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Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 4.30 pm
September 3, 2025 Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meetingSummary
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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).
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Schedule 1 of the West Midlands Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2017, Combined Authority Roads
Recommendations approved...to facilitate changes to the governance of the Key Route Network, the Cabinet approved delegating authority to the Cabinet Member for City Transport, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services, to approve proposed changes, enabling the West Midlands Combined Authority to seek an amendment to the West Midlands Combined Authority (Functions and Amendments) 2017 Order from the Secretary of State.
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Exclusion of press and public
Recommendations Approved -
Wolverhampton’s Youth Justice Plan 2025-26
Recommendations Approved...to recommend that the Council approve the adoption of the Wolverhampton Youth Justice Plan 2025-2026, which details the Youth Justice Service's achievements in 2024-25 and priorities for 2025-26, including noting the service's strong performance and move to Quadrant one service status.
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Our Future Council - Our Assets
Recommendations Approved... the Cabinet approved the approach and principles of the Our Future Council – Our Assets Programme, declared specified assets surplus to Council requirements, and delegated authority for asset disposals and leasing agreements related to the programme to designated Cabinet Members in consultation with relevant officers.
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Supporting you when you need us most - Council Tax Discretionary Discount Scheme - Armed Forces reduction
Recommendations Approved...to support armed forces personnel stationed outside of England, Scotland, and Wales, the Cabinet approved an extension of the Council Tax Discretionary Discount Scheme to provide them with council tax discounts and exemptions similar to those available to personnel stationed within Great Britain.
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Procurement - Award of Contracts for Works, Goods and Services
Recommendations Approved...to delegate authority for awarding contracts for an Overnight Short Breaks Service and Technology Enabled Care in Adult Social Care, while deferring the decision on the Hickman Avenue Fleet and Council Services Facility contract to the next meeting.
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Corporate Peer Challenge: Progress Review
Recommendations Approved...to recommend that Full Council note and endorse the contents of the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review report, which reflects the Council's progress, provides examples of good practice, and highlights initial impact and outcomes following a Corporate Peer Challenge in September 2024.
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Outcome of Initial Consultation on the Proposed Expansion of Green Park School
Recommendations Approved...to address the rising demand for specialist school places, the Cabinet approved the progression to the statutory consultation process for the proposed expansion of Green Park School, along with the continuation of delegated authority for budget allocations and adjustments related to the High Needs Capital Programme and individual capital projects.
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Service Level Agreements for the provision of Urban Traffic Control services with Walsall Council, Dudley Council and Midland Metro Ltd.
Recommendations Approved...authority was delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Transport to approve an interim Service Level Agreement for Urban Traffic Control services with Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Midland Metro Limited for twelve months from April 2025, and to negotiate and approve ongoing Service Level Agreements with Dudley MBC, Walsall Council, and Midland Metro Limited for these services from April 2026.
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Our Future Council - Post 16 Transport Charging Policy
Recommendations Approved... the Cabinet decided against implementing Post-16 transport charging for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
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Procurement - Award of Contracts for Works, Goods and Services
Recommendations Approved -
Good Homes in Well Connected Neighbourhoods: Housing Improvement and Regeneration - Home Loss and Disturbance Policy
Recommendations Approved...to ensure compliance with statutory obligations and provide clear guidance and consistency, the Cabinet approved a new Home Loss and Disturbance Payment Policy and delegated authority to the Deputy Leader: City Housing, in consultation with the Executive Director of City Economy, to approve minor editorial changes and future legislative amendments to the Policy.
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Making Wolverhampton a great place for visitors: a new Destination Management Plan for the City
Recommendations Approved...the Cabinet approved the Wolverhampton Destination Management Plan, a strategic framework for the city's visitor economy from 2025 to 2030, aimed at creating a vibrant destination and attracting more visitors.
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