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Weekly updates
Worcestershire Council Overspends, NHS Restructure & School Deficit
This week in Worcestershire:
Council Overspends by £6.2 Million, Schools Face £98.2 Million Deficit
Worcestershire County Council faces significant financial challenges, with a £6.2 million overspend against a £433.4 million budget for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Audit and Governance Committee met to discuss the draft annual financial statements, revealing pressures in adult and children's social care and home-to-school transport.
- The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit has ballooned to £98.2 million, largely due to unfunded Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) demand.
- External auditors will assess whether the council has a robust plan to address the DSG deficit.
- The committee reviewed external audit plans, including an assessment of the council's transformation projects and internal audit provision.
These financial strains could lead to cuts in essential services, impacting vulnerable residents who rely on council support. The council's ability to manage its finances effectively is under scrutiny, with auditors planning additional risk-based procedures to assess the council's arrangements for implementing transformation projects and ensuring compliance with audit standards.
NHS Faces Restructure and Redundancies Amidst Service Demands
The Health and Wellbeing Board received an update on NHS reorganisations and priorities, revealing significant changes to integrated care board management.
- The NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) faces a target to reduce management costs by 50%, potentially leading to 150 to 200 redundancies.
- The ICB proposes sharing management and leadership capacity with Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board while keeping the two statutory bodies separate.
- Key priorities for the coming year include reducing waiting times, improving cancer care, and addressing ambulance waits and emergency department treatment times.
Simon Trickett, Chief Executive of Everettshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the transition would be managed safely and pragmatically. We want to continue that journey, that direction of travel. So, I won't be willing to compromise things that make a difference for patients to hit this target.
These changes raise concerns about potential gaps in service provision and the impact on patient care. The board also discussed the Joint Forward Plan, a rolling five-year plan, and the importance of co-production with patients and the public.
Community Safety Initiatives Highlighted, Prevent Strategy Under Scrutiny
The Health and Wellbeing Board also received a community safety update, highlighting successes in domestic abuse support, drug and alcohol services, and trading standards.
- A new community-based domestic abuse service has been commissioned to improve access to support.
- The number of people accessing drug and alcohol services has significantly increased, with improved continuity of care for individuals leaving prison.
- Trading standards have reintroduced closure orders for shops selling illicit tobacco or engaging in underage sales.
However, Councillor Justin Bowen, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families, raised concerns about the Prevent strategy, suggesting a review to focus on evidence-based threats and avoid over-promoting phrases like an increase in right-wing threats.
Andrew Boote, Head of Safer Communities, agreed to meet with Councillor Bowen to discuss the data and terminology used in the Prevent strategy.
Pension Fund Stewardship and Risk Management Reviewed
The Pension Board met to review its business plan, risk register, governance and compliance arrangements, training programme, and stewardship code submission.
- The board noted the Stewardship Code application for the fund, which sets standards for responsible investment.
- The board reviewed the Worcestershire Pension Fund Business Plan, including updates on administration, national LGPS frameworks, McCloud remedy, pensions dashboard programme, and valuation 2025.
- The board reviewed the May 2025 Worcestershire Pension Fund Risk Register, which identified 21 risks, including those related to LGPS Central partnership, government requirements for asset pooling, asset returns and liability movements, and inflation.
Waste Credit Governance Committee Assesses Energy from Waste Plant
The Waste Credit Governance Committee received a technical update on the reporting requirements for the Energy from Waste (EFW) plant in Hartlebury.
- The committee reviewed financial ratios related to the plant's ability to service its debt.
- The committee reviewed the risks associated with the funding provided to Mercia Waste Management.
- The committee noted and commented on the updated work plan for 2025/2026.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:
- Cabinet on Thursday 26 June 2025.
- Pensions Committee on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
- West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Independent Member Appointment Panel on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
- Planning and Regulatory Committee on Tuesday 01 July 2025.
- Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 03 July 2025.
Worcestershire Pension Investments Discussed Behind Closed Doors
This week in Worcestershire:
Pension Fund Investments Remain Behind Closed Doors
The Worcestershire Council Pension Investment Sub-Committee met twice this week, on Wednesday 11 June 2025 and Thursday 12 June 2025, to discuss the performance of the council's pension investments.
- The public and press were excluded from significant portions of both meetings due to the discussion of
exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons, including the council.
- Updates were received from Novum Investment Management1 on their Shaped Equity investments, Walton Street Real Estate Debt Funds I and II2 on their Quarter 1 2025 performance, Gresham House Forestry, and Invesco Real Estate.
- The sub-committee also received an introductory presentation from LGPS Central (LGPSC)3.
The lack of transparency surrounding these discussions raises concerns about public accountability and the ability of residents to understand how their pension funds are being managed.
Museums Committee Meeting Held
The Joint Museums Committee met on Thursday 12 June 2025. No further information or video was provided.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:
- Audit and Governance Committee on Tuesday 17 June 2025.
- Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 17 June 2025.
- Pension Board on Thursday 19 June 2025.
- Waste Credit Governance Committee on Friday 20 June 2025.
- Pensions Committee on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
- West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Independent Member Appointment Panel on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
- Cabinet on Thursday 26 June 2025.
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Novum Investment Management is a trading name of Novum Securities Limited. ↩
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Walton Street Capital is a global real estate investment firm. ↩
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LGPS Central Ltd is a fund management company owned by eight Midlands-based local government pension funds. It aims to pool the investment assets of these funds to reduce costs and improve investment performance. ↩
Worcestershire Police Panel shortlists independent member
This week in Worcestershire:
Police Panel Shortlists Independent Member
The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Independent Member Appointment Panel, composed of Councillor Barry Durkin, Councillor Rob Adams and Councillor Liz Harvey, met to shortlist candidates for a Lay Independent Co-opted Member of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel.
- The panel reviewed a report pack containing 112 pages of information.
- A portion of the meeting was closed to the press and public to discuss
exempt information relating to individuals.
The panel determined that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosure.
The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel is responsible for holding the Police and Crime Commissioner to account. Lay members bring an independent voice to the panel, ensuring broader community representation. The selection process aims to find the best candidate to fulfill this crucial role.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:
- The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting scheduled for Thursday 05 June 2025 has been POSTPONED.
- Pension Investment Sub-Committee on Wednesday 11 June 2025.
- Pension Investment Sub-Committee on Thursday 12 June 2025.
- Joint Museums Committee on Thursday 12 June 2025.
Worcestershire gets new council leader, backs hospital parking
This week in Worcestershire:
- Council saw Councillor Louis-Joseph Shea-Steven elected as chairman, and Councillor Joanne Monk appointed as Leader of the Council.
Council - Thursday 22 May 2025
The Council meeting on 22 May 2025 saw Councillor Louis-Joseph Shea-Steven elected as the new chairman, and Councillor Paul Bennett appointed as vice-chairman. Councillor Joanne Monk was appointed as the Leader of the Council, and she announced her cabinet. Councillors voted to amend the constitution to improve governance and scrutiny, and also supported a motion to allow temporary hospital overspill parking at County Hall.
Tributes to Former Councillors
The meeting began with tributes to former councillors Nigel Knowles and Derek Proger, who had recently passed away. Councillor Richard Oudel spoke of Nigel Knowles's long service as a Labour councillor and his dedication to the community, noting that:
He was a man of principle who resigned as chair of the Fire and Public Protection Committee, rather than forced through damaging cuts, which he thought would certainly damage the service.
Councillor Hart, from the Conservative Party, also paid tribute to Nigel Knowles, acknowledging his commitment to public life. Councillor Hartman remembered Derek Proger as Mr Worcester
and highlighted his dedication to his role as cabinet member for Highways. Councillor Oudel also paid tribute to Derek Proger, noting that he had stood against him in election in 1990, and that Proger had won.
Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
Councillor Louis-Joseph Shea-Steven was elected as the new chairman of the council, succeeding Tracey Onslow. The election was conducted via a named vote, a process described as unusual
. Councillor Roger Bennett was also nominated for the position, but Councillor Shea-Steven won the vote 30 to 26. Councillor Paul Bennett was then elected as vice-chairman, defeating Councillor Roger Bennett in a straight vote.
Appointment of Leader of the Council and Cabinet
Councillor Joanne Monk was appointed as Leader of the Council, unopposed. She then announced her cabinet, with Councillor David Taylor as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for One Worcestershire. Other cabinet members include:
- Councillor Justin Bowen, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families
- Councillor Dr. Stephen Foster, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and SEND1
- Councillor Dr. Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Community Support
- Councillor Susan Eacock, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care
- Councillor Carl Perks, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways
- Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Business and Training
- Councillor Rob Warton, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Finance and Efficiency
Public Participation
The meeting included a public participation session where two members of the public addressed the council. Sam Amar asked the council to ensure that they put Worcestershire residents ahead of politics and national rhetoric and really look into the facts of translations, and to ensure the provision of Braille and audio translation services for vulnerable people. Jonathan Coleman raised concerns about the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BRECHT), criticising the disruption and negative impact on residents. He requested a meeting with the council to discuss alterations to the scheme and a study into a Western Relief Road for Bromsgrove.
Amendments to Constitution
Councillor Matt Jenkins moved a motion to amend the council's constitution to improve governance and scrutiny. The amendments included expanding the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board (OSPB) to include vice-chairs from scrutiny panels and allowing substitutes on scrutiny panels. Councillor Jenkins argued that these changes would enhance representation and ensure that scrutiny is fit for purpose.
Councillor Taylor expressed reservations about the use of substitutes, arguing that councillors should prioritise their attendance at meetings. However, Councillor Hart supported the motion, stating that it was the right time to make these changes and that substitutes could ensure representation when members are unable to attend. Councillor Eutle also supported the motion, highlighting that substitutions are allowed on other council committees.
The council voted on the motion in two parts, and both parts were carried. The first part was to amend Article 8C to increase the membership of OSPB to include the vice-chairs of the five ONS panels. The second vote was to amend Article 8I to allow substitutes on the five ONS panels.
Political Structures and Appointments
The council then moved on to the appointment of chairs and vice-chairs of committees. Following a short adjournment, Councillor Monk moved recommendations relating to the political and constitutional structures, which were seconded and agreed. The council then voted on appointments to various committees, including the Planning and Regulatory Committee, Standards and Ethics Committee, Audit and Governance Committee, Pensions Committee, Pensions Investment Subcommittee, and Waste Credit Governance Committee.
Nominations for the chairs and vice chairs of the committees were agreed by the Conservative group, the Green and Independent Alliance group, the Liberal Democrats and Labour group.
The nominations were as follows:
- Planning and Regulatory Committee: Councillor Linda Robinson (Chair), Councillor Martin Allen (Vice Chair)
- Standards and Ethics Committee: Councillor Sam Evans (Chair), Councillor Adam Kent (Vice Chair)
- Audit and Governance Committee: Councillor Dan Birch (Chair), Councillor Jabba Riaz (Vice Chair)
- Pensions Committee: Councillor Adrian Hardman (Chair), Councillor Matt Jenkins (Vice Chair)
- Pensions Investment Subcommittee: Councillor Adrian Hardman (Chair), Councillor Matt Jenkins (Vice Chair)
- Waste Credit Governance Committee: Councillor Tor Pingree (Chair), Councillor Tony Miller (Vice Chair)
The nominations for the scrutiny panels and the OSPB were also agreed, with Councillor Tom Wells nominated as the overall chair for OSPB.
Motion on Hospital Parking
Councillor Andrew Cross proposed a motion to allow temporary hospital overspill parking at County Hall to alleviate traffic congestion at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The motion also called for the installation of more Beryl Bike bays at County Hall. Councillor Cross highlighted the severe traffic congestion at the hospital and the potential benefits of utilising the empty car parks at County Hall.
Councillor Pingree supported the motion, noting that the Conservative group agreed with the principle of using surplus car parks at County Hall. Councillor Shaw raised concerns about the cost-benefit of the project, while Councillor Alcott stated that an agreement was already being formulated to facilitate NHS car parking needs. Councillor Riaz emphasised the potential health benefits of reducing congestion and improving air quality. Councillor Amos criticised the previous Conservative administration for blocking the proposal and neglecting the County Hall complex.
The council voted in favour of the motion.
Question Time
The meeting concluded with a question time session, during which councillors posed questions to cabinet members. However, due to the newness of the cabinet, it was agreed that written answers would be provided at a later date. Questions were raised about highways involvement in parish council projects, climate change measures, the No. 31 bus service in Worcester, a public meeting about flooding in Severn Stoke, and funding for free school meals.
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SEND is short for Special Educational Needs and Disability. ↩
Worcestershire pension fund considers housing investment
This week in Worcestershire:
- The Pension Investment Sub-Committee met to discuss housing investment options for the council's pension fund.
- The Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee discussed strategic planning, budget, and updates on environmental programmes.
Pension Investment Sub-Committee - 07 April 2025
The Pension Investment Sub-Committee of Worcestershire County Council met on 7 April 2025 to discuss housing investment options for the council's pension fund. Presentations from Reddington Ltd and Man Group were scheduled, followed by a discussion. The public and press were expected to be excluded from these discussions due to the commercially sensitive nature of the information to be disclosed.
The agenda also included standard items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest1, public participation, and confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting.
Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee - 11 April 2025
The Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee met on 11 April 2025 to discuss strategic planning matters, the National Landscape budget and work programme for 2025/26, and to receive updates on the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme and the Generation Green 2.0 initiative. The committee was also scheduled to note several information items and hear verbal reports from partners.
Strategic Planning Matters
The committee was scheduled to discuss a report from Catherine Laidlaw, NL Planning Officer, regarding strategic planning matters, focusing on addressing people-related damage to the Malvern Hills Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The report pack outlined a proposed 'Strategic Solution' involving developer contributions, development exclusion zones, and the creation of Areas of Informal Recreation (AiRs). A recent decision to grant outline planning permission for 200 new homes at Cales Farm included a requirement for the developer to pay £269.75 per dwelling.
The report pack also noted that Section 245 of the LURA Act 2023 amended the duty on relevant authorities to ‘seek to further’ the statutory purposes of Protected Landscapes, replacing the previous duty to ‘have regard to’. The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 is a UK law that aims to reduce regional inequalities and promote economic growth across the country.
National Landscape Budget and Indicative Work Programme 2025/26
Paul Esrich, NL Partnership Manager, was scheduled to present a report on the National Landscape Budget and Indicative Work Programme for 2025/26. The total core budget for the year was expected to be £217,620, the same as the previous year, with £173,490 from central government (Defra) and £44,130 from local authorities.
Key work priorities for 2025/26 included enabling more areas to count towards meeting 30by30 targets, implementing the new Climate Change Adaptation Plan, delivering Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, and delivering a range of Access for All improvements.
Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme
Sash Warden, NL Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer, was scheduled to give a presentation on the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (FiPL). The committee was scheduled to note the work completed under FiPL and comment on any priorities or opportunities for FiPL in 2025/26.
Generation Green 2.0
Nick Hands, Director of Boundless Outdoors, was scheduled to give a presentation on work to provide countryside experiences for children under the Generation Green 2.0 funding programme.
Information Items
The committee was scheduled to note several information items, including updates on promoting positive change to landowners, managers, and developers, efforts to bury overhead powerlines, and the adoption of the new National Landscape Management Plan.
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Declarations of interest are a formal statement made by a councillor or officer disclosing any personal or business interests that may conflict with their duties. ↩
Recent meetings
Waste Credit Governance Committee - Friday, 20th June, 2025 9.30 am
The Waste Credit Governance Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss the Energy from Waste plant reporting requirements, the risk register and the work plan.
Pension Board - Thursday, 19th June, 2025 10.00 am
The Worcestershire Pension Board was scheduled to meet to review its business plan, risk register, governance and compliance arrangements, training programme, and stewardship code submission. The board was also expected to receive an update on LGPS Central.
Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday, 17th June, 2025 2.00 pm
The Worcestershire Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss community health initiatives, NHS updates, community safety, and the Better Care Fund. The board noted the success of community-led approaches to public health, received an update on NHS reorganisations and priorities, discussed strategies for community safety, and approved the Better Care Fund plan for 2025/26.
Audit and Governance Committee - Tuesday, 17th June, 2025 9.30 am
The Audit and Governance Committee of Worcestershire County Council was scheduled to meet to note the draft annual statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025, and to review the external audit plans for both the council and the pension fund. The meeting was also scheduled to cover progress on external audit recommendations from 2023-24.
Joint Museums Committee - Thursday, 12th June, 2025 2.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Pension Investment Sub-Committee - Thursday, 12th June, 2025 10.00 am
The Pension Investment Sub-Committee met to review the performance of several investment funds. Presentations were received from Gresham House on their Forestry Performance, from Invesco on their Real Estate Funds, and from LGPS Central (LGPSC) providing introductions and updates. The sub-committee noted all of the presentations.
Pension Investment Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 11th June, 2025 2.00 pm
The Pension Investment Sub-Committee met to review the performance of the Worcestershire Pension Fund's investments. The committee received updates from its independent advisor and from representatives of Novum Investment Management and Walton Street Real Estate Debt Funds.
West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Independent Member Appointment Panel - Friday, 30th May, 2025 10.00 am
The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Independent Member Appointment Panel, consisting of Councillor Barry Durkin, Councillor Rob Adams and Councillor Liz Harvey, convened to discuss the shortlisting process for a Lay Independent Co-opted Member of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel. The agenda included the election of a chairman and the exclusion of the press and public for a portion of the meeting.
Council - Thursday, 22nd May, 2025 10.00 am
Worcestershire County Council met to elect a new chair and vice-chair, appoint a leader of the council, and discuss political structures and committee appointments. Councillor Louis Stephen was elected as the new Chair of the Council, and Councillor Paul Bennett was appointed as Vice-Chair. The council also agreed to permit hospital overspill parking at County Hall and install more Beryl Bike bays.
Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee - Friday, 11th April, 2025 10.00 am
The Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee met on 11 April 2025 to discuss strategic planning matters, the National Landscape budget, and the indicative work programme for 2025/26. The committee was also scheduled to receive presentations on the Generation Green 2.0 and Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme. Additionally, the meeting included a review of strategic planning matters and several information items.
Upcoming meetings
West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Independent Member Appointment Panel - Tuesday, 24th June, 2025 10.00 am
Planning and Regulatory Committee - Tuesday, 1st July, 2025 10.00 am
Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025 2.00 pm
Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education - Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 2.00 pm
Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 10.00 am