The council is scheduled to meet on 7 October 2025, to discuss a range of issues including councillor training, fireworks regulations, community safety, and several committee recommendations. Members will also discuss reports from the cabinet, scrutiny boards and committees, and joint arrangements with external organisations.

Motions

Several motions are scheduled for debate, concerning:

Mandatory Safeguarding Training

Councillor Andrew Burrow, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, is scheduled to propose a motion, seconded by Councillor Sally Tomlinson, calling for mandatory annual safeguarding and corporate parenting training for all councillors. The motion asserts that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and that councillors must be adequately trained to support residents. The motion asks the council to resolve to:

give a clear expectation that all elected members should complete annual training in:

• Child and Adult Safeguarding, and
• Corporate Parenting.

The motion also requests that attendance be recorded, monitored and reported annually to the Governance Committee.

Fireworks Nuisance

Councillor Kathryn Thomas is scheduled to propose a motion, seconded by Councillor Laura McCarthy, regarding reducing fireworks nuisance in residential areas through local control zones. The motion notes increasing public concern over late-night fireworks, the distress caused to vulnerable residents, and disruption to residents' sleep. It believes that residents have a right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes and that local authorities should have greater powers to regulate firework use. The motion asks the council to resolve to:

Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging them to introduce legislation enabling English councils to designate fireworks control zones, modelled on Scottish provisions.

The motion also asks the council to promote responsible firework use and support enforcement of existing nuisance and antisocial behaviour powers. The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 is mentioned as a possible model for the new legislation.

Promoting Peaceful Communities

Councillor Alison Wilson is scheduled to propose a motion regarding Silhillians working together in solidarity to promote more peaceful and safer communities at the local level. The motion notes increases in hate crime and refers to the council's tradition of inter-faith work. It asks the council to resolve to:

• Support an annual meeting of inter-faith leaders (including humanistic leaders) to co-ordinate a schedule of activity throughout the borough.
• Engage in yearly negotiations regarding the budgetary requirements of the activities established through action.
• Enable a lateral cohesion of Solihull RE Curriculum; Faith Covenant and Culture Strategy.
• The Council will use models of reconciliation from tried and tested organisations including Religions for Peace UK.

Committee Recommendations

The council will be asked to consider recommendations from the Governance Committee and the Audit Committee.

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee recommends amending Solihull MBC Council's Constitution, Part 2, Article 7.03 (c), which concerns the arrangements for the election and removal of the Council Leader. The proposed amendment would remove the text following a change in political control and replace it with passed by a simple majority.

The Governance Committee also recommends approving the revised polling district and polling places scheme and the Calendar of Meetings 2026/2027.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee recommends approving the revised forecasts for the 2025/36 Capital Funding Requirement of £528.684m and Authorised Limit of £548.226m, and noting the Operational Boundary and treasury activity to date.

The Audit Committee also recommends receiving the Audit Committee Annual Report 2024/25 for information.

Cabinet Reports

The council is scheduled to receive a summary of decisions and reports from various Cabinet portfolios, including:

• Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Children and Education
• Deputy Leader of the Council and Managed Growth Lead
• Cabinet Member for Resources
• Cabinet Member for Communities
• Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning
• Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure
• Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health
• Cabinet Member for Housing
• Cabinet Member for Economy, Business and Skills

Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Children and Education

Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Children and Education, is expected to present a report highlighting decisions made at Cabinet meetings on 17 July and 11 September 2025, as well as decision-making sessions for Children and Education Services held on 23 July and 18 September 2025.

Key decisions mentioned include:

• Approving the process for setting the 2026/27 budget and developing the 2026 to 2029 Medium Term Financial Strategy.
• Approving the use of an estimated £472,000 from the consolidated risk reserve to fund the additional in-year cost of the 2025/26 pay award.
• Approving the use of an estimated £45,000 from the consolidated risk reserve to fund the additional in-year cost of the Director of Children's Services.
• Approving the use of up to £3.928 million of the right to buy receipts reserve to increase the housing acquisitions programme within the Housing Revenue Account.
• Approving the implementation of a Solihull Home Improvement Agency delivery model.
• Approving the activity plans for year 4 of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
• Noting the financial position and actions being taken to address budget variances.
• Approving budget adjustments up to period 4 of 2025/26.
• Approving drawing down up to £300,000 from the Mell Square Reserve to fund refurbishment works at 5 – 9 Mill Lane.
• Approving the contribution of the year-end surplus in relation to the Employment and Skills service, currently forecast at £420,000, to the existing Employment, Learn and Engage reserve.
• Approving the Council's 2025/26 Extended Producer Responsibility payment allocation of an estimated £3.577m towards covering costs of collecting, recycling, and disposing of household packaging waste.
• Approving revisions to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for 2025/26.
• Approving the use of £0.400m from earmarked funding for additional costs to the SCH Heat Network System.
• Approving an additional £3.348m prudential borrowing to complete the Spandrel Panel Replacement project.
• Agreeing to adopt Solihull's first ever cultural strategy.
• Approving the updated local Code of Conduct for issuing penalty notices relating to school attendance.
• Approving the new Agreed Syllabus for RE (Religious Education).
• Approving the appointment of Debbie Nyamutumbu as a local authority governor at Cheswick Green Primary School.
• Approving changes to the Children's Services Capital Programme 2025-28.
• Approving the Children's Social Care Sufficiency Strategy and noting the development of an action plan to monitor its progress.
• Endorsing the Annual Complaints & Compliments Report – 2024/25 for the Children's & Education Directorate.

The report also highlights good news and issues of interest, including:

• The appointment of Rasheed Pendry as the new Director of Children's Services.
• A positive DfE Review of the council's work and progress.
• An LGA Peer Review of the Care Experienced Service.
• The government's publication of a vision and national framework to transform Children's Social Care Services.
• Exam results for children and young people.
• A Let's Talk SEND event on social media and mental health.
• The development and support provided by Family Hubs.
• A National Playday event.
• A school refurbishment event.
• The Transition and Leaving Care Hub (TLC).
• Work to improve school attendance.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Managed Growth Lead

Councillor Ian Courts, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Managed Growth, is expected to present a report on matters of interest in relation to the Economic Strategy responsibilities of his portfolio.

Key economic and investment priorities mentioned include:

• Progress with the Mell Square redevelopment, with a hybrid planning application submitted in March 2025 and a start on site targeted for next year.
• Progress with the Arden Cross development, with a focus on land release from HS2 to enable the first phase of development.
• Engagement with the WMCA to drive forward shared objectives for economic growth.
• Concerns regarding the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) cyber incident and its impact on Solihull-based firms in the supply chain.

The report also highlights business investment in Solihull, including:

• ISS and Fair Isaac & Co (FICO) moving into new office facilities at Birmingham Business Park.
• Steer Automotive establishing a new operation on the park.
• Vinci Energies relocating to nearby Trinity Park.
• FBC Manby Bowdler expanding into Knowle.
• Woodside Industrial Estate in Kingshurst being fully let.

Cabinet Member for Resources

Councillor Bob Sleigh OBE, Cabinet Member for Resources, is expected to present a report highlighting decisions made at decision-making sessions held on 14 July and 8 September.

Key decisions mentioned include:

• Approving the use of the Transformation fund for £150,000 for a 'Care at Home Invest to Save project' within the Childrens Services Directorate.
• Approving the Council entering into a deed of variation and regear of the existing lease of Solihull Ice Rink.
• Approving discretionary rate relief for Miss Macaroon Limited and The Lily Mae Foundation.
• Noting the Debt Monitoring quarter one report and approving debt write-offs over £10,000 totalling £192,377.43.
• Approving one application for Hardship Relief.

The report also highlights issues of interest, including:

• Progress with the Transformation Programme.
• The financial position as at 31 July 2025.
• The Corporate Procurement Service's successful publication of tenders under the new Procurement Act 2023.
• The People Strategy for supporting staff wellbeing.

Cabinet Member for Communities

Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Member for Communities, is expected to present a report highlighting decisions made at a decision-making session held on 29 July 2025.

Key decisions mentioned include:

• Adopting Solihull's first ever cultural strategy.

The report also highlights good news and issues of interest, including:

• The Cultural Infrastructure Fund allocation of £298,913 for capital investment in cultural assets and infrastructure.
• Regulatory Services officers carrying out test purchase visits and seizing illegal single-use vapes.
• Trading Standards officers leading a Scams Talk to people with dementia.
• A new revised Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy being agreed by the Licensing Committee.
• Community partnerships and networking events.
• Promotion of the Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) and development of the new Civic Awards.
• Community funding through Grantfinder and the Household Support Fund Support and Prevention Fund .
• Preparation for the recirculation of the new annual Here2Help booklet.
• Development of a Solihull approach to social isolation and loneliness.
• Progress with the Afghan Refugee Resettlement programme.
• Work to promote inclusion and integration of newly arrived communities.
• The Council submitting its application to renew its silver accreditation for the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
• The successful delivery of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative.
• Work to prevent and reduce hate crime and community concerns.
• The launch of a domestic abuse campaign.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, is expected to present a report highlighting decisions made at decision sessions held on 23 July and 23 September 2025.

Key decisions mentioned include:

• Approving the introduction of new fees and charges in Building Control to support full cost recovery on applications to inspect gas boiler and unvented hot water cylinder installations.
• Approving the White House Way Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for consultation.

The report also highlights good news and issues of interest, including:

• Progress with the Solihull Town Centre Heat Network.
• The success of the Solar Together group buying scheme for solar panels and batteries.
• Progress with electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure

Councillor Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, is expected to present a report highlighting decisions made at a decision session held on 3 July 2025.

Key decisions mentioned include:

• Considering Church Hill Road a Special case and developing a detailed traffic calming scheme and financial business case.
• Progressing the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement programme for 2025/26.
• Approving commencement of the Solihull and Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project, subject to proposed control measures.
• Approving the use of the Street Lighting Central Management System (CMS) to reduce energy use across the street lighting network by 25%.
• Agreeing to implement lower 20mph speed limits outside six schools.
• Approving an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) for a trial closure of Aqueduct Road starting in January 2026.
• Approving the removal of up to eight trees to facilitate the new Sprint bus scheme at Solihull Train Station.
• Endorsing recommendations for petitions related to pedestrian safety in Tidbury Green, vehicle speeds on Bills Lane, pavement parking, and parking hazards on Shepherds Green Road and Billsmore Green.

The report also highlights good news and issues of interest, including:

• The introduction of garden waste charges.
• Progress with the A41 Safer Roads Fund project.
• Progress with the Local Network Improvement Programme (LNIP).
• Upgrades to traffic signal and pedestrian crossing equipment.
• Lyndon School achieving 'Very Good' accreditation for their school travel plan.

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

Councillor Tony Dicicco, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, is expected to present a report highlighting decisions made at decision-making sessions held on 22 July and 22 September 2025.

Key decisions mentioned include:

• Endorsing the ceasing of the current Housing Support Contract.
• Approving the Refresh of the Adult Social Care Get Involved Approach.
• Endorsing the Q4/End Of Year Complaints & Compliments Report.
• Endorsing the Adult Social Care Performance Progress Report for Quarter 4 2024-25 and Quarter 1 2025-26.

The report also highlights Council Plan and Priorities, including:

• Adult Safeguarding
• Support for Carers
• Roll-out of AI support
• Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Good News and Issues of Interest:

• Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Visit
• World Suicide Day
• Launch of Oral Health Programme – Supervised Toothbrushing
• Exercise Pegasus

Cabinet Member for Housing

Councillor Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, is expected to present a report highlighting good news and issues of interest in relation to his portfolio.

Key issues mentioned include:

• Preparation for the Council to be inspected by the Regulator of Social Housing.
• Homelessness and temporary accommodation.
• Youth Homelessness and the Solihull Youth Hub.
• Rough Sleeping and the Safer Solihull Tasking and Coordination Group.
• The Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF).
• The new Housing Allocations Scheme.
• The Adapted Property Register.
• The Your Future Chelmsley Wood project and Healthy Homes.
• The Big Community Switch.
• The Green Doors project.
• The reopening of the Kingshurst House Bridge.
• The SCH Big Conversation.
• A new video for biomass customers.
• ASB Awareness Week.

Cabinet Member for Economy, Business and Skills

Councillor Heather Delaney, Cabinet Member for Economy, Business and Skills, is expected to present a report highlighting decisions made at a decision-making session held on 8 September 2025, where she approved the Solihull Economic Strategy Delivery Plan update.

The report also highlights good news and issues of interest, including:

• The upcoming Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show.
• Support provided to young people navigating post-16 options.
• The launch of the Solihull Youth Trailblazer programme and Connect to Work.
• A partnership with Ashley Community & Housing (ACH) and East Birmingham Community Forum (EBCF) for a Functional Skills English programme for Ukrainian people.
• A visit to the Solihull Recruitment and Training Centre and the Chelmsley Wood Culinary School.
• Support for local businesses through individual account manager relationships and specific programmes.
• Business engagement visits and the launch of dedicated support for tendering and public sector procurement opportunities.
• The launch of the Community Business Support Hub.

Annual Scrutiny Report

The council is scheduled to receive the 2024/2025 Annual Scrutiny Report, which provides an overview of the work undertaken by the various scrutiny boards during the municipal year. The report includes key statistics and highlights of specific reviews and investigations conducted by each board.

The report includes sections on:

• Resources & Delivering Value Scrutiny Board
• Children's Services, Education & Skills Scrutiny Board
• Economic Development & Managed Growth Scrutiny Board
• Stronger Communities & Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board
• Health & Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board

Scrutiny Board Minutes

The council is scheduled to receive the minutes of the following Scrutiny Board meetings for information:

• Resources and Delivering Value
• Health and Adult Social Care
• Children's Services and Education
• Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services
• Economic Development and Managed Growth

Committee Minutes

The council is scheduled to receive the minutes of the following Committee meetings for information:

• Audit Committee
• Governance Committee
• Licensing Committee

Joint Arrangements and External Organisations

The council is scheduled to receive the minutes of the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel for information.

WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The minutes from the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 19 May 2025, included the following items:

• West Midlands Place Pilots Programme
• Impact of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund
• Job Rotation Model - Final Evaluation
• Regional Energy Strategy/Net Zero Five Year Plan

The minutes from the WMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 7 July 2025, included the following items:

• Appointment of Chair
• Appointment of Vice-Chair
• Terms of Reference
• WMCA Brownfield Land Remediation Scrutiny Review: Implementation of Recommendations
• Local Get Britain Working Plans Update
• West Midlands Futures Green Paper
• Affordable & Social Housing

West Midlands Police and Crime Panel

The minutes from the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel meeting on 24 March 2025, included the following items:

• Appointment of Independent Panel Members
• Police and Crime Commissioner's Oversight of the Chief Constable on Tackling Discrimination and Misogyny in the Police
• Police and Crime Commissioner Update Report on Recent Activities and Published Key Decisions
• Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Update Report on Recent Activities
• Annual Report on Complaints Received by the Panel
• Panel Work Programme

Other Business

The agenda also includes items for questions by leaders of political groups, urgent matters from the chief executive, and any remaining questions from councillors. There is also a provision for the exclusion of the public and press for discussion of exempt information.