The meeting covered several important topics, including the procurement of waste services, a response to the Staffordshire Local Plan, the Wolverhampton education place planning strategy, a review of agency staff provision, and the WV Living business plan. Key decisions were made on each of these topics.

Procurement of Waste Services

Councillor Louise Miles proposed a four-year contract for specialist waste services to ensure the city's waste service remains clean and efficient. The proposal was seconded and approved unanimously. Councillor Miles emphasized the importance of this contract for maintaining the city's waste fleet and described it as a very good bit of business.

Staffordshire Local Plan Consultation Response

The council discussed its response to the Staffordshire Local Plan, which proposes large housing developments in the Greenbelt at the edge of Wolverhampton. The revised plan from Staffordshire no longer includes Greenbelt housing, which was a relief to Wolverhampton. The council aims to secure as much housing and employment land as possible for Wolverhampton's benefit. The response was proposed and seconded by Councillor Burdon, who highlighted the importance of prioritizing brownfield over greenfield sites. The proposal was approved unanimously.

Wolverhampton Education Place Planning Strategy

Councillor Jackie Coogan introduced the education place planning strategy, which aims to secure sufficient high-quality school places across the city. The strategy includes increasing the level of surplus school places from 2% to 5% to accommodate future housing developments. The strategy was well-received, seconded by Councillor Jasper, and approved unanimously.

Review of Agency Staff Provision

Councillor Paula Brookfield proposed changes to how the council employs temporary agency staff. The council plans to engage a strategic partner to provide temporary services, extending the current contract with YouRecruit and ADECO for 11 months. This move aims to bring further savings and improve the agency offer for the council. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Miles and approved unanimously.

WV Living Business Plan 2024-2029

WV Living, established in 2016, aims to develop high-quality housing in Wolverhampton. The new business plan outlines the development of nearly 800 additional homes over the next five years, with a commitment to 25% affordable housing. The plan was proposed and seconded, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing and the council's role in supporting homeownership aspirations. The proposal was approved unanimously.

Exclusion of Public

The meeting concluded with a motion to exclude the public for the remaining items of business, which was seconded and approved.