Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Bailey, D Box, T Jay and J Wadrup

To receive the minutes of the 27 September 2022 meeting and the minutes of the meeting on 13 December 2022 for approval

The minutes of the meetings held on 27^th September 2022 and 13^th December 2022 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Moved by Councillor T Clements and seconded by Councillor S Doyle)

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Councillor D Cook asked to make the following announcement:

Something that is close to myself and Cllr D Maycock’s heart, Friday marked a year since the evil Russian invasion of Ukraine and I thought it would be fitting to note that event this evening given the year and the loss of life that’s happened in that evil conflict.  As you will be aware both myself and Cllr Maycock drove to Ukraine in March last year and it would be remiss of this council not to note that event one year in and to send our love and support to the people of Ukraine who continue to fight so bravely. 

The Leader of the Council Councillor J Oates made the following announcements

I have four announcements to make, it’s a year since the conflict started in Ukraine and many people’s worlds have changed beyond any recognition and any return, families have been separated, homes have been lost and loved ones have been killed in a horrific act of violence against that country.  I would like to thank those who sprang to action 12 months ago and thank those who continue to provide support as we continue to stand with Ukraine

My second announcement is in relation to expressing sympathy and support for those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey.  How scary must it be to go to bed as normal not expecting to be woken up by the world collapsing around you.  It makes you realise how lucky we are to live in the place we do we can go to bed pretty much in the knowledge that the world isn’t going to collapse around us as we sleep.  Again, I would like to thank those who are supporting the people that have been displaced and the immediate rescue effort in Turkey, a number of people in Tamworth who jumped on and got involved with fund raising and providing support.  Every time there is a crisis whether it is covid, an illegal invasion of a country or a natural disaster the people of Tamworth always step up and we should be proud to live amongst such wonderful people. 

On 16th February Councillor T Clements in her role as Portfolio holder accompanied me to Stafford where we joined the Leader of the County council and other District Leaders to re-sign the updated Military Covenant with a commitment to look after our veterans of war and conflict.  So, I would like to thank Councillor Clements for joining me in signing that commitment on behalf of Tamworth Borough Council. 

On the 14th January 2023 Councillor P Turner was asked to take on a champion role as Town Centre Business Champion the specifics of the role are to disseminate the vision around the pipeline of projects to bring businesses together in a business district style approach and feedback and champion to the Council the positives and challenges that businesses face within Tamworth.  So, I would like to welcome Cllr Turner on board.

The Chief Executive made the following announcement:

As members will be aware in the forth-coming elections in May there is now some new legislation called voter Id which means in its basic form people need to take some photographic ID when they go and vote.  I would ask if all elected members can you spread that message when you are out canvassing.  As a council we are doing social media campaigns and sending a flyer out to all properties in Tamworth.  We want to support Democracy in Tamworth as best we can.

Councillor Summers made the following announcement:

Just some positive news I am pleased to announce that Tamworth has been shortlisted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 1

Under Procedure Rule No 10 Charlie-Rose Taylor Castanheira, , of Tamworth will ask the Portfolio Holder for Engagement, Civic Pride and Pride in Place, Councillor T Clements, the following question:-

As we are about 2 weeks from International Women’s Day, what are Tamworth Borough Council doing to support this event more widely for women in Tamworth?

Councillor Clements gave the following answer

Thank you to Miss Taylor  Casteneira for her question

As part of my Cabinet role, I have made sure that there is plenty going on to celebrate women in Tamworth in varying ways.

Tonight before the full Council four female members of the Council have  recorded a message to go out on March 8^th, International Women's Day celebrating women in politics what are the positives and negatives and trying to entice more women into the field of Politics. We are all meeting up for an informal coffee on March 11th too to have a good old natter. On International Women's Day itself, I am hosting a coffee and cake afternoon with around 25 businesswomen from across Tamworth to promote women in business and how they can help each other. We also have a female guest speaker. In the lead-up to the day itself, I will be visiting local schools to engage with young girls around the 'let her play' programme which gets young girls into football and the challenges around that. I am also going to visit the ladies' team at Tamworth FC.

So plenty going on and I'm looking forward to meeting so many inspirational females.

Charlie Rose Taylor Casteneira asked the following Supplementary Question

Can you also confirm in your opinion that the Conservative Controlling group supports a woman’s rights to the maternity leave that she as earned and is entitled to under law.  A female Councillor historically was deselected, and the key reason was her taking maternity leave.  Today I’ve heard that the Conservative MP for Stafford has been deselected just two days after their maternity leave ended.  I have also been informed but have not yet seen the proof that a female Conservative Councillor was deselected from the Tamworth Conservative party as the local Chairman stated that as she as just had a baby her place is at home.  In light of this can the controlling group really still state its support for women. 

Councillor T Clements gave the following answer.

I fully support women having children, I’ve got a daughter myself.  The other comments that have been made are better  going  to regulatory, I am the Cabinet member for engagement I don’t make the rules. 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO.1

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor J Harper will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor J Oates, the following question:-

I have several issues in my Bolehall ward that include deteriorating road surfaces and overgrown trees.  Will the leader meet with me and representatives of Staffordshire County Council with a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

(Report of the Leader of the Council)

Report of the Leader of the Council

         To approve the Vision Statement, Priority Themes, Corporate Priorities and Plans and their inclusion in the Corporate Plan (attached at Appendix A).

         To approve the recommended package of budget proposals (attached at Appendix B) to enable the Council  to agree the:

•           General Fund (GF) Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2023/24;

•           Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2023/24;

•           5 Year General Fund Capital Programme (2023/28);

•           5 Year HRA Capital Programme (2023/28);

•           3 Year General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (2023/26); and

•           5 Year HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (2023/28).

         To comply with the requirement of the Council’s Treasury Management Policy in reporting to Council the proposed strategy for the forthcoming year and the Local Government Act 2003 with the reporting of the Prudential Indicators (attached at Appendix N) and the requirement to prepare an annual Corporate Capital Strategy (attached at Appendix O).

(Moved by Councillor J Oates and seconded by Councillor R Pritchard)

Ending plastic pollution within Tamworth

The full motion is set out in the attached document.

Notes for minutes, item 69 was considered before items 67 and 68

To consider the following motion, notice of which has been duly given in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 4.12.1, by Councillors Marie Bailey, Paul Turner, Chris Cooke, Samuel Smith and Robert Pritchard:

Tamworth Borough Council is concerned by the scourge of plastic pollution.

It recognises the large impact that plastic pollution has on the environment with between 4.8 and 12.7 million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean each year. The authority believes it is the responsibility of all to combat plastic pollution.

We welcome the talks between the government, businesses, environmental groups, scientists and civil society on shaping a legally-binding global treaty that aims to end plastic pollution by 2040.

Improving water quality within rivers in Tamworth

The full motion is set out in the attached document.

To consider the following motion, notice of which has been duly given in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 4.12.1, by Councillors Robert Pritchard, Chris Cooke, Paul Turner,  Thomas Jay, Samuel Smith and Simon Goodall:

According to a map produced by The Rivers Trust using the latest available public data, there has been hundreds of hours of raw sewage discharge in Tamworth during 2021.

These discharges are across multiple sites in the borough, and we are sure that residents will be shocked to fund raw sewage is being dumped in local rivers in the 21st century. Residents should have access to clean rivers and open water and we very much support the steps the government is taking towards a ‘polluter pays’ principle when it comes to tackling river pollution.

Tackling loneliness and isolation within Tamworth

The full motion is set out in the attached document.

To consider the following motion, notice of which has been duly given in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 4.12.1, by Councillors Martin Summers, Paul Turner, Chris Cooke, Alex Farrell and Simon Goodall:

Loneliness and isolation are a serious public health issues that deserve more attention.

Residents can find themselves isolated for a number of reasons, leaving individuals at risk of suffering from health issues, mental health problems or other urgent needs without much needed help. We recognise that this is a particular risk to the elderly and disabled.

This is an issue that must be tackled at a local, as well as national level.

Following a discussion Cllr Summers moved the following amendment to the motion (that includes after the words this motion, add in) recognises the sterling work done by our charity, voluntary and third sector organisations and the excellent work done by Council Officers 

To appoint a Chair of the Planning Committee

Councillor A Cooper was duly appointed the Chair of the Planning Committee.

(Moved by Councillor P Turner and seconded by Councillor C Cooke)