Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Bailey, D Box, R Kingstone and J Oates

Councillor D Cook declared an interest in agenda item 4 and left the meeting during this agenda item.

There were no announcements

We feel that given the current absence / situation our local MP is currently in, that we should discuss as a Council the knock-on effects to the Council and the wider town. When Tamworth borough Council seeks funding for larger projects / policies from central pots (for example, LUF, FHSF etc...) that we seek the support and guidance of the locally elected MP. Given the current MP was unavailable over the summer after his misadventures at the Carlton club, followed by resignation from the Whips Office and suspension from the Conservative Party, we feel it is difficult for the Council and other organisations in Tamworth to use him as a conduit to government as previously done.

His actions brought Tamworth into the national media spotlight in a way that hurt us reputationally, at a time when the Council has worked so hard to improve our reputation and image. His absence during the fight for local mental health services was a clear example. We feel the Council needs to debate how in the short term it approaches government as clearly our MP is not able to assist at present.

To consider the following motion, notice of which has been duly given in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 4.12.1 by Councillors M Cook, R Claymore, B Price, P Thurgood, J Wade

We feel that given the current absence / situation our local MP is currently in, that we should discuss as a Council the knock-on effects to the Council and the wider town. When Tamworth borough Council seeks funding for larger projects / policies from central pots (for example, LUF, FHSF etc...) that we seek the support and guidance of the locally elected MP. Given the current MP was unavailable over the summer after his misadventures at the Carlton club, followed by resignation from the Whips Office and suspension from the Conservative Party, we feel it is difficult for the Council and other organisations in Tamworth to use him as a conduit to government as previously done.

His actions brought Tamworth into the national media spotlight in a way that hurt us reputationally, at a time when the Council has worked so hard to improve our reputation and image. His absence during the fight for local mental health services was a clear example. We feel the Council needs to debate how in the short term it approaches government as clearly our MP is not able to assist at present.

(Moved by Councillor M Cook and seconded by Councillor B Price)

Cllr Pritchard under rule 4.14.6 amended the motion with the following – while acknowledging the motion presented to the Council, this Council communicate with the Government as it sees appropriate for each item or issue before it.

(Moved by Councillor R Pritchard and seconded by Councillor A Farrell)

A named vote was requested

This amended motion was carried. 

Councillor B Price put forward Under rule 4.2.28 the following amendment - we support the motion put forward by Councillor Pritchard, but add that Mr Pincher is no longer the trusted conduit with which the Council conducts our communications with the Government

(Moved by Councillor B Price and seconded by Councillor R Claymore)

This amendment was not carried. 

Councillor M Cook Under rule 4.14.12 raised a point of order. At the last meeting State of Borough Debate one Cabinet member decided to swear and tonight when I just made my comments another Cabinet member, Cllr Clements told me to shut up, is that appropriate behaviour in this chamber for members to tell each other to be quiet or words to that effect and in that case  can I please ask for an apology I  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

Councillor Daniel Maycock is appointed Chair of Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Andrew Cooper is appointed Chair of Licensing Committee

As an important hotel to the town’s tourist economy, the council requests the home office do not use Tamworth Holiday Inn Express to house asylum seekers.

Councillor D Cook proposed the following amendment to the motion

That Tamworth Borough Council write to the Home Office stating our believe that the Holiday Inn in Tamworth is not from the point of view of there health and wellbeing an ideal location for placing those seeking asylum.

And while we agree this location is not ideal in the absence of a better solution while our town is hosting those seeking asylum with a range of medical and other needs Tamworth Borough Council will commit to helping wherever required and supporting local voluntary groups who are offering a wide range of assistance 

(Moved by Councillor D Cook and seconded by Councillor S Peaple)

The amendment was voted on and not carried.

The original motion was carried.