The Mayor’s Chaplain, Revd Bernard McConnell, will lead the Council in prayers.

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

The Mayor’s Chaplain, Revd Bernard McConnell, led the Council in prayers.

The Mayor advised the Council that apologies for absence had been received from Councillor John Hale. She referred also to the recent death of Peter James McCarthy, former Labour Councillor for Park Ward, Bebington County Borough Council, 1972-74 and for Bebington Ward, Wirral Council, 1974 – 1980.

The Mayor referred also to the recent Your Champions awards held in Chester, at which Wirral had five nominees: Lance Corporal Alan Redford; Ryan Hanlon; Ken McDermott; Abigail Snowden; and Calday Grange Grammar School. Two of the five nominees had won awards in their categories. Lance Corporal Alan Redford of the Mercian Regiment had been named Regional Community Champion; and Ryan Hanlon from Rock Ferry had been named Regional Sports Champion. The Mayor said that she would be inviting all five nominees to a reception to formally recognise their achievements.

The members of the Council are invited to consider whether they have a personal or prejudicial 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.

Councillors R Abbey, J Crabtree, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, D Dodd, P Doughty, S Foulkes, P Glasman, J Green, P Hackett, A Jones, C Jones, B Kenny, A McArdle, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, B Mooney, L Rowlands, J Salter, H Smith, T Smith, J Stapleton, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I Williams, and J Williams, declared their personal interest in Motion 14 (Fairness, Not Favours) (see minute 89 post) by virtue of their membership of a trade union.

Councillor I Lewis declared a personal interest in Motion 21 (Education, Education, Education) (see minute 95 post) by virtue of him being a school governor.

Councillor S Clarke declared a personal interest in Motion 3 (Adoption: Being the Best Corporate Parents) (see minute 79 post) by virtue of her membership of the Fostering and Adoption Panel.

Councillor L Rennie declared a personal interest in Motion 16 (Cuts to Local Transport Plan) (see minute 91 post) by virtue of her appointment on the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

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

Councillor L Rennie, on behalf of 92 signatories requesting the Council to carry out a full road safety review around St Georges Primary School (upper site) on Claremount Road, Wallasey.

Councillor S Whittingham, on behalf of 58 signatories requesting repairs to the damaged verges and roundabout on Ackers Road, Woodchurch and measures to prevent future damage.

Councillor H Smith, on behalf of approximately 600 signatories requesting the Council to implement a 20mph speed limit in residential areas in Pensby and Thingwall surrounding Pensby Primary and Ladymount School.

Resolved - That the petitions be noted and referred to the appropriate chief officer in accordance with Standing Order 34.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 11 and 17 October, 2011.

The minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 11 and 17 October, 2011, had been circulated to members and it was –

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

The Leader of the Council, Councillor S Foulkes, addressed the Council on the following matters –

• He expressed his thanks to the Mayor, the Leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups and everybody involved in the recent successful visit of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

• He referred to the current radical review of corporate governance procedures and the need to have the Corporate Plan in place. It was important to show this could be done in a timely manner, with all groups working together around a joint vision. He understood that both opposition parties would like to see the Plan go through the scrutiny process and would therefore be moving an amendment to an objection to suggest the plan be considered by a special meeting of the Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee prior to coming back before the Council by 9 January, 2012.

To consider matters referred to the Council for determination. The relevant minutes are attached; copies of the related reports can be provided for Council members on request.

In accordance with Standing Order 7(1), these matters will be taken as approved except in respect of any to which objections or amendments are submitted, in accordance with Standing Order 7(2).

(i)  Minute 175 (Cabinet – 3/11/11) – Provision for Inflation 2012/13

(ii)  Minute 198 (Cabinet – 24/11/11) – Insurance Fund Budget 2012/13

(The minutes in respect of (i) and (ii) above were attached to the original Council Summons dated 2 December, 2011).

Any other matters referred to the Council by Cabinet at its meeting on 8 December, 2011:

(iii)  Minute 210 - Corporate Plan 2012/13 (Minute and report attached)

(iv)  Minute 211 - Council Tax Base 2012/13 (Minute attached)

(v)  Minute 215 - Capital Programme and Financing 2012-15 (Minute attached)

(vi)  Minute 216 – Budget Projections 2012-15 (Minute attached)

Note: Objections have been received in respect of (iii), (v) and (vi) above and in accordance with Standing Order 7(2) are listed within item 10, ‘Matters for Debate’.

In accordance with Standing Order 7(1) a number of matters were submitted for approval by the Council.

Three matters from the Cabinet on 8 December, 2011, minute 210 (Corporate Plan 2012/13), minute 215 (Capital Programme and Financing 2012/15) and minute 216 (Budget Projections 2012-15), were submitted for approval but were the subject of objections (see minutes 77, 78, 93 and 97 below). 

On a motion by Councillor S Foulkes and seconded by Councillor P Davies, it was -

Resolved – That the following matters be approved:

(i)  Minute 175 (Cabinet – 3/11/11) - Provision for Inflation 2012/13.

(ii)  Minute 198 (Cabinet – 24/11/11) - Insurance Fund Budget 2012/13.

(iii)Minute 211 – (Cabinet – 8/12/11) - Council Tax Base 2012/13.

The following matter, determined by the Cabinet, is drawn to the Council’s attention in accordance with the Constitution (copies of the related report can be provided for Council members on request).

Minute 232 (8/12/11) - Local Account (Reason – waiving of call-in) (Minute attached).

Resolved – That the following matter be noted, as required by the constitution:

Minute 232 (Cabinet - 8/12/11) - Local Account (Reason – waiving of call-in).

To deal with questions from councillors and from members of the public, in accordance with Standing Order 11.

Mr J Brace, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted a question on the AKA (Anna Klonowksi Associates Ltd) report. 

The Leader of the Council responded accordingly.

The following Councillors, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11 submitted questions on the topics listed:

(i)  Councillor Pat Williams to Councillor Harry Smith (20mph zones)

(ii)  Councillor Ann Bridson to Councillor Ron Abbey (Bidston – Wrexham rail line train stations)

(iii)Councillor Phil Gilchrist to Councillor Adrian Jones (Office accommodation)

The Councillors responded accordingly.

Councillor J Green then, in accordance with Standing Order 11, asked the Leader of the Council a general question in relation to disclosure of information. The Mayor suggested that Councillor Green should put his question in writing to the Leader of the Council.

Councillor J Green then tried to ask a supplementary question which the Mayor, having taken advice from the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, ruled was out of order.

Pursuant to Standing Order 5(2)(n), and in accordance with Standing Order 5(4), to consider written comments, objections or amendments to minutes submitted under Standing Order 7(2), together with those motions, submitted under item 9 above, that the Council agrees to debate at this meeting and any minority reports submitted in accordance with Standing Order 35(4).

The order for debates will be as follows:

1.  Motion: Policies Affecting Women

2.  Motion: Council Processes and Purpose

3.  Motion: Adoption - Being the Best Corporate Parents

4.  Motion: Corporate Governance

5.  Motion: Duty to Involve, Inform and Consult

6.  Objection: Minute 210 (Cabinet – 8 December, 2011) - Corporate Plan 2012/13 - Update

7.  Motion: Employment Rights

8.  Motion: Parks and Countryside Service Procurement Exercise (PACSPE)

9.  Motion: Affordable Homes

10.Motion: Bye-Law Banning Dogs from Children’s Play Areas

11.Motion: AKA Report

12.Motion: Cashless Scrap Metal Trade

13.Motion: Annual Children’s Services Assessment

14.Motion: Fairness, Not Favours

15.Motion: Increasing Recycling

16.Motion: Cuts to Local Transport Plan

17.Objection: Minute 210 (Cabinet – 8 December, 2011) - Corporate Plan 2012/13 – Update

18.Motion: Public Consultation and Shared Services

19.Objection: Minute 215 (Cabinet – 8 December, 2011) - Capital Programme and Financing 2012-15

20.Motion: Lights, Camera, Action

21.Motion: Education, Education, Education

22.Motion: Loss of Gas Supply in Leasowe and Moreton

23.Objection: Minute 216 (Cabinet – 8 December, 2011) – Budget Projections 2012-15

The matters listed for debate in accordance with Standing Order 5(2) (n) were dealt with as indicated in minutes 75 to 97 below.

It was moved by Councillor W Davies and duly seconded, that -

“Standing Order 7(8) be applied from 8.00pm.”

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor S Kelly and duly seconded that –

“Standing Order 7(8) be applied at the end of the debate on the third motion.”

The amendment was put and carried (35:29) (One abstention).

Resolved – That Standing Order 7(8) be applied at the end of the debate on the third motion.

Proposed by Councillor Bernie Mooney

Seconded by Councillor Chris Jones

(1)  This Council calls on the coalition government to reconsider a number of policies which are disproportionately affecting women. These policies appear to have been developed without any form of equality assessment of risk to women, these include:

(i)  Job cuts in the public sector

(ii)  Female unemployment at a 23-year-high

(iii)  Changes to the benefit system affecting childcare

(iv)  Changes to the NHS

(v)  The appalling state of care for the elderly

(vi)  Education and student fees

(vii)  Food price inflation

(viii)  Price of petrol

(ix)  Changes to pensions

(x)  The whole direction of the deficit reduction programme and its effect on day to day life

(2)  Council calls on David Cameron to stop trying to simply appeal to women voters with populist policies such as offering caesarean section to all who want it.

(3)  Council believes that if the coalition puts women’s rights and issues at the heart of policy formation and development they may not look so arrogant and out of touch with the needs of female voters.

Following a debate and Councillor Mooney having replied, the motion was put and lost (29:35) (One abstention).

The Mayor stated that this notice of motion would be debated in conjunction with the two objections received to minute 210 (Cabinet – 8/12/11) (see minutes 77 and 78 post).

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

(1) Council notes the ongoing activity to improve the Council’s Corporate Governance processes.

(2) Council believes that as the activity to improve its processes continues it becomes even more important to restate our purpose.

(3) Council therefore commits itself to the following principles:

• A commitment to making Wirral a bigger and stronger society.

• Creating the environment and developing the skills needed to make Wirral a place where local employers succeed and businesses choose to invest – an economy with high levels of private sector employment, which retains and attracts our young people and provides the job opportunities for all to realise their full potential.

• Placing the views of Wirral, residents, employers, Community and Voluntary groups at the heart of all we do, providing opportunities for people to improve their neighbourhoods, lives and those of their families, ensuring that no part of Wirral is ignored.

• Actively supporting the Coalition Government’s commitment to ending child poverty by 2020, providing support services to children, young people and their families that help to alleviate the effects of poverty and, in the long term, break inter-generational cycles of deprivation.

• Providing services that meet the needs and aspirations of all Wirral people, fostering a real pride in the borough, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, environmental protection and public safety, creating a clean, safe and sustainable environment.

• Working everyday to keep children and vulnerable people safe and tackle the gross inequalities in health and education outcomes experienced by our residents. Services provided for our most vulnerable, disadvantaged or excluded citizens, wherever they may live, should be founded on fairness, raise aspirations, promote choice and improve quality of life.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

Add the following:

Council notes the principles set out in this motion and recognises that they have already been incorporated in the re-fresh of the Corporate Plan agreed by Cabinet on the 8th December.

Council is concerned that a number of the principles included in the list in this motion, eg. ending child poverty and creating a sustainable environment, have been made more difficult to achieve as a direct result of the announcements in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement and the coalition government’s draconian cuts to local government budgets.

In accordance with Standing Order 9(q), the following motion was put:

Proposed by Councillor Tom Harney

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

That the motion be deferred to the next Full Council meeting and that, in the meantime, the motion is referred to all the Council’s OSCs for consideration, alongside the draft Corporate Plan. That the views of the OSCs on the motion be included in the report to the next Council on the Corporate Plan.

In connection with the Liberal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

Proposed by Councillor Tom Harney

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

(1)  That a decision on the Corporate Plan be postponed and deferred to the next Full Council meeting and that, in the meantime, the Corporate Plan is referred to all the Council’s OSCs for scrutiny. In line with Article 6 of the Constitution, OSCs to consider those parts of the Corporate Plan within the remit of each committee, with Council Excellence OSC carrying out its coordinating role in line with Clause 23 of the Constitution relating to Council Excellence, specifically "the overall production of the Corporate Plan." That a report to the next Council be made on the views of the OSCs.

(2)  Council notes that the Corporate Plan was not issued with the Council Summons and therefore elected members have not had sufficient time to consider this important document, nor have they been sufficiently engaged in its development, despite the previous assurances of the Leader of the Council to include OSCs in the development of the Budget and Policy Framework.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 9(p)

Proposed by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

In view of the urgent need to agree a Corporate Plan in sufficient time to allow the Departmental Service Plans to follow, and the Council’s budget to take proper account of the Corporate Plan and the Departmental Service Plans, in line with agreed Corporate Governance procedures, Council agrees to the calling of a Special Council on Monday 9 January to discuss the Corporate Plan, preceded by a special Cabinet on Thursday 5 January and, with the consent of the Chair a special meeting of the Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 3 January, or if necessary an alternative date prior to Thursday 5 January, to refer any recommendations of the committee to Cabinet and from there on to Council.

Council notes that the targets attached to the Corporate Plan will be considered as part of the Corporate Governance work programme to ensure their robustness before being finally attached to the Plan, but is happy for a draft version to be considered by Council Excellence as part of that process.

Following a combined debate and Councillor Foulkes having replied (see minute 76 ante) the amendment was put and lost (29:35) (One abstention).

The objection was put and carried (35:29) (One abstention).

Resolved (35:29) (One abstention) –

(1)  That a decision on the Corporate Plan be postponed and deferred to the next Full Council meeting and that, in the meantime, the Corporate Plan is referred to all the Council’s OSCs for scrutiny. In line with Article 6 of the Constitution, OSCs to consider those parts of the Corporate Plan within the remit of each committee, with Council Excellence OSC carrying out its coordinating role in line with Clause 23 of the Constitution relating to Council Excellence, specifically "the overall production of the Corporate Plan." That a report to the next Council be made on the views of the OSCs.

(2)  Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Council recognises the difference between a wish list (however many good intentions the list espouses) and a plan is the presence of objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound. Council notes that the new corporate plan sent to it by the administration for endorsement has 13 pages of commentary, 75 wishes and a complete lack of specific activities to be undertaken, dates by when they will be completed or how success will be measured.

Council believes that the lack of clarity and rigour in the plan, as now presented, will lead to confusion regarding how departmental plans can best be configured to contribute to clear Council objectives and lead to a return of the silo approach to service delivery and problem solving.

Council notes the definition of good corporate governance includes reference to inclusive, consultative and transparent decision making and therefore regrets that the development of the new corporate plan, sent to it by the administration for agreement, has not been inclusive, consultative or transparent.  

Council therefore refuses to adopt the new Corporate Plan in its current state and recommends, in the absence of a meaningful public consultation exercise this year, that:

(1)  The administration seeks the views of all relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committees and Council partners.

(2)  Any comments received are transparently evaluated by the Cabinet.

(3)  Following (1) & (2) above, a more robust plan containing SMART objectives is resubmitted to a future Council.

Following a combined debate and Councillor Foulkes having replied (see minute 76 ante) it was –

Resolved (35:29) (One abstention) - That the objection be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Mark Johnston

Seconded by Councillor Pat Williams

Council:

(1)  Congratulates the Acting Director of Children’s Services and his staff on the achievement of the “performing excellently” rating from Ofsted in relation to the quality of children’s services in Wirral and believes that this is fair recognition for the work undertaken over the past few years to ensure that the council provides the highest level of service possible for children and young people in our community.

(2)  Notes that Wirral Council currently looks after 679 children (102 children per 100,000 population - the 5th highest in the North West). The recent release of the Children in Care Performance tables from DfE show that, as an average for the 3 year period 2008-2010, Wirral Council is ranked 105th out of 143 authorities in terms of percentage of children (69%) who are adopted within 12 months of the decision being taken that adoption is the best route.

(3)  Recognises that there can be many complex and different reasons why adoption placements can sometimes take longer than 12 months, such as large sibling groups or complex health needs. In these circumstances the stability of placement is critical and Wirral has a good record in this area with just 1 unplanned ending out of 24 placements in the year to May 2011. Ofsted's Adoption inspection report of June 2011 noted, "The very low disruption rate indicates that children are appropriately matched with their adoptive parents".

(4)  Welcomes the recommendations of the Government’s recent Family Justice Review, particularly those that focus on tackling delays in the family justice system.

(5)  Believes that, in those circumstances where the risk to a child is too great for that child to remain in the care of his or her natural family, adoption is normally the best opportunity of securing positive life chances for that child, particularly if the adoption can happen in the child’s first few years.

(6)  Further, believes that the current system can be too slow to recognise where adoption is the preferred option and then take swift action to ensure that adoption is speedy and suitable in those cases.

(7)  Therefore, instructs the Acting Director of Children’s Services to bring forward a report to the Children and Young People OSC setting out:

(i)  How decisions around the adoption system are made (including the approval processes for prospective adoptive parents) and how they might be speeded up and improved for those children in care where adoption is likely to be the best outcome for providing a stable, permanent home. 

(ii)  An explanation of the relational link between the Fostering and Adoption team, the support provided by foster carers when children move from foster care to adoption and any weaknesses in process highlighted, with recommendations to improve any issues.

(iii)An explanation of the impact of the Family Courts on the adoption process, with suggestions given as to how to better work with and strengthen the existing approach by the Merseyside Family Court  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

Proposed by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

This Council:

(1)  Welcomes the recommendations in the AKA report regarding corporate governance.

(2)  Supports the steps which have been taken by the administration to begin to implement these recommendations, i.e.

(i)  Setting up a Cabinet Committee including the Leaders of the opposition groups;

(ii)  developing a work programme including ten key lines of enquiries based on the AKA report;

(iii)inviting all members of the Council to get involved in contributing to the work programme;

(iv)  Setting up a dedicated Change Team to drive this forward;

(v)  holding an initial meeting with the Local Government Association to explore external support which is available.

(3)  Records its appreciation to Ms Anna Klonowski for agreeing to provide additional support to enable the Council to put the necessary measures in place to improve our corporate governance and for providing a helpful presentation at the recent members’ seminar.

(4)  Re-iterates the importance of elected members putting aside political differences and working together with staff, the public and other key stakeholders to deliver good corporate governance.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Insert an additional paragraph:

(5) Acknowledges that at the Local Elections in May 2011, the people of Wirral voted that no one political party should run this Council. In order to reflect the wishes of our electorate and work to achieve excellent Corporate Governance the Leader of the Council, if he truly believes that all political differences should be put aside, could mend this ‘Broken Council’ by immediately forming a Cabinet made up of members from ALL political groups.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Tom Harney

Seconded by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Add new paragraph to end:

(5) However, Council is concerned:

(i)  The current Administration has so far failed to consult the public and carry out meaningful consultation on next year’s Budget, leaving the authority at risk of legal challenge.

(ii)  The current Administration has failed to engage and involve the Council’s OSCs in the development of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework, despite previous assurances by the Leader that he would do so.

(iii)At the removal of the results of the Budget Simulator from public view from the Council’s website after the closure of the Simulator.

(iv)  The current Administration has repeatedly failed to produce and publish important Cabinet reports in good time, prior to those meetings taking place, reducing the opportunities for elected members to constructively challenge recommendations and performance.

(v)  Important decisions on governance improvements are being made without full publication of all the relevant information.

(vi)  That, until the current Administration changes the way it works, poor governance is likely to continue.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The amendment proposed by Councillor Green was put and lost (26:38) (One abstention).

The amendment proposed by Councillor Harney was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Council notes that at its meeting on 18th July 2011 Council agreed the following resolution:

(1)  This Council:

(i) Reaffirms its commitment to enhanced community engagement to ensure that major policy decisions include more robust processes of public consultation, as appropriate, before decisions are taken, as agreed unanimously by Notice of Motion at Council on 15 February 2010.

(ii) Believes that last year’s Wirral’s Future consultation, using the task force model and public questionnaire, followed the principles set out in that Notice of Motion to:

·  Share the problem or issue and develop broad support on the need for change before progressing on to possible solutions;

·  Develop a ‘green paper’ approach to setting out options and possible solutions within the operational, policy and financial constraints with genuine opportunity for people to influence decision making, and;

·  Improve the use of the Council’s website as a consultation portal, with a list of active consultations in progress and with the relevant supporting documents available as downloads.

(iii) Acknowledges the need for consultation to include a strong independent element and recognises the crucial work of the independent task forces - comprised of experts in their thematic fields - and thanks them again for their work.

(iv) Also believes that this approach played a substantial and legitimate role in achieving a balanced Budget for 2011/12 whilst protecting services, cutting the cost of running the Council and ensuring no compulsory redundancies.

(v) Calls on the Leader to:

• Confirm the venues and dates at which the public will have the opportunity to take part and notes that, at this stage of the successful ‘Wirral’s Future’ consultation in 2010, the main programme had already been circulated.
• Confirm which organisations, employers, service users and partners are involved in the consultation, noting that, at this stage of the successful ‘Wirral’s Future’ consultation in 2010, this information was already available.
• Publish the names of the individuals who have written the questionnaire and the names of those who will consider the responses from the public and notes that, at this stage of the successful ‘Wirral’s Future’ consultation in 2010, this information had already been circulated.
• State how many contacts and how many qualitative responses will be considered a ‘success’, noting his Party’s criticism of the contact with more than 40,000 people and 5,500 completed questionnaires in the successful ‘Wirral’s Future’ consultation in 2010.

(2)  Council notes that five months on from passing this resolution the Leader of the Council has still not complied with the content of this resolution.

(3)  Therefore Council calls on the Leader of the Council:

• to apologise to Council for ignoring its democratically expressed wishes
• to write to all members of the Council explaining the Council’s legal responsibilities to involve, inform and consult on its services with residents and stakeholders and how robust processes of public consultation, before budget decisions are taken, is to be achieved prior to introducing its 2012 – 2013 budget.

Amendment submitted in accordance with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

Proposed by Councillor Brian Kenny

Seconded by Councillor Adrian Jones

(1)  This Council is extremely concerned that the Government has announced its intention to give companies greater freedom to sack employees as part of an overhaul of employment laws, to boost economic recovery.

(2)  Council is also concerned at plans to double the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims and to introduce a fee for lodging an employment tribunal claim for unfair dismissal.

(3)  Council believes that it is typical of this Government to claim that the only way to bring unemployment down is to make it easier to sack people and reduce their employment rights.

(4)  Instead of attacking these rights, Council believes that the Government should reverse its disastrous economic policies, which have produced near-record levels of unemployment, and to produce a plan to restore much-needed growth.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Andrew Hodson

Seconded by Councillor Simon Mountney

Delete all after (1) This Council and insert:

endorses the changes proposed by the Government with regards to Employment rights and it recognises whilst providing protection to employees the system does need to be made simpler for both employers and employees.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Stuart Kelly

Seconded by Councillor Tom Harney

Paragraph (1) – delete “to boost economic recovery”

Delete paragraphs (3) and (4) and insert new paragraph (3):

(3) Council believes that boosting economic growth is not reliant upon changes to employment rights.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The amendment proposed by Councillor Hodson was put and lost (26:38) (One abstention).

The amendment proposed by Councillor Kelly was put and carried (35:29) (One abstention).

The substantive motion was put and carried (35:29) (One abstention).

Resolved (35:29) (One abstention) –

(1)  This Council is extremely concerned that the Government has announced its intention to give companies greater freedom to sack employees as part of an overhaul of employment laws.

(2)  Council is also concerned at plans to double the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims and to introduce a fee for lodging an employment tribunal claim for unfair dismissal.

(3)  Council believes that boosting economic growth is not reliant upon changes to employment rights.

Proposed by Councillor David Elderton

Seconded by Councillor Tom Anderson

(1)  Council notes with disappointment Cabinet’s decision to ignore the views of the Council’s Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and abandon the Parks & Countryside Procurement Exercise  

(2)  Council notes that this abandonment will result in the following Corporate Plan target not being met:  ‘Successfully deliver the Parks and Countryside Services Procurement Exercise to enable proposed contract benefits to be achieved by January / February 2012.’

(3)  Council expresses its serious concern that when reviewing the Cabinet’s decision, the Council’s Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee found:

·  ‘No mention or discussion took place regarding stakeholder management or the views of key stakeholders about the benefits of clear quality improvements that were built into the procurement exercise. In fact, other than the views of the Council Trades Unions, the results of consultation and the views of park users and user groups were not even mentioned by a single Cabinet Member at the meeting’.

·  ‘No mention was made of the training and development programme for staff and volunteers or the three to six new apprentices to be created as part of PACSPE’.

·  ‘Insufficient account appeared to be taken of the reduction from costs of £8.1 million per year to £7.4 million per year already achieved by the PACSPE process with the potential to reduce costs by a further very large sum’. 

·  And that it was ‘hard to understand how the Leader of the Council characterised the potential savings as marginal’.

(4)  Council is therefore drawn to sharing the conclusions of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee that ‘the decision to refuse to award the PACSPE contract will see the ever decreasing quality of a service starved of investment by this administration which is already characterised by going for the quick fix instead of making the difficult but necessary strategic decisions in the interests of Wirral residents.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Chris Meaden

Seconded by Councillor Chris Jones

Delete all. Replace with:

Council re-iterates the position outlined in the resolution carried by the Cabinet on November 3rd (Minute 173) and reminds members again of:

·  The seriousness of the qualification by the District Auditor of the Council’s Value for Money Statement.

·  The warning that members should be aware of the increased risk of letting a ten year contract if there is only very limited information on the costs and activity levels of the existing service against which to monitor whether or not the new contract provides Value for Money.

·  The fact that the cost of contractual inflation over a period of three years at current CPI levels would erode any savings delivered by outsourcing the contract and in subsequent years could increase costs to the Council.

Council believes that it is now time to look forward.

It welcomes the fact that the Managers and workforce within the Parks and Countryside Service are working together to deliver a new improved service for the people of Wirral and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

Proposed by Councillor Alan Brighouse

Seconded by Councillor Stuart Kelly

(1)  Council welcomes the recent Coalition Government announcement to support first time buyers through the introduction of government supported 95% mortgages as part of a strategy to tackle housing shortage, boost the economy, create jobs and get more people on to the housing ladder.

(2)  Council notes that, under this new mortgage indemnity scheme, the Government will underwrite a percentage of each loan on newly built property, meaning buyers will not have to raise as much towards a deposit.

(3)  Council also notes that this scheme sounds very similar to the ‘Lend a Hand’ local authority mortgage scheme referenced in the Notice of Motion “Mortgage Support for First Time Buyers”, aimed at first time buyers finding it difficult to raise the 20-25% deposit needed to obtain an affordable mortgage interest rate and agreed unanimously at Full Council on 18th April 2011 (Minute 118).

(4)  Council agreed that this scheme had the potential to support housing markets in areas at risk of housing market failure, stimulating the local housing market and benefiting the wider local economy

(5)  Council is reminded that the Director of Finance was instructed to bring forward a report reviewing the impact of the ‘Lend a Hand’ local authority mortgage scheme and any lessons that would need to be learnt prior to the implementation of such a scheme in Wirral.

(6)  Given that the Government continues to endorse the principle of public sector backed top up mortgages, the Economy and Regeneration OSC is urged to request a report from the Acting Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning on how Wirral can be at the vanguard of any implementation plan of the Government’s scheme.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor George Davies

Seconded by Councillor Pat Hackett

Add the following:

(7)  Council welcomes and supports this scheme which will add to the tools available to allow people more options to access home ownership in the current challenging climate.

(8)  Council recognises that this is an opportunity to boost the local housing market by supporting access to home ownership and employment opportunities.

(9)  Council believes it will enable greater choice when offered alongside our original intended scheme, which is to support access to mortgages for first time buyers to purchase from the existing stock in the borough.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The mover of the motion agreed to accept the amendment and the motion, as amended, was put and it was -

Resolved (64:0) (One abstention) –

(1)  Council welcomes the recent Coalition Government announcement to support first time buyers through the introduction of government supported 95% mortgages as part of a strategy to tackle housing shortage, boost the economy, create jobs and get more people on to the housing ladder.

(2)  Council notes that, under this new mortgage indemnity scheme, the Government will underwrite a percentage of each loan on newly  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

Proposed by Councillor Jean Stapleton

Seconded by Councillor Brian Kenny

(1)  Council is concerned about irresponsible dog walkers who allow their dogs to enter enclosed children’s play areas.

(2)  Council asks for the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to report back to Cabinet on the process for producing a new bye-law or other appropriate measures to give the Council powers to impose sanctions on dog walkers who deliberately allow their animals to enter enclosed children’s play areas.

(3)  Council also asks the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to report back to Cabinet on a new bye-law obliging all dog walkers to carry an appropriate bag at all times when walking their dog.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Pat Williams

Seconded by Councillor Mark Johnston

Paragraph (2) – delete “on the process for” and replace with “on the feasibility of”

Paragraph (3) – insert “the feasibility of” after “report back to Cabinet on”

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The mover of the motion agreed to accept the amendment and the motion, as amended, was put and it was -

Resolved (64:0) (One abstention) –

(1)  Council is concerned about irresponsible dog walkers who allow their dogs to enter enclosed children’s play areas.

(2)  Council asks for the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to report back to Cabinet on the feasibility of producing a new bye-law or other appropriate measures to give the Council powers to impose sanctions on dog walkers who deliberately allow their animals to enter enclosed children’s play areas.

(3)  Council also asks the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to report back to Cabinet on the feasibility of a new bye-law obliging all dog walkers to carry an appropriate bag at all times when walking their dog.

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Simon Mountney

(1)  Council notes it has been seven months since the former leader of the Council requested Officers to contact Mr Martin Morton to offer him a position back with the Authority following the report of Mr Martin Smith, Independent Associate Consultant, North West Employers and that to date, due to a lack of urgency by the new administration, this matter has still not been resolved.

(2)  Council further notes it has been over two months since the Leader of the Council received the two AKA reports, commissioned by the then leader of the Council, into the circumstances surrounding the Martin Morton ‘scandal.’

(3)  Council believes that justice delayed is justice denied and calls for the immediate publication of the additional two AKA reports (Executive Summary & Full Report) into this matter.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Adrian Jones

Seconded by Councillor George Davies

Replace paragraphs (1) (2) and (3) with the following new paragraphs:

(1)  Council does not believe it appropriate for negotiations between an individual and the Council to be made the subject of a public debate at Council. Council recognises however that these negotiations have been protracted and urges those concerned to reach a speedy conclusion in the interests of all concerned.

(2)  Council welcomes the fact that the AKA inquiry, commissioned by the former Leader of the Council, identified key issues of Corporate Governance which needed to be addressed, dating back through several different forms of political administration, from Majority, to Minority, to Coalitions of different persuasions. Council further welcomes the fact that this report was published as rapidly as possible to allow all three parties to work together to tackle the challenges to good Corporate Governance on Wirral.

(3)  Council believes that the Leader of the Conservative Group is well aware of the legal constraints on publication of the remaining elements of the report until a Right of Reply process has been completed and it is disingenuous for him to imply that there is any other reason for its delay, or that the Leader of the Council is in some way “sitting” on a draft report that has been shared with opposition leaders.

(4)  Council further believes that natural justice is best served by allowing the Right of Reply process to be completed before publication and preserving proper confidentiality until that point, as good Corporate Governance would demand.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

In response to a Member’s question the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reminded the Council that he had sent an email to all Members (a copy of which had been circulated to all Members) with legal advice on the question of publishing AKA’s preliminary draft report.

The amendment was put and carried (37:26) (The Mayor and Councillor Mrs P M Williams abstaining).

The substantive motion was put and carried (37:26) (The Mayor and Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

Proposed by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Seconded by Councillor Ann Bridson

(1)  This Council notes with great concern the level of metal theft across our Borough, and the effect of this crime on our community, including on homeowners, businesses, places of worship, community buildings, heritage assets, war memorials and infrastructure providers. According to Merseyside Police, almost 6 crimes per day (5.8) are related to theft of metal. This equates to 2.1% (more than one in 50) of all recorded crimes.

(2)  Council welcomes the e-petition launched (by Walsall Council http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406) on the official Government website calling for a change to the Scrap Metal Merchants Act 1964, to prohibit cash transactions, and make payment by cheque or bank transfer mandatory, providing an audit trail when thefts are detected or stolen or suspect materials are recovered.

(3)  Council welcomes the proposal of the Metal Theft (Prevention) Bill to Parliament by Hyndburn MP Graham Jones, aimed at establishing a robust licensing scheme for scrap metal dealers coupled with greater police and judicial powers to close scrap yards found flouting the law.

(4)  Council also welcomes the Government review into what else needs to be done to tackle the issue of metal theft.

(5)  Therefore, Council calls on the Leader to request:

(i)  That the Chief Executive contact Wirral’s four Members of Parliament, and the Home Secretary, to inform them of Wirral Council’s support for this legal change, and to request their support;

(ii)  That the e-petition be publicised on the Council’s website, along with advice on preventing such thefts, or on measures which may help to identify thieves such as the use of smart water, in partnership with the local Police and other partners, as appropriate.

(6)  Further, Council instructs the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to prepare a report for the next Sustainable Communities OSC on current levels of metal thefts, the steps that are being taken to prevent them and to bring those responsible to justice, with the opportunity for members to contribute suggestions and comments, to ensure that Wirral’s response to metal theft is as robust as possible.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Bill Davies

Seconded by Councillor John Salter

In paragraph (4) add after ‘theft’:

‘including consideration of the introduction of a full licensing regime to regulate the activity.’

In paragraph (5) (i) delete all after ‘Council's support’ and add the following:

‘for the Bill before Parliament and further measures that would strengthen regulatory controls for this trade such as a licensing regime, and to request their support.’

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The mover of the motion agreed to accept the amendment and the motion, as amended, was put and it was -

Resolved (64:0) (One abstention) –

(1)  This Council notes with great concern the level of metal theft across our Borough, and the effect of this crime on our community, including on homeowners, businesses, places of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

Proposed by Councillor Ann McLachlan

Seconded by Councillor Tony Smith

(1)  This Council notes that Wirral Council’s Children’s Services has been awarded an excellent rating in the Annual Children’s Services Assessment by Ofsted. Wirral was one of only 28 authorities across the country providing excellent services for children in their area. The rating is an improvement on last year’s score, and recognises sustained and further improvement in a number of areas.

(2)  During the inspection Ofsted looked at 22 types of services and settings including schools, nurseries and colleges, fostering and adoption services, children’s homes, and childminders and childcare. Inspectors also took into account a recent inspection of safeguarding and looked after children which judged services to be ‘good with good capacity to improve with some outstanding features,’ and recent good inspections of adoption and fostering services.

(3)  The inspection team said that the very large majority of services, settings and institutions are ‘good or better’ and most provision helps children and young people to learn and stay safe.

(4)  Positive strengths they highlighted included educational standards and progress, the development of five-year-olds, (and in particular a reduction in the gap between the achievements of those from low income families and other children of the same age), and the proportion of primary and secondary schools that are now ‘good’ or ‘outstanding.’

(5)  There was also special praise for the fact that more children with special educational needs achieve good GCSE’s than elsewhere, with provision for special educational needs being ‘good’ or ‘outstanding.’

(6)  Elsewhere, there was special mention of the quality of post-16 education and training, children’s homes, fostering and adoption, and services for safeguarding and looked after children where’ leadership and management are outstanding, as are partnership agreements.’

(7)  Two areas of improvement were identified, and moves are now underway to improve the performance of some childcare provision and reduce the gap in achievement between young people from low income families and other young people of the same age.

(8)  Council records its congratulations to the Acting Director and all the staff, both in the department and in schools, for their dedication and commitment to the young people of Wirral.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

Resolved (64:0) (One abstention) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Cherry Povall

Seconded by Councillor Tony Cox

(1)  Council recognises the valuable role played by trade unions in ensuring effective industrial relations, their role in consultation and involvement in matters concerning health and safety and the unpaid hours of service given by many trade union members to wider issues affecting their colleagues.

(2)  However, Council believes that trade unions must, wherever possible, remain impartial and not be dependent on an employer for favours. Council also notes that taxpayers in Wirral are subsidising trade union activity at Wirral Council and this activity is costing £360,000 per annum. 

(3)  Council notes this includes eight full time union officials, employed by Wirral Borough Council, for the sole purpose of promoting trade unions and carrying out union activity. Council notes that a further 112 trade union stewards in the Council are given 8,458 hours of Council time to conduct union business.

(4)  Council believes that, given the state of the public finances, it is no longer fair for the taxpayer to subsidise trade unions in this way and that responsibility for funding trade union activity should rest with trade union members and trade union leaders.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Bernie Mooney

Seconded by Councillor Adrian Jones

Delete all, replace with:

(1)  Council believes it is important to recognise the important and valuable role of the trade unions in ensuring effective industrial relations, in maintaining the highest possible level of health and safety standards and ensuring training and learning opportunities through consultation and involvement.

(2)  Council notes that unions operate under legal recognition agreements which give statutory rights to elected union representatives for paid time to undertake trade union duties and to train for those duties.  These duties include negotiating terms and conditions of employment, representation at disciplinary and grievance hearings, attending health and safety meetings, and promoting learning and training needs.  Wirral Council has a trade union recognition policy with a facilities agreement which is based on Employment legislation, a National Agreement through the National Joint Council and the ACAS Code of Practice.

(3)  Council believes it is misleading to suggest that all the responsibilities of union representatives should be classed as trade union activities which should be paid for by union members, as the vast majority of work undertaken by legally elected representatives concerns duties and training directed at ensuring good standards of industrial relations, which is as beneficial to the Council and to Wirral’s Council Tax payers as it is to union members.

(4)  Council believes that to remove these rights would not only be a breach of the law, and a breach of a National Agreement, but a totally false economy which could end up costing more than it saved.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Stuart Kelly

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Paragraph (2) - delete "and this activity is costing £360,000 per annum."

Paragraph (3) - delete final sentence and replace with "This activity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

Proposed by Councillor Alan Brighouse

Seconded by Councillor Bob Wilkins

Council:

(1)  Is reminded of its support of The Joint Recycling and Waste Management Strategy for Merseyside which includes a commitment to recycle 50% of household waste by 2020.

(2)  Believes that it can reach and should exceed this target much sooner, helping to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint and reduce the amount paid out for waste disposal.

(3)  Is reminded that it agreed unanimously (Council, 12th July 2010, Minute 22) “to request that the Director of Technical Services continues to examine new ways to reduce waste to landfill, such as through the introduction of food waste collections (taking account of existing work undertaken to date), the collection of recyclable material from businesses, increasing the range of recyclable material that can be taken to the council’s recycling collection points and working with MWDA to increase the range of materials that can be placed in grey bins”.

(4)  Instructs the Director of Technical Services to present a report to the next available Sustainable Communities OSC, and calls on the Leader to request a Cabinet report, setting out the contribution and progress Wirral has made since 12th July 2010. This report shall also include, but not be limited to, options for;

(i)  increasing the range and proportion of materials that are recycled;

(ii)  supporting the development of improved facilities and services for the recycling of trade and commercial wastes, recognising that a local green infrastructure will support the development of local businesses;

(5)   Instructs the Director of Technical Services to present a report to the Sustainable Communities OSC, and invites the Leader to request a Cabinet report, before the end of the municipal year proposing a Wirral Council Action Plan that clearly sets out the mechanism by which Wirral will achieve the objectives included in The Joint Recycling and Waste Management Strategy for Merseyside.

(6)  Also calls on the Leader to instruct the Director of Technical Services to work with the MWDA to modernise the levy mechanism and design a new system which more accurately reflects the benefits of recycling and the disposal costs of non recyclable waste.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Irene Williams

Seconded by Councillor Brian Kenny

Amend paragraph (2) as follows:

(2) Believes that (subject to the implementation of a new Levy Payment Mechanism that incentivises district investment in recycling) it can reach and should exceed this target much sooner, helping to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint and reduce the amount paid out for waste disposal.

Amend paragraph 4 (i) as follows:

 “increasing the range and proportion of materials that are recycled with particular focus on materials realising the most carbon savings, such as textiles and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment);”

Amend paragraph (6) as follows:

(6) Also calls on the Leader to instruct the Director of Technical Services to work with the Merseyside Waste and Recycling Authority and other Merseyside authorities to modernise the levy mechanism and design a new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

Proposed by Councillor Harry Smith

Seconded by Councillor Ron Abbey

(1)  This Council condemns the coalition government’s decision to cut Wirral’s Local Transport Plan transport capital programme by £2.3 million.

(2)  This cut  has hit a number of key areas which contribute to residents’ health and quality of life, i.e. highway maintenance, reducing congestion, road safety, the promotion of walking and cycling, breaking down the barriers to people using public transport and schemes to improve access to jobs, healthcare, education and job opportunities.

(3)  Council asks the government to re-consider these damaging cuts and to restore these budgets.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Seconded by Councillor Adam Sykes

Delete all and insert:

(1)  Council notes that this year’s Local Transport Plan has seen a reduction in funding.

(2)  Council notes that the borough wide consultation exercise, ‘Wirral’s Future - be part of it’ undertaken by the previous Administration clearly shows that the residents of Wirral value road safety and highway maintenance as a priority.

(3)  Council is therefore pleased to note that the previous Conservative-led Administration listened to local people and made available the sum of £1.6million as a significant investment to maintain and improve Wirral’s roads through a programme of highway maintenance and road safety improvements.

(4)  Council calls upon the present Council Leader to reflect similar commitment when formulating a budget for the coming year.

(5)  Council also notes that the Coalition Government made available to Wirral a sum of £625,931 to repair pot holes caused by severe weather conditions over the winter period.

(6)  Council requests the Director of Technical services continues to work in collaboration with Partner Agencies to deliver a full Road Safety Programme.  Further ways of working together with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to deliver Road Safety Educational Training be explored, as Council acknowledges their vast experience in delivering excellent training to young people in successful schemes such as ‘Drive to Arrive’.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Tom Harney

Seconded by Councillor Stuart Kelly

Paragraph (1) – delete all and replace with:

(1) Council notes the international economic circumstances are likely to lead to a reduction in available capital finance for the Local Transport Plan.

Paragraph (2) – delete: “This cut has hit a number of key areas which” and insert:

 “Council affirms that the Capital Transport Programme should be prioritised to…” continue rest of paragraph as before.

Paragraph (3) – delete all and replace with:

(3) Council affirms its commitment, in line with the principles outlined in paragraph (2), to the introduction of 20mph zones in residential areas and outside schools and calls upon the Cabinet to stop stalling and get on with the work for which money has already been made available.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The movers of both amendments agreed that both amendments could be combined as one joint amendment.

The combined  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Tom Harney

(1)  Council notes with interest Liverpool City Council’s Budget consultation with residents, stakeholders and service users on quantified options for cost savings, which includes savings arising from the sharing of services between the five Merseyside authorities (including Wirral).

(2)  Council further notes with dismay that whilst Liverpool residents were being consulted at an early stage on sharing services with Wirral, Wirral residents were not given the opportunity of being consulted on sharing services with Liverpool or any other of the Merseyside authorities.

(3)  Therefore, Council instructs the Chief Executive to make publicly available all material relating to discussions and negotiations that have taken place with the other Merseyside districts in relation to sharing services, including any assessment of the implications for services and service users as well as quantifying the level of savings that can be achieved.

(4)  This Council believes that the current Labour Administration;

(i)  has, to date, failed to comply with the Council’s own unanimously agreed policy (Council, 15th Feb 2010, Minute 103) “to ensure that major policy decisions include more robust processes of public consultation, as appropriate, before decisions are taken”;

(ii)  has, despite stating they would set out to use You Choose and build on last year’s detailed ‘Wirral’s Future’ consultation, done too little and may have left it too late to carry out any meaningful consultation on next year’s budget, leaving the authority at risk of legal challenge, and;

(iii)has, despite the willingness of overview and scrutiny committees to engage with the process, failed to provide any information or set out a single option or proposal in relation to next year’s Budget for members to scrutinise.

(5)  Council, therefore, calls on the Leader to publish, as a matter of urgency, his draft Budget proposals, so that what little time which remains can usefully be applied to public consultation to mitigate the risk of legal challenge.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Jean Stapleton

Delete everything and replace with the following:

Council notes that both the Chief Executive and the Acting Director of Adult Social Services has confirmed that no officer has been involved in any discussions with Liverpool City Council regarding the sharing of adult social care services between the five Merseyside authorities.

The principle of shared services has been discussed at a City Region level for a number of years, however, to date no agreement has been reached on any specific proposals.

During this municipal year the Labour Administration has put in place a wide-ranging and inclusive consultation process around key priorities for the Council. This has three elements:

(i)  Neighbourhood Plans for each Area Forum have been developed via a questionnaire, focus groups and meetings with local organisations such as residents associations – the results were reported to Cabinet on the 24th November.

(ii)  The ‘You Choose’ Budget Simulator, which was recommended by the Local Government Association and is used by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

That the Capital Programme as proposed by Cabinet be amended to include:

·  Preventative maintenance to classified roads - £500,000.

·  Preventative maintenance to unclassified and residential streets - £500,000.

·  Road safety improvements and local transport schemes - £650,000.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

Resolved (64:0) (One abstention) – That the objection be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Chris Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor Ian Lewis

Council:

(1)  Welcomes public engagement in the democratic process. Council notes the growing use of blogs and microblogs by members of the public and notes that many sites now also include video and audio recorded at Council meetings.

(2)  Reaffirms its commitment, made last year by the previous Conservative Liberal Democrat administration, to ensure that any member of the public who wishes to film or broadcast from a public Council meeting is encouraged to do so.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Jim Crabtree

Seconded by Councillor Denise Roberts

Add additional paragraphs:

(3)  Council would not wish to see proper debate constrained in any way by the presence of cameras or audio equipment and therefore asks the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to clarify in writing for members the position on qualified privilege which may go some way to allay fears about unfounded legal actions arising from detailed recordings of proceedings.

(4)  Council further asks the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to draw up a protocol on the use of material designed to prevent any abuse of material which could be harmful to councillors who are legitimately engaged in the processes of democracy.

(5)  In the meantime, the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management is asked to re-circulate the original guidance he produced when the issue first arose.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Seconded by Councillor Pat Williams

Add additional paragraph:

(3) However, Council is concerned to protect the rights of members of the public, petitioners and others who are not elected members and may interact with the Council and its committees. Council asks the Director of Law HR and Asset Management to ensure that the Chairs of committees are appropriately briefed.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The mover of the motion agreed to accept the amendment moved by Councillor Mitchell.

The amendment proposed by Councillor Crabtree was put and carried (38:26) (One abstention).

The substantive motion (as amended by both amendments) was put and carried (64:0) (One abstention).

Resolved (64:0) (One abstention) –

Council:

(1)  Welcomes public engagement in the democratic process. Council notes the growing use of blogs and microblogs by members of the public and notes that many sites now also include video and audio recorded at Council meetings.

(2)  Reaffirms its commitment, made last year by the previous Conservative Liberal Democrat administration, to ensure that any member of the public who wishes to film or broadcast from a public Council meeting is encouraged to do so.

(3)  However, Council is concerned to protect the rights of members of the public, petitioners and others who are not elected members and may interact with the Council and its committees. Council asks the Director of Law HR and Asset Management to ensure that the Chairs of committees are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

Proposed by Councillor Sheila Clarke

Seconded by Councillor James Keeley

Council:

(1)  Welcomes the decision of the Coalition Government to increase the Pupil Premium by a further £58 per pupil this year, thereby eliminating the deficits at many schools in recent years. Council believes further increases in the Pupil Premium will enable schools in Wirral to make further, welcome progress in raising the achievement and attainment of all pupils in the Borough, regardless of background.

(2)  Also notes that many existing schools have benefited from the Council’s budget this year, including improvements to school buildings, such as:

• £75,000 toilet refurbishment at St Andrew’s Primary School, Bebington
• £60,000 replacement windows at Greasby Junior School
• £27,000 kitchen improvements at Thingwall Primary School
• £93,000 safer playground at Christchurch School, Moreton
• £450,000 mobile classroom replacement at St George’s Primary School, Wallasey

(3)  Is pleased to note that the Deputy Prime Minister has announced the introduction of free nursery school provision for approximately 140,000 children from the most deprived families and looks forward to working with schools to ensure that children in Wirral benefit from this extra investment.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Ann McLachlan

Seconded by Councillor Tony Smith

Delete all. Replace with:

(1)  Council notes that the Pupil Premium was introduced to address the current inequalities between children eligible for Free School Meals and their wealthier peers.

(2)  Council further notes that, whilst Schools are free to spend the Pupil Premium as they see fit, they will be held accountable for how it is spent and this money is not intended to be used to plug any deficit in School budgets.

(3)  Council welcomes the consultation on extending the former Labour Government’s commitment to provide free nursery education for all children under school age to two year olds.

(4)  Council also notes the much reduced capital programme for 2011/12, compared to the over £40m invested in 2010/11, which enabled many Schools in Wirral to benefit from improvements to their buildings and facilities.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The amendment was put and lost (29:35) (One abstention).

The motion was put and carried (35:29) (One abstention).

Resolved (35:29) (One abstention) –

Council:

(1)  Welcomes the decision of the Coalition Government to increase the Pupil Premium by a further £58 per pupil this year, thereby eliminating the deficits at many schools in recent years. Council believes further increases in the Pupil Premium will enable schools in Wirral to make further, welcome progress in raising the achievement and attainment of all pupils in the Borough, regardless of background.

(2)  Also notes that many existing schools have benefited from the Council’s budget this year, including improvements to school buildings, such as:

• £75,000 toilet refurbishment at St Andrew’s Primary School, Bebington
• £60,000 replacement windows at Greasby Junior School
• £27,000 kitchen improvements at Thingwall Primary School
• £93,000 safer playground at Christchurch School, Moreton
• £450,000 mobile classroom replacement at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

Proposed by Councillor Ian Lewis

Seconded by Councillor Chris Blakeley

Council is concerned that 3,000 homes and employers in Leasowe and Moreton were without mains gas supply for up to eight days during November, caused by a leaking water main.

(1)  Council thanks members of the local community, including Leasowe Estate Tenants Association and the Autumn Club who immediately gave support to their more vulnerable neighbours, including the delivery of portable electric heaters and hotplates and those residents who worked to provide hot meals at the Leasowe Community Centre and Leasowe Millennium Centre for those who were unable to cook. 

(2)  Council also expresses its gratitude to the engineers from National Grid who worked throughout this period to restore supply; the engineers from Scottish Power who responded quickly to loss of electricity supply in some roads; staff from the Council's Emergency Planning Team and Social Services Department and staff from Leasowe Community Homes, who all responded quickly to support residents.

(3)  Council while welcoming compensation payments of £30 per day, confirmed by National Grid on the first day of the loss of supply, is concerned that payment arrangements do not recognise the difficulties caused to people on prepayment meters or that many people do not hold a current account.

Council requests that the Chief Executive of the Council write to National Grid to thank his engineers for their work and outline the concerns expressed in this motion.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Anne McArdle

Seconded by Councillor Ron Abbey

Add the following:

Council also notes that at the request of the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Inclusion that United Utilities and National Grid have been invited to attend a meeting of the next Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee to present their reports on their response to the loss of supply.

It is also noted that letters of thanks to the local community for their support in the crisis have been sent from the Chief Executive.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Bob Wilkins

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Add to the end of the motion:

Council also requests that the Director of Technical Services prepares a report for the Sustainable Communities OSC, setting out lessons learnt, including appropriate recommendations on improving community resilience in the event of any future interruptions to energy supplies.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

The mover of the motion agreed to accept both amendments and the motion, as amended, was put and it was -

Resolved (64:0) (One abstention) –

Council is concerned that 3,000 homes and employers in Leasowe and Moreton were without mains gas supply for up to eight days during November, caused by a leaking water main.

(1)  Council thanks members of the local community, including Leasowe Estate Tenants Association and the Autumn Club who immediately gave support to their more vulnerable neighbours, including the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96.

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

(1)  That the decision to cut £1m from the Early Intervention Grant be referred to the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

(2)  That the sum of £1.4m pay provision be referred to the Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8) the Council did not debate this matter.

Resolved (64:0) (One abstention) – That the objection be approved.

To receive nominations, in accordance with Standing Order 25(6), in respect of any proposed changes in the membership of the Cabinet and committees, and to approve nominations for appointments to outside organisations.

The Council was requested to deal with the following appointments:

Outside Bodies

Licensing, Health & Safety and General Purposes

North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

Councillor Pat Glasman to replace Councillor Brian Kenny

Housing and Community Safety

Wirral Council and Riverside Challenge Fund Working Group (See Cabinet minute 179 – 3/11/11)

Councillor George Davies (Cabinet Member for Housing & Community Safety)

Mr K Adderley (Acting Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning) or deputy

Mr B Norman (Director of Law, HR and Asset Management) or deputy

Leasowe Community Homes Management Board

Councillor Lesley Rennie to replace Councillor Ian Lewis

Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning

Birkenhead Sixth Form College Governing Body

Councillor Denise Roberts (1 Nov 2011 to 31 Oct 2015)

(Appointments to the Governing Body are made for a four year term)

Resolved – That the appointments be approved.

To consider any other items of business that the Mayor accepts as being urgent.

The Council were informed that this was Howard Cooper’s last Council meeting before retiring and the Mayor thanked him on behalf of the whole Council for all his work both as Director of Children’s Services and in his current role as Interim Director of Adult Social Services.