Agenda

From Cabinet, 16 December 2025

(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

"This Council notes the Government’s proposal to allow regional mayors to levy a tourist tax and expresses its serious concern regarding the negative impact this could have on Coventry’s visitor economy. In particular, the impact on key local assets such as Coombe Abbey Hotel and heritage attractions like St Mary’s Guildhall.

This Council resolves to make immediate, strong representations to the West Midlands Combined Authority and His Majesty's Government, firmly opposing the implementation of a tourist tax within the City of Coventry."

“This Council values the British constitutional right for Coventry Citizens to be subject to justice as administered by a jury of their peers and calls upon the government to abandon plans to permanently further restrict the right to trial by jury.”

“This Council notes. 

• The Government’s decision to lift the two-child benefit cap, which will provide fairer support for families and improve outcomes for children across Coventry.

• The reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Allowance, which will offer crucial assistance to older residents and help reduce fuel poverty.

This Council believes:

• These decisions represent an important step towards tackling child poverty, supporting family wellbeing, and protecting vulnerable pensioners.

• Local authorities play a key role in working with government to ensure residents can access the support they are entitled to.

This Council resolves:

• To welcome and endorse the Government’s actions as positive measures that will improve the lives of Coventry residents.”

“This council notes:

1. The growing evidence from both public and private sector organizations that suggests that a 4 day working week can deliver significant benefits, including:

-  Improved staff wellbeing and health

-  Enhanced recruitment and retention

-  Maintained or improved productivity and efficiency

-  Reduction of spending on agency staff

2. The example of South Cambridge District Council where core services - including household waste collection, and planning - were maintained or improved, while applications for vacancies rose 120%, staff turnover fell by 40%, resident’s services weren’t compromised, and annual savings of £370,000 were reported.
3. That Coventry has employed the use of a 4 day week in waste services

This council believes:

1. The recent letter from Labour’s Local Government Secretary Steve Reed discouraging councils from adopting four day week models is concerning, noting that such a position may limit Coventry’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff, reduce agency spend, and position it as a forward thinking employer, thereby impacting the council’s reputation.
2. Decisions about the working hours and schedule of Council staff should be made by the council on the basis of the requirements of the job, the services residents receive, and the welfare of our employees.

This council resolves:

1. To explore the possibility of a council wide adoption for a four-day week model, starting with identifying specific departments who would most benefit.
2. Engage with council staff to identify how a four day week could be implemented without disrupting services, or reducing resident satisfaction (i.e. staggering schedules).
3. Outline a timeline for any pilot and any subsequent implementation.
4. Pilot, monitor and report outcomes - including using metrics of staff wellbeing, productivity, service delivery for residents, reduction of agency costs, recruitment, and retention in any trials which take place.
5. To reply to Steve Reed advocating for more flexible and innovative approaches to local government employment practices, identifying successes from other public sector organisations and our own use of a four day week schedule.”