Worcestershire County Council met to elect a new chair and vice-chair, appoint a leader of the council, and discuss political structures and committee appointments. Councillor Louis Stephen was elected as the new Chair of the Council, and Councillor Paul Bennett was appointed as Vice-Chair. The council also agreed to permit hospital overspill parking at County Hall and install more Beryl Bike bays.

Tributes to Deceased Councillors

The meeting began with tributes to former councillors Nigel Knowles and Derek Proger, who had recently passed away. Councillor Richard Oudel spoke of Nigel Knowles as a devoted family man, active community campaigner, and a man of principle. Councillor Hart, from the Conservative Party, acknowledged their political differences but respected Knowles' contribution to public life. Councillor Hartman described Derek Proger as Mr Worcester and a dedicated public servant.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

The council elected Councillor Louis Stephen as the new chair, following a named vote. Councillor Tracey Onslow, the outgoing chair, handed over the chain of office. Councillor Paul Bennett was then elected as vice-chair after a vote.

Appointment of Leader of the Council and Cabinet

Councillor Jo Monk was appointed as Leader of the Council. Councillor Monk then announced the members of her cabinet:

• Councillor David Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for One Worcestershire
• Councillor Justin Bowen, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families
• Councillor Stephen Foster, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and SEND¹
• Councillor Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Community Support
• Councillor Susan Eacock, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care
• Councillor Carl Perks, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways
• Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Business and Training
• Councillor Rob Warton, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Finance and Efficiency

Public Participation

The council heard questions from two members of the public. Sam Amar asked the council to ensure the provision of Braille and audio translation services for vulnerable people in Worcestershire. Jonathan Coleman raised concerns about the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BRECHT) and requested a meeting with the council to discuss alterations to the project and a study into a Western Relief Road for Bromsgrove.

Political Structures and Appointments

The council considered a motion to amend the constitution to improve governance and enhance representation on scrutiny panels. Councillor Matt Jenkins moved the motion to expand the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board (OSPB) to include vice-chairs from the scrutiny panels and allow substitutes on scrutiny panels.

Arguments for the motion included:

• Enhancing representation and ensuring diverse voices on the OSPB.
• Ensuring continuity and better scrutiny when councillors are unable to attend meetings.
• Aligning with practices in other councils that allow substitutes on scrutiny panels.
• Supporting new parents and those with childcare responsibilities to participate in local politics.

Arguments against the motion included:

• Concerns about the commitment of councillors if substitutes are allowed.
• The belief that attendance at scrutiny meetings should be a priority for elected members.
• The perception that the motion was a tactical move by certain political groups.

The council voted on the motion in two parts. The first part, to increase the membership of the OSPB, was carried. The second part, to allow substitutes on the scrutiny panels, was also carried.

Following a short adjournment, the council then voted on appointments to the political committees. It was agreed that Councillor Linda Robinson would be chair of the planning and regulatory committee, and Councillor Martin Allen would be the vice chair. The council also agreed on the nominations for the chairs and vice chairs of all of the scrutiny panels, including the OSPB.

County Hall Car Parking

The council discussed a motion to address traffic congestion at Worcestershire Royal Hospital by opening up some of the car parks at County Hall for hospital staff, patients, and visitors. Councillor Andrew Cross, who proposed the motion, highlighted the long delays experienced by people trying to exit the hospital car parks and suggested that using the empty car parks at County Hall could provide an immediate solution.

Arguments in favour of the motion included:

• Alleviating traffic congestion and reducing delays for hospital users.
• Potentially generating revenue for the council through parking charges.
• Demonstrating the council's commitment to solving the problem.
• Improving public health by reducing stress and air pollution.

Some councillors raised concerns about the cost to the council and the need to ensure that the arrangement would not negatively impact council workers, visitors, or local residents.

The council voted in favour of the motion, agreeing to open up some of the car parks at County Hall for hospital overspill parking.

Question Time

The council received five questions from councillors, but due to time constraints, it was agreed that written answers would be provided at a later date. The questions covered topics such as highways involvement in parish council projects, climate change, the number 31 bus service in Worcester, a public meeting about flooding in Severn Stoke, and funding for free school meals.

Reports of Committees

The council noted the reports of the Audit and Governance Committee, the Pensions Committee, and the Planning and Regulatory Committee. These reports provided summaries of decisions taken by the committees at previous meetings.