The Wolverhampton Council cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including transport, education, and the visitor economy. Councillors agreed to extend a council tax discount scheme for armed forces personnel, continue with plans to expand Green Park School, and adopt a new Destination Management Plan for the city. They also decided against implementing post-16 transport charging.

Post-16 Transport Charging Policy

Cabinet members decided against implementing post-16 transport charging, following a consultation. The council had been considering introducing a £600 annual charge (£300 for low-income families) for post-16 students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who use council-provided transport.

The council's Travel Unit has exceeded its financial target by generating more than £170,000 to date, demonstrating strong performance and effective resource management.

The report noted that a similar consultation by Oxfordshire County Council resulted in a decision not to introduce charging, despite the authority facing significant financial pressures.

Schedule 1 of the West Midlands Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2017, Combined Authority Roads

The cabinet approved a recommendation to delegate authority to Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for City Transport, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services, to approve proposed changes to the governance of the Key Route Network (KRN). This would allow the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to submit a proposal to the Secretary of State to amend the West Midlands Combined Authority (Functions and Amendments) 2017 Order.

The report stated that the WMCA had liaised with the Department for Transport to agree on the most appropriate way to obtain an amendment to the 2017 Order to remove the designation of combined authority roads and resolve this discrepancy.

Supporting You When You Need Us Most - Council Tax Discretionary Discount Scheme - Armed Forces Reduction

The cabinet approved an extension of the Council Tax Discretionary Discount Scheme to allow a job-related discount and exemption from the council tax premium to be awarded to Ministry of Defence personnel who are normally resident in Wolverhampton, but are required to live outside of England, Scotland and Wales due to their military posting and have a liability to pay Council Tax in Wolverhampton.

The report noted that this decision resolves an inequality in the current legislation created between serving armed forces personnel who are stationed within Great Britain, compared to those serving abroad.

Outcome of Initial Consultation on the Proposed Expansion of Green Park School

The cabinet approved progression to the statutory consultation process for the proposed expansion of Green Park School, a school for pupils with severe learning difficulties. The proposal would see the school's capacity increase from 147 to 174 places from September 2027.

During the initial consultation period, 88 responses were received, with 76 (86%) in favour of the proposal and 12 (14%) against. Concerns raised during the consultation included parking and road safety, staffing levels, and revenue funding.

The report noted that if sufficient specialist places are not provided by schools within the city, children would need to be placed out of the city or with independent schools, which would have significant cost implications for the council.

Making Wolverhampton a Great Place for Visitors: A New Destination Management Plan for the City

The cabinet approved the Wolverhampton Destination Management Plan (DMP), a five-year vision to create a vibrant destination that attracts visitors and celebrates the city's diversity and heritage. The plan outlines six priorities:

• Create a vibrant and mixed evening and nighttime economy
• Increase the number and quality of events
• Ensure high streets are vibrant and attractive
• Develop a distinctive destination
• Develop an accessible and inclusive city
• Improve the quality of accommodation offer

The DMP was developed in collaboration with key partners within Wolverhampton's visitor economy and facilitated by the West Midlands Growth Company.

Our Future Council - Our Assets

The cabinet approved the approach and principles of the Our Future Council - Our Assets Programme, which aims to deliver savings through asset disposals, leasing activity, and other asset-related efficiencies. As part of this, the cabinet declared the assets listed within Appendix 1 - Disposal Schedule surplus to council requirements.

The cabinet delegated authority to Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills and Councillor Louise Miles, Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director of City Development and Section 151 Officer, to approve asset disposals and the leasing of assets above a seven-year duration as part of the programme.

The report noted that the programme will be delivered in a way that protects and enhances residents' access to council services, with stakeholder engagement and consultation forming a key part of the decision-making process.

Service Level Agreements for the Provision of Urban Traffic Control Services with Walsall Council, Dudley Council and Midland Metro Ltd.

The cabinet delegated authority to Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for City Transport, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services and Chief Operating Officer, to approve the sign-off of an interim Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the provision of Urban Traffic Control (UTC) services covering Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC) and Midland Metro Limited for the next twelve months from April 2025.

The cabinet also approved the ongoing negotiations, development and sign-off of Service Level Agreements with Dudley MBC, Walsall Council and Midland Metro Limited for the provision of Urban Traffic Control services from April 2026.

The report noted that the aim is to transition away from the historic unit cost model currently used in UTC service agreements and harmonise SLAs by aligning with the Walsall model, which offers a more consistent and structured approach to service delivery.

Procurement - Award of Contracts for Works, Goods and Services

The cabinet delegated authority to the relevant cabinet members, in consultation with the appropriate directors, to approve the award of contracts for the following services:

• Overnight Short Breaks Service
• Technology Enabled Care (TEC) in Adult Social Care

The cabinet deferred the decision to award a contract for Hickman Avenue Fleet and Council Services Facility to the next meeting.

Corporate Peer Challenge: Progress Review

The cabinet noted and endorsed the contents of the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review report attached at Appendix 1 - Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review Feedback Report.

Wolverhampton’s Youth Justice Plan 2025-26

The cabinet approved the adoption of the Youth Justice Plan 2025-2026. The cabinet noted the specific achievement of the Youth Justice Service during 2025-2026 including the continued impact on the Out of Court DIVERT offer which has reduced the number of children and young people entering the formal criminal justice system and the low re-offending rates.

The cabinet also noted that the Youth Justice Board Performance Oversight Board held in February 2025, reviewed the performance of Wolverhampton and agreed that the criteria had been met to move Youth Justice Service into Quadrant one service (Strong Performance).

Exclusion of Press and Public

The cabinet approved a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the remaining item of business, as it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person (including the authority holding that information).