Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallasey Town Hall

Items
No. Item

79.

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 invited to consider whether they had any disclosable pecuniary and/or any other relevant interest in connection with any matters to be determined at this meeting and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.

 

Name

Item No. and Nature of Declaration

Councillor Angela Davies

Item 11(i) and 11(iii) Notices of Motion (Minute No’s 110 and 111 refer).

Personal and pecuniary – by virtue of her employment with partner organisation, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership Trust.

Councillor Stuart Whittingham

Item 10(F) - Changes to the Governance Arrangements – Leasowe Community Homes (Minute No. 98 refers).

Personal and prejudicial – by virtue of his position as a Board Member of Magenta Living.

Councillor Moira McLaughlin

Item 11(i) and 11(iii) - Notices of Motion (Minute No’s 110 and 111 refer).

Personal – by virtue of a family member’s employment.

Councillor Chris Jones

Item 11(i) and 11(iii) - Notices of Motion (Minute No’s 110 and 111 refer).

Personal - by virtue of her employment with the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Councillor Bernie Mooney

Item No 10(F) – Changes to the Governance Arrangements – Leasowe Community Homes (Minute No. 98 refers)

Personal and prejudicial - by virtue of her being a Member of Leasowe Community Homes Management Board.

Councillor Adrian Jones

Item No 10(F) – Changes to the Governance Arrangements – Leasowe Community Homes (Minute No. 98 refers)

Personal and prejudicial - by virtue of him being a Member of Leasowe Community Homes Management Board.

Councillor Steve Foulkes

Item No 10(F) – Changes to the Governance Arrangements – Leasowe Community Homes (Minute No. 98 refers)

Personal and prejudicial - by virtue of his position as a Member of Magenta Living Management Board.

Councillor George Davies

Item No 10(J) – Mayor’s Charity Terms of Reference (Minute No.102 refers)

Personal – by virtue of him being a Trustee of the Wirral Mayor’s Charity.

Councillor

Joe Walsh

Item 11(i) and 11(iii) - Notices of Motion (Minute No’s 110 and 111 refer).

Personal – by virtue of a family member’s employment within the NHS.

Councillor Janette Williamson

Item 11(i) and 11(iii) - Notices of Motion (Minute No’s 110 and 111 refer).

Personal – by virtue of a family member’s employment within the NHS.

Councillor

Ron Abbey

Item No 10(F) – Changes to the Governance Arrangements – Leasowe Community Homes (Minute No. 98 refers)

Personal - by virtue of him being Leasowe Estate Tenants Association Chair.

Councillor

Anita Leech

Item No 10(F) – Changes to the Governance Arrangements – Leasowe Community Homes (Minute No. 98 refers)

Personal and prejudicial - by virtue of her being Chair of Leasowe Community Homes as well as a Trustee and Board member

Councillor

Anita Leech

Item No 10(J) – Mayor’s Charity Terms of Reference (Minute No.102 refers)

Personal – by virtue of her being a Trustee of the Wirral Mayor’s Charity.

Councillor Chris Spriggs

Item No 10(F) – Changes to the Governance Arrangements  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

80.

CIVIC MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

 

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor noted that apologies had been received from Councillors Phil Brightmore, Paul Hayes and Steve Williams.

 

The Civic Mayor informed of the success of his annual festive event, the Mayor’s Tea Dance that had taken place at Wallasey Town Hall on Wednesday 7th December. He expressed his thanks to all those Councillors, members of staff and residents who had sponsored tickets for an eolder person to attend.

 

The Civic Mayor also informed that he would be hosting a small reception for Members of the Council, and invited Officers, at the conclusion of the evening’s Council meeting.

 

81.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 115 KB

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting(s) of the Council held on 17 October (two extraordinary meetings and one ordinary meeting), 14 November (two extraordinary meetings) and 6 December, 2016 (one extraordinary meeting).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting(s) of the Council held on 17 October (two extraordinary meetings and one ordinary meeting), 14 November (two extraordinary meetings) and 6 December, 2016 (one extraordinary meeting) had been circulated to Members and, it was –

 

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

 

82.

PETITIONS

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

Minutes:

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

 

(i)  Councillor Adrian Jones on behalf of 113 Seacombe residents objecting to a proposed wood yard furnace.

 

(ii)  Councillor Stuart Kelly updated Members in respect of an additional 208 signatories and 105 online registrations objecting to the new Wirral Green Bin Collection proposals, taking the total number of registered objections to 4128.

 

(iii)  Councillor Bruce Berry on behalf of Moreton West and Saughall Massie Ward Councillors and 2261 signatories objecting to planning application planning application number: 16/01344 - a residential development on Green Belt land at Saughall Massie.

 

(iv)  Councillor Andrew Hodson on behalf of 40 residents objecting to the proposed development at 77 Pipers Lane, Heswall – planning application APP/16/01323.

 

(v)  Councillor Leslie Rennie on behalf of 60 signatoriesto improve the passageway between St Nicholas Road, Browning Road and Malvern Road, Wallasey.

 

(vi)  Councillor Chris Blakeley on behalf of Moreton West and Saughall Massie Ward Councillors and 3112 signatories objecting to planning application APP/16/00985 – development of a Fire Station on Green Belt land at Saughall Massie.

 

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

 

83.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

To deal with questions from members of the public, in accordance with Appendix 1 to Standing Orders – up to 30 minutes.

Minutes:

Mr J Hobro, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted a question on the subject of Business Investment Grant (BIG) and Intensive Start-Up Support (ISUS) schemes.

 

Councillor Phil Davis responded accordingly.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 10, Mr Hobro asked a supplementary question and Councillor Davies informed that a full written response would be provided.

 

84.

LEADER'S, EXECUTIVE MEMBERS' AND CHAIRS' REPORTS pdf icon PDF 71 KB

To receive the written reports of the Executive and Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs, and to receive questions and answers on any of those reports in accordance with Standing Orders 10(2)(a) and 11.

 

(The Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs’ reports will follow in the supplement).

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor introduced the summary reports from the Leader, Cabinet Members and Policy and Performance Committee Chairs and asked for questions on any of the reports.

 

Councillor Dave Mitchell asked a question of the Leader.

 

In response the Leader stated that he would write to Councillor Mitchell regarding the issue of a proposed Site of Biological Importance on land for the proposed Hoylake Golf Resort.

 

Councillor Phil Gilchrist asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure

 

In response Councillor Stuart Whittingham stated:

 

·  Whilst Wirral’s Principal and Classified roads were not in perfect condition and would require continued investment to ensure that their overall condition did not deteriorate, they remained amongst the best in England when measured using national survey methods.

 

·  The Department for Transport publish the data for all local highway authorities each year, and once this year’s results were published Council would see that the statements in the Quarter 2 Monitoring Report in delivering our pledge to provide transport fit for the future and in my Portfolio Summary Report are, indeed, accurate. He would provide Members with a link to the relevant webpage once it was published.

 

·  The Council would continue to make best use of the structural maintenance allocations from the Combined Authority in the rolling 3 year Capital Programme, which he would present to Cabinet in February, and he reminded Council that the programme for 2017/18 would, once again, include investment by the Council of half a million pounds in the maintenance of unclassified roads; as approved in last year’s budget.

 

Councillor Stuart Kelly asked questions of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure.

 

In response comments included:

 

Councillor Phil Davies

·  Neptune plans for Birkenhead were not progressing because the advice from Officers was the risk associated with the development was loaded on the Council. A more ambitious scheme was being developed, with a master plan exercise currently underway i.e. in consultation with and speaking to investors, developers, relevant civil servant and stakeholders. Consultation with key stakeholders would take place once more details plans emerged, in the Spring.

 

Councillor Stuart Whittingham

·  There had been progress, and continued planned projects to increase line speeds on the Merseytravel rail network. The priority remains to improve public transport travel. A written answer would be provided with regard to information regarding any proposals to provide additional stations on the rail network in Wirral.

 

Councillor Pat Cleary asked a question of the Cabinet Member Children and Family Services.

 

Councillor Tony Smith stated in response:

·  There had indeed been a huge impact on families arising from Government policies relating to the freezing of / or reduction in benefits to households, including changes to housing benefit administration and the ‘bedroom tax’, etc. He had recently attended a meeting of agencies concerned with these measures. The additional pressures on Social Care workers, Employment Support officers and other associated organisations, was clearly being felt.

 

Councillor Paul Stuart asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure.

 

Councillor Stuart Whittingham  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

85.

MEMBERS' QUESTIONS

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

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 10(2) the Council had been advised of three questions.

 

Councillor P Gilchrist having given notice of a question to the Leader of the Council regarding the International Trade Centre (site at Old Hall Road, Bromborough), and one to the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Communication regarding advertising on the Council website, stated that he would be happy to be provided with a written response.

 

Councillor G Watt having given notice of a question to the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure regarding the numbers of streetlamps left requiring attention for unacceptably long periods. The Cabinet Member stated that that the budget for routine maintenance of street lights was £320,000 and he had topped this up with a further £159,000 in the current year from Council reserves. He informed that work issued to Scottish Power was assessed and prioritised on the same basis to ensure there was no budget overspend and there were currently no issues with their performance. He further informed that the Council was presently reviewing its website information to provide information about why some repairs take longer than others.   

86.

MATTERS REFERRED FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES OR OTHER COUNCIL COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 81 KB

To consider and determine any references from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and any other Council Committees.

 

A.  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion “Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter” referred from Council at its meeting on 17 October, 2016 (minute 67 refers) was considered by the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 28 November, 2016 (minute to follow in supplement). In accordance with Standing Order 7(5) the Council will be asked to consider the recommendation of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

B.  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion “Performance Management – Reporting Arrangements” referred from Council at its meeting on 17 October, 2016 (minute 67 refers) was considered by the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 28 November, 2016; by the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 29 November, 2016; and by the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 30 November, 2016 (minutes to follow in supplement). In accordance with Standing Order 7(5) the Council will be asked to consider the recommendation of these three Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

 

C.  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion “Treating all Residents Fairly and Equitably” referred from Council at its meeting on 17 October, 2016 (minute 67 refers) was considered by the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 29 November, 2016 (minute to follow in supplement). In accordance with Standing Order 7(5) the Council will be asked to consider the recommendation of the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

D.  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion “Recognising the Contribution of our Friends Groups” referred from Council at its meeting on 17 October, 2016 (minute 67 refers) was considered by the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 30 November, 2016 (minute to follow in supplement). In accordance with Standing Order 7(5) the Council will be asked to consider the recommendation of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 7(5) four matters were submitted for approval by the Council. (See Minutes 87 to 90 post).

 

87.

MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE (MND) CHARTER

Minutes:

At the meeting of the Council held on 17 October, 2016 (minute 67(1) refers) the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter to the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee on 28 November, 2016 (Minute 27 refers).

 

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee which had -

 

“Resolved that –

 

(1)  the Notice of Motion be supported; and

(2)  the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee thank Mrs Debbie Williams of the Wirral Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association for her presentation.”

 

Moved by Councillor M McLaughlin as Chair of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, seconded by Councillor C Blakeley it was -

 

Resolved – That the resolutions of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committeebe agreed.

 

88.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT - REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

Minutes:

At the meeting of the Council held on 17 October, 2016 (minute 67(5) refers) the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Performance management – Reporting Arrangements’to the People, Business and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committees. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the respective Committees on 28, 29 and 30 November, 2016 (Minutes 28, 34 and 29 refer).

 

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees which had -

 

“Resolved that:

 

(1)  the Notice of Motion be supported; and that

(2)  a further meeting of the OSC Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Spokespersons would be welcomed to consider feedback from the OSC Committees on the presentation and content of performance data.”

 

Moved by Councillor M McLaughlin as Chair of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, seconded by Councillor M Sullivan as Chair of the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee it was -

 

Resolved – That the resolutions of the People, Business and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committees be agreed.

 

89.

TREATING ALL RESIDENTS FAIRLY AND EQUITABLY

Minutes:

At the meeting of the Council held on 17 October, 2016 (minute 67(4) refers) the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Treating All residents Fairly and Equitably to the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee on 29 November, 2016 (Minute 36 refers).

 

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee which had -

 

“Resolved 

 

(8:5) (One abstention) (The following Councillors asked that their votes be recorded - Councillors C Blakeley, G Ellis, J Hale, T Pilgrim and S Williams voting against; Councillor C Muspratt voting in favour) 

 

That the matter be left to the Planning Committee to see what decision was made there.”

 

Moved by Councillor M Sullivan as Chair of the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee, seconded by Councillor D Mitchell it was -

 

Resolved (41:18) (One abstention) – That the resolution of the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee be agreed.

 

90.

RECOGNISING THE CONTRIBUTION OF OUR FRIENDS GROUPS

Minutes:

At the meeting of the Council held on 17 October, 2016 (minute 67(6) refers) the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Recognising the Contribution of Our Friends Groups to the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee on 30 November, 2016 (Minute 31 refers).

 

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee which had -

 

“Resolved:

 

Subject to the substitution of the word ‘Wirral’ in place of ‘Wallasey’ after the words ‘parks and open spaces’.

 

That the Notice of Motion be supported.”

 

Moved by Councillor S Foulkes, as Vice-Chair of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, seconded by Councillor T Jones it was -

 

Resolved – That the resolution of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee be agreed.

 

91.

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.

 

Subject to item 10 (O.) being approved, nominations will be required to be provided to the Assistant Director: Law and Governance for membership of the Members’ Development Steering Group, the current membership is 3 (1:1:1) and the proposed membership will be 7 (4:2:1).

 

Outside Bodies

 

Magenta Living – Community Fund Joint Working Group

 

Lisa Newman, Head of Operational Housing Services to replace former Council officer, Ian Platt.

 

 

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 25(6) the Council was requested to deal with the following matter in respect of the membership of committees and appointments to outside organisations.

 

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies (Leader) and seconded by Councillor George Davies that -

 

Subject to the approval of Agenda Item 10(O), nominations be provided to the Assistant Director: Law and Governance for membership of the Members’ Development Steering Group, the current membership is 3 (1:1:1) - the proposed membership will be 7 (4:2:1).

 

Magenta Living – Community Fund Joint Working Group - Lisa Newman, Head of Operational Housing Services, be appointed to the Joint Working Group.

 

Resolved – That

 

(1)  Nominations for membership of the Members’ Development Steering Group be provided to the Assistant Director: Law and Governance; and

 

(2)  Lisa Newman, Head of Operational Housing Servicesbe appointed to the Magenta Living – Community Fund Joint Working Group,

 

92.

MATTERS REQUIRING APPROVAL OR CONSIDERATION BY THE COUNCIL pdf icon PDF 60 KB

APPROVAL: To consider any recommendations of the Cabinet, Cabinet Members or Council Committees which require the approval or consideration of the Council which include:

 

CABINET – 8 DECEMBER, 2016.

 

A.  Revenue Monitoring 2016/17 (Quarter 2)

(Cabinet report attached, the minute to follow in the supplement).

 

B.  Capital Monitoring 2016/17 (Quarter 2)

(Cabinet report attached, the minute to follow in the supplement).

 

C.  Treasury Management  Mid-Year Report 2016/17

(Cabinet report attached, the minute to follow in the supplement).

 

D.  Council Tax 2017/18 (Tax base, Discounts and Exemptions and Council Tax Support Scheme)

(Cabinet report attached, the minute to follow in the supplement).

 

E.  Budget Council Agenda and Procedure – 6 March 2017

(Cabinet report and revised procedure attached, the minute to follow in the supplement).

 

F.  Changes to the Governance Arrangements for Leasowe Community Homes

(Cabinet report and appendices can be provided to Members on request or viewed on the website at:

http://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/documents/s50037994/Governance%20Arrangements%20for%20Leasowe%20Community%20Homes.pdf),

the minute to follow in the supplement).

 

AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – 22 NOVEMBER 2016

 

G.  Arrangements for the Appointment of External Auditors

(Minute 32 attached). The Council is recommended to formally accept the Local Government Associations national sector led approach (PSAA) for the appointment of external auditors.

 

H.  Code of Corporate Governance

(Minute 35 and report attached). The Council is recommended to approve the revised Code of Corporate Governance.

 

STANDARDS AND CONSTITUTIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE –

5  DECEMBER 2016

 

I.  Draft Members’ ICT Policy

(Minute 24 and the Policy attached). The Council is recommended to agree the Members’ ICT Policy.

 

J.  Draft Mayor’s Charity Committee Terms of Reference

(Minute 25 and the Terms of Reference attached). The Council is recommended to agree the Mayor’s Charity Committee Draft Terms of Reference.

 

K.  Statutory Scrutiny Officer

(Minute 26 attached). The Council is recommended to agree the appointment of the Head of Intelligence as the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Officer, in place of the Managing Director for Delivery.

 

L.  Council Procedure Rules – Standing Orders and Scrutiny Procedure Rules

(Minute 28 and the relevant Procedure Rules attached). The Council is recommended to agree the proposed changes to Council Standing Orders 26(2), 35(8) and 35(9) and to the proposed changes to paragraph 4 of the Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

 

DELEGATED DECISIONS

 

M.  Neighbourhood Development Plan for Hoylake

(Executive Member Decision form and report attached)

The Council is recommended to make the Hoylake Neighbourhood Development Plan part of the statutory Development Plan for Wirral.

The full Neighbourhood Development Plan can be provided to Members on request or viewed on the website here:

http://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/documents/s50038226/Hoylake%20NDP%20for%20adoption.pdf

 

N.  Draft Protocols in Determining Whether Freedom of the Borough Should be Conferred (To follow in the supplement)

 

O.  Amendments to Terms of Reference of Members’ Development Steering Group (To follow in the supplement)

 

NOTING: The following matter is drawn to the Council’s attention for noting.

 

P.  Draft Civic Handbook

Minute 19(2), Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee (4 October 2016) attached (copies of the Handbook can be provided on request or viewed at this link):

http://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/documents/s50036634/DRAFT%20WIRRAL%20CIVIC%20HANDBOOK%20ver%205%20FINAL.pdf

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 5(2), sixteen matters had been submitted for approval by the Council. (See Minutes 93 to 108 post).

 

93.

REVENUE MONITORING 2016/17 (QUARTER 2)

Minutes:

The first matter requiring approval was in relation to the realignment of the budgets to reflect the New Operating Budget and the recommendations from Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 68 refers).

 

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor George Davies that the recommendations of Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 68 refers) be approved.

 

The Assistant Director: Law and Governance indicated that a Card Vote would need to be taken on this item.

 

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

 

For the motion (58) Councillors R Abbey, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, A Brighouse, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, Mrs W Clements, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, P Gilchrist, J Green, A Hodson, K Hodson, T Johnson, AER Jones, C Jones, T Jones, S Kelly, B Kenny, A Leech, I Lewis, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, J McManus, C Meaden, D Mitchell, T Norbury, M Patrick,  T Pilgrim, C Povall, D Realey, L Reecesjones, L Rennie, D Roberts, L Rowlands, P A Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, M Sullivan, A Sykes, T Usher, J Walsh, W Ward, GCJ Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams and J Williamson.

 

One abstention – Councillor P Hackett, Civic Mayor.

 

Resolved (58:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within Minute 68 of Cabinet, be agreed.

 

94.

CAPITAL MONITORING 2016/17 (QUARTER 2)

Minutes:

The second matter requiring approval was in relation to the revised Capital Programme of £38.1m and the recommendations from Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 69 refers).

 

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor George Davies that the recommendations of Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 69 refers) be approved.

 

The Assistant Director: Law and Governance indicated that a Card Vote would need to be taken on this item.

 

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

 

For the motion (59) Councillors R Abbey, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, A Brighouse, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, Mrs W Clements, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, P Gilchrist, J Green, A Hodson, K Hodson, T Johnson, AER Jones, C Jones, T Jones, S Kelly, B Kenny, A Leech, I Lewis, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, J McManus, C Meaden, D Mitchell, B Mooney, T Norbury, M Patrick,  T Pilgrim, C Povall, D Realey, L Reecesjones, L Rennie, D Roberts, L Rowlands, P A Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, M Sullivan, A Sykes, T Usher, J Walsh, W Ward, GCJ Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams and J Williamson.

 

One abstention – Councillor P Hackett, Civic Mayor.

 

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within Minute 69 of Cabinet, be agreed.

 

95.

TREASURY MANAGEMENT MID-YEAR REPORT 2016/17

Minutes:

The third matter requiring approval was in relation to the amendment to the Treasury Management Strategy as referred to in the recommendations from Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 70(2) refers).

 

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor George Davies that the recommendations of Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 70(2) refers) be approved.

 

The Assistant Director: Law and Governance indicated that a Card Vote would need to be taken on this item.

 

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

 

For the motion (59) Councillors R Abbey, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, A Brighouse, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, Mrs W Clements, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, P Gilchrist, J Green, A Hodson, K Hodson, T Johnson, AER Jones, C Jones, T Jones, S Kelly, B Kenny, A Leech, I Lewis, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, J McManus, C Meaden, D Mitchell, B Mooney, T Norbury, M Patrick,  T Pilgrim, C Povall, D Realey, L Reecesjones, L Rennie, D Roberts, L Rowlands, P A Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, M Sullivan, A Sykes, T Usher, J Walsh, W Ward, GCJ Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams and J Williamson.

 

One abstention – Councillor P Hackett, Civic Mayor.

 

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within Minute 70 of Cabinet, be agreed.

 

96.

COUNCIL TAX 2017/18 (TAX BASE, DISCOUNTS AND EXEMPTIONS AND COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT SCHEME)

Minutes:

The fourth matter requiring approval was in relation to the Council Tax Base for 2017/18 and related matters as set out in the recommendations from Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 72 refers).

 

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor George Davies that the recommendations of Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 72 refers) be approved.

 

The Assistant Director: Law and Governance indicated that a Card Vote would need to be taken on this item.

 

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

 

For the motion (59) Councillors R Abbey, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, A Brighouse, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, Mrs W Clements, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, P Gilchrist, J Green, A Hodson, K Hodson, T Johnson, AER Jones, C Jones, T Jones, S Kelly, B Kenny, A Leech, I Lewis, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, J McManus, C Meaden, D Mitchell, B Mooney, T Norbury, M Patrick,  T Pilgrim, C Povall, D Realey, L Reecesjones, L Rennie, D Roberts, L Rowlands, P A Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, M Sullivan, A Sykes, T Usher, J Walsh, W Ward, GCJ Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams and J Williamson.

 

One abstention – Councillor P Hackett, Civic Mayor.

 

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within Minute 72 of Cabinet, be agreed.

 

97.

BUDGET COUNCIL AGENDA AND PROCEDURE - 6 MARCH 2017

Minutes:

The fifth matter requiring approval was in relation to the Budget Council Agenda and Procedure – 6 March 2017 as set out in the recommendations from Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 73 refers).

 

Councillor Phil Davies introduced the motion, seconded by Councillor George Davies.

 

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

 

Amendment

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist.

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell.

 

“That the timings for the third alternative budget proposal or amendment and for the allocated time for speakers remain as those provided in the budget procedure for 2016.”

 

Following a debate and Councillor Phil Davies having replied, a voted was taken on the amendment.

 

The amendment was then put and lost (23:36) (One abstention).

 

A vote was then taken on the substantive motion.

 

Resolved (36:23) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within Minute 73 of Cabinet, be agreed.

 

98.

CHANGES TO THE GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS FOR LEASOWE COMMUNITY HOMES

Minutes:

Prior to consideration of the item and having earlier declared a personal and prejudicial interest, Councillors Ron Abbey, Steve Foulkes, Jeff Green, Adrian Jones, Anita Leech, Bernie Mooney, Chris Spriggs and Stuart Whittingham left the meeting whilst this item of business was being considered.

 

The Council went on to consider the sixth matter requiring approval was in relation to the changes to the Governance Arrangements for Leasowe Community Homes and related matters as set out in the recommendations from Cabinet of 8 December, 2016 (Minute 76 refers).

 

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

 

Resolved – That the recommendations contained within Minute 76 of Cabinet, be agreed.

 

99.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF EXTERNAL AUDITORS

Minutes:

The seventh matter requiring approval was in relation to Arrangements for the Appointment of External Auditors and related matters as set out in the recommendations from the Audit and Risk Management Committee of 22 November, 2016 (Minute 32 refers).

 

On a motion by Councillor Mike Sullivan, seconded by CouncillorAngela Davies, it was –

 

Resolved – That the Local Government Association’s national sector led approach (Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd) for the appointment of external auditors, be agreed.

 

100.

CODE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Minutes:

The eighth matter requiring approval was in relation to the Code of Corporate Governance (as revised) and related matters as set out in the recommendations from the Audit and Risk Management Committee of 22 November, 2016 (Minute 35 refers).

 

On a motion by Councillor Denise Roberts, seconded by Councillor Paul Stuart, it was –

 

Resolved – That the updated Code of Corporate Governance, be agreed.

 

101.

DRAFT MEMBERS' ICT POLICY

Minutes:

The ninth matter requiring approval was in relation to the Members’ ICT Policy (as revised) as set out in the recommendation from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 5 December, 2016 (Minute 24 refers).

 

On a motion by Councillor Denise Roberts, seconded by Councillor Mike Sullivan, it was –

 

Resolved  – That the Member’s ICT Policy be agreed.

 

102.

DRAFT MAYOR'S CHARITY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE

Minutes:

The tenth matter requiring approval was in relation to the Mayor’s Charity Committee Terms of Reference as set out in the recommendation from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 5 December, 2016 (Minute 25 refers).

 

On a motion by Councillor Denise Roberts, seconded by Councillor Ron Abbey, it was –

 

Resolved – That the Mayor’s Charity Terms of Reference be agreed.

 

103.

STATUTORY SCRUTINY OFFICER

Minutes:

The eleventh matter requiring approval was in relation to the Mayor’s Charity Committee Terms of Reference as set out in the recommendation from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 5 December, 2016 (Minute 26 refers).

 

On a motion by Councillor Denise Roberts, seconded by Councillor Ron Abbey, it was –

 

Resolved – That the appointment of the Head of Intelligence as the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Officer, in place of the Managing Director for Delivery, be agreed.

 

104.

COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULES - STANDING ORDERS AND SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULES

Minutes:

The twelfth matter requiring approval was in relation to revisions to Council Procedure Rules – Standing Orders 26(2), 35(8) and 35(9) and Scrutiny Procedure Rules (paragraph 4) as set out in the recommendations from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 5 December, 2016 (Minute 28 refers).

 

On a motion by Councillor Denise Roberts, seconded by Councillor Ron Abbey, it was –

 

Resolved – That

 

(1)  the proposed changes to Council Standing Orders 26(2), 35(8) and 35(9) as contained within Minute 28 of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee be agreed; 

 

(2)  proposed changes to the wording within the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, Paragraph 4 in respect of the calling of Special Meeting(s) of Overview and Scrutiny Committee(s) as contained within Minute 28 of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee be agreed; and

 

(3)  the Council Constitution be updated accordingly.

 

105.

NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR HOYLAKE

Minutes:

The thirteenth matter requiring approval was in relation to was in relation to the Neighbourhood Development Plan for Hoylake as detailed in the Executive Member Decision made by the Cabinet Member Strategic Economic Development, Finance and Devolution to approve the Neighbourhood Development Plan, and that it be formally ‘made’ under Section 38A(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

 

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

 

Resolved – That the recommendations contained within the published Executive Member Decision dated 8 December, 2016 – Neighbourhood Planning – Making of a Neighbourhood Development Plan for Hoylake, be approved.

 

106.

DRAFT PROTOCOLS IN DETERMINING WHETHER FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH SHOULD BE CONFERRED

Minutes:

The fourteenth matter requiring approval was in relation to Protocols in determining whether Freedom of the Borough should be conferred and to agree the use of a Nomination Form as detailed in the Executive Member Decision made by the Cabinet Member Transformation, Leisure and Culture (14 December, 2016), as attached to the Council Supplement.

 

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

 

Resolved – That the recommendations contained within the published Executive Member Decision dated 14 December, 2016 – Protocols in determining whether Freedom of the Borough should be conferred, and the use of a Nomination Form, be approved.

 

107.

AMENDMENTS TO TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE MEMBERS' DEVELOPMENT STEERING GROUP

Minutes:

The fifteenth matter requiring approval was in relation to Moving Forward with Members’ Learning and Development – to include amendments to the Terms of Reference, and membership, of the Members’ Development Steering Group as detailed in the Executive Member Decision made by the Cabinet Member Transformation, Leisure and Culture (14 December, 2016), as attached to the Council Supplement.

 

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

 

Resolved – That the recommendations contained within the published Executive Member Decision dated 14 December, 2016 – Moving Forward with Members’ Learning and Development – to include amendments to the Terms of Reference, and membership, of the Members’ Development Steering Group, be approved.

 

108.

DRAFT CIVIC HANDBOOK

Minutes:

The sixteenth matter requiring consideration by the Council was in relation to the endorsement of the draft Civic Handbook as set out in the recommendation from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 5 December, 2016 (Minute 19(2) refers).

 

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

 

Resolved – That the Civic Handbook be endorsed.

 

109.

NOTICES OF MOTION pdf icon PDF 97 KB

Notices of motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1), are attached. They are listed in accordance with Standing Order 7(2), 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).  Sustainable Transformation Plans

To be debated.

 

(ii).  Support for Selective Education Across Wirral

To be debated.

 

(iii).  Our Health Service – Available for the Future of All

To be debated.

 

(iv).  Crisis in Social Care

To be debated

 

(v).  Information Deficit Continues

To be debated.

 

In connection with this item correspondence with Marcus Jones, MP, Minister for Local Government and the Leader of the Council is attached to the supplement, as follows:

 

·  Letter of 5 December, 2016 from Marcus Jones, MP

·  Letter of 28 July, 2016 from the Leader of the Council

·  Letter (undated) from Marcus Jones, MP.

 

(vi).  Tackling Racism, Xenophobia and Hate Crimes

To be debated.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

(i)  Sustainable Transformation Plans, and (iii) Our Health Service – Available for the Future of All.

To be debated together, with a separate vote taken on each matter.

 

(ii)  Support for Selective Education Across Wirral

To be debated.

 

 

(iv)  Crisis in Social Care

To be debated

 

(v)  Information Deficit Continues

To be debated.

 

In connection with this item correspondence with Marcus Jones, MP, Minister for Local Government and the Leader of the Council had been attached to the Council agenda supplement, as follows:

 

  • Letter of 5 December, 2016 from Marcus Jones, MP;
  • Letter of 28 July, 2016 from the Leader of the Council;
  • Letter (undated) from Marcus Jones, MP.

 

(vi)  Tackling Racism, Xenophobia and Hate Crimes

To be debated.

 

(See Minutes 110 to 115 post).

 

110.

MOTION - SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION PLANS

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies.

Seconded by Councillor Moira McLaughlin.

 

“This Council is extremely concerned about the failure of NHS England to consult with elected members and the public prior to the publication of Sustainable Transformation Plans which propose far-reaching changes to the configuration of hospitals in the acute sector and the delivery of health services in Cheshire and Merseyside in order to plug a £908m hole in the NHS finances.

 

Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Health and call on the government to withdraw these Plans immediately with a view to holding urgent discussions with key partners, including local Councils, on how good quality health and social care services can be provided going forward based on continuing to provide a National Health Service which is properly funded and free at the point of need.

 

Council is appalled that under this Tory government we have:

 

·  The worst NHS deficits on record - £2.45 billion

·  In England around 3.9 million people are now on the waiting list to start treatment

·  1.8 million people waited four or more hours in A&E last year – up over 400 per cent since 2010

·  One in four patients have to wait a week or more to see or speak to a GP or nurse, or don’t get an appointment at all.

 

Council calls on Theresa May to give the NHS the funding it needs.”

 

Following a debate and Councillor Phil Davies having replied, a voted was taken.

 

The motion was put and carried (42:17) (One abstention).

 

Resolved (42:17) (One abstention) 

 

(1)  Council is extremely concerned about the failure of NHS England to consult with elected members and the public prior to the publication of Sustainable Transformation Plans which propose far-reaching changes to the configuration of hospitals in the acute sector and the delivery of health services in Cheshire and Merseyside in order to plug a £908m hole in the NHS finances.

 

(2)  Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Health and call on the government to withdraw these Plans immediately with a view to holding urgent discussions with key partners, including local Councils, on how good quality health and social care services can be provided going forward based on continuing to provide a National Health Service which is properly funded and free at the point of need.

 

(3)  Council is appalled that under this Tory government we have:

 

·  The worst NHS deficits on record - £2.45 billion

·  In England around 3.9 million people are now on the waiting list to start treatment

·  1.8 million people waited four or more hours in A&E last year – up over 400 per cent since 2010

·  One in four patients have to wait a week or more to see or speak to a GP or nurse, or don’t get an appointment at all.

 

(4)  Council calls on Theresa May to give the NHS the funding it needs.

 

111.

MOTION - OUR HEALTH SERVICE - AVAILABLE FOR THE FUTURE OF ALL

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist.

Seconded by Councillor Alan Brighouse.

 

“This Council notes that the Cheshire & Merseyside Sustainability and Transformation Plan was only made public on 16th November 2016.

 

It has been issued at a time when, in the view of the King’s Fund, the real additional funding to the NHS is £4.5bn and not the £10bn the Government claims. In addition, the Government is proposing significant reductions to the funding of pharmacies.

 

It also has to be seen in the context of the developing crisis in social care as Lord Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association, has said:

 

"Councils, the NHS, charities and care providers have been clear about the desperate need for the Chancellor to take action to tackle the funding crisis in social care. It is unacceptable that this has not been addressed in the Autumn Statement."

 

Council is concerned that the driving factor behind the review is a determination to make savings with only limited references to re-investing genuine savings.

 

Council notes that the Cheshire and Wirral approach sets out a vast range of possible savings from ‘demand management’, ‘reconfiguration’, ‘back & middle office collaborations’ and ‘changing how we work together’.

 

Council has concerns about the desire to ‘explore an option to consolidate elective care’ between the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Wirral Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on the Clatterbridge hospital site, the references to the ‘consolidation of Acute care’ and references to the development of Cheshire and Wirral-wide ‘clinical services at scale’ and believes that these have progressed with little or no public discussion, save for references to the long term strategy in WUTH’s Annual Report.

 

Council believes the detail of all the proposals requires in-depth consideration and is therefore concerned that the Engagement Plan in the STP fails to set out clear ways of involving the public and local authorities in shaping future services in a clear and meaningful manner.

 

Council therefore requests that arrangements are made to ensure a thorough and adequate discussion of the issues at each stage of the development of the Plan. Such arrangements should involve the Constituency Committees which would provide the necessary opportunity for public participation. It requests that officers make arrangements for this.

 

Council notes that the Leader of the Council has arranged a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board which should be given a full explanation of the background and purpose of the Plan and the contribution of the various agencies in its preparation.

 

As part of this process, Wirral’s Members of Parliament should be kept apprised of the findings and requested to press the Government to secure a long term sustainable settlement for our National Health Service.”

 

The motion was put and lost (22:37) (One abstention).

 

112.

MOTION - SUPPORT FOR SELECTIVE EDUCATION ACROSS WIRRAL

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Adam Sykes.

Seconded by Councillor Wendy Clements.

 

“Council notes the recent report commissioned by Knowsley Council that said that the introduction of selective schools in the area should be adopted to transform the performance of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The report said Knowsley has a white, working-class "monoculture", with strong bonds of extended families but little contact with others from different social backgrounds or ethnicities and "narrow horizons" for local youngsters. Council accepts that parallels can clearly be drawn with parts of Wirral.

 

Council welcomes the Prime Minister’s announced plans to bring back grammars and that they have set as a priority, a pledge to fight "burning injustice" which means that "if you're a white, working-class boy, you're less likely than anybody else in Britain to go to university."

 

Council notes that the report for Knowsley cited research that found for "poor but bright" pupils, grammar schools can boost their performance by nearly 10 percentage points compared with non-selective schools.

 

Council accepts that a return of more grammar schools is not a ‘fix-all’ solution, and that improvement in early years education is a vital part of a wider approach. Also, that a return of grammar schools is not an acceptance of a second-rate secondary education for those children who don’t attend selective schools.

 

Council recognises that Wirral has good and outstanding schools across the borough, covering both selective and non-selective schools. Council supports the current provision of education in Wirral, including our selective schools, and acknowledge the great job that all our teachers and support staff do in educating our children in all schools. Council also supports our parents who wish to have a selective offer available for their children, as well as those who choose not to put their children forward for the eleven plus.

 

We therefore call on Council to strongly support any measures that raise progress and attainment for the children of Wirral. We ask that ideology is put aside for evidence-based policy, and if further selective places will improve the outlook for our most disadvantaged, then Wirral should look to support this outcome.”

 

The motion was put and lost (17:42) (One abstention).

 

113.

MOTION - CRISIS IN SOCIAL CARE

Minutes:

Prior to consideration and debate on the motion, the Leader provided an update on recent changes to the Council Tax regime, with Government’sproposals, announced by the Communities Secretary to give Councils the power to add a 3% levy to bills in 2017/18, and an additional 3% in 2018/19.

 

Proposed by Councillor Chris Jones.

Seconded by Councillor Angela Davies.

 

“Council believes that the failure of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to address the social care crisis in his recent Autumn Statement was a huge missed opportunity.

 

This Council is appalled at the government’s failure to address the crisis in social care. In recent months the entire health and care sector, including councils, care providers, charities, the NHS, health economists, Parliamentarians and the Care Quality Commission have united around the urgent need to address the unsustainable pressures facing adult social care and the growing funding gap those pressures are creating.

 

The Local Government Association estimates that adult social care faces a funding gap of £1.3 billion by 2019/20.

 

The failure to deliver additional funding will have knock-on effects on the viability of care providers and the sustainability of the NHS. Most importantly, the impact will fall on residents. Unmet need is likely to increase and elderly and vulnerable people will continue to face uncertainty in the care they need to support their independence and wellbeing.

 

The crisis in social care simply cannot be ignored any longer. Council therefore calls on all parties on the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Health requesting an urgent meeting to secure the additional funding needed in this area.”

 

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

 

Amendment

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist.

Seconded by Councillor Alan Brighouse.

 

“Insert after para 1…

 

Council has had only a limited opportunity, so far, to fully interpret the provisional local government finance settlement announced on 15 December 2016, but believes that the combination of increased Council Tax, use of the Better Care Fund and the changes to the New Homes Bonus, are not capable of addressing the underlying problems and pressures faced by this and many other authorities. 

 

Council notes that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has stated that  ‘when we allocate billions of funding from the Better Care Fund, we take into account the council tax raising power of each area’ but has also introduced new targets before the New Homes Bonus can be secured.

 

In (new) para 6, insert…

 

'genuinely' after "the failure to deliver...

 

Insert after (new) para 6 (ends '…their independence and wellbeing.')

 

Council asks officers to assess what can be achieved with what the Government has described as the ‘improved’ Better Care Fund and to establish how Wirral’s predicted share relates to the Relative Needs Formula.

 

Council notes that comments have been made at the way the Better Care Fund is being used, with praise directed at some areas and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.

114.

MOTION - INFORMATION DEFICIT CONTINUES

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green.

Seconded by Councillor Adam Sykes.

 

“Council recalls the Labour Administration were warned on several occasions that it was an expensive folly to enter the newspaper business but the Administration insisted that there was an information deficit in the Borough which the distribution of Wirral View to every household and business in the Borough would solve.

 

Council notes the woeful distribution of the first two editions of Wirral View with residents and businesses in Birkenhead, Rock Ferry, Oxton, New Brighton, Leasowe, Pensby, Hoylake, Thingwall, Claughton, West Kirby, Upton, Meols and Greasby not receiving copies.

 

Council is also concerned that the promises given that it would not become a Labour Party newsletter have now been seen to be fanciful.

 

Therefore Council calls on the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Communications to:

 

(a)  apologise to the Council Taxpayers of Wirral for this flagrant waste of their money and;

(b)  call a halt to this disastrous Labour Administration exercise before the Council’s reputation is tarnished further.”

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9 the Council did not debate the matter, and having been formally moved and seconded, the motion was put to the vote.

 

The motion was put and lost (23:36) (One abstention).

 

115.

MOTION - TACKLING RACISM, XENOPHOBIA AND HATE CRIMES

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies.

Seconded by Councillor Ian Lewis, and supported by Councillor Stuart Kelly and Councillor Ann McLachlan.

 

“Council is proud that the United Kingdom is a diverse and tolerant society and believes that racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.

 

Council therefore condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally and will work with Merseyside Police to challenge such incidents.

 

Council welcomes the work undertaken by its Minority Ethnic Achievement Service and partner organisations such as the Wirral Multicultural Organisation and Wirral Change. 

 

Council will continue to work to ensure that local organisations and programmes have the support and resources they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

 

Council reassures all people living in Wirral they are valued members of our community who, regardless of background, will be encouraged to play a full and positive role in our Borough.”

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9 the Council did not debate the matter, and having been formally moved and seconded, the motion was put to the vote.

 

Resolved (59:00) (One abstention)

 

(1)  Council is proud that the United Kingdom is a diverse and tolerant society and believes that racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.

 

(2)  Council therefore condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally and will work with Merseyside Police to challenge such incidents.

 

(3)  Council welcomes the work undertaken by its Minority Ethnic Achievement Service and partner organisations such as the Wirral Multicultural Organisation and Wirral Change.

 

(4)  Council will continue to work to ensure that local organisations and programmes have the support and resources they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

 

(5)  Council reassures all people living in Wirral they are valued members of our community who, regardless of background, will be encouraged to play a full and positive role in our Borough.