Members of the Council were asked to consider whether they had any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or any other relevant interest, in connection with any matter to be debated or determined at this meeting and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.

No such declarations were made.

The Mayor advised that he had received apologies for absence from Councillors Dodd, Elderton, A Hodson, Meaden, Muspratt and Sykes.

He was pleased to inform the Council that for the fourth consecutive year, North West in Bloom had recently awarded a silver medal in the Best Small Village Category to Bidston Village Green. The award encouraged communities to improve and care for their local environment through imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. Bidston had also been awarded the Amberol Trophy and the Mayor thanked Councillor Jim Crabtree, who had helped the village achieve the award.

He commented also upon the success of the Youth Parliament and offered his thanks for the support that had been received from Council staff, Members and particularly all the young people who took part.

The Mayor referred to various events that were taking place as part of the Wirral Youth Theatre Arts Festival and commended a musical event that he had attended last week.

He advised the Council that Councillor Mike Sullivan had recently completed his 51st marathon. He congratulated Councillor Sullivan for his achievement and thanked him for the funds he had raised for the Mayor’s Charity.

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor welcomed Councillor Matthew Patrick to his first meeting of the full Council and congratulated him on his recent election success.

Three matters were submitted for approval by the Council (see minutes 47 to 49 post)

The first matter requiring approval related to the refreshed Corporate Plan for the period 2014 – 2016 and the recommendation from the Cabinet which had met earlier on 2 December, 2013.

In respect of Cabinet minute 109 (2 December, 2013) – Corporate Plan 2014 – 2016, it was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan that the recommendations of Cabinet be approved.

It was moved by Councillor Green and seconded by Councillor Rennie, that –

“Council notes the sentiments expressed in the proposed Corporate Plan 2014-2016, which it believes to be so bland as to be bordering on banal. Given the use of meaningless management jargon and this Administration’s tendency to talk to itself instead of the Wirral public it is not surprising that the proposed plan is bereft of any opportunity for Officers or Councillors to be held to account for its delivery by the public.

Council believes that any plan should have specific measures of success and is therefore disappointed but not surprised that they are missing from the Corporate Plan proposed this evening. Instead we are supposed to accept vague promises that ‘A coherent set of performance measures and targets are being developed to ensure priorities are achieved over the two year period covered by this plan’.

Council further believes that if the Administration truly want this Corporate Plan to be a blueprint for the Council’s improvement, they need to be open and honest with Wirral residents about which specific measures they are working towards before embarking on any ‘expedition’ with their money.

Council therefore defers adoption of the Corporate Plan 2014 – 2016 in its current form until a ‘coherent set of performance measures’ have been developed and discussed with elected Members for inclusion within the Corporate Plan. Council believes this approach will provide the public the opportunity of open and honest appraisal with the prospect of measuring true performance thus holding any administration to account”.

To enable consideration of the amendment by the political groups –

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 6.20pm for 10 minutes

The meeting resumed at 6.30pm

The Mayor requested the movers of the motion and amendments to speak to their proposals followed by seconders. Following a debate and Councillor Phil Davies having replied, the amendment proposed by Councillor Green was put and lost (24:34) (One abstention).

There being no further amendments, the substantive motion was put and carried (34:24) (One abstention)

Resolved (34:24) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within Cabinet minute 109 be confirmed and the Corporate Plan 2014 – 2016, as amended, be adopted.

The second matter requiring approval related to the draft Committee Calendar 2014/2015 and the recommendation from Cabinet which had met earlier on 2 December, 2013.

In respect of Cabinet minute 110 (2 December, 2013) – Draft Committee Calendar for Municipal Year 2014/2015, the Head of Legal and Member Services informed the Council that the calendar would remain in draft form until 11 March 2014, unless otherwise amended prior to that date.

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

Resolved (34:24) (One abstention) – That the recommendations of Cabinet in respect of the Draft Committee Calendar 2014/2015, including the suggested amendments, be approved.

The third matter requiring approval related to proposed interim changes to the Wirral Coroner Service and the recommendation from Cabinet which had met earlier (minute 111 (2 December, 2013) refers).

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

Resolved (58:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations of Cabinet in respect of the Wirral Coroner Service, be approved.