Agenda

Note: The following documents are appended to these Minutes:

  Appendix 1 – Appointments to Council Bodies

  Appendix 2 – Appointments to Outside Bodies

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

Report of the Chief Executive

Report of the Director of Law, Governance and Safer Communities

Report of the Chief Executive

Report of the Director of Law, Governance and Safer Communities

1.  Written Questions – Booklet 1

2.  Oral Questions to Chairs of Scrutiny Boards/Chair of Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee

3.  Oral Questions to Chairs of other meetings

4.  Oral Questions to Representatives on Outside Bodies

5.  Oral Questions to Cabinet Members and Deputy Cabinet Members on any matter

“This Council notes with immense pride the recent achievements of Coventry City Council’s Children’s Services and Adult Social Care Services.

Council welcomes the decision by Ofsted to award Coventry Children’s Services an “Outstanding” rating, recognising the exceptional work carried out to safeguard, support and improve the lives of children and young people across our city.

Council also welcomes the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment which awarded Coventry ’s Adult Social Care services a “Good ” rating, reflecting the high-quality care, professionalism and dedication shown to vulnerable adults, older residents and families throughout Coventry.

These achievements are a testament to years of hard work, strong partnership working and a shared commitment to delivering the very best outcomes for residents.

Council places on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to:

• All frontline staff, social workers, care workers, support staff and managers within Children ’s Services and Adult Social Care;
• Senior officers and directors whose leadership, professionalism and vision have driven continuous improvement;
• Cabinet Members and political leadership for their commitment, support and strategic direction;
• Partner organisations, schools, NHS colleagues, voluntary sector organisations and all those who work collaboratively to support Coventry residents.

Council recognises that these ratings are not simply inspection outcomes, but represent real positive impacts on the lives of children, young people, vulnerable adults and families across our city.

Council further acknowledges the dedication shown by officers and staff during challenging times, including increasing demand on services, financial pressures and the lasting impacts of the pandemic and wider social inequalities.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

1. Formally congratulate everyone involved in achieving these excellent outcomes;
2. Continue supporting investment in high-quality Children ’s Services and Adult Social Care;
3. Ensure Coventry continues striving for excellence in protecting and supporting its residents;
4. Request that the Chief Executive conveys the Council ’s appreciation and congratulations to all relevant staff and partner organisations.”

"This Council believes in the equality of all before the law. In the light of the appalling death of Henry Nowak in police custody, this council calls upon the government to take urgent steps to reform national police guidance, training and practice to enable police officers to be sceptical of claims of racism made by ethnic minorities.

As a multicultural city, Coventry’s citizens want to know that if they are attacked and injured and say that they have been stabbed or cannot breathe, that a police officer will prioritise their welfare over fears that their police career could end for questioning claims of racism by an ethnic minority. All lives matter and one race is not of a higher priority than another.”

This Council recognises that St Mary’s Guildhall is one of Coventry’s most important historic landmarks and believes it should be accessible to all.

Council further believes that free entry would promote civic pride, support tourism, increase city centre footfall, and help make Coventry a more welcoming city.

Therefore, Council resolves to request that the Cabinet Member and relevant officers bring forward proposals for the removal of admission charges at St Mary’s Guildhall and report on the financial implications and implementation of free public access.

This Council notes the findings of the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee report published earlier this month, which identifies data security, vendor lock-in and technology sovereignty as critical concerns for public sector digital transformation. The report expresses particular concern about Palantir’s growing role in the UK public sector and recommends that Government exercise the break clause in the NHS Federated Data Platform contract, publish a costed exit plan, and pursue in-house or UK-based alternatives where possible.

Additionally, this Council believes that the actions of the organisation and beliefs held by the leadership of Palantir are not compatible with the expectations of morality, integrity and accountability that befit the award of any contract for local public services. With social care and children's data being among the most sensitive information held by the Council, any party granted exposure to this data must be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny and only be considered when measured against an ethical framework consistent with the values of humanity and democracy.

Given the findings of the report and widespread public concern, this Council resolves to:

1. Immediately publish the findings of the Council’s earlier review into the use of Palantir technology in Council Services.

2. Ask officers to provide an additional briefing to all groups within council on the current and future intended usage of Palantir technologies prior to the September council meeting.

3. Ask officers to examine alternative options, including in-house development, open-source tools, UK-based suppliers, public sector collaboration, and locally based trainee or apprentice-supported administrative models, with appropriate safeguarding and data protection controls.

4. Require any future AI related contracts to be assessed against ethical practice, the potential for vendor lock-in and expected social value.

5. Hold a vote at a future council meeting on whether to end the current Palantir contract at the next available lawful opportunity subject to contractual requirements.