Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 25 February 2025 were agreed and signed as a true record.

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

On behalf of the City Council, the Lord Mayor presented Peter Fazakarley with

the Good Citizen Award. His citation read:

As a volunteer caseworker for the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), Peter has dedicated 32 years to providing practical and emotional support for veterans and their families.

Peter’s dedication has gone beyond the call of duty. His work has positively improved the lives of many veterans and their families.

Much of Peter’s work involved supporting bereaved families and soldiers who ended their service with disabilities. This has included helping veterans with access social housing, furniture and equipment, organising adaptions for homes, applying for benefits and accessing financial support.

In addition, he dedicated weekends to fundraising and raising awareness of SSAFA with events and campaigning. Peter is a very worthy recipient of the Coventry Good Citizen Award.

1.  Visit to Cork

The Lord Mayor referred to her and the Lady Mayoress’ recent visit to the twin city of Cork to take part in commemorative events and celebrations for St Patrick’s Day. Coventry was the first City to be twinned with Cork in 1958 and the links between our two cities remain very strong. The visit included a commemoration ceremony at the Cork War Memorial, Church services in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and St Anne’s Cathedral in the City, and a city-wide parade featuring marching bands, floats and traditional music.

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

1.  Petition to lobby the Council and Citizen to amend the new tenancy agreement imposed on 130 tenants at Nauls Mill House which expose tenants to unreasonable rent and service charge increases with no right of appeal to Citizen, a tribunal or to third party tenancy advice, under threat of eviction – 88 signatures, presented by Councillor J Gardiner.

2.  Petition requesting the Council to use all available powers to investigate the Earlsdon Street building demolition thoroughly and apply all appropriate sanctions against those responsible – 943 signatures, presented by Councillor G Ridley.

3.  Petition requesting the Council to allow Coventry's licensed Private Hire Vehicles to pick up and drop off children from outside the schools in a School Street area during the restricted hours – 111 signatures, presented by Councillor S Jobbar.

4.  Petition requesting the Council to implement speed reduction monitors on William Bristow Road – 23 signatures, presented by Councillor R Bailey.

5.  Petition to improve access to Coventry Market after disruption from surrounding redevelopment – 172 signatures, presented by Councillor R Bailey.

6.  Petition requesting the Council to engage with residents of Baxter Close to install double yellow lines at the Junction of Jobs Lane – 15 signatures, presented by Councillor M Lapsa.

7.  Petition requesting the prevention of artic lorries travelling along Windmill Road and Longford Road due to the narrowness of the road, particularly by the bend, opposite the entrance to Longford Park – 14 signatures, presented by Councillor L Bigham.

8.  Petition requesting the Council to consult with residents on Lake View Road on the location and number of new trees to be planted at Lake View Park – 50 signatures, presented by Councillor J Gardiner.

There were no declarations of interest.

Further to Minute 10 of the meeting of Cabinet Member for Policy and Leadership, the City Council considered a report of the Director of Law and Governance which indicated that the Coventry Award of Merit was established by the City Council in the 1960s as a means of acknowledging and honouring personal behaviour reflecting the highest ideals of citizenship or outstanding performance in any field of human endeavour which enhances the good name of Coventry and affords inspiration to its citizens.

Any person, company or other organisation shall be eligible for consideration for the Coventry Award of Merit who has:-

·  Rendered outstanding service to the City of Coventry in service to the local community.

·  By outstanding personal effort in the field of sport, industry, government or the arts, brought particular renown to the City of Coventry.

·  Made an outstanding contribution to the national life or in international affairs in any field of human activity in a manner which has brought credit upon the City of Coventry.

·  By personal example of courage or devotion to duty and service to others, demonstrated the highest ideals of citizenship.

The Award has previously taken the form of a citation under the Common Seal together with a presentation of a gold medallion pendant from a ribbon in the City's colours. The motif on the medallion is the phoenix, symbolising the resurgence of Coventry from the flames of the Blitz. Appendix 1 to the report detailed the Terms of Reference for the Award and Appendix 2 detailed the list of former recipients.

Nominations for the Award were considered by the Coventry Award of Merit Advisory Panel at their meeting on 13 March, 2025 and a corresponding private item on the agenda (Cabinet Member for Policy and Leadership Minute 13/24) provided details of the unanimous Advisory Panel’s recommendations in relation to those nominations.

RESOLVED that, having considered the unanimous recommendations of the Coventry Award of Merit Advisory Panel, Full Council grants the Coventry Award of Merit to the following recipients:-

1)  Pauline Black OBE DL

2)  Professor Stuart Croft DL

3)  Sybil Hanson

4)  Councillor AS Khan

5)  Mark Robins

6)  Jon Sharp

Further to Minute 75 of Cabinet, the City Council received a report of the Director of Law and Governance which set out details of the Coventry Community Safety Partnership Plan 2025-2028.

Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) were the statutory body that brought together local partners to solve shared issues around Crime and Disorder, Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Drug and Alcohol misuse, and Reoffending.

CSPs were required to develop an overarching Community Safety Partnership Plan under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The plan provided an overview of the work and priority areas that fall under the responsibility of the Coventry Community Safety Partnership (CCSP).

The plan was intended to focus on those issues of most concern to residents, that caused the most harm to communities and required a coordinated approach to deliver lasting change.

The Coventry Community Safety Partnership Plan had been informed by:

·  the views of residents, including those who have been affected by crime and/or accessing services

·  analysis of the problem, drawing on data and information from a breadth of partners

·  evidence of “what works” in tackling crime and disorder

·  the views of professionals and stakeholders working locally.

To help inform the Plan a 12-week public consultation had been undertaken between the 10 July 2024 and the 2 October 2024. Workshops were held by the sub-groups of the CCSP to obtain the views of professionals and stakeholders. This report was also considered by Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee on the 18 December 2024. Following this, a survey was issued to Elected Members to enable them to input to the Plan.  Consideration has also been given to the West Midland Police Crime Commissioner's Priorities outlined in his 2025-2028 Plan.

RESOLVED that Council note the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act 1999 and approve the proposed Coventry Community Safety Partnership Plan.

Further to Minute 77 of the Cabinet, Council considered a report of the Director of Regeneration and Economy in respect of the West Midlands Combined Authority Grant Funding to Coventry 2025/26.

The West Midlands Trailblazer Deeper Devolution Deal (the Deal) was:

·  Agreed in principle by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Mayor and Portfolio Leaders on 10 March 2023.

·  Announced in the Chancellor’s Budget on 15 March 2023, and

·  Adopted by Coventry City Council (the City Council) on 17 October 2023. 

One of the flagship announcements within the Deal was for the West Midlands to have a Single Settlement, whereby instead of being funded through 50+ individual grants, the WMCA would be funded by a single funding settlement covering a full Spending Review period.  This has since been rebranded as an “Integrated Settlement”, and this report seeks approval to accept the first rounds of funding for Coventry through the Integrated Settlement.

The Integrated Settlement covers five Pillars.  It was expected that a total of £19.44m would be awarded to the City Council through the first round of funding (£10.971m of which will be revenue funding and £8.469m capital funding), although there may be potential for additional in year funds in the event of strong performance or underspends elsewhere in the region. The Integrated Settlement funding being awarded to the City Council is summarised below:

·  Pillar 1: Local Growth & Place.  The City Council was expected to be allocated £4.65m of funds (£3.761m revenue and £0.889m capital) through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for 2025/26 to deliver the City Council’s business support and grants and Job Shop “Hub & Spoke” services.

·  Pillar 2: Adult Skills & Employment Support.  The City Council expects to be awarded £6.27m of revenue funding, of which £5.52m would be from the Adult Education Budget (AEB), and up to £0.75m from the Connect to Work fund to tackle physical and mental health barriers to employment.

·  Pillar 3: Retrofit & Net Zero.  The City Council expects to be awarded £8.52m (£0.94m revenue and £7.58m capital) across two funds to improve the energy efficiency of private housing stock and the public estate.  Coventry based Registered Providers would also receive a share of the region-wide budget for the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund.

·  Pillar 4: Local Transport.  For 2025/26, much of the core transport funding for the City Council would be dealt with outside the Integrated Settlement, notably the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), and recommendations to approve acceptance of Transport Capital funding are covered in the Transport Capital Programme Cabinet Report to be tabled at this same meeting.  Much of the Transport funding through the Integrated Settlement (notably focusing on bus services) would be managed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

·  Pillar 5: Housing & Regeneration.  Continuation of WMCA’s Brownfield Land & Infrastructure Fund, Brownfield Housing Fund, and Brownfield Land Release Fund.  This funding would remain open for developers to apply for, it was not expected that the City Council would receive funding directly from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

Further to Minute 78 of the Cabinet, Council considered a report of the Chief Executive setting out the outcome of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge 2024.

The report had been considered by Scrutiny Co-ordination at their meeting on 6 March 2025.

The Local Government Association (LGA) was the national voice of local government, working with Councils to support, promote, and improve local government. The LGA’s Corporate Peer Challenge offer was effective and well regarded by the sector and provides robust, strategic and credible challenge and support to Councils.

It was expected that all Councils receive a Corporate Peer Challenge at least every five years covering core areas and any specific areas requested by the Council. Coventry City Council’s second Corporate Peer Challenge took place from 15^th to 18^th January 2024.

The visit focused on five core themes (local priorities and outcomes, organisational and place leadership, governance and culture, financial planning and management, and capacity for improvement). These areas are critical to Councils’ performance and improvement.

The Peer Team were asked to provide feedback on the organisation's corporate capacity and plans for service transformation, recognising the opportunity to receive some external challenge and feedback on future delivery plans.

At the time of the Corporate Peer Challenge in January, the Peer Team recognised that Coventry was an ambitious place that was on the up, with examples of innovation and a willingness to embrace change, whilst not forgetting its heritage. The Peer Team also noted that the Council was well-run, with strong officer and political leadership.

Following the Peer Challenge, the Council reflected on the Peer Team’s findings in order to determine its response to the recommendations that were made.

All Corporate Peer Challenges now include a progress review which takes place approximately 10 months after the original Peer Challenge visit. This review provides space for a Council’s senior leadership to report to the Peer Team on the progress made against the key recommendations, discuss early impact or learning and receive feedback on the implementation of the action plan. 

The LGA Corporate Peer Challenge progress report is provided as an appendix to this report (Appendix A). This report provides a detailed response on findings, including a number of observations and suggestions within the main section of the report.

Overall, the Peer Team were impressed at the level of progress made by Coventry City Council since the Corporate Peer Challenge. Work has been undertaken to respond to the recommendations including actions which were already underway prior to the original Peer Challenge and the Peer Team acknowledged the structured approach for making improvements and changes to achieve the Peer Team’s recommendations.

In summary, during the progress review, the Peer Team:

·  heard more examples of improvement and success, which was gratifying;

·  saw that the Council was showing a confidence to make adjustments to its improvement journey where this was necessary, for example in reconsidering its approach to transformation;

·  also heard again of the strong and visible leadership provided by the Leader  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

Further to Minute 80 of the Cabinet, Council considered a report of the Director of City Services and Commercial on the Homes in Multiple Occupation Development Plan Document Adoption.  The report would also be considered at the meeting of Council on 25 March 2025.

Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) can provide important accommodation for a range of people including those entering the housing market. However, they can also bring significant disruption to settled neighbourhoods. In order to ensure that HMOs can only come forward in ways that integrate with existing neighbourhoods a Development Plan Document (DPD) has been prepared. As background, the DPD and accompanying Sustainability Scoping/Appraisal were consulted upon between 20 September and 15 November 2022 at the Regulation 18 stage and between 27 March and 15 May 2023 at the Regulation 19 stage. These consultations were undertaken in the formulation of the DPD which was then submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in September 2023, with hearings held January 2024 and subsequent Main Modifications consultation held between 10 June and 22 July 2024.

The report provided an update on the Main Modifications consultation and the published Inspector’s Report, in which the Inspector concluded, through independent Examination, that the HMO DPD was ‘sound’ and had been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements subject to her recommendations (main modifications). The report therefore sought agreement to adopt the Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) Development Plan Document (DPD). If adopted, it would become part of the Development Plan for the city.

RESOLVED that Council:

1.  Notes the Inspector’s Report on the Examination of the Homes in Multiple Occupation Development Plan Document (Appendix 1), and specifically that she has concluded that subject to her main modifications, the Plan meets the tests of soundness and has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and thus is ‘capable of adoption’.

2.  Adopts the Homes in Multiple Occupation Development Plan Document (Appendix 2), in accordance with Section 23 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 which will be the Plan submitted on 25 August 2023 as amended by the schedule of Main Modifications (Appendix 3) and Additional Modifications (Appendix 4).

3.  Notes that the Equalities Impact Assessment (Appendix 5), Sustainability Appraisal report (Appendix 6), Sustainability Appraisal Adoption Statement (Appendix 7) and draft Adoption Statement (Appendix 8) will be published as soon as reasonably practicable after 25 March 2025 in accordance with Regulations 17 and 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

4.  Delegates authority to the Strategic Lead – Planning, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make further minor modifications to the Plan prior to final publication, where these modifications are confined to the correction of typographical errors, amendments to policy or paragraph reference numbers and consequential cross referencing, where appropriate.

Further to Minute 80 of the Cabinet, Council considered a report of the Director of Adult Services and Housing in respect of the re-commissioning of long-term home support.

The Council had a statutory duty under the Care Act (2014) to provide care and support to adults whose needs meet the eligibility criteria detailed in this legislation. This includes wellbeing and prevention duties that prevent the need for more intensive forms of care and support.  Home support was commonly referred to as domiciliary care or home care and the terms were used interchangeably. Home support was regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and can cover a wide range of activities, including (but not limited to) the provision of personal care such as assistance with washing/bathing, getting dressed, going to the toilet as well as support with medication, nutrition, and hydration. These services were delivered in the person’s home and seek to support people to remain in the community and promote independence as much as possible. Being supported in their own homes was the preference for most people requiring care and support rather than more intensive forms of care. Home support was often supplemented by the use of technology to enable people to remain supported at home.

Home support could also extend to reablement services (help to regain or retain skills and confidence) for people leaving hospital or seeking care and support for the first time. Reablement services sought to delay or reduce the need for ongoing care and support. These services were not the subject of this re-commissioning as services were tendered with new contracts commencing in May 2024, however those people going on to require ongoing support to live at home would benefit from the revised commissioning arrangements 

The current re-commissioning is, therefore, restricted to Long Term Home Support Services (LTHS) with current contractual arrangements which were due to expire in December 2025.

RESOLVED that Council delegates authority to the Director of Adult Services and Housing, following consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources and the Director of Law and Governance, to undertake the tendering of long-term home support services (including the power to enter into any necessary legal agreements required to facilitate entering into the contracts for a period up to 8 years).

Report of the Director of People Services

Council considered a report of the Director of People Services setting out the Annual Pay Policy Statement.

Local Authoritieswere requiredby Sections 38and 39of theLocalism Act 2011 toproduce anannual Pay Policy Statement. The Statement must articulate the City Council’s policies towards a range of issues relating to the pay of the workforce, particularly the most senior staff (or “Chief Officers”) and the relationship of their pay to the lowest paid employees.The proposed annual Pay Policy Statement for2025/26 was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

RESOLVED that Council approves the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2025/26.

(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 L Bigham 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.

In light of the growing challenges posed by misinformation and the simplifications of complex issues by unsavoury elements to incite deeper divisions in society and make us a weak civilisation, we, the members of the Coventry City Council, propose that Coventry, actively encourage constructive political dialogue grounded in authentic facts and civilised discourse.

To ensure the integrity of our conversations, we suggest the following fundamental rules:

1. Foundation of Facts:  Any claims presented as factual must be based on reputable sources, avoiding reliance on theories propagated by conspiracy groups, cults, unsavoury groups and individuals that lack authenticity.

2. Freedom of Speech: We affirm that Freedom of speech is a sacred right. So clearly identifying facts, opinions, and personal theories and disclosing sources will go a long way to ensure that Freedom of speech is used in its spirit rather than uttering things to generate a reaction for a particular tone in our discourse,

3 Acknowledging inequality exists, and any one of us can suffer from inequalities of many kinds, but addressing inequality should not restrict one group from benefiting in place of another; rather, it should focus on facilitating opportunities for everyone to reach their highest potential.

4. Responsible Discourse: Individuals aspiring to senior leadership roles or holding elected office should avoid engaging in social media disputes over complex subjects, recognising their responsibility to foster mature debate instead.

5. Community Strength: Coventry has long demonstrated resilience and unity. We must respond proactively to the challenges of misinformation and the oversimplification of complex matters.

6. Call to Action: We appeal to all civic-minded individuals, our National Government, and relevant organisations to remain vigilant and safeguard our political and social discourse against fake news, misinformation, and conspiratorial thinking. Also, facilitate better debates and dialogue opportunities

Together, we can strengthen our collective resolve and work towards a brighter future for all Coventry citizens. Let us unite to foster a political environment that values truth, inclusivity, and civility in dialogue.

Conclusion:
We call upon Coventry City Council to endorse this motion and to be a beacon of constructive communication and community resilience.

The following Motion was moved by Councillor R Singh and seconded by Councillor Seaman:

“In light of the growing challenges posed by misinformation and the simplifications of complex issues by unsavoury elements to incite deeper divisions in society and make us a weak civilisation, we, the members of the Coventry City Council, propose that Coventry, actively encourage constructive political dialogue grounded in authentic facts and civilised discourse. To ensure the integrity of our conversations, we suggest the following fundamental rules:

1.  Foundation of Facts: Any claims presented as factual must be based on reputable sources, avoiding reliance on theories propagated by conspiracy groups, cults, unsavoury groups and individuals that lack authenticity.

2.  Freedom of Speech: We affirm that Freedom of speech is a sacred right. So clearly identifying facts, opinions, and personal theories and disclosing sources will go a long way to ensure that Freedom of speech is used in its spirit rather than uttering things to generate a reaction for a particular tone in our discourse,

3.  Acknowledging inequality exists, and any one of us can suffer from inequalities of many kinds, but addressing inequality should not restrict one group from benefiting in place of another; rather, it should focus on facilitating opportunities for everyone to reach their highest potential.

4.  Responsible Discourse: Individuals aspiring to senior leadership roles or holding elected office should avoid engaging in social media disputes over complex subjects, recognising their responsibility to foster mature debate instead.

5.  Community Strength: Coventry has long demonstrated resilience and unity. We must respond proactively to the challenges of misinformation and the oversimplification of complex matters.

6.  Call to Action: We appeal to all civic-minded individuals, our National Government, and relevant organisations to remain vigilant and safeguard our political and social discourse against fake news, misinformation, and conspiratorial thinking. Also, facilitate better debates and dialogue opportunities Together, we can strengthen our collective resolve and work towards a brighter future for all Coventry citizens. Let us unite to foster a political environment that values truth, inclusivity, and civility in dialogue.

Conclusion: We call upon Coventry City Council to endorse this motion and to be a beacon of constructive communication and community resilience.”

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

"This ‘Council instructs officers that they are required to consult relevant Ward Councillors at an early stage of any planning application where a 106 agreement is involved.”

The following Motion was moved by Councillor Sawdon and seconded by Councillor Blundell:

“This Council instructs officers that they are required to consult relevant Ward Councillors at an early stage of any planning application where a 106 agreement is involved.”

The Motion was lost.

“This council recognises that government proposals to cut disability benefits will hurt many of the most vulnerable people in Coventry and are likely to significantly increase the demand on social services, the NHS, other support services, and communities.

Therefore we commit to doing what we can to support disabled people within Coventry who are affected by these cuts.

We also commit to writing a letter to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer opposing such cuts and to writing to all of Coventry’s MPs to ask them to vote against these cuts.”

The following Motion was moved by Councillor Reeves and seconded by Councillor Gray:

“This council recognises that government proposals to cut disability benefits will hurt many of the most vulnerable people in Coventry and are likely to significantly increase the demand on social services, the NHS, other support services, and communities.

Therefore we commit to doing what we can to support disabled people within Coventry who are affected by these cuts.

We also commit to writing a letter to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer opposing such cuts and to writing to all of Coventry’s MPs to ask them to vote against these cuts.”

The Motion was lost.