Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Items
No. Item

Choir of St George's Primary School

Prior to formally opening the meeting, the Mayor invited the Choir of St George’s Primary School to sing three carols for the Members.

 

The Mayor then thanked the choir, their teacher, Miss Lambert, and Head Teacher, Mr Elswood.

73.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members of the Council are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or any other relevant 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:

Councillor P Davies declared a non-pecuniary interest, in Motion 1 (An Emergency Plan to Help People Cope with Benefit Cuts) (see minute 82 post) by virtue of him being a trustee of the Wirral Foodbank.

 

Councillors D Roberts, J Green, D McCubbin and S Whittingham declared a non-pecuniary interest, in Motion 1 (An Emergency Plan to Help People Cope with Benefit Cuts) (see minute 82 post) by virtue of their appointment to the Board of Wirral Partnership Homes.

 

Councillors R Abbey and A Leech declared a non - pecuniary interest in Motion 1 (An Emergency Plan to Help People Cope with Benefit Cuts) (see minute 82 post) by virtue of their appointment to the Leasowe Community Homes Management Board.

 

Councillors A McLachlan, D Realey and H Smith declared a non-pecuniary interest in Motion 1 (An Emergency Plan to Help People Cope with Benefit Cuts) (see minute 82 post) by virtue of their appointment to the Board of Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association.

74.

MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS

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

Minutes:

The Mayor’s Chaplain, Revd Dr David Chester, led the Council in prayers.

 

The Mayor referred to the recent deaths of both Councillors Peter Johnson and Anne McArdle and the Council stood in silent tribute to their memories.

 

The Leader of the Council paid tribute to both Councillors Johnson and McArdle for their outstanding dedication and service to the Council and to their respective communities.

 

The Leader of the Conservative Group (Councillor Green) and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group (Councillor Harney) endorsed the comments of Councillor P Davies and paid tribute to Councillors Johnson and McArdle.

 

The Mayor invited all Members and the public to join with him and Lord Ashdown who would be unveiling a new memorial in Birkenhead on Tuesday 18 December, 2012, to celebrate the courage of the "Cockleshell Heroes" - a group of Royal Marine canoeists who were behind one of the most daring raids of World War II.

75.

PETITIONS pdf icon PDF 68 KB

A.  To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

 

B.  The following petitions are referred to the Council for consideration in accordance with Standing Order 34 (1) –

 

(1)  A petition of 3167 signatures, submitted by Ross Quinn opposing the £100m cuts to jobs and services in Wirral.

 

The front sheet of the petition is attached and, in accordance with the Petition Scheme, the petition organiser has been invited to address the Council for up to five minutes. The Council should debate the matter for a maximum of 15 minutes before deciding how to respond to the petition.

 

(2)  A petition of 7644 signatures, submitted by Vikki Ogilvie asking the Council to keep the Wirral Dog warden service operated from Birkenhead Council Kennels.

 

The front sheet of the petition is attached and, in accordance with the Petition Scheme, the petition organiser has been invited to address the Council for up to five minutes. The Council should debate the matter for a maximum of 15 minutes before deciding how to respond to the petition.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A.  In accordance with Standing Order 21, the Mayor received a petition submitted by Councillor S Niblock on behalf of 139 signatories against the closure of Bebington / New Ferry Youth Club.

 

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

 

B.  (1) In accordance with the Petition Scheme (when petitions with a threshold of 1500 signatures triggered a Council debate) the Council received a petition of some 3167 signatures, with a further 3513 signatures, presented at the meeting, submitted by Mr R Quinn opposing the £100m cuts to jobs and services in Wirral.

 

Mr Quinn of Wirral United Against Cuts addressed the Council on behalf of the petitioners. He urged the Council to fight the cuts and called for a public meeting to discuss how the Council could fight back against the cuts.

 

On a motion by Councillor Davies, seconded by Councillor McLachlan, and following a debate, it was then

 

Resolved – That Mr Quinn be thanked for his presentation, the petition be noted and his comments be considered as part of the ongoing consultation process on the budget options.

 

(2) In accordance with the Petition Scheme (when petitions with a threshold of 1500 signatures triggered a Council debate) the Council received a petition of some 7644 signatures, submitted by Vikki Ogilvie asking the Council to keep the Wirral Dog warden service operated from Birkenhead Council Kennels.

 

Mr P Simpson, of the Friends of Birkenhead Council Kennels, addressed the Council and spoke of the Friends’ desire to work with the Council in reducing the costs of the service and to help keep the kennels in Birkenhead.

 

On a motion by Councillor Davies, seconded by Councillor McLachlan, and following a debate, it was then -

 

Resolved – That Mr Simpson be thanked for his presentation, the petition be noted and his comments be considered as part of the ongoing consultation process on the budget options.

76.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 56 KB

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting(s) of the Council held on 9 and 15 October, 2012.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 9 and 15 October, 2012, had been circulated to members and it was –

 

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

77.

LEADER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Phil Davies, addressed the Council on the following matters:

 

·  National Postal Workers Day,

 

As today was National Postal Workers Day he, along with three colleagues, had visited Royal Mail Postal Workers at the Wallasey Sorting Office that morning to help celebrate the hard work and dedication of hundreds of thousands of women and men who collected, sorted and delivered letters, parcels and packets, including those working in post offices who collected and managed packets and parcels and many working behind the scenes to make the post a success for everyone across the UK.

 

It was expected to be one of the busiest days of the year in the postal industry with 130 millions of items in the system and he recorded his personal thanks and appreciation for the fantastic work that postal workers did for the people of Wirral.

 

·  A554 Tower Road Dock Bridges ‘A’ and ‘C’ Refurbishment Works

 

Work to the two bridges on the A554 Tower Road between Birkenhead and Wallasey was completed on Friday 14 December 2012, with the road being fully re-opened to traffic before the early evening peak-hour.

 

These essential works were necessary to ensure that the structures remained safe for the passage of vehicles.

 

The works had successfully been completed on schedule and to budget, despite several periods of unfavourable weather. In order to meet the demanding timescale for carrying out the work, the Contractor had also worked during the course of a number of weekends and he offered congratulations to all concerned.

 

·  Merseyside Pension Fund

 

Merseyside Pension Fund was congratulated on winning the Local Government Chronicle Fund of the Year for funds in excess of £2 bn; it had beaten some considerably larger funds, at the Local Government Chronicle Awards Dinner which had taken place in London the previous week. Councillor Pat Glasman, Chair of the Pensions Committee, had received the award together with staff from the team. It was a real achievement and was the second national award the Fund had won this year.

 

·  Outdoor Fitness Equipment

 

The Parks and Countryside Service had been successful with a funding application of £200,000 for outdoor fitness equipment; the funding was to provide 3 Fitness Trails (like the existing ones in Birkenhead and Central Parks) and 6 Gyms, which would consist of a grouping of approximately three or four items of equipment. 

 

The funding, which was through NHS Wirral’s - Health Innovation fund, was to provide additional freely accessible outdoor fitness equipment in Parks and green spaces, in the most deprived communities in Wirral where greatest need was identified.

 

·  Ofsted Report

 

A new report by Ofsted had shown that standards in Wirral’s schools were rising steadily. Ofsted’s annual report into services for children and young people for 2011/2012 showed that:

 

o  83 per cent of primary age pupils in Wirral attended good or outstanding primary schools

o  72 per cent of secondary age pupils in Wirral attended good or outstanding secondary schools

 

The figure for primary schools was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

78.

MATTERS REQUIRING APPROVAL BY THE COUNCIL pdf icon PDF 74 KB

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

 

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

 

A.  Cabinet – 29 November 2012

 

Minute 132

Welfare Reform – Local Council Tax Support Scheme

 

Minute 133

Insurance Fund Budget 2013/2014

 

B.  Licensing Act 2003 Committee

 

Minute 13

Draft Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005

(The Draft Statement is attached for the Council’s consideration)

 

C.  Pensions Committee

 

Minute 39

Filming/Recording by the Public of Council Committee Meetings

(See also the Notice of Motion – ‘Recording and Filming Within Council Meetings)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

One matter from Cabinet on 29 November, 2012, minute 132 (Welfare Reform – Local Council Tax Support Scheme) was submitted for approval but was the subject of objections (see minutes 91 and 92 post). 

 

A further matter from Pensions Committee on 20 November, 2012, minute 39 (Filming / Recording by the Public of Council Committee Meetings) was the subject of a motion (see minute 88 post)

 

Resolved – That the following matter be approved:

 

Minute 133 (Cabinet – 29/11/12) – Insurance Fund Budget 2013/2014.

79.

MATTERS FOR NOTING pdf icon PDF 86 KB

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

 

A.  Cabinet – 18 October 2012

 

Minute 108

Capital Monitoring 2012/13 – Period 5 (August)

 

Minute 109

Revenue Monitoring 2012/13 – Period 5 (August)

 

B.  Cabinet – 8 November 2012

 

Minute 121

Capital Monitoring 2012/13 – Period 6 (September)

 

Minute 122

Revenue Monitoring 2012/13 – Period 6 (September)

 

Minute 125

Efficiency Investment Fund (EIF)

 

C.  Cabinet – 29 November 2012

 

Minute 135

Level of General Fund Balances

 

Minute 136

Capital Programme Review

Minutes:

Resolved – That the following matters be noted -

 

(i)  Minute 108 (Cabinet – 18/10/12) - Capital Monitoring 2012/13 – Period 5 (August)

 

(ii)  Minute 109 (Cabinet – 18/10/12) -Revenue Monitoring 2012/13 – Period 5 (August)

 

(iii)Minute 121 (Cabinet – 8/11/12) - Capital Monitoring 2012/13 – Period 6 (September)

 

(iv)Minute 122 (Cabinet – 8/11/12) - Revenue Monitoring 2012/13 – Period 6 (September)

 

(v)  Minute 125 (Cabinet – 8/11/12) - Efficiency Investment Fund (EIF)

 

(vi)Minute 135 (Cabinet – 29/11/12) - Level of General Fund Balances

 

(vii)  Minute 136 (Cabinet – 29/11/12) - Capital Programme Review

80.

PROCEDURE

Minutes:

On a motion by Councillor WJ Davies, duly seconded, it was –

 

Resolved – That the Standing Order 7(8) be applied at 8.30pm.

 

The Leader of the Council referred to Motion 8 (Safeguarding Our Children and Young People) and, having spoken to the two other Party Leaders, asked that the Council did not consider this motion at this meeting due to personal reasons on behalf of one member of the Labour Group.

 

Councillors Johnston and Mrs P M Williams, with the agreement of the Council, then withdrew the motion.

81.

MATTERS FOR DEBATE pdf icon PDF 127 KB

Pursuant to Standing Order 5(2)(n), and in accordance with Standing Order 5(4), to consider written comments, objections or amendments to minutes submitted under Standing Order 7(2), together with those motions, submitted under item 10 above, that the Council agrees to debate at this meeting and any minority reports submitted in accordance with Standing Order 35(4).

 

The order for debates will be as follows:

 

1.  Motion:  An Emergency Plan to Help People Cope with Benefit Cuts

2.  Motion:  Cutting Too Far and Too Fast

3.  Motion:  Strengthening Communities in Wirral

4.  Motion:  Council Budget

5.  Motion:  Using the Sustainable Communities Act

6.  Motion:  Power to the People – Collective Energy Switching

7.  Motion:  Recording and Filming Within Council Meetings

8.  Motion:  Safeguarding our Children and Young People

9.  Motion:  Planning Application APP/11/01418

10. & 11. Objection/

  Amendment: Minute 132 (Cabinet – 29 November 2012)

  Welfare Reform – Local Council Tax Support Scheme

  Item 6A – Matters Requiring Approval by the Council

Minutes:

The matters listed for debate in accordance with Standing Order 5(2) (n) were dealt with as indicated in minutes 82 to 92 below.

82.

MOTION: AN EMERGENCY PLAN TO HELP PEOPLE COPE WITH BENEFIT CUTS

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor George Davies

Seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes

 

(1)  This Council is appalled at the draconian cuts to welfare benefits agreed by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government, totalling £7 billion in 2014/15 with more likely to follow. At a time when the government has also cut taxes for millionaires Council finds this policy morally repugnant.

 

(2)  Cuts in benefits such as Incapacity Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Crisis Loans and the imposition of a ‘Bedroom’ Tax will hit the poorest in society the hardest.

 

(3)  Universal Credit, the flagship of the government’s welfare reforms, according to former Welfare Reform Minister, Frank Field, is ‘practically unachievable’ and heading for disaster.

 

(4)  The growth of Foodbanks is a sad indictment of the failure of this government to properly provide for those in need.

 

(5)  Figures published recently show that the government’s flagship welfare-to-work programme has failed to hit its main target. As a result, over the course of this Parliament the country’s welfare bill will be £20 billion higher than projected.

 

(6)  Many of the people who will suffer as a result of benefit cuts are likely to look to local Councils for help. Council therefore asks the Chief Executive to prepare an Emergency Plan which sets out how the Council together with organisations such as Registered Social Landlords and the Citizens Advice Bureau can provide assistance. The Plan should include: basic information on which benefits will be cut and who will be affected; the provision of enhanced welfare rights advice; and practical assistance to help people meet their basic living costs.

 

(7)  Council asks that this Plan be submitted to appropriate scrutiny committees and Cabinet at the earliest opportunity.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Tom Harney

 

Delete paragraphs (1) to (5) renumber paragraph (6) as paragraph (1) and insert:

 

‘Council recognises that’ at the beginning, in front of ‘many of the people…….’.

 

Renumber paragraph (7) as paragraph (2).

 

Following a debate and Councillor George Davies having replied, the amendment proposed by Councillor Gilchrist was put and lost (7:55) (One abstention).

 

The motion was put and carried (36:26) (One abstention).

 

Resolved (36:26) (One abstention) –

 

(1)  This Council is appalled at the draconian cuts to welfare benefits agreed by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government, totalling £7 billion in 2014/15 with more likely to follow. At a time when the government has also cut taxes for millionaires Council finds this policy morally repugnant.

 

(2)  Cuts in benefits such as Incapacity Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Crisis Loans and the imposition of a ‘Bedroom’ Tax will hit the poorest in society the hardest.

 

(3)  Universal Credit, the flagship of the government’s welfare reforms, according to former Welfare Reform Minister, Frank Field, is ‘practically unachievable’ and heading for disaster.

 

(4)  The growth of Foodbanks is a sad indictment of the failure of this government to properly provide for those in need.

 

(5)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

83.

MOTION: CUTTING TOO FAR AND TOO FAST

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

 

(1)  Council notes that the 'budget options' now being considered include:

 

- Closing Sure Start Children's Centres

- Cutting the Youth Service

- Removing Council Tax discounts to pensioners and others

- Closing the Birkenhead Dog Kennels

- Cutting the resources available to Area Forums and community groups

- Ending the home insulation programme

- Increasing the cost of Meals on Wheels

- Turning off street lights

- Scrapping the Apprenticeship programme and significantly reducing our capability to bring inward investment and jobs into the area

 

(2)  Council notes a total lack of coherence or a guiding strategy behind these cuts and that at the same time as recommending the cutting back of services for the most vulnerable in our communities the administration, is not collecting all the money owed to the Council and has even taken action to vastly increase the Council's cash in the bank by a further £21 million.

 

(3)  Council does not believe the approach adopted by the Labour Administration is morally acceptable or consistent with our aspiration for a resilient, active civic society that supports the weakest and poorest in our communities.

 

(4)  Council believes the Labour Administration has once again ‘got the cart before the horse’ and calls for it to identify a coherent strategy first and present this to Council as a matter of urgency and then come forward with a budget to deliver this strategy.

 

(5)  Council believes the public will accept an evidence based, thought through and considered blue print for the future as opposed to the unthinking, ill considered, hypocritical slash and burn approach favoured, once again, by the Labour Administration.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan

 

Delete everything and replace with the following:

 

(1)  Council notes that the budget options published in the name of the Chief Executive on the 9th November are currently subject to consultation with the public. These are therefore officer options and not the views of the Administration. Council further notes that the Administration will present specific budget proposals to the Cabinet meetings on the 20th December and 7th February respectively.

 

(2)  Council rejects the claim that there is a lack of coherence or guiding strategy behind the budget options. The budget options have been put forward according to the overriding principle that we should spend less on ourselves, taking savings first from our ‘back office’ and so mitigating as much as possible the impact on services to residents, particularly our poorest and most vulnerable.

 

(3)  In order to manage the risks around the Council’s budget, including the £17 million overspend inherited from the previous administration; the need to make provision for cuts in Council Tax Benefit; the need to complete Job Evaluation; and the impact of the Localisation of Business Rates; Council believes it is prudent to ensure that balances and reserves are at an appropriate level. Council also notes the finding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

84.

MOTION: STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES IN WIRRAL

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Tom Harney

Seconded by Councillor Pat Williams

 

(1)  Council recognises its duty to involve the people of Wirral in shaping the services it provides. The surveys carried out by the Council in the last two years have shown its commitment.

 

(2)  It thanks all those involved in this work. It also acknowledges the work of those who have organised Area Forums over a number of years. They have provided another opportunity for the public to be involved.

 

(3)  Council believes that the time is right to bring together these and other means of involving the public into a strategy which will ensure that all of our residents have the opportunity to be involved in our decision making processes.

 

(4)  In view of developments, such as the Localism Act 2011, Council believes that the time is right to relaunch the Forums, ensuring that they are fit for purpose.

 

(5)  Council further recognises that if they are to involve a greater proportion of the population, then the Forums will need to be fully involved in this, and be enabled to drive the process.

 

(6)  It also recognises that there is a need to work closely with partners providing statutory services in involving the widest part of the public.

 

(7)  Council asks the Leader to ensure that an Action Plan is drawn up by the appropriate people which will draw up proposals for the development of an updated consultation strategy, with Forums playing a major part. In particular the following need to be considered –

 

1.  differing ways of involving people of differing needs. The many techniques such as Planning for Real and Future Search need to be considered.

 

2.  the drawing up of neighbourhood plans as envisaged by the Localism Act.

 

3.  ways in which the Council can work with partners in consultation on common issues.

 

4.  the possibility of an annual programme of consultation and decision making, resulting in an open and transparent process.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

 

Proposed by Councillor Ann McLachlan

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

 

Delete everything and replace with the following:

 

(1)  Council is committed to an open and transparent approach to all its decision making processes and notes the progress made in recent months via actions under the Council’s Improvement Plan.

 

(2)  Council further notes that the “What Really Matters” consultation process has been the most successful and wide ranging engagement with the public of Wirral ever undertaken.

 

(3)  Council seeks to build on this success by ensuring at the next meeting of the Democracy Working Party its terms of reference are adjusted to widen the scope of its work into reviewing the way Council engages with the residents of Wirral and all our community partners and neighbourhoods.

 

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

 

The amendment was put and carried (54:7) (One abstention).

 

The substantive motion was put and carried (61:0) (One abstention).

 

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

85.

MOTION: COUNCIL BUDGET

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan

 

(1)  This Council faces a huge challenge of maintaining vital services for the people of Wirral against a background of unprecedented cuts by government which will require the Council to cut £103 million from its budget over the next 3 years.

 

(2)  Council reaffirms the necessity to set a legal budget. This means that savings will need to be identified. However, cuts of this magnitude will require extremely difficult choices to be made between services.

 

(3)  Councils in the North of England with high levels of deprivation have had more severe cuts imposed on them in comparison with relatively affluent Councils in the South of England. This is neither fair nor equitable.

 

(4)  Council notes that the Leader of the Council wrote to the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, on the 1st November 2012, requesting an urgent meeting about the Council’s budget and how we could mitigate the impact of any savings. No reply has yet been received.

 

(5)  In the light of the unfair way in which Wirral has been treated, Council agrees to write again to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to request an urgent meeting involving the three Party Leaders to discuss these matters.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

 

Proposed by Councillor Alan Brighouse

Seconded by Councillor Tom Harney

 

After paragraph (5), add the following:

 

(6)  Council endorses the recommendation of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge to seek learning and support from other authorities as part of a process to identify different models of service delivery with apparent lower unit costs.

 

(7)  The Council thanks all Council employees for their loyalty and dedication during this difficult period. It congratulates the Council staff in achieving significant reductions in operating costs over the last two years. In total during this period, Council has made cost savings in excess of £38million.

 

(8)  Council does not underestimate the challenge it faces in 2013 and beyond. Council recognises that the consultation currently in progress provides Wirral residents with the opportunity to consider a range of genuine options. Council also congratulates officers for identifying savings that are considered to have no direct impact on Wirral residents and awaits the views of residents on these. In total, 62% of the consultation options are considered not to impact on residents.

 

(9)  To ensure that every opportunity continues to be made to reduce costs before reducing levels of service, Council accepts the need to implement the following recommendation from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge: “We think there is much to do on asset management and rationalisation, office accommodation strategy and agile working. There is scope, we believe, for better approaches and practice which will result in increased productivity, greater efficiencies, improved cost effectiveness and better corporate working.”

 

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

 

The amendment was put and carried (42:19) (One abstention).

 

The substantive motion was put  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

86.

MOTION: USING THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ACT

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

 

(1)  Council supports the bottom up process in the Sustainable Communities Act that enables councils and their communities to drive the action and assistance that central government gives in promoting thriving local economies and sustainable communities;

 

(2)  Council notes that the Act gives councils the power to

 

·  make proposals to government for action and assistance from government to promote sustainable communities, and that

·  those proposals can be for, but are not restricted to, new powers or a transfer of powers or public money and function from central control to local control;

 

(3)  Council notes that the Act defines sustainable communities broadly, that definition having the 4 aspects of:

 

·  the improvement of the local economy,

·  protection of the environment,

·  promotion of social inclusion, and

·  participation in civic, political and democratic activity;

 

(4)  Council notes that new regulations for the Act made in June 2012 improve the process and make it more favourable for councils in the following ways

 

·  councils’ proposals are submitted directly to the government, there will no longer be short listing

·  councils can submit proposals whenever they are ready as the process is now ongoing

·  there will be a time limit of six months on the government to consult and try to reach agreement with the Selector (currently the Local Government Association) regarding councils’ proposals and to then respond to those proposals

·  councils that choose to submit proposals may now decide how to consult and try to reach agreement with representatives of communities in their areas on what proposals to submit;

 

(5)  Council notes that the government has formally invited all Local Authorities to use the Act by submitting proposals;

 

(6)  Therefore Council resolves to use the Act by responding to this invite and submitting proposals for action and assistance from central government each year for the next three years and to then review the outcome of this activity and consider whether to continue to use the Act; and

 

(7)  Council further resolves to

 

·  to inform the local media of this decision;

·  to write to local MPs, informing them of this decision; and

·  to write to Local Works (at Local Works, c/o Unlock Democracy, 37 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8PQ or info@localworks.org) informing them of this resolution to use the Act.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan

 

Delete everything after paragraph (5) and insert the following:

 

(6)  Therefore Council resolves to consult with all members and Neighbourhood Forums on ideas which could be put forward under the Act. The Chief Executive is asked to collate any proposals and bring a report to Cabinet which recommends which ideas will be submitted to government.

 

(7)  Council agrees to publicise any proposals once we know what they are.

 

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

 

The amendment was put and carried (61:0) (One abstention).

 

The substantive motion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

87.

MOTION: POWER TO THE PEOPLE - COLLECTIVE ENERGY SWITCHING

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Stuart Kelly

Seconded by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

 

(1)  Council notes the spiralling costs of household energy bills and believes that something needs to be done now, locally, to help residents struggling with fuel bills.

 

(2)  Council understands that whilst households are aware of the benefits of switching energy provider, few do and switching rates are low. 

 

(3)  Council also endorses the concept of cooperation across geographical areas in order to obtain better energy deals for customers and notes a similar motion has recently been approved by Liverpool City Council.

 

(4)  Council notes the good work already being done by Cornwall Together, Oldham Council and South Lakeland District Council in partnership with ‘ichoosr’ which are encouraging their residents to sign up to collective energy switching.

(www.cornwalltogether.com/en/about

  www.oldham.gov.uk/fuel_coop and

   http://southlakeland.ichoosr.com/)

 

(5)  Council, therefore, asks officers to explore the feasibility of setting up a Wirral Energy Switching Initiative and to work with local housing associations, the NHS, voluntary groups, care homes and households across Wirral to increase awareness and encourage them to sign up to the scheme.

.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

 

Proposed by Councillor Brian Kenny

Seconded by Councillor Anita Leech

 

At the end of paragraph (5) add the following:

 

(6)  Council notes that Energy and in particular its cost (along with the profits of energy companies) continues to be an ongoing public policy concern. The average annual household bill for gas and electricity has increased from approximately £500 in 2006, to over £1200 in 2011 – with many firms announcing fresh price rises in recent weeks.

 

(7)  Council notes that as energy bills have risen, many people have lost faith in the energy market, and the number of people switching supplier has hit a record low. According to Ofgem, 60% of consumers have never switched energy supplier and 75% of people are currently on their supplier's 'default' standard tariff. Research by the consumer group Which? has shown that consumers are missing out on £4 billion a year by not switching.

 

(8)  Council warmly welcomes initiatives such as ‘SwitchTogether’, - the Labour Party’s Collective Energy Switching Scheme.

 

(9)  Council notes that Energy Projects Plus has submitted a bid on behalf of the Liverpool City Region authorities to the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) to fund a regional collective switch. £5m is available from DECC to local authorities and Third sector organisations under its “Cheaper Energy Together” scheme. Energy Projects Plus would lead on the development of the scheme should the bid be successful and will work with local housing associations, the NHS, voluntary groups, care homes and households across Wirral to increase awareness and encourage them to sign up to the scheme. Council notes that we expect to find out shortly whether or not the bid has been successful. This will be publicised on the Council web site.

 

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

 

The mover of the motion agreed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

88.

MOTION: RECORDING AND FILMING WITHIN COUNCIL MEETINGS

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Chris Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor Geoffrey Watt

 

Council,

 

(1)  Believes the widest possible number of people should be able to easily engage in democracy, whether as active participants or interested observers via the use of blogs, microblogs, Facebook and Twitter including video and audio recordings.

 

(2)  Believes the Administration has made a mistake in banning the public from being able to attend and film at meetings.

 

(3)  Notes that in order to protect the rights of members of the public, petitioners and others who are not elected members and may interact with the Council and its committees that notices are placed in meeting rooms notifying the public that the proceedings may be recorded. Council further asks that Chairs of committees also ensure members of the public are informed at the beginning of every meeting that proceedings may be recorded and broadcast.

 

(4)  Council therefore reaffirms its commitment made in previous years by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat administration and in the interests of openness and transparency to ensure that all members of the public who wish to record open meetings of the Council and its committees are encouraged to do so. 

 

(5)  Council asks the Head of Law, HR and Asset Management to make the necessary changes to the Council's constitution to incorporate the right of members of the public to record in either audio or video at all open meetings of the Council.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

 

Proposed by Councillor Bill Davies

Seconded by Councillor Moira McLaughlin

 

Delete everything and replace with the following:

 

(1)  Council notes that the Administration has not banned the public from being able to attend and film at meetings.

 

(2)  The issue of filming is under review. The Acting Director of Law, Human Resources & Asset Management has been asked to look at how a balance can be struck between maintaining openness and transparency and addressing concerns among some members about what safeguards can be put in place on how video recordings might be used.

 

(3)  Council notes that the wider issue of the Council streaming its committee meetings is being considered by the cross-party members Equipment Steering Group.

 

(4)  Council asks for the outcome of the review to be presented to the Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee for detailed consideration.

 

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

 

The amendment was put and carried (35:26) (One abstention).

 

The substantive motion was put and carried (42:19) (One abstention).

 

Resolved (42:19) (One abstention) –

 

(1)  Council notes that the Administration has not banned the public from being able to attend and film at meetings.

 

(2)  The issue of filming is under review. The Acting Director of Law, Human Resources & Asset Management has been asked to look at how a balance can be struck between maintaining openness and transparency and addressing concerns among some members about what safeguards can be put in place on how video recordings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

89.

MOTION: SAFEGUARDING OUR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Minutes:

Motion withdrawn, see minute 80 ante.

90.

MOTION: PLANNING APPLICATION APP/11/01418

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Michael Hornby

Seconded by Councillor Anthony Cox

 

(1)  Council notes that over 4,000 residents of Greasby and the surrounding area objected to planning application Number APP/11/01418 for the Erection of buildings for a retail unit (Sainsbury’s Local Store) and Vets surgery on the car park of the Red Cat, Greasby Road, Greasby, CH49 3AT.

 

(2)  Council notes that Wirral Planning Department while failing to determine the application was minded to recommend Refusal and this was subsequently noted and endorsed by the Planning Committee.

 

(3)  Council recognises that the applicant exercised their right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, however, is disappointed that despite the massive local opposition the Planning Inspector allowed the appeal following an exchange of documentation effectively ignoring the voices of the local community.

 

(4)  Therefore Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to express this Council’s disappointment at the process and decision and requests that in the interest of Localism the Secretary of State “Calls In” the Planning Inspector’s decision and orders a Public Inquiry, which will involve the local community in the decision making process ensuring this matter is dealt with in an open and transparent manner.

 

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

 

Proposed by Councillor Bernie Mooney

Seconded by Councillor Brian Kenny

 

Delete paragraph (4) and replace with the following:

 

(4)  Therefore Council instructs the Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to consider whether there are any grounds to seek a review of the Planning Inspectorate’s decision and inform Members of the Council accordingly. The Chief Executive should also write to the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to express this Council’s disappointment at the decision particularly given the Localism Agenda promoting engagement and involvement of the local community in local decision making processes.

 

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

 

The amendment was put and carried (56:5) (One abstention).

 

The substantive motion was put and carried (61:0) (One abstention).

 

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) –

 

(1)  Council notes that over 4,000 residents of Greasby and the surrounding area objected to planning application Number APP/11/01418 for the Erection of buildings for a retail unit (Sainsbury’s Local Store) and Vets surgery on the car park of the Red Cat, Greasby Road, Greasby, CH49 3AT.

 

(2)  Council notes that Wirral Planning Department while failing to determine the application was minded to recommend Refusal and this was subsequently noted and endorsed by the Planning Committee.

 

(3)  Council recognises that the applicant exercised their right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, however, is disappointed that despite the massive local opposition the Planning Inspector allowed the appeal following an exchange of documentation effectively ignoring the voices of the local community.

 

(4)  Therefore Council instructs the Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to consider whether there are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

91.

OBJECTION / AMENDMENT: CABINET MINUTE 132 (29/11/12) - WELFARE REFORM - LOCAL COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT SCHEME

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Simon Mountney

Seconded by Councillor Chris Blakeley

 

Delete paragraph (1) (d) in the resolution and replace with:

 

Council recognise that difficult times call for difficult decisions but during times of austerity it is important that we all make our fair contributions and this Council should lead by example and ensure that here in Wirral we are all in this together, act as one nation and we share the burden fairly. It is therefore only fair that we take every step and ensure every measure is put in place to ensure that all council tax is collected where due. It is only by doing this that those law abiding citizens who pay Council tax will only be asked to pay what is required of them and their families and not be forced to subsidise those who choose not to pay their share.

 

Delete paragraph (4) in the resolution and replace with:

 

It is paradoxical that cabinet see a Government transitional grant scheme as “not help(ing) Wirral” “which will have to be found by cuts elsewhere” yet the shortfall from failure to collect what is due as outlined in 1 (d) is seen as acceptable.

 

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

 

The objection / amendment was put and lost (19:42).

92.

OBJECTION / AMENDMENT: CABINET MINUTE 132 (29/11/12) - WELFARE REFORM - LOCAL COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT SCHEME

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Stuart Kelly

Seconded by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

 

Delete paragraph (1) (b), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6), renumber paragraph (7) as new paragraph (6) and insert:

 

(1)(b) The Local Council Tax Support Scheme proposed for 2013/14 be based upon the recommended Scheme 1 except that Working Age Claimants meet 8.5% of the Council Tax payable and excluding any saving on the non-dependant deduction, the difference being met from the following changes to exemptions and discounts to empty and second homes;

 

  i)  Class A vacant dwelling exemption discount changed to 25%

  ii)  Class C vacant dwelling exemption discount changed to 25%

  iii)  Class L vacant dwelling exemption removed

  iv)  Second home discount removed

  v)  Long term empty dwelling premium applied

 

(2)  Council notes the outcome of the recent consultation which shows 83% support for the principle of charges for vacant properties and second homes as a means of supporting the Council Tax Support Scheme.

 

(3)  It be noted that this equates to a weekly contribution on a Band A property for working age couple claimants of £1.61 compared to the £4.15 charge in the Cabinet recommendation.

 

(4)  Council notes that Wirral is now eligible for the Government’s Transitional Grant Scheme Allocation of £748,815.

 

(5)  Council further resolves that part of this Grant should be allocated to a plan, to be drawn up by the Chief Executive, and reported through Scrutiny to Cabinet, which sets out how the Council, together with organisations such as RSLs and the CAB, can provide assistance to those affected. The plan should also include arrangements, including enhanced welfare rights advice and practical assistance, to ensure that people are claiming all benefits to which they are entitled.

.

(6)  The four Wirral MPs be requested to lobby the Government for more funding on the Council’s behalf.

 

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

 

The objection / amendment was put and lost (26:35).

 

Resolved – That Cabinet minute 132 (29/11/12) – Welfare Reform – Local Council Tax Support Scheme, be thus approved.

93.

VACANCIES pdf icon PDF 51 KB

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

Minutes:

The Council was requested to deal with the following appointments:

 

Committees

 

1.  Employment and Appointments Committee

 

Councillor Chris Jones to replace former Councillor Anne McArdle as deputy

 

2.  Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee

 

Councillor Eddie Boult to replace former Councillor Peter Johnson

 

3.  Licensing Act 2003 Committee

 

Councillor Irene Williams to replace Councillor Robert Gregson

 

4.  Pensions Committee

 

Councillor Stuart Whittingham to replace former Councillor Anne McArdle as deputy

 

5.  Planning Committee

 

Councillor Wendy Clements to replace former Councillor Peter Johnson

 

6.  Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Councillor Jean Stapleton to replace Councillor Chris Jones as deputy

 

7.  Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Councillor Rob Gregson to replace Councillor Chris Jones

 

8.  Health and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Councillor Bernie Mooney to replace Councillor Chris Jones

Councillor Sylvia Hodrien to replace Councillor Bernie Mooney as deputy

Councillor Mike Sullivan to replace Councillor Tony Smith as deputy

 

Advisory Committees and Working Parties

 

Corporate Services

 

9.  Members' Training Steering Group

 

Approve an increase in the membership from 2:1:1 to 2:2:2 and that:

 

Councillor Mike Hornby and Councillor Phil Gilchrist be appointed to the Steering Group

 

10.Members' Equipment Steering Group

 

Approve an increase in the membership from 1:1:1 to 2:2:2 and that:

 

Councillors Ann McLachlan, Steve Williams and Alan Brighouse be appointed to the Steering Group

 

Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning / ADULT Social Care and PUBLIC HEALTH

 

11.Safeguarding Reference Group

 

Councillor Chris Jones to replace former Councillor Anne McArdle

 

Outside Bodies

 

Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning

 

12.Connexions (Greater Merseyside) Ltd

 

Mr D Armstrong (Assistant Chief Executive) or nominee to replace Mr J Wilkie

 

13.University of Liverpool Court

 

Councillor Adam Sykes to replace former Councillor Peter Johnson

 

Community and Customer Engagement

 

14.Leasowe Play, Youth & Community Association Management Committee

 

Vacancy to replace former Councillor Anne McArdle (Defer until after by-election)

 

Environment

 

15.Mersey Port Health Committee

 

Councillor Wendy Clements to replace former Councillor Peter Johnson

 

Finance

 

16.Strategic Partnership Assembly

 

Mr G Burgess (Chief Executive) to replace Mr D Armstrong

 

17.Local Strategic Partnership Executive Board

 

Mr G Burgess (Chief Executive) to replace Mr D Armstrong

 

 

Housing and Community Safety

 

18.Leasowe Community Homes Management Board

 

Vacancy to replace former Councillor Anne McArdle (Defer until after by-election)

 

19.Wirral Council and Riverside Challenge Fund Working Group

 

Mr S Tour (Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management) or deputy to replace Mr B Norman

 

20.Wirral Partnership Homes – Board members

 

Councillor Steve Foulkes to replace Councillor Chris Jones

 

21.Wirral Partnership Homes: Community Fund Working Group

 

Mr S Tour (Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management) or deputy to replace Mr B Norman

 

Regeneration and Planning Strategy

 

22.Wirral Business Partnership (This body replaces Egerton House (Wirral) Ltd and Wirral Investment (Management) Network – see Cabinet minute 139 (29/11/12))

 

Leader of the Council – Councillor Phil Davies

Strategic Director: Regeneration and Environment – Mr K Adderley

 

Adult Social Care and Public Health

 

23.Age Concern

 

Councillor Chris Jones  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.