The Chair introduced this report which was to enable the Committee to review the continuing need for various advisory committees and to appoint Members and named deputies to serve on those that are to be retained in 2021/2022. The Chair reported to Members that she had been advised by officers that the report was to be referred to the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for consideration since it more naturally fell within that Committee’s terms of reference which included responsibility for parks, open spaces, countryside management and the Council’s duties as coastal protection authority.

Members were concerned at the loss of influence in the Birkenhead Park Advisory Committee because of the importance of the Park to tourism, culture and heritage, and that the Environment Committee would not meet until September 2021.

The Chair proposed that this Committee retain responsibility for appointments to Birkenhead Park Advisory Committee. This was seconded by Councillor Gillian Wood.

Resolved – That

(1)  Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee retain responsibility for the appointment of the Birkenhead Park Advisory Committee and the Monitoring Officer be authorised as proper officer to carry out the wishes of the Group Leaders in allocating Members to the Birkenhead Park Advisory Committee and to appoint those Members with effect from the date at which the proper officer is advised of the names of such Members.

(2)  a report on the continuance and composition of the Hilbre Island Nature Reserve Management Committee be referred to the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for consideration since it more naturally falls within that Committee’s terms of reference which include responsibility for the Council’s duties as coastal protection authority. Pending consideration of this matter by that Committee the membership of the Management Committee shall remain as presently constituted in respect of those persons who are Members of the Council; any vacancies to be appointed by the Monitoring Officer who shall carry out the wishes of the Group Leader of the former Member.