Agenda and minutes

Mrs Wilson moved, and Mr David Williams seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED – That Mrs Kath Perry be elected Chairman of the County Council for the ensuing year.

The following Members declared an interest in accordance with Standing Order 16.5:-

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 21 March 2019 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

Mrs Jessel moved, and Mr Spencer seconded, and it was:-

RESOLVED – That Mr Paul Snape be appointed Vice-Chairman of the County Council for the ensuing year.

Chairman’s Civic Service

The Chairman reminded Members that this years’ Civic Church Service was to take place at St. Mary’s Church, Stafford on Sunday, 16 June commencing at 12:00 noon.  All Members were welcome to attend the Service.

St. Mary’s, Lichfield

The Chairman informed the Council that The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) had selected the St Mary’s project in the heart of Lichfield as the best building conservation in the West Midlands for 2019.

The £1.4m project saw the Grade II* listed former church building converted into a library and tourist information centre on the ground floor, with a versatile gallery, heritage and performance space on the first floor.

The Leader of the Council presented a Statement outlining his recent work since the previous meeting of the Council. In introducing his Statement, the Leader informed the Council that Infrastructure+ had been short-listed as a finalist in the Highways Management category of the Municipal Journal Awards.

Countryside Estate Review

(Paragraph 1 of the Statement)

Mr Robinson referred to the revenue which would be raised through the introduction of car parking charges at the Country Parks and enquired as to how the monies raised would be ringfenced for reinvestment in those Country Parks.

Mrs Woodward referred to the previous reviews of the Council’s Countryside Estate, four over the past six years, and the detrimental impact this uncertainty was having on staff.  She also referred to the need for further investment in Chasewater and other Country Parks.  In response, Mr Winnington indicated that although the review of the service was taking time to complete, it was important that it was done properly.  He also confirmed that there had been investment in the Country Parks and that the monies raised through the levying of car parking fees would be reinvested in the parks.  Mrs Heath added that there had only been one complaint in relation to the introduction of the car parking charges at Chasewater.

Mr Dudson enquired about the charges levied by the Council for the use of land in the Country Parks by Fairgrounds etc.  In response, Mr Atkins confirmed that the County Council did levy an appropriate charge for such usage.

Mr Deaville referred to the importance of the Country Parks in providing green spaces.  He also referred to the proposed family fun day to be held at Chasewater on 10 August which was being organised by the Chasewater Friends.

Staffordshire County Council People Strategy

(Paragraph 2 of the Statement)

Mr Philip White welcomed the Council’s People Strategy and its commitment to investing in the workforce.

Public Health Commissioned Services

(Paragraph 3 of the Statement)

Mrs Atkins referred to the Healthy Lifestyle Service and her visit to the team in Leek.  She indicated her support for the extension of the scheme and expressed the hope that the Council would find ways of promoting this valuable service.  Mrs Woodward indicated that she concurred with the comments made by Mrs Atkins.  In response to Mrs Atkins and Mrs Woodward, Mr Alan White indicated that there were concerns that not enough people were accessing the service and he encouraged members to promote the service in their area.

In response to a question from Mr Hussain about reductions in the Public Health Ring Fenced Grant, Mr Atkins indicated that he would ask the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing to respond outside of the meeting.

Development of a Regional Permanency Arrangement

(Paragraph 4 of the Statement)

Mr Sutton and Mr Northcott welcomed the proposals to create a regional arrangement across Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council with a focus on finding local, caring,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

(a) Mr Winnington to move the following motion:

“That this Council:

      i.         Continues to express concerns on the impact of HS2 on Staffordshire, especially given the acceleration of phase 2a to Crewe.

     ii.         Welcomes the efforts the council has made to mitigate the impact of Phase 1 on the county and its communities and our commitment to build on the experience gained to reduce the impact of Phase 2a.

    iii.         Continues to ensure Staffordshire’s voice is heard in terms of mitigation on the environment and meaningful compensation for affected residents.

   iv.         Engages with Government, HS2 Ltd, district and borough councils and neighbouring authorities to gain maximum economic benefits from HS2, building on the partnership of Midlands Connect to deliver better connectivity for all Staffordshire.

     v.         Proposes the Leader should write to Government to request that all enabling works on Phase 1 for HS2 in Staffordshire should be paused until the Notice to Proceed to main works contractors has been approved.  As required by the Department of Transport, Notice to Proceed should not be given until management capability, affordability of contracts and robustness of revised business case have all been proven.  We see no reason why Staffordshire should suffer significant disruption and long-term environmental destruction until detailed design and cost has been approved.  We also ask that HS2 Ltd significantly improves the effectiveness of its community engagement with those impacted by the line on Phases 1, 2a and 2b.”

(b) Mr Atkins to move the following motion:

“That this Council notes that Staffordshire County Council does not currently have a formalised policy relating to Parental Leave for elected Members as there is at present no legal right to Parental Leave for those elected to public office.

It is proposed that this Council should adopt a Parental Leave Policy for elected Memberson a new addition to their family.  This council resolves to set up a working group to consider the attached policy proposals on Parental Leave.”

(a) Mr Winnington moved, and Mr Tittley seconded, the following motion:

“That this Council:

      i.        Continues to express concerns on the impact of HS2 on Staffordshire, especially given the acceleration of phase 2a to Crewe.

    ii.        Welcomes the efforts the council has made to mitigate the impact of Phase 1 on the county and its communities and our commitment to build on the experience gained to reduce the impact of Phase 2a.

   iii.        Continues to ensure Staffordshire’s voice is heard in terms of mitigation on the environment and meaningful compensation for affected residents.

   iv.        Engages with Government, HS2 Ltd, district and borough councils and neighbouring authorities to gain maximum economic benefits from HS2, building on the partnership of Midlands Connect to deliver better connectivity for all Staffordshire.

    v.        Proposes the Leader should write to Government to request that all enabling works on Phase 1 for HS2 in Staffordshire should be paused until the Notice to Proceed to main works contractors has been approved.  As required by the Department of Transport, Notice to Proceed should not be given until management capability, affordability of contracts and robustness of revised business case have all been proven.  We see no reason why Staffordshire should suffer significant disruption and long-term environmental destruction until detailed design and cost has been approved.  We also ask that HS2 Ltd significantly improves the effectiveness of its community engagement with those impacted by the line on Phases 1, 2a and 2b.”

Mrs Woodward indicated that she and the other Members of the Labour Group were in support of the motion and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED – That this Council:

         i.    Continues to express concerns on the impact of HS2 on Staffordshire, especially given the acceleration of phase 2a to Crewe.

        ii.    Welcomes the efforts the council has made to mitigate the impact of Phase 1 on the county and its communities and our commitment to build on the experience gained to reduce the impact of Phase 2a.

       iii.    Continues to ensure Staffordshire’s voice is heard in terms of mitigation on the environment and meaningful compensation for affected residents.

       iv.    Engages with Government, HS2 Ltd, district and borough councils and neighbouring authorities to gain maximum economic benefits from HS2, building on the partnership of Midlands Connect to deliver better connectivity for all Staffordshire.

        v.    Proposes the Leader should write to Government to request that all enabling works on Phase 1 for HS2 in Staffordshire should be paused until the Notice to Proceed to main works contractors has been approved.  As required by the Department of Transport, Notice to Proceed should not be given until management capability, affordability of contracts and robustness of revised business case have all been proven.  We see no reason why Staffordshire should suffer significant disruption and long-term environmental destruction until detailed design and cost has been approved.  We also ask that HS2 Ltd significantly improves the effectiveness of its community engagement with those impacted by the line on Phases 1, 2a and 2b  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Report of the Director of Corporate Services

In introducing the report, Mr Atkins congratulated Members in using the Fund also to lever monies from others by way of match funding.  Mrs Woodward also referred to the need for Parish Council’s to step into the gap left by the cessation of the Fund.

RESOLVED – That the annual report on the Staffordshire Local Community Fund 2018 be received.

To consider the appointment of the members to Committees on the nomination of Group Leaders.

Mr Atkins moved, and Mr Alan White seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED – That the Members indicated below serve on the Committees indicated for the period up to the annual Council meeting in 2020:-

Cabinet Members (9)

Leader of the Council – Philip Atkins                                          

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing - Alan White     

Cabinet Member for Finance – Mike Sutherland

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People - Mark Sutton

Cabinet Member for Economic Growth - Mark Winnington     

Cabinet Member for Commercial – Mark Deaville

Cabinet Member for Communities – Gill Heath

Cabinet Member for Learning and Employability – Philip White

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport – Helen Fisher

Support Members with specific portfolios (4)

Adult Safeguarding – Gill Burnett

Digital Community – Bryan Jones

Environmental Future – Conor Wileman

Inclusion SEND – Jonathan Price                                                

Cabinet Support Members to chair and lead the All Party Working Groups (2)

Isolation – Keith Flunder

Aspiration – Simon Tagg

Community Cabinet Support Members (8) to support the Cabinet Member for Communities

Cannock Chase – Phil Hewitt

East Staffordshire – Bernard Peters

Lichfield – Janet Eagland

Newcastle-under-Lyme – Trevor Johnson

South Staffordshire – Victoria Wilson

Stafford – Jeremy Pert

Staffordshire Moorlands – Ross Ward

Tamworth – Jeremy Oates

Mr Atkins moved, and Mr Alan White seconded, the nominations for the appointment of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Committee.

Mrs Woodward spoke of the need for there to be opposition vice-chairmen on the Council’s select committees in order to show that those committees were not party political.  She also referred to this proposal being included in the recommendations contained in the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), the consideration of which had been deferred by the Council.  In response, Mr Atkins indicated that there would be a meeting of the IRP as soon as was practicable.

RESOLVED – That the under-mentioned be appointed as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committees stated for the period up to the annual Council meeting in 2020:-

Mr Atkins moved, and Mr Alan White seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED - That the nominations of the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Political Group Leaders, on the appointment of members to Outside Bodies for 2019/20 be approved and that the Leader be authorised to make any changes to those appointments as may become necessary

The Chairman adjourned the meeting until 1:45 pm

Present at 1:45 pm:

Mrs Atkins enquired as to how the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner proposed to communicate to the public the number of additional uniformed officers and where they were to be deployed. In response, Mr Sweeney indicated that he understood that there was to be an extra 69 uniformed officers, but that was still to be confirmed, and that he was sure that the Commissioner would publicise the full details in due course.

In response to a question from Mr Spencer in relation to the review of the Safer Neighbourhood Panels, Mr Sweeney indicated that some of the Panels were effective whereas others were not, and the Commissioner had decided to take on the responsibility for their coordination going forward.

RESOLVED – That the report be received.

Questions to be asked by Members of the County Council of the Leader of the Council, a Cabinet Member, or a Chairman of a Committee.  The question will be answered by the relevant Member and the Member asking the question may then ask a follow up question which will also be answered

Mr Hussain asked the following question of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport whose reply is set out below the question:-

Question

Residents are suffering from shortage of car parking space and traffic congestion.  Does the county have any plan to resolve this issue?

Reply

The Local Transport Plan for Staffordshire (2011 – 2026) sets out high level highway & transport objectives, policies and strategy to support our vision for a ‘Connected Staffordshire’.  This includes how we will aim to reduce reliance on the private car, improve air quality and promote more sustainable forms of sustainable transport and active travel.

Beneath the Local Transport Plan are 8 local District Transport Strategies. These have been developed in consultation with Borough and District Councils to help make Local Development Plans acceptable in Transport terms. They include details of key highway and transport improvement needs, which is key to being able to secure developer funding contributions through s.106 or s.278 agreements.

The East Staffordshire District Transport Strategy was publicly consulted on during 2013 and signed off by Cabinet in April 2014.  It is available on the county council’s internet pages and the local Member’s portal.

With regards to parking this is a key part of the Local Transport Plan.  It is a very important part of all our lives - affecting where we go and how we choose to get there.

A revised draft parking strategy has recently been reviewed and agreed with the Prosperous Staffordshire Select Committee and will be going out to public consultation next month.

Supplementary Question

May I invite the Cabinet Member to visit my division to see the problem for herself?

Reply

Yes, I would be happy to come and have a look at the issues you have raised.

Mr Robinson asked the following question of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport whose reply is set out below the question:-

Question

Can the Cabinet Member for Highways please give a date for when potholes on Chapel Street, Butt Lane will be repaired?

Reply

As all Members will be aware we do not have unlimited resources and so in line with national Codes of Practice repairs to potholes and all other highway defects are prioritised to minimise the risk of personal injury or property damage.

Over the last 4 months the performance levels achieved are:

·         100% of Emergency defects have been completed within 2 hours;

·         97.6% of high-risk (Category 1) defects repaired within 24-hours;

·         91.8% of high-to-medium risk (Category 2) defects repaired within 7days; and

·         Approximately ¼ of all other identified or reported highway defects completed within 60 days.

The potholes on Chapel Street Butt are all of a very minor nature and as such have not yet been prioritised for repair.  However, they have been given a Category 3 status so that if the opportunity arises repairs can be considered alongside any other more urgent works.

However, if the local Member is minded, then he also has the option of locally prioritising these repairs through his £20k  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

There were no petitions on this occasion.