Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Contact: Andrea Grant  Democratic Services Manager

Items
No. Item

47.

MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS

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

Minutes:

The Mayor referred to the recent death of Lt Commander Ian Fraser VC, DSC, RD and Bar, JP, RNR (Rtd) and Honorary Freeman of the Borough and Irene Syndonia McKenzie a member of the former Bebington Borough Council and the Council stood in silent tribute to their memory.

 

The Mayor referred to Councillor Jerry Williams’ recently completed the Sydney Half Marathon, his 125th Half Marathon.  Councillor Williams has also run 34 Marathons and ran in Sydney for local charities – Shopmobility and Christchurch Community Hall, Bebbington. 

48.

IAN FRASER VC

The Council is requested to mark the recent death of Lt Commander Ian Edward Fraser VC, DSC, RD and Bar, JP, RNR (Rtd).

Minutes:

The Mayor paid tribute to Lt Commander Ian Fraser VC, DSC, RD and Bar, JP, RNR (Rtd) and Honorary Freeman of the Borough and called on the Council to partake in a period of personal reflection.

49.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

Minutes:

The members of the Council were invited to consider whether they had a personal or prejudicial interest in connection with any matter to be debated or determined at the meeting and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest. The following declarations were made:

 

Councillor Kate Wood – a personal interest in Minutes 53 (Proceedings of Cabinet and Committees) and 60 (Objection:  Cabinet Minute 219 – Projected Budget 2009-2011) as a grandparent and a personal interest in Minute 59 (Merseyside Police Authority Estates Strategy) as a member of the Police Authority;

 

Councillor Adrian Jones - a personal interest in Minute 59 (Merseyside Police Authority Estates Strategy) as a member of the Police Authority;

 

Councillor Chris Blakeley – a personal interest in Minutes 53 (Proceedings of Cabinet and Committees) and 60 (Objection:  Cabinet Minute 219 – Projected Budget 2009-2011) as a member of Moreton Chirstmas Lights Association and Minute 65 (Sustainable Communities Act 2007) due to his employer being mentioned in the Motion;

 

Councillor Jeff Green – a personal interest in Minute 59 (Merseyside Police Authority Estates Strategy) as his brother was a serving police officer;

 

Councillor Harry Smith – a prejudicial interest in Minute 57 (Adult Social Care – Public Interest Disclosure) due to his involvement in the matter at appeal stage and left the Chamber whilst the matter was considered;

 

Councillor Sheila Clarke - a personal interest in Minute 59 (Merseyside Police Authority Estates Strategy) as her son-in-law was a serving police officer;

 

Councillor Frank Doyle – a prejudicial interest in Minute 60 (Objection:  Cabinet Minute 219 – Projected Budget 2009-2011) due to his wife’s employment and left the Chamber whilst the matter was considered;

 

Councillor Gerry Ellis – a prejudicial interest in Minute 57 (Adult Social Care – Public Interest Disclosure) due to his involvement in the matter at appeal stage;

 

Councillor Pat Williams - a prejudicial interest in Minute 57 (Adult Social Care – Public Interest Disclosure) due to his involvement in the matter at appeal stage;

 

Councillor Simon Mountney – a personal interest in Minutes 53 (Proceedings of Cabinet and Committees) and 60 (Objection:  Cabinet Minute 219 – Projected Budget 2009-2011) as a member of Moreton Chirstmas Lights Association;

 

Councillor Tom Anderson – a personal interest in Minute 59 (Merseyside Police Authority Estates Strategy) due to him being a beneficiary of a police pension;

Councillor Suzanne Moseley - a personal interest in Minutes 53 (Proceedings of Cabinet and Committees) and 60 (Objection:  Cabinet Minute 219 – Projected Budget 2009-2011) as a member of Moreton Chirstmas Lights Association;

 

Councillor Sarah Quinn – a prejudicial interest in Minute 57 (Adult Social Care – Public Interest Disclosure) due to her employment and left the Chamber whilst the matter was considered;

 

Councillor Tony Pritchard – a personal interest in Minutes 53 (Proceedings of Cabinet and Committees) and 60 (Objection:  Cabinet Minute 219 – Projected Budget 2009-2011) as a member of New Brighton Christmas Lights Association and due to the fact that his son is a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

50.

PETITIONS

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

Minutes:

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

(a) Councillor John Salter on behalf of 131 signatories requesting traffic calming measures for the area known as the Tate Triangle in Poulton, Wallasey;

 

(b)  Councillor John Salter on behalf of 81 residents of Mersey Court and Charter House, addressed to Wirral Partnership Homes, to set aside their decision on demolition;

 

(c)  Councillor Peter Reisdorf on behalf of 44 signatories requesting an urgent investigation and action in respect of flooding problems in the Greasby area;

 

(d)  Councillor Leah Fraser on behalf of 161 signatories objecting to the proposed withdrawal of school crossing patrols at Liscard Primary School and other locations in Wirral;

 

(e)  Councillor Walter Smith on behalf of 84 signatories requesting action in respect of poor condition of highway in Beechwood Road, Bromborough;

 

(f)  Councillor Tony Pritchard on behalf of 41 signatories requesting the installation of alley-gates between Meadow Street and Prescot Street, New Brighton;

 

(g)  Councillor Andrew Hodson on behalf of 108 signatories requesting a pedestrian crossing on Telegraph Road in vicinity of Mill Lane, Heswall;

 

(h)  Councillor Andrew Hodson on behalf of 240 signatories requesting the introduction of “Twenty’s Plenty” (20mph) restrictions on Thurstaston and Village Roads, Heswall;

 

(i)  Councillors Sheila Clarke and Cherry Povall on behalf of 507 signatories on behalf of Allport Hawks Junior Football Club to allow use of Leverhulme Playing Fields for their annual tournament;

 

(j)  Councillors Sheila Clarke and Cherry Povall on behalf of 338 signatories requesting resurfacing of the highway in Brookhurst Avenue, Bromborough; and

 

(k)  Councillor Jeff Green on behalf of 35 signatories requesting the introduction of a “Twenty’s Plenty” zone in Circular Drive, Greasby.

 

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

51.

MINUTES

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 14 July and 20 October 2008.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 14th July 2008 and 20th October 2008 had been circulated to members, and it was –

 

Resolved - That the minutes be approved and adopted as a correct record, subject to the amendments set out below.

 

 

52.

AMENDMENTS

Minutes:

The Council accepted the following corrections to the minutes within Council Volume 5/5A/:

 

Council – 20 October

 

Councillor Harney’s apologies were recorded when he was in fact present.

 

Cabinet – 16 October

 

The reference in minute 219(3) (page 368) to Standing Order 12(1) should read as Standing Order 7(2)

 

Streetscene and Transport Services O & S Committee – 28 October

 

In minute 13 the word ‘guidelines’ should be inserted after ‘RoSPA’ in the final paragraph on page 603.

53.

PROCEEDINGS OF CABINET AND COMMITTEES

To receive the proceedings, resolutions, recommendations and reports of the Cabinet and committees, meeting on the dates indicated below, subject to any amendments approved by the Council.

 

Cabinet

9 and 23 July, 4 and 25 September, 16 October

Audit and Risk Management Committee

30 September

Employment and Appointments Committee

18 July, 24 September

Licensing Act 2003 Committee

29 September

Licensing, Health & Safety and General Purposes Committee

15 September

Pensions Committee

29 September

Planning Committee

15 and 31 July, 21 August,

18 September, 9 October

Standards Committee

30 September

 

 

Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee

16 September, 28 October

Community and Customer Engagement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

6 and 30 October

Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee

3 September, 27 October

Culture, Tourism and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee

25 September

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

24 September, 28 October

Finance and Best Value Overview and Scrutiny Committee

22 September, 28 October

Housing and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee

8 and 25 September

Regeneration and Planning Strategy Overview and Scrutiny Committee

10 September

Social Care, Health and Inclusion Overview and Scrutiny Committee

2 September, 2 October

Streetscene and Transport Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee

8 September, 28 October

 

Minutes:

Resolved - That,

 

(1) with the exception of any objection that may be upheld, the proceedings of the Cabinet and committees, as specified in the summons, insofar as they contain recommendations be approved and adopted and, insofar as they contain matters delegated by the Council to committees, be received or noted:

Cabinet

9 and 23 July, 4 and 25 September, 16 October

Audit and Risk Management Committee

30 September

Employment and Appointments Committee

18 July, 24 September

Licensing Act 2003 Committee

29 September

Licensing, Health & Safety and General Purposes Committee

15 September

Pensions Committee

29 September

Planning Committee

15 and 31 July, 21 August,

18 September, 9 October

Standards Committee

30 September

 

 

Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee

16 September, 28 October

Community and Customer Engagement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

6 and 30 October

Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee

3 September, 27 October

Culture, Tourism and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee

25 September

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

24 September, 28 October

Finance and Best Value Overview and Scrutiny Committee

22 September, 28 October

Housing and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee

8 and 25 September

Regeneration and Planning Strategy Overview and Scrutiny Committee

10 September

Social Care, Health and Inclusion Overview and Scrutiny Committee

2 September, 2 October

Streetscene and Transport Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee

8 September, 28 October

 

Therefore, the following matters were approved by the Council:

 

Performance Management Framework: Annual Review of Corporate Plan for 2009/10 (Cabinet Minute 196).

Projected Budget 2009-2011 (Cabinet Minute 219)

Appointments to the City Region Housing and Spatial Planning Board (Cabinet Minute 229)

Review of Constitution (Cabinet Minute 230)

Appointments to Growth Point Executive Board (Cabinet Minute 234)

Appointment of co-opted members Housing and Community Safety O & S Committee Minute 11)

Appointment of additional co-opted member (Social Care, Health and Inclusion O & S Committee Minute 24)

The appointment of Mr Alec Nuttall as an independent member, to serve until 31 October 2010 (Standards Committee Minute 15).

Appointment of deputy for the Non-District Employers’ representative (Pensions Committee Minute. 37)

 

The following matter was noted by the Council due to the waiving of Contract Procedure Rule 5.2

 

Skills Audit Tool (Cabinet Minute 165)

 

The following matter was noted by the Council due to the waiving of call-in:

 

My Place: Wirral’s Proposals (Cabinet Minute 209).

54.

QUESTIONS

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

Minutes:

Dave Pearson, Vice-Chair of Devonshire Park Residents Association, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 5(1)(j), submitted the following question:

 

"Following the publication of the regional spatial strategy, is the Council aware that, should the current housing moratorium policy be changed, areas such as Devonshire Park could be left without protection against inappropriate housing development.  Our question relates to Local Planning Guidelines:

 

Given their success in other areas such as Noctorum, the residents of Devonshire Park are keen to engage with the Council to identify how specific guidelines could be developed to maintain the unique character and balance of our area. In light of this aspiration, what concrete steps can both the residents and the Council take to progress this matter?”

 

Councillor Jean Stapleton responded to the questioner.

 

Having noted that no questions had been submitted by any Council members under Standing Order 11(2)(b), the Council agreed without a vote to dispense with the remainder of Question Time.

55.

ANNUAL REPORTS FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 115 KB

Minutes:

The Council received the Annual Reports relating to the ten Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

 

Resolved – That the Annual Reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees be received.

56.

MATTERS FOR DEBATE

In accordance with Standing Order 5(3), to consider written comments, objections or amendments to minutes submitted under Standing Order 7(2), together with those motions, submitted under item 8 above, that the Council agrees to debate at this meeting and any minority reports submitted in accordance with Standing Order 35(4).

Minutes:

The matters listed for debate in accordance with Standing Order 5(1)(l) were dealt with as indicated in minutes 57 to 66 below.

57.

ADULT SOCIAL CARE - PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE

Proposed by Councillor Mountney

Seconded by Councillor Watt

 

(1)  This Council recognises that a number of concerns were raised by a Council ‘whistleblower’ in October 2007 under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which in turn has resulted in the Audit Commission issuing Wirral Council with a Public Information Disclosure report.

 

(2)  Council notes the findings of the report:

 

  • Although 30 accredited providers are used by the Council only 12 contracts have been signed and returned by providers.

 

  • No formal arrangements have been established for the contract monitoring of supported living providers.

 

  • There are no arrangements at present for feedback from service users where there is dissatisfaction with services or where quality standards have not been met.

 

  • There remains a substantial risk that users receiving services from one of the Councils service providers are being charged unfairly.

 

  • The Council does not always know the actual contributions that the provider requires service users to contribute for services they provide.  Consequently the Council is not in a position to know whether the aggregate of charges levied on service users by the Council and contributions required by the provider are in compliance with the guidance of fairer charging.  It is not clear who is currently ensuring that these service users are receiving adequate protection for the risk of financial abuse.

 

(3)  Council notes the fact that these findings had previously been raised with officers of the Council by the whistleblower and, whilst thanking the Audit Commission for the production of this report and bringing the matter out into the open, condemns the fact that the Council’s own procedures are so defective as to have needed the Audit Commission’s intervention to bring them to the notice of the Council and the public.

 

(4)  Council believes that this PIDA report and the Department’s unwillingness to bring to the Council’s attention the whistleblower’s concerns regarding the treatment of those in our care demonstrates a lack of effective governance, management and leadership within the Department.

 

(5)  Therefore this Council instructs the Chief Executive to appoint an independent person of sufficient standing and experience to investigate these matters fully, speedily and rigorously and to bring their findings to the Council’s attention, including any disciplinary action, if required, at the earliest possible occasion.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Mountney

Seconded by Councillor Watt

 

(1)  This Council recognises that a number of concerns were raised by a Council ‘whistleblower’ in October 2007 under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which in turn has resulted in the Audit Commission issuing Wirral Council with a Public Information Disclosure report.

 

(2)  Council notes the findings of the report:

 

Although 30 accredited providers are used by the Council only 12 contracts have been signed and returned by providers.

 

No formal arrangements have been established for the contract monitoring of supported living providers.

 

There are no arrangements at present for feedback from service users where there is dissatisfaction with services or where quality standards have not been met.

 

There remains a substantial risk that users receiving services from one of the Councils service providers are being charged unfairly.

 

The Council does not always know the actual contributions that the provider requires service users to contribute for services they provide.  Consequently the Council is not in a position to know whether the aggregate of charges levied on service users by the Council and contributions required by the provider are in compliance with the guidance of fairer charging.  It is not clear who is currently ensuring that these service users are receiving adequate protection for the risk of financial abuse.

 

(3)  Council notes the fact that these findings had previously been raised with officers of the Council by the whistleblower and, whilst thanking the Audit Commission for the production of this report and bringing the matter out into the open, condemns the fact that the Council’s own procedures are so defective as to have needed the Audit Commission’s intervention to bring them to the notice of the Council and the public.

 

(4)  Council believes that this PIDA report and the Department’s unwillingness to bring to the Council’s attention the whistleblower’s concerns regarding the treatment of those in our care demonstrates a lack of effective governance, management and leadership within the Department.

 

(5)  Therefore this Council instructs the Chief Executive to appoint an independent person of sufficient standing and experience to investigate these matters fully, speedily and rigorously and to bring their findings to the Council’s attention, including any disciplinary action, if required, at the earliest possible occasion.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 9(q), Councillor Simon Holbrook moved a motion, seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes, that discussion of this matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council.

 

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management advised the Council that it was preferable, but not a legal requirement, that the matter be deferred in order for the Cabinet and Audit and Risk Management Committee to consider the matter accordingly.

 

The motion was put and carried, with the Council dividing as follows:

 

For the motion (33) - Councillors RL Abbey, JA Crabtree, WJ Davies, George Davies, PL Davies, F Doyle, S Foulkes, G Gardiner, John George, PN Gilchrist, T Harney, SA Holbrook, AT Jennings, SE Kelly, Brian Kenny, DT Knowles, Ann McLachlan, CM  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

58.

GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

Proposed by Councillor PL Davies

Seconded by Councillor Kenny

 

(1)  This Council congratulates Gordon Brown on the decisive action he has taken in the current financial crisis and his role in bringing governments together in Europe, and America, to set up the appropriate government intervention and recapitalisation of banks needed to stabilise markets and prevent a financial meltdown that would have devastated the lives of everyone.

 

(2)  Council notes that the EU Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, recognised his contribution when he said “I want to pay a very sincere tribute to the role that Prime Minister Brown has played and is playing in these matters.  He has acted as an impetus to the action that we have been taking collectively.  He has been very clear from the beginning that he was developing a British response, but also seeking to contribute to a Europe-wide solution and also to a global solution.”

 

(3)  Council further endorses his actions in seeking a new, global regulatory and warning system that will prevent any such financial collapse again in the future.

 

(4)  Council notes that the Conservative Party Leader, David Cameron, has been conspicuous by his silence and refusal to condemn the irresponsible actions of bankers and hedge fund managers.

 

(5)  Council also notes that a number of key donors to Tory Funds, as outlined in Channel 4’s Dispatches programme “Cameron’s money men” are hedge fund managers or bankers, including Lord Ashcroft, and that some donors to Tory funds were linked to the short-selling of Bradford and Bingley shares before the practice was banned.

 

(6)  Council condemns the Conservative policy over the past decades, both here in Britain and through the Republican party in the States, which has seen an almost fundamentalist crusade for total de-regulation, followed by irresponsible short-term ‘get rich quick’ behaviour by the banks and money men, followed by a collapse in the system requiring taxpayers money as a bail out.

 

(7)  Council further condemns the Conservatives for their outrageous behaviour in attempting to blame Labour while refusing to condemn those closer to home who are really to blame.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor PL Davies

Seconded by Councillor Kenny

 

(1)  This Council congratulates Gordon Brown on the decisive action he has taken in the current financial crisis and his role in bringing governments together in Europe, and America, to set up the appropriate government intervention and recapitalisation of banks needed to stabilise markets and prevent a financial meltdown that would have devastated the lives of everyone.

 

(2)  Council notes that the EU Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, recognised his contribution when he said “I want to pay a very sincere tribute to the role that Prime Minister Brown has played and is playing in these matters.  He has acted as an impetus to the action that we have been taking collectively.  He has been very clear from the beginning that he was developing a British response, but also seeking to contribute to a Europe-wide solution and also to a global solution.”

 

(3)  Council further endorses his actions in seeking a new, global regulatory and warning system that will prevent any such financial collapse again in the future.

 

(4)  Council notes that the Conservative Party Leader, David Cameron, has been conspicuous by his silence and refusal to condemn the irresponsible actions of bankers and hedge fund managers.

 

(5)  Council also notes that a number of key donors to Tory Funds, as outlined in Channel 4’s Dispatches programme “Cameron’s money men” are hedge fund managers or bankers, including Lord Ashcroft, and that some donors to Tory funds were linked to the short-selling of Bradford and Bingley shares before the practice was banned.

 

(6)  Council condemns the Conservative policy over the past decades, both here in Britain and through the Republican party in the States, which has seen an almost fundamentalist crusade for total de-regulation, followed by irresponsible short-term ‘get rich quick’ behaviour by the banks and money men, followed by a collapse in the system requiring taxpayers money as a bail out.

 

(7)  Council further condemns the Conservatives for their outrageous behaviour in attempting to blame Labour while refusing to condemn those closer to home who are really to blame.

 

Amendments submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(3):

 

Proposed by Councillor Green

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Rennie

 

Delete all and insert:

 

(1)  Council notes with concern the reality of one quarter’s reduction in Gross Domestic Product and the very real threat this poses to jobs in Wirral and the local economy.

 

(2)  Council therefore instructs officers to bring an urgent report to the Regeneration and Planning Strategy Overview and Scrutiny Committee on measures the Council can take now to support local businesses, for example:

 

improving from 30 days to 10 days for the payment to small businesses for goods and services that the Council has received;

 

a review of whether parking charges can be reduced or removed at key locations to protect local shops and businesses.

 

(3)  Council further requests that officers work with local businesses and employers to ensure their needs are effectively communicated to central Government.

 

FURTHER  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

59.

MERSEYSIDE POLICE AUTHORITY ESTATES STRATEGY

Proposed by Councillor Holbrook

Seconded by Councillor Harney

 

(1)  This Council notes the Merseyside Police Authority Estate Strategy proposals for the modernisation of its estate in Wirral.

 

(2)  This Council notes in particular that:

 

  • the modernisation is intended to provide buildings that are fit for purpose to deliver policing in the 21st century for the benefit of the people of Wirral;
  • the proposals include investment in a new Area Command Centre in Birkenhead, replacing Mortimer Street and Laird Street Police Stations;
  • the network of neighbourhood stations will be maintained;
  • there is a commitment to maintaining current response times.

 

(3)  This Council also notes that its own Strategic Asset Review is under way.

 

(4)  This Council therefore welcomes the Merseyside Police Authority’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate and the considerable investment in Wirral, and looks forward to working with the Merseyside Police Authority to determine the most mutually beneficial use of the assets of both authorities in the Borough including the use of community rooms in Police Authority or Council buildings.

 

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Holbrook

Seconded by Councillor Harney

 

(1)  This Council notes the Merseyside Police Authority Estate Strategy proposals for the modernisation of its estate in Wirral.

 

(2)  This Council notes in particular that:

 

  • the modernisation is intended to provide buildings that are fit for purpose to deliver policing in the 21st century for the benefit of the people of Wirral;
  • the proposals include investment in a new Area Command Centre in Birkenhead, replacing Mortimer Street and Laird Street Police Stations;
  • the network of neighbourhood stations will be maintained;
  • there is a commitment to maintaining current response times.

 

(3)  This Council also notes that its own Strategic Asset Review is under way.

 

(4)  This Council therefore welcomes the Merseyside Police Authority’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate and the considerable investment in Wirral, and looks forward to working with the Merseyside Police Authority to determine the most mutually beneficial use of the assets of both authorities in the Borough including the use of community rooms in Police Authority or Council buildings.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(3)

 

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded by Councillor Blakeley

 

Add the following to the motion:

 

(5)  This Council recognises and applauds the invaluable work that Merseyside Police has done, and continues to do, to drive down crime in Wirral.

 

(6)  This Council recognises that much of the success of the reduction in crime has come about as a result of close neighbourhood and community policing and the relationships and trust built up with communities, elected members and partner agencies.

 

(7)  Council therefore, while welcoming Merseyside Police’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate strategy, requests that a commitment is given by them that, when reviewing their strategy, no further communities will lose their police station.

 

(8)  Council further asks that any changes to the current location of response vehicles do not result in any potential increases in response times or any lack of response.

 

Following a debate, the amendment was put and carried unanimously.

 

Resolved:  That

 

(1)  This Council notes the Merseyside Police Authority Estate Strategy proposals for the modernisation of its estate in Wirral.

 

(2)  This Council notes in particular that:

 

  • the modernisation is intended to provide buildings that are fit for purpose to deliver policing in the 21st century for the benefit of the people of Wirral;
  • the proposals include investment in a new Area Command Centre in Birkenhead, replacing Mortimer Street and Laird Street Police Stations;
  • the network of neighbourhood stations will be maintained;
  • there is a commitment to maintaining current response times.

 

(3)  This Council also notes that its own Strategic Asset Review is under way.

 

(4)  This Council therefore welcomes the Merseyside Police Authority’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate and the considerable investment in Wirral, and looks forward to working with the Merseyside Police Authority to determine the most mutually beneficial use of the assets of both authorities in the Borough including the use of community rooms in Police Authority or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

60.

OBJECTION: CABINET MINUTE 219 (PROJECTED BUDGET 2009-2011)

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Green

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Rennie

 

(1)  This Council notes the proposed cuts brought forward by the Cabinet and further notes:

 

the shameless betrayal of residents by the Liberal Democrats, of those people who had signed their petition to retain the Eric Service as a free service. Council believes that the increases in incidents of ‘fly tipping’, witnessed when a charge was previously levied, will reoccur with the resulting impact on Wirral’s environment;

 

the road safety impact that the removal of school crossing patrols at 18 locations across Wirral will have and the genuine concern that this will raise with parents and residents for children’s safety;

 

the spiteful way in which Council’s support for Christmas lights has been removed and the charges for school music lessons increased.

 

(2)  Council also objects to the way the Cabinet has sought to treat some of our most vulnerable young people by reducing funding for out-of-borough placements.

 

(3)  Council reaffirms its belief that bringing youngsters back to Wirral should only be done when a safe and secure placement that fully meets an individual child’s needs can be secured, rather than cutting the budget and ‘going from there’.

 

(4)  Council further notes the lack of information provided at Cabinet relating to the number of redundancies that the cuts contained in their proposal will create and believes this omission to be evidence of the callous approach that is being taken by the ruling Labour/Liberal Democrat administration to the Council’s workforce.

 

(5)  Council therefore refuses to accept any of the cuts contained in minute 219 of Cabinet on 16 October 2008.

 

The motion was put and lost, with the Council dividing as follows:

 

For the motion (22) - Councillors T Anderson, C Blakeley, SL Clarke, WA Duffey, DM Elderton, GJ Ellis, Mrs L Fraser, JE Green, J Hale, Karen Hayes, AC Hodson, PSC Johnson, J Keeley, I Lewis, SD Moseley, SR Mountney, A Pritchard, Mrs LA Rennie, SL Rowlands, Sue Taylor, GCJ Watt, and Mrs K Wood.

 

Against the Motion (34) - Councillors RL Abbey, JA Crabtree, WJ Davies, George Davies, PL Davies, S Foulkes, G Gardiner, John George, PN Gilchrist, T Harney, SA Holbrook, AT Jennings, A Jones, SE Kelly, Brian Kenny, DT Knowles, Ann McLachlan, CM Meaden, GD Mitchell, RK Moon, Jean Quinn, Sarah Quinn, M Redfern, PTC Reisdorf, DE Roberts, J Salter, H Smith, PA Smith, WW Smith, PM Southwood, JV Stapleton, CM Teggin, R Wilkins, KJ Williams.

 

Abstainers (2) – Councillor S Niblock and P Williams

 

Resolved:  The Objection was lost and Cabinet Minute 219 was confirmed accordingly.

61.

NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE

Proposed by Councillor Stapleton

Seconded by Councillor McLachlan

 

(1)  This Council notes that:

  • 2008 marks the tenth anniversary of this Labour Government’s passing of the National Minimum Wage Act;
  • around one million workers across the UK have benefited thanks to a raise in the National Minimum Wage.  Workers aged 22 and over will now be paid a minimum of £5.73 an hour; those aged 18-21 will be paid a minimum of £4.77 an hour and those aged 16 and 17 will be paid a minimum of £3.53 an hour;
  • the Government is also proposing a further clampdown on bosses who fail to pay the minimum wage, with tough new penalties set to come into force next April;
  • when David Cameron campaigned against the National Minimum Wage, wages of as little as £1.20 an hour were common and legal. He said that the minimum wage “would send unemployment straight back up”.  Contrary to his prediction, this Labour Government has delivered a rising minimum wage and more people in work than ever before.

 

(2)  This Council therefore wishes to recognise and celebrate 10 years of the National Minimum Wage as landmark legislation which has helped thousands of Wirral residents and millions of British citizens to maintain a decent standard of living.

 

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Stapleton

Seconded by Councillor McLachlan

 

(1)  This Council notes that:

  • 2008 marks the tenth anniversary of this Labour Government’s passing of the National Minimum Wage Act;
  • around one million workers across the UK have benefited thanks to a raise in the National Minimum Wage.  Workers aged 22 and over will now be paid a minimum of £5.73 an hour; those aged 18-21 will be paid a minimum of £4.77 an hour and those aged 16 and 17 will be paid a minimum of £3.53 an hour;
  • the Government is also proposing a further clampdown on bosses who fail to pay the minimum wage, with tough new penalties set to come into force next April;
  • when David Cameron campaigned against the National Minimum Wage, wages of as little as £1.20 an hour were common and legal. He said that the minimum wage “would send unemployment straight back up”.  Contrary to his prediction, this Labour Government has delivered a rising minimum wage and more people in work than ever before.

 

(2)  This Council therefore wishes to recognise and celebrate 10 years of the National Minimum Wage as landmark legislation which has helped thousands of Wirral residents and millions of British citizens to maintain a decent standard of living.

 

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

 

Resolved (unanimously):  That the motion be approved.

62.

BICYCLE RECYCLING SCHEME

Proposed by Councillor Jean Quinn

Seconded by Councillor Gilchrist

 

(1)  This Council notes:

 

(i) the urgent need to step up our efforts to combat climate change through increased recycling and reduction in car use;

 

(ii) the need to address the serious socio-economic and health inequalities in Wirral;

 

(iii) the need to provide activities and employment and training opportunities for disaffected young people; those not engaged in education, employment or training (NEETS), and those involved with anti-social behaviour.

 

(2)  This Council believes that cycling can provide a means of cheap and sustainable travel and improve health and well-being, and has the potential to provide disaffected young people with rewarding and enjoyable activities, as well as skills and training.

 

(3)  This Council also believes that access to cheap bicycles is essential if those who can most benefit from cycling are to be encouraged to become involved.

 

(4)  This Council notes the growing number of bicycle recycling schemes throughout the country providing access both to affordable bikes and employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged people.

 

(5)  This Council therefore requests officers to investigate bicycle recycling schemes elsewhere, together with sources of funding, with a view to establishing a Wirral Bicycle Recycling Scheme.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Jean Quinn

Seconded by Councillor Gilchrist

 

(1)  This Council notes:

 

(i) the urgent need to step up our efforts to combat climate change through increased recycling and reduction in car use;

 

(ii) the need to address the serious socio-economic and health inequalities in Wirral;

 

(iii) the need to provide activities and employment and training opportunities for disaffected young people; those not engaged in education, employment or training (NEETS), and those involved with anti-social behaviour.

 

(2)  This Council believes that cycling can provide a means of cheap and sustainable travel and improve health and well-being, and has the potential to provide disaffected young people with rewarding and enjoyable activities, as well as skills and training.

 

(3)  This Council also believes that access to cheap bicycles is essential if those who can most benefit from cycling are to be encouraged to become involved.

 

(4)  This Council notes the growing number of bicycle recycling schemes throughout the country providing access both to affordable bikes and employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged people.

 

(5)  This Council therefore requests officers to investigate bicycle recycling schemes elsewhere, together with sources of funding, with a view to establishing a Wirral Bicycle Recycling Scheme.

 

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

 

Resolved (unanimously):  That the motion be approved.

63.

OBJECTION: CABINET MINUTE 230 (REVIEW OF CONSTITUTION)

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor Green

 

This Council notes that the Scrutiny Call-in Guidelines have not been subjected to consultation with all elected members and that therefore members have been denied an opportunity to input their thoughts and ideas.  Therefore this Council does not accept this change to the Constitution and asks that all elected members be canvassed for their views on this important matter.

 

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

 

Resolved (22:37):  That the objection be not approved and Cabinet Minute 230 be confirmed accordingly.

64.

CAMPAIGN FOR GURKHA RIGHTS

Proposed by Councillor Harry Smith

Seconded by Councillor Walter Smith

 

(1)  This Council notes that Gurkhas have played an active front line part in the British Army’s activities in times of war and peace for nearly 200 years. In this period approximately 300,000 have fought alongside United Kingdom soldiers, with 45,000 of them being either killed or wounded.

 

(2)  Council notes that the Government announced in September 2004 a change in immigration rules that allowed Gurkhas who had served in the British Army to settle in the United Kingdom with their families.

 

(3)  Council notes with concern, however, that this offer has only been extended to cover those Gurkhas who had served at least four years and who had been discharged after 1 July 1997.

 

(4)  Council believes that, given the exceptional service that they have given to the United Kingdom, Gurkhas and their families should be given fast track eligibility for either the right to remain or citizenship.

 

(5)  Council agrees to send this motion to Wirral’s MPs to ask for their support and instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Local Government Association asking them to lobby the Government on this matter.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Harry Smith

Seconded by Councillor Walter Smith

 

(1)  This Council notes that Gurkhas have played an active front line part in the British Army’s activities in times of war and peace for nearly 200 years. In this period approximately 300,000 have fought alongside United Kingdom soldiers, with 45,000 of them being either killed or wounded.

 

(2)  Council notes that the Government announced in September 2004 a change in immigration rules that allowed Gurkhas who had served in the British Army to settle in the United Kingdom with their families.

 

(3)  Council notes with concern, however, that this offer has only been extended to cover those Gurkhas who had served at least four years and who had been discharged after 1 July 1997.

 

(4)  Council believes that, given the exceptional service that they have given to the United Kingdom, Gurkhas and their families should be given fast track eligibility for either the right to remain or citizenship.

 

(5)  Council agrees to send this motion to Wirral’s MPs to ask for their support and instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Local Government Association asking them to lobby the Government on this matter.

 

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

 

Resolved (unanimously):  That the motion be approved.

65.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ACT 2007

Proposed by Councillor Green

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Rennie

 

(1)  This Council welcomes the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, giving central government a duty to assist local authorities with new powers and opportunities to promote sustainable and successful local communities and neighbourhoods.

 

(2)  Furthermore, Council welcomes the cross-party support for the Act in the House of Commons and supports Nick Hurd MP in his concerns that “the decline and loss of local services is having a clear and serious impact on the prosperity of local communities”.  Locally, in Wirral, this can be seen over many years, under all Governments, in the decisions by a variety of agencies, quangos, public sector organisations and Government departments to reduce or remove local services such as:

 

  • Over half of Wirral post offices closed
  • Wards 6 & 7 at Victoria Central Hospital closed
  • Remploy’s CCU closed
  • Closure of Withens Lane College

 

(3)  This Council recognises the duty for Government to produce a local spending plan that details the overall spending of taxes in an area and welcomes the ‘local policy proposal’ of the Act giving local communities the opportunity, through their council, to put forward ambitious local policy proposals within the overall spending limits.

 

(4)  This Council therefore requests that Cabinet ‘opts in’ to the Sustainable Communities Act and requests from the Community and Customer Engagement Overview and Scrutiny Committee a detailed plan and recommendation for Cabinet on how Wirral will move forward to determine the nature and level of assistance from Central Government.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Green

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Rennie

 

(1)  This Council welcomes the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, giving central government a duty to assist local authorities with new powers and opportunities to promote sustainable and successful local communities and neighbourhoods.

 

(2)  Furthermore, Council welcomes the cross-party support for the Act in the House of Commons and supports Nick Hurd MP in his concerns that “the decline and loss of local services is having a clear and serious impact on the prosperity of local communities”.  Locally, in Wirral, this can be seen over many years, under all Governments, in the decisions by a variety of agencies, quangos, public sector organisations and Government departments to reduce or remove local services such as:

 

Over half of Wirral post offices closed

Wards 6 & 7 at Victoria Central Hospital closed

Remploy’s CCU closed

Closure of Withens Lane College

 

(3)  This Council recognises the duty for Government to produce a local spending plan that details the overall spending of taxes in an area and welcomes the ‘local policy proposal’ of the Act giving local communities the opportunity, through their council, to put forward ambitious local policy proposals within the overall spending limits.

 

(4)  This Council therefore requests that Cabinet ‘opts in’ to the Sustainable Communities Act and requests from the Community and Customer Engagement Overview and Scrutiny Committee a detailed plan and recommendation for Cabinet on how Wirral will move forward to determine the nature and level of assistance from Central Government.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(3)

 

Proposed by Councillor Kelly

Seconded by Councillor Holbrook

 

Delete paragraphs (2) (3) and (4) and insert:

 

(2)  Council notes that the Act became law in October 2007 with a cross-party campaign led by David Drew MP (Labour), Nick Hurd MP (Conservative) and Julia Goldsworthy MP (Lib Dem) and supports the bottom-up process in the Sustainable Communities Act designed to allow local authorities and their communities to drive the help that central government gives in reversing community decline and promoting thriving, sustainable communities by giving local authorities the power to make proposals to government on the action government must take to reverse community decline and promote sustainable communities, and argues for a transfer of public money and function from central to local control.

 

(3)  Council notes that the Act defines the sustainability of local communities broadly as:

the improvement of the local economy;

protection of the environment;

promotion of social inclusion; and

participation in civic and political activity.

 

(4)  Council notes the possible benefits of choosing to opt into the Act:

 

(i)  Assistance from government - the Act gives government a legal duty 'to assist local authorities in promoting the sustainability of local communities'.  So by 'opting in' local authorities are signing up to receive that 'assistance'.

 

(ii)  Power to determine that assistance - the Act gives local authorities power to determine the nature of the assistance that they receive from government.

 

(iii)  Transferring functions and monies from central to local control -  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

66.

CONSTITUTION - AMENDMENTS

Further to the review of the Constitution, the results of which were reported to the meeting in July, the Cabinet has proposed some more amendments, which require approval by the Council.

Minutes:

Further to the review of the Constitution, the results of which were reported to the meeting in July, the Cabinet had proposed some more amendments, which required approval by the Council.

 

Resolved (unanimously):  That the Constitution be amended in accordance with Cabinet Minute 230.

67.

VACANCIES

To receive nominations, in accordance with Standing Order 25(5), in respect of changes (if any) in the membership of the Cabinet and committees, and to approve nominations for appointments to outside organisations.

 

A list of any necessary changes will be circulated before the meeting.

Minutes:

The Council was requested to deal with the following appointments:

 

Standards Committee

The panel authorised by the Standards Committee, having interviewed four applicants, has recommended the appointment of Mr Alec Nuttall as an independent member, to serve until 31 October 2010.

 

Housing and Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Ann Holme and Peter Smith have been nominated to serve as co-opted members of the Committee, with Jackie Marks as their named deputy, for the remainder of the municipal year.

 

Social Care, Health and Inclusion Overview & Scrutiny Committee

The Committee has requested that provision be made for a nominee of the Local Involvement Network (LINks) to serve as a co-opted member.

 

Pensions Committee

The Pensions Committee has requested that the Non-District Employers’ Representative (Jayne Brown) be entitled to send a deputy when she is unable to attend.  The deputy would be entitled to vote.

 

 

(b)  Other bodies

 

Joint Scrutiny Committee for Cheshire and Wirral NHS Partnership Trust

Two Conservative deputies – Councillors Anderson and Clarke

 

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust

Councillor Green to replace Councillor Watt

 

Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association

Councillor Meaden to replace Councillor Crabtree

 

Mersey Maritime Board

Councillor Moon to replace Councillor Gardiner.

 

School Admissions Forum

Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education (SACRE)

Joint Consultative Committee Heads and Teachers

Oaklands Management Committee

Councillor Doyle to replace Councillor Harney

 

Members’ Equipment Strategy Group

Members’ Training Group

Councillor Southwood to replace Councillor Harney

 

Resolved – That the appointments set out above be approved.