Members of the Council are asked to consider whether they have 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.

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.

By virtue of their being Directors of Overton Nursery, Councillors Tony Smith, Stuart Whittingham and Tom Anderson declared their personal interest in agenda item 6 – ‘Leader’s, Executive Members and Chairs’ Reports’ (see minute 22 post) in respect of the Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services’ report insofar as it referred to Early Years and Children’s Centres.

Councillor Bill Davies declared his personal interest in agenda item 11 (ii) – ‘Notices of Motion – The Lyndale School’ (see minute 18 post) by virtue of him having a family member attending Foxfield School.

Councillors Lesley Rennie and Steve Williams declared a personal interest in agenda item 11 (ii) – ‘Notices of Motion – The Lyndale School’ (see minute 18 post) by virtue of them being governors at Elleray Park and Foxfield Schools, respectively.

Councillor Stuart Whittingham declared a personal interest in agenda item 8, ‘Matters for Noting’ and the Cabinet minute 30 (7/7/14), ‘Provision of Children and Adult Transport Services’ (see minute 29 post) by virtue of him being acquainted with someone who provides transport.

Councillor Tony Norbury declared a personal interest by virtue of his employment in agenda item 6 – ‘Leader’s, Executive Members and Chairs’ Reports’ (see minute 22 post) in respect of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport’s report.

Councillor Geoffrey Watt declared a personal interest in agenda item 11 (iv) – ‘Notices of Motion – Private Rented Sector Reform’ (see minute 17 post) by virtue of him being a private landlord.

To receive the Civic Mayor's announcements and any apologies for absence.

Order The Mayor referred to the forthcoming Open Golf tournament, which would generate a great deal of good publicity for the borough and that the borough would be welcoming visitors from all over the world.

He referred to the fact that that day he had welcomed groups of Spanish and French students to the Town Hall.

The Mayor also introduced Councillor Norman Hewer from Wanneroo in Western Australia, a city north of Perth with a population of 160,000. Norman was born in Bebington and an exchange of gifts was made between himself and the Mayor.

The Mayor noted that apologies were received from Councillors Wendy Clements, Chris Meaden, Cherry Povall and Denise Roberts.

The Mayor informed the Council that he would take the Notice of Motion on the Lyndale School as the next item of business, in view of the presence of members of the public specifically for this item.

Notices of motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1), are attached. They are listed in the order received, and the full text of each motion is attached. The Mayor, having considered each motion, in accordance with Standing Order 7(4) has decided that they will be dealt with as follows:

(i).  Becoming a ‘Dementia Friendly’ Council

[The Mayor to refer to the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee]

(ii).  The Lyndale School

To be debated

(iii).  Underground Coal Gasification

[The Mayor to refer to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee]

(iv).  Private Rented Sector Reform

[The Mayor to refer to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee]

(v).  A Fair Deal for Wirral

To be debated

(vi).  Investing in Wirral’s Infrastructure

To be debated

(vii).  The Brown Bin Tax and the Digital Divide

The Mayor to refer to the Cabinet]

Notices of motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1) were reported to the Council. The Mayor, having considered each motion, in accordance with Standing Order 7(4) had decided that they would be dealt with as follows:

(i).  Becoming a ‘Dementia Friendly’ Council

To be referred to the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee

(ii).  The Lyndale School

To be debated

(iii).  Underground Coal Gasification

To be referred to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee

(iv).  Private Rented Sector Reform

To be referred to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee

(v).  A Fair Deal for Wirral

To be debated

(vi).  Investing in Wirral’s Infrastructure

To be debated

(vii).  The Brown Bin Tax and the Digital Divide

To be referred to the Cabinet

Proposed by Councillor Paul Hayes

Seconded by Councillor Jeff Green

Council, having regard to the support given to the campaign to keep the Lyndale School open by the public of Wirral, resolves that:

1.   It is the firm belief of Council that the Lyndale School should remain open, and in order to bring to an end the anguish and uncertainty suffered by pupils and their parents and carers, calls upon Cabinet to confirm that the school will remain open when Cabinet next meets.

2.   Council recognises the unique and caring environment provided by the Lyndale School to children with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Council acknowledges the value of this provision and affirms its belief that such provision should remain at the Lyndale School.

3. Council instructs officers to work with the Wirral School’s Forum in order to investigate how the funding of Wirral’s Special Schools can more closely reflect the will of Wirral’s residents, as expressed by the huge support given to the Lyndale School: that the quality and scale of provision for children requiring the services of special schools in Wirral should continually strive to improve and be in no way diminished.

An amendment which had been circulated in advance of the meeting was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Tony Smith

“Delete paragraph 1.

Retain first sentence of paragraph 2.

Delete remainder of paragraphs 2 and 3.

Insert the following:

Council believes that it would be premature to take a view on the future of Lyndale School without taking into account the outcome of the comprehensive consultation process which took place recently. Any statements in favour of a particular outcome run the risk of predetermination.

Council therefore notes the views contained in this motion and agrees to refer it to the special meeting of Cabinet on the 4th September. Cabinet will consider all options relating to Lyndale School together with the outcome of the consultation exercise at that special meeting.”

Prior to the debate, Councillor Kelly queried whether the amendment had the effect of negating the motion in contravention of Standing Order 9 (1).

The Head of Legal and Member Services responded that the amendment referred the motion to the special meeting of Cabinet which was consistent with the underlying proposition of the substantive motion. The amendment was suggesting an alternative rationale but the underlying proposition remained unchanged and was therefore lawful.

Following a debate and Councillor Paul Hayes having replied, Councillor Phil Davies and five Labour Members asked that a ‘card vote’ be recorded in respect of the Labour amendment. The Council then divided as follows:

For the amendment (35) Councillors RL Abbey, P Brightmore, J Crabtree, M Daniel, G Davies, P Davies, WJ Davies, P Doughty, RJ Gregson, P Hackett, T Johnson, AER Jones, C Jones, A Leech, ARC McLachlan, M McLaughlin, B Mooney, C Muspratt, S Niblock, T Norbury, M Patrick, D Realey, L Reecejones, J Salter, H Smith, PA Smith,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

A.  To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

B.  The following petition is referred to the Council for consideration in accordance with Standing Order 34:

A petition of some 4,029 signatories submitted by Abbas Hussain requesting the Council to reduce the parking charges in Heswall

A sheet from the petition is attached and, in accordance with the Petition Scheme, the petition organiser has been invited to address the Council for up to five minutes. The Council should debate the matter for a maximum of 15 minutes before deciding how to respond to the petition.

A.  In accordance with Standing Order 21, the Mayor received petitions submitted by –

Councillor Steve Williams on behalf of 145 signatories objecting to Planning Application APP/14/00706 – Demolition of the Millhouse Public House.

Councillor Stuart Kelly on behalf of 160 signatories requesting the replacement of uneven and broken paving in Waverton Avenue, Oxton

Councillor Janette Williamson on behalf of 786 signatories requesting the Council to reconsider parking charges in Seaview Road Car Park, Wallasey.

Councillor Jean Stapleton on behalf of 36 signatories objecting to the construction of flats in Halcyon Road, Birkenhead.

Councillor Phil Davies on behalf of 1417 signatories objecting to any fracking taking place on Wirral or around the coast of Wirral.

Councillor Adrian Jones on behalf of 58 signatories requesting the restoration of the grass park land at the end of The Grove, Seacombe to be freely available for the public to use by removing the locks on the gates.

Councillor Adrian Jones on behalf of 67 signatories, residents of The Grove / Stourton Street, requesting that the gates be kept permanently locked on The Grove entrance to the football field and swings.

Resolved – That the petitions be noted and referred to the appropriate Chief Officer in accordance with Standing Order 34.

B.  In accordance with the Petition Scheme (when petitions with a threshold of 3000 signatures triggered a Council debate) the Council received a petition of some 4029 signatures, with a further 650 signatures approximately, presented at the meeting, submitted by Councillor Andrew Hodson, requesting that car parking charges in Heswall be reduced.

The petition organiser, Mr A Hussain, addressed the Council on behalf of the petitioners.

Following a debate, it was moved by Councillor Phil Davies, duly seconded and –

Resolved – That the petition be referred to the Task and Finish Group, which was currently completing its scrutiny review into car parking charges, in advance of any decision being taken upon the scrutiny review’s recommendations.

To deal with questions from members of the public, in accordance with Appendix 1 to Standing Orders.

Mr J Brace, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted a question on the use of regulations in respect of the use of an eviction notice

Councillor Adrian Jones (Cabinet Member – Support Services) responded that he would supply Mr Brace with a written response.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting of the Annual Council held on 2 June and reconvened on 9 June, 2014.

The Council is requested to note the following amendments to appendix C to the minutes, ‘Appointments to Outside Bodies 2014/15’,

B. ADULT SOCIAL CARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH

(v). Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust

Replace Councillor Moira McLaughlin with Councillor Anita Leech

J. NEIGHBOURHOODS, HOUSING AND ENGAGEMENT

(i). Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association – Board

Delete Councillors Harry Smith and Denise Realey – replace with Councillor Paul Doughty

(viii) Magenta Living: Community Fund Working Group, officer appointments to read:

Mr I Platt (Head of Housing)

Mr T Sault (Head of Financial Services)

In addition to the above amendments, the Council is requested note the following amendments to Appendix C:

D. ECONOMY

(ii) Conservation Area Advisory Committees

Add in Lower Bebington, appointee - Councillor Jerry Williams

(vii) ‘Wirral Business Partnership’ to read, ‘Wirral Chamber of Commerce’.

J. NEIGHBOURHOODS, HOUSING AND ENGAGEMENT

(ii) Leasowe Community Homes Management Board

Replace Councillor John Salter with Councillor Treena Johnson

Also one amendment to Appendix A - deputies on Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee, replace Councillor Anita Leech with Councillor Christina Muspratt.

The minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 2 and 9 June, 2014 had been circulated to Members and, it was –

Resolved – That the minutes be approved and adopted as a correct record, subject to those amendments in respect of appendices A and C to the minutes, referred to in the summons and on the supplementary papers.

To receive the written reports of the Leader and Cabinet Members and receive questions and answers on any of those reports in accordance with Standing Orders 10(2)(a) and 11.

Also attached is the Strategic Director of Transformation and Resources’ Scrutiny Annual Report 2013/14.

The Leader of the Council presented his summary report upon matters relevant to his portfolio. He responded to questions from Councillors Green, Blakeley and Stapleton and made a number of comments including –

·  It was a privilege to be confirmed as Chair of the Combined Authority and he was pleased that all the Leaders of the Merseyside authorities were working in harmony.

·  He welcomed the additional City Region funding which would be used for a whole range of projects including improving access to the region with a freight and logistics hub on the SuperPort.

·  A City Region Investment Fund would be created.

·  He could not agree that the economy was booming, improvements were being seen in the south of England and London, there was still record youth unemployment in the region.

·  He agreed that more stations were needed in the region and not just at Town Lane, Moreton. The Chief Executive of Merseytravel had informed a recent meeting of the Combined Authority that a transport plan to improve public transport across the region included proposals a number of new stations.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Ann McLachlan on her Governance, Commissioning and Improvement Portfolio Report and responses to a question from Councillor Chris Blakeley included the following comments:

·  The Freedom of Information Scrutiny Review was a commendable piece of work which had made some important recommendations including having dedicated officer champions in each department.

·  All FoI requests should be dealt with in a timely manner and it was not acceptable for any Members to have to probe to get information.

Questions were then invited for Councillor George Davies on the Neighbourhoods, Housing and Engagement Portfolio Report and his responses to questions from Councillors Tom Anderson, Stuart Kelly and Matt Daniel included the following comments:

·  There was a need to improve poor housing through the Healthy Homes project as the cost of not improving properties would be borne by the health service in treating vulnerable residents.

·  Healthy Homes should be a main priority and he would be endeavouring to get more funding for this project.

·  In respect of selective licensing for private landlords, officers had been involved in developing a business case following Department for Communities and Local Government guidance. An evidence base was now nearing completion with the Public Health intelligence team helping with data analysis. Recommendations for key areas were being finalised and these would be put to Cabinet before going out to full consultation.

Questions were invited for Councillor Pat Hackett on his Economy Portfolio Report and responses to questions from Councillors Rob Gregson and Andrew Hodson included the following comments:

·  He expanded upon the work of the Mersey Dee Alliance and the work of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board in facilitating cross border growth.

·  Two of its main priorities were the upgrade of the Bidston – Wrexham Borderlands link and the re-opening of the Halton Curve, a direct rail link between North Wales and Liverpool.

·  It was proposed that the Chair of the MDA be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To consider any recommendations of the Leader, Cabinet, Cabinet Member and Committees which require the approval of the Council. The relevant minutes are attached; copies of the related reports can be provided for Council members on request.

A.  Licensing Act 2003 Committee – 19 March 2014

Minute 12 - Draft Statement of Licensing Policy

The Council is requested to approve the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy as the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. (A copy of the Draft Policy, incorporating amendments proposed at the Committee, is attached, as well as the minute).

B.  Audit and Risk Management Committee – 23 June 2014

Minute 72 - Annual Self Assessment 2013/14

The Council is requested to approve an amendment to the Committee’s terms of reference, insofar as they relate to the frequency of meetings, to ensure compliance with CIPFA best practice guidance.

C.  Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Scrutiny Panel

Following consideration of a report on Scrutiny Arrangements by the Combined Authority at its meeting on 13 June, 2014, the Council is requested to appoint two Members to the LCRCA Scrutiny Panel and to nominate one of these two Members as the ‘Authority Scrutiny Link’. (A copy of the report on Scrutiny Arrangements, to the LCRCA, is attached).

D.  Statutory Scrutiny Officer

The Council is requested to approve the appointment of the Strategic Director of Transformation and Resources as the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Officer, in place of the Director of Public Health / Head of Policy and Performance.

E.  Any other matters referred to the Council by Cabinet at its meeting on 7 July, 2014, including:

·  Designation of a Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area for Leasowe

In accordance with Standing Order 5(2), five matters were submitted for approval by the Council (see minutes 24 to 28 post).

The first matter requiring approval was the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy as the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

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

Resolved - That the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy be approved as the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

The second matter requiring approval was in relation to the Audit and Risk Management Committee’s Terms of Reference insofar as they related to the frequency of meetings and compliance with CIPFA best practice guidance.

On a motion by Councillor Jim Crabtree, seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, it was –

Resolved – That the terms of reference for the Audit and Risk Management Committee be revised to incorporate the following wording –

“The Audit and Risk Management Committee should meet five times in each municipal year unless otherwise determined by Council in the calendar of meetings and at such times as determined by the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.”

The third matter requiring approval was in relation to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Scrutiny Panel, and the request for the Council to appoint two Members, one of whom should be appointed as the ‘Authority Scrutiny Link’.

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

Resolved – That Councillors Mike Sullivan and Anita Leech be appointed to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Scrutiny Panel, with Councillor Mike Sullivan appointed as the ‘Authority Scrutiny Link’.

Councillor Jeff Green informed the Council that City Region opposition leaders had met and had nominated Councillor John Hale as one of the two opposition appointees to the Scrutiny Panel.

The fourth matter requiring approval was for the appointment of a Statutory Scrutiny officer in place of the Director of Public Health / Head of Policy and Performance.

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

Resolved – That the Strategic Director of Transformation and Resources, or his nominee, be appointed as the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Officer.

The fifth matter requiring approval was in relation to the designation of a Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area for Leasowe.

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

Resolved - That Unity in our Community be formally designated as the statutory neighbourhood planning forum for the neighbourhood area of Leasowe shown on the plan in the report; and that the designation and associated documents are published in accordance with Regulations 7 and 10 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012.

The following matters, determined by the Cabinet, are drawn to the Council’s attention in accordance with the Constitution (copies of the related reports can be provided for Council members on request).

Cabinet – 13 March 2014

Minute 162 - Financial Monitoring 2013/14 (Month 10)

Matters potentially to be referred to the Council by Cabinet at its meeting on 7 July, 2014, include:

·  Provision of Children and Adult Transport Services (Reason – proposed waiving of call-in)

·  Pothole Repair Fund Application – Delegation of Decision (Reason – proposed waiving of call-in)

Responding to a comment from Councillor Jeff Green, the Leader of the Council referred to the waiver of call-in on the Children and Adult Transport Services minute because of the need to ensure there was no break in the contract. He acknowledged that contracts such as this should come before the Cabinet in plenty of time.

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

Resolved – That the following matters be noted -

Minute 162 (Cabinet – 13 March 2014) – Financial Monitoring 2013/2014 (Month 10)

Minute 30 (Cabinet – 7 July 2014) – Provision of Children and Adult Transport Services (Reason – Waiving of call-in)

To consider Members’ general questions to the Mayor, Cabinet Member or Committee Chair in accordance with Standing Orders 10 (2)(b) and 11.

Councillor Phil Gilchrist, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10 (2) (b), submitted a question addressed to Councillor Tony Smith (Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services), in respect of the public consultation meetings on the proposed closure of Lyndale School.

Councillor Smith responded accordingly.

Councillor Stuart Kelly, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10 (2) (b), submitted a question addressed to Councillor Tony Smith (Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services), in respect of the introduction of universal free school meals for infants.

Councillor Smith responded accordingly.

To consider and determine any references from the Policy and Performance Committees.

A.  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion, ‘Mersey Tunnel Tolls’, referred from Council at its meeting on 10 March, 2014 (minute 98 refers) was considered by the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee at its meeting on 9 April, 2014 (minute 45 is attached).

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council is asked to consider the following recommendation of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee:

“Resolved (10:5) –

(1)  That this Committee regrets the attempt to politicise the issue by the wording within the Notice of Motion, rather than stimulate serious debate. It also regrets that it fails to recognise the burden of high, unregulated bus and train fares on Wirral residents, wherever they travel.

(2)  Committee notes that Wirral has benefitted greatly from the freezing of the Merseytravel levy and a direct grant of £3.3m to help offset cuts in Highways Budgets.

(3)  Committee notes that putting the burden of tunnel tolls directly on the Council Tax would penalise all Wirral residents including non-car owners and would be unachievable. However, we recognise the issue and impact of tunnel tolls, particularly in Wirral and agree –

(i)  That we should support a campaign to move the funding of the tunnel crossing back to the National Highways Network, particularly in the light of the A14 ruling.

(ii)  That the Fast-Tag scheme should be encouraged and promoted through all Wirral Council media and outlets.

(iii)  That we should encourage local, flexible schemes that could assist Wirral residents in reducing costs.

(iv)  That, whatever the outcome, safety and efficiency of the tunnel operation should not be put at risk.

(v)  That Wirral will support the Merseytravel campaign to reduce excessive bus and train fares.”

B.  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion, ‘NO to Nuisance Calls’, referred from Council at its meeting on 10 March, 2014 (minute 98 refers) was considered by the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee at its meeting on 9 April, 2014 (minute 46 is attached).

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council is asked to consider the following recommendation of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee:

“Resolved –

(1)  That the ‘No to Nuisance Calls’ campaign be supported, and appropriate steps be taken to promote the campaign via the Trading Standards service and through publicity in libraries and other public buildings.

(2)  That the report of the Trading Standards Strategic Manager be noted.

(3)  That the proposal of the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment to promote cross Departmental working be supported.

(4)  That the Committee to be appointed for 2014/2015 be asked to consider how best to address the problem.

(5)  That the Cabinet be requested to write to local MPs, encouraging them to support the Private Members’ Communications (Unsolicited Telephone Calls and Texts) Bill.”

The Cabinet, at its meeting on 19 June, 2014 (minute 17 refers) resolved:

“That a  ...  view the full agenda text for item 31.

A.  At the meeting of the Council held on 10 March 2014 (minute 98 refers) the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion, ‘Mersey Tunnel Tolls’, to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee on 9 April, 2014 (minute 45 refers).

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee which advised that -

(1)  That this Committee regrets the attempt to politicise the issue by the wording within the Notice of Motion, rather than stimulate serious debate. It also regrets that it fails to recognise the burden of high, unregulated bus and train fares on Wirral residents, wherever they travel.

(2)  Committee notes that Wirral has benefitted greatly from the freezing of the Merseytravel levy and a direct grant of £3.3m to help offset cuts in Highways Budgets.

(3)  Committee notes that putting the burden of tunnel tolls directly on the Council Tax would penalise all Wirral residents including non-car owners and would be unachievable. However, we recognise the issue and impact of tunnel tolls, particularly in Wirral and agree –

(i).  That we should support a campaign to move the funding of the tunnel crossing back to the National Highways Network, particularly in the light of the A14 ruling.

(ii).  That the Fast-Tag scheme should be encouraged and promoted through all Wirral Council media and outlets.

(iii).That we should encourage local, flexible schemes that could assist Wirral residents in reducing costs.

(iv).That, whatever the outcome, safety and efficiency of the tunnel operation should not be put at risk.

(v).  That Wirral will support the Merseytravel campaign to reduce excessive bus and train fares.

B.  At the meeting of the Council held on 10 March 2014 (minute 98 refers) the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion, ‘NO to Nuisance Calls’, to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee on 9 April, 2014 (minute 46 refers).

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee, which advised -

(1)  That the ‘No to Nuisance Calls’ campaign be supported, and appropriate steps be taken to promote the campaign via the Trading Standards service and through publicity in libraries and other public buildings.

(2)  That the report of the Trading Standards Strategic Manager be noted.

(3)  That the proposal of the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment to promote cross Departmental working be supported.

(4)  That the Committee to be appointed for 2014/2015 be asked to consider how best to address the problem.

(5)  That the Cabinet be requested to write to local MPs, encouraging them to support the Private Members’ Communications (Unsolicited Telephone Calls and Texts) Bill.”

The Cabinet, had subsequently resolved, at its meeting on 19 June, 2014 (minute 17 refers), “That a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan

Council notes that:

(i).  Sir Merrick Cockell, the outgoing chairman of the Local Government Association, has said increasing demands from a growing elderly population and cuts in council grants will lead to a funding gap of £5.8bn between March 2014 and March 2016 and a catastrophe in elderly care. The LGA predicts that by 2020 local authorities will have to spend 40% of their resources on elderly care. Council budgets have been cut by about 33% since 2010 as part of the austerity programme, including a £2.8bn reduction in social care funding.

(ii).  In Wirral, between 2014 and 2017 the gap between forecast expenditure and income is £45m which equates to a further 20% reduction in expenditure;

(iii).  Cuts of £70m are required between 2014/15 and 2017/18 to balance the books.

(iv).  By 2016 the government will have cut Wirral’s grant by 57% (£127m);

(v).  The Council’s budget is currently running a small under-spend, having been over-spent by £17m under the previous Administration;

(vi).  Whilst every effort has been made to minimise the impact of savings on front-line services, some of the budget reductions over the past two years have had negative impacts;

(vii).  Given the scale of the further savings required over the next three years it will become even more difficult to maintain good quality front-line services;

(viii).  The ‘Future Council’ programme will help to identify the core services which the Council should provide in the future. It will also help us to put in place new models to enable us to deliver more for less;

In light of the above, Council agrees to the following:

(1)  To reaffirm the principles on which we have based budgetary decisions, i.e. those with the broadest shoulders should bear the greatest burden; to minimise the impact on front-line services. Budget options should also enable us to meet our corporate priorities as far as possible, i.e. attracting jobs and investment; protecting the vulnerable; tackling inequalities;

(2)  To retain the relatively generous voluntary severance scheme for our staff as long as possible and to do everything possible to ensure that reductions in posts are achieved by voluntary means;

(3)  To help residents deal with the cost of living crisis, if the conditions surrounding the Council Tax Freeze Grant are maintained in 2015/16, then the Administration confirms its intention to freeze the Council Tax for a further year;

(4)  To continue to use every opportunity to lobby the government to reverse the damaging cuts to local government and, in particular, the unfair way in which Councils in the North of England have been forced to bear the brunt of the cuts. We will work with others to highlight this injustice and to campaign for a fair deal for Wirral from whichever party forms the government following next year’s general election.

An amendment which had been circulated in advance of the meeting was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

Proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Council recognises that substantial capital receipts are likely to be received from asset sales over the next two years and that this has been reported as being in the order of £20 million.

Council believes that Wirral’s roads, pavements and street lighting require further investment, over and above the programmes of recent years. Council welcomes the work being put in to target resources effectively and to utilise funds provided by the Government to cope with winter damage.

Council believes that the data from the annual condition survey should be reported upon in detail and that a strategic decision is desirable on a programme of sustained investment to improve the infrastructure in Wirral.

Council therefore requests that the Regeneration and Environment Policy & Performance Committee examine and report back on:

(i).  the level of investment in recent years

(ii).  the repairs backlog, including up to date UKPMS survey data

(iii).  the number of potholes, trip hazards and faulty street lighting issues being tackled

(iv).  a programme of investment that can be sustained over several years to deal with public concern about the state of Wirral’s roads, pavements and lighting infrastructure.

An amendment which had been circulated in advance of the meeting was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

Proposed by Councillor Stuart Whittingham

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

“Amend the final paragraph as follows:

Council therefore requests that the Regeneration and Environment Policy & Performance Committee examines this matter and suggests particular consideration of the following issues:

(i).  the level of investment in recent years;

(ii).  areas of strong performance within the service;

(iii).  the repairs backlog, including up to date condition survey data;

(iv).  the levels of safety intervention repairs on the highway network, and repudiation rates for claims against the Council;

(v).  proposals for the further development of the highways asset management strategy and plans, to reflect changes in industry guidance and best practice;

(vi).  the deliverability of a programme of sustained investment over several years to maintain the condition of the borough’s highways in the context of severe cuts in the Council’s overall budget by central government and the opportunity cost of delivering such a programme,

and reports back to Council thereafter.”

The Mayor then requested the movers of the motion and amendment to speak to their proposals followed by the seconders.

The amendment was put and carried (36:24) (One abstention).

The substantive motion, as amended, was put and carried (60:0) (One abstention).

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) –

Council recognises that substantial capital receipts are likely to be received from asset sales over the next two years and that this has been reported as being in the order of £20 million.

Council believes that Wirral’s roads, pavements and street lighting require further investment, over and above the programmes of recent years. Council welcomes the work being put in to target resources effectively and to utilise funds provided by the Government to cope with winter  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To receive nominations, in accordance with Standing Order 25(6), in respect of any proposed changes in the membership of committees, and to approve nominations for appointments to outside organisations.

The Mayor informed the Council that the Head of Legal and Member Services had not been notified of any vacancies to be filled.