The Leader of the Council proposed, and it was agreed, that with Standing Order 9 (Conclusion of Council meeting) due to come into force during the next item, only movers and seconders be heard for this matter to be debated.

Proposed by Councillor Pat Hackett

Seconded by Councillor Jean Stapleton 

This Council notes the continuing opportunity for Birkenhead to play a major part in the economic growth of both Liverpool City Region and the ‘northern powerhouse’.

It further recognises the work the local business community, the chamber of commerce and council officers are doing to promote Wirral as a place for employers to invest and businesses to thrive.

Council also supports the Leader of the Council in his new role as portfolio lead Economic Development for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as a strong advocate for continued investment and growth in Wirral.

Council applauds the news that in 2016 at least £150million of new investment projects will begin and reaffirms its 2020 pledge to attract £450million in inward investment.

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

First amendment

Proposed by Councillor Steve Williams

Seconded by Councillor Andrew Hodson

Insert new paragraph 3:

‘Council also recognises the significant contribution Government has made to Wirral and the wider City Region to support the Region’s ongoing recovery.  This support has taken a variety of forms, a snapshot includes:

·  Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone Designation

·  Devolution

·  £232 million for the City Region’s Growth Deal

·  £400 million for the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund

·  £50 million to support Transport for the North

·  £150 million to support the delivery of smart and integrated ticketing across local transport and rail services in the North’

Second amendment

Proposed by Councillor Pat Cleary

Seconded by Councillor Alan Brighouse

Insert new paragraph after paragraph 1:

‘Council believes that the prospects for the regeneration of Birkenhead will be strengthened if proposals are developed through an open and meaningful consultation with local residents, if the Constituency Committee is consulted at the earliest stages of any projects and that effective, timely and widespread consultation is undertaken about future investment plans. Officers are requested to develop mechanisms to establish this for consideration.’ 

Retain original paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 as new paragraphs 3, 4 and 5.

Following speeches by the movers and seconders and Councillor Pat Hackett having waived his right of reply, the first amendment was put and lost (23:36) (One abstention).

The second amendment was then put and carried (59:0) (One abstention).

The substantive motion as amended was put and carried (59:0) (One abstention).

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) –

(1)  This Council notes the continuing opportunity for Birkenhead to play a major part in the economic growth of both Liverpool City Region and the ‘northern powerhouse’.

(2)  Council believes that the prospects for the regeneration of Birkenhead will be strengthened if proposals are developed through an open and meaningful consultation with local residents, if the Constituency Committee is consulted at the earliest stages of any projects and that effective, timely and widespread consultation is undertaken about future investment plans. Officers are requested to develop mechanisms to establish this for consideration.

(3)  It further recognises the work the local business community, the chamber of commerce and council officers are doing to promote Wirral as a place for employers to invest and businesses to thrive.

(4)  Council also supports the Leader of the Council in his new role as portfolio lead Economic Development for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as a strong advocate for continued investment and growth in Wirral.

(5)  Council applauds the news that in 2016 at least £150million of new investment projects will begin and reaffirms its 2020 pledge to attract £450million in inward investment.