Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Oates and S Peaple

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2017 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Moved by Councillor D Cook and seconded by Councillor P Standen)

The following announcements were made:-

Councillor J Faulkner:-

First of all I would like to thank all Councillors and Officers for their very kind thoughts over the last few weeks and obviously I have had a great deal to cope with. You all know that Pam was part of the Labour Party but what you didn’t know is that she was once a Conservative. Basically growing up in Coventry it was the young conservative gentlemen who had the flash cars and used to go for suppers at Kenilworth Castle which she much enjoyed. However when it came to an election and she was told to go out and canvass she went round the doors and suddenly a person spouted off at Pam and she decided she didn’t believe in any of that and left the Conservative Party. Whichever party we represent here we have the interests of Tamworth at heart. We have different approaches towards it but ultimately this is our goal. You are all welcome if you so wish to attend Pam’s funeral. You are not my enemies. We should remember that nothing is meant personally its agreeing to ways forward and therefore I would like to thank you again and if you so wish to attend tomorrow you are welcome.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook:-

I would like to request a change of the order of business under procedure rule 4.13 (c). I would like to request that Green Waste Subscription Scheme be bought forward to the first item after Question Time.

The Mayor of Tamworth, Councillor K Norchi:-

Bank holiday weekend sees a weekend of entertainment. Firstly on Friday night at Elford Club there will be a Rock ‘N’ Roll night tickets are £5.00. Following on to the Saturday night at Bolehall Manor where there will be a full DJ night with different DJ’s, myself being included. Tickets are £10.00 and food will be available and fancy dress if you so wish. On the Sunday night you can test your brain with a quiz night being held at the Castle hotel. There will be teams of 4 and it is £10.00 per team to enter and food will be available.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 1

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mr Gordon Moore of Tamworth will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook, the following question:-

"Would the Leader of the Council please invite all parties to forget their political allegiances and join together to take on the fight against Lichfield District Council to tell them we won't allow them to build on the borders of our town anymore? The people of Tamworth are fed up with their constant dumping on our town?”

Councillor D Cook gave the following reply:-

Thank you Mr Moore. The simple answer is yes, as I have already stated in my piece in the Herald 3 weeks ago we need to come to together this time. This is about Tamworth.

This Council’s position on the matter has been clear from the outset and formed the basis of several representations to Lichfield District Council Members and officers. We even objected to elements of LDC’s Local Plan. I reiterated this position which was reported in the local press.

It is not a new position for political reasons, it is a battle we have fought for quite a few years and I intend, with support to win.

I have asked officers to prepare a report to Cabinet later this month setting out the options available to us in respect of the current and any potential future developments with a view to drawing them to the attention of the relevant minister/Secretary of State.

We are working out the precise figure, so forgive the crude example. The urban footprint in Tamworth could grow by over 10% certainly the number of homes may because of the decisions of other Councils to park development on our doorstep. Tamworth Borough Council has very little say in this and certainly the town sees no new required infrastructure.

We are making the government aware.

Gordon Moore asked the following supplementary question:-

“Would Councillor Cook please confirm to me whether all parties are in agreement with my question, as I feel this is an important issue to the people of Tamworth?”

Councillor D Cook gave the following reply:-

I would hope so I would genuinely hope so. I’ve heard some mutterings but haven’t had a full conversation yet. We are waiting on an answer from the Secretary of State currently with regards to Arkhall Farm. As soon as I have that I will meet with all party leaders to discuss the way forward.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO. 1

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor P Standen will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook, the following question:-

“During the State of Tamworth Debate last month, the Leader of the Council when referring to the Homeless Night Shelter scheme run by Tamworth Churches said "The problem that we have with some of the voluntary groups around homelessness and shelters they own is that they don't carry safeguarding policies”; Does the Leader accept the feedback from members of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

(The Report of the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Culture)

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Culture presented her report and added a new recommendation number 4 with the existing recommendation 4 becoming recommendation number 5. The Portfolio Holder moved all 5 recommendations of the report, which was seconded by Councillor D Cook. After a full debate and on a request for a recorded vote being demanded it was resolved that Members approved proposals to introduce a chargeable Garden Waste Collection Service from 1 January 2018.

FOR                                        AGAINST                              ABSTAIN

Councillor J Chesworth      Councillor R Bilcliff             Councillor C Cooke

Councillor S Claymore       Councillor A Couchman    Councillor K Norchi

Councillor T Clements        Councillor J Faulkner

Councillor D Cook               Councillor T Madge

Councillor S Doyle              Councillor T Peaple

Councillor R Ford                Councillor P Seekings

Councillor M Gant               Councillor P Standen

Councillor J Goodall

Councillor S Goodall

Councillor M Greatorex

Councillor A James

Councillor R Kingstone

Councillor A Lunn

Councillor J Oates

Councillor R Pritchard

Councillor R Rogers

Councillor M Summers

Councillor M Thurgood

Councillor P Thurgood      

(The Report of the Chair of Audit and Governance Committee)

The Report of the Chair of Audit and Governance Committee advising Members on the action taken by the Audit and Governance Committee for the municipal year 2016/17 was considered.

(The Report of the Chair of Aspire and Prosper Scrutiny Committee)

(The Report of the Chair of Healthier and Safer Scrutiny Committee)

The Annual Report of the Chair of Aspire and Prosper Scrutiny Committee were received.

The Annual Report of the Chair of Healthier and Safer Scrutiny Committee were received.

(The Report of the Leader of the Council)

The Leader of the Council reported details on Tamworth Borough Council’s Pay Policy Statement so that statutory guidance as set out in Section 38 of the Localism Act is adhered to.