Allowances frozen, criminal checks on councillors and a new car park for Doxford International - TEN key points from full Sunderland City Council meeting

As the authority approaches its latest round of elections in May, rival councillors clashed over issues from Universal Credit to councillors’ allowances.

However, the meeting also saw city leaders respond to concerns over global warming as the latest council to declare a ‘climate emergency’.

Here, we provide you with a round-up of everything you missed from the council chamber last night.

1) Tributes to Wearside war veteran

A one-minute silence was held in memory of Lieutenant Colonel Mordaunt Cohen following his death earlier this month aged 102.

In her announcements, Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Lynda Scanlan, paid tribute to the Sunderland-born solicitor, officer and community stalwart.

After his military service ended, Lt. Col. Cohen became “one of the most well-known figures in the town”, she said.

Before his passing, he was known as the most senior Jewish Second World War veteran in the UK.

He previously led the Conservative group on Sunderland council and served as chairman of Sunderland Polytechnic, which later became Sunderland University.

And for the 70th anniversary of V-J day, he also produced online videos to educate people about the Second World War – for which he was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2018.

2) Labour councillors step down

As the May 2 elections approach, five Labour councillors have announced plans to retire at the end of their current term.

Redhill councillor, Richard Bell

Copt Hill councillor, Mary Turton.

Hendon councillor, Victoria O’Neill

St Anne’s councillor Karen Waters

Southwick councillor, Miles Elliott

3) Future works at Sunderland Railway Station

Following a public question, council leader Graeme Miller gave an update on plans for Sunderland’s Central Station.

He said: “It is widely recognised that the current above ground station building, opened in 1966, does not provide an appropriate gateway for Sunderland.

“The city council is working closely with partners including Network Rail and Nexus to bring forward an alternative, much-needed and improved station building with improved facilities for passengers.

“Detailed design options are being prepared currently and both the council and Nexus have committed capital funds to the project”.

He added the project is planned for 2020/21 subject to additional funding being secured, including gap funding from the government’s ‘Transforming Cities Fund’.

4) New overflow car park at Doxford International 

Councillors also heard an update on a planned car park near Doxford International following a public question.

Cabinet member for Environment and Transport, Coun Amy Wilson, said the car park, adjacent to Clinton Place, would be built by a private developer.

She explained it would aim to “accommodate overflow demand” from occupiers at Doxford International Business Park.

The meeting heard the car park would be paid for by businesses choosing to enter a lease agreement to provide car parking spaces for their staff.

Coun Wilson added: “Individual businesses will need to decide whether they’re able to afford this cost or will need to pass it onto their staff.”

5) Councillors’ Allowances frozen

Councillors’ allowances will see no changes next year following a decision by city leaders.

A report from the Independent Remuneration Panel  recommended no changes to allowances for the 2019/20 financial year.

However, opposition Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors made calls to ignore the recommendations and come up with new plans to cut allowances and expenses.

But the call to refer the allowances decision back to cabinet was voted down by the Labour group.

Council leader Graeme Miller stressed the council had not accepted a rise in allowances in the last seven years – equating to an 18% cut in “real terms spending power of their allowa