The council meeting involved discussions and decisions on various civic matters, including amendments to the Constitution regarding asset delegation, updates on strategic equality plans, and local toilet strategies. The meeting was marked by a hybrid format, with members participating both in-person and remotely.

1. Amendment to the Constitution Scheme of Delegation for Assets:

   • Decision: The council approved amendments to increase the threshold for delegated decisions on asset transactions to £100,000.
   • Arguments: Proponents argued it would streamline minor asset transactions, aligning with practices in other councils. Critics, including some ward members, expressed concerns about reduced oversight and potential exclusion from decision-making processes.
   • Implications: The decision could expedite asset-related decisions but may lead to issues if ward members feel bypassed, potentially impacting local governance transparency.

2. Strategic Equalities Plan:

   • Decision: The council adopted a new Strategic Equality Plan for 2024-2028.
   • Arguments: Supporters highlighted the plan's comprehensive approach to addressing inequalities and its alignment with statutory requirements. There was a strong emphasis on community engagement and the inclusion of care-experienced individuals as a protected group.
   • Implications: The plan aims to enhance equality across various community sectors, potentially improving access to services and fostering greater inclusivity.

3. Local Toilet Strategy:

   • Decision: Discussion highlighted the need for an updated local toilet strategy, though no formal decision was made.
   • Arguments: Concerns were raised about the adequacy of public toilet facilities, especially given changes in the city center's dynamics.
   • Implications: An updated strategy could improve public amenities, affecting residents' and visitors' comfort and accessibility in the city center.

Interesting Occurrence:

• The meeting's hybrid format led to some confusion during votes, with issues in electronic voting prompting manual hand raises for remote participants. This highlighted the challenges of managing hybrid meetings effectively.