Appoints Councillor S Jobbar to the Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3) in place of Councillor D Toulson.

2)  Delegates authority to the Director of Law and Governance, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to amend the Council’s appointment to the University of Warwick Science Park Business Innovation Centre Ltd in place of Councillor J O’Boyle.

3)  Appoints Councillor E Reeves as the Green Group non-voting representative on Cabinet in place of Councillor Gray.

Report of the Director of Property Services and Development and the Director of Finance and Resources

The City Council considered a report of the Director of Property Services and Development and the Director of Strategic Finance and Resources which updated Members on the Council’s acquisition plans for Tom White Waste Limited (TW).

The report stated that in March 2020, the Council completed the acquisition of Tom White Waste Limited (TW). However, the company’s EBITDA (cash generation through operating activities) has moved from £2m per annum on acquisition to c£1.5m in 2022/23. TW now wishes to restructure its balance sheet to reflect the current trading and market conditions.

The report sought approval from Council to purchase the freehold property assets from TW and for the company to enter into a 25 year lease for these assets on market terms. This was explored as a tax efficient mechanism of returning funds to the Council when the company was acquired in 2020 but due to the pandemic and other company priorities it was never implemented at that time. Additionally, the Council sought independent advice on the options considered in the report.

RESOLVED that the City Council, subject to the consideration of the additional confidential information contained in the corresponding private report:

1)  Approves the acquisition of the strategic waste land and buildings detailed in the report.

2)  Approves the addition of funds to the Councils approved capital programme for the purposes of acquiring the asset as detailed in the corresponding private report.

3)  Delegates authority to the Director of Finance and Resources, the Director of Property & Development and the Director of Law and Governance, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance and Resources, to finalise and agree the detailed terms of the transaction with Tom White Waste. The authority under this delegation shall also include the power to enter into the necessary legal agreements and subsequently the power to negotiate and agree any such variations as is deemed necessary to the terms of the sale and leaseback arrangement and ancillary documents.

Report of the Chief Executive

The City Council considered a report of the Chief Executive which informed the Council of a decision undertaken by the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) in accordance with the Financial Procedure Rules as set out in the Constitution and following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills and the Leader of the Council to approve acceptance of a grant of £5,288,368 with an additional Free Courses for Jobs allocation of £63,754 made available by the West Midlands Combined Authority. Due to the timescales involved, this decision was reported to Council retrospectively.

(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

Councillors R Brown and P Hetherton provided written answers to the questions set out in the Questions Booklet, together with oral responses to supplementary questions 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:

There were no Statements.

"This Council condemns the Labour Party for supporting the near 15000 WASPI women here in Coventry whilst in opposition and betraying them now whilst in Government”

The following Motion was moved by Councillor Male and seconded by Councillor J Gardiner:

“This Council condemns the Labour Party for supporting the near 15000 WASPI women here in Coventry whilst in opposition and betraying them now whilst in Government.”

The following amendment was moved by Councillor J O’Boyle and seconded by Councillor G Lewis:

In the first line, after the words “This Council” delete the word “condemns” and replace with “notes”

After the words “the Labour Party” delete the words “for supporting” and replace with the word “supported”

After the words “WASPI women” delete the word “here”

After the words “whilst in opposition and”, delete the rest of the Motion and replace with “now in government needs to work to help and support poorer pensioners in Coventry and the country.”

Add the following sentence at the end of the Motion:-

“Specifically, that the basic and new state pensions will be uprated from April 2025 by 4.1%, which constitutes a rise of £473.60 per year.”

In accordance with paragraph 15.9 of the Council Procedure Rules, Councillor G Ridley requested the Lord Mayor to rule on whether the amendment negated the Motion as set out in paragraph 15.15. The Lord Mayor ruled that this was not the case. The amendment was then debated and won.

The amended Motion now to read:

“This Council notes the Labour Party supported the near 15000 WASPI women in Coventry whilst in opposition and now in government needs to work to help and support poorer pensioners in Coventry and the country. Specifically, that the basic and new state pensions will be uprated from April 2025 by 4.1%, which constitutes a rise of £473.60 per year.”

RESOLVED that the amended Motion, as set out above, be adopted.

“Coventry City Council condemns the attack on Israel committed by Hamas just over one year ago, but it recognises that at the same time, Israel must abide by international laws - which according to the International Court of Justice it is currently in breach of - in order to protect lives and de-escalate the violence being inflicted. 

Since October 7th, over 47,000 people have been killed by the Israeli Government’s bombardment of Gaza, and their most recent attacks on Lebanon and Syria. This is almost the equivalent of the entire populations of Westwood, Wainbody, Woodlands, and Earlsdon. 

Coventry’s diverse communities, including those with roots in the Middle East, are deeply affected by the ongoing conflict and this motion reflects the city’s commitment to standing in solidarity with all those impacted. As a city, we have seen communities come together to raise awareness of the conflict including at our two universities, and in our local charities and organisations. 

We reaffirm our support for a long-term peaceful solution which assures the safety and dignity of all people across the Middle East, as a City of Peace and Reconciliation. 

As a result:

·  We call for the release of all hostages. 

·  We condemn any activity which has been deemed in breach of international law and call for international laws to be upheld.

·  We call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in the Middle East.

·  We call for a recognised Palestinian State.

·  We urge all nations to support a relief programme in Gaza to rebuild the lives of people there including restoring infrastructure, educational institutions, and medical facilities.

·  We will continue to raise awareness of this violence at the annual Coventry Peace Festival and reaffirm the city's commitment to peace.”

Prior to the Motion, in accordance with paragraph 15.19 of the Council Procedure Rules, Councillor G Ridley requested the Lord Mayor to rule on whether the Motion was not a matter for which the authority has a responsibility or which affects the City as set out in paragraph 9.1. The Lord Mayor ruled that this was not the case. The Motion was then debated.

The following Motion was moved by Councillor G Lewis and seconded by Councillor L Kelly:

“Coventry City Council condemns the attack on Israel committed by Hamas just over one year ago, but it recognises that at the same time, Israel must abide by international laws - which according to the International Court of Justice it is currently in breach of - in order to protect lives and de-escalate the violence being inflicted.

Since October 7th, over 47,000 people have been killed by the Israeli Government’s bombardment of Gaza, and their most recent attacks on Lebanon and Syria. This is almost the equivalent of the entire populations of Westwood, Wainbody, Woodlands, and Earlsdon.

Coventry’s diverse communities, including those with roots in the Middle East, are deeply affected by the ongoing conflict and this motion reflects the city’s commitment to standing in solidarity with all those impacted. As a city, we have seen communities come together to raise awareness of the conflict including at our two universities, and in our local charities and organisations.

We reaffirm our support for a long-term peaceful solution which assures the safety and dignity of all people across the Middle East, as a City of Peace and Reconciliation.

As a result:

·  We call for the release of all hostages.

·  We condemn any activity which has been deemed in breach of international law and call for international laws to be upheld.

·  We call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in the Middle East.

·  We call for a recognised Palestinian State.

·  We urge all nations to support a relief programme in Gaza to rebuild the lives of people there including restoring infrastructure, educational institutions, and medical facilities.

·  We will continue to raise awareness of this violence at the annual Coventry Peace Festival and reaffirm the city's commitment to peace.”

The following amendment was moved by Councillor S Gray and seconded by Councillor E Reeves and lost:

That at the Motion be amended by the addition of the following bullet point at the end of the Motion:-

·  “We resolve to work towards twinning with one town or city on each side of this conflict and use those cultural links to build peace, understanding, and reconciliation between the two sides.”

In accordance with paragraph 15.19 of the Council Procedure Rules, Councillor J Gardiner requested a named vote on the Motion and was seconded by Councillor M Lapsa, as set out in paragraph 18.3.

Note: The Councillors voting For and Against the Motion were as follows:

Report of the Director of Property Services and Development and the Director of Finance and Resources

Further to Minute XX above, the City Council considered a private report of the Director of Property Services and Development and the Director of Strategic Finance and Resources, which set out the commercially confidential matters relating to proposals for the acquisition of Tom White Waste Limited.

RESOLVED that the City Council:

1)  Approves the acquisition of the strategic waste land and buildings detailed in the report.

2)  Approves the addition of funds to the Councils approved capital programme for the purposes of acquiring the asset as detailed in the corresponding private report.

3)  Delegates authority to the Director of Finance and Resources, the Director of Property & Development and the Director of Law and Governance, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance and Resources, to finalise and agree the detailed terms of the transaction with Tom White Waste. The authority under this delegation shall also include the power to enter into the necessary legal agreements and subsequently the power to negotiate and agree any such variations as is deemed necessary to the terms of the sale and leaseback arrangement and ancillary documents.