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

The Mayor reported that he had attended the funeral of Corporal Stephen Boote with other senior members of the Council.

The Council stood in silent tribute to the servicemen who had lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Mayor congratulated pupils from Greasby Infant School on their success in achieving the International Foreign Language Award. The pupils were then invited to sing some Christmas carols in different foreign languages.

Megan Cooper was celebrating her fifth birthday today and members of the Council joined the Mayor in wishing her a happy birthday.

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

Councillor C Blakeley declared a personal interest in respect of the following matters:

Motion 6 (Restorative Justice) by virtue of his membership of the Crime and Reduction Partnership.

Motion 15 (Town Meadow Lane Shops and Maisonettes) by virtue of his attendance at a site meeting with senior council officers and having received hospitality from Wirral Partnership Homes at a housing conference in Harrogate.

Councillor D Roberts declared a prejudicial interest in respect of Motion 15 (Town Meadow Lane Shops and Maisonettes) by virtue of her membership of the Wirral Partnership Homes Board.

Councillor G Davies declared a personal interest in respect of:

Motion 6 (Restorative Justice) by virtue of his membership of the Crime and Reduction Partnership.

Motion 15 (Town Meadow Lane Shops and Maisonettes) by virtue of his previous membership of the Wirral Partnership Homes Board.

Councillor L Rennie declared a personal interest in respect of Motion 7 (Campaign to Promote Sprinkler Systems) by virtue of her membership of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

Councillor G Ellis declared a personal interest in respect of Motion 7 (Campaign to Promote Sprinkler Systems) by virtue of his membership of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

Councillor B Kenny declared a prejudicial interest in respect of Motion 15 (Town Meadow Lane Shops and Maisonettes) by virtue of his membership of the Wirral Partnership Homes Board.

Councillor T Harney declared a prejudicial interest in respect of Motion 15 (Town Meadow Lane Shops and Maisonettes) by virtue of his membership of the Wirral Partnership Homes Board.

Councillor S Taylor declared a prejudicial interest in respect of Motion 12 (Public Health Campaigns) by virtue of a family member’s employment in the National Health Service.

Councillor S Niblock declared a personal interest in respect of Motion 7 (Campaign to Promote Sprinkler Systems) by virtue of his membership of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

Councillor A Jones declared a personal interest in respect of Motion 6 (Restorative Justice) by virtue of his membership of Merseyside Police Authority.

Councillor S Mountney declared a prejudicial interest in respect of Motion 14 (Sure Start) by virtue of his membership of the Wallasey Childrens’ Sure Start Board.

Councillor I Lewis declared a personal interest in respect of Motion 9 (ID Cards) and Motion 12 (Public Health Campaigns) by virtue of his donations to these campaign organisations.

Councillor D Knowles declared a personal interest in respect of Motion 14 (Sure Start) by virtue of his membership of the Seacombe and Liscard Childrens Centre Boards.

Councillor A Taylor declared a personal interest in respect of Motion 15 (Town Meadow Lane Shops and Maisonettes) by virtue of him having received hospitality from Wirral Partnership Homes at a housing conference in Harrogate.

Councillor D Mitchell declared  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

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

(a)  Councillor C Blakeley on behalf of 41 signatories objecting to planning application 2009/5666 - Change of use to vehicle de-pollution, dismantling, and repair facility, on the site known as Johnsons Industrial Estate, Tarran Way South, Moreton.

(b)  Councillor A Jones on behalf of 32 signatories requesting the replacement of gates around the perimeter of Central Park, Wallasey.

(c)  Councillor A Jones on behalf of 42 signatories requesting an investigation into recurring air pollution in the Tate Triangle locality.

(d)  Councillor H Smith on behalf of 28 signatories requesting the transfer of ownership of wasteland at Norman Street, Landsdowne, Deakin Street, to the local residents.

(e) Councillor S Niblock on behalf of 735 signatories expressing their opposition to the proposed closure of New Ferry Butterfly Park.

(f)  Councillor S Clarke on behalf of 32 signatories requesting a review of traffic conditions in Village Road, Higher Bebington, and also at its junction with Mount Road.

(g)  Councillor W Smith on behalf of 14 signatories requesting highway repairs to Brimstage Avenue, Higher Bebington.

(h)  Councillor D Knowles on behalf of 33 signatories requesting an extension of the parking bays at Seacombe Childrens Centre.

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

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting(s) of the Council held on 2 November, 2009.

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 2 November, 2009 had been circulated to members, and it was:-

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

To consider matters referred to the Council for determination.

(a)  The relevant minutes are attached; copies of the related reports can be provided for Council members on request.

(i)  Minute 183 (Cabinet - 5/11/09) Inflation Provision

(ii)  Minute 186 ( Cabinet - 5/11/09)  Procurement 2010-2011

(iii) Minute 195 (Cabinet - 26/11/09) Birkenhead High School Academy  (iv)  Minute 200 (Cabinet – 26/11/09) Local Development Framework - Public Consultation on Spatial Issues 

(b)  To consider the following reports from:

 (i)  the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, regarding the review and implementation of its new governance arrangements.

(ii)  the Director of Finance - Council Tax Base 2010/2011

(iii)  the Director of Finance – Capital Programme and Financing 2010 - 2013 

(iv)  the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services – Local Development Framework for Wirral - Annual Monitoring Report 2008/09

(c)  To consider the recommendation of the Standards Committee Appointments Panel on 7 December, 2009 regarding the appointment of a new independent member.

Resolved –

(1)  That the following matters be approved, as required by the Constitution:-

(a)  Minute 183 (Cabinet - 5/11/09) Inflation Provision

(b)  Minute 186 (Cabinet - 5/11/09)  Procurement 2010-2011

(c) Minute 195 (Cabinet - 26/11/09) Birkenhead High School Academy  (d) Minute 200 (Cabinet – 26/11/09) Local Development Framework - Public Consultation on Spatial Issues   

(e) Minute 221 (Cabinet – 9/12/09) Governance Review – Proposed Governance Arrangements) which was put to the vote and carried (38:22) (Subject to the objection listed number 4 in Matters for Debate)

(f) Minute 223 (Cabinet – 9/12/09) Council Tax Base 2010/2011

(g) Minute 224 (Cabinet – 9/12/09) Capital Programme and Financing 2010-2013

(h) Minute 234 (Cabinet – 9/12/09) Local Development Framework for Wirral – Annual Monitoring Report 2008/2009

(i) Minute 10 (Licensing Act 2003 Committee – 9/11/09) Draft Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005

(2)  That the Council approve the recommendation of the Standards Committee Appointments Panel on 7 December, 2009 that Mrs S Elliott be appointed as an independent member of the Standards Committee for a four year period expiring on 31 October 2013.

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).

Minute 179 (Cabinet – 5/11/09) - Parking Strategy Development (Waiving of call-in).

Minute 199 (Cabinet – 5/11/09) – Update on New Brighton (Waiving of call-in).

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

Minute 179 (Cabinet – 5/11/09) - Parking Strategy Development (Waiving of call-in).

Minute 199 (Cabinet – 5/11/09) – Update on New Brighton (Waiving of call-in).

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

Note: Questions from members of the public must be submitted in writing or by email by no later than 5.00pm on Monday 7 December, 2009.

Dr Margaret Campbell, a member of the public, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 5(1)(j), submitted the following question:

"Wirral council is currently preparing a _PPG17 Assessment Of Open Space, Sport and Recreation_, as part of the evidence base for the Local Development Framework.

The companion guide* to PPG17 recommends:

- consulting communities and developing a vision,

- establishing the needs of different socioeconomic areas within the borough

- establishing the needs of different groups within the community - specifically mentioning people with disabilities, people from ethnic minorities, children and young people, older people, etc.

- projecting likely future needs.

The guide states that -It is impossible to identify local needs properly without involving local communities.

Establishing the views of local communities is also an essential part of the Best Value regime and the Community Planning process and one of the key themes in 'Sustaining Communities - Delivering through Planning'._

Does the Council agree that Wirral’s assessment of Open Space, Sport and Recreation should establish the views and needs of local people, as recommended by national planning policy guidance ('Assessing needs and opportunities: a companion guide to PPG17')?”

Councillor Jean Stapleton responded to the questioner.

Dr Campbell asked a supplementary question and Councillor Stapleton indicated that she would reply in writing.

Pursuant to Standing Order 5(1)(m), and in accordance with Standing Order 5(3), to consider written comments, objections or amendments to minutes submitted under Standing Order 7(2), together with those motions, submitted under item 9 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) (1) were dealt with as indicated in minutes 74 to 88 below.

The Leader of the Council requested that Standing Order 7 (8) be applied from 8 p.m.

The Leader of the Conservative Group requested that sufficient time be allowed for the debate on future governance arrangements.

Resolved (unanimously) - That Standing Order 7 (8) be applied from 8 p.m. or following the completion of the debate of Motion 4 (Governance Review – Proposed Governance Arrangements), whichever is the later. 

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Council notes:

• The plan to close eleven Wirral Libraries was announced over twelve months ago by the ruling Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration in a barely concealed and shameful attempt to shut the Wirral public out of the decision making process by avoiding the scrutiny and accountability of its decision at a Local Council Election.

• That the Sue Charteris Library Inquiry report together with its conclusions and recommendations made available to the public on 30th November, was placed in the hands of Council Officers and the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration on 27th July and that Wirral Council Officers on 29^th September informed the Liberal Democrat/Labour Administration that the Secretary of State’s decision on the Administration’s Library Closure Plan was going to be announced on the 1st October.

• That a midnight meeting took place on the 29th September and that the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration, having created so much distress to Wirral residents including some of our most vulnerable citizens and spent so much of Wirral residents own Council Tax on developing and defending the their library closure plan decided not to publicly acknowledge that through their own failings they had got the biggest decision in Wirral’s history wrong.

• The contrast between the way the ruling Liberal Democrat/Labour Administration has behaved over their Library Closure Plan and the professional and inclusive way Sue Charteris conducted her Inquiry could not be starker in that her report has laid bare the unwillingness of the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration to listen to anyone who disagrees with them and the confused and incompetent decision making process currently in use by Council Officers and members of the administration.

Council believes the residents of Wirral

• Owe Sue Charteris a huge debt of gratitude as her report has exposed the way this administration has treated the Wirral public and how they disregarded the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

• Will be disgusted that members of the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration, knowing that their proposals would be deemed to be in breach of its statutory duties under the Public libraries and Museums Act 1964, thought only of their own skins and how to protect their own positions by using the cover of secrecy to mask the reasons for carrying out the biggest political ‘U’ turn in Wirral history and instead of being honest with Wirral residents chose to characterise their decision as a demonstration of ‘Decisive Leadership’.

• Will not forgive those Council Officers or members of the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration who have brought such a stinging repudiation from Sue Charteris or forget that Sue Charteris’ Public Inquiry has exposed them for:

1. Making proposals that were in breach of the Council’s statutory duties under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964,

2.  Failing to make an assessment of local needs before deciding to close 11

libraries

3.  Specific needs for adults were not addressed. These include the specific

requirements for older people, disabled people, unemployed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

Proposed by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

(1) Council welcomes the statement by the Secretary of State on the libraries inquiry and the fact that it does not find Wirral in breach of its statutory duty.

(2) Council also welcomes the National Library Review launched by the minister, Margaret Hodge, on December 2nd with a series of essays designed to provoke debate on the national future of the library service. Council notes that in her contribution the minister outlined the problems libraries are facing, including steadily declining numbers of users and the major challenges presented by rapidly changing technology and the advent of e-books. Council confirms that it will be watching very closely to see what kind of recommendations emerge and what lessons we can learn for the future.

(3) Council also recognises that Wirral’s original plans to invest £20m in new and modernised neighbourhood centres was a response to some of the challenges outlined by the minister, with plans to co-locate with other services, install the latest technology, provide community space for activities, open longer and more user friendly hours, and create a much more widespread outreach service.

(4) Council believes that the decision to rescind the original plans, which was

welcomed by the Secretary of State, has provided the necessary time to take stock of the situation, wait for any national guidance, and consider carefully the best long term future for Wirral’s library service.

(5) However, Council believes there are both winners and losers in this situation. Those who lobbied to keep their local library open, have what they want, but the silent majority who do not use their library, who do not want to see their council tax increase, and who might have used one of the new neighbourhood centres because they were more attractive, more conveniently located and open longer hours are clearly the losers.

(6) Council recognises that the decision to rescind the original plans was also not without serious budgetary consequences, costing £2.3m next year, which is the equivalent of a 2% Council Tax increase, and another £2.4m over the next three years for major repairs which will mean either increased council tax levels or cuts in services elsewhere.

(7) Council is acutely aware that between 2011 and 2014 this Council will need to save a minimum of over £67m and that the limited resources the Council has will need to be shared out to meet a whole host of demands, some of which are literally matters of life and death.

(8) Council believes we will have no option but to change and that continued

opposition to any form of change will seriously damage the future of the borough and drive away potential investors. Council therefore welcomes any national debate which creates a climate in which change is welcomed as a way forward, rather than a threat to what we have now.

(9) In contrast, Council condemns the irresponsibility of those who play on people’s natural fears of change to further  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

Moved by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Delete recommendation and insert:

(1) Council believes the reason residents stand for election to the Council in the first place is not to sit simply scrutinising the decisions made by an elected Mayor or Leader and their Cabinet but to listen to what the public tell us and make decisions that will improve the lot of the local community we serve and benefit the people of Wirral as a whole.

(2) Council believes the two options consulted upon have asked the people of Wirral to seek a ‘least worst option’ as both systems perpetuate the ‘elected dictatorship’ of an all powerful Executive system which, as evidence has demonstrated, has served the people of Wirral so badly.

(3) Council notes that a new Conservative Government would, as set out in the Conservative Party Localism Policy Document and at the Conservative Party Conference, offer the choice for Wirral Council to introduce governance

arrangements that would make the full Council the key decision making body. The Council would be served by Committees with, names and responsibilities that residents can understand with the power and authority, if consensus is achieved, to make decisions affecting their service area.

 (4) Council welcomes the opportunity for all Councillors to be involved in making real decisions on matters that effect their residents, and being held accountable for them. Noting that a General Election must be held within the next six months, Council instructs:

I. The Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State explaining the Council’s desire for a governance system containing the key elements outlined above and requesting a deferment of the requirement to select one of the options laid out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

II. On receipt of approval to a deferment the Deputy Chief Executive and the

Director of Law, HR and Asset Management develop arrangements (in

consultation with the Wirral public, Party Leaders and Council members)

proposals that contain the key Council Governance principles contained in this amendment, supplemented with measures to improve public participation in decision making through more inclusive arrangements and direct democracy, that will allow the Council to present the agreed proposals to a new Government as soon as it is elected.

III. In consequence of Governance changes that would arise from (ii) above, the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management (in consultation with the Wirral public, Party Leaders and Council members) conduct a thorough review of staffing and budgets in order to:

• Better deploy the Council’s Officers to support a Council decision making

structure which is more aware of Wirral residents needs, open to the publics

views and aspirations and inclusive in its nature.

• Reduce the total budget for the Councils governance arrangements

(including Members IT, member training and Councillor Allowances

including Special Responsibility Allowances).

Resolved (22:38) - That the objection be not approved.

Proposed by Councillor Gill Gardiner

Seconded by Councillor Simon Holbrook

(1) Council notes:

(a) The excellent work already being carried out to reduce carbon emissions by the council and across the borough through the launch of the CRed scheme and its aim to achieve a 60% reduction in C02 emissions by 2025.

(b) The sign-up and commitment of the council to the national 10:10 initiative, which encourages individuals and organisations to save 10% during 2010.

(c) That the Carbon Reduction Commitment, a mandatory emissions trading scheme affecting large local authorities with an annual electricity bill of more than £500,000 will come into force from April 2010.

(d) The launch in September 2009 of the Scottish Government’s carbon budget, linking greenhouse gas emissions with the environmental impact of total government spending.

(e) The publication by DECC in July 2009 of the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, setting out how the UK will meet the 34% cut in emissions on 1990 levels by 2020, set out in The Budget.

(f) The publication by CLG in July 2009 of the Strengthening Local Democracy Consultation, which suggests that local authorities could have a much greater role to play in tackling climate change through local carbon budgets.

(2) Council believes that:

(a) Setting an annual carbon budget for each department and building a clearer picture of the environmental impact of Council spending will help to meet the local and national carbon reduction targets that have been set out above.

(b) Strong leadership is needed to ensure that financial and carbon budgeting is fully integrated into mainstream financial management and business planning activity.

(c) There are financial savings to be made through procurement of energy efficient and low carbon contracts, goods and services.

Therefore, Council resolves:

(1) To instruct the Director of Technical Services and the Sustainability Unit to

establish the Council’s carbon footprint and quantify the number of tonnes of CO2 released as a direct result of Council operations for 2010 onwards, and to instruct the Director of Finance to bring forward proposals for quantifying CO2 emissions as part of the procurement process for new council contracts and other spend from April 2011.

(2) To instruct the Director of Technical Services and the Sustainability Unit to work with the Director of Finance (in conjunction with other Chief Officers) to prepare carbon budgets detailing carbon emissions and carbon efficiency targets for each department to be presented at Budget Cabinet and Council alongside the Council’s financial budget.

 (3) To instruct the Director of Technical Services to report to Cabinet on progress made regarding the carbon budget. This report to include measures and projects to reduce carbon emissions, including an analysis to show progress being made by department and key service areas

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded by Councillor Ian Lewis

Add after (1)(f)

(g) That 15,000 people have travelled to Copenhagen, to the CO2 Climate Change Summit (COP15), emitting 41,000 tonnes of CO2.

And after (2)(c)

(d) Council therefore requests that the Director of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Jean Stapleton

(1) This Council recognises the many excellent achievements which the authority has delivered over the past three years either directly or in partnership. The following achievements are those about which the Council can be particularly proud:

• 150 new apprenticeships focussed on young people not in education,

employment or training.

• Phase 2 of the regeneration of New Brighton amounting to £60m.

• 270 new jobs secured at Tulip.

• £20m new secondary school in Woodchurch.

• £12m new primary care facility at Victoria Central Health Centre.

• Phase 3 Children’s Centres announced, bringing the total number to 21.

• 4 new super youth clubs to be open six nights per week announced (1 in each parliamentary constituency).

• £4.8m secured for improving school buildings and equipment.

• Wirral has best refuse and recycling rates in Merseyside.

• Major Wirral Waters development has progressed to the planning stage.

(2) The above clearly demonstrates that Wirral is a ‘can do’ Council which has

delivered excellent outcomes for local residents while at the same time reining in

council tax increases so Wirral has now dropped right down the Council tax league

from having one of the highest Council Tax levels to one of the lowest.

(3) Council acknowledges the hard work which officers from both the Council and other agencies have contributed to this excellent record and thanks all of those involved.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Simon Mountney

Seconded by Councillor John Hale

Add paragraph

(4) Despite the outstanding work carried out by officers and partners alike it is

important to recognise that the recent CAA Area Assessment reported:

“that the area has a relatively small, low value economy which is growing slower than other parts of Merseyside, the North West and the rest of England” “and that the number of people claiming job seekers allowance has risen by 60% since April 2008, with some areas of the Borough having levels of unemployment as high as 12%.”

By recognising these facts we are not only better positioned as a Council to respond to the poor performance of our local economy moving forward but also able to learn from our previous decisions looking back.

The amendment was put to the vote and carried (42:19)

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Simon Holbrook

Seconded by Councillor Gill Gardiner

Add the following bullet points to the end of paragraph (1):

• The number of children killed or seriously injured in road accidents on Wirral

reduced from 37 in 2005 to the lowest ever recorded figure of 14 in 2008.

• Introduction of advisory 20mph speed limits to residential areas across Wirral.

• Achieved significant reductions in the Council’s carbon footprint through ongoing schemes such as boiler replacements, building insulation, awareness raising, street lighting efficiency, solar water heating scheme at Europa Pools, biomass heating at the Floral Pavilion, staff travel and agile working schemes.

• Invested in a Sustainability Unit and CRed Wirral to promote carbon reduction across  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

Proposed by Councillor Alan Taylor

Seconded by Councillor Frank Doyle

This Council notes:

(1) The publication in November 2009 of the Prison Reform Trust report, Making Amends: restorative youth justice in Northern Ireland, which reveals that reoffending rates were much lower when offenders were involved in restorative justice schemes and calls for the youth justice system to prioritise restorative justice, whereby young offenders face their victims.

(2) The excellent work being carried out by Youth Offending Service to prevent and reduce offending, protect the public and provide restorative justice to victims of crime by encouraging young people and their families to take responsibility for their behaviour.

(3) The excellent work being carried out by Merseyside Probation Trust with

offenders on Community Payback to provide free labour to local communities as offenders pay back for the crimes they have committed.

(4) The increasing number of local authority and police areas, including Cheshire Police, Thames Valley Police, North Liverpool Community Justice Centre, South Yorkshire Community Justice Panels, that operate effective methods of restorative justice.

(5) That a leading Conservative think-tank, The Centre for Social Justice, has called for a Restorative Justice Act and expansion of Restorative Justice conferencing, training of police in restorative disposals and a national Restorative Justice Agency as core way in which both policing and prisons should be reformed.

(6) Liberal Democrat policy that minor offences and anti-social behaviour should be dealt with by Community Justice Panels in every town, facilitating restorative justice where offenders recognise the effects of their actions and make amends to their victims, where victims are amenable, alongside a strengthening of the probation service to enforce community sentences.

Therefore, Council resolves to request the Local Criminal Justice Delivery Board to report to Members, including the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

Evaluating the restorative justice pilot due to commence in 2010, led by the Youth Offending Service and run out of the Wirral Custody Suite, assessing its practical application and impact on re-offending rates, with a view to;

(a) Bringing forward proposals to establish formalised restorative justice processes in Wirral.

(b) Evaluating the feasibility of establishing Community Justice Panels in Wirral.

Resolved (unanimously) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Seconded by Councillor Gerry Ellis

Following major incidents throughout the country where fire has taken life, wrecked homes, destroyed business and local communities along with the impact fire has on the environment.

This Council fully supports the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority and the

National Fire Sprinkler Network in promoting the benefits and awareness of installing sprinkler systems in public buildings, schools, care homes, commercial premises, and residential properties in Merseyside and throughout the UK.

Sources of information stated below, highlight the need to raise awareness both locally, regionally and nationally of the impact fire has on our communities and the need for urgent and immediate action in bringing about a change in the current legislation.

A recent report from the BBC claims, almost half of new school buildings in England do not have fire safety sprinkler systems.

The government issued guidance two years ago saying sprinklers should be fitted in almost all new schools but 43% of schools to have been re-built or refurbished under the multi-billion pound Building Schools for the Future programme lack sprinklers.

Leading Insurance broker, Zurich Insurance say fewer than 500 out of the 32,000 schools in the UK have them. Every week 20 schools are destroyed or damaged by fire. In one fire, at Tideway Community School in Newhaven, East Sussex in 2005, 40 classrooms were damaged. The school was rebuilt at a cost of £10.8m, the new buildings contained sprinklers.

Although the number of arson attacks fell slightly last year the cost of the damage rose to £65m. The government has said it expects sprinklers to be fitted in almost all new school buildings. But figures obtained by the BBC from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) show many local authorities are deciding not to fit them.

The Chief Fire Officers Association says “local authorities which choose not to fit them are putting the safety of pupils and staff at risk. It is calling for the government to make sprinklers mandatory in all new school buildings”.

Although the provision of sprinklers is not a requirement of the building regulations, education authorities should request that a risk assessment be undertaken to assess the validity of providing sprinklers in BSF schemes.

The Welsh Assembly insists on sprinklers being fitted in all new school buildings which it funds and has provided money to fit them in existing schools most at risk of arson.

In Scotland a working group will advise ministers later this year on changes to school building safety regulations, including any move to make sprinkler systems mandatory.

It is proven that the initial financial outlay is relatively small and will be recouped through lower insurance premiums.

(Source) Kent Fire & Rescue Service

Results from a recent survey:

• 88% of respondents believe sprinklers save lives and 83% now think sprinklers

react quickly to fire

• 83% of people think that sprinklers offer design freedoms and flexibilities

• 60% of respondents are now likely to request sprinkler installation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

Proposed by Councillor Adrian Jones

Seconded by Councillor Walter Smith

(1) Council notes that legal provisions concerning dogs were, in particular, enacted under the Dogs Act 1871; the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; and, inter alia, the 1997 amendments.

(2) Whilst the government is to be applauded for introducing control provisions for particular breeds experience demonstrates that tragedies continue to occur in private premises and open spaces.

(3) Council notes that individuals with ill intent are easily able to acquire dogs that can be trained as ‘attack’ instruments. Irrespective of intent anybody can acquire dogs that are not, under extant legal provisions, deemed to be dangerous but may nevertheless through training for aggression, through ignorance or failure of training, or through neglect or any other reason, become hazardous in domestic surroundings or public places.

(4) The Government is therefore called upon to take urgent measures to:

1. re-define the meaning of ‘dangerous’;

2. re-consider the range of breeds that may be deemed dangerous;

3. enact stricter measures of control; and

4. consider the feasibility and viability of re-introducing licensing of individuals

seeking dog ownership.

The motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously.

Resolved (unanimously) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Chris Teggin

Seconded by Councillor Tom Harney

Council notes that the Government is pressing ahead with imminent plans to roll out the Home Office voluntary scheme for ID cards across the North West region from early next year.

Council notes that the existing policy of the Wirral Council is that it is opposed to the introduction of ID cards and the associated database and that funding would be better spent on additional police officers.

Council further notes that:

(i) Despite arguments by Labour ministers to the contrary, ID cards and the database

will not prevent crime, terrorism or illegal immigration.

(ii) The introduction of ID cards would fundamentally change the relationship

between the citizen and the state

(iii) The Prime Minister’s speech to his party conference sought to give the

impression that ID cards would not be introduced, at the same time as his

government was clearly preparing for these pilot schemes.

Therefore, Council resolves to:

(1) Reiterate its current opposition to the ID card scheme and any introduction of this

in Wirral.

(2) Refuse to co-operate with any plans to promote the card scheme. This will

include refusal to allow any council premises to be used for promotional events or meetings and refusal to use any of Wirral council’s communications channels to provide information about the scheme.

(3) Work with organisations campaigning against the ID card scheme such as NO2ID to raise awareness among Wirral residents of the civil liberties implications of the ID card and database scheme.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Delete all of the existing text and replace with the following:

(1) Council notes that the Identity Card scheme currently being rolled out is purely

voluntary and it will be up to individuals to decide whether or not to apply.

(2) Council notes the arguments in favour of identity cards, i.e. they will:-

• help protect people from identity fraud and theft

• ensure that people are who they say they are

• tackle illegal working and immigration abuse

• disrupt the use of false and multiple identities by criminals and those involved in terrorist activity

• ensure free public services are only used by those entitled to them

• enable easier access to public services

(3) Council recognises that given that it will ultimately be up to each citizen to decide whether or not they wish to apply for an identity card, it would be perverse if the Council was prohibited from providing residents with information about the scheme as we would with other benefits and entitlements.

The amendment was put to the vote and lost (19:42)

The motion was put to the vote and carried (42:19)

Resolved -  That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Geoffrey Watt

Seconded by Councillor James Keeley

(1) Council notes that 2.4 million pensioners currently receive an average of £60 per week from Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

(2) Council is concerned to note that plans by the Government to create a National Care Service will be funded by the withdrawal of these benefits.

(3) These benefits are a vital support for disabled pensioners and give them the chance to have an independent life with the freedom to tailor their care to their needs.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Moira McLaughlin

Seconded by Councillor Denise Roberts

Delete everything after paragraph 1 and insert the following as a continuation of first paragraph:

Though it recognises that Social Security Benefits can contribute to promoting

independence for some, they do not go far enough in addressing the complexities of providing for the future care needs of an increasing ageing population, and also for younger adults with care needs.

(2) Council therefore welcomes the opportunity through the year long consultation on the Green Paper "Shaping the Future of Care Together" to give a Wirral response to it, which represents the views of users of service, their carers, the voluntary and community sector and staff, and also the all-party response of the Local Government Association, Community Well-Being Board, which welcomed the personalised approach to service provision in the future.

(3) Council endorses the view held by ADSS, LGA and service user advocates that with increased numbers needing services, and the requirement to have services tailored more to suit individuals, a more radical approach to funding is required than the present system allows for.

The amendment was put and carried (37:22)

AMENDMENT

Proposed by: Councillor Ann Bridson

Seconded by: Councillor Chris Teggin

Delete paragraphs (2) and (3) and replace with:

(2) Council supports the principle of free personal care but believes this is best delivered through local councils rather than through the creation of a National Care Service.

(3) Council condemns the Prime Minister for failing to back his new policy with any new money and in particular notes that £250m of the £670m estimated cost is to be financed from existing Local Council Budgets.

(4) Council believes that free personal care must also align with the policy of

personal budgets, which puts the individual’s freedom and choice to live an

independent life at the heart of the care system. Council believes that any withdrawal of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance to fund a set of prescribed entitlements would be incompatible with these objectives.

(5) Council authorises officers to bring these concerns to the attention of the

appropriate Government Ministers.

The amendment was put and lost (18:42)

Resolved – That the motion, as now amended and set out below, be approved.

(1) Council notes that 2.4 million pensioners currently receive an average of £60 per week from Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Though it recognises that Social Security Benefits can contribute to promoting

independence for some, they do not go far  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

Proposed by Councillor Harry Smith

Seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan

Council notes that measures have already been taken to reduce speed limits around schools and now asks Head Teachers and School Governors to work closely with the Director of Technical Services to undertake programmes of Education, Training and Publicity relating to Road Safety in the vicinity of Schools and to promote sustainable travel to reduce congestion and parking in the vicinity of schools.

Resolved (unanimously) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded by Councillor Geoffrey Watt

(1) Council welcomes the work of charities, voluntary organisations and the public sector in Wirral to tackle issues related to public health, including activities around World Aids Day on December 1st.

(2) Council is therefore concerned to note that the number of public health

consultants and registrars has been reduced.

(3) Council also notes there has been no significant public health campaign to warn of the dangers of HIV among younger people and high-risk groups since the 1980s.

(4) Council therefore calls on the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Health and the Chief Executive of the NHS to express these concerns and request urgent attention.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Moira McLaughlin

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

Delete everything after paragraph 1 and insert the following:

(2) Council notes the difficulties currently being experienced at national level in recruiting Directors of Public Health, but welcomes the fact that the more recently formed Public Health Teams which are multi-disciplinary, and made up of highly qualified health professionals, are working effectively to tackle public health issues across the spectrum.

(3) Further, though Council is pleased to note that the incidence of HIV / Aids is low and reducing in Wirral, there is a continued need to educate young people in the dangers of harmful and risky sexual behaviour, which could result in unwanted conceptions and the contracting of sexually transmitted diseases, and therefore welcomes the work of front line staff in the Children and Young People’s Department and the PCTs Health Services in Schools to promote a responsible approach to sexual health by delivering the "Under 19`s Sexual Health Policy."

The amendment was put and carried (37:22)

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Jean Quinn

Seconded by Councillor Ann Bridson

Delete paragraph (2) and replace with:

(2) In addition, Council welcomes the increase in the number of public health

consultants in Wirral in the last 12 months

After paragraph (3) insert new paragraph:

(4) Council believes that the education of young people should include sensible advice on family planning, safe sexual practice and contraception within heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

Re-number paragraph (4) as (5) and add to end of that paragraph:

“, asks the Director of Children and Young People’s Service to ensure the education of young people in these areas is appropriately delivered and requests that the Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee seek a report on HIV in Wirral and what measures are being taken to address the issues raised.”

The amendment was put and carried (37:22)

Resolved – That the motion, as now amended and set out below, be approved.

(1) Council welcomes the work of charities, voluntary organisations and the public sector in Wirral to tackle issues related to public health, including activities around World Aids Day on December 1st.

(2) Council notes the difficulties currently being experienced at national level in recruiting Directors of Public Health, but welcomes the fact that the more recently  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

Proposed by Councillor Chris Meaden

Seconded by Councillor Moira McLaughlin

(1) Council welcomes the fact that Wirral Council’s commitment to promoting

equality, both as an employer and as a provider of services, has been recognised in a recent Government assessment which awarded it a level 3 rating of the Equality Standard for Local Government.

(2) Council notes that this is a nationally recognised standard and demonstrates that the Council has developed and implemented the necessary systems and processes to promote equality of opportunity for all.

(3) Council congratulates all those who have worked so hard to achieve this

recognition, including the work that went into hosting two very successful Diversity Days, attracting more than 1,200 visitors, and supporting community events such as Black History Month awards, an inter-community football tournament, the Youth Voice Conference and events for Chinese elders, Bangladeshi and Black African community members.

(4) Council now urges all its staff to build on this success and work towards the goal of achieving an “excellent” rating within the next three years under the newly introduced Equality Framework.

(5) In particular, Council asks all Chief Officers to ensure that support for equality and diversity are high on their agendas and that they do everything possible to encourage further progress in these areas.

Resolved (unanimously) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded by Councillor Paul Hayes

(1) Council notes that the Director of Children’s services intends to seek a cut of £300,000 to the money allocated this year for the support given to families in Wirral through the Sure Start initiative.

(2) Council welcomes the decision by all three Party leaders to maintain Sure Start after the next General Election and therefore regrets the cuts to the programme in Wirral.

(3) Council believes that support for families, in particular with the important early years of a child’s life, is essential to improve the health and wellbeing of a family and wider society.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Adrian Jones

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

Delete all of the existing text and replace with the following:

(1) Council believes that support for families, in particular for the important early years of children’s lives, is essential to improve the health and wellbeing of society in general. For this reason Council applauds the Government’s Sure Start initiative and the funding passed to Wirral Council which has enabled 21 Children’s Centres to be established across the Borough.

(2) Council rejects the allegation made by the Conservative Group that Wirral’s Sure Start programme has been cut. No Sure Start Centre has had any funding reduced and no future plans are threatened in any way. This is scaremongering of the worst kind. The Government provided full year funding for the second phase of new Children’s Centres and any funding left over in that year because the agreed timescale meant new buildings were completed part way through the year, or the full complement of staff were only appointed part way through the year, has been used to fund other activities for under 5s that are also eligible for Sure Start grant.

(3) Council notes that the saving occurs because the Council has been able to use outstanding Sure Start grant in that year for activities for which it would otherwise have had to find additional funding for from within its own budget.

(4) Council notes that Wirral’s investment in Sure Start stands in stark contrast to the national Conservative position as set out in their ‘Helping new families’ policy document which commits the Conservatives to cutting £200 million per year from Children’s Centres to spend elsewhere. This would mean cutting 19.5% from Sure Start budgets - the equivalent of almost one in five Children’s Centres being forced to close. In Wirral, if a Conservative government were elected, this could mean the closure of up to four Sure Start Centres.

The following amendment was accepted as a friendly amendment by the movers of the above amendment.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Peter Reisdorf

Seconded by: Councillor Sarah Quinn

Replace paragraph (1) with new text:

(1) Council welcomes the expansion of the Children's Centre Programme and the fact that Sure Start grant funding for Wirral has increased significantly, from £8m to £10m over the period 2006-10.

Delete all after ‘General Election’ in paragraph (2).

Run remainder of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

Proposed by Councillor Chris Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor Steve Williams

(1) This Council notes with concern that the site of the shops and maisonettes in Town Meadow Lane Moreton has been allowed to fall into disrepair and dereliction, with all the maisonettes being empty and only three shops in the parade trading.

(2) Council further notes that this housing and commercial stock transferred to Wirral Partnership homes as part of the Council’s Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) programme in 2005.

(3) Council also notes that Wirral Partnership Homes, with the support of this Council were able to secure grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, to redevelop a similar site in Woodchurch with 10 houses and 4 bungalows, following the stock transfer.

(4) Council therefore requests, as a matter of urgency, that Council Officers, working with Wirral Partnership Homes come up with proposals to secure grant funding, to allow a redevelopment scheme to take place at this location, including the provision of new shop premises for the existing traders.

(5) In order to ensure that any new development fits in with the existing streetscene, and is acceptable to the local community Council also requests that Wirral Partnership Homes carries out full open and transparent consultation with all stakeholders, including the existing traders, local residents, representatives of the residents’ association and Ward Councillors prior to the implementation of any new scheme.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor George Davies

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

Delete all of the existing text and replace with the following:

(1) Council is reminded that originally there was a scheme for the refurbishment of these properties by another Housing Association in late 2000, for which conditional Housing Corporation funding had been secured. However the local community, led by Ward Councillors, subsequently rejected the redevelopment proposals.

(2) Council recognises the financial pressures that the Housing Association

movement is currently experiencing. These pressures have arisen from the

constraints imposed on rent increases for next year thereby reducing rental income. This was the subject of a Notice of Motion to a previous Council meeting proposed by Councillor Chris Blakeley to keep rents to an absolute minimum, recognising the difficult financial position many tenants are currently experiencing. However, this reduction in rental income also reduces the Associations’ ability to borrow capital to undertake the required improvements to these properties.

The following amendment was accepted as a friendly amendment by the movers of the above amendment.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Alan Taylor

Seconded by Councillor Simon Holbrook

Delete from paragraph (4) the words:

“that Council Officers, working with Wirral Partnership Homes come up with

proposals to secure grant funding” And replace with the words:

“that Council Officers support Wirral Partnership Homes to come up with proposals to secure grant funding”

The composite amendment was put to the vote and carried (37:21)

Resolved – That the motion, as now amended and set out below, be approved.

(1) Council is reminded that originally there was a scheme for the refurbishment of these properties by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

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

The Council was requested to deal with the following appointments:

Council Committees

Sustainable Communities O&S

Councillor Steve Williams to replace former Councillor Suzanne Moseley

Health and Well Being O & S

Susan Lowe – Co-opted member as representative of service users under the Older People Parliament’s age group

Scrutiny Programme Board O&S

Add Councillor Steve Williams as 3rd deputy

Children and Young People O&S

Add Councillor Steve Williams as 4th deputy

Economy and Regeneration O&S

Add Councillor Steve Williams as 7th deputy

Council Excellence O&S

Add Councillor Steve Williams as 2nd deputy

Pensions Committee

Add Councillor Steve Williams as 2nd deputy

Standards Committee

Add Councillor Steve Williams as 8th deputy

Panels, Statutory & Advisory Committees

Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning

Youth and Play Service Advisory Committee

Add Councillor Steve Williams as deputy

Outside Bodies

(c) Community and Customer Engagement

(viii) Leasowe Play, Youth and Community Association Committee

Councillor Steve Williams to replace former Councillor Suzanne Moseley

(xi) Moreton Community Centre Joint Management Committee

Add Councillor Steve Williams as one of three ward councillors

(d) Culture, Tourism and Leisure

(vi) Tam O’Shanter Cottage Trust

Councillor Simon Mountney to replace former Councillor Suzanne Moseley

(appointed until July 2010)

(h) Regeneration & Planning Strategy

Saughall Massie Conservation Area Advisory Committee

Councillor Simon Mountney to replace former Councillor Suzanne Moseley

(i) Social Care and Inclusion

Arch Initiatives – Wirral Management Committee

Councillor Steve Williams to replace Councillor Ian Lewis

Resolved – That the appointments set out above be approved.