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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Town Hall, Market Street, Tamworth. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services 01827 709264 

Media

Items
No. Item

48.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Bailey, R Kingstone B Price and J Wadrup.

 

Cllr T Jay left the meeting at 18.15pm

49.

To receive the Minutes of the previous meeting pdf icon PDF 135 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 14th October 2024 were approved and signed as a correct record.

 

(Moved by Councillor L Wood and seconded by Councillor L Smith)

50.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of Members’ interests (pecuniary and non-pecuniary) in any matters which are to be considered at this meeting.

 

When Members are declaring a pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in respect of which they have dispensation, they should specify the nature of such interest.  Members should leave the room if they have a pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in respect of which they do not have a dispensation. 

Minutes:

There were no Declarations of Interest.

51.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor, Leader, Members of the Cabinet or the Chief Executive

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council made the following announcement

 

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to everyone and hope everyone as a wonderful time however you celebrate Christmas.  We all know this year as been an eventful one for all sorts of reasons and I would like to thank everyone in the room, all my fellow councillors for the way that we have worked together over the last several months.  I know everyone’s main concern is to improve the lives of the people of Tamworth and to improve our town especially during these challenging times.  I would also like because its been such a traumatic upheaval for most people to thank Stephen and the Leadership Team and all of  our staff, for the amazing work they have done over the last few months and how we have held everything together, I think its been really good, but especially I would like to thank our partners and the other organisations, the faith groups the charities for all the stuff that they do and the stuff that we know that they will do especially around this time of year there is always an increase demand on our partners and they do such sterling work to make sure no-one is forgotten or isolated.  I will finish by saying there is a lot happening in the town, a lot to be proud of and we even have a visit of a premier league side to look forward to in the new year.  So good luck to the Lamb and thank you for putting Tamworth on the map for the right reasons.  A personal thank you from me to everyone and happy holidays. 

52.

Question Time: pdf icon PDF 68 KB

(i)                 To answer questions from members of the public pursuant to Procedure Rule No. 10.

 

(ii)               To answer questions from members of the Council pursuant to Procedure Rule No. 11

 

Minutes:

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 1

 

Under Procedure Rule No 10, James Nicholson-Roberts, will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor C Dean, the following question:-

 

With the announcement that the government wants to abolish Borough Councils, will Tamworth Borough Council undertake a governance review with the intention of creating a number of new parish councils covering Tamworth and therefore provide the first level of local government the majority of Staffordshire benefits from?

 

Response:

 

Thank you for your question Mr Nicholson-Roberts

 

We are closely monitoring the government’s devolution deal and local government restructuring proposals. However, as of now, we are not aware of any plans to abolish district councils. I was at a meeting where the Minister spoke who was saying that District Councils were integral to the plans going forward.  Should any information come to light, we will carefully assess its implications and obviously keep all members informed.  There is an anticipated Devolution white paper which will be considered once it is released and wea re expecting that report. 

 

Cllr J Oates raised a point of order referring to pg. 116 of the constitution, rule 4.10.10 and moved the following motion:

 

That the matter of a Governance Review be referred to an appropriate Committee

 

(Moved by Councillor J Oates and seconded by Councillor T Clements)

 

The motion was carried by a unanimous vote.

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 2

 

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Paul Sharman, will ask the Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure, Heritage and Local Economy, Councillor N Arkney the following question:-

 

In the absence of Mr Sharman the Mayor asked the following question on their behalf:

 

With the council now securing the purchase of Ankerside shopping centre has a full structural survey of the building been carried out.

 

Response:

 

We haven't carried out a full structural survey, we have however completed a general condition survey and detailed inspection of the building.

 

 

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 3

 

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Paul Sharman, will ask the Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure, Heritage and Local Economy, Councillor N Arkney the following question:-

 

In the absence of Mr Sharman the Mayor asked the following question on their behalf:

 

How much will Repairs cost to Ankerside shopping centre to make it safe and presentable to the public.

 

Response:

 

The immediate investment requirements to address essential works have been estimated to be £124,000 in the car park area and £254,000 for the main mall area

 

 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO. 1

 

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor P Turner will ask the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Sustainability, Recycling and Waste, Councillor D Foster, the following question:-

 

Following the recent Environment Agency updated flood risk assessment from the River Tame in Tamworth.

 

 Fluvial flood risk in Tamworth is primarily dictated by the River Tame, a “main river”

 

designated watercourse falling within the remit of the Environment Agency. Flood defences are located along the Lichfield Road and Coton Lane to prevent flooding from this watercourse  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

53.

To consider the following motion, notice of which has been duly given in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 4.12.1 by Councillors M Couchman, L Wood, C Adams, M Clarke, H Hadley and K Norchi -

Tamworth Borough Council requests that SCC share with us their strategy to manage increased traffic demand in and around Tamworth.

 

How will it ensure a safe and healthy environment for residents, particularly in respect of the ever-increasing housing developments, and proposed developments?

 

Will the County Council share with us any strategies that they wish to implement to improve the road infrastructure in Tamworth?

Minutes:

Council considered the following motion, notice of which has been duly given in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 4.12.1 by Councillors M Couchman, L Wood, C Adams, M Clarke, H Hadley and K Norchi.

 

Tamworth Borough Council requests that SCC share with us their strategy

to manage increased traffic demand in and around Tamworth.

How will it ensure a safe and healthy environment for residents, particularly in respect of the ever-increasing housing developments, and proposed

developments?

 

Will the County Council share with us any strategies that they wish to implement to improve the road infrastructure in Tamworth?

 

Councillors debated on the motion

 

Councillor M summers raised a point of order that it is correct that that Scrutiny Committees can put their findings and consider motions to the Executive or full council  if they wish, it didn’t have to come to Council straight away. 

 

RESOLVED:

That  Council

 

 

requests that SCC share with us their strategy to manage increased traffic demand in and around Tamworth.

How will it ensure a safe and healthy environment for residents, particularly in respect of the ever-increasing housing developments, and proposed developments? and

 

Ask the County Council share with us any strategies that they wish to implement to improve the road infrastructure in Tamworth?

 

 

 

(Moved by Councillor M Couchman and seconded by Councillor L Wood)

 

 

 

 

 

54.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy Mid-Year Review Report 2024/25 pdf icon PDF 402 KB

(Report of The Leader of The Council)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was agreed that 7,8 9 & 10 be moved en bloc

 

 

Report of the Leader of The Council to present to Members the Mid-year Review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy.

 

 

RESOLVED

that Council

 

 

1.

Approved the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy Mid-year Review Report 2024/25

 

 

 

(Moved by Councillor C Dean  and seconded by Councillor T Clements)

 

 

 

 

55.

Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2025/26 pdf icon PDF 73 KB

(Report of The Leader of The Council)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the council moved that items 7 – 9 be moved en bloc

 

(Moved by Councillor C Dean and second by Councillor J Oates)

 

Report of the Leader of the Council to recommend that Cabinet and Council approves the Council Tax Reduction scheme from the 1 April 2025.

 

There was a slight change to the wording in recommendation 2.  change from Cabinet to Council

 

RESOLVED

that Council considered and endorsed the proposed recommended changes detailed below:

 

 

1.

The continuation of the income banded/grid scheme for working age applicants to reduce the administrative burden placed on the Council by the introduction of Universal Credit and to increase the overall level of support for the lowest income families; and

 

 

2.

Should material amendments be required to the scheme, Council authorise the Chief Executive, Executive Director Finance, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make such required amendments as necessary.

 

 

 

(Moved by Councillor C Dean and seconded by Councillor T Clements)

 

 

 

56.

Pay Policy 2024 pdf icon PDF 65 KB

(Report of The Leader of The Council)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED

that Council

 

 

 

Approved the Policy Statement 2024 for adoption and publication in line with the Localism Act 2011.

 

 

 

(Moved by Councillor C Dean  and seconded by Councillor T Clements)

 

 

 

 

The Leader thanked Officers for all the work that has been carried out on this since 2017. 

57.

Equality and Diversity Strategy pdf icon PDF 63 KB

(Report of The Leader of The Council)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Report of the Leader of the Council to provide an updated Equality and Diversity strategy which gives assurance that Tamworth Borough Council is committed to equality and diversity both within the organisation and in the service it delivers to the Borough. The council will also remain compliant with the public sector duty.

 

RESOLVED

that Council

 

 

1.

Endorsed the Equality and Diversity Strategy 2025-2028, the action plan and Equality, Social Inclusion and Health Impact Assessment and recommend it for formal approval and publication

 

 

 

(Moved by Councillor C Dean and seconded by Councillor T Clements)

 

 

 

58.

Tamworth Parliamentary Constituency – Review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations pdf icon PDF 70 KB

(Report of The Chief Executive)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Report of the Chief Executive to advise that in accordance with the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013, every council in England and Wales must undertake and complete a review of all of the polling district and polling places in its area. Guidance produced by the Electoral Commission sets out the process for a review, and this has been followed. Appendix A to this report provides a list of the recommended polling districts, polling places and polling stations, showing the changes which have been made since the last review.

 

RESOLVED

that Council

 

 

1.

Adopted the polling districts and polling places as listed in Appendix A to this report.

 

 

2.

Set the polling place as the polling district plus any adjacent polling district(s).

 

 

3.

Endorsed the polling stations proposed by the Returning Officer as listed in Appendix A to this report.

 

 

 

(Moved by Councillor M Couchman and seconded by Councillor C Dean)

 

 

 

The Leader thanked Officers for their hard work in producing the report. 

 

 

 

 

 

59.

Gambling Act 2005 – Review of Statement of Principles pdf icon PDF 75 KB

(Portfolio Holder for Environmental Sustainability, Recycling and Waste)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Sustainability, Recycling and Waste to bring before Full Council the Licensing Committee recommendation that they consider the draft Gambling Statement of Principles as suitable for adoption.

 

The Council’s current Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 took effect on 31st January 2023. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Council is required to prepare and publish a Statement of Principles every three years. Therefore, a new Statement of Principles must be published by 31st January 2025.

 

 

RESOLVED

that Council

 

 

1.

Considered the recommendation of the Licensing Committee that the revised Gambling Act Statement of Principles is suitable for adoption effective from 31st January 2025.

 

 

 

(Moved by Councillor T Clements  and seconded by Councillor B Clarke)