Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

This Council recognises that 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations.

Council welcomes the fact that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has announced a structural reform plan which recognises the need to:

·  support and develop British farming and encourage sustainable food production;

·  help to enhance the environment and biodiversity to improve quality of life; and

·  support a strong and sustainable green economy, resilient to climate change.

And that the coalition Government launched a discussion document “An invitation to shape the Nature of England” in July with an ambitious foreword from Caroline Spelman as secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Council also recognises that a key commitment has been given to the publication of a White Paper on the natural environment by spring 2011 and that this will take account of the report published by Sir John Lawton in September 2010 and commissioned by Hilary Benn in September 2009.

Council notes that the report makes the following key points for establishing a strong and connected natural environment:

·  That we better protect and manage our designated wildlife sites;

·  That we establish new Ecological Restoration Zones;

·  That we better protect our non-designated wildlife sites;

Council recognises that it has, with its range of parks, open spaces, and habitats managed for the people of Wirral, a key role in maintaining biodiversity.

Council, therefore,

(a)  looks forward to the White Paper;

(b)  would welcome updated reports to Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny as appropriate;

(c)  expresses its appreciation of the work being undertaken by officer, volunteers and local organisations to encourage, secure, maintain and protect biodiversity in Wirral.

And states its belief that the issue of biodiversity and the retention and creation of habitats for bees and other insects, should continue to be recognised and enshrined in relevant planning policies and preparations for the future management of parks and open spaces.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2):

Proposed by Councillor Jerry Williams

Seconded by Councillor Harry Smith

Delete all after “Council recognises that it has, with its range of parks, open spaces and habitats managed for the people of Wirral, a key role in maintaining biodiversity” and insert:

“Council therefore deplores the rash decision taken by Cabinet without any consultation with staff or the general public to hand over the maintenance and administration of these parks, open spaces and habitats to a private sector which is motivated by profit rather than by any desire to protect the biodiversity of our plants and wild life and to compound that decision by not even allowing an in house bid from members of staff who understand what is needed.

Council expresses its appreciation of the work being undertaken by officers, volunteers and local organisations to encourage, secure, maintain and protect biodiversity in Wirral.

Council states its belief that the issue of biodiversity and the retention and creation of habitats for bees and other insects should continue to be recognised and enshrined in relevant planning policies and that Wirral’s parks, open spaces and habitats should not be privatised but should continue to be managed in house, without any profit motive, in the interests of the people of Wirral and the wider environment for generations to come.”

The amendment was put and lost (23:38)

The motion was put and carried unanimously

Resolved (unanimously) - This Council recognises that 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations.

Council welcomes the fact that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has announced a structural reform plan which recognises the need to:

·  support and develop British farming and encourage sustainable food production;

·  help to enhance the environment and biodiversity to improve quality of life; and

·  support a strong and sustainable green economy, resilient to climate change.

And that the coalition Government launched a discussion document “An invitation to shape the Nature of England” in July with an ambitious foreword from Caroline Spelman as secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Council also recognises that a key commitment has been given to the publication of a White Paper on the natural environment by spring 2011 and that this will take account of the report published by Sir John Lawton in September 2010 and commissioned by Hilary Benn in September 2009.

Council notes that the report makes the following key points for establishing a strong and connected natural environment:

·  That we better protect and manage our designated wildlife sites;

·  That we establish new Ecological Restoration Zones;

·  That we better protect our non-designated wildlife sites;

Council recognises that it has, with its range of parks, open spaces, and habitats managed for the people of Wirral, a key role in maintaining biodiversity.

Council, therefore,

(a)  looks forward to the White Paper;

(b) would welcome updated reports to Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny as appropriate;

(c)  expresses its appreciation of the work being undertaken by officer, volunteers and local organisations to encourage, secure, maintain and protect biodiversity in Wirral.

And states its belief that the issue of biodiversity and the retention and creation of habitats for bees and other insects, should continue to be recognised and enshrined in relevant planning policies and preparations for the future management of parks and open spaces.