Members are reminded that they must declare all relevant pecuniary and non- pecuniary interests relating to any items of business to be discussed at this meeting
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, 23 MAY 2017 AT 16:00 HOURS IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, COUNCIL HOUSE, VICTORIA SQUARE, BIRMINGHAM, B1 1BB
A G E N D A
1 NOTICE OF RECORDING
Lord Mayor to advise that this meeting will be webcast for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council's Internet site (www.birminghamnewsroom.com ) and that members of the press/public may record and take photographs except where there are confidential or exempt items.
2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
This is a standard item included on agendas at all first meetings in the Municipal Year.
Members are reminded that they must declare all relevant pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests relating to any items of business to be discussed at this meeting. If a pecuniary interest is declared a Member must not speak or take part in that agenda item. Any declarations will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
3 MINUTES 5 - 54 To note the public section of the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 4 April 2017.
4 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE LORD MAYOR 2016/2017 55 - 80 (15 minutes)
To receive the annual report of the Lord Mayor.
Page 1 of 94 5 ANNOUNCEMENT OF LORD MAYOR'S AWARDS
6 ELECTION OF THE LORD MAYOR 2017/18
To elect the Lord Mayor.
NB. A short break will follow to allow for the robing of the Lord Mayor.
7 APPOINTMENT OF THE DEPUTY LORD MAYOR
To appoint the Deputy Lord Mayor.
8 PRESENTATION TO THE RETIRING LORD MAYOR
To present the retiring Lord Mayor with an ex-Lord Mayoral Badge.
9 PRESENTATION TO THE RETIRING LADY MAYORESS
To present the Lady Mayoress with a badge as a memento of office.
NB. A short break will follow to allow for guests to retire.
10 ALLOWANCES
To agree the allowances to be made to the Lord Mayor and the Deputy Lord Mayor in office during 2017/2018.
11 DATES OF MEETINGS
To determine the dates of the meetings of the Council to be held during the year ending with the next Annual Meeting of the Council.
It is suggested that meetings of the Council be held in the Council Chamber at 1400 hours on the following Tuesdays:-
2017 2018
13 June 9 January 11 July 6 February 12 September 27 February 7 November 13 March 5 December
12 ANNUAL MEETING IN 2018
To confirm the date for the holding of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2018.
It is recommended that the Annual Meeting for 2018 be held in the Council Chamber at 1600 hours on Tuesday 22 May 2018.
Page 2 of 94 13 ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS 81 - 82 To receive a report from the Returning Officer of the persons elected Councillors of the City on 4 May 2017 and the making of the declarations of acceptance of office.
14 LORD MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
To receive the Lord Mayor's announcements and such communications as the Lord Mayor may wish to place before the Council.
15 PETITIONS
To receive and deal with petitions in accordance with Standing Order 8.
As agreed by Council Business Management Committee a schedule of outstanding petitions is available electronically with the published papers for the meeting and can be viewed or downloaded.
16 LEADER'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF CABINET MEMBERS
17 CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS 83 - 94 To consider a report of the Council Business Management Committee.
The Leader to move the following Motion:-
"That the City Council makes appointments to Committees and Other Bodies as set out in the Appendix to the report."
18 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
Lord Mayor to Move:-
"That, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, which includes the following exempt information, the public be now excluded from the meeting:-
Agenda Item etc. Relevant Paragraph of Exempt Information Under Revised Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972
Minutes of the 3 and 4 last meeting
P R I V A T E A G E N D A
Page 3 of 94 19 MINUTES
Item Description
Page 4 of 94
MEETING OF BIRMINGHA M CITY COUNCIL 4 APRIL 2017
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 4 APRIL 2017 AT 1400 HOURS IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, COUNCIL HOUSE, BIRMINGHAM
PRESENT:- Lord Mayor (Councillor Carl Rice) in the Chair.
Councillors
Muhammad Afzal Neil Eustace Keith Linnecor Uzma Ahmed Mohammed Fazal Mary Locke Mohammed Aikhlaq Des Flood Ewan Mackey Deirdre Alden Jayne Francis Majid Mahmood John Alden Matthew Gregson Karen McCarthy Robert Alden Carole Griffiths James McKay Nawaz Ali Peter Griffiths Gareth Moore Tahir Ali Paulette Hamilton Yvonne Mosquito Sue Anderson Andrew Hardie Brett O’Reilly Gurdial Singh Atwal Roger Harmer John O’Shea Mohammed Azim Kath Hartley David Pears Susan Barnett Barry Henley Robert Pocock David Barrie Des Hughes Victoria Quinn Bob Beauchamp Jon Hunt Hendrina Quinnen Matt Bennett Mahmood Hussain Habib Rehman Kate Booth Shabrana Hussain Fergus Robinson Steve Booton Timothy Huxtable Gary Sambrook Sir Albert Bore Mohammed Idrees Valerie Seabright Barry Bowles Zafar Iqbal Rob Sealey Randal Brew Ziaul Islam Shafique Shah Marje Bridle Kerry Jenkins Mike Sharpe Mick Brown Meirion Jenkins Sybil Spence Alex Buchanan Simon Jevon Claire Spencer Andy Cartwright Julie Johnson Stewart Stacey Tristan Chatfield Brigid Jones Ron Storer Zaker Choudhry Carol Jones Martin Straker-Welds Debbie Clancy Josh Jones Paul Tilsley John Clancy Nagina Kauser Karen Trench Lynda Clinton Tony Kennedy Lisa Trickett Lyn Collin Changese Khan Margaret Waddington Maureen Cornish Mariam Khan Ian Ward 2511
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John Cotton Narinder Kaur Kooner Mike Ward Basharat Dad Chaman Lal Fiona Williams Phil Davis Mike Leddy Ken Wood Diane Donaldson Bruce Lines Alex Yip Peter Douglas Osborn John Lines Waseem Zaffar Barbara Dring ************************************
NOTICE OF RECORDING
18808 The Lord Mayor advised that the meeting would be webcast for live and subsequent broadcasting via the Council’s internet site and that members of the Press/Public may record and take photographs except where there are confidential or exempt items. ______
MINUTES
It was moved by the Lord Mayor, seconded and –
18809 RESOLVED:-
That the Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on 28 February 2017, having been printed and a copy sent to each Member of the Council, be taken as read and confirmed and signed. ______
LORD MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Death of Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Raymond Geoffrey Hassall
The Lord Mayor referred to the recent death of the Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Raymond Geoffrey Hassall, known to all in the Chamber as Ray, who served as a Councillor for Perry Barr Ward since being elected on 3 May 1990. The Lord Mayor noted that during this period Ray served on numerous Committees and outside bodies and was most notably Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture from 2006 to 2009.
The Lord Mayor highlighted that in May 2015 Ray was appointed unanimously by the Council to serve as Lord Mayor of Birmingham, following which he supported himself, serving as Deputy Lord Mayor from May 2016.
The Lord Mayor noted that Members would be aware that Ray underwent major surgery shortly before Christmas last year and appeared to be making a gradual recovery, intending to attend the meeting of City Council today.
After a number of tributes had been paid by Members, it was moved by the Lord Mayor, seconded and:-
18810 RESOLVED :-
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That this Council places on record its sorrow at the death of Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Raymond Geoffrey Hassall and its appreciation of his devoted service to the residents of Birmingham; it extends its deepest sympathy to members of Ray’s family in their sad bereavement.
B. Appointment of Deputy Lord Mayor
The Lord Mayor indicated that the Council now needed to appoint another Deputy Lord Mayor for the remainder of the Municipal Year and that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Liberal Democrat Group had nominated Councillor Paul Tilsley.
The Lord Mayor moved the appropriate Motion which was seconded by Councillor Mike Leddy and it was-
18811 RESOLVED :-
That Councillor Paul Tilsley be appointed Deputy Lord Mayor of this City for the period ending with the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2017.
The Lord Mayor asked Councillor Paul Tilsley to join him on the rostrum who signed the declaration accepting office.
The Lord Mayor thanked Councillor Shafique Shah who during Councillor Ray Hassall’s ill health had loyally and ably supported him as Lord Mayor’s Deputy. ______
PETITIONS
Petitions Relating to City Council Functions Presented at the Meeting
The following petitions were presented:-
(See document No 1)
In accordance with the proposals by the Members presenting the petitions, it was moved by the Lord Mayor, seconded and -
18812 RESOLVED :-
That the petitions be received and referred to the relevant Chief Officers. ______
Petitions Update
The following Petitions Update was submitted:-
(See document No 2)
It was moved by the Lord Mayor, seconded and -
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18813 RESOLVED :-
That the Petitions Update be noted and those petitions for which a satisfactory response has been received, be discharged. ______
QUESTION TIME
18814 The Council proceeded to consider Oral Questions in accordance with Standing Order 9 (B).
During a response given by Councillor Stewart Stacey to a question by Councillor Barry Bowles, Councillor Robert Alden raised a point of order in that the response made by Councillor Stacey was in breach of Purdah. The Lord Mayor indicated that he had allowed Councillor Stacey to continue as he had received legal advice that Purdah did not apply to verbal announcements only written communications.
Details of the questions asked are available for public inspection via the webcast. ______
APPOINTMENTS BY THE COUNCIL
The following report of the Council Business Management Committee was submitted:-
(See document No 3)
Councillor Mohammed Idrees proposed that Councillor Yvonne Mosquito replace Councillor Tristan Chatfield as Member and Councillor Diane Donaldson replace Councillor Sam Burden as Substitute Member on the WMCA Audit Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2016/2017.
18815 RESOLVED :-
That the following appointments be made for the period indicated:-
Audit Committee
Councillor Waseem Zaffar to replace Councillor Tristan Chatfield for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2016/2017.
WMCA Audit Committee
Councillor Yvonne Mosquito to replace Councillor Tristan Chatfield as Member and Councillor Diane Donaldson to replace Councillor Sam Burden as Substitute Member for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2016/2017. ______
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CHANGE TO THE CABINET
18816 The Lord Mayor invited the Leader, Councillor John Clancy, to advise the Council of a change to the Cabinet. Councillor Clancy indicated that he had appointed Councillor Tristan Chatfield as Cabinet Member for Transparency, Openness and Equality in place of Councillor Waseem Zaffar. ______
EXEMPTION FROM STANDING ORDERS
It was moved by Councillor Mohammed Idrees, seconded and:-
18817 RESOLVED :-
That, pursuant to CBM Committee discussions, Standing Orders be waived as follows:
• Reduce the time for item 9 (Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees) from 60 minutes to 30 minutes
• Allocate 15 minutes for item 12 (Appointment of the Interim Chief Executive) ______
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL
The following report of the Council Business Management Committee was submitted:-
(See document No 4)
The Leader, Councillor John Clancy, moved the motion which was seconded.
Councillor Deirdre Alden commented on the fact that the Chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel was not in attendance.
The Leader, Councillor John Clancy, responded appropriately.
The Motion having been moved and seconded was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried.
It was therefore -
18818 RESOLVED:-
The recommendations made by the Independent Remuneration Panel on Page 4 of its Annual Report be accepted and implemented with effect from 23 May 2017. ______
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FREEDOM OF THE CITY – ROYAL MARINES
The following report of the Council Business Management Committee was submitted:-
(See document No 5)
The Leader, Councillor John Clancy, moved the motion which was seconded.
The Motion having been moved and seconded was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried.
It was therefore -
18819 RESOLVED:-
A. That the Lord Mayor and Citizens of the City of Birmingham being deeply conscious and appreciative of the close relationship of our people with the Royal Marines, are desirous of recognising, perpetuating and fostering still further the bonds of friendship and goodwill which has resulted therefrom by conferring by this resolution the Freedom of Entry into the City upon the Royal Marines and the right in perpetuity on all occasions of honouring The City of Birmingham by exercising the privilege of marching through the streets of the City with drums beating, bands playing, colours flying and bayonets fixed on all ceremonial occasions.
B. That the City Solicitor be authorised to attach the common seal to the Freedom of the City Scroll. ______
REPORT OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES
CORPORATE PARENTING
The following report of the Schools, Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with a response from the Executive, was submitted:-
(See document No 6)
Councillor Susan Barnett moved the motion which was seconded by Councillor Sue Anderson.
A debate ensued.
Councillor Susan Barnett replied to the debate.
The Motion having been moved and seconded was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried.
It was therefore -
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18820 RESOLVED:-
That the recommendations R01 to R07 be approved and that the Executive be requested to pursue their implementation. ______
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by the Lord Mayor, seconded and
18821 RESOLVED:-
That the Council be adjourned until 1710 hours on this day.
The Council then adjourned at 1635 hours. ______
At 1712 hours the Council resumed at the point where the meeting had been adjourned.
MOTIONS FOR DEBATE FROM INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
The Council proceeded to consider the Motions of which notice had been given in accordance with Standing Order 4(A).
Councillors Deidre Alden and Gary Sambrook have given notice of the following Motion:-
(See document No 7)
Councillor Deidre Alden moved the Motion, which was seconded by Councillor Gary Sambrook.
In accordance with Council Standing Orders, Councillors Lisa Trickett and Rob Pocock gave notice of the following amendment to the Motion:-
(See document No 8)
Councillor Lisa Trickett moved the amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Rob Pocock.
A debate ensued.
Councillor Deidre Alden replied to the debate.
The amendment was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried.
Here upon a poll being demanded the voting, with names listed in seat number order, was as follows:-
(See document No 9)
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NB The documents have been amended to show that Councillor Shafique Shah voted for the amendment.
Therefore, the total results referred to in the interleave should read:-
Yes – 62 (For the Amendment);
No – 31 (Against the Amendment);
Abstain – 0 (Abstentions).
The Motion as amended was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried.
Here upon a poll being demanded the voting, with names listed in seat number order, was as follows:-
(See document No 10)
NB The documents have been amended to show that Councillor Shafique Shah voted for the Motion as amended.
Therefore, the total results referred to in the interleave should read:-
Yes – 67 (For the Motion);
No – 24 (Against the Motion);
Abstain – 2 (Abstentions).
It was therefore –
18822 RESOLVED:-
This Council commits to keeping weekly household waste collections across the whole of the City in line with our financial plans to 2020/21 as set out at City Council on the 28th February 2017.
Council notes the intention of the service to secure an efficient and effective household waste and collection service for the residents of Birmingham. ______
B. Councillors Karen Trench and Fiona Williams have given notice of the following Motion:-
(See document No 11)
Councillor Karen Trench moved the Motion, which was seconded by Councillor Fiona Williams.
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In accordance with Council Standing Orders, Councillors Gary Sambrook and Gareth Moore gave notice of the following amendment to the Motion:-
(See document No 12)
Councillor Gary Sambrook moved the amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Gareth Moore.
A debate ensued.
Councillor Karen Trench replied to the debate.
The amendment having been moved and seconded was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be lost.
Here upon a poll being demanded the voting, with names listed in seat number order, was as follows:-
(See document No 13)
NB The documents have been amended to show that Councillor Shafique Shah voted against the amendment and Councillor Kerry Jenkins voted against the amendment and did not abstain from voting.
Therefore, the total results referred to in the interleave should read:-
Yes – 30 (For the amendment);
No – 60 (Against the amendment);
Abstain – 0 (Abstentions).
The Motion having been moved and seconded was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried.
It was therefore –
18823 RESOLVED:-
Council notes that:
• Birmingham is recognised as a Green City and that the quality of its green spaces and trees has been used over a long period to attract inward investment.
• The City is part of the Global Biophilic Cities Network - a group of Cities that aspire to integrate green infrastructure into everyday life.
• Trees provide health and wellbeing benefits along with a positive contribution to the ecosystem in the form of flood alleviation, air cooling etc.
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• Its policy on trees was last updated in 2009 but dates back to 2002.
Council notes the work already under way to develop a new tree policy for the City and in particular the intention to develop a more sophisticated method of valuing trees that might replace the current 2 for 1 policy.
Council also recognises that opposition party representatives will be engaged in the process of developing the new tree policy along with a task and finish scrutiny. ______
C. Councillors Tristan Chatfield and Majid Mahmood have given notice of the following Motion:-
(See document No 14)
Councillor Tristan Chatfield moved the Motion, which was seconded by Councillor Majid Mahmood.
In accordance with Council Standing Orders, Councillors Robert Alden and Randal Brew gave notice of the following amendment to the Motion:-
(See document No 15)
In moving the motion Councillor Robert Alden indicated that he wished to declare an interest as his wife worked for the Museum Trust and that he wished to add the word ‘introduction’ before and the words ‘at the Museum and Art Gallery’ after the word ‘charges’ in the final sentence of the 4 th paragraph. In seconding the amended amendment Councillor Randal Brew declared an interest as Trustee of Birmingham Museum Trust.
In accordance with Council Standing Orders, Councillor Jon Hunt rose to move the following amendment:-
Add at the end of the motion the words
“It is essential that this work is undertaken on a cross party basis.”
Councillor Mike Ward formally seconded the amendment.
A short debate ensued.
Councillor Tristan Chatfield replied to the debate.
The first amendment was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried.
The second amendment was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried.
The Motion as amended was put to the vote and by a show of hands was declared to be carried. 2520
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It was therefore –
18824 RESOLVED:-
That this City Council notes the speculation that Channel 4 may move its headquarters out of London and believes that Birmingham would be the ideal host city.
This Council welcomes the launch of the Midlands Engine and the significant investment in infrastructure and skills it represents, this would be complimented by the relocation of Channel 4 to Birmingham. The Midlands Engine commits to £392m in additional Local Growth funding (on top of the £1.5bn that has already been invested in the Midlands through LGF) including the largest single deal for any City Region with £151m invested in the Greater Birmingham area.
The Council commits to work on a cross party basis within the City and across the region, and in particular with the newly elected West Midlands Mayor after May 4 th to ensure that the opportunities the Midlands Engine presents are fully grasped for the inclusive benefit of all Birmingham residents and businesses.
As well as the significant investment in infrastructure and skills, the Council also welcomes the recognition within the strategy of the importance of Arts and Culture as a driver for growth and the exciting potential opportunity to house the Government’s extensive Art Collection in Birmingham which would be a major boost to tourism. The relocation of Channel 4 would further compliment the multimedia offer of the City.
The Council commits to make the strongest possible case to Government that it is both ready and willing to house the Art Collection, both through the direct representations it makes to Government and through the actions it take in the City, to display a demonstrable commitment to Art and Culture. It also calls on the Council to therefore review proposed budget savings from the Museum for 2018 onwards. Any reduction in service or introduction of charges at the Museum and Art Gallery would no doubt ruin our chances of securing the Government Art Collection.
That this City Council supports the principle of decentralising government functions away from London and believes Birmingham can make a strong contribution towards that objective.
Birmingham has a proven track record of successful international trading dating back to the industrial revolution. The City is therefore best placed to house the Department for International Trade and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy going forward. This would help enable Birmingham to become the free trade capital of the world.
Therefore this Council also calls on the Chief Executive to establish a cross party group of the three Group Leaders to lobby Government for the relocation of Channel 4, relocation of the Government Art Collection, the
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relocation of Government Departments, especially the Department for International Trade and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and to campaign for the possibility of relocating Parliament to the City during ongoing repair works to the Westminster estate.
It is essential that this work is undertaken on a cross party basis. ______
EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
18825 RESOLVED:-
That, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, which includes exempt information, the public be now excluded from the meeting.
Agenda Item etc. Relevant Paragraph of Exempt Information Under Revised Schedule 12A of The Local Government Act 1972
Appointment of Interim Chief Executive 3 and 4 ______
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Page 16 of 94 APPENDIX
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL FROM COUNCILLOR KAREN TRENCH
A1 Tucker Fasteners - Money from WMCA - spend on poor vehicle access
Question:
It was announced in the media recently that some £5.5 million of West Midlands Combined Authority is to be spent on the former Tucker Fastener site in Perry Barr to support the creation of 75 warehousing jobs. Can the Leader tell me if any of this will be spent on improving the very poor vehicle access to the site from A34 northbound?
Answer:
The funding announced was a £2.9m loan from the West Midlands Combined Authority Combined Investment Fund, not a grant. This is intended to support the proposed £5.5m development of phase 2 of the redevelopment of the Tuckers Fasteners site.
It should be noted that phase 2 does not yet have planning permission. A planning application has been submitted to the City Council, however it is on hold as further information is required before it can be validated. This invalid application does not currently propose to make any alterations to vehicular access from the A34 northbound.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL FROM COUNCILLOR JON HUNT
A2 Millions from WMCA on 75 jobs - Tucker Fasteners
Question:
It was announced in the media recently that some £5.5 million of West Midlands Combined Authority is to be spent on the former Tucker Fastener site in Perry Barr to support the creation of 75 warehousing jobs. The conversion of the site was contested at Planning by myself, and also large numbers of residents, because no provision was made to tackle problems of rat-running that arise from the poor access to this site from the A34 northbound. Can the leader tell me if this proposed grant was known about before the development went to the Planning Committee?
Answer:
The funding announced was a £2.9m loan from the West Midlands Combined Authority Combined Investment Fund, not a grant. This is intended to support the proposed £5.5m development of phase 2 of the redevelopment of the Tuckers Fasteners site.
This is a different proposal to the scheme for phase 1, which was granted planning permission in January. Officers from the Planning & Regeneration department only became aware of the proposed loan for phase 2 when it was announced publically on March 15 th 2017, and were not aware of the loan when the planning application for phase 1 was approved by Planning Committee.
It should be noted that phase 1 is anticipated to create a further 130 jobs on top of the potential 75 jobs that phase 2 is forecasted to support.
Finally, a planning application for phase 2 has been submitted to the City Council, but it is currently invalid as further information is required.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL FROM COUNCILLOR ZAKER CHOUDHRY
A3 Senior Management Changes - Money from where ?
Question:
At the Council’s budget meeting I asked how the senior management changes would be funded and where the money would be found, given the Council’s difficult financial situation. I did not get an answer so I wonder if the Leader could supply it now.
Answer:
The senior management post changes are being funded from the existing budget. These form part of the changes outlined in the City Council’s Future Operating Model to create a sustainable senior leadership team.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE LEADER FROM COUNCILLOR ROBERT ALDEN
A4 Recruitment
Question:
What involvement did Elected Members have in the recruitment of the posts of the Leader’s Chief of Staff and Press Secretary, including a list of all involvement with dates?
Answer:
I confirm that elected members have had no involvement in the recruitment decision of the posts of the Leader’s Chief of Staff and Press Secretary, as this grade of post is an officer appointment only.
There was an opportunity in the recruitment process for myself as the Leader of the Council to have an informal meet and greet with potential appointees, however, as confirmed above, no elected members had any involvement in the recruitment decision for these posts.
There were 12 applications for the post of Press Secretary. Five candidates were shortlisted/interviewed.
There were 16 applications for the post of Chief of Staff. Seven candidates were shortlisted/interviewed.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE LEADER FROM COUNCILLOR GARY SAMBROOK
A5 Benefits
Question:
Excluding Facility Time what is the total value of benefits provided to Trade Unions over the last four years (e.g. office space, discounted room hire\catering, printing, officer time\advice and support, etc.)?
Answer:
In line with the ACAS Code of Practice (3) Time off for trade union duties and activities the Council make available to union representatives the facilities necessary for them to perform their duties efficiently and communicate effectively with their members, colleague union representatives and full-time officers.
The direct costs of these arrangements are met from an annual budget of £24,500.
We provide a bespoke rental contribution to the trade union with the largest proportion of members the contribution is as follows:
2013/14 £20,000 2014/15 £20,000 2015/16 £15,000
The other trades unions, including those representing schools staff, have various arrangements for accommodation across the Council estate. This can vary from a desk with a locked drawer to access to meeting rooms, telephones, computers, printing and access to kitchen facilities. Any direct costs associated with these arrangements are met from the above budget.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE LEADER FROM COUNCILLOR RON STORER
A6 Discussions
Question:
What discussions have the Council held with Trade Unions with regard to the use of Facility Time and how this can be reduced in order to ensure fair value for the tax payer?
Answer:
A full review of the Trade Union Facilities agreement was completed in 2014. Within the agreement is the requirement to review trade union numbers twice a year and as appropriate to adjust facilities time if/as numbers decrease.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE LEADER FROM COUNCILLOR GARETH MOORE
A7 Monitoring
Question:
What systems does the Council have in place for monitoring the use of Trade Union facility time to ensure it is being used only for the statutory purpose and not, for example, for political campaigning?
Answer:
The Council has a written Facilities Agreement with the trades unions. Paid time off is not provided for Trade Union activities such as political campaigning. As is the case for all employees, there is an expectation that trade union representatives operating under paid release record their time and, as appropriate, their work activities. In the case of any concerns being identified, the matter would be escalated to the Trade Union Branch Secretary who is accountable for ensuring adherence with the agreement.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE LEADER FROM COUNCILLOR BOB BEAUCHAMP
A8 Payments
Question:
What payments have been made to Trade Unions in each of the last four years?
Answer:
Consistent comparable record keeping of pay costs for trade unions facilities have been maintained since 2013/14 and are provided below.
FINANCIAL A basic estimate of A basic estimate of YEAR spending on unions spending on unions (calculated as the as a percentage of the number of full time total pay bill equivalent days spent (calculated as the on union duties number of full time multiplied by the equivalent days spent average salary)* on union duties multiplied by the average salary divided by the total pay bill).
2013/14 £1,124,924 0.126% 2014/15 £983,782 0.114% 2015/16 £984,567 0.116%
In addition the Council contributes £24,500 pa towards the costs associated with providing access to meeting rooms, telephones, computers, printing and access to kitchen facilities.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE ASSISTANT LEADER CLLR MARJE BRIDLE FROM COUNCILLOR MIKE WARD
B Assistant Leader - Cabinet 21st March - Which one?
Question:
Which of the four Assistant Leaders was meant to attend Cabinet on Tuesday, March 21st as not one was present and only you sent apologies?
Answer:
Cllr Tony Kennedy and I gave our apologies. Cllr Ansar Ali Khan was on annual leave, while Cllr Narinder Kaur Kooner was unwell that week.
It should be noted that, while Assistant Leaders are invited to attend Cabinet, they are not members of the Cabinet Committee. But we will ensure that apologies are sent for any future absences.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE DEPUTY LEADER FROM COUNCILLOR JON HUNT
C Swimming les sons
Question:
When the framework for leisure was introduced for swimming pools, swimming clubs were assured they would be able to continue with their activities. I understand they have now been told by Serco that they cannot do swimming lessons. Could the deputy leader state what has been done to resolve this issue?
Answer:
Swimming Clubs were consulted prior to the Framework Contract being awarded that their swimming times and lessons would be maintained for the first year of the contract. However, from year 2 agreement would need to be reached on how to create a smooth swimming lesson pathway for beginners from the swimming pool operators to the clubs to stop the on-going duplication.
The council, together with operators and the clubs, have worked with the Amateur Swimming Association and followed their guidance and recommendations, i.e. that the swimming pool operator teach the beginners to swim up to one length, and then pass them on the clubs who can progress them further and ultimately on to competitive swimming.
This is the accepted national model.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR CLEAN STREETS, RECYCLING AND ENVIRONMENT FROM COUNCILLOR KAREN TRENCH
D Flytipping by month last 2 years
Question:
Could the Cabinet Member set out the numbers of reported and recorded flytipping incidents by month for the last two years?
Answer:
The table below shows the service enquiries recorded in the Council’s waste management and regulatory teams’ databases that reference involvement of or that were categorised at the initial reporting stage as relating to waste/rubbish, and the incidents reportable under DEFRA’s Waste Data Flow ‘fly-tipping’ arrangements. [Data for January and February 2017 are not reported as they have yet to be collated].
The total number of service enquiries/reports does not equate to the number of reportable incidents, which is due to a number of reasons which includes, but that is not limited to: duplicate enquiries/incidents being reported more than once, by different reporters or on multiple dates or to different council teams; enquiries for which linked records are created in the electronic database for the purpose of assisting with job management; and enquiries where waste/rubbish may not subsequently be identified as the route cause or primary element of a multi-issue referral.
Month Number of enquiries Number of into the Council Incidents of fly- referencing tipping. waste/rubbish and [Reportable recorded on waste under DEFRA's management or Waste Data Flow regulatory teams arrangements] database 02/2015 1930 1016 03/2015 2330 1002 04/2015 2152 1075 05/2015 1719 1059 06/2015 2131 1192 07/2015 2155 1202 08/2015 1860 916 09/2015 1846 834 10/2015 1705 919 11/2015 1633 973 12/2015 1486 867 01/2016 1931 1086 02/2016 1652 1028 03/2016 1722 1197 04/2016 1792 1152 05/2016 1606 1151 2534
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06/2016 1856 1209 07/2016 1785 1365 08/2016 1670 1352 09/2016 1449 1342 10/2016 1283 1279 11/2016 1182 1229 12/2016 1011 1146 01/2017 1111 - 02/2017 945 -
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WRITTEN QU ESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE FROM COUNCILLOR LYN COLLIN
E STP Plan
Question:
Who will now be leading for the Council on the STP plan for Birmingham and Solihull?
Answer:
The Leader, Cllr John Clancy, will continue to lead for Birmingham alongside the Interim Chief Executive, Stella Manzie, on the STP plan for Birmingham. I also attend Board meetings; although I do not have voting rights, I am present to influence and shape discussions. I am also able to share progress in my role as Chair of Birmingham’s Health and Wellbeing Board and Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING AND HOMES FROM COUNCILLOR JON HUNT
F Selective licensing of landlords
Question:
Could the cabinet member provide an update on my request to include Perry Barr ward as an area for selective licensing of landlords, with particular respect to Oscott and Wellhead roads?
Answer:
Many ward members have approached me and my predecessor over the impact of the growth of the Private Rented Sector in their areas. The Council’s current enforcement powers and resources are not sufficient in my opinion to tackle the irresponsible behaviour of some landlords and tenants in the city. The use of selective licensing powers therefore will be to target the worst landlords in the worst areas and support responsible renting where possible.
At present the Government has restricted the use of these powers and the Council only has discretion to target areas where there is over 19% of PRS stock. The Council has data from the 2011 Census which shows overall the city has 17% PRS stock but there are 11 wards where it is over the 19% threshold. Unfortunately Perry Barr is not one of them. I am satisfied that the Council should begin the consultation in the target wards where they fit the other essential criteria set out by Government, namely the communities are affected by one or more of ASB, crime, poor conditions, deprivation and migration.
I am keen however for other wards to bring forward evidence of the impact of the growth of PRS in the context of the criteria so we can bring these areas into the scheme at a later date or build a case for a wider scheme to present to the Secretary of State. I will ask my officers to liaise with the Perry Barr ward members to consider building a case for inclusion.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR JOBS AND SKILLS FROM COUNCILLOR SUE ANDERSON
G1 Youth Promise Plus - Young People with Learning Disabilities
Question:
The offer from Youth Promise Plus should apply to all young people. Could the Cabinet Member tell us what is the offer for young people with learning disabilities?
Answer:
During 2015 the Youth Promise Plus Project was developed jointly by a group of stakeholders, including public, voluntary and private sector organisations.
Whilst the project sets out to support all young people (school leaving age to 29 years) who are not in education, employment and training (NEET), four cohorts of young people were identified as being particularly in need of intensive support into employment education and training:
• Young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness • Young people who are ex-offenders or at risk of offending • Young people who are vulnerable including Care Leavers • Young people who with Mental Health or Learning Difficulties or Disability (LDD) barriers.
The project includes provision by partners, including The Prince’s Trust, which is renowned for intensively supporting young people who face barriers. The project also includes: contracts for supporting young people across the Birmingham and Solihull; and contracts for each of the particular cohorts identified above.
Within the project there is a spectrum of support for young people with Mental Health and LDD barriers. There is specialist intensive mentoring support in all the contracts, to offer a degree of appropriate help that may be suitable for some young people with LDD without referral to the specialist contracts.
The original contract pertaining to Mental Health support and Learning Difficulties and Disabilities could not be awarded when it was first advertised in 2016, due to no bid meeting the quality threshold. Post-tender review led to changes, including splitting the contract to separate the support for Mental Health from that for Learning Difficulties and
Disabilities. The two contracts were re-let in 2016 and were contracted with two different providers in March 2017.
The selected provider for Learning Difficulties and Disabilities support is Queen Alexandra College (QAC). QAC, based in Birmingham, is a leading national college for people with disabilities, who through this project will intensively support 120 young
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Page 31 of 94 City Council – 4 April 2017 people with LDD towards employment, education and training with the aim of achieving outcomes with 102 of those young people, which would be a very strong success rate.
QAC has significant experience in supporting socially excluded and disadvantage groups, particularly adults and young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. This includes groups who are more likely to become NEET, e.g. young people who suffer from mental ill health, visual impairment and those on the Autistic Spectrum or who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
QAC has significant local knowledge and good working relationships with local stakeholders and community groups, including Autism West Midlands, Focus Birmingham, MENCAP, Mind and British Institute of Learning Disabilities, specialist schools & colleges and Jobcentre Plus. Using these links, we can establish more targeted engagement events, utilising group sessions, 1-2-1 drop-in centres, and specialist events.
QAC has already established a very successful work experience offer, which has seen 100% student participation on work placements, with a significantly improved college- wide promotion of employability of our students. Employers such as Hobbycraft, Willmott Dixon, National Grid and Interserve provide real placement opportunities to engage with NEETs.
QAC are at present running a pilot project alongside SENAR, where we are engaging NEETs within their own homes, which can be replicated within this provision. Young people can also be referred by other providers, or self-refer. There will be a level of ‘triage’ to ensure this provision is the best fit for the young person, if not other support will be provided through the project. QAC workers funded through this project will spend at least 80% of their time in outreach across Birmingham and Solihull.
Each individual will be offered a programme that is carefully tailored to meet their particular needs, which is delivered through a combination of one to one and group work. It will be based on the achievement of personal goals and provide bespoke support to assist their entry in to education, training or employment.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR JOBS AND SKILLS FROM COUNCILLOR JON HUNT
G2 Facilities for motor mechanic training in the city
Question:
Quoted in the media, the cabinet member said that the now-closed Ladywood Skills Centre, the SRB6 legacy project, stated that "enrolment at this centre has always been low."
Noting that the centre specialised in motor mechanics, could the cabinet member provide information about what facilities for motor mechanic training there are in the city and the level of demand for that training at post-16 level?
Answer:
There are around 514,000 people employed in the UK’s automotive retail sector, which is just under 2% of the UK workforce, and this is growing. With more and more cars on the road, the number of vehicle maintenance and repair businesses is increasing, and over the last ten years they have already increased by almost 50%. Here in the West Midlands there are around 18,745 jobs in the industry.
The Birmingham and Solihull Area Based Review of Post-16 provision was published in November 2016. The purpose of the Review was to assess Post-16 FE/Sixth Form provision and by its nature also carried a fairly strong imperative to assess current usage, including the usage of FE estate, as a means of reducing costs. As part of this process, the Economy Directorate contacted all College Principals and Sixth Form Heads in March 2016, inviting them to share any planned or potential proposals for asset disposal with the Council.
The site in question was originally part of the City College estate, and would have been part of the merger of South Birmingham College and City College, resulting in the establishment of South and City College Birmingham.
Decisions around site closures are not taken by the City Council, as colleges are independent and autonomous organisations. However, the Council does have duties to ensure there a suitable and sufficient places in education and training for 16-19 year olds and to ensure all young people aged 16-18 in our area are participating in education or training. My understanding is that the Stour Street Training Centre offered a range of provision, including operating as the main site for College back-office services.
We are aware that demand for courses at this site, originally under City College and more recently following merger, despite the best endeavours of the college to market and promote courses here has been disappointing and therefore unsustainable. The campus has not been used for a year. Prior to that, the number of learners for the motor vehicle provision for the previous 3 years was 38, 15, and finally 10 in the last year of delivery.
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There is availability of provision across the city for motor vehicle training, offered by colleges and private training providers and is driven by take up/demand from learners. South and City College is the lead provider for motor-vehicle studies at their Bordesley Green and Bournville campuses, offering programmes of study from Level 1 to Level 3. NOVA Training offer motor-vehicle from their Stechford site and Platinum Training offer motor-vehicle training from their Winson Green site, which is a short distance from Stour Street
In addition, Solihull College offer motor- vehicle from their Woodlands Campus in Chelmsley Wood and Sandwell College deliver from their West Bromwich campus. Significant numbers of Birmingham learners are enrolled at these two colleges. Following the Area based review, colleges are continuing to review areas of provision where there are small class sizes to determine whether it is possible to improve efficiency. Officers from the Education Service have been actively involved in the Steering Group and Over-sight Group to ensure that the rationalisation of sites and courses doesn’t lead to gaps in provision.
The need for all colleges to secure greater financial resilience to enable ongoing flexible responses to meet the needs of the local economy and improve productivity, may impact on level and location of delivery across the City. Merger discussions between South and City College and Bournville College may lead to further rationalisation dependant on demand.
The College is undertaking discussions with the City Council to identify potential partners to secure the future of the site for education and training purposes.
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Page 34 of 94 City Council – 4 April 2017
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPARENCY, OPENNESS AND EQUALITY FROM COUNCILLOR RON STORER
H1 Annual Updates
Question:
By what date each year does the Council aim to update the information on its open data on Trade Union Facility time in order to comply with the Local Government Transparency Code for annual updates?
Answer:
The information is ordinarily updated and made available at the beginning of each financial year. The latest information (15/16) is prepared and about to be uploaded.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPARENCY, OPENNESS AND EQUALITY FROM COUNCILLOR GARETH MOORE
H2 Information
Question:
What are the latest figures for the Council on the Trade Union Facility Time covering the information required by Part 2 paragraph 45 of the Local Government Transparency Code?
Answer:
Trade Union (TU) facility time data for the period 2015/16
Total number of staff TU reps who A basic estimate of spending A basic estimate of spending on who are TU reps, spend 50% and on unions (calculated as the unions as a percentage of the total headcount & FTE above on TU number of full time equivalent pay bill (calculated as the number of duties days spent on union duties full time equivalent days spent on multiplied by the average union duties multiplied by the salary)* average salary divided by the total pay bill).
H/C FTE H/C FTE £984,567 0.116% 70 45.73 51 40.13
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Page 36 of 94 City Council – 4 April 2017
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPARENCY, OPENNESS AND EQUALITY FROM COUNCILLOR BOB BEAUCHAMP
H3 Dress Code
Question:
Can the Cabinet Member for Transparency, Openness and Equality please publish a copy of the letter* from Dame Louise Casey to Birmingham City Council regarding the issue of the dress code at St Clare’s Catholic School in Handsworth and the actions of the local ward councillor along with a copy of the City Council’s response to Dame Casey?
*please redact any personal information regarding the child involved.
Answer:
Please find both letters attached, as requested.
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H3 - APPENDIX 1
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H3 - APPENDIX 2
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPARENCY, OPENNESS AND EQUALITY FROM COUNCILLOR GARY SAMBROOK
H4 Freedom of I nterest
Question:
In a Council response to a Freedom of Information request from a Member of the Public sent on the 27 January 2017 regarding the cost of consultants, the Council said that it was not possible to provide information prior to 2012/13 due to the cost of retrieving the information. However, in Full Council a little over a week later, the Portfolio Holder for Value for Money quoted figures to the Chamber for consultancy spend in 2010 and 2011. Can the Portfolio Holder for Transparency explain why a different threshold for cost and effort should apply to a question from a member of the public using the legislative framework verses a planted question from a Cabinet Member’s colleague at Full Council?
Answer:
The Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004 set out the circumstances in which a public authority may refuse a request on cost grounds.
Currently, the cost limit for complying with a request or a linked series of requests from the same person or group is set at £600 for central government, Parliament and the armed forces and £450 for all other public authorities. A local authority can refuse a request if its estimates that the cost of compliance would exceed this limit. This provision is found at section 12 of the Act.
The appropriate limit specified in the regulations for local government is £450.00. When estimating the cost of compliance, a local authority can only take into account the cost of the following activities:
• determining whether you hold the information; • finding the requested information, or records containing the information; • retrieving the information or records; and • extracting the requested information from records.
Consequently, the Council is not obliged by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to respond to a request.
In respect of the specific request referred to in this question, this was as follows:
Please provide a breakdown of the cost of employing Consultants for the period 2008 - 2016 and the detail of savings made as a direct result of the reports provided.
The fees regulations in the case of this request were calculated for the cost of providing information held by the Council for each year from 2008 onwards. It is appropriate, therefore, for the Council to apply the regulations set out in the Act. 2549
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Where a requestor is dissatisfied with a request, they are entitled to an internal appeal of the request and, if still unsatisfied, an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office who regulate the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The fees regulations clearly do not apply to information that an Elected Member may require in the course of carrying out their duties and it would be unrealistic to suggest that the cost and effort threshold should be the same for an individual exercising their legal right to access information under the Freedom of Information Act and an Elected Member carrying out their public duties.
In the interests of accountability all executive members are required to reply to questions from elected members in the city irrespective of political affiliation of the questioner.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPARENCY, OPENNESS AND EQUALITY FROM COUNCILLOR ZAKER CHOUDHRY
H5 Reduced external responsibilities
Question:
The Cabinet Member has declared a number of financial interests on his declaration of interests, including employment in the office of Khalid Mahmood MP. Could he report on how he has reduced his external responsibilities in order to devote time to his new post?
Answer:
Matters personal to me and outside my role and responsibilities as a Councillor and Cabinet Member are private matters. However I am confident that an arrangement is in place that will give me ample time to perform my role as Cabinet Member for Transparency, Openness and Equality.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT AND ROADS FROM COUNCILLOR SUE ANDERSON
I Badger Centre Out -of -Hours GP Centre - Solutions ?
Question:
Could the Cabinet Member provide an update on what solutions have been found to the problems posed to the Badger Out-of-Hours GP Centre by the proposed Digbeth parking plan?
Answer:
The Badger Centre on Glover Street is an Out-Of-Hours (OOHs) GP service which covers Birmingham and Solihull, operating 6.30pm to 8am Monday to Friday, and all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Representatives from the Badger Centre attended a drop in session on Thursday 16 th February to discuss the on-street parking in Digbeth proposals with officers. Following that discussion, officers arranged a further meeting on Tuesday 14 th March with the Badger Group management to look at their concerns in more detail and to consider their requirements and how these can be best accommodated within the proposals.
This was a very informative meeting, where the need for controls was recognised and different possible solutions were discussed. These included:
• changing the proposed parking controls hours/days of operation, so that the OOHs service is not impacted for visitors; • providing permit bays that can be used by either resident or business permit holders • reviewing the cost of permits and the permit management system
Badger Group have thanked the officers involved for taking the time to meet with them in order to understand in more detail the nature of the organisation, the service that they provide and impacts of the proposals.
These discussions will inform the consultation analysis and final proposals, which will be subject to approval by the Cabinet Member for Transport and Roads. The consultation report and final proposals are expected in May 2017.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR VALUE FOR MONEY AND EFFICIENCY FROM COUNCILLOR ROGER HARMER
J1 Employment/training offered
Question:
Can the Cabinet Member inform us how many Birmingham residents with learning and physical disabilities in the months May 2016 to March 2017 have been offered employment or training by the contractors signed up to the Birmingham Business Charter for Social Responsibility?
Answer:
Within the Birmingham Business Charter for Social Responsibility, we ask for the following commitments concerning employment and training for people with disabilities:
How many people will you support into employment who face challenges, e.g. ex- offenders, people with learning and physical disabilities?
And
Are you signed up to the Disability Confident employer scheme?
The commitments to these, as with the rest of the Action Plan, are monitored through the contract management process by the Contract Manager; however this is on a contract by contract basis. With the systemisation of the Charter onto the e-tendering portal (In- tend) we will in the future be able to record and report more easily on the delivery of specific outcomes.
The Council’s Employment and Skills Team also use the Charter Action Plans to work with the Charter Signatories to support them in delivering the commitments around jobs and skills including those commitments to support people with learning and physical disabilities.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR VALUE FOR MONEY AND EFFICIENCY FROM COUNCILLOR SUE ANDERSON
J2 Residential Care Homes - opportunities
Question:
Placements in residential care for people with learning disabilities are commissioned by the Council. Are the lives of residents within those homes enriched with opportunities to be involved in sport, travel and local social activities within the commissioned contract?
Answer:
Residential Care for Adults with Learning Disabilities Residential care for adults with Learning Disabilities is spot purchased which means there is no overarching contractual agreement. The Support Plan, developed by the social worker alongside the service users and their carer, usually identifies how the individual should be supported in terms of community activities. This is then reflected in the individual agreement with the care provider and in the fee paid to the provider.
Residential Care for Children with Learning Disabilities There are five children’s homes run by BCC for disabled children - 2 long term, 2 providing residential respite for children with a range of disabilities including autism, learning disabilities and complex needs and 1 unit providing a mix of both long term and respite care. The homes have good arrangement to engage with young people, enabling them to make choices about their care. Young people are supported to access a range of indoor, outdoor, recreational and leisure activities within their local community.
Spot purchased care is arranged through the Regional Framework for Children’s Residential Care, and individual support needs to access community-based activities will be set out in the Individual Placement Agreement for the young person.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR VALUE FOR MONEY AND EFFICIENCY FROM COUNCILLOR ZAKER CHOUDHRY
J3 Increase Advertising Budget for Pavements - Progress
Question:
As Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Efficiency Councillor Mahmood has been given one task to oversee in the coming year’s savings programme - to ensure the advertising budget from pavements is increased. Could he report on progress?
Answer:
The advertising market has generally been buoyant with the portfolio and revenue showing growth year on year
Negotiations for delivery of pavement advertising concluded on 24 th January 2017 and the agreement was signed on 1 st February.
Mobilisation of the contract has started and assets are being manufactured with a delivery date of May 2017. Core City Centre build is scheduled to start on 14th April with a go-live date of June 2017. Work is in progress to identify prime asset locations to maximise income to align with the delivery of assets for the 2 nd phase development.
Performance does however, remain subject to market forces and in particular the recent uncertainty around Brexit
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR VALUE FOR MONEY AND EFFICIENCY FROM COUNCILLOR FROM COUNCILLOR MEIRION JENKINS
J4 Foreign Currency
Question:
In response to Written question G1 at Full Council on 28 February, the Cabinet Member detailed transactions on purchase cards totalling £18,307.87 for foreign currency in 2016. Why was it necessary to withdraw an average of £871.80 per transaction in foreign currency cash given the use of purchase cards whilst abroad for travel and subsistence costs?
Answer:
The transactions are not for cash withdrawals. The expenditure (£18,307.87) relates to foreign currency purchased from the Post Office and Eurochange to be advanced to Members and Officers as subsistence for use whilst undertaking official overseas visits.
Currency is provided to Members and officers for the payment of incidental expenditure such as taxis and light refreshments etc. It is provided on the basis of £50 per day. The total amount provided is dependent upon the destination and duration of the visit.
All currency has to be accounted for through the provision of receipts. Unspent currency is returned.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR VALUE FOR MONEY AND EFFICIENCY FROM COUNCILLOR MATT BENNETT
J5 Contracts
Question:
What are the contracts for each financial year from 2014 onwards exceeding the value of £10,000 that were let without a competitive tendering exercise, specifying the successful organisation, value of the contract, reasons for not putting the contract out to tender and the decision making officer/member?
Answer:
230 Single Contractor Negotiations have been approved since 2014 by following the Standing Orders for Contracts within the Constitution. This part of the constitution permits SCNs where a) there is an urgent or unforeseen requirement that means there is no time to conduct a procurement process or b) where having tested the market there is only one provider able to satisfactorily provide the services required.
Approval for an SCN is granted by the Director of Commissioning & Procurement after consulting Finance and Legal Services and is signed off by the relevant Chief Officer.
SCNs of high value (over £200k) are required to follow the Council’s Procurement Governance Arrangements and are approved in advance through the Planned Procurement Activity Report and the outcome reported quarterly via that month’s report. The financial details are included in the private report only.
The list of SCNs is maintained on an on-going basis and given that it runs to some 35 pages I will forward it separately and electronically to all City Councillors. Please note that given the confidential nature of the values awarded to each provider, which should not be in the public domain contains, the financial information has been redacted.
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR VALUE FOR MONEY AND EFFICIENCY FROM COUNCILLOR GARY SAMBROOK
J6 Processes
Question:
Can the Cabinet Member please explain the process for accounting for foreign currency advances, including what happens to any unspent foreign currency ?
Answer:
All foreign currency advances are recorded on an Overseas Travel Statement of Expenditure form (copy attached) and any unspent foreign currency is returned with the completed expenditure form.
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J6 – APPENDIX
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Page 54 of 94
The Lord Mayor’s Annual Report to Council
May 2017
Page 55 of 94 Nature and Purposes of this Report
This is the seventh annual report from the Lord Mayor and the principal purpose is to give an overall impression of the work that is carried out by the Lord Mayor, the officers of the Lord Mayor’s Office and former Civic Heads. The report draws attention to the importance of this work for the Council and for the City as a whole. Improved communication is vital in achieving a strong and positive understanding of the role of the Lord Mayor’s Office.
In the following text the plural form ‘Lord Mayors’ rather than ‘Lords Mayor’ is adopted and ‘Mayoralty’ and ‘Mayor’ are also employed when more widely applicable points are made.
The substantive sections of the report are:
1. The Fourth Function - setting out the context, history, attributes and perceptions of the Lord Mayoralty.
2. The Duties of the Lord Mayor - illustrating the wide variety of roles, responsibilities and assignments undertaken.
3. Other Civic Positions - explaining the roles of the Lord Mayor’s Consort, Deputy Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor’s Deputies.
4. Mayoral links with the Magistracy and Judiciary.
5. The Lord Mayor and Voting.
6. The Selection of Lord Mayors.
7. The Mayoral Year 2016/17.
8. Further Information.
Appendices:
Lord Mayoral Protocol.
The Senior Officer Position in the Lord Mayor’s Office.
The Lord Mayor’s Award.
Related Offices and Freedoms.
The Lord Mayor’s Charities for 2015/16.
Civic Insignia.
2 Page 56 of 94 1. The Fourth Function
In addition to the Full Council itself, there are four, rather than the sometimes quoted three, principal areas of municipal function. These are Executive, Regulatory, Scrutiny and Civic. The fourth of these, which is delivered through the Lord Mayor’s Office, arguably has the longest tradition and is the most widely recognised by our citizens. However it is perhaps less well recognised in parts of the City Council itself.
Birmingham is the largest local authority in Europe and the Civic function of the Council should be commensurate with this status. The underlying objective of the Lord Mayor’s Office is serving the people of Birmingham and, within the bounds defined by law and the provisions of the Council’s constitution, interpreting the role of Lord Mayor in the context of Birmingham, its values, heritage, customs, practices and civic tradition and upholding the broad and lasting interests of the wider council, our communities and our citizens as a whole.
The Civic Office carries out a wide range of public duties on behalf of the Council and the people of Birmingham. While there are great variations in roles, the concept of ‘Mayor’ is recognised throughout the country and indeed worldwide. Thus the Lord Mayor has many occasions on which to promote the image and importance of Birmingham in both a regional, national and international context should opportunity be taken of this.
The principal function of the Civic Office is to serve and to represent. The Lord Mayor and civic dignitaries are the representative face of Birmingham and promotes the city locally, nationally and internationally. The tradition, standing and impartiality of the office of Lord Mayor help to transcend barriers and the Lord Mayor represents the Birmingham community at formal ceremonies and on both joyous and tragic occasions.
Members of the City Council are used to serving all their constituents regardless of political support, but the Lord Mayor belongs to the public as a whole in an even more fundamental way due to the extent of the Lord Mayor’s contact with communities across the city.
The Lord Mayor is politically neutral - the First Citizen being above political controversy. This is a vitally important aspect of the role and it is one that distinguishes the Lord Mayor from executive Mayors (directly elected Mayors).
The office of Mayor, together with the Domesday Book and the Feudal System, were brought to this country by the Normans. In continental Europe the office has existed since at least the fifth century.
The right to appoint a Lord Mayor is a relatively rare honour that is even less frequently bestowed than city status. Currently, 23 cities in England have Lord Mayors: Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Canterbury, Chester, Coventry, Exeter, Kingston-upon- Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, the City of London, Manchester, Newcastle upon
3 Page 57 of 94 Tyne, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, the City of Westminster and York.
The role of the Chairman of a District Council is exactly the same as the Mayor of a Borough Council, and they have the same status as first citizen, after the Sovereign, in their district.
While in other countries the role of Mayor may have more formal powers than here, most Lord Mayors refer to the esteem in which the role is held by the general public. This stems in part from history, in the 17 th and 18 th centuries, formal mayoral power was considerable.
The office has a central part to play in modern councils and modern society and arguably a growing one. Part of this role is as a result of the traditions it inherits. The First Citizen in any community is in a special position, and a lot of the prestige associated with the role is bound up in the traditions and ceremony that surround the Mayoralty.
The dignity of the office of Lord Mayor is protected by a time-honoured range of protocols and customs and in taking on the role a Councillor is becoming part of this City’s long history of local democratic institutions. It goes without saying that the office of Lord Mayor is immeasurably more important than the individual occupying the position. People expect that the First Citizen in their community will be shown the greatest respect. The protocols are shown in Appendix 1.
The Lord Mayor’s impartiality and the avoidance of contentious issues in public discussion is essential if he / she is to represent the citizens of Birmingham as a whole. The taking of a public position on an issue is a potential wedge between the Lord Mayor and a section of the local community.
The title Lord Mayor has been accorded to the first citizen of the City of Birmingham since 1896 and the Lord Mayor shall, by law, have precedence in the City but not so as to prejudicially affect Her Majesty’s Royal Prerogative. The Lord Mayor is styled ‘The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’ and has precedence immediately after the Royal Family in civic premises and after the Lord Lieutenant elsewhere in the City.
The limited nature of the formal powers of the Lord Mayor does not mean a lack of significance for the role or an inability to initiate beneficial change. Indeed, combined with the absolute impartiality that goes with the office of Lord Mayor, the freedom from formal powers can be a positive asset. Moreover, with the enormous number of engagements that are undertaken by the first citizen, it would be impossible to exercise day to day executive powers with due deliberation.
The volume of engagements undertaken by the Lord Mayor is not an indicator of quality and if excessive can limit the opportunities during a mayoralty to take full advantage of the multitude of contacts and subsequent connections that could be made while the
4 Page 58 of 94 influence of being Lord Mayor is available. However, this does suggest an enhanced role for the Deputy Lord Mayor and for former civic heads acting as deputies. Yet with significant budget restrictions placed upon the Lord Mayor’s Office, opportunities for the Deputy Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor’s Deputies to engage further have been limited.
Furthermore it is important that a reasonable proportion of the engagements should be proactive - for example those relating to the Lord Mayor’s objectives for the year - rather than reactive and that requests from organisations that have not received a mayoral visit previously are considered on an equal basis to habitual destinations. A mayoral year should not merely be a repeat of previous years.
It is also important that people at all levels of community and voluntary organisations, particularly those in ‘the front line’, get a share of mayoral time and that the Lord Mayor’s contacts are not limited to meeting Chief Executives and receiving briefings from board members.
There is a sense in which the Lord Mayor belongs to the people of Birmingham. This perception not only affects the way that the role is carried out but suggests that it is not for others to dispose of or encroach upon.
The Lord Mayoralty is a chance to be exposed to a wide range of issues across the board through first hand observation and through various briefings. There is the opportunity to reach out, encourage, involve and support and to make productive connections with and between people. What Lord Mayors say and do is heard by hundreds of thousands of people - both personally and through the media.
The city has some of the best civic insignia in the country - a matter for considerable pride and one reason why the attendance of the Lord Mayor at events is so much appreciated. Basic information on the chains, mace and badges is given in Appendix 8.
2. Duties of the Lord Mayor
There are two distinct aspects of the office of Lord Mayor:
The Lord Mayor is the Chair of Council meetings
This is a legal provision of the Local Government Act 1972 enabling Council business to be carried out in an orderly and proper manner, having regard to statutory obligations and the Constitution of the Council for the conduct of meetings. The fact that the first citizen chairs the meetings of the full City Council is an important symbol of the fact that the Council itself is the council of the people of Birmingham.
The Lord Mayor may call an extraordinary meeting of the Council subject to proper procedures being followed.
5 Page 59 of 94 The person presiding at the Annual meeting must give a casting vote in the event of any equality of votes for the election of the new Lord Mayor. Such a casting vote would be in addition to a ‘deliberative’ (ordinary) vote. (1972 Local Government Act sec 4(3)).
The Lord Mayor is the first citizen of the City.
The majority of the Lord Mayor’s responsibilities relate to the ‘first citizen’ function of representing the Council, the city and its people and in so doing meeting a wide range of voluntary organisations, charities, employers, agencies, civic heads from other Local Authorities and consular and diplomatic representatives.
Many of the Lord Mayor’s duties are ambassadorial, representing the people and the city both at home and abroad. Responsibilities are many and varied and include, as examples:
• Presiding, as ceremonial head for the Council over its civic functions and social occasions
• Acting as a focal point in times of crisis, tragedy or triumph. This arises as a consequence of precedence.
• Hosting events, receiving and welcoming members of the Royal Family, dignitaries and visitors, at all times observing the recognised protocol.
• Taking part in functions as a representative of the people of Birmingham or the City Council.
• Maintaining good relationships and links with the Armed Services and veterans’ organisations, including the taking of salutes and presiding at Freedom of the City ceremonies.
• Working proactively for the Lord Mayor’s Charity and supporting many other charities.
• Promoting and raising the profile of many Council initiatives and projects that benefit the citizens of Birmingham.
• Encouraging active citizenship and facilitating participation by all in the life of the city.
• Maintaining good relationships and working with the faith organisations within the city, attending a variety of religious occasions and making visits.
• Supporting voluntary activities that benefit the local community and the people of Birmingham.
• Celebrating local success and recognising achievement both internal and external to the Council.
6 Page 60 of 94
• Opening significant buildings, exhibitions and businesses
• Joining citizens in community events.
• Enhancing social cohesion, making connections and expressing the unity of the city.
• Acting as a reassuring reminder of tradition and constancy in a volatile world.
• Acting as an ambassador for the city both nationally and internationally.
The Lord Mayor also has a role in friendly relations between Birmingham and other cities and regions both at home and abroad. This latter includes, but is not confined to, twinning and Sister Cities. In more recent times, trade and the economic considerations have played a major role but the importance of cultural and social linkage and understanding should not be lost sight of.
There is also the scope for simpler, community-to-community friendship links with, for example a civic memorandum being produced and signed at mayoral level. Birmingham has a substantial and thriving Irish community, many having close family connections with County Councils throughout Ireland, and reciprocal visits take place regularly. Birmingham also has very strong links with the town of Albert in France, having been one of the ‘War Godmother Towns’ that helped to rebuild Albert after the First World Ward.
The Lord Mayor hosts a number of civic functions during the year. The Head of Lord Mayor’s Office, has the responsibility of making high level connections with a very wide range of external organisations.
Examples of the demands of the role can be found in Appendix 2.
3. Other Civic Positions
The Deputy Lord Mayor
In Birmingham the position of Deputy Lord Mayor is occupied by the previous year’s Lord Mayor. It is worth noting that this practice is not the case in all local authorities - indeed the majority of councils have the year as Deputy first.
The Deputy Lord Mayor’s principal duties are:
• To assist the Lord Mayor
• To deputise for the Lord Mayor at the Lord Mayor’s request at civic or community events.
7 Page 61 of 94 The Lord Mayor’s Deputies
If both the Lord Mayor and the Deputy Lord Mayor are unavailable to cover a particular event, previous Lord Mayors can be called on to act in a civic capacity as deputy and bring their considerable experience to bear as former civic heads.
The former Civic Heads represent one of the primary sources of the civic institutional memory and a number undertake many supportive roles in the office and in the delivery of the civic function, as well as serving on the Lord Mayor’s Advisory Group, a Sub- Committee of Council Business Management Committee.
4. Mayoral Links to the Magistracy and Judiciary
The Lord Mayor’s formal historic link to the magistracy disappeared many years ago, by virtue of the Administration of Justice Act 1973 and section 10(2) of the Justices of the Peace Act 1979 although equivalent powers were retained by the Lord Mayor of London. Nevertheless, the Lord Mayor can perform certain tasks in a manner similar to a JP.
For example, the Lord Mayor may:
• Take and authenticate by their signature any written declaration not made on oath;
• Give a certificate of facts within their knowledge or of their opinion as to any matter;
• Sign any document for the purpose of authenticating another person’s signature.
The Lord Mayor, in conjunction with the Liaison Judge and the Chairman of the Birmingham Bench, presides at the swearing in ceremonies for new magistrates. Recently there has been an expanded range of informal connections that are much appreciated.
The Lord Mayor meets with members of the Judiciary on a number of occasions and through the Honorary Recorder may sit with the Judge in trials held in Birmingham.
5. The Lord Mayor and Voting
The Lord Mayor may give a casting vote (having not voted previously) or indeed a second vote (after voting previously on the issue in question (a ‘deliberative vote’)).
While some Local Authorities have attempted to point the Lord Mayor towards support for the status quo, there is no convention that the Lord Mayor should seek to vote to protect the status quo.
8 Page 62 of 94 In fact the law requires that the Lord Mayor has complete freedom in exercising a casting vote and it is important that discretion is not seen to be fettered. The Lord Mayor should always be able to vote in accordance with his or her conscience.
The Lord Mayor may reasonably decline to use a casting vote if an affirmative vote is not required on grounds of urgency and there is an opportunity to consider the matter again in an acceptable period.
However, if there is a risk - reputational, financial or otherwise - to the Council, the Lord Mayor will no doubt deploy a casting vote as he or she sees to be in the best interests of the Council as a whole.
6. Selection of Lord Mayors
The Lord Mayor must be a member of the City Council but it was not until 1974 that it became compulsory for Mayors to be selected from members of the council (Local Government Act 1972 section 3.1).
Previously, under the Local Government Act 1933, the Lord Mayor could be elected from ‘those qualified’ - which roughly equated to all those entitled to vote in the area.
In Birmingham an agreed formula is applied so that a candidate is presented to the Council from the major political groups in a frequency proportional to their representation on the Council.
7. The Mayoral Year 2016/17
Having been a member of Birmingham City Council for thirty years I will be honest and say that I have not always appreciated the importance and value of the office of Lord Mayor. However being the first citizen of Birmingham has been a truly wonderful experience and I and the Lady Mayoress now recognise the pivotal ceremonial role the post holds both within and outside the City.
Birmingham is a major international City because it was the birthplace of manufacturing, the result of the inventiveness of James Watt and the ingenuity of Matthew Boulton that saw the world’s first manufactory as it was then termed open in Handsworth. A medium-sized market town in the medieval period, Birmingham grew to international prominence in the 18th century at the heart of the Midlands Enlightenment and subsequent Industrial Revolution, which saw the town at the forefront of worldwide advances in science, technology, and economic development, producing a series of innovations that laid many of the foundations of modern industrial society. And Birmingham could not have grown as fast as it did without immigration – initially from the towns and villages of neighbouring Counties like Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire, then from the rest of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. More recently from the New Commonwealth and even more recently from the European Union and other parts of the world.
9 Page 63 of 94 It is easy to forget that the wealth of Birmingham was created in large part by immigration which provided a source of entrepreneurship, skills and labour. Celebrating the history of Birmingham and remembering that we are a City based on immigration has been an important part of our Mayoral duties. We have attended numerous events organised by the many communities that make Birmingham such a diverse and vibrant City. Highlights include the 50 th anniversary of the independence of Barbados – the birthplace of one of my boyhood heroes Sir Garfield Sobers; the Mega Mela in Cannon Hill Park – a fantastic cultural event, Vaisakhi – the largest outside India, Chinese New Year, St Patrick’s Day Parade – the third biggest in the world, St David’s Day – small but very significant and of course England’s own St George’s Day.
There have been many more equally important events, some involving Flag raising ceremonies in Victoria Square, others involving food and musical performances, yet more like Birmingham Pride that simply celebrate diversity, and of course, the ubiquitous Birmingham Jazz Festival which celebrated its 34 th year in 2016. A highlight was the Commonwealth Cultural Extravaganza in the Town Hall to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 90 th Birthday, which brought many communities together in one showcase production that proved beyond doubt that Birmingham is indeed a harmonious and settled City. We need far more of these inter-community initiatives in the City to demonstrate to those with a less than accurate view of the City that just as in the past – our greatest strength is our people and that we remain a friendly welcoming City.
Our year as Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress has gone so quickly. I used to think I was good at coping with being busy, having combined my councillor duties with full-time employment for thirty years. But nothing prepares you for the role of being Lord Mayor which is quite simply like being on an unstoppable roller-coaster – exciting, exhilarating with one or two scary moments but over all too quickly! What sustains you in your duties are the fantastic people who make our City so special.
The thousands of school children we have met who are full of hope and optimism and who left us in no doubt that the City’s future is safe in their hands. The many businessmen and women we have met and the local companies we have visited, whose success is so critical to Birmingham’s future. The staff, employees and workers whose skills, hard work and endeavours are essential in an increasingly competitive world.
The volunteers who are perhaps the least recognised but most vital group of people who do so much to fill the gaps left by the public and private sectors and who make such a difference to the lives of the people they touch. It strikes me that large cities like Birmingham wouldn’t function so well if it wasn’t for the legion of volunteers who give their time regularly and without complaint. Nor that the majority of the volunteers that I’ve met have been women. So I’m pleased that I chose to highlight the voluntary sector and the contribution women make to the City as my key themes for the year.
Mention must be made of the sportsmen and women who help put Birmingham on the map. Whilst our two football teams Birmingham City and Aston Villa remain in the Championship and our Rugby Union team Birmingham Moseley did not gain promotion, our cricket team Warwickshire won the One Day Cup and our athletics team Birchfield
10 Page 64 of 94 Harriers won both the Men and Women’s National Championships – the first time in history that this notable feat has been achieved.
Birmingham is privileged to have five world class centres of higher education in Aston University, Birmingham City University, Newman University, University College Birmingham and of course the world’s first civic university – the University of Birmingham. We have visited all five and helped distribute the thousands of certificates that are awarded every year in Birmingham. I think I have discovered a new medical phenomenon – Lord Mayor’s wrist – having shook thousands of hands at Degree Ceremonies, a consequence of having so many successful graduates in the City.
It is important to remember that those students from overseas and from other parts of the UK will become honorary Birmingham citizens and de facto ambassadors for the City when they return home. But it is also critical for us to retain as many as we can to ensure local companies have the skills needed to compete on the world stage. Mention must also be made of the City’s many colleges all of whom provide excellent education and training for the City’s young adults. I forged a particularly close relationship with South & City College which focuses exclusively on vocational education and training – practical skills which our City desperately need.
During the year the City was visited by members of the Royal Family and we were delighted to meet the Princess Royal, Princess Alexandra and the Duke of Gloucester. I am indebted to Colonel George Marsh, who as Vice Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands acted as the Queen’s representative in the County until the appointment of John Crabtree as Lord Lieutenant in January 2017. We got to know both very well during our term of office along with the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Keith Bradshaw a proud son of Aston who carried out his duties with dignity and good humour. Mention must also be made of the civic heads of the other six local authorities in the West Midlands County who we met on many occasions. I truly believe that the tensions that emerge between the seven separate parts of the West Midlands from time to time are a thing of the past and that there is a growing realisation that we are stronger as a region when we speak with one voice.
We had the opportunity to travel and promote Birmingham abroad on several occasions. Our first visit was to attend a service at the Thiepval Memorial to commemorate the centenary of the first battle of the Somme - the bloodiest battle in British military history which began on 1 st July 1916 and lasted for four months until 18 th November. It is simply staggering that on the opening day of the battle alone the British Fourth Army took 57,470 casualties, of which 19,240 men were killed. At the roll call of the 8 th & 6 th Royal Warwickshire Battalions on 2 nd July 1916 only 15 out of 700 men answered. We also remembered the many thousands of French and German men who were killed during the Battle.
We were in the Somme region as guests of the Mayor of Albert - Stéphane Demilly to celebrate the friendship that grew up between our citizens after the First World War. In 1924 the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Alderman Percival Bower, set up an appeal to raise money to help rebuild Albert which had been completely destroyed during the war. In 1926 the French Government conferred the ‘Legion d’Honneur’ upon Percival Bower in recognition of his work for the Albert Adoption Scheme. In May 1927 Albert representatives visited Birmingham during which the Mayor of Albert stated that ‘a
11 Page 65 of 94 friendship born of suffering was imperishable’ Today Albert still has a ‘Rue de Birmingham’ and almshouses paid for by the citizens of Birmingham still exist although with a different use. As the current Lord Mayor of Birmingham I was proud to say on the eve of the 100 th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme - the friendship between Birmingham and Albert is indeed imperishable.
From France we continued to Belgium where it was a humbling experience to read the Exhortation after the Last Post on Sunday 4 th July at the Menin Gate in Ypres as part of the commemorations. This was the most moving experience of a memorable visit to the 1st World War battlefields of France and Belgium. We had the privilege to visit China at the invitation of Birmingham City University to commemorate the 10 th anniversary of their presence in Shanghai. We were very impressed with the warm hospitality and reception we received, not entirely unexpected because we always received the same welcoming reception from the Chinese community in Birmingham. We went on to the City of Wuhan to open the Birmingham Institute of Fashion and Creative Art (BIFCA), the result of a partnership between Birmingham City University and Wuhan Textile University. BIFCA offers a selection of creative arts degrees taught with the opportunity to spend two years studying at WTU’s Wuhan campus and two years in Birmingham. Both of us were particularly pleased to be invited to open this exciting new facility, myself, because as a Councillor representing the City Centre of Birmingham, I have a large number of students from China living in my Ward. The Lady Mayoress because she herself is a Fashion and Textile Design graduate from the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, part of Birmingham City University. In December we had a day trip to Frankfurt to attend the official naming of a new tram that celebrated the 50 years of friendship between Birmingham and Frankfurt. Although a very tiring trip of 18 hours I was invited to drive the tram – a most memorable experience. We also had an opportunity to visit the Frankfurt Christmas market in Frankfurt. Not entirely dissimilar to the Frankfurt Christmas market in Birmingham. We were delighted to visit Chicago as a guest of the Windy City to celebrate 24 years of our sister City relationship. I was in the Birmingham delegation which visited Chicago in 1996 as Chair of the Leisure Services Committee and it was great to see that the links between our two cities are as strong as ever. It was pointed out to me that the two cities have a lot in common so I asked about how Chicago got its reputation for being the Windy City. I was told that it has nothing to do with the weather but everything to do with local politicians who after winning the right to host the World's Fair in 1890 were labelled windy by New Yorkers who were extremely irritated that a "frontier town" could beat them. I stoutly defended Birmingham’s reputation by saying that having served on the City Council for 30 years any comparisons of our two great cities did not extend to the verbosity of our local politicians, who are noted for being both eloquent and succinct! We were also delighted to receive an invitation from the Queen’s Royal Hussars based in Celle, Germany to visit an historic regiment which recruits mainly from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. Having ridden in a Challenger Mark 2 tank I can safely say that my appreciation and admiration for Councillor Mike Sharpe who was a tank driver in the regiment has increased enormously. Whilst there I had the opportunity to visit the site of Bergen Belsen concentration camp along with new recruits to the Queens Royal Hussars. I was reminded of the line from the Robbie Burns poem – “Man's inhumanity to man. Makes countless thousands mourn.”
12 Page 66 of 94 We chose to support two charities in our Mayoral year. Our first chosen was Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid which celebrated its 35 th anniversary in 2016. It supports women and children affected by domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. BSWA believe that women and children have the right to live free from violence, abuse and fear and works in close partnership with agencies such as housing and the police to ensure the best outcomes for women and their children. One-to-one, tailored support services deliver long-term, positive outcomes for women and their children by addressing all of their needs including poverty, debt, homelessness, housing, legal issues, health and wellbeing.
Our second charity was Bloodwise which was chosen following a visit to the University of Birmingham. I was overwhelmed by the truly world class, blood cancer research that is being carried out by Bloodwise, right here in Birmingham at the City’s Medical School. It’s exciting to know that the charity’s revolutionary work, particularly in speeding up access to clinical drug trials, is already improving the lives of so many patients with the disease. I was invited on the lab tour after attending a South Birmingham Branch Bloodwise AGM in July of last year. Impressed by the dedication of the members who have raised over £500,000 in the last 40 years, I wanted to learn more about the life saving research taking place in the city. Birmingham is central to the life-saving work carried out by the charity, with £20 million invested in 32 different blood cancer research projects and clinical drug trials in the City which help speed up access to new treatments for patients with leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Almost every day I learnt new fascinating facts about Birmingham. For instance I did not know that Birmingham was the first City to arrange a veteran’s branch of the Royal British Legion and that the Birmingham Forward Branch is still going strong after 95 years. As Lord Mayor I attended many Services of Thanks and Remembrance for the men and women who serve, or who have served, in Britain’s armed forces. In June, Birmingham held a splendid service on Armed Forces Day in Centenary Square, whilst in September we remembered the bravery of the RAF on Battle of Britain Day. We attended the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas four times. Our final visit to Alrewas was in April 2017 when we took a party of women from the local War Widows branch to the relocated Rose Garden which acts as a tribute to the women whose husbands and loved ones died whilst serving in the armed forces. I hope it will become an annual event.
Armed Forces Day was a chance to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. As Lord Mayor I was proud to see the march past of Birmingham’s finest - currently serving troops, veterans and cadets. The annual Remembrance Day event in Centenary Square in November was another solemn occasion and it was gratifying to see that attendance is increasing year on year. At all the events I took time out to speak to the veterans carrying the military standards and to thank them on behalf of Birmingham’s citizens for their service for Queen and Country and to state how, as Birmingham’s first citizen, I am acutely aware of the debt this City and its people owe them.
We were also fortunate to be invited to visit the three branches of our armed forces as principal guests. At the annual 11 th Signal & West Midlands Brigade Reception at Donnington we were treated to music from several bands including the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. In August we were able to take a cruise from Portsmouth on HMS
13 Page 67 of 94 Daring, our City’s Royal Navy ship along with many other Birmingham representatives. On Battle of Britain Day in September 2016 we attended the annual reception at RAF Cosford where we had the spectacle of a Spitfire fly past, which was a fitting end to a memorable evening. At each visit I expressed the City’s gratitude to the men and women, who serve their country in the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force and who, along with military operations, are increasingly involved in humanitarian work throughout the world.
During my year as Lord Mayor I took countless groups on tours around the Council House and couldn’t help but notice that the Freedom of the City board opposite the portrait of Joseph Chamberlain contains only Army and Navy names – there are none connected to the Royal Air Force. Having enjoyed a magnificent relationship with RAF Cosford in my Mayoral year I do hope that this obvious yet unintended oversight can be corrected in 1918 – the centenary year of the Royal Air Force and that RAF Cosford will be granted the freedom of the City.
Mention must also be made of the City’s many faith groups and I was delighted to attend many events organised by the Birmingham Council of Faiths whose aim is to promote harmonious relations between people of different faiths in the City. The Love Your Neighbour initiative was a fitting response to the many vigils I attended in memory of Jo Cox MP, the victims of the Orlando shootings; those killed in Nice as well the most recent atrocity on Westminster Bridge. We must never forget those killed by the Nazis in the Holocaust and other acts of genocide and I was moved beyond words to represent the City on Holocaust Memorial Day and at the 21 st Srebrenica Memorial Event. To quote Maya Angelou – “Hate. It has caused a lot of problems in this world but has not solved one yet.”
On a lighter note I’ve met Adil Ray, aka Citizen Khan, with his family just before he received his honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University, and I ran into the great Ann Jones at Edgbaston Reservoir – arguably Birmingham’s greatest sportswoman, she won the Women’s Singles Championship and Mixed Doubles Championship at Wimbledon in 1969. I also had the honour of presenting Lenny Henry with his scroll when he was appointed Chancellor of BCU and met rock royalty Noddy Holder as a fellow judge on the Pride of Birmingham Awards.
Birmingham is a great City whose greatest strength is its people and whilst I started the year full of pride and admiration for what our citizens have achieved in the past, what I have seen in my Mayoral year has left me convinced that our future is secure, so long as we retain the confidence and determination to succeed in an increasing uncertain and competitive world. Can I thank the City Council and its elected members for granting Deed and myself the privilege to represent Birmingham as its first citizens. Can I extend an even bigger thank you to thousands of people we have met who have made our Mayoral year so memorable with their warmth, friendship and kindness.
14 Page 68 of 94 8. Further Information
Members who would like to learn more about civic traditions, protocol and ceremonial heritage throughout the country are referred to Civic Ceremonial by Paul Millward - upon which this report draws extensively. The Local Government Acts of 1972 and 2000 give valuable information on precedence and protocol.
A concise history of the Lord Mayoralty in Birmingham has been written by Professor John Stewart of INLOGOV, University of Birmingham. Debrett’s Correct Form is also a valuable reference for procedure and etiquette.
Councillor Carl Rice Lord Mayor of Birmingham 2016/17
15 Page 69 of 94 Appendix 1
Lord Mayoral Protocol
General Information
The Lord Mayor is the first citizen of the City of Birmingham. In maintaining the dignity of this widely respected position of long standing, it is important that due regard is paid to the office as it has been since the title of Lord Mayor was first accorded in 1896.
There is an established protocol regarding precedence, procedure, speaking arrangements and other matters at events when the Lord Mayor of Birmingham is present. In terms of precedence it is expressly laid down by statute (31 Henry VIII c10) that the determination of precedence is a matter for the Royal prerogative.
The following notes indicate the procedure that should be followed in the City when the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham are attending public functions.
Precedence
The Lord Mayor shall, by law, have precedence in the City with the sole exception that this shall not prejudicially affect Her Majesty’s Royal Prerogative. This means that the Lord Mayor takes precedence over all other members and officers of the Council at all events.
The Lord Mayor’s office will be pleased to assist organisers - within or outside of the Council - on any protocol issues when these involve the attendance of the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress, the Deputy Lord Mayor or a Deputy acting on behalf of the Lord Mayor.
Arrival and Departure
As, in many instances, the Lord Mayor may be unacquainted with those responsible for the organisation of your function, it is mutually helpful if an appointed person meets the Lord Mayor at the entrance to the building when he arrives.
The Lord Mayor (and the Consort/Lady Mayoress if he/she attends) should then be escorted and introduced immediately to the President, Chairman or whoever is acting as host for the function, or, in certain circumstances, to the assembled company.
When the Consort/Lady Mayoress only attends the function, or when the Lord Mayor is represented by the Deputy Lord Mayor or by a Deputy, similar arrangements should be made.
The departure time from the function that has been agreed with the Lord Mayor’s Office is expected to be observed.
16 Page 70 of 94 Reception
When the Lord Mayor of Birmingham enters an assembly it is customary for those present to rise. Similarly, this courtesy is extended to him when he/she leaves the meeting.
Precedence at Visits and Functions
As the first citizen of Birmingham, the Lord Mayor should be the first to receive Royal visitors to the Council. The Lord Mayor should also be the first to receive emissaries and diplomatic visitors such as Ambassadors, Charges d’Affaires or Consuls.
At meetings, unless the Lord Mayor occupies the Chair, he should be seated on the immediate right of the Chairman. This also applies to seating arrangements at lunches and dinners.
At lunches and dinners, when the toast of “The City of Birmingham” is given (although this toast is not obligatory) it usually follows that of “The Queen”.
When the toast is omitted but the Lord Mayor has previously consented to speak, it is customary to accord him/her the privilege of being the first to propose or respond to the toast immediately following the loyal toast.
Similarly at meetings or social gatherings, the Lord Mayor would be the first speaker, although an introduction may appropriately be made by the Chairman of the meeting.
In programmes or printed material that contains a ‘welcome’ at an event where the Lord Mayor is to be present, the ‘welcome’ should be by the Lord Mayor or, if several ‘welcomes’ are included, that of the Lord Mayor should be first.
Information for the Lord Mayor
The provision of a comprehensive briefing is essential to the Lord Mayor’s participation in your event. The briefing form, which must be completed in full with no elements omitted , should be sent to the Lord Mayor’s Office at the earliest convenient date but at least two weeks before the function .
Photographs, Filming and Recorded Interviews
The Lord Mayor and the Consort/Lady Mayoress will normally be pleased to be included in a reasonable number of photographs taken at your event. However, photographs must on no account be used for commercial or political purposes .
If the event is to be filmed, this should be notified to the Lord Mayor’s Office in advance. If, in addition to other participation in the event, a filmed or recorded interview with the Lord Mayor or Lady Mayoress is desired, filming and subject matter should be agreed with the Office in advance of the event. Informal use of video cameras by members of the audience is allowable within reason.
17 Page 71 of 94 Forms of address
The formal announcement to be made when the Lord Mayor only is present is:
“The Right Worshipful, The Lord Mayor, Councillor *********** *********”.
When the Consort/Lady Mayoress is also present the announcement is: -
“The Lord Mayor and Her Consor”t or “The Lord Mayor and The Lady Mayoress”, “Councillor ********** ********* and Mr ********** *********”. or “The Lord Mayor and The Lady Mayoress Councillor ************* ***********”.
When the Lady Mayoress only is present it is: -
“The Lady Mayoress, Mrs ********** **********”.
When the Lord Mayor’s Consort only is present it is
“The Lord Mayor’s Consort, Mr ********** ********”.
These are also the correct descriptions for use in printed materials.
The usual mode of address is:
“Lord Mayor – Lady Mayoress”. “Lord Mayor – Lord Mayor’s Consort”. The older form: “My Lord Mayor” is also correct but nowadays is less frequently used.
When the Lord Mayor is represented by the Deputy Lord Mayor he/she is addressed as “Deputy Lord Mayor”.
Similarly if the Lord Mayor is represented by a deputy, who will be a former Lord Mayor, it is: “Mr / Madam Deputy”.
The correct descriptions are: -
“The Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor *************.” and “The Lord Mayor’s Deputy (Councillor (or Honorary Alderman) )”.
Variations and Queries
The Lord Mayor will wish to help ensure the success of every event. In this it is emphasised that precedence must be observed by all participating in the event and any variations to the programme must observe precedence.
The Lord Mayor, the Consort/Lady Mayoress or Deputies should not be asked to deliver a formal speech or address, conduct a recorded or filmed interview or play a particular or changed role in any ceremony associated with the function they are attending, unless a prior request has been made to the Lord Mayor’s Office and consent obtained.
Organisers may have other queries and the Lord Mayor’s Office should always be consulted on these should there exist any remaining doubt.
18 Page 72 of 94 Appendix 2
Head of Lord Mayor’s Office
Given the significance of the role, this position calls for an appropriate status and title. Very broadly the principal functions are as follows:
Being Private Secretary to the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and director of the civic affairs function of the City of Birmingham.
Providing essential support for the Deputy Lord Mayor and former civic heads when acting in deputising capacities.
Acting as adviser to the Lord Mayor, Consort /Lady Mayoress, Deputy Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor’s Deputies on issues relating to protocol, non-politicisation and conduct befitting the office.
Acting as Adviser to the Deputy Leader of the Council on civic and Mayoral matters.
Working closely with the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council to manage reputational risk, and ensure collaborative working between the Lord Mayor and the Leader and to ensure best possible communication between the two offices.
Managing the overall budget for the Lord Mayor’s Office.
Directing and administrating the Lord Mayor’s Office in light of current legislation and internal procedures.
Oversight of all personnel and activities managed and administered by the Lord Mayor’s Office.
Managing the programme of major civic and ceremonial occasions including Remembrance Sunday, Royal Visits and Freedom Parades.
Organising the full calendar of civic functions.
Arranging overseas visits.
Working as the link officer with other civic offices both nationally and internationally to develop and enhance partnerships and exchange information.
Co-ordinating the City’s response to national and international disasters/tragedies/ atrocities; including drafting responses from the Lord Mayor on behalf of the City to Heads of State and the media, managing the half-masting of flags, observances of silences and/or other memorial events as appropriate, and ensuring that all Government directives are actioned appropriately.
To be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to any matters requiring an immediate response outside office hours.
The co-ordination and administration of the Lord Mayor’s Award.
19 Page 73 of 94 Dealing with numerous and significant organisations and individuals on a regular basis, including: • The Lord Lieutenancy (Royal Visits) • The Armed Forces (Remembrance Sunday, Freedom Parades, Regimental visits) • The consulates of over 20 countries • The office of the High Sheriff • Government departments (such as the Home Office) • The Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church, the Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, Buddhist and other faith communities. • The Royal British Legion • The Broadcast Media • The Birmingham Federation of Ex-Service Associations • The Honorary Recorder and the Crown Court • The Magistrates Association • The Local Government Association • West Mgidlands Police • West Midlands Fire Service • The Lunar Society • The Civic Society • Cathedrals and Major Churches • BARRA • War Widows • War evacuees • Birmingham City University (the Lord Mayor is Chancellor) • Rotary Clubs • Birmingham Royal Ballet • The Irish in Birmingham • The Chinese Community • The Birmingham Society • Broad Street Business Improvement District • A wide range of companies with civic engagement such as Sandvik, Firmins, Elkington & Co and Ede & Ravenscroft
Further information is available from the Lord Mayor’s Office.
20 Page 74 of 94 Appendix 3
The Lord Mayor’s Award
The Lord Mayor’s Award fills the significant gap between a letter of appreciation from the Lord Mayor and the award of the Freedom of the City. The standard has been set high, it being envisaged that a relatively small number of such awards would be made each year in order to preserve its distinction. Nominations for the Lord Mayor’s Award should have broad support throughout the council. The recipient could be an individual, a group of individuals or an organisation. Each recipient receives a testimonial presented at Full Council at the end of the Lord Mayor’s term of office.
The overriding principle is that any Lord Mayor’s Awards must be on merit, this being defined as outstanding achievement or exceptional service to the City and people of Birmingham.
No Councillor, past or present, would be considered for the Award, as the same are already considered for the title of Honorary Alderman. To avoid the Award becoming politicised, the Award is not given for services rendered to any Political Party or related organisation.
The Lord Mayor’s Award is not made simply for a job well done or because someone has reached a particular level. The Award will recognise ‘going the extra mile’ in the contribution. The person(s) should stand out from their peers in what they have achieved.
Accordingly, consideration for the Award is given to individuals or organisations who have, through their sustained endeavours, initiative and dedication:
• improved the reputation or benefited the perception or fabric of the City of Birmingham; • benefited a significant number of the people in Birmingham or improved their lives; • represent outstanding examples of selfless service to the City of Birmingham and its citizens; • command the respect of their peers and who are exceptional role models in their field; or • ‘against the odds’ demonstrated great moral courage and loyalty to the City and people of Birmingham.
Nominations can be made by Birmingham Councillors and / or members of the public at any time, although it is envisaged that the Lord Mayor will make the awards at the Council AGM. Nominations received are considered by the members of the Lord Mayor’s Advisory Group in conjunction with the Lord Mayor and the Awards are administered and supported by the Lord Mayor’s Office.
21 Page 75 of 94 Appendix 4
Related Offices and Freedoms
The Lord Lieutenant
The Lord Mayor works closely with the Lord Lieutenant during the year. The office of Lord Lieutenant dates from the sixteenth century. The Lord Lieutenant had various tasks throughout history and was originally responsible for local military defence and the keeping of order. The Lieutenancy role also has historic associations with the magistracy and the most recent legislation is the Lieutenancies Act 1997.
The Lord Lieutenant is appointed by the Queen and is Her Majesty’s representative in the region - in our case the West Midlands. The Lord Lieutenant has primary responsibility for Royal visits. The Lord Lieutenant has considerable involvement with the armed forces, undertakes some charitable and benevolent activities and is ‘keeper of the rolls’ (concerned with the conduct of JPs).
The Lord Lieutenant may have a large number of Deputy Lieutenants (typically 30 or 40) and is supported by a Lieutenancy Office. As determined nationally, the Lord Lieutenant takes precedence over the Lord Mayor except within civic premises. The Lord Lieutenant once appointed may remain in office until the age of 75.
The High Sheriff
A High Sheriff is appointed for each county in England and Wales. The office of High Sheriff is an ancient one dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Before the creation in Tudor times of the office of Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff was the Sovereign’s sole representative in a County.
The position is not to be confused with the much newer post of City or Borough Sheriff which exists in around sixteen councils in England. The Lord Mayor and High Sheriff are each present at a number of ceremonial occasions and there are significant opportunities to develop connections and common interests further.
The High Sheriff is appointed for one year and is responsible to the Crown with formal responsibility for the well-being of High Court Judges. The High Sheriff is supported by an Under Sheriff. The Shrievalty Association publishes a guide to the office of High Sheriff
22 Page 76 of 94 Honorary Freemen
This is the highest honour that the City Council can bestow and therefore it should not be awarded lightly or frequently. It is awarded to persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the city. Local Government Act 1972 Sec 249 (5).
“After the passing of the resolution a newly appointed Freeman may, depending on custom, take the appropriate Freeman’s Oath and sign the Freeman’s Roll, his or her signature being witnessed by the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive.”
Freedom of the City
The freedom of entry associated with the Freedom of the City is granted to military service units which have rendered conspicuous service and which are closely associated with the city and the recruitment of people from the region.
The Freedom of the City is bestowed as an honour. It is worth noting that Councils outside London probably do not in any case have powers to prevent entry by HM forces even should they wish to do so!
23 Page 77 of 94 Appendix 5
The Lord Mayor’s Charity
The way in which the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Charity operates changed in 2016. The Charity now chooses a theme which runs for three years and all projects funded by the Charity will either be based in Birmingham or be for the benefit of the people of Birmingham.
The theme for 2016-2019 is Health and Wellbeing.
One of the important and exciting benefits of the change is that all of the funds raised by the Charity will be spent right here in the city.
Another exciting benefit is that rather than each Lord Mayor choosing the good causes they will support at the start of their year, they can now also choose to make donations to local projects throughout the year. In addition, local good causes can apply to the Lord Mayor for funding by providing full details of the project and what donations will be spent on.
Corporate supporters can also apply for funding from the Lord Mayor’s Charity for specific projects that their companies support, which will enhance partnership working. The three year theme will also bring continuity and help corporate supporters to plan ahead.
24 Page 78 of 94 Appendix 6
Civic Insignia
The Lord Mayor’s engagements fall into three relatively distinct categories: ceremonial, formal and informal and regalia and clothing are appropriate to the occasion. On ceremonial occasions (for example the Civic Service, Remembrance Sunday, the Annual Meeting and Freedom Ceremonies) the robes and chain are worn.
The chain is worn on formal occasions ranging from important major events such as Royal Visits, presentations and official visits or openings of community functions.
For other engagements, for example receiving visitors in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour, non- public meetings, small localised events either the chain or the day badge may be worn although, given the interest associated with it, the chain is preferred on most occasions, particularly for community events. The badge is frequently worn at internal business and briefing meetings, at City Council and on black tie occasions.
The essential factor is the continued maintenance of the dignity of the Lord Mayor and the City. The attendance of the Lord Mayor, whether it be in robes, chain or badge, is an honour to the event and should not be regarded as a right by the organisers.
The mace is used on ceremonial and some other formal occasions and for meetings of the full City Council. It was made in Birmingham in 1897 by Elkington and Company. The mace, 4 feet 3 inches in length, is silver, cast and chased and gilded.
The Lord Mayor’s chain is 18 carat gold, made and maintained in Birmingham. The chain has 55 enamelled links in two rows suspended from two shoulder clasps in the form of wreathed Tudor roses terminating in an oval enamelled badge bearing the initials of William Scholefield.
Incorporated in the suspension link is a diamond, cut by a refugee from occupied Europe (1939-45). From this badge hangs a Maltese cross incorporating the first diamond to be cut in Birmingham.
Two new links were added in 1989 for the City’s Centenary. These bear the initials of Frederick Chapman and Harold Blumenthal who were the Lord Mayors in that year. The measurements of the chain are are: circumference (outer row): 60 inches; (inner row): 46 inches: height of the pendant badge: 5 inches; width: 3 ½ inches.
The Lady Mayoress’s chain was presented to the City by Alderman F C Clayton in 1914 and is 18 carat gold. There are 25 links alternately double-sided fleur-de-lys end openwork scrolling enclosed collet set diamonds. The central badge of openwork scrolling enclosing the letter ‘B’ in diamonds is set in platinum. Suspended from this is a larger badge with the City coat of arms in gold and enamel. The length of the chain is 36 inches and contains over 70 diamonds.
The Lord Mayor’s Consort does not wear a Chain of Office, but wears a civic badge.
25 Page 79 of 94
Page 80 of 94
Birmingham City Council By-elections – 4 May 2017
I have to inform you that at the above elections the following persons were elected Councillors of the City for the under-mentioned Wards, and that they have made and subscribed the declaration required by law accepting office:-
Ward Name Description Term of Office Expires HALL GREEN CLEMENTS Liz Labour 2018 PERRY BARR MORRIAM Jan Liberal Democrat 2018
.. Returning Officer
List of Councillors Elected 4 May 2017 Page 81 of 94
Page 82 of 94
CITY COUNCIL 23 May 2017
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS
1. This report sets out appointments to Committees and other Bodies to be approved by the City Council for the 2017/2018 Municipal Year.
2. An Appendix detailing all nominations will be circulated at or before the Council Meeting.
MOTION
2. That the City Council makes appointments to Committees and other bodies as detailed in the revised Appendix to the report.
Page 83 of 94
Page 84 of 94 APPENDIX
CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS 2017/18
In accordance with aggregate proportionality requirements based on 111 seats, the following gains and losses that need to be reflected in the composition of Committees: ie
Labour = + 1 seat Conservative = - 1 seat Liberal Dem = - 1 seat Others = + 1 seat
Committees will have regard to aggregate number of seats on all the Sub- Committees which they appoint.
1. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO SERVE ON OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES UNTIL THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL IN MAY 2018
(A) CORPORATE RESOURCES AND GOVERNANCE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 12 Members
Labour (8) Conservative (3) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor . as Chair
(B) ECONOMY, SKILLS AND TRANSPORT OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 12 Members
Labour (8) Conservative (3) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Councillor as Chair
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 1 Page 85 of 94
(C) SCHOOLS, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 12 Members
Labour (8) Conservative (3) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Other Voting Members (4) 1 Church of England diocese representative – 1 Roman Catholic diocese representative – 2 Parent Governor Representatives –
Councillor as Chair
(D) HEALTH, WELLBEING AND THE ENVIRONMENT OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 12 Members
Labour (8) Conservative (3) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor as Chair
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 2 Page 86 of 94 (E) HOUSING AND HOMES OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 12 Members
Labour (8) Conservative (3) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor as Chair
2. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE REGULATORY COMMITTEES UNTIL THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL IN MAY 2018
(A) PLANNING COMMITTEE (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 15 Members
Labour (10) Conservative (4) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor as Chair
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 3 Page 87 of 94 (B) LICENSING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 15 Members
Labour (10) Conservative (4) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor Barbara Dring as Chair
(B1) LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE A (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 3 Members
Labour (2) Conservative (1) Liberal Democrat (0)
Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor . as Chair
(B2) LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE B (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 3 Members
Labour (2) Conservative (1) Liberal Democrat (0)
Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor as Chair
(B3) LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE C (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 3 Members (1 seat given up by Conservative Group to the Liberal Democrat to reflect proportionality across the 3 Licensing Sub-Committees)
Labour (2) Conservative (0) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor .. as Chair
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 4 Page 88 of 94 3. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE COUNCIL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UNTIL THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL IN MAY 2018 (Outside of proportionality requirements) 8 Members – Labour Group Leader, Deputy Leader & Group Secretary Conservative Group Leader & Group Secretary Liberal Democrat Group Leader or Group Secretary 2 Labour
Labour (5) Conservative (2) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Leader of the Council as Chair
4. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE AUDIT COMMITTEE UNTIL THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL IN MAY 2018 (Must comply with proportionality requirements) 8 Members
Labour (5) Conservative (2) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor .. as Chair
5. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE TRUSTS AND CHARITIES COMMITTEE UNTIL THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL IN MAY 2018 (Must comply with proportionality requirements ) 8 Members
Labour (5) Conservative (2) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Councillor .. as Chair
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 5 Page 89 of 94 6. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE UNTIL THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL IN MAY 2018 (City Councillor appointments to comply with proportionality requirements) 5 Members
Labour (3) Conservative (1) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
4 independent voting members:
Philip Richardson Peter Wiseman Steven Jonas Professor Stephen Shute
1 member representing the New Frankley in Birmingham Parish Council and 1 member representing the Sutton Coldfield Parish Council (Parish member must be present when matters relating to the Parish Council or its Members are being considered): New Frankley in Birmingham Parish Councillor Cllr Ian Bruckshaw Sutton Coldfield Parish Councillor Cllr Derrick Griffin
Philip Richardson and Peter Wiseman as joint Chairmen (independent)
The quorum is 3 and must include at least one independent member and one Parish Council member if matters relating to the Parish are to be discussed.
7. ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS TO OUTSIDE BODIES UNTIL THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL IN MAY 2018
(A) Local Government Association – General Assembly (4 Councillors to exercise 17 votes in accordance with proportionality)
Labour Group Members 11 votes Conservative Group Member 4 votes Liberal Democrat Group Member 2 votes
Cllr (Lab) Cllr (Lab) Cllr (Con) Cllr (Lib Dem)
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 6 Page 90 of 94 (B) West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (10 Councillors appointments must comply with proportionality requirements)
Labour (7) Conservative (2) Liberal Democrat (1)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Cllr . as Lead Member
(C) Transport Delivery Committee (7 Councillors appointments must comply with proportionality requirements)
Labour (5) Conservative (2)
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
Cllr . as Lead Member
(D) West Midlands Police and Crime Panel
To appoint one Labour member and a named substitute to serve on West Midlands Police and Crime Panel.
Member Substitute
Cllr (Labour) Cllr
Birmingham to nominate to West Midlands Joint Committee 1 Labour representative and 1 Conservative representative to serve on West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, along with a named substitute for each.
Member Substitute
Cllr (Lab) Cllr (Lab) Cllr (Conservative) Cllr
(E) West Midlands Joint Committee
Leader of the Council - Voting Member Deputy Leader of the Council - Substitute Voting Member Leader of the Main Opposition Group - Observer Member:
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 7 Page 91 of 94 (F) Departmental Consultative Committees
Chairmen of Departmental Consultative Committees:
Economy Directorate Cllr People Directorate Cllr Place Directorate Cllr
(G) Association of Councillors
The appointment is for a 3 year period of office ie May 2017 to May 2020 and the person appointed must be a Member of the Council.
Councillor
(H) Joint Scrutiny Committee for the Supervisory Board of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership
Appoint one member of Authority and a substitute Member
Councillor and Councillor (Substitute)
(I) West Midlands Combined Authority
The following appointments need to be made
WMCA Board
Member Substitute
Cllr Cllr Cllr Cllr
WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Member Substitute
Cllr Cllr
WMCA Audit Committee
Member Substitute
Cllr Cllr
(J) WM Growth Company - Board of Directors
At Cabinet on 21 March 2017 Marketing Birmingham Company was transferred in to a Combined Authority Company. The Leader will be the Council’s nomination.
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 8 Page 92 of 94
(K) ITA
Cllr .and Cllr (substitute).
(L) Annual Appointments to Other Bodies (Historically, proportionality has been applied to positions requiring two or more members, although it does not need to be applied to such appointments).
Body Representative
(a) Interim Standing Advisory Cllr (Lab) Council on Religious Cllr (Lab) Education – Cllr (Lab) 8 Representatives Cllr (Lab) Cllr (Lab) Mr (Con) (To comply with proportionality - Cllr (Con) 5 Lab; 2 Con; 1 Lib Dem) (Lib Dem)
Cllr Barry Henley as Chair
(b) Employee Consultative Cllr (Lab) Forum (Education) Cllr (Lab) 8 Councillors Cllr (Lab) Cllr (Lab) Cllr (Lab) (To comply with proportionality - Cllr (Con) 5 Lab; 2 Con; 1 Lib Dem) Cllr (Con) Cllr (Lib Dem)
(c) City Housing Liaison Board 3 Councillors plus 1 Lab Cllr (Lab) alternate Cllr (Lab) alt 1 Lab; 1 Con; 1 Lib Dem Cllr (Con) Cllr (Lib Dem)
23052017 – Appointments 2017-2018 Appx 9 Page 93 of 94
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