Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Items
No. Item

118.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

Minutes:

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 membership of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillors Steve Niblock, Lesley Rennie and Denise Roberts declared their personal interest in agenda item 8 – Matters for Noting – Council Tax 2015/16 (see minute 129 post) insofar as it referred to the precept issued by the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

 

By virtue of them being ward councillors within the area, Councillors Steve Niblock, Joe Walsh and Irene Williams declared a personal interest in Notice of Motion (1) (Extending Wirral’s Coastal Path) (see minute 135 post).

 

Councillor Janette Williamson declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Notice of Motion (3) (Workfare) by virtue of her employment (see minute 133 post).

 

119.

MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Minutes:

The Mayor noted that apologies for absence were received from Councillors Eddie Boult and Bernie Mooney.

 

The Mayor referred to the recent death of former Clatterbridge Councillor Michael Moore, who was Mayor of Wirral in 1984/85 and the Council stood in silent tribute to his memory.

 

The Mayor offered the best wishes of the Council to the Right Honourable Frank Field MP following his recent illness and wished him a speedy recovery.

 

The Mayor offered his best wishes to two retiring Councillors Harry Smith and Mike Hornby. He wished them well in their retirement and invited them to the Mayor’s parlour for a small presentation following the meeting.

 

The Mayor also announced that the recipient of the Andy Day Memorial Cup for 2014/2015, an award which was presented annually in memory of a former councillor to confer recognition on a member of the Council who, in the Mayor’s opinion, had demonstrated the qualities of dedication and selflessness possessed by the late Councillor, was Councillor Phil Brightmore.

 

The Mayor referred to the recent announcement of the Local Government Chronicle Award for ‘Most Improved Council’ being awarded to Wirral Council and presented the award to the Leader of the Council.

 

The Leader of the Council commented that this was the last Council meeting to be presided over by the Mayor. He thanked both the Mayor and Mayoress for all the work they had undertaken during the year, attending over 400 engagements in a slightly shorter Mayoral year and raising money for three charities which they would continue to support following their mayoral year. He referred to the exemplary way in which the Mayor had carried out his duties as first citizen of the Borough.

 

The Leader of the Conservative Group and the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group associated themselves with the remarks made by the Leader of the Council on behalf of their respective groups.

 

In response, the Mayor stated that he and the Mayoress had worked as a team with the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress and thanked everyone for their kind words.

120.

PETITIONS

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

Minutes:

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

 

Councillor Stuart Whittingham on behalf of 43 signatories, requesting the Council to install a pedestrian crossing in Frankby Road, Newton.

 

Councillor Ron Abbey on behalf of 526 signatories asking the Council to stop budget cuts to Leasowe Early Years Centre.

 

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

121.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

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

Minutes:

Mr J Brace, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted a question on the use of taxis by elected Members

 

Councillor Adrian Jones (Cabinet Member – Support Services) responded accordingly.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 10, Mr Brace asked a supplementary question and Councillor Jones replied that he would respond in writing.

122.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 260 KB

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting(s) of the Council held on 24 February 2015.

Minutes:

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 24 February, 2015 had been circulated to Members and, it was –

 

Resolved – That the minutes be approved and adopted as a correct record.

123.

LEADER'S, EXECUTIVE MEMBERS' AND CHAIRS' REPORTS pdf icon PDF 79 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council presented his summary report upon matters relevant to his portfolio. He responded to questions from Councillors Phil Gilchrist, Phill Brightmore, Stuart Kelly and Leah Fraser and made a number of comments including –

 

·  The terms of reference of the Task Group, which the Combined Authority had established to look into tunnel tolls and costs, were still being finalised but he would ensure that the three areas of work: (i) looking into how the tunnels surplus had been used in recent years; (ii) if and how Mersey Ferry operations were being supported out of this surplus and; (iii) the status of any understanding that surpluses had been spent on transportation schemes of mutual benefit, would be included as part of the review being undertaken. These points would be covered in the final report and shared with all Members of the Council.

·  In acknowledging the LGC award for ‘Most Improved Council’, he thanked the two Party leaders at the time three years ago when the Council had been in a ‘bad place’, Councillors Jeff Green and former Councillor Tom Harney, for their support with some of the decisions that had had to be taken. He also placed on record a huge thanks to all staff within every part of the Council who were the Council’s most important resource and who had helped to achieve this recognition.

·  There was a need to redouble efforts in getting the proposed new stations on the Wirral higher up the priority scale and he would discuss this with the Chair and Chief Executive of Merseytravel.

·  In response to a number of detailed questions on the operation of the Emergency Control Room, the redundancies of 11 staff and the operation of CCTV monitoring, the Leader stated that he would supply a written answer.

 

Questions were then invited for Councillor Ann McLachlan on her Governance, Commissioning and Improvement Portfolio report. Her responses to a question from Councillor Janette Williamson included the following comments –

 

·  Checks and balances were carried out through regular reports to the Audit and Risk Management Committee and an absolutely key move was the establishment of the Governance, Commissioning and Improvement portfolio.

·  Regular monthly Cabinet reports were presented on the financial health of the Authority and she undertook regular examination of a number of key risks from the Corporate Risk Register.

 

Questions were then invited for Councillor George Davies on the Neighbourhoods, Housing and Engagement Portfolio report.

 

At this point, Councillor Jeff Green declared a prejudicial interest by virtue of being a Board Member of Magenta Living and left the meeting for questions to Councillor Davies.

 

The Mayor, Councillors Stuart Whittingham and Denise Roberts declared personal interests by virtue them being Board Members of Magenta Living.

 

No questions were posed to Councillor George Davies.

 

Questions were then invited for Councillor Adrian Jones on his Support Services Portfolio report. His responses to questions from Councillors Matt Daniel, Chris Spriggs and Chris Blakeley included the following comments –

 

·  He outlined the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

124.

MATTERS REQUIRING APPROVAL BY THE COUNCIL pdf icon PDF 49 KB

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.

 

Cabinet – 15 January, 2015

 

Minute 129 – Draft Calendar of Meetings for the 2015/16 Municipal Year

 

Cabinet – 12 March, 2015

 

·  Chief Executive Salary

·  Pay Policy Statement

·  Consideration of Proposal to Implement Selective Licensing following Consultation

 

Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee – 3 March, 2015

 

·  Policy on Filming of Council Meetings

·  Protocol of Member/Officer Relations

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 5(2), four matters were submitted for approval by the Council (see minutes 125 to 128 post).

125.

DRAFT CALENDAR OF MEETINGS FOR THE 2015/16 MUNICIPAL YEAR

Minutes:

The first matter requiring approval was in relation to the draft Calendar of Meetings for the 2015/16 Municipal Year and the Cabinet recommendations of 15 January, 2015 (minute 129 refers).

 

An amendment to this minute had also been submitted by Councillor Phil Davies, seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, and on the amended motion, moved by Councillor Phil Davies, seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

 

Resolved (62:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation, as amended, contained within Cabinet minute 129 be approved.

126.

PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2015/16

Minutes:

The second matter requiring approval was in relation to the Pay Policy Statement 2015/16 (including the Chief Executive’s salary) and the Cabinet recommendations of 12 March 2015 (minute 152 refers).

 

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan –

 

“That the recommendations contained within Cabinet minute 152 be approved”.

 

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Jeff Green and seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie –

 

“Add:

 

Council notes the Conservative Group’s consistent opposition to the range and level of salary identified for the new Chief Executive.

 

Council further notes the Honoraria Policy referred to in the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2015/16 and expresses grave concerns regarding the lack of transparency over this scheme and the complete absence of any fair and open recruitment practices regarding these payments.

 

Therefore Council demands the immediate overhaul of this policy (along with the Council’s Acting Up policy) to ensure the openness and transparency of payments made and that open and fair competition for temporary promotions is put in place.”

 

A further amendment was moved by Councillor Phil Gilchrist and seconded by Councillor Stuart Kelly, that –

 

“Delete the reference to the increment of £5000 in the Cabinet Resolution and

insert…

 

Council notes that detailed terms were negotiated with the new Chief Executive in discussions following the selection process and further notes the salary represents a 1:11.2 multiple compared with the lowest paid in the organisation.

 

Council, however, believes that the proposed increments are substantial when

viewed in the context of the circumstances facing large numbers of Wirral Council’s employees.

 

The level of the increment should remain a matter of judgment for this Council and Council considers the Cabinet proposal to be excessive.

 

Council resolves that the level of increments to be paid should be considered after the Chief Executive has served for a full year and received a full performance appraisal.”

 

Following speeches by the movers and seconders and Councillor Phil Davies having replied, prior to the vote on the Conservative amendment, Councillor Jeff Green and five Conservative Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

 

A ‘card vote’ was then taken on Councillor Green’s amendment and the Council divided as follows:

 

For the amendment (26) Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, A Brighouse, C Carubia, P Cleary, Mrs W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, L Fraser, P Gilchrist, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, M Hornby, S Kelly, D Mitchell, T Pilgrim, C Povall, Mrs L Rennie, L Rowlands, A Sykes, G Watt, Mrs P Williams and S Williams.

 

Against the amendment (36) Councillors R Abbey, P Brightmore, J Crabtree, M Daniel, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, R Gregson, P Hackett, T Johnson, A Jones, C Jones, A Leech, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, C Muspratt, S Niblock, T Norbury, M Patrick, D Realey, L Reecejones, D Roberts, J Salter, H Smith, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, M Sullivan, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

127.

SUMMARY OF THE WORK AND PROPOSALS OF THE STANDARDS AND CONSTITUTIONAL OVERSIGHT WORKING GROUP

Minutes:

The third matter requiring approval was in relation to the recommendations of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee and its Working Group concerning (i) the Policy on Filming and Reporting of Council Meetings, and; (ii) Protocol on Member / Officer Relations (minute 10 (3 March 2015) refers).

 

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

 

Resolved (62:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee minute 10, be approved.

128.

CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO IMPLEMENT SELECTIVE LICENSING FOLLOWING CONSULTATION

Minutes:

The fourth matter requiring approval was in relation to consideration of a proposal to implement Selective Licensing following consultation and the recommendations of the Cabinet held on 12 March 2015 (minute 163 refers)

 

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

 

Resolved (62:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within Cabinet minute 163, be approved.

129.

MATTERS FOR NOTING pdf icon PDF 52 KB

MATTERS FOR NOTING

 

1.  Council Tax 2015/16

 

To note that the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside and the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have issued precepts to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area.

 

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside’s agreed Budget 2015/16 has resulted in an increased precept requirement of 1.95% (based on properties in Band D).

 

The Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority’s agreed Budget 2015/16 has resulted in an increased precept requirement of 1.99% (based on properties in Band D).

 

The overall Council Tax for Wirral 2015/16 (based on properties in Band D) is as follows :-

 

Property

Band

Council Tax 2015/16

2014/15

2015/16

Wirral

Police

Fire

Total

Total

Increase

£

£

£

£

£

£

A

852.17

106.45

47.65

1,006.27

1,003.31

2.96

B

994.20

124.20

55.59

1,173.99

1,170.52

3.47

C

1,136.23

141.94

63.53

1,341,70

1,337.74

3.96

D

1,278.26

159.68

71.47

1,509.41

1,504.96

4.45

E

1,562.32

195.16

87.35

1,844.83

1,839.40

5.43

F

1,846.38

230.65

103.23

2,180.26

2,173.83

6.43

G

2,130.43

266.13

119.12

2,515.68

2,508.27

7.41

H

2,556.52

319.36

142.94

3,018.85

3,009.92

8.93

 

2.  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).

 

A.  Cabinet – 9 December, 2014

Minute 110 – Financial Monitoring 2014/15 (Month 7) - Revenue

Minute 115 – Land Disposals at Manor Drive, Upton and at Kerr’s Field, Pasture Road, Moreton (Reason – waiving of call-in)

 

B.  Cabinet – 15 January, 2015

Minute 124 – Revenue Monitoring 2014/15 Month 8 (November 2014)

 

The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion, “The Corporate Plan’s Ideals in Practice” referred from Council at its meeting on 8 December, 2014 (minute 82 refers) was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 15 January, 2015 (minute 128 is attached).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A number of matters were submitted to the Council for noting.

 

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

 

Resolved (Unanimously) –

 

That, pursuant to minute 112 (24/2/15) the Council notes:

 

(i).  that the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside and the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have issued precepts to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area.

 

(ii).  the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside’s agreed Budget 2015/16 has resulted in an increased precept requirement of 1.95% (based on properties in Band D).

 

(iii).  the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority’s agreed Budget 2015/16 has resulted in an increased precept requirement of 1.99% (based on properties in Band D).

 

(iv).  the overall Council Tax for Wirral 2015/16 is as follows:

 

Property

Band

Council Tax 2015/16

2014/15

2015/16

Wirral

Police

Fire

Total

Total

Increase

£

£

£

£

£

£

A

852.17

106.45

47.65

1,006.27

1,003.31

2.96

B

994.20

124.20

55.59

1,173.99

1,170.52

3.47

C

1,136.23

141.94

63.53

1,341,70

1,337.74

3.96

D

1,278.26

159.68

71.47

1,509.41

1,504.96

4.45

E

1,562.32

195.16

87.35

1,844.83

1,839.40

5.43

F

1,846.38

230.65

103.23

2,180.26

2,173.83

6.43

G

2,130.43

266.13

119.12

2,515.68

2,508.27

7.41

H

2,556.52

319.36

142.94

3,018.82

3,009.92

8.93

 

(The Mayor drew the Council’s attention to the correction to the total figure for Band H from that published in the Council Summons (£3,018.85) which should read £3,018.82). 

 

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

 

Resolved – That the following matters be noted –

 

Minute 110 (Cabinet – 9 December, 2014) - Financial Monitoring 2014/15 (Month 7) - Revenue

 

Minute 115 (Cabinet – 9 December, 2014) - Land Disposals at Manor Drive, Upton and at Kerr’s Field, Pasture Road, Moreton (Reason – waiving of call-in)

 

Minute 124 (Cabinet – 15 January, 2015) - Revenue Monitoring 2014/15 Month 8 (November 2014).

 

(3)  The Council was advised that the Notice of Motion, “The Corporate Plan’s Ideals in Practice” referred from Council at its meeting on 8 December, 2014 (minute 82 refers) was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 15 January, 2015 and minute 128 was attached for the Council’s information.

 

In respect of this matter, a motion which had been circulated around the Chamber, was moved by Councillor Phil Gilchrist and seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell, as follows -

 

“Council appreciates that conducting consultative meetings on this sensitive and emotive issue required particular skills.

 

Council requests that the concerns raised regarding the conduct of the Chair, as observed at the Acre Lane consultation meeting, be reviewed and appropriate advice be offered to the person concerned.”

 

On a motion by the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan it was –

 

Resolved – That the Council does not note these comments but rather takes on board the comments made.

130.

MEMBERS' QUESTIONS

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

Minutes:

Councillor Stuart Kelly, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10(2) (b), submitted a question addressed to Councillor Phil Davies (Leader of the Council), in respect of Enterprise Solutions.

 

Councillor Phil Davies responded accordingly.

 

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 OFSTED inspections of two Children’s Centre groups.

 

Councillor Smith responded accordingly.

131.

MATTERS REFERRED FROM POLICY AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEES

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

Minutes:

There were no matters referred from Policy and Performance Committees.

132.

NOTICES OF MOTION pdf icon PDF 65 KB

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).  Extending Wirral’s Coastal Paths

To be debated

 

(ii).  The Right Choice for Wirral’s Economy

To be debated

 

(iii).  Workfare

To be debated

 

(iv).  Wirral Waters

To be debated

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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).  Extending Wirral’s Coastal Paths

To be debated

 

(ii).  The Right Choice for Wirral’s Economy

To be debated

 

(iii).  Workfare

To be debated

 

(iv).  Wirral Waters

To be debated

 

Prior to the first motion being debated, it was moved by Councillor Bill Davies and seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, that –

 

“Standing Order 5(4) be suspended and the motions be dealt with in the following order, the Labour motion (iii) be considered first, followed by the Conservative motion (ii), then the Liberal Democrat motion (i) and finally the Labour motion (iv).

 

This motion was put and carried (35:25) (One abstention).

133.

MOTION - WORKFARE

Minutes:

Councillor Janette Williamson, having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this motion, left the Chamber whilst the matter was considered.

 

Proposed by Councillor Tony Norbury

Seconded by Councillor Treena Johnson

 

This Council:

 

(1)  Believes that work should pay and therefore opposes the introduction of schemes which force job seekers into unpaid work or face losing their benefits - schemes known popularly as workfare.

 

(2)  Is concerned that there is no evidence that workfare assists job seekers in finding work and in fact working a 30-hour week makes that more difficult; that workfare is replacing paid work; and that workfare stigmatises benefits claimants and locks them further into poverty.

 

(3)  Pledges not to use any workfare placements and will also encourage contractors not to use these schemes.

 

Following a debate and Councillor Norbury having replied, the motion was put and carried (42:19) (One abstention).

 

Resolved (42:19) (One abstention) – That the motion be approved.

134.

MOTION - THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR WIRRAL'S ECONOMY

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

 

Council notes that this year’s election is the most important in a generation for Wirral Council, its services and Wirral people. The choice facing Britain couldn’t be clearer. We can stick with the competence of a strong Conservative Government that is working to a long-term economic plan to secure a better future for hardworking taxpayers or we can put it all at risk with Ed Miliband and Ed Balls – who’s only plan appears to be more spending, more borrowing and higher taxes which would be devastating for the country and Wirral’s economy.

 

Council further notes that Labour left Britain’s economy in a mess. Since 2010, Conservatives have been working to a long-term economic plan to turn Britain around.

 

As a result of the Government’s long-term economic plan, we have seen:

 

·  1200 new jobs created per day since the Conservatives have been in power

·  The deficit cut by a half as a share of national income

·  Income tax cut for 26 million people

·  Benefits capped to reward work

·  1.85 million more people in employment

·  The state pension increased by £800

 

Council understands that, despite the protestations of the Labour Leader and his acolytes, we are now seeing these policies working for Wirral.

 

At the last meeting of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee Members were informed that a recent report had indicated that Wirral had increased its Gross Value Added (GVA) by 7%, a higher level than anywhere else in the country.

 

In addition the number of new business start-ups in Wirral exceeded the national average by 7% and almost one in three of these new businesses work in the professional, scientific and technical sectors, a figure which is only exceeded by Aberdeen.

 

Council believes that a successful local economy with private sector job creation and employment is the true and proven route out of welfare dependency.

 

Council therefore urges all Wirral’s residents to vote in the forthcoming General Election and to consider voting for which of the parties in this election have their long term interests at heart and will represent them most effectively locally and in Government.

 

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 Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

 

In paragraph 1 - delete after second sentence (starting 'We can stick…) to end of paragraph (…and Wirral's economy').

 

In its place, insert…

 

'Our country and Wirral's economy has benefited from the stability of the Coalition formed in 2010 in the aftermath of the banking crisis. The Coalition were able to pick up the pieces at a time when the outgoing Labour Government was divided on the likely length of the recession, divided on whether increased tax rates were temporary or permanent and had not set out where savings would have been made in a longer recession.

 

Council may also recall that Labour's former Chief Secretary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 134.

135.

MOTION - EXTENDING WIRRAL'S COASTAL PATHS

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

 

Council welcomes the latest issue of Wirral Matters, Winter 2014-15, issued by the Wirral Society and circulated to all Members.

 

Council notes the article ‘Paths where there are none’ which highlights the potential for cross Wirral and coastal paths. The publication refers to the longstanding desire to open up the coastline between the Port Sunlight River Park and Eastham Country Park in these terms….

 

‘The last section of the route here, turning southwards towards Eastham Country Park, is at present one of Wirral’s all but forgotten special places, where crinkly little oaks stand along a sometimes quite narrow strip of restorable common land. An unofficial path takes the walker along low cliffs and past a small cove where the sand is as red as Thor’s stone.'

 

Council, mindful of the visitor economy, the popularity of Eastham Country Park and the recently opened Port Sunlight River Park, believes that it is timely for further work to be done on the potential of this route.

 

Council believes that the greener aspect of the Wirral and Merseyside economy would be boosted by such a project.

 

Council requests officers to:

 

(a)  pull together the relevant information from work undertaken in the past

(b)  assess the ownership and planning issues involved

(c)  promote this with the Combined Authority and funding agencies

(d)  explore how this area can be safeguarded from inappropriate development in the present and future planning policies.

 

with a view to opening up this forgotten coastline to the benefit of Wirral’s residents and visitors.

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9 the Council did not debate this matter.

 

Resolved (62:0) (One abstention) – That the motion be approved.

136.

MOTION - WIRRAL WATERS

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Pat Hackett

 

This Council:

 

(1)  Welcomes the recent commencement of two developments on the Wirral Waters site, i.e. a new campus for Wirral Metropolitan College which will house a new Centre of Excellence for Enterprise and the Built Environment; and a new landmark office development at Tower Wharf which will provide 800 new jobs.

 

(2)  Congratulates all Council officers who have helped bring these projects to fruition and the excellent partnership with other key agencies; and hopes that these will be the first of many projects which generate new jobs and investment on Wirral Waters.

 

(3)  Agrees that investing in new physical infrastructure, new landmark buildings and sites and premises creating high quality jobs and economic growth is the best way to improve the quality of life of all Wirral residents.

 

(4)  Asks the four Wirral MPs to lobby ministers to support future developments on Wirral Waters which contribute to economic growth.

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9 the Council did not debate this matter.

 

Prior to the vote on this motion, Councillor Phil Davies and five Labour Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

 

A ‘card vote’ was then taken on the motion and the Council divided as follows:

 

For the motion (61) Councillors R Abbey T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, A Brighouse, P Brightmore, C Carubia, Mrs W Clements, J Crabtree, M Daniel, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, L Fraser, P Gilchrist, J Green, R Gregson, P Hackett, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, M Hornby, T Johnson, A Jones, C Jones, S Kelly, A Leech, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, D Mitchell, C Muspratt, S Niblock, T Norbury, M Patrick, T Pilgrim, C Povall, D Realey, L Reecejones, Mrs L Rennie, D Roberts, L Rowlands, J Salter, H Smith, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, M Sullivan, A Sykes, J Walsh, G Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams, Mrs P Williams, S Williams and J Williamson.

 

Two abstentions – Councillors P Cleary and S Foulkes.

 

Resolved (61:0) (Two abstentions) – That the motion be approved.

137.

VACANCIES

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.

 

Councillor Mike Hornby to be replaced on the Pensions Committee by Councillor Kathy Hodson.

Minutes:

The Council was requested to deal with the following matter in respect of appointments to Committees.

 

Councillor Kathy Hodson to replace Councillor Mike Hornby on the Pensions Committee.

 

Resolved – That the amendment to the membership of the Pensions Committee be approved.

138.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

To consider any other items of business that the Mayor accepts as being urgent.

Minutes:

The Mayor agreed to an item of urgent business in view of the need for a decision on the matter prior to the next meeting of the Council.

 

Council was requested to approve the recommendations of the Pensions Committee (minute 62 refers) from its meeting on 19 January, 2015 in respect of the establishment of a Pensions Board.

 

Resolved – That the recommendations contained within Pensions Committee minute 62, be approved and in relation to the appointment of three members to the Selection Panel, names be notified to the Head of Legal and Member Services.