The Worcestershire County Council meeting on 9 January 2025 addressed significant concerns regarding the impact of proposed inheritance tax changes on family farms, with councillors unanimously passing a motion urging the government to reconsider these policies. The council also reviewed reports on safeguarding children and adults, noting areas for improvement and accepting recommendations for action. Additionally, the meeting covered financial updates, including variations to the capital programme and budget monitoring, highlighting ongoing financial pressures.

Farming Inheritance Tax Policies

The council unanimously passed a motion calling on the Chief Executive to write to the Minister of Defra, Steve Reed MP, to request a reconsideration of inheritance tax policies that place undue financial strain on family farms. The motion highlighted that these changes represent a direct threat to the livelihoods of farming families and could undermine the viability of agricultural businesses essential for food security, local employment, and the stewardship of the countryside. Councillors expressed concern that the proposed tax increases could force farms to sell land or equipment, weakening the agricultural base and threatening the rural landscape. The motion also urged the government to consult directly with farming representatives, such as the NFU, to fully understand the impact on local farmers and rural economies. An amendment to the motion, which sought to increase the inheritance tax threshold and remove exemptions for royal estates, was debated but ultimately lost.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) Public Interest Reports

The council noted two public interest reports from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman concerning Worcestershire Children's First, a company previously responsible for delivering children's services on behalf of the council. Both reports identified fault causing injustice to complainants.

The first report, concerning adaptations to a property for a disabled child, found fault with both Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council. The council has accepted recommendations to pay financial remedies totalling £6,000 to the complainant, Ms X, and £1,000 to the child, Y. Further actions include reviewing procedures for communication, ensuring changes to plans are agreed with occupational therapists, and establishing a clear point of contact for major schemes.

The second report related to the handling of a foster child's education and special educational needs (SEN). The council accepted recommendations to pay Ms X £11,060 to acknowledge the missed education and therapeutic support for the child, Y, and the injustice caused to Ms X. The council will also review its SEND improvement plan training to ensure staff are equipped to handle EHC plans, school admissions, and reassessment requests.

Financial Updates and Capital Programme

The council approved variations to the Capital Programme, including an increase of £0.533 million for Devolved Formula Capital relating to education, and an additional £0.285 million for the demolition of Stourport County Buildings, funded by capital receipts. Significant reprofiling of the capital programme was also undertaken, transferring £55 million from the 2024/25 programme into future years, which is expected to benefit the council's borrowing position.

The Resources Report indicated a forecast net overspend of £12.5 million for the financial year, after utilising £7.9 million from budgeted risk reserves. While 74% of savings targets were rated as green (delivered or expected to be delivered), 17% (£6.3 million) were rated red (significant risk of non-delivery). The council is working to identify alternative savings proposals.

The Treasury Management Mid-Year Update confirmed that the council is operating within its approved Treasury Management Strategy and that treasury management activities continue to be cost-effective.

Adult Social Care and Communities Reports

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Richard Morris, presented his report, highlighting the dedication of the workforce and the increasing demand on services, particularly for older residents and younger people transitioning from children's services. He noted the challenges posed by rising costs for providers due to National Insurance and National Living Wage increases, which could add an estimated £10-12 million to adult social care costs. The report detailed ongoing work on the Adult Social Care Strategy, CQC inspection readiness, and efforts to improve the Adults Front Door service.

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Karen May, presented her report, highlighting progress in library services, including the expansion of Libraries Unlocked and the successful bid for a new mobile library. The report also detailed work on archives and archaeology, countryside and green spaces, road safety education, and strengthening communities initiatives, including the Household Support Fund. The Registration Service and Coroner Service are working to address backlogs, and the resettlement service continues to support Ukrainian guests. Museums Worcestershire reported a significant increase in visitors and secondary spend.

Question Time

During Question Time, councillors raised concerns about road safety on Taylors Lane in Kempsey, the capacity of the Hartlebury energy from waste plant, and the enforcement of policies regarding advertising hoardings and 'A' boards. The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport, Councillor Marc Bayliss, provided details on planned improvements for Taylors Lane and the challenges in addressing advertising hoardings. The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment, Councillor Emma Stokes, addressed concerns about waste capacity and the introduction of food waste collections.

An urgent question was raised by Councillor Matt Jenkins regarding the delay of local elections, to which the Leader of the Council, Councillor Simon Geraghty, responded that the Government's white paper indicated a move towards unitary authorities and that delaying elections would allow for better planning and devolution opportunities.

Reports of Committees

The Audit and Governance Committee reported that the council's final accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 had been signed off by Grant Thornton with an unqualified opinion, a rare achievement nationally. The committee also noted progress on the savings plan and internal audit reports.

The Pensions Committee noted the minutes of its sub-committees and the Pension Fund Annual Report. It also highlighted concerns about the Government's Fit for the Future consultation on the Local Government Pension Scheme, which could lead to external bodies making investment decisions while the risk remains with the fund.

The Planning and Regulatory Committee approved an application for development adjacent to the former Chadwich Lane Quarry in Bromsgrove, subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.