Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Contact: Andrea Grant  Democratic Services Manager

Items
No. Item

69.

MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS

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

Minutes:

The Mayor welcomed pupils of Riverside Primary School to the Council Chamber.  The pupils entertained Members with Christmas Carols prior to the start of the meeting.

70.

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 Moira McLaughlin – a prejudicial interest in Minute 84 (Adult Social Care – Public Interest Disclosure) due to a friendship with a potentially interested party;

 

Councillor Steve Niblock – a personal interest in Minute 96 (The Economy) due to his membership of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority;

 

Councillor Pat Williams – a prejudicial interest in Minute 84 (Adult Social Care – Public Interest Disclosure) due to her involvement in the matter at appeal stage;

 

Councillor Ian Lewis – a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to his membership of Leasowe Youth Play and Community Association, Leasowe Community Homes and friends of Leasowe Lighthouse, Minute 88 (Borderlands electrification) due to his membership of Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive) and Minutes 80 (Questions) due to his membership of the friends of Leasowe Lighthouse;

 

Councillor Tony Pritchard – a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to his membership of Vale House Community Centre Joint Management Committee;

 

Councillor Sue Taylor - a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to her membership of Vale House Community Centre Joint Management Committee;

 

Councillor Bill Duffey - a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to his membership of Vale House Community Centre Joint Management Committee;

 

Councillor Kate Wood – a personal interest in Minute 89 (School Crossing Patrols) as a grandparent;

 

Councillor Simon Mountney - a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to his membership of Moreton Community Centre Joint Management Committee;

 

Councillor Chris Blakeley - a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to his membership of Moreton Community Centre Joint Management Committee and Minute 88 (Borderlands electrification) due to his membership of Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive);

 

Councillor Lesley Rennie - a personal interest in Minute 96 (The Economy) due to her membership of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority;

 

Councillor Suzanne Moseley - a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to his membership of Moreton Community Centre Joint Management Committee;

 

Councillor John Hale - a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to his membership of Hoylake Youth and Community Centre Joint Management Committee and Westbourne Community Centre Joint Management Committee;

 

Councillor Leah Fraser – a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87 (Transforming Wirral) due to her membership of Liscard Community Facilities Complex Joint Management Committee;

 

Councillor Karen Hayes – a personal interest in Minutes 86 (Strategic Asset Review) and 87  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

71.

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 Hale on behalf of 1025 residents of Hoylake and West Kirby against closure of local libraries;

 

(b) Councillor John Hale on behalf of 186 signatories objecting to the proposal to close Hoylake Library;

 

(c) Councillor Lesley Rennie on behalf of 866 signatories objecting to the proposal to close Wallasey Village Library;

 

(d) Councillor Lesley Rennie on behalf of 1323 signatories objecting to proposals to close Guinea Gap Recreation Centre and Woodchurch Leisure Centre and to transfer Leasowe Leisure Centre to a trust;

 

(e) Councillor Sheila Clarke on behalf of 634 signatories objecting to the proposal to close Higher Bebington Library;

 

(f) Councillor Andrew Hodson on behalf of 2146 signatories objecting to the proposal to close Pensby Library;

 

(g) Councillor Leah Fraser on behalf of 2720 signatories objecting to the withdrawal of school crossing patrols generally, and specifically those at Liscard, Somerville, Sandbrook and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Schools;

 

(h) Councillor Leah Fraser on behalf of 114 signatories objecting to the proposed closure of Guinea Gap Recreation Centre;

 

(i) Councillor Leah Fraser on behalf of 5304 signatories objecting to the proposed closure of Guinea Gap Recreation Centre;

 

(j) Councillor Peter Johnson on behalf of 273 signatories objecting to the proposed withdrawal of school crossing patrols from Rocky Lane/Dee View Road and Thurstaston Road/Herbert’s Lane, Heswall;

 

(k) Councillor Cherry Povall on behalf of 3591 signatories objecting to the proposed closure of Bromborough Library and Civic Centre;

 

(l) Councillor Pat Williams on behalf of 241 signatories objecting to the withdrawal of the school crossing patrol at Holm Lane, Oxton, near to junction with Overton Way;

 

(m) Councillor Chris Blakeley on behalf of 213 residents objecting to the possible use of Irby Quarry as landfill site;

 

(n) Councillor Tom Anderson on behalf of 1448 signatories objecting to the proposal to close Upton Library;

 

(o) Councillor Tom Anderson on behalf of 262 signatories objecting to the withdrawal of school crossing patrol at St Michael and All Angels Primary School;

 

(p) Councillor Tom Anderson on behalf of 1934 signatories objecting to the proposal to close Grange Road West Sports Centre;

 

(q) Councillor Tom Anderson on behalf of 1295 signatories objecting to the proposal to close Irby Library;

 

(r) Councillor Tom Anderson on behalf of 4140 signatories objecting to the proposal to close Woodchurch Leisure Centre;

 

(s) Councillor Moira McLaughlin on behalf of 80 signatories requesting improved street lighting in Egerton Park; and

 

(t) Councillor Gerry Ellis on behalf of 123 signatories objecting to planning application no. 20086821 (Aldi retail store, Bridge Road, West Kirby).

 

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

 

72.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 122 KB

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 3 November 2008.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 3rd November 2008 had been circulated to members and it was –

 

Resolved – that, subject to the amendment of Minute 50 (Petitions) – paragraph (h) to read:

 

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

 

the minutes be approved and adopted as a correct record.

73.

Procedure

Minutes:

Councillor Ann McLachlan moved the following motion, duly seconded –

 

“That Standing Order 11 be waived in order that the 30 minute time limit for public questions can be extended to enable all questions submitted to be heard, but that supplementary questions be not considered”.

 

Councillor Jeff Green moved an amendment, duly seconded –

 

“That Standing Order 11 be waived in order that the 30 minute time limit for public questions can be extended to enable all questions submitted to be heard and that supplementary questions be allowed.”

 

The amendment was put and it was –

 

Resolved – That Standing Order 11 be waived in order that the 30 minute time limit for public questions can be extended to enable all questions submitted to be heard and that supplementary questions be allowed.

74.

Cabinet minute 254 - Projected Budget 2009-11 (6 November 2008)

Projected Budgets 2009-2011 ( 6 November)

 

Recommendation -

 

(1)  In the light of the continued urgent need to close Wirral’s £21million budget gap and avoid placing an unreasonable burden on Wirral’s council tax payers, and in the light of the recommendations on Item 4 (Progress towards the Transformation of Adult Social Services) and Item 8 (Procurement Efficiencies), Cabinet recommends the following to Council:

 

Adult social services

 

£

In line with Cabinet report on item 4, paragraph 13.2, adopt the Fair Price model of Supported Living with Independent Supported Living Providers.

650,000

In line with Cabinet report item 4 paragraph 13.3 put in house Supported Living Services out to tender. This is a half year saving from September 09 to allow time for process.

347,000

In line with Cabinet report item 4 paragraph 7.2 put all Adult Social Services Transport services out to tender. This is a part year saving to allow time for the process.

180,000

In line with Cabinet report item 4 paragraph 14.1.d) fund the cost of Individualised Budgets from Reform Care Grant

1,500,000

Fund the Reform Team directly from the Efficiency Investment Budget in 2008/9

360,000

Fund Reform Team from Efficiency Investment Budget in 2009/10

518,000

Finance

 

£

Fund Change team from Efficiency Investment Fund in 2008/9

635,000

Fund Change team from Efficiency Investment Fund in 2009/10

635,000

Fund Procurement and Creditors from Efficiency Investment Fund in 2008/9

1,022,000

Fund Procurement and Creditors from Efficiency Investment Fund in 2009/10

1,022,000

Fund Customer Services Development from Efficiency Investment Fund

183,000

Fund Customer Services Development from Efficiency Investment Fund

183,000

Corporate Procurement Efficiencies

1,500,000

 

 

Regeneration.

 

£

Conference and Seminar Attendance

10,000

Reduction in Training

28,000

Maximising external grant

107,000

Reduction in advertising as a consequence of Wirral Homes’ decision to stop advertising in the Globe (Council’s contribution no longer required).

10,000

Review of administration.

138,000

 

Minutes:

Resolved - That

 

(1)  in the light of the continued urgent need to close Wirral’s £21million budget gap and avoid placing an unreasonable burden on Wirral’s council tax payers, and in the light of the recommendations on Item 4 (Progress towards the Transformation of Adult Social Services) and Item 8 (Procurement Efficiencies), the following matters be approved:

 

Adult social services

 

£

In line with Cabinet report on item 4, paragraph 13.2, adopt the Fair Price model of Supported Living with Independent Supported Living Providers.

650,000

In line with Cabinet report item 4 paragraph 13.3 put in house Supported Living Services out to tender. This is a half year saving from September 09 to allow time for process.

347,000

In line with Cabinet report item 4 paragraph 7.2 put all Adult Social Services Transport services out to tender. This is a part year saving to allow time for the process.*

180,000

In line with Cabinet report item 4 paragraph 14.1.d) fund the cost of Individualised Budgets from Reform Care Grant

1,500,000

Fund the Reform Team directly from the Efficiency Investment Budget in 2008/9

360,000

Fund Reform Team from Efficiency Investment Budget in 2009/10

518,000

Finance

 

£

Fund Change team from Efficiency Investment Fund in 2008/9

635,000

Fund Change team from Efficiency Investment Fund in 2009/10

635,000

Fund Procurement and Creditors from Efficiency Investment Fund in 2008/9

1,022,000

Fund Procurement and Creditors from Efficiency Investment Fund in 2009/10

1,022,000

Fund Customer Services Development from Efficiency Investment Fund

183,000

Fund Customer Services Development from Efficiency Investment Fund

183,000

Corporate Procurement Efficiencies

1,500,000

 

 

Regeneration.

 

£

Conference and Seminar Attendance

10,000

Reduction in Training

28,000

Maximising external grant

107,000

Reduction in advertising as a consequence of Wirral Homes’ decision to stop advertising in the Globe (Council’s contribution no longer required)*

10,000

Review of administration.

138,000

 

* see also Minutes 94 and 96 below.

 

75.

Cabinet minute 267 - Projected Budget 2009-11 (27 November 2008)

Projected Budgets 2009-2011 (27 November)

 

Recommendation  That

 

(1)  Cabinet recognises that the recession is having an impact on many of Wirral’s families and it is essential to do everything possible to ensure that Wirral’s council tax payers are not faced with the additional burden of high council tax increases.  In order to further reduce Wirral’s budget gap, and in the light of the reports and Cabinet recommendations on the Insurance Budget (Item 15), the Highway and Engineering Services Procurement Exercise (Item 9), and the Reconfiguration of Youth Services (Item 16), Cabinet recommends the following:

 

Children’s Services

 

£

The Schools budget be charged with the full cost of insurance, reflecting the risks assessed by the insurer and that the mechanism for doing this is agreed with the Schools’ Forum.

400,000

The Reconfiguration of the Youth Service is agreed in line with the report and consequential savings accepted as outlined in the recommendation.

150,000

Technical Services

 

£

The revenue savings of £320,000 arising from the HESPE exercise as outlined in the report be accepted.

320,000

Finance.

 

£

The sum of £140,000 of increased income from Wirral Partnership Homes following the closure of their cash offices be accepted.

140,000

(2)  Cabinet asks that the efficiencies contained within this motion be referred to the relevant Scrutiny Committees * for urgent consideration before Council meets on December 15th.  Should this prove impossible in any instance, then, because it is considered to be in the Council’s best interests to implement proposed savings as early as possible, Cabinet asks Council to approve those items which have not been considered by scrutiny committees where there is all party support and, in so doing, to suspend paragraph 2(a) of the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rulesand to deal with the proposals in accordance with paragraph 2(b), i.e. where there is no such agreement, absence of which should be indicated by the lodging of an objection within the timescale set by Standing Order 7(2), Council is asked to refer the relevant item to the appropriate overview and scrutiny committee for discussion and subsequent referral to the next Council meeting.  Items already discussed by the relevant Scrutiny Committee will be dealt with in the normal way; and

 

(3)  this motion is subject to any statutory requirements on staffing issues.

 

* see item 8 below

Minutes:

Resolved  – That

 

(1)  it be recognised that the recession is having an impact on many of Wirral’s families and it is essential to do everything possible to ensure that Wirral’s council tax payers are not faced with the additional burden of high council tax increases.  In order to further reduce Wirral’s budget gap, and in the light of the reports and Cabinet recommendations on the Insurance Budget (Item 15), the Highway and Engineering Services Procurement Exercise (Item 9), and the Reconfiguration of Youth Services (Item 16), the following matters be approved:

 

Children’s Services

 

£

The Schools budget be charged with the full cost of insurance, reflecting the risks assessed by the insurer and that the mechanism for doing this is agreed with the Schools’ Forum.

400,000

The Reconfiguration of the Youth Service is agreed in line with the report and consequential savings accepted as outlined in the recommendation*

150,000

Technical Services

 

£

The revenue savings of £320,000 arising from the HESPE exercise as outlined in the report be accepted.

320,000

Finance.

 

£

The sum of £140,000 of increased income from Wirral Partnership Homes following the closure of their cash offices be accepted.

140,000

 

* see also Minute 92 below.

76.

Cabinet minute 270 - Calculation of Council Tax Base (27 November 2008)

Calculation of Council Tax Base (27 November)

 

Recommendation:

 

That the Council be recommended that:

 

(1)  the Council Tax Base for 2009/10 be approved; and

 

(2)  in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the figure calculated by this Authority as its Council Tax Base for the year 2009/10 shall be 104,276.

Minutes:

Resolved - That:

 

(1)  the Council Tax Base for 2009/10 be approved; and

 

(2)  in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the figure calculated by this Authority as its Council Tax Base for the year 2009/10 shall be 104,276.

 

77.

Cabinet minute 295 - Projected Budget 2009-11 (10 December 2008)

Projected Budgets 2009-2011 (10 December)

 

Recommendation -

 

(1)  Cabinet recognises the urgent need to ensure that Council Tax increases are kept as low as possible and therefore recommends the following savings to Council, taking into account items 6 and 25, in order to continue to narrow Wirral’s budget gap and protect Wirral residents from unnecessary financial burdens.

Children’s Services

 

£

Deletion of  posts held vacant for more than twelve months

80,000

Cease to provide uniform grants in the light of ready availability of inexpensive school clothing.*

30,000

Adult social services

Reduction in Residential and Nursing Home Fees Contract in line with agenda item 25

1,000,000

Review of Admin Support

100,000

HOUSING AND REGENERATION

Increase mobile cleaning team to facilitate mobile cleaning of all toilets at regular intervals.

70,000

CORPORATE SERVICES

Restore element of LAA reward grant to Council budget following decision of Local Area Agreement Board on November 19th.

1,400,000

Finance.

Transfer of Reserves and Provisions no longer required to the General Fund, with the proviso that £230,000 is set against the projected Housing and Regeneration overspend on Cultural Services. 

360,000

(2)  In order to ensure that the authority treats children of all faiths equally, the Director of Children's Services be asked to carry out a consultation exercise on changing the home to school transport policy with a view to removing the entitlement to free travel for new pupils attending Roman Catholic schools and to report back to Cabinet on the 23rd February 2009; and

(3)  Because it is considered to be in the Council’s best interests to implement proposed savings as early as possible, Cabinet asks Council to approve those items which have not been considered by Scrutiny committees where there is all party support and, in so doing, to suspend paragraph 2(a) of the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rulesand to deal with the proposals in accordance with paragraph 2(b), i.e. where there is no such agreement, absence of which should be indicated by the lodging of an objection by 10am on Friday, Council is asked to refer the relevant item to the appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee for discussion and subsequent referral to the next Council meeting.

 

* Note: see also agenda item 10a (Matters for debate), part (13).

Minutes:

Resolved -

 

(1)  it be recognised that there is an urgent need to ensure that Council Tax increases are kept as low as possible and therefore the following savings be approved, in order to continue to narrow Wirral’s budget gap and protect Wirral residents from unnecessary financial burdens.

Children’s Services

 

£

Deletion of  posts held vacant for more than twelve months

80,000

Cease to provide uniform grants in the light of ready availability of inexpensive school clothing.*

30,000

Adult social services

Reduction in Residential and Nursing Home Fees Contract in line with agenda item 25

1,000,000

Review of Admin Support

100,000

HOUSING AND REGENERATION

Increase mobile cleaning team to facilitate mobile cleaning of all toilets at regular intervals.

70,000

CORPORATE SERVICES

Restore element of LAA reward grant to Council budget following decision of Local Area Agreement Board on November 19th.

1,400,000

Finance.

Transfer of Reserves and Provisions no longer required to the General Fund, with the proviso that £230,000 is set against the projected Housing and Regeneration overspend on Cultural Services. 

360,000

 

* see also Minute 98 below.

 

78.

Cabinet minute 296 - Capital Programme and Financing (10 December 2008)

Capital Programme and Financing (10 December)

 

Recommendation - That

 

(1)  views on the capital programme 2009/12, including the new submissions as detailed in section 7.2.1, be requested;

(2)  if approved, the capital financing requirements be reflected in the Projected Budget and referred to the Council;

(3)  the Prudential Indicators be noted and reported as part of the Treasury Management Strategy in March 2009; and

(4)  update reports on the progress of the programme be presented in accordance with the Financial and Performance Monitoring reporting cycle.

 

Minutes:

Resolved - That

 

(1)  the programme for 2009/12, including the new submissions detailed in section 7.2.1 of the report be agreed; and

 

(2)  the capital financing requirements be reflected in the Projected Budget.

 

79.

Cabinet minute 312 - Budgetary Issues (Technical Services) 2008/09 (10 December 2008)

Budgetary Issues (Technical Services) 2008/09 (10 December)

 

Recommendation - That

 

(1)  the Council be recommended that the current re-engineered 2008-2009 budget detailed in Appendix 1 be agreed, which reflects the virements contained within paragraph 2.2;

(2)  the revised charges detailed in paragraph 5.8 which should generate an additional £50,000 per annum;

(3)  the actions being taken in respect of infrastructure assets be noted and  the proposal to capitalise an additional £500,000 of highways maintenance expenditure be agreed as detailed in paragraph 7 and used to address the shortfalls identified in paragraph.8.1; and

(4)  the proposal contained in paragraph 8.1 be noted and the Director of Technical Services explore ways of containing the 2008-2009 deficit within existing resources and report further on the position for 2009-2010 early in the new financial year.

 

Minutes:

Resolved - That

 

(1)  the Council be recommended that the current re-engineered 2008-2009 budget detailed in Appendix 1 be agreed, which reflects the virements contained within paragraph 2.2 of the Cabinet report

 

(2)  the revised charges detailed in paragraph 5.8 which should generate an additional £50,000 per annum;

 

(3)  the actions being taken in respect of infrastructure assets be noted and  the proposal to capitalise an additional £500,000 of highways maintenance expenditure be agreed as detailed in paragraph 7 and used to address the shortfalls identified in paragraph.8.1; and

 

(4)  the proposal contained in paragraph 8.1 be noted and the Director of Technical Services explore ways of containing the 2008-2009 deficit within existing resources and report further on the position for 2009-2010 early in the new financial year.

 

80.

QUESTIONS

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

Minutes:

(a)  Mr Norman Haslehurst, 3 Hillam Road, Wallasey, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted the following question:

 

“As a member of the public, I wish to put the following question to the relevant Cabinet Member:

 

If the proposal to close Guinea Gap and Woodchurch Centres is approved, apart from the many activities involved, I estimate that approximately 800 school children participate in the curriculum lessons each week and a further 900 children undertake private lessons each week.

 

Where will all these activities be catered for?”

 

Councillor Bob Moon responded as follows:

 

Clearly Guinea Gap is used for primary school swimming.  This year the pattern of use has changed in that schools have two week blocks where they have a 30 minute session every day for those two weeks each term.  Each school decides which year group(s) to take.  This concentrated pattern of allocation to schools is meant to be more effective at getting non-swimmers started than the previously weekly sessions.

 

There are 16 primary schools and two special schools using the pool this term, some local and some from quite a distance e.g. Bidston Avenue and Oxton St Saviour’s.

 

If Guinea Gap was not available then school swimming could be re-located to other pools.  This would be likely to include some additional transport costs for the small number of schools who currently walk to the pool.  There would also probably need to be a reduction in public swimming times at the remaining pools if the current pattern of school swimming was to be maintained.

 

(b)  Mr Peter Dickinson, Chair of West Wallasey Village Residents Group, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted the following question:

 

“Has the Council in its deliberations actually assessed by cost/benefit analysis precisely what the Wallasey Village branch library provides to the Wallasey Village area, in terms of either:

 

its role as a social lifeline across the whole spectrum of the community, embracing all age groups from very young infants to the elderly population, making it in effect a community centre in its own right;

 

the wide range of services it provides, such as pre-school age toddlers attending story-time classes, primary school children borrowing books and using computers and older citizens not only borrowing books but also engaging in enjoyable and much anticipated social activities organised and provided by the pro-active and innovative library staff; or

 

its accessibility to those residents with health/mobility problems who would find negotiating the journey to Earlston Road library or the proposed Liscard new library site, a major, if not insurmountable problem?”

 

Councillor Bob Moon responded as follows: 

 

The council is grateful for all views expressed in response to consultation on the strategic asset review. These will be considered in finalising the way forward.

 

The asset review recognises the diverse nature of the council’s estate and the age of many of its properties. Since properties such as Wallasey Village library were built service provision has changed and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

81.

MATTERS FOR NOTING

The following matters are drawn to the Council’s attention, as required by the Constitution:

 

(i)  Cabinet minute 278 (27 November) – Chancellor’s pre-Budget Statement – Change in VAT (Reason: waiving of call-in);

 

(ii)  Cabinet minute 282 (27 November) – Update on Contractual Position in respect of Nursing Homes (Reason: waiving of call-in).

Minutes:

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

 

(i)  Cabinet minute 278 (27 November) – Chancellor’s pre-Budget Statement – Change in VAT (Reason: waiving of call-in);

 

(ii)  Cabinet minute 282 (27 November) – Update on Contractual Position in respect of Nursing Homes (Reason: waiving of call-in).

 

(iii)  Cabinet minute 304 (10 December) – Financial Recommendations of the Mersey Waterfront Regional Partnership Board (Reason: waiving of call-in).

82.

MATTERS REFERRED FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES

To consider and determine any references from overview and scrutiny committees.

 

(a)  The following references set out committees’ comments on the Cabinet’s savings proposals in minutes 254 and 267:

 

Regeneration and Planning Strategy (12 November) – minute 21

 

Resolved (4:3) (Councillors Keeley, Mountney and Rowlands dissenting in respect of savings items (i), (iii) and (iv) )  That this Committee endorse the following budget savings:

 

(i)  Conference and Seminar Attendance - £10,000

(ii)  Reduction in Training - £28,000

(iii)  Maximising external grant - £107,000

(iv)  Review of administration - £138,000”

 

Finance and Best Value (26 November) – minute 37

 

Resolved – That the budget saving proposed by the Cabinet be endorsed.

 

Social Care, Health and Inclusion (4 December) – minute 63

 

Resolved (4:3) - That the savings proposals be endorsed.

 

 

(b)  References on the same Cabinet minutes from the following meetings will be reported separately:

 

Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning (10 December)

Community and Customer Engagement (4 December)

Housing and Community Safety (8 December)

Streetscene and Transport Services (8 December)

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the references from Overview and Scrutiny Committees be noted.

83.

MATTERS FOR DEBATE pdf icon PDF 108 KB

Pursuant to Standing Order 5(1)(m), and in accordance with Standing Order 5(3), to consider written comments on or objections or amendments to minutes, submitted under Standing Order 7(2), together with those motions, submitted under item 8 above or in accordance with Standing Order 17, 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 84 to 96 below.

 

84.

Adult Social Care - Public Interest Disclosure

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:

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management advised the Council that it would be appropriate to defer consideration of this matter to a future meeting.

 

Resolved – That the matter be deferred to a future appropriate meeting.

85.

Procedure

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Ann McLachlan, duly seconded, that the procedure in Standing Order 7(8) be applied at 8.30pm with the proviso that the debate be finished by 9pm..

 

Following a debate, the motion was put and it was -

 

Resolved (41:24) – That the procedure in Standing Order 7(8) be applied at 8.30pm with the proviso that the debate be finished by 9pm.

86.

Strategic Asset Review

STRATEGIC ASSET REVIEW

 

Proposed by Councillor Green

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Rennie

 

(1)  Council believes:

 

that the mark of a just and fair society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens and that local authorities have an important role to play in encouraging aspiration, healthy living and community spirit.

 

(2)  Council notes:

 

(a)  that 2008 is the National Year of Reading, a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms, to increase awareness of the many values of reading – anything, any time, any place – for children, families and adult learners alike;

(b)  that wards such as Upton, Seacombe, Bidston & St James and Leasowe & Moreton East, have below-average numbers of pupils who achieve L2 or better at Key Stage 1 for reading compared with the national average;

(c)  that remarks by Andy Burnham [Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport] in July that the Government wishes local authorities to expand participation in swimming, in particular for the over-60s and under-16s, in their local communities and that £35 million was made available to modernise public swimming pool provision;

(d)  that many leisure centres offer valuable alternative activities for young people to shine and achieve their full potential;

(e)  that the programmes offered by local libraries and community and leisure centres reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour in areas and communities that have no other source of activity;

(f)  that many community centres rely on a small and dedicated team of volunteers who in turn rely on the Council to provide and oversee professional support for maintenance, insurance, budgets, personnel and health and safety.

 

(3)  Council welcomes:

 

the enactment of the Sustainable Communities Act in October 2008 to reverse the decline in local communities and neighbourhoods affected by the large-scale withdrawal of services and amenities.

 

(4)  Council therefore:

 

(a)  does not support the approval of the Cabinet to close libraries, leisure centres, museums and theatres;

(b)  does not support the proposal to withdraw Council funding from community centres forcing their closure or demolition if they cannot find alternative funding within two years;

©  believes that fundamental changes to the Wirral wide provision of services by the Council should have electoral support and, as such support for these proposals has not been demonstrated at the ballot box, a Wirral-wide referendum should be held before any decision for the wholesale closure of libraries, leisure centres, community centres, museums and theatres is implemented;

(d)  believes that, if our local services are as derelict and starved of investment as the Leader of the Council claims, he is accountable and should accept his responsibility for this by submitting his resignation to the Council.

Minutes:

The Council agreed without a vote to consider this matter and the following notice of motion as a joint debate.

_____

 

Proposed by Councillor Green

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Rennie

 

(1)  Council believes:

 

that the mark of a just and fair society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens and that local authorities have an important role to play in encouraging aspiration, healthy living and community spirit.

 

(2)  Council notes:

 

(a)  that 2008 is the National Year of Reading, a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms, to increase awareness of the many values of reading – anything, any time, any place – for children, families and adult learners alike;

(b)  that wards such as Upton, Seacombe, Bidston & St James and Leasowe & Moreton East, have below-average numbers of pupils who achieve L2 or better at Key Stage 1 for reading compared with the national average;

(c)  that remarks by Andy Burnham [Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport] in July that the Government wishes local authorities to expand participation in swimming, in particular for the over-60s and under-16s, in their local communities and that £35 million was made available to modernise public swimming pool provision;

(d)  that many leisure centres offer valuable alternative activities for young people to shine and achieve their full potential;

(e)  that the programmes offered by local libraries and community and leisure centres reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour in areas and communities that have no other source of activity;

(f)  that many community centres rely on a small and dedicated team of volunteers who in turn rely on the Council to provide and oversee professional support for maintenance, insurance, budgets, personnel and health and safety.

 

(3)  Council welcomes:

 

the enactment of the Sustainable Communities Act in October 2008 to reverse the decline in local communities and neighbourhoods affected by the large-scale withdrawal of services and amenities.

 

(4)  Council therefore:

 

(a)  does not support the approval of the Cabinet to close libraries, leisure centres, museums and theatres;

(b)  does not support the proposal to withdraw Council funding from community centres forcing their closure or demolition if they cannot find alternative funding within two years;

(c)  believes that fundamental changes to the Wirral wide provision of services by the Council should have electoral support and, as such support for these proposals has not been demonstrated at the ballot box, a Wirral-wide referendum should be held before any decision for the wholesale closure of libraries, leisure centres, community centres, museums and theatres is implemented;

(d)  believes that, if our local services are as derelict and starved of investment as the Leader of the Council claims, he is accountable and should accept his responsibility for this by submitting his resignation to the Council.

 

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

 

Proposed by Councillor Holbrook

Seconded by Councillor Moon

 

Delete paragraph (4) and replace with:

 

(4)  Council therefore

 

(a)  welcomes the Cabinet’s commitment to invest £20m in modernising Council facilities to provide high quality services  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

87.

Transforming Wirral

TRANSFORMING WIRRAL

 

Proposed by Councillor Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

 

(1)  Council welcomes the proposal in the Strategic Asset Report to invest £20m in new or modernised multi-purpose buildings which are fit for the 21st Century.

 

(2)  Council notes that this will be in addition to the opening on 5 December of the Floral Pavilion, as part of a £60m development in New Brighton; the opening of the Council’s new, state-of-the-art, Archive Centre; the brand new secondary school to be built in Woodchurch; the major waterfront development planned by Peel Holdings; Wirral PCT’s proposed new Community Health facilities at the St. Catherine’s site in Birkenhead and the new primary care centre at Victoria Central Hospital in Wallasey; Wirral Metropolitan College’s proposed new campus and the potential for the creation of further Higher Education facilities under the University Challenge programme.

 

(3  Council welcomes this progress towards the regeneration of Wirral, and the plan to use Council assets in Seacombe to kick-start regeneration in one of Wirral’s poorest wards, which is in accord with the aims of the Vision for Wirral within the Corporate Plan and which will help create a more prosperous and equal Wirral that we can all take pride in.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

 

(1)  Council welcomes the proposal in the Strategic Asset Report to invest £20m in new or modernised multi-purpose buildings which are fit for the 21st Century.

 

(2)  Council notes that this will be in addition to the opening on 13 December of the Floral Pavilion, as part of a £60m development in New Brighton; the opening of the Council’s new, state-of-the-art, Archive Centre; the brand new secondary school to be built in Woodchurch; the major waterfront development planned by Peel Holdings; Wirral PCT’s proposed new Community Health facilities at the St. Catherine’s site in Birkenhead and the new primary care centre at Victoria Central Hospital in Wallasey; Wirral Metropolitan College’s proposed new campus and the potential for the creation of further Higher Education facilities under the University Challenge programme.

 

(3  Council welcomes this progress towards the regeneration of Wirral, and the plan to use Council assets in Seacombe to kick-start regeneration in one of Wirral’s poorest wards, which is in accord with the aims of the Vision for Wirral within the Corporate Plan and which will help create a more prosperous and equal Wirral that we can all take pride in.

 

The Council had previously debated this matter (minute 86 refers).

 

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

 

For the motion (39) - Councillors RL Abbey, A Bridson, I Coates, JA Crabtree, George Davies, PL Davies, WJ 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, M McLaughlin, CM Meaden, GD Mitchell, RK Moon, S Niblock, Jean Quinn, M Redfern, PTC Reisdorf, DE Roberts, J Salter, H Smith, PA Smith, WW Smith, PM Southwood, JV Stapleton, A Taylor, CM Teggin, R Wilkins, KJ Williams and P Williams.

 

Against the Motion (24) - Councillors T Anderson, C Blakeley, SL Clarke, WA Duffey, DM Elderton, GJ Ellis, Mrs L Fraser, JE Green, J Hale, Karen Hayes, Paul Hayes, AC Hodson, PSC Johnson, J Keeley, I Lewis, SD Moseley, SR Mountney, C Povall, A Pritchard, Mrs LA Rennie, SL Rowlands, Sue Taylor, GCJ Watt, and Mrs K Wood.

 

Abstainers (2) – Councillors A Jones and D Kirwan.

 

Resolved – That the motion be approved.

88.

Borderlands electrification

BORDERLANDS ELECTRIFICATION

 

Proposed by Councillor Holbrook

Seconded by Councillor Mitchell

 

(1)  This Council notes:

 

  • its consistent support for the electrification of the Bidston to Wrexham Borderlands rail line;
  • the importance of the Borderlands rail line to the Wirral economy by linking the industries of Deeside with North Birkenhead, where greater employment opportunities are required;
  • recent Government statements on the economic downturn, particularly the need to fund public works now, in order to get people back into work when the downturn is over.

 

(2)  Council is dismayed at the recent Network Rail estimate for the electrification and upgrade of the line of £207m and notes this is more than three times the cost estimated for this work by Merseytravel.  Council is perplexed at such wildly different estimates, and requests that an independent review of costs is jointly commissioned by Network Rail and Merseytravel to establish the true cost.

 

(3)  Council also notes the application made by Merseytravel to take control of the track of the Merseyrail Network from Network Rail.  Council believes by integrating management of the infrastructure with service delivery, greater efficiencies and investment can be secured for the benefit of local people and therefore supports this proposal.

 

(4)  Council therefore:

 

(i)  requests that Merseytravel should now widen these discussions to include the Welsh Assembly Government and seek agreement to take ownership of the Borderlands line as part of these proposals, so that its operation can be fully integrated into the Merseyrail network;

 

(ii)  supports the electrification of the Bidston to Wrexham Borderlands rail line being undertaken by Merseytravel, with the possibility of a 25Kw overhead electrified line being considered as an alternative;

 

(iii)  calls upon Wirral’s MPs and North West MEPs to lobby the Government on these proposals on the Council’s behalf.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Holbrook

Seconded by Councillor Mitchell

 

(1)  This Council notes:

 

its consistent support for the electrification of the Bidston to Wrexham Borderlands rail line;

the importance of the Borderlands rail line to the Wirral economy by linking the industries of Deeside with North Birkenhead, where greater employment opportunities are required;

recent Government statements on the economic downturn, particularly the need to fund public works now, in order to get people back into work when the downturn is over.

 

(2)  Council is dismayed at the recent Network Rail estimate for the electrification and upgrade of the line of £207m and notes this is more than three times the cost estimated for this work by Merseytravel.  Council is perplexed at such wildly different estimates, and requests that an independent review of costs is jointly commissioned by Network Rail and Merseytravel to establish the true cost.

 

(3)  Council also notes the application made by Merseytravel to take control of the track of the Merseyrail Network from Network Rail.  Council believes by integrating management of the infrastructure with service delivery, greater efficiencies and investment can be secured for the benefit of local people and therefore supports this proposal.

 

(4)  Council therefore:

 

(i)  requests that Merseytravel should now widen these discussions to include the Welsh Assembly Government and seek agreement to take ownership of the Borderlands line as part of these proposals, so that its operation can be fully integrated into the Merseyrail network;

 

(ii)  supports the electrification of the Bidston to Wrexham Borderlands rail line being undertaken by Merseytravel, with the possibility of a 25kV overhead electrified line being considered as an alternative;

 

(iii)  calls upon Wirral’s MPs and North West MEPs to lobby the Government on these proposals on the Council’s behalf.

 

Having applied the guillotine the Council did not debate this matter.

 

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

 

For the motion (62) - Councillors RL Abbey, T Anderson, A Bridson, SL Clarke, I Coates, JA Crabtree, George Davies, PL Davies, WJ Davies, F Doyle, WA Duffey, DM Elderton, GJ Ellis, S Foulkes, Mrs L Fraser, G Gardiner, John George, PN Gilchrist, JE Green, J Hale, T Harney, Karen Hayes, Paul Hayes, AC Hodson, SA Holbrook, AT Jennings, PSC Johnson, J Keeley, SE Kelly, Brian Kenny, D Kirwan, DT Knowles, Ann McLachlan, M McLaughlin, CM Meaden, GD Mitchell, RK Moon, SD Moseley, SR Mountney, S Niblock, C Povall, A Pritchard, Jean Quinn, M Redfern, PTC Reisdorf, Mrs LA Rennie, DE Roberts, SL Rowlands, J Salter, H Smith, PA Smith, WW Smith, PM Southwood, JV Stapleton, A Taylor, Sue Taylor, CM Teggin, GCJ Watt, R Wilkins, KJ Williams, P Williams and Mrs K Wood.

 

Against the Motion (0) - None

 

Abstainers (1) – Councillor A Jones

 

Resolved – That the motion be approved.

89.

School Crossing Patrols

SCHOOL CROSSING PATROLS

 

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded Councillor Anderson

 

(1)  This Council recognizes and applauds the invaluable work carried out by school crossing patrols, and which they continue to do, to keep our primary school children safe from accidents and death when crossing the road outside schools.

 

(2)  This Council recognizes that the criteria for deciding whether to provide a school crossing patrol are advisory only.

 

(3)  This Council recognizes that, if 18 school crossing patrols are removed, 23 schools will be affected and road safety around them will worsen.

 

(4)  Council is disappointed with the lack of consultation with schools over the removal of school crossing patrols.

 

(5)  Council believes school budgets should be spent on services within school and not used to subsidise Council responsibilities.

 

(6)  That Council, therefore, recognizes the need for the current number of school crossing patrols to be maintained for the safety of our primary school children.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded Councillor Tom Anderson

 

(1)  This Council recognizes and applauds the invaluable work carried out by school crossing patrols, and which they continue to do, to keep our primary school children safe from accidents and death when crossing the road outside schools.

 

(2)  This Council recognizes that the criteria for deciding whether to provide a school crossing patrol are advisory only.

 

(3)  This Council recognizes that, if 18 school crossing patrols are removed, 23 schools will be affected and road safety around them will worsen.

 

(4)  Council is disappointed with the lack of consultation with schools over the removal of school crossing patrols.

 

(5)  Council believes school budgets should be spent on services within school and not used to subsidise Council responsibilities.

 

(6)  That Council, therefore, recognizes the need for the current number of school crossing patrols to be maintained for the safety of our primary school children.

 

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

 

Proposed by Councillor Patricia Williams

Seconded by Councillor Teggin

 

Delete all after (2) and insert:

 

(3)  Council believes that school budgets should be spent on services within schools’ responsibilities, including supporting School Travel Plans.

 

(4)  Council urges that a regular process of updating risk assessments of all the current and future crossing patrols should be in place, the presumption being that sites should continue to be provided unless there has been a change of circumstances in the area (such as the closure of a school removing the need, or if there is a Pelican or Puffin crossing at that site or nearby) or that the risk assessment identifies sufficient changes to warrant a review and possible discontinuation after full discussion and examination with the school(s) concerned. Risk assessments shall pay due regard to the existing RoSPA guidelines and also to issues such as road gradient, layout, traffic flows speeding, and congestion.  The same criteria should be used for assessing applications for new crossing patrols.

 

(5)  Officers be requested to develop a policy incorporating all the points raised in (4) above and present a report to the Cabinet within the next six months.

Having applied the guillotine the Council did not debate this matter.

 

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

 

For the amendment (39) - Councillors RL Abbey, A Bridson, I Coates, JA Crabtree, George Davies, PL Davies, WJ 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, M McLaughlin, CM Meaden, GD Mitchell, RK Moon, S Niblock, Jean Quinn, M Redfern, PTC Reisdorf, DE Roberts, J Salter, H Smith, PA Smith, WW Smith, PM Southwood, JV Stapleton, A Taylor, CM Teggin, R Wilkins, KJ Williams and P Williams.

 

Against the amendment (25) - Councillors T Anderson, C Blakeley, SL Clarke, WA Duffey, DM Elderton, GJ Ellis, Mrs L Fraser, JE Green, J Hale, Karen Hayes, Paul Hayes, AC Hodson, PSC Johnson, J Keeley, D Kirwan,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

90.

Procedure - Suspension of Standing Order

Minutes:

Councillor Simon Holbrook moved that Standing Order 18 (5) be suspended for the remainder of the meeting.

 

The motion was put with the Council dividing as follows:

 

For the amendment (39) - Councillors RL Abbey, A Bridson, I Coates, JA Crabtree, George Davies, PL Davies, WJ 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, M McLaughlin, CM Meaden, GD Mitchell, RK Moon, S Niblock, Jean Quinn, M Redfern, PTC Reisdorf, DE Roberts, J Salter, H Smith, PA Smith, WW Smith, PM Southwood, JV Stapleton, A Taylor, CM Teggin, R Wilkins, KJ Williams and P Williams.

 

Against the amendment (24) - Councillors T Anderson, C Blakeley, SL Clarke, WA Duffey, DM Elderton, GJ Ellis, Mrs L Fraser, JE Green, J Hale, Karen Hayes, Paul Hayes, AC Hodson, PSC Johnson, J Keeley, I Lewis, SD Moseley, SR Mountney, C Povall, A Pritchard, Mrs LA Rennie, SL Rowlands, Sue Taylor, GCJ Watt, and Mrs K Wood.

 

Abstainers (2) – Councillors A Jones and D Kirwan.

 

Resolved:  That Standing Order 18 (5) be suspended for the remainder of the meeting.

 

91.

Illegal drugs - Apparatus

ILLEGAL DRUGS - APPARATUS

 

Proposed by Councillor Kenny

Seconded by Councillor Knowles

 

Council notes that the ready availability in retail outlets in Wirral and Merseyside generally of apparatus for the inhalation, ingestion and injection of illegal drugs may be hampering the national drive to reduce drug dependency and addiction.  The Chief Executive is requested to investigate, in co-operation with the Borough’s crime prevention partners, the feasibility of introducing local by-laws prohibiting the sale of such apparatus.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Kenny

Seconded by Councillor Knowles

 

Council notes that the ready availability in retail outlets in Wirral and Merseyside generally of apparatus for the inhalation, ingestion and injection of illegal drugs may be hampering the national drive to reduce drug dependency and addiction.  The Chief Executive is requested to investigate, in co-operation with the Borough’s crime prevention partners, the feasibility of introducing local by-laws prohibiting the sale of such apparatus.

 

Having applied the guillotine, the Council did not debate this matter and it was –

 

Resolved (64:0:1) – That the motion be approved

 

NB.  The following Councillors requested that their vote in favour of the motion be recorded:

 

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

92.

Decline in bee population

DECLINE IN BEE POPULATION

 

Proposed by Councillor Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Mitchell

 

(1)  This Council expresses its thanks to Wirral’s Environmental Health staff and to the Call Centre for its established and enlightened policy of assisting householders to understand the importance of bees.

 

(2)  Council applauds the fact that enquirers are encouraged to contact local beekeepers for advice and are discouraged from thinking of bees as ‘pests’ in any way.

 

(3)  Council notes that a series of written questions were asked in the House of Commons in May and July 2008 about declining bee numbers, colony losses and the funding of research into this serious situation.

 

(4)  Council recognises that the British Bee Keepers Association organised a lobby of Parliament in November 2008 urging an increase in funding for research into the diseases which have led to the decline in the bee population.

http://www.britishbee.org.uk/bbka_research_campaign.php

 

(5)  In view of this, Council asks that all Wirral’s Members of Parliament be requested to pursue increasing this funding in view of the vital contribution that bees make to pollination and to sustainable agriculture.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Mitchell

 

(1)  This Council expresses its thanks to Wirral’s Environmental Health staff and to the Call Centre for its established and enlightened policy of assisting householders to understand the importance of bees.

 

(2)  Council applauds the fact that enquirers are encouraged to contact local beekeepers for advice and are discouraged from thinking of bees as ‘pests’ in any way.

 

(3)  Council notes that a series of written questions were asked in the House of Commons in May and July 2008 about declining bee numbers, colony losses and the funding of research into this serious situation.

 

(4)  Council recognises that the British Bee Keepers Association organised a lobby of Parliament in November 2008 urging an increase in funding for research into the diseases which have led to the decline in the bee population.

http://www.britishbee.org.uk/bbka_research_campaign.php

 

(5)  In view of this, Council asks that all Wirral’s Members of Parliament be requested to pursue increasing this funding in view of the vital contribution that bees make to pollination and to sustainable agriculture.

 

Having applied the guillotine, the Council did not debate this matter and it was –

 

Resolved (64:0:1) – That the motion be approved

 

NB.  The following Councillors requested that their vote in favour of the motion be recorded:

 

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

 

93.

OBJECTION: RECONFIGURATION OF THE YOUTH SERVICE (Cabinet minute 267 - 27 November 2008) (PROJECTED BUDGETS 2009-2011)

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Sheila Clarke

Seconded by Councillor Karen Hayes

 

(1)  Council notes that, as a consequence of this reconfiguration of the Youth Service, seven as yet unnamed Youth Centres across the Wirral will be closed, and this Council rejects the loss of amenities for our young people, especially at a time when this Labour / Liberal Democrat Administration is closing down leisure centres, libraries and the highly rated Pacific Road complex.

 

(2)  Council should instruct the Labour/ Liberal Democrat Cabinet to come clean with both our young people and our staff and name the Youth Centres which are to be closed

 

(3)  Council therefore does not accept the Budget saving of £150,000

 

Having applied the guillotine, the Council did not debate this matter and it was –

 

Resolved (24:39:2) – That the objection be not approved.

 

NB.  The following Councillors requested that their vote in favour of the motion be recorded:

 

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

94.

Road to Damascus Conversion

ROAD TO DAMASCUS CONVERSION

 

Proposed by Councillor Moira McLaughlin

Seconded by Councillor Harry Smith

 

(1)  This Council notes with amazement the road to Damascus conversion of the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Wallasey to the cause of the Unions in their fight against privatisation and in the call to develop public service alternatives, as reflected in the call-in of minute 251 to the Social Care, Health and Inclusion Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which she signed.

 

(2)  Cabinet further notes that this dramatic abandonment of Conservative Party ideology extended to an opposition to the open tendering of transport provision, an area of privatisation previously dear to Conservative hearts, and is accompanied by a total disregard for the financial consequences to the Council, which included an estimated 20% reduction in transport costs at a saving of £360,000 in a full year.

 

(3)  Cabinet further notes that declared Conservative opposition to Cabinet measures which would reduce council tax levels has now reached £8.5m, which, on its own, is the equivalent of an additional 7% increase in council tax, or £96 a year on a band D property, without taking into account any potential savings from the Strategic Asset Review.

 

(4)  Council waits with fascination to see where the Conservative policy of total opposition to all Cabinet decisions will take them next and how high they are prepared to let council tax climb for the hard pressed residents of Wirral.

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Harry Smith

Seconded by Councillor Knowles

 

(1)  This Council notes with amazement the road to Damascus conversion of the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Wallasey to the cause of the Unions in their fight against privatisation and in the call to develop public service alternatives, as reflected in the call-in of minute 251 to the Social Care, Health and Inclusion Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which she signed.

 

(2)  Cabinet further notes that this dramatic abandonment of Conservative Party ideology extended to an opposition to the open tendering of transport provision, an area of privatisation previously dear to Conservative hearts, and is accompanied by a total disregard for the financial consequences to the Council, which included an estimated 20% reduction in transport costs at a saving of £360,000 in a full year.

 

(3)  Cabinet further notes that declared Conservative opposition to Cabinet measures which would reduce council tax levels has now reached £8.5m, which, on its own, is the equivalent of an additional 7% increase in council tax, or £96 a year on a band D property, without taking into account any potential savings from the Strategic Asset Review.

 

(4)  Council waits with fascination to see where the Conservative policy of total opposition to all Cabinet decisions will take them next and how high they are prepared to let council tax climb for the hard pressed residents of Wirral.

 

Having applied the guillotine, the Council did not debate this matter and it was –

 

Resolved (21:24:20) – That the motion be not approved.

 

NB.  The following Councillors requested that their vote against the motion be recorded:

 

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

 

95.

OBJECTION: ADULT SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORT (Cabinet minute 254 - 6 November 2008) (PROJECTED BUDGETS 2009-2011)

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Watt

Seconded by Councillor Sheila Clarke

 

(1)  Council notes that:

 

(i)  transport service users and their carers greatly value the standard and continuity of care currently provided by the in-house team;

 

(ii)  it is proposed to put the transport service out to tender without prior consultation with staff and without assistance for staff to produce an in-house bid;

 

(iii)  the fairness of any tendering process has been compromised by the publication of the current in-house costing in the report to Cabinet;

 

(iv)  the suggested saving arising from putting the transport service out to tender does not take into account the cost of compliance with TUPE regulations.

 

(2)  Council therefore does not accept the Cabinet’s recommended budget saving of £180,000.

 

Having applied the guillotine, the Council did not debate this matter and it was –

 

Resolved (24:39:2) – That the objection be not approved.

 

NB.  The following Councillors requested that their vote in favour of the objection be recorded:

 

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

 

Councillor Kirwan requested that his abstention be recorded.

96.

The Economy

THE ECONOMY

 

Proposed by Councillor Mountney

Seconded by Councillor Rowlands

 

(1)  This Council notes the impact the current economic climate is having, and will continue to have, on Wirral businesses and residents alike.

 

(2)  Council further notes that National Government has provided little effective direct support to local businesses and residents of the Wirral.

 

(3)  Council requests that the Chief Executive reports to the Cabinet and relevant scrutiny committees at the earliest possible opportunity, following urgent discussions with his senior officers and Wirral businesses, on the feasibility of introducing the following measures on Wirral:

 

(i)  Merseyside Special Investment Fund to be requested to make emergency loans available to support businesses for cash-flow purposes and not just capital or revenue expansion plans;

 

(ii)  support for businesses on how to take up business rate relief;

 

(iii)  that Council run a campaign to highlight the poor uptake of benefits across the Wirral, and that this Council should work with the Department of Work and Pensions to encourage the uptake of benefits, including pensions credits and income support, through the better use of our housing and council tax records;

 

(iv)  that this Council further investigate the formation and support of a wider network of Credit Unions, the benefit of which would bring longer-term stability to both the businesses and residents of the Wirral;

 

(v)  the establishment of a Winter Warmth Partnership (Wirral MBC, Social Care, PCT, Health Service, Fire Service).  An emergency fund should be established that should step in when an individual’s health is at risk. This partnership should also make referrals for benefit checks and fire safety checks through its partner members;

 

(vi)  establish a website that promotes and advertises council contracts and encourages local companies to tender for them;

 

(vii)  from 1 January 2009, this Council revising its payment terms from 30 days to 10 days for all small businesses that provide goods and services to the Council;

 

(viii)  the Council consider the removal or reduction of parking charges at our shopping centres.

 

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

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Mountney

Seconded by Councillor Rowlands

 

(1)  This Council notes the impact the current economic climate is having, and will continue to have, on Wirral businesses and residents alike.

 

(2)  Council further notes that National Government has provided little effective direct support to local businesses and residents of the Wirral.

 

(3)  Council requests that the Chief Executive reports to the Cabinet and relevant scrutiny committees at the earliest possible opportunity, following urgent discussions with his senior officers and Wirral businesses, on the feasibility of introducing the following measures on Wirral:

 

(i)  Merseyside Special Investment Fund to be requested to make emergency loans available to support businesses for cash-flow purposes and not just capital or revenue expansion plans;

 

(ii)  support for businesses on how to take up business rate relief;

 

(iii)  that Council run a campaign to highlight the poor uptake of benefits across the Wirral, and that this Council should work with the Department of Work and Pensions to encourage the uptake of benefits, including pensions credits and income support, through the better use of our housing and council tax records;

 

(iv)  that this Council further investigate the formation and support of a wider network of Credit Unions, the benefit of which would bring longer-term stability to both the businesses and residents of the Wirral;

 

(v)  the establishment of a Winter Warmth Partnership (Wirral MBC, Social Care, PCT, Health Service, Fire Service).  An emergency fund should be established that should step in when an individual’s health is at risk. This partnership should also make referrals for benefit checks and fire safety checks through its partner members;

 

(vi)  establish a website that promotes and advertises council contracts and encourages local companies to tender for them;

 

(vii)  from 1 January 2009, this Council revising its payment terms from 30 days to 10 days for all small businesses that provide goods and services to the Council;

 

(viii)  the Council consider the removal or reduction of parking charges at our shopping centres.

 

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

 

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

 

Proposed by Councillor Jean Stapleton

Seconded by Councillor Kelly

 

Delete all after paragraph 1 and insert:

 

(2)  Council acknowledges the initiatives already under way to help businesses and residents during the current economic crisis:

the ‘Free after Three’ parking arrangements from 4 December enabling Christmas shoppers to benefit from free parking after 3.00pm every Thursday during the run-up to Christmas in shoppers’ car parks in Birkenhead, Liscard, Heswall and West Kirby; along with free all-day parking on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to attract shoppers to the Christmas and New Year sales;

the “Health Through Warmth” (HTW) initiative, with which the Council has been actively involved since 2003, which operates through locally based partnerships that seek to help vulnerable people whose health is adversely affected by cold, damp living conditions, achieved by facilitating the installation of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96.

97.

OBJECTION: WIRRAL HOMES ADVERTISING (Cabinet minute 254 - 6 November 2008) (PROJECTED BUDGETS 2009-2011)

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor Leah Fraser

 

(1)  This Council notes that the Housing and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting on 18 November 2008, was not aware of the proposals with regard to the Strategic Asset Review (SAR), and the potential loss of many public buildings, when it considered this budget saving.

 

(2)  Council notes that, as a consequence of the SAR, there is potentially the loss of many locations, such as libraries, leisure centres, community centres and other public buildings that would have otherwise made available to the public the weekly Wirral Homes advert.

 

(3)  Therefore, Council believes that those people who are looking for housing, and who rely on the Wirral Homes advertisement being freely available, will be severely disadvantaged.

 

(4)  Council therefore does not accept the Cabinet’s recommended budget saving of £10,000.

 

Having applied the guillotine, the Council did not debate this matter and it was –

 

Resolved (24:39:2) – That the objection be not approved.

 

NB.  The following Councillors requested that their vote in favour of the objection be recorded:

 

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

 

Councillor Kirwan requested that his abstention be recorded.

98.

OBJECTION: SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND TRANSPORT (Cabinet minute 295 – 10 December 2008) (PROJECTED BUDGETS 2009-2011)

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Sheila Clarke

Seconded by Councillor Karen Hayes

 

(1)  Council notes that the removal of the uniform grant will affect the most needy in our community especially at a time of such deep financial hardship, and the grant should be retained.

 

(2)  Council should instruct the Labour/ Liberal Democrat Cabinet to stop the further review of the cost of School transport. Parents of whatever faith have a right to choose the best school that meets not only their children’s needs but also their beliefs.  This Council should not be imposing barriers to this and again inflicting a further financial burden at this critical time.

 

(3)  Council therefore does not accept the budget saving of £30,000 and agrees that a further review of the cost of school transport should not take place.

 

Resolved:  That the matter be referred to the Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee (minute 77 above refers).

99.

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.

Minutes:

There were no nominations to vacancies submitted.

100.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

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

Minutes:

There were no items of urgent business.