Having previously declared a prejudicial interest, Councillor Lesley Rennie vacated the room during consideration of this item (minute 72 refers). Councillor Jeff Green also declared a prejudicial interest and vacated the room, as current Chair of the Management Committee.

The Head of Legal Services introduced a report on the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee’s recommendations from its meeting on 7 September in respect of membership of the Hilbre Island Nature Reserve Management Committee.

In moving the motion Councillor Tom Anderson suggested that the status quo be maintained in allocating places. The motion was seconded by Councillor Yvonne Nolan, and it was -

Resolved – That the Monitoring Officer as proper officer, be authorised to carry out the wishes of the Group Leaders in allocating Members to membership of the Hilbre Island Nature Reserve Management Committee and to appoint those Members with effect from the date at which the proper officer is advised of the names of such Members.

Vicky Shaw, Head of Legal Services, introduced this report which was to enable the Committee to review the continuing need for the Hilbre Island Nature Reserve Management Committee and if necessary to appoint Members, and possibly named deputies, to serve on it in 2021/2022.

Members discussed the membership of the Committee and whether political proportionality should be considered.

Due to the lack of consensus, Councillor Liz Grey proposed taking the matter to Policy and Resources Committee. This was seconded by Councillor Chris Cooke.

Resolved:

That Policy and Resources Committee be recommended to:

authorise the Monitoring Officer as proper officer to carry out the wishes of the Group Leaders in relation to the matter of Councillor membership of the Hilbre Island Nature Reserve Management Committee.