Agenda

To receive apologies for absence (if any).

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

To confirm, as a correct record, the minutes of the annual meeting of Council held on 24 May 2022 and the meeting of Council held on 7 June 2022.

To consider any urgent business (with prior approval by the Mayor).

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

To receive petitions under Standing Order No. 5.

To consider written questions under Standing Order No. 6 to:-

(a)     the Mayor;

(b)     the Leader of the Council;

(c)     any other member of the Cabinet;

(d)     any person appointed to preside at a committee, sub-committee or panel;

(e)     the members of the Council nominated pursuant to Section 41 of the Local Government Act 1985, on the discharge of the functions of the following Joint Authorities:-

(i)           West Midlands Combined Authority (the Leader);

(ii)         West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (Councillor Jalil);

(iii)        Transport for the West Midlands (Councillor

Webb);

(f)      a nominated member appointed by the Council to the Board of Sandwell Leisure Trust;

(g)     a member of the Council who is, as a result of action taken by or on behalf of the Council, a member or director of any company.

To consider changes to the Council’s Constitution as part of the Governance Review.

To consider a consultation to explore a change to the schedule of elections.

To consider a departure from the Local Development Plan.

To consider delegation of decision-making authority in relation to a cross-boundary planning application at Anderson Road, Smethwick.

To receive the annual report of the Licensing Committee 2021-2022.

To consider the revised political balance and appointments to committees.

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 22 June 2022.

To receive the minutes of the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board held on 13 July 2022.

To receive the minutes of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee held on 28 June 2022.

To receive the minutes of the Ethical Standards and Member Development Committee held on 21 June 2022.

To consider the following motions received under Standing Order No. 7:-

Proposer: Councillor Williams

Seconder: Councillor Wilkes

“This council requests that the cabinet member for Regeneration and Growth together with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources explore options to increase funding to wards within the Borough that have the highest levels of deprivation with a view to creating a programme of investment in infrastructure and community resources including community centres, youth provision and parks; to help increase pride within the local communities, support vulnerable people and reduce crime."

Proposer: Councillor William Gill

Seconder: Councillor Chapman

That this Council welcomes the ongoing governance review through a recognition of the need for scrutiny from members of the Council and members of the public. That this Council reaffirms its commitment to openness and transparency by recognising the position of other local authorities like Birmingham City Council and calling on the Governance and Constitution Review Committee to consider an amendment to the constitution that enables the introduction of a standing agenda item that allows for written questions from members of the public in line with the draft standing order which is attached as Appendix A. This Council consequently resolves through a request that this matter is referred to the Government and Constitution Review Meeting of 13 September which would enable any decision to be ratified by the Council at the earliest available opportunity which would be the October 25 Council.