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 L Rennie, I Lewis, S Niblock and D Roberts declared a personal interest in Motion 4 (Council Tax) (see minute 117 post) by virtue of their appointment on the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

Councillor T Smith declared a personal interest in Motion 4 (Council Tax) (see minute 117 post) by virtue of his appointment on the Merseyside Police Authority.

Councillor D Mitchell declared a prejudicial interest in Motion 2 (Benefits Cap) (see minute 115 post) by virtue of him being in receipt of benefits.

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21

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

Councillor H Smith, on behalf of 310 signatories requesting the Council to implement a 20mph speed limit in residential areas in Pensby and Thingwall.

Councillor A McArdle, on behalf of 44 signatories requesting traffic calming measures be put in place in Sandbrook Lane, Moreton to protect children in and around the vicinity

Councillor J Crabtree, on behalf of 50 signatories requesting traffic calming measures throughout the length of Bidston Village Road.

Councillor R Abbey, on behalf of 66 signatories requesting traffic calming measures to be put in place in Pasture Avenue, Moreton.

Councillor H Smith, on behalf of 10 signatories, against the licensing hours for the new off license premises on 46 Hoylake Road, Bidston.

Councillor D Dodd, on behalf of 159 signatories requesting a crossing superintendent or crossing on Claremount Road, or other means of traffic calming in order to ensure the safety of children, crossing this busy road in order to get to school.

Councillor P Glasman, on behalf of 2457 signatories opposing the plans to merge and move services between the Countess of Chester and Arrowe Park Hospitals. As this petition was in excess of 1500 signatures, a debate would be triggered at the next ordinary Council meeting on 16 April, 2012, in accordance with Standing Order 34(1) and the petition organiser would be invited to address the Council.

Resolved - That the petitions be noted and referred to the appropriate chief officer in accordance with Standing Order 34 and the petition submitted by Councillor Glasman be debated at the next ordinary Council meeting on 16 April, 2012.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 12 December, 2011.

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 12 December, 2011, had been circulated to members and it was –

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

In accordance with Article 7.3 (iii) (d) of the Council’s Constitution, the Council is requested to consider the attached two motions, together with an amendment pursuant to Standing Order 5(2)(n) and in accordance with Standing Order 5(4).

The Leader of the Council suggested that in light of natural justice it would not be proper for the Council to consider the following motions as the basis on which they were being proposed was in connection with the AKA report which, the Council at its earlier extraordinary meeting (minute 104 refers), had agreed to defer consideration of until 20 February.

It was then moved by the Leader and seconded by Councillor P Davies –

‘That consideration of the two motions be deferred until 20 February, 2012.’

The motion was put and lost (29:35) (Two abstentions).

Motion moved in accordance with Article 7.3 (iii) (d)

Proposed by Councillor Tom Harney

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

(1)  Now that the Council has received the AKA Ltd Final Report Independent Review of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council's Response to Claims Raised by Mr Martin Morton (and others), we can all see the extent of the alleged mismanagement, incompetence, cover-up and negligence over a long period of time. These are extremely serious allegations relating to the care and safeguarding of some of the most vulnerable people in society. People to whom the Council owes a duty of care.

(2)  Although the report documents the failure of Council Officers, Council believes that it is incumbent upon all Councillors to ask themselves whether they could have asked more, or different, questions and uncovered or prevented some of these failings at a much earlier stage. In view of the apparent scale of wrong-doing and the length of time over which this happened, Council believes the Leader of the Council should explain whether he knew what was going on, and if not, why not.

(3)  Council believes that, despite all the advice and support available, the current Leader's approach has not been as inclusive as was promised. In practice, the Leader's approach has been to say publicly that he wants to work with all Parties, but then to carry on as before. Council is not convinced that the current Leader is committed to finding an all-party solution to the many questions raised in the Report. It is of considerable concern that this behaviour has contributed to the serious danger of collapse that this Council now finds itself in. It clearly isn't working and we need a fresh approach and a true commitment to put aside political differences and work together in an All-Party Cabinet to concentrate exclusively on putting right the many wrongs identified. Council believes that Councillor Foulkes is not the right person to lead such an All-Party approach.

(4)  Therefore, Council resolves, in accordance with Article 7.3(iii) (d) of the Constitution, that Councillor Foulkes be removed from the Office of Leader of the Council with immediate effect.

(5)  That Council elect a new Leader in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 5B.

Motion moved in accordance with Article 7.3 (iii) (d)

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

(1) Wirral Council is in crisis:

• We stand publicly accused of mismanagement, incompetence, negligence and cover  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.

Councillor Jeff Green, having been elected Leader of the Council gave an acceptance speech in which –

·  He stated that he would not be announcing his new Cabinet until after he had had some all Party conversations and that it was important for Councillors on all sides to find ways to work together.

·  He announced that the Budget Cabinet meeting would move from Monday 20 to Tuesday 21 February and it was the responsibility of every Group to look at potential options and put forward a budget to Council. The budget proposals would be referred to a special meeting of the Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee at a meeting to be arranged before Budget Council on 1 March, 2012.

·  He stated that it was important to accelerate the work of the Democracy Working Party and commented that in a survey of all Members, 60 per cent of respondents had expressed the desire to move away from the ‘Strong Leader’ model towards a Committee system of governance. He would support the work of the Local Government Association Wirral Improvement Board.

·  He referred to the earlier special meeting of Cabinet which, inter alia, had considered a report on revisions to the senior management structure within the Department of Adult Social Services and that there was a need to pause on this.

·  In respect of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, he stated that its current powers were inadequate and the need for it to be more activist in exploring some of the risks of the organisation.

·  A matter of priority was that Mr Martin Morton was once again employed by the Authority and officers needed to progress this immediately.

In response the Leader of the Labour Group referred to the fact that the Special Cabinet earlier that day, had referred a zero per cent Council Tax increase budget to the Council meeting on 1 March and agreed the reorganisation of the Department of Adult Social Services senior management structure to be referred to the Employment and Appointments Committee.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management informed the Council that a future Cabinet could change decisions taken at a previous Cabinet meeting.

To consider matters referred to the Council for determination. The relevant minutes will be attached to the supplementary agenda; 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).

Any matters referred to the Council by Cabinet at its meeting on 2 February, 2012, including:

(i)  Minute 274 - Draft Corporate Plan 2012/13 (minute and Draft Corporate Plan attached)

(See also Motion deferred from the Council meeting on 12 December, 2011 – attached to the original summons dated 3 February) (In accordance with the Council resolution (minute 76 refers) the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees on the Corporate Plan are also attached – attached to original summons dated 3 February)

(ii)  Minute 281 - Procurement Efficiencies 

(iii)  Minute 283 - Enterprise Zone – Business Rates Discounts

(iv)  Minute 284 - Local Development Framework for Wirral – Evidence Base

(v)  Minute 285 - Housing Market Renewal Transitional Funding Bid Including Proposed Exit Plan and Suggested Amended Housing Investment Programme for 2011/12

(vi)  Minute 287 - Appointment of Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures

(vii)  Minute 289 - Local Transport Settlement – Additional Funding: Integrated Transport Block (ITB) 2011/12

(viii)  Minute 290 - Joint Recycling and Waste Management Strategy

Any matters referred to Council by the Improvement Board at its inaugural meeting on 3 February, 2012.

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

One matter from Cabinet on 2 February, 2012, minute 274 (Draft Corporate Plan 2012/13) was submitted for approval but was the subject of an objection (see minute 122 post). 

On a motion by Councillor J Green and seconded by Councillor L Rennie, it was –

Resolved – That the following matters referred by Cabinet at its meeting on 2 February, 2012, be approved:

(i)  Minute 281 - Procurement Efficiencies 

(ii)  Minute 283 - Enterprise Zone – Business Rates Discounts

(iii)  Minute 284 - Local Development Framework for Wirral – Evidence Base

(iv)  Minute 285 - Housing Market Renewal Transitional Funding Bid Including Proposed Exit Plan and Suggested Amended Housing Investment Programme for 2011/12

(v)  Minute 287 - Appointment of Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures

(vi)  Minute 289 - Local Transport Settlement – Additional Funding: Integrated Transport Block (ITB) 2011/12

(vii)  Minute 290 - Joint Recycling and Waste Management Strategy

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

(i)  Minute 259 (12/1/12) – Report on Visit to China – September / October 2011 (minute and report attached to the original summons dated 3 February).

(ii)  Minute 301 (Cabinet – 2/2/12) – Urgent Business Approved by the Chair (Part 1) – Leasowe Millennium Centre (minute attached) [Reason – waiving of call-in]

Resolved – That the following matters be noted, as required by the Constitution:

(i)  Minute 259 (Cabinet - 12/1/12) – Report on Visit to China – September / October 2011 (Reason – for information).

(ii)  Minute 301 (Cabinet – 2/2/12) – Urgent Business Approved by the Chair (Part 1) – Leasowe Millennium Centre (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.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Anne McArdle

This Council believes that, in the interest of free and open government, and in order to avoid any accusations of a failure to be open and transparent in their dealings with the Council and the public, that any member of the Freemasons be obliged to declare their interest, and to this end:

(i)  Instructs the Chief Executive to make urgent arrangements so that all Council Members who are Freemasons declare the membership in the register of interest immediately.

(ii)  Instructs the Chief Executive to establish an employees’ register of interest in which all who are Freemasons declare their membership immediately.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Pat Williams

Seconded by Councillor Mark Johnston

After ‘and the public,’ delete all and replace with:

that any Members who are Freemasons are obliged to declare their interest (along with membership of e.g. sports clubs, political parties, trades unions and charitable organisations) as part of the current Member’s Code of Conduct (Part 2: Interests: 8(1)(a)(ii)(bb))

Council notes that Part 2, Section 2 of the NJC for Local Government Services National Agreement on Pay & Conditions of Service requires Employees to give notice in writing of any private interest which is likely to give them an opportunity, during the course of their employment with the Council, to confer an advantage at any time upon themselves or their relatives or may weaken public confidence in their impartiality.

Council recognises that these safeguards exist to protect the reputation of the Council, its Members and Employees and encourages the enforcement of these existing rules.

Council requests the Standards Committee to review the Code of Conduct for Members, and Employment and Appointments Committee to review the Code of Conduct for Officers to ensure that these Codes are fit for purpose and are being adhered to.

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

The amendment was put and carried (36:29) (One abstention).

The substantive motion was put and carried (36:29) (One abstention).

Resolved (36:29) (One abstention) –

This Council believes that, in the interest of free and open government, and in order to avoid any accusations of a failure to be open and transparent in their dealings with the Council and the public that any Members who are Freemasons are obliged to declare their interest (along with membership of e.g. sports clubs, political parties, trades unions and charitable organisations) as part of the current Member’s Code of Conduct (Part 2: Interests: 8(1)(a)(ii)(bb)).

Council notes that Part 2, Section 2 of the NJC for Local Government Services National Agreement on Pay & Conditions of Service requires Employees to give notice in writing of any private interest which is likely to give them an opportunity, during the course of their employment with the Council, to confer an advantage at any time upon themselves or their relatives or may weaken public confidence in their impartiality.

Council recognises that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

Proposed by Councillor Andrew Hodson

Seconded by Councillor Les Rowlands

(1)  Council notes that some people are receiving more in benefits than those who work and with average earnings of £26,000 per annum.

(2)  While Council believes that support and help must be protected and improved for those who cannot work due to age or illness, Council does not believe it is right that the earnings of those who do work is sometimes less than the incomes of those who do not work.

(3)  Council welcomes the introduction by the Coalition Government of a ‘Benefits Cap’.

(4)  Council, however, is concerned that proposals by the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary for a lower cap for claimants in the North West and other regions outside of London and the South East, are going too far and too fast.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Ann McArdle

Seconded by Councillor George Davies

Delete  everything and replace with the following:

Council notes that:

(1)  There is a need for a benefit cap. A cap is important because it can help ensure everyone has confidence that work pays and there is fairness in the benefits system.

(2)  The Tory led Coalition Government’s current proposals will lead to 20,000 people becoming homeless nationally. The Department for Communities and Local Government said this in a letter to Prime Minister’s Office. The DCLG also said that the cost of this could help to wipe out the £270 million the government said their benefit cap would save per annum and even end up costing more than it saves for council taxpayers.

(3)  Council believes there are alternatives in setting a benefit cap that are fairer for working people, do not have the same risk of homelessness, and save more money. This could be achieved by introducing a cap set in line with local differences in circumstances such as work incentives, earnings, house prices, and the consequent impact on homelessness.

(4)  Council accepts there is a strong case for local differences. Most of the benefits paid out under the cap will go towards housing costs and private sector landlords, but when these vary so much, it is simply not fair on working people to set the cap nationally. For example, £500 a week might buy a one bedroom apartment in central London, but in Wirral a similar sum would enable someone to buy a decent house in most areas.

(5)  One cap set nationally is not be fair for working people across the country. The levels of the cap should be set by an independent body of experts, just as the Low Pay Commission determines the minimum wage. This would not be going too far or too fast and the process might actually command cross-party support. The tests should be: fairness for working people, ensuring work pays, avoiding homelessness, and saving taxpayers money.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Stuart Kelly

Seconded by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Add to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 115.

Proposed by Councillor Mark Johnston

Seconded by Councillor Tom Harney

(1)  Council believes that “compromise deals” can help release employees from the work force, can be an effective tool and have a part to play in Human Resources management.

(2)  However, Council also believes that “compromise deals” should be used only in exceptional circumstances and as a last resort, not a routine tool, and that any process should be democratically accountable, open and transparent.

(3)  Currently, under the Scheme of Delegation of Functions to Officers (part 3, schedule 4, page 111, paragraph 28), Chief Officers have the right to make compromise deals with staff to end their employment. Such deals only have to be reported to the Employment and Appointments Committee and Members can only have a vote on the matter if there is a pensions cost.

(4)  Council notes that current use of “compromise deals” can lead to the perception that deals are being done behind closed doors without the oversight of the Employment and Appointments Committee or Elected Member scrutiny.

(5)  Council strongly believes that “compromise deals” that offer financial or other types of incentive, should not be used to remove poorly performing staff from the Council work force. Training, support and, ultimately, the disciplinary procedure are the correct tools to be used in relation to poorly performing staff.

(6)  Council also believes that “compromise deals” should not be used to cover up underlying problems, situations of concern or to remove staff quietly and quickly. To do so has the potential to put the Council’s reputation at risk.

(7)  Therefore, Council insists that all future “compromise deals”, that include an element of financial or other incentive, are subject to a full democratically accountable process. Council asks that the Employment & Appointments Committee are tasked with forming a Sub-Committee to assess and sign off any compromise deals before any such offer is made to employees. The process and scope of reporting to be agreed by this Sub-Committee. Members for this Sub-Committee are to be co-opted from the list of Members available for the Appeals Sub-Committee with a proportionality of 1:1:1. The Chair for any such meeting can be decided by agreement of the Sub-Committee.

(8)  Council would also ask that all such “compromise deals”, once agreed by the Sub-Committee, are reported to the next meeting of the Employment and Appointments Committee, under exempt items if the details are of a sensitive nature.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Ann McLachlan

Seconded by Councillor Adrian Jones

Delete everything and replace with the following:

Council welcomes any proposals which improve transparency and accountability across all Council decision-making processes, but believes that Compromise Agreements are an effective protection for the Authority against post-employment claims of unfair or other forms of dismissal from former employees.

Council further believes that the delegation of powers to Chief Officers to enter into such agreements should not be undermined as they can be an effective management measure to deal with a range of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Council:

(1)  Notes that, between 1997 and 2010, Council Tax more than doubled, hitting pensioners and those on low incomes particularly hard.

(2)  Therefore welcomes the offer from the Coalition Government to make an additional £3.3million available to freeze Council Tax in Wirral for a second year.

(3)  Disagrees with the Shadow Local Government Minister in his remarks that the freeze is ‘a gimmick’.

(4)  Also welcomes the decision to replace capping of Council Tax by the Government with the opportunity of a local referendum on Council Tax rises exceeding 3.5%.

(5)  Recommends that any of its Members on precepting and levying Boards vote against any increase above 0%.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

Remove everything and replace with the following:

Council:

(1)  Notes that between 1997 and 2010, Wirral moved down the Council Tax league table from being the authority with the fourth highest level of Council Tax in the country to just under 200.

(2)  In the context of the draconian cuts being inflicted on local government by the Tory/LibDem coalition government, the Labour administration does not believe that it is reasonable to inflict any increase in Council Tax on Wirral residents in 2012/13.

(3)  Condemns the government for reneging on its previous commitment to provide sufficient funding to those authorities who agreed a zero Council Tax increase in their base budgets on an ongoing basis. This means that Wirral will have to find more cuts next year to fund this freeze.

(4)  Recognises that in reaching decisions on their budgets for next year, members on precepting and levying Boards will have to balance the need to provide sufficient funding to deliver acceptable standards of services while minimising the cost to Council Tax payers.

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

The amendment was put and lost (29:36) (One abstention).

The motion was put and carried (36:29) (One abstention).

Resolved (36:29) (One abstention) –

Council:

(1)  Notes that, between 1997 and 2010, Council Tax more than doubled, hitting pensioners and those on low incomes particularly hard.

(2)  Therefore welcomes the offer from the Coalition Government to make an additional £3.3million available to freeze Council Tax in Wirral for a second year.

(3)  Disagrees with the Shadow Local Government Minister in his remarks that the freeze is ‘a gimmick’.

(4)  Also welcomes the decision to replace capping of Council Tax by the Government with the opportunity of a local referendum on Council Tax rises exceeding 3.5%.

(5)  Recommends that any of its Members on precepting and levying Boards vote against any increase above 0%.

Proposed by Councillor Tom Harney

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

(1)  Council is extremely concerned that many actions approved by Council as part of the current year’s (2011-12) Budget Resolution, many of which also form part of the current (2011-14) Corporate Plan, have not been carried out.

(2)  These failures to implement include (Council Minute 104, 1/03/2011 refers):

a)  "Wirral’s Future consultation identified anti-social behaviour as a key concern to Wirral residents and it is vital that we provide the most effective action possible. We will conduct a full review of the Council’s and partner organisation approach, including the implementation of our commitment to community justice in this vital area. Therefore we will provide funding to the ASB team for a further twelve months to enable this review to take place: £290,000"

b)  “A thorough evaluation of the results and economic impact of our ‘Keeping It Local Initiative’ will be reported to an appropriate meeting of Cabinet."

c)  "Wirral’s Future be a part of it' has been a huge success enabling Wirral people to get involved in reshaping Council services and deciding what is after all, their Council’s priorities. We therefore request that the interim Chief Executive takes all necessary steps, within current resources, to initiate the next phase of 'Wirral’s Future' consultation programme for 2011/12 to further embed our Administration's approach of listening, engaging and consulting with our residents."

d)  “We are committed to making our roads safer in residential areas and outside our schools by implementing statutory 20 mph speed restrictions in non-major routes in residential areas throughout Wirral. Any of the £275,000 committed to this project last year and still not spent will be rolled forward and added to a further £275,000 in 2011-12.

e)  "Our employees are the Council’s most valuable resource as it is they who oversee or deliver services to the people we serve. It is therefore vital that we continue to improve the way we communicate with each other. We will therefore ensure all staff have an e-mail address and access to a computer. It is noted that this can be achieved at no additional cost to the Council"

(3)  Council believes that failure to carry out these actions (or failure to seek elected member approval for alternative courses of action) represents examples of current and continuing failures of corporate governance.

(4)  Council recognises that any change of Council Administration is likely to result in a change of priorities and of policies. However, Council believes that it is incumbent on the incoming Administration to seek the support of Full Council for changes to the Budget and Policy framework of the Council and notes that this has not been done.

(5)  Council condemns the current Administration for their failures to act on the current Budget and Policy Framework.

(6)  Council also condemns the lack of transparency by the current Administration for failing to set out or seek approval for their policies and spending priorities.

(7)  Council believes that this shows a cavalier disregard by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

Proposed by Councillor David Elderton

Seconded by Councillor John Hale

Council:

(1)  Notes the failure of the previous Government to end ‘boom and bust’ and that increases in public sector spending were outstripping economic growth in the rest of the economy.

(2)  Believes that we are all in this together and that all parties must recognise the scale of the debt crisis facing the economy if urgent and necessary action to restore public finances is to succeed.

(3)  Therefore welcomes the decision by Ed Miliband and Ed Balls to accept the reductions in public spending being made by the Coalition Government and calls on Labour politicians in Wirral to accept the need for reductions in public spending.

(4)  Also notes that the Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Chancellor have also committed to support the limits on public sector pay and wishes them success in persuading their paymasters in the trade unions to also accept this pay restraint.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Bernie Mooney

Seconded by Councillor Paul Doughty

Delete everything and replace with the following:

This Council:-

(1)  Supports the actions of the previous Labour government to invest public money in improving schools, hospitals, and other vital public services.

(2)  Recognises that the UK’s economic problems were the result of irresponsible bankers and a global recession;

(3)  Believes that the Tory/LibDem coalition government is cutting too far and too fast and, as a consequence, is presiding over record levels of borrowing and appalling levels of unemployment.

(4)  Rejects the government’s argument that ‘we are all in this together’ when they cut benefits for the poorest members of society and refuse to deal effectively with bank bonuses.

(5)  Supports Labour’s plan for jobs and growth:

(a)  A £2 billion tax on bank bonuses to fund 100,000 jobs

(b)  Bringing forward long-term investment projects

(c)  Reversing January’s damaging VAT rise

(d)  A one year cut in VAT to 5% on home improvements

(e)  A one year national insurance break

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Seconded by Councillor Pat Williams

Add additional paragraph:

(5)  Finally, Council notes that, despite the economic difficulties faced by the country, the Liberal Democrats in Government have been working hard to deliver real benefits to the British people, working hard to ensure that the burden of the country's economic difficulties are shared fairly and to protect the most vulnerable in our society:

·  Income Tax - Nearly 900,000 of the lowest earners were lifted out of paying tax altogether in 2011 and a further 23 million people received a £200 tax cut. This will happen again this April, and again the April after that, until no one pays any income tax on the first £10,000 they earn.

·  Pupil Premium - 2011 saw the Pupil Premium take effect, giving schools extra money for the most disadvantaged children. The Pupil Premium will double to £1.25 billion in 2012 and rise every year until  ...  view the full minutes text for item 119.

Proposed by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Seconded by Councillor Alan Brighouse

(1)  Council expresses its concern at the lack of transparency over the use of £500,000 of money, part of a capital allocation previously set aside for essential works to libraries and sports centres, for gardening equipment.

(2)  Council strongly believes that, if additional money was required for the purchase of new grass-cutting equipment to meet the shortfall in funding arising from the Labour Cabinet’s decision to keep park maintenance ‘in house’, the Capital Programme should have been increased by an appropriate sum.

(3)  Council is dismayed that re-designating £500,000 from the cultural services capital allocation for gardening equipment will deprive other cultural assets of much needed investment.

(4)  Council is reminded that, when Labour came back into office, the Leader promised that libraries would be 'safe in their hands'. Council is outraged that, by the evidence so far, the Administration’s management of the council's assets means Wirral’s library buildings, sports centres and museums may now be in danger of neglect and decline.

(5)  Council is also reminded that, in 2009, when previously in office, Labour started the process to transfer the Council's Parks maintenance to a private contractor to improve and modernise the service and save money. Yet, when they came back into office in 2011, they did a u-turn on this policy - after around £250,000 had already been spent in preparation work.

(6)  The effect of this mismanagement has been to place the Council in a position where it has to incur additional costs or risk not being able to cut the grass in our parks and roadsides.

(7)  Finally, Council notes that, had park maintenance been assigned to an external contractor, this half a million pounds of additional costs for equipment would have been built into the contract price as part of a contract and still saved money on the overall cost of providing the service.

(8)  Council, therefore, denounces this shocking waste of money by the Labour Administration (already £750,000 on this matter alone and still counting), and their actions, which are putting much loved libraries and sports centres at risk of decline and decay.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Chris Meaden

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

Delete all and replace with:

Council notes that the Capital Programme agreed in December 2009 contained an allocation for Cultural Services Assets which clearly stipulated that Parks formed part of that allocation.

Capital spend on the purchase of equipment for the proper maintenance of parks and open spaces is a perfectly acceptable use of such capital and it is absurd to suggest that this money, allocated to parks, has in some way been taken away from money to be spent on libraries or sports centres, which will also receive their own allocation, or will lead to the risk of decline and decay of libraries and sports centres.

Council rejects such blatant and distorted electioneering propaganda and condemns an attack on measures needed to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

Proposed by Councillor Ian Lewis

Seconded by Councillor Sheila Clarke

Council:

(1)  Believes that younger people in Wirral have an important role to play in the life of the Borough and notes that many are already playing a part in community and voluntary organisations with people of all ages.

(2)  Notes the visit by the Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd MP to Leasowe Recreation Centre to meet participants in a pilot scheme for National Citizen Service during 2011 and congratulates those young people who took part, and those who organised it.

(3)  Therefore welcomes the decision by the Coalition Government to offer 30,000 places to young people from around the UK in the next stage of National Citizen Service.

(4)  Requests that all Council Departments be made aware of the programme and for those staff working with young people to promote the opportunities for 16 year olds to take part this year.

(5)  Instructs the Chief Executive of the Council to write to the Minister to express its support for National Citizen Service.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Ann McLachlan

Seconded by Councillor Tony Smith

Council welcomes schemes to engage our young people and build their skills and encourage participation in the wider Community, but believes that the National Citizen Service is a costly pilot scheme, being introduced at a time when youth services are being slashed across the country.

Council believes that this scheme will not reach out to those disaffected and disadvantaged young people in a way that a fully funded and integrated Youth Service could do and calls on the Coalition Government to restore the £100million it is cutting from Youth Service Funding nationally.

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

The amendment was put and lost (29:36) (One abstention).

The motion was put and carried (36:29) (One abstention).

Resolved (36:29) (One abstention) –

Council:

(1)  Believes that younger people in Wirral have an important role to play in the life of the Borough and notes that many are already playing a part in community and voluntary organisations with people of all ages.

(2)  Notes the visit by the Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd MP to Leasowe Recreation Centre to meet participants in a pilot scheme for National Citizen Service during 2011 and congratulates those young people who took part, and those who organised it.

(3)  Therefore welcomes the decision by the Coalition Government to offer 30,000 places to young people from around the UK in the next stage of National Citizen Service.

(4)  Requests that all Council Departments be made aware of the programme and for those staff working with young people to promote the opportunities for 16 year olds to take part this year.

(5)  Instructs the Chief Executive of the Council to write to the Minister to express its support for National Citizen Service.

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Council thanks all of our partner organisations and OSC for their contribution in what has proved to be a wholly inadequate timescale for meaningful consultation on the Administration’s draft Corporate Plan.

For the avoidance of doubt this Council does not accept the Draft Corporate Plan 2012/13 and instead instructs Officers to continue to work to those goals and targets set out in the existing Corporate Plan.

Council requests Officers to report back to Cabinet on any adjustments that have been made to Departmental plans predicated on the now rejected current Administration’s Plan.

Council further instructs officers to prepare a report that sets out a process and timetable that will deliver an updated Plan within 6 months that:

·  Captures any work done to date, particularly focussing on comments provided by OSCs and partner organisations

·  Leads to the preparation of an updated draft plan by the middle of May

·  Builds in a 6 week policy public consultation period

·  Reports back to Council at the end of August

·  Informs the Budget Planning process and enables publication of a draft Budget to December Council

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

Resolved (36:29) (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 Leader of the Council stated that he would notify the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management of changes to Committee places (see minute 109 ante) and of any consequential changes arising from his Cabinet appointments.