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

The Mayor referred to the numbers of members of the public that were present in the Civic Hall and reminded Members to speak into their microphones and suggested that some Members may prefer to sit when addressing the Council.

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.

The Mayor announced that, with the agreement of the Council, he would request the Democratic Services Manager to record a personal interest on behalf of all Members of the Council in all Minutes concerning the Strategic Asset Review due to their membership of Joint Management Committees and as users of services, and this was agreed.

The members of the Council were invited to consider whether they had any further personal or prejudicial interests 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 Ann McLachlan declared a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) due to her membership of Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association – Board

Councillor Ron Abbey declared a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) and a personal interest in Minute 108 (Questions) due to his membership of Leasowe Community Homes Managment Board

Councillor Iris Coates declared a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) due to her membership of Leasowe Community Homes Managment Board.

Councillor Jim Crabtree declared a personal interest in Minute 120 (Wirral Partnership Homes) and a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) due to his membership of Wirral Partnership Homes – Board.

Councillor David Kirwan declared a prejudicial interest in Minutes 109 (Cabinet minute 325 – Transforming Wirral:  Strategic Asset Review), 117 (Objection:  Minute 325 – Strategic Asset Review), 118 (Amendment:  Cabinet minute 325 (Strategic Asset Review), 123 (Motion:  Strategic Asset Review) and Minute 124 (Amendment:  Cabinet Minute 325 – Strategic Asset Review) due to having been engaged in legal proceedings connected with the Strategic Asset Review. 

Councillor Harry Smith declared a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) due to his membership of Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association – Board

Councillor Denise Roberts declared a personal interest in Minute 120 (Wirral Partnership Homes) and a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) due to her membership of Wirral Partnership Homes – Board.

Councillor Chris Meaden declared a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) due to her membership of Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association – Board

Councillor Andrew Hodson declared a prejudicial interest in Minute 120 (Wirral Partnership Homes) due to his employment.

Councillor Chris Blakeley declared a personal interest in Minute 120 (Wirral Partnership Homes) and Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent).

Councillor Karen Hayes declared a personal interest in Minute 120 (Wirral Partnership Homes) and a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) due to her membership of Wirral Partnership Homes – Board.

Councillor Bill Duffey declared a personal interest in Minute 120 (Wirral Partnership Homes) and a prejudicial interest in Minute 121 (Motion:  Above-inflation increases in rent) due to his membership of Wirral Partnership Homes – Board.

Councillor Ian Lewis declared a personal interest in Minute 120  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

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

(a) Councillor Lesley Rennie on behalf of 130 signatories against the closure of Wallasey Village Library;

(b) Councillor Jerry Williams on behalf of 30 signatories requesting a ban on ball games in Conville Boulevard, Bebington;

(c) Councillor Sheila Clarke on behalf of 67 additional signatories calling for Higher Bebington Library to be retained.

(d) Councillor Sheila Clarke on behalf of 38 members of Bebington Evening Townswomen’s Guild against the closure of Bebington Library and Victoria Hall.

(e) Councillor Sheila Clarke on behalf of 393 signatories against the closure of Victoria Hall.

(f) Councillor Dave Mitchell on behalf of over 5000 signatories against the proposed closure of Eastham Library.

(g) Councillor Kate Wood on behalf of 900 signatories against the proposed closure of Wallasey Village and Seacombe Libraries.

(h) Councillor John Hale submitted an additonal 15 pages to an earlier petition against proposal to close Hoylake Library

(i) Councillor John Hale submitted a copy of petition of over 4000 signatures via S Hesford MP (previously presented to Culture, etc. O & S Committee) against the proposal to close Hoylake Library.

(j) Councillor Phil Gilchrist on behalf of 76 members of Christ the King Parish seeking the retention of Eastham Library

(k) Councillor Phil Gilchrist on behalf of 21 members of the Bromborough Society seeking retention of Eastham Library

(l) Councillor Phil Gilchrist on behalf of 475 signatories against the proposed closure of Eastham Library.

(m) Councillor Cherry Povall on behalf of 84 signatories requesting a reduction of the speed limit from 60 mph to 30 mph in Upper Raby Road, Raby Road and Raby Mere Road.

(n) Councillor Tom Anderson on behalf of 127 signatories of an e-mailed petition to “save the services that are threatened with closure”.

(o) Councillor Tom Anderson on behalf of 860 signatories against the proposed closure of Woodchurch Library and complaining about a lack of consultation.

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

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the extraordinary and ordinary meetings of the Council held on 15 December 2008.

The minutes of the extraordinary and ordinary meetings of the Council held on 15th December 2008 had been circulated to members and it was –

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

The Council agreed without a vote to consider the objection relating to Minute 325 (Strategic Asset Review) proposed by Councillor Green and the amendment relating to Minute 325 (Strategic Asset Review) proposed by Councillor Harney as a joint debate.

The Leader of the Council requested that Standing Order 8 (1) be waived to allow him to move an emergency motion.

Resolved (unanimously)  That Standing Order 8 (1) be waived to allow the submission of an emergency motion.

Resolved (unanimously):  That the Council

(1)  recognises the significant positive contribution made to Wirral and the wider regional economy by Vauxhall Motors;

(2)  will provide every support to the Company in its efforts to secure its future and maintain local employment at its existing site; and

(3)  will continue to work with all key stakeholders, including government, to ensure that this vital industry, including Jaguar, is retained for the benefit of Wirral and surrounding areas.

____

The Council adjourned from 6.30pm to 6.50pm.

____

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

(a)  Mr Norman Haslehurst, 3 Hillam Road, Wallasey, (on behalf of the Friends of Leasowe Recreation Centre) having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted the following question:

What rationale was arrived at to specifically select Leasowe Recreation Centre to be taken out of Council control and passed over to Arena/Leasowe Housing?

Councillor Bob Moon responded as follows:

Arena Housing [the Group that owns Leasowe Community Homes – the major social landlord for Leasowe Estate] has engaged specialist consultants to determine the viability of taking over and running, on existing terms and access conditions, Leasowe Recreation Centre.

It is proposed that the recreation centre would be integrated into a retirement village to be created on the surrounding green space.  Residents and their families would be able to use the Sports Centre as part of this new facility which would also meet an identified need for a range of sheltered and supported housing; freeing up family sized accommodation elsewhere.

Public school and club use would continue as now, maintaining links with local communities and ensuring a source of income for the centre.

Mr Hazlehurst asked a supplementary question to which Councillor Bob Moon responded accordingly.

(b) Mrs Mary Bryning, 39 Birch Road, Prenton having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted the following question:

We know from previous meetings that the SAR looked at the condition and efficiency of the buildings the Council owns. This is obviously important, but, since the Council exists to provide services for the people of Wirral, was any kind of review done of the services provided from these buildings and of the impact of the withdrawal of these services on the public: on literacy levels, on youth engagement in community activities, on the health and well-being of the elderly and vulnerable? If not, why not?  In particular, since last year was the National Year of Reading, is it not perverse and dangerous of this Council to propose closing 11 libraries, which deliver most of that initiative’s projects – Bookstart, Book Ahead, Booktime, Boys into Books, thus instantly reducing access for thousands of children?

Councillor Bob Moon responded as follows:

The Strategic Asset Review was focused on reducing the number of buildings that the authority maintains and on directing budgets towards the service rather than building maintenance. There will be further discussions with the Children and Young People's Department as to how the existing initiatives can be maintained.

Mrs Bryning asked a supplementary question to which Councillor Bob Moon responded accordingly.

(c) David Hall, 86 Kings Drive, Irby having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted the following question:

During this public consultation [on the Strategic Asset Review] we have heard several senior Council officers and councillors use the phrase 'Community Asset Transfer' to promote more public involvement.  Does it mean that it is the wish of those officers to allow, indeed encourage, unpaid, unskilled, untrained, inexperienced volunteers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

Recommendation:

On 27 November Cabinet agreed the Strategic Asset Review, recommended by officers in principle, subject to consultation with the people of Wirral.

Cabinet welcomes the high level of public participation in this consultation, as set out in the Cabinet report. Cabinet notes that residents also made it clear that they were prepared to pay more to keep facilities open.

Cabinet acknowledges that residents on a peninsula believe it is particularly important that their children have the opportunity to learn to swim and take part in swimming activities and that there have been representations from the public and from the health community on the importance of swimming as a way of tackling obesity.

Cabinet noted the often passionate support of what were felt to be local community facilities and recognised the considerable time and effort put in by a number of correspondents who sought to provide detailed arguments for the retention of a particular facility.

Cabinet is particularly grateful for the hard work that went into the detailed document submitted on the importance of Woodchurch Leisure Centre to the local community.

Cabinet also recognises the high regard in which Wirral residents hold their historic buildings and accepts the need to respect Wirral’s heritage.

It also recognises the clear commitment of staff, residents, local musicians and artists and young people to maintaining good cultural facilities and suitable performance venues on the Wirral and thanks those who submitted detailed reasons why these are important to the life of the community as a whole.

However, Cabinet is also mindful of the current economic climate and the hardship that will create for many Wirral people.

It is mindful as well of the fact that definite action is required to tackle Wirral’s budgetary problems and that the recession will also impact on the Council in a number of ways, increasing the need for firm financial control in order to protect Wirral’s council tax payers;

Bearing in mind the Council’s Corporate Priorities and in particular the need to do everything possible to tackle social exclusion and deprivation, Cabinet therefore resolves as follows, and recommends to Council that:

(1)  The Woodchurch Leisure Centre be retained;

(2)  Officers are asked to explore the possibility of persuading any of the Council’s strategic partners who may benefit from the use of the Leisure Centre to contribute towards the £374,000 subsidy currently paid by the Council to keep the Leisure Centre open and to investigate the level of current charges to swimming clubs, schools and other organisations across the borough to ensure that the Council Tax payers are receiving good value for money which should  be the subject of a report to Cabinet on February 5th as part of the budget setting process;

(3)  The Woodchurch Community Centre adjoining the Leisure Centre be considered for transfer to the Community within a two year time frame and the Leisure Centre and Community Centre be seen as the clear focus for community activities;

(4)  The two year time frame for community asset  ...  view the full agenda text for item 109.

Resolved:  That

(1)  The Woodchurch Leisure Centre be retained;

(2)  Officers are asked to explore the possibility of persuading any of the Council’s strategic partners who may benefit from the use of the Leisure Centre to contribute towards the £374,000 subsidy currently paid by the Council to keep the Leisure Centre open and to investigate the level of current charges to swimming clubs, schools and other organisations across the borough to ensure that the Council Tax payers are receiving good value for money which should  be the subject of a report to Cabinet on February 5th as part of the budget setting process;

(3)  The Woodchurch Community Centre adjoining the Leisure Centre be considered for transfer to the Community within a two year time frame and the Leisure Centre and Community Centre be seen as the clear focus for community activities;

(4)  The two year time frame for community asset transfer will expire on 16 January 2011;

(5)  A  two-year provision be set up to allow Guinea Gap to remain open pending a better understanding of the potential scale of any development along the waterfront and the possibility of bringing forward any Government investment in the Housing Market Renewal Initiative which could contribute towards kick starting any major development initiative.

(6)  That negotiations are held with Arena/Leasowe Community Homes for the transfer of the Leasowe Recreation Centre to the benefit of the community, subject to the agreement of satisfactory terms and conditions.

(7)  Cabinet notes that members of the public made it clear during the consultation period that they believed the main focus of activity in the Bromborough/Eastham area should be located in Bromborough. Cabinet therefore resolves to locate the multi- purpose complex at Bromborough Civic Centre, incorporating the Bromborough Library and the One Stop shop currently located in Eastham.

(8)  This would, as a consequence, entail the closure of Eastham library. Residents of Eastham will be given the opportunity to explore alternative ways of making best use of all the facilities in Eastham to meet community needs, including the possibility, if the community so wishes, of a community transfer of the library building, proper access to IT facilities where they are needed, and a remote book ordering point in a relevant location.

(9)  That, in response to substantial public representation, and in recognition of the fact that it is geographically central to a number of deprived areas and housed in a building of historic interest, Upton Library be retained and Woodchurch Library closed.

(10)  In view of the fact that the closure of Eastham library and Woodchurch library was not directly set out in the proposals for consultation, transitional finance of up to three months, to the end of June 2009, will be available to allow residents to consider the best use of buildings within their communities.

(11)  That the development of the five major multi-purpose complexes in Bebington, Birkenhead, Liscard, Moreton and West Kirby (including brand new build in Moreton and Liscard  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.

Recommendation

That it be recommended to the Council that the proposed Transport Capital Programme for 2009/10, set out in [the Director’s] report, be approved.

Resolved - That the proposed Transport Capital Programme for 2009/10, set out in [the Director’s] report, be approved.

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presented the draft departmental service plans for 2009/10.  Cabinet was asked to consider the service plans alongside a refreshed Corporate Plan which took into account the projects and activities identified by departments in their plans as being critical to the delivery of the Council’s medium-term aims and 2009/10 priorities.

A foreword from the Leader of the Council was circulated and it was noted that this would be included in the final draft for Council’s consideration.

Resolved: - That

(1)  the individual departmental service plans be agreed, subject to budget and target setting;

(2)  Cabinet members take responsibility for the delivery of departments’ service plans according to their portfolios in consultation with the appropriate Chief Officer(s);

(3)  the refreshed Corporate Plan for 2009/10 be agreed and referred to full Council; and

(4)  authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Deputy Leader of the Council, to make final minor amendments to the refreshed plan before it is submitted to the Council.

Resolved (41:25): - That the refreshed Corporate Plan for 2009/10 be agreed.

The Director of Law, HR & Asset Management submitted a report seeking the Cabinet’s endorsement of a new Code of Corporate Governance in line with the ‘CIPFA/SOLACE Delivering Good Governance in Local Government Framework’, published in July 2007.

It was noted that the Code would be referred to the Council for inclusion within the Council’s Constitution

Resolved –That the Code of Corporate Governance, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be endorsed.

Resolved –That the Code of Corporate Governance, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be endorsed.

At its meeting on 22 May 2008 Cabinet had approved the urgent progression of the protection works scheme to West Kirby Marine Lake (minute 25 refers).

The Director of Technical Services advised Members of the tenders received to undertake the works and sought approval to accept the lowest tender and make suitable amendments to the Council’s Capital Programme resulting from the revised estimated costs.

Resolved: - That

(1)  the acceptance of Environment Agency Grant in the sum of £1.2m-£1.4m be delegated to the Director of Technical Services in consultation with the Cabinet member for Culture, Tourism and Leisure;

(2)  the increase in scheme cost estimate as outlined in section 3.0 be noted and an allocation of £1,850,000 be sought from the Council’s Capital Programme (including (1) above);

(3)  the acceptance of the tender from Pierse Contracting Ltd in the sum of £1,369,964.99 be approved, subject to efficient confirmation of the EA Grant outlined in (1) above; and

(4)  the amendment to the Council’s Capital Programme be referred to Council for ratification.

Resolved: - That the amendment to the Council’s Capital Programme be approved.

The following matters, determined by the Cabinet, are drawn to the Council’s attention, as required by the Constitution (copies of the reports can be provided for members on request):

(i)  Cabinet minute 327 (15 January) – The Warrens, Thingwall – Disposal of main depot site (Reason: waiving of call-in);

(ii)  Cabinet minute 337 (15 January) – Transforming Adult Social Services – Early voluntary retirement and voluntary severance (Reason: waiving of call-in).

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

(i)  Cabinet minute 327 (15 January) – The Warrens, Thingwall – Disposal of main depot site (Reason: waiving of call-in);

(ii)  Cabinet minute 337 (15 January) – Transforming Adult Social Services – Early voluntary retirement and voluntary severance (Reason: waiving of call-in).

(iii)  Cabinet minute 371 (5 February) – Merseyside Information Service temporary extension of contract (Reason: compliance with Contracts Procedure Rule 5.2).

To consider and determine any references from overview and scrutiny committees, in particular any from the following meetings relating to the Strategic Asset Review:

Finance and Best Value – 2 February

Culture, Tourism and Leisure – 3 February

Corporate Services – 4 February

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

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 that the Council agrees to debate at this meeting and any minority reports submitted in accordance with Standing Order 35(4).

The matters listed for debate in accordance with Standing Order 5(1)(l) were dealt with as indicated in minutes  to 117 to 124 below.

Proposed by Councillor Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

(1)  This Council welcomes the Cabinet’s U-turn in its decision to retain Woodchurch Leisure Centre, Bromborough Civic Centre, Upton Library and Pensby Library.

(2)  Council notes that Guinea Gap has only been given a stay of execution and that the future of Leasowe Recreation Centre remains uncertain.

(3)  Council is shocked that Woodchurch Library and Eastham Library, libraries that were not even mentioned in the original Strategic Asset Review, are now to be closed and believes that it is unacceptable to treat the residents and service users in this way.

(4)  Council believes that the public is totally opposed to the closures announced and contained in Cabinet minute 325 and Council therefore expresses its view that the closures announced by the Cabinet should not go ahead.

(5)  Council further believes that Wirral is made up of a series of geographically dispersed and diverse communities: Council believes that the best way of meeting the needs of these communities is by providing local, high quality services. Council therefore demands that officers cease any further actions on the current Strategic Asset Review (other than activity based on streamlining back office administrative functions) and start work immediately on a new plan which will retain and enhance all those services (libraries, leisure centres, community centres, theatre and museums, etc) that are currently under threat.

(6)  Council believes that the ruling administration has no mandate to close these vital services before the public has had the opportunity to express their wishes in the local elections.

____

During the course of the debate, the Mayor requested that, in accordance with Standing Order 16, a member of the public be asked to leave the public gallery.  The Council adjourned at 8.40pm and reconvened at 8.50pm.

____

Following a debate, it was proposed by Councillor Green that Standing Order 18(7) be waived to allow a card vote to be carried out following the application of the guillotine procedure.  The proposal was put and lost (28:35:1).

The objection was put and it was –

Resolved (25:39:1) – 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, T Harney, 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.

Proposed by Councillor Harney

Seconded by Councillor Gilchrist

(1)  Council

(i) believes that many issues and proposals contained in the Strategic Asset Review have caused considerable concern to the communities throughout Wirral. 

Council recognises that, since October, there has been uncertainty around the future provision of libraries, recreational and other facilities;

(ii) is concerned that the direction of the Strategic Asset Review, creating larger complexes, in key locations, is too broad an approach for a borough consisting of so many communities;

(iii) believes that section (26) dealing with the rationalisation of office accommodation is what the public rightly expect should happen with an organisation of this size.

(2)  Council believes that the public deserve and prefer community-based, accessible services, with savings achieved in office accommodation and through agile working, rather than the closure of facilities.

(3)  Therefore, recalling that this matter was first ‘expedited’ on 16 October 2008, Council requests that this work must be brought forward as a matter of urgency and calls for that approach to receive priority in order to secure savings.

(4)  Council believes that tackling too many issues, in too short a timescale, has created an excessive workload and a lack of effective capacity to tackle the issues effectively.  However the consolidation of buildings and facilities may be achievable by working with each community in a sensitive and realistic manner.

(5)  That the proposed programme of library closures be rescinded and budgetary provision should be made.  The prospect of borrowing to secure physical improvements to buildings, saving energy and running costs, remodelling and improving them, should be properly addressed, with regard to capitalisation and borrowing costs.

(6)  Council therefore resolves:

(i)  That the proposals in sections (1) to (6) inclusive of the recommendation be approved, subject to officers reporting back on the results of the investigations and discussions and alerting members to areas of concern at the earliest opportunity.

(ii)  That the proposals in paragraphs (7) up to and including (16) of the proposals be not proceeded with.

(iii)  That the innovative schemes referred to in sections (17) and (18) be commended for further development and introduction.

(iv)  That the reassurances and clear statement regarding Birkenhead Central Library in paragraph (19) be warmly welcomed and endorsed.

(v)  That, with regard to all the centres and facilities covered in paragraph (20), the emphasis must be on working with communities so that the users can make an informed judgment on their provision and individual circumstances.

(vi)  That the proposals contained in paragraphs (21) to (25) be approved in principle, but developed further and that progress reports on each of the matters be given to the Cabinet at regular intervals, and that, as a matter of principle, any member requesting information on progress be kept fully informed.

(vii)  That the issues of office accommodation and agile working be addressed with urgency.

(viii)  That paragraph (29) be set aside in order to assist this process and to proceed on the basis outlined.

(ix)  Finally, that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Foulkes.

(1)  Council notes, with amazement, the breathtakingly reckless economics behind the Conservative Group’s behaviour on this Council. This includes:

(a)  a virtually total opposition to all savings proposed by the Cabinet in order to reduce the burden on Wirral’s council tax payers.  If this were implemented it would so far have cost the council tax payers a minimum of £11m, which is the equivalent of an 11% increase in council tax over and above the current projected increase of 4%, giving an increase of 15%.  (Council further notes that as increases of over 5% are likely to be capped, this would not only incur further costs to the Council in re-billing, but mean that over ten million pounds worth of Council services would have to be dramatically slashed within the period of just a few weeks in order to restore the budget to a legal level);

(b)  the use of a much vaunted £90m of reserves to support their lack of any viable alternative to the measures currently proposed by Cabinet.  This would not only bankrupt the Council for the future, in the same way that their use of £13m of balances to hide the impact of the poll tax created a hole in Wirral’s finances from which we are even now only just recovering, but would mean, amongst other things:

• raiding school balances to support general Council expenditure, which is illegal;
• running the Council with zero balances, instead of the £6m recommended by the District Auditor, which means any minor overspend immediately places the Council into an illegal position;
• using the Council’s insurance fund, which is used to self-insure against claims or, in the case of very large claims, pay the initial excess. This would effectively leave the Council uninsured and liable for massive future costs and legal cases;
• using money paid in advance by the Government to fund specific schemes for purposes other than that for which the money is reserved, which would leave the Council liable for major clawbacks in the future;
• using money reserved against potential overpayment by the Government on housing benefits, which again would leave the Council liable to large claims without the money to meet them;
• using money allocated from other sources for specific projects which are not yet completed.

(2)  Council further notes that this reckless behaviour, which would severely damage the Council’s financial position and ability to offer services to the people of Wirral, is matched by the national position of the Conservative Party, which is to cut £5billion from public spending, including £240million from the Formula Grant paid to local authorities and at the same time promise a council tax freeze, leading to further devastation of local services.

(3)  Council also notes that the dodgy accounting of the local Conservative Group is matched by that of their party nationally, who have so far declared the use of the same pot of money (government advertising and consultancy fees) twice for completely different  ...  view the full agenda text for item 119.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Foulkes

(1) Council notes, with amazement, the breathtakingly reckless economics behind the Conservative Group’s behaviour on this Council. This includes:

(a) a virtually total opposition to all savings proposed by the Cabinet in order to reduce the burden on Wirral’s council tax payers. If this were implemented it would so far have cost the council tax payers a minimum of £11m, which is the equivalent of an 11% increase in council tax over and above the current projected increase of 4%, giving an increase of 15%. (Council further notes that as increases of over 5% are likely to be capped, this would not only incur further costs to the Council in re-billing, but mean that over ten million pounds worth of Council services would have to be dramatically slashed within the period of just a few weeks in order to restore the budget to a legal level);

(b) the use of a much vaunted £90m of reserves to support their lack of any viable alternative to the measures currently proposed by Cabinet. This would not only bankrupt the Council for the future, in the same way that their use of £13m of balances to hide the impact of the poll tax created a hole in Wirral’s finances from which we are even now only just recovering, but would mean, amongst other things:

• raiding school balances to support general Council expenditure, which is illegal;

• running the Council with zero balances, instead of the £6m recommended by the District Auditor, which means any minor overspend immediately places the Council into an illegal position;

• using the Council’s insurance fund, which is used to self-insure against claims or, in the case of very large claims, pay the initial excess. This would effectively leave the Council uninsured and liable for massive future costs and legal cases;

• using money paid in advance by the Government to fund specific schemes for purposes other than that for which the money is reserved, which would leave the Council liable for major claw-backs in the future;

• using money reserved against potential overpayment by the Government on housing benefits, which again would leave the Council liable to large claims without the money to meet them;

• using money allocated from other sources for specific projects which are not yet completed.

(2) Council further notes that this reckless behaviour, which would severely damage the Council’s financial position and ability to offer services to the people of Wirral, is matched by the national position of the Conservative Party, which is to cut £5billion from public spending, including £240million from the Formula Grant paid to local authorities and at the same time promise a council tax freeze, leading to further devastation of local services.

(3) Council also notes that the dodgy accounting of the local Conservative Group is matched by that of their party nationally, who have so far declared the use of the same pot of money (government advertising  ...  view the full minutes text for item 119.

Proposed by Councillor Alan Taylor

Seconded by Councillor Doyle

(1)  This Council recognises the significance of the in-depth presentation given to the Housing and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 15 January 2009 and welcomes the Department of Regeneration’s technical and advisory assistance to the company in finding a solution to the problems raised by the conditions found in modernising their tower blocks and sheltered housing.

(2)  Furthermore this Council again welcomes the decision of the Cabinet in endorsing Wirral Partnership Homes’ request to modify the representation required for a quorate meeting of the Board, thus enabling the company to operate effectively in these difficult times.

(3)  Council believes that it is essential that the Conservatives play a full part in this process, to work to minimise the impact of the problems experienced by Wirral Partnership Homes on the residents of Wirral.

Proposed by Councillor Alan Taylor

Seconded by Councillor Doyle

(1) This Council recognises the significance of the in-depth presentation given to the Housing and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 15 January 2009 and welcomes the Department of Regeneration’s technical and advisory assistance to the company in finding a solution to the problems raised by the conditions found in modernising their tower blocks and sheltered housing.

(2) Furthermore this Council again welcomes the decision of the Cabinet in endorsing Wirral Partnership Homes’ request to modify the representation required for a quorate meeting of the Board, thus enabling the company to operate effectively in these difficult times.

(3) Council believes that it is essential that the Conservatives play a full part in this process, to work to minimise the impact of the problems experienced by Wirral Partnership Homes on the residents of Wirral.

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

Resolved (38:24:2) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded by Councillor Blakeley

(1)  Council notes with concern that, at a time when many families are feeling the pinch, housing associations and registered social landlords are setting above-inflation increases in rent.

(2)  Council believes the use of the recorded increase in Retail Price Index in September 2008 of 5% is not an accurate indicator today and will see many tenants in Wirral paying disproportionate increases in rent.

(3)  Council therefore welcomes the efforts of the Local Government Association, supported by many RSLs and publications such as Inside Housing, for the Government to enable rent increases to be kept to a more manageable increase.

(4)  Council calls on the social landlords in Wirral to consider the impact of increases on tenants and also asks the Chief Executive of Wirral Borough Council to write to the LGA and Department for Communities and Local Government endorsing the need for RSLs to be given the freedom to set lower increases without being penalised in future years.

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded by Councillor Blakeley

(1) Council notes with concern that, at a time when many families are feeling the pinch, housing associations and registered social landlords (RSLs) are setting above-inflation increases in rent.

(2) Council believes the use of the recorded increase in Retail Price Index in September 2008 of 5% is not an accurate indicator today and will see many tenants in Wirral paying disproportionate increases in rent.

(3) Council therefore welcomes the efforts of the Local Government Association, supported by many RSLs and publications such as Inside Housing, for the Government to enable rent increases to be kept to a more manageable increase.

(4) Council calls on the social landlords in Wirral to consider the impact of increases on tenants and also asks the Chief Executive of Wirral Borough Council to write to the LGA and Department for Communities and Local Government endorsing the need for RSLs to be given the freedom to set lower increases without being penalised in future years.

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

Resolved (55:0:2) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Kenny

Seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan

(1)  This Council expresses extreme concern that, at the normal scheduled Housing and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee, held on 15 January 2009, not one representative of the Conservative Party attended. This is despite the fact that the Conservatives are entitled to three seats on the Committee.

(2)  Council is particularly concerned that the Conservative Party felt unable to arrange for even one representative to consider many crucial scheduled agenda issues, on behalf of the people of Wirral, including:

• Wirral's Housing Market Renewal Programme 2008-2011 - Mid Year Progress Report 2008/09
• Housing Stock Transfer - Progress Report
• Presentation on Tower Blocks and Sheltered Housing
• Presentation on Homelessness: Rough Sleepers/Street Drinkers
• Review of Scrutiny Work Programme
• Anti-Social Behaviour Watch Schemes
• Policing in Wirral
• Clearance programmes for areas including Wallasey
• HMRI areas including Seacombe, Liscard and Egremont.
• CCTV Control Room Report

(3)  This Council believes that all political parties should accept a responsibility to consider, and make decisions on, crucial issues, within the Council’s agreed committee structure, on behalf of the Wirral electorate.  By their non-attendance, the Conservatives have shown that they are not willing to accept such responsibilities, and, at the same time, have badly let down the Wirral electorate, who expect real leadership from their elected representatives, as opposed to “political posturing”.

Proposed by Councillor Kenny

Seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan

(1) This Council expresses extreme concern that, at the normal scheduled Housing and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee, held on 15 January 2009, not one representative of the Conservative Party attended. This is despite the fact that the Conservatives are entitled to three seats on the Committee.

(2) Council is particularly concerned that the Conservative Party felt unable to arrange for even one representative to consider many crucial scheduled agenda issues, on behalf of the people of Wirral, including:

• Wirral's Housing Market Renewal Programme 2008-2011 - Mid Year Progress Report 2008/09

• Housing Stock Transfer - Progress Report

• Presentation on Tower Blocks and Sheltered Housing

• Presentation on Homelessness: Rough Sleepers/Street Drinkers

• Review of Scrutiny Work Programme

• Anti-Social Behaviour Watch Schemes

• Policing in Wirral

• Clearance programmes for areas including Wallasey

• HMRI areas including Seacombe, Liscard and Egremont.

• CCTV Control Room Report

(3) This Council believes that all political parties should accept a responsibility to consider, and make decisions on, crucial issues, within the Council’s agreed committee structure, on behalf of the Wirral electorate. By their non-attendance, the Conservatives have shown that they are not willing to accept such responsibilities, and, at the same time, have badly let down the Wirral electorate, who expect real leadership from their elected representatives, as opposed to “political posturing”.

Resolved (22:37:1) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Mitchell

(1)  Council recognises that Cabinet minute 325 (Transforming Wirral - Strategic Asset Review), welcomed:

(a) “the high level of public participation” in the consultation process and
(b) “the considerable time and effort put in by a number of correspondents who sought to provide detailed arguments for the retention of a particular facility”.

(2)  Council believes that this specifically opposed the closure of Bromborough Library and Civic Centre and did not call as such, for the relocation of the One Stop Shop, but concentrated on the importance of the Library and Civic Centre.

(3)  Council therefore does not consider that the consultation showed, in any way, a desire by Bromborough or Eastham residents for the closure of Eastham Library as a library or re-location of such a key One-Stop Shop drawing from a wide area.

(4)  Council, having regard to sections 7 and 8 of the Cabinet decision, which determines that Eastham library should close, believes that this decision is based on a misreading and misunderstanding of the points raised in the petitions, letters and at the meeting at Hulme Hall.

(5)  Council therefore calls upon the Cabinet:

(i)  to re-examine this matter in detail in the light of the views being expressed, particularly by Eastham and Woodchurch residents who had no reason, until 15 January, to campaign for the retention of their valued services;

(ii)  to take no action on the present decision and, for the avoidance of doubt, to ensure that budgetary provision is retained in the base budget to continue services until a decision based on the responses to consultation has been made and the level of service provision has been determined.

Proposed by Councillor Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Mitchell

(1) Council recognises that Cabinet minute 325 (Transforming Wirral – Strategic Asset Review), welcomed:

(a) “the high level of public participation” in the consultation process and

(b) “the considerable time and effort put in by a number of correspondents who sought to provide detailed arguments for the retention of a particular facility”.

(2) Council believes that this specifically opposed the closure of Bromborough Library and Civic Centre and did not call as such, for the relocation of the One Stop Shop, but concentrated on the importance of the Library and Civic Centre.

(3) Council therefore does not consider that the consultation showed, in any way, a desire by Bromborough or Eastham residents for the closure of Eastham Library as a library or re-location of such a key One-Stop Shop drawing from a wide area.

(4) Council, having regard to sections 7 and 8 of the Cabinet decision, which determines that Eastham library should close, believes that this decision is based on a misreading and misunderstanding of the points raised in the petitions, letters and at the meeting at Hulme Hall.

(5) Council therefore calls upon the Cabinet:

(i) to re-examine this matter in detail in the light of the views being expressed, particularly by Eastham and Woodchurch residents who had no reason, until 15 January, to campaign for the retention of their valued services;

(ii) to take no action on the present decision and, for the avoidance of doubt, to ensure that budgetary provision is retained in the base budget to continue services until a decision based on the responses to consultation has been made and the level of service provision has been determined.

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

Resolved (30:34:1) – That the Motion 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, P Gilchrist, JE Green, J Hale, T Harney, Karen Hayes, Paul Hayes, AC Hodson, PSC Johnson, J Keeley, I Lewis, D Mitchell, SD Moseley, SR Mountney, S Niblock, C Povall, A Pritchard, Mrs LA Rennie, SL Rowlands, P Southwood, Sue Taylor, GCJ Watt, Mrs P Williams and Mrs K Wood.

Proposed by Councillor Mitchell

Seconded by Councillor Gilchrist

(1) That no action be taken relating to the provision and pattern of library services covered in this decision.

(2) Council notes that last Autumn the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launched the Library Service Modernisation Review:

“to refresh the Government’s vision for the public library service that enables local authorities to respond to consumer expectations and to deliver their aspirations for their communities”.

Council recognises that this is to be published this Spring, then consulted upon.

(3) Council believes that no action should be taken until due attention has been given to its conclusions but notes that the aims of the Review are the provision of a ‘community-led service’, the kind of service Wirral residents have been urging this Council to retain.

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

Resolved (29:35:1) – That the amendment be not approved.

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

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

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, including:

(i)  The following person has been nominated to fill the vacancy of parent governor representative on the Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Mrs Maureen Cain, 8 Ganney’s Meadow Road, Woodchurch.

(ii)  The Council has been asked to fill a vacancy that has arisen among the trustees of the West Kirby Charities.

Resolved – That

(1)  Mrs Maureen Cain be appointed to fill the vacancy of parent governor representative on the Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee; and

(2)  Mrs Dorothy Robinson be re-appointed to the trustees of the West Kirby Charities.

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

There were no items of urgent business.