Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Contact: Shirley Hudspeth 0151 691 8559  Committee and Civic Services Manager

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Items
No. Item

26.

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.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Members of the Council were invited to consider whether they had any disclosable pecuniary and/or any other relevant interest in connection with any matters to be determined at this meeting and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.

 

The following declarations were made:

 

Councillor

Steve Foulkes

Item No. 11 – Motion - The Tories’ national housing shortage, poverty incomes, unemployment and private-sector overcrowding (Minute No. 50 refers). Personal and prejudicial – By virtue of him being a member of Magenta Living Board.

Councillor

Jeff Green

Item No. 11 – Motion - The Tories’ national housing shortage, poverty incomes, unemployment and private-sector overcrowding (Minute No. 50 refers). Personal and prejudicial – By virtue of him being a member of Magenta Living Board.

Councillor Elizabeth Grey

Item 11 – Motion – Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education. Personal – By virtue of her employment as a teacher.

Councillor Moira McLaughlin

Item 10(a) – Recommendations of Independent Panel on Members Remuneration. Personal – By virtue of having made representations to the Panel.

Councillor

Pat Cleary

Item 10(a) – Recommendations of Independent Panel on Members Remuneration. Personal – By virtue of having made representations to the Panel.

Councillor

Brian Kenny

Item No. 11 – Motion – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) (Minute No. 56 refers). Personal – By virtue of his membership of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

Councillor Bruce Berry

Item No. 11 – Motion – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) (Minute No. 56 refers). Personal – By virtue of his membership of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

 

27.

CIVIC MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor noted that apologies had been received from Councillors Tony Cottier, Cherry Povall, Lesley Rennie and Jean Stapleton.

 

28.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 55 KB

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 13 and 14 May, 2019 (Annual Council), and 24 June, 2019 (extraordinary meeting).

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 13 and 14 May 2019 (Annual Council), and 24 June 2019 (extraordinary meeting) had been circulated to Members. On a motion by the Civic Mayor, seconded by Councillor Pat Hackett, it was –

 

Resolved (unanimously) – That the minutes of the meetings held on 13 and 14 May 2019 (Annual Council), and 24 June 2019 (extraordinary meeting) be approved and adopted as a correct record.

 

29.

PETITIONS

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

Councillor Chris Blakeley on behalf of 246 residents of Moreton and Saughall Massie calling on the Council to tackle the sky high costs of directors and consultants.

 

Councillor Mary Jordan on behalf of 444 residents of Spital calling on the Council to provide a Children’s Play Area in Spital.

 

Councillor Ian Lewis on behalf of 64 residents of Mosslands Drive and adjacent roads calling on the Council to resurface Mosslands Drive.

 

Councillor Paul Stuart on behalf of 458 residents (hardcopy) and 120 online signatures calling on Merseytravel (a consortium of Merseyside local authorities) to reinstate the 403 service from Seacombe Ferry to Arrowe Park Hospital.

 

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

 

30.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

To deal with questions from members of the public, in accordance with Appendix 1 to Standing Orders – up to 30 minutes.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mr Christopher Power, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10, submitted a question to the Leader of the Council on the subject of why Strategic Gold Command did not meet to co-ordinate better response and recovery away from emergency operations at the scene of the New Ferry Explosion.

 

Councillor Pat Hackett, Leader of the Council, responded accordingly.

 

Ms Chloe Stenhouse, Chairperson, Friends of Poulton Lancelyn, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10, submitted a question to the Leader of the Council asking what assistance could the Council give The Friends of Poulton Lancelyn to set up a children’s play area in Spital, a facility that some residents had been asking for, for the past 30 years.

 

Councillor Pat Hackett, Leader of the Council, responded accordingly.

 

Ms Chloe Stenhouse asked a supplementary question in accordance with Standing Order 10, on whether the Council had progressed a bid to access £9.7 million of new Government funding announced earlier in the year for day-to-day maintenance costs, essential playground repairs and creation of new green spaces, to enable local leaders and communities resources to better maintain, protect and increase their recreational spaces. Councillor Hackett responded accordingly.

 

31.

Cabinet Portfolio Summary Annual Report pdf icon PDF 57 KB

Attached is the Cabinet Portfolio Summary Report with the Annual Report of the 2020 Plan and a report on the Council’s priorities for 2019/20.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Having been moved by Councillor Pat Hackett, Leader and seconded by Councillor Anita Leech, Deputy Leader, the Civic Mayor introduced the Cabinet Portfolio Summary Annual Report (Agenda Item 6A).

 

An amendment was moved in respect of the Cabinet Portfolio Summary Annual Report as follows:

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Chris Carubia

 

“Council notes that the Annual Report again refers to the 'honest appraisals' of Wirral's progress.

 

The report states ...

'We made a commitment when we first agreed this Plan to report back to Wirral residents – to keep residents informed, and give open, honest appraisals of our progress so we can be held to account on the promises we made.'  (Foreword)

 

Last year's report stated, "We’re also continuing to get the basics right'. That theme is not reflected in the new report. Council believes that Cabinet members must not overlook the everyday experiences of Wirral residents.

 

 The Annual Report for 2016/17 (page 25) promised that in 2017/18...

 "...we will redouble our efforts to improve the public realm..."

The Annual Report for 2017/18 again stated...

"we will redouble our efforts to improve the public realm..." (page 35)

 

It is regrettable that there is no emphasis on the 'public realm' in the Report, though it does say that ... 'Living in a safe, clean, well looked after community leads to a better quality of life' (page 15).

 

With regard to this, Council has to point out that residents still do remain concerned about the unkempt state of the Borough, where unsightly weeds remain, streetlights await repair for long periods and where the roads continue to suffer from potholes.

 

Council, in this era of where the climate emergency is now being recognised, does welcome the statement that...

 

'This year, we will redouble our efforts to tackle climate change, through investing in green energies and introducing measures designed to reduce our energy consumption, such as sustainable transport policies and electric car charging points.' (page 12) and looks forward to seeing significant and measurable progress with these issues during the next year.'

 

Council welcomes the commitment to change the nature and style of Portfolio Holders' reports in response to the concerns of Members.”

 

Following a speech by Councillor Gilchrist, the amendment and original motion having been formally seconded, and Councillor Pat Hackett having replied, the amendment was put and carried (32:29) (One abstention).

 

The substantive motion (Cabinet Portfolio Summary Annual Report as amended) was put and carried (61:0) (One abstention).

 

32.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 97 KB

The attached report provides a summary of the programmes of work delivered by the four Overview and Scrutiny Committees in 2018/19 with a focus on the impact of scrutiny and the progress made.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor introduced the Overview and Scrutiny Annual report (Agenda Item 6B).

 

The Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report was then considered by the Council and it was moved by former Scrutiny Chair Councillor Julie McManus, seconded by Councillor Tom Usher and –

 

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report be noted.

 

33.

MEMBERS' QUESTIONS

To consider Members’ general questions to the Civic Mayor, Executive or Committee Chairs in accordance with Standing Orders 10 (2)(b) and 11.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In addition to pre-notified questions to the Executive or Committee Chairs in accordance with Standing Orders 10 (2)(b) and 11, the Civic Mayor also invited questions to Cabinet Members with regard to the content of Cabinet Portfolio Summary Annual Report (Agenda Item 6A).

 

Questions on the content of the Portfolio Summary Annual Report

 

Councillor Steve Hayes asked a question of Councillor Tony Jones, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, on the public consultation regarding Birkenhead, when will the results be known, and will councillors be given access to the public consultation.

 

Councillor Jones responded that the consultation on Birkenhead was launched on an online portal on the 29th of the May and closed on the 30th of June, a resale unit on St Johns pavement was opened on four separate occasions; morning, noon, evenings and weekends. Many people had taken up the offer to go in and make their views known, and the information from this consultation was being collated and would be made available and distributed when this had been completed.

 

Councillor Chris Blakeley asked a question of Councillor Elizabeth Grey, Cabinet Member Environment and Climate Change stating that the annual report made no reference to the problem of dog fouling and no mention of the proposals for the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), why was that?

 

Councillor Grey responded that she was surprised to be asked this question as Councillor Blakeley had been involved in the discussions regarding the creation of the new PSPO which was currently under review and being developed right now.

 

Councillor Steve Foulkes asked a question of Councillor Christine Spriggs, Cabinet Member Culture and Tourism. He congratulated the Cabinet Member on the first six months of the Wirral Borough of Culture and asked if she agreed that all Members should join together tonight to celebrate the fantastic work done so far?

 

Councillor Spriggs thanked Councillor Foulkes for his question. She informed that throughout the year the Council’s programme was celebrating the themes of exploration and discovery and some of Wirral’s amazing spaces and outdoor locations. She added that she wanted to put on record her thanks to every member of staff for the tremendous effort and work they had put in to make it the undoubted success it was today. The Borough of Culture programme had now reached its midway point and had attracted around 100,000 visitors to the Wirral. There were still major events of scale to come and it was envisioned that up to 1 million visitors would be attracted by the end of the year. Some events to highlight were; The Future Yard Indie Festival coming to Hamilton square on August 23rd to 24th. The Wirral Food and Drinks Festival coming in September to Birkenhead Park. The Liverpool Philharmonic would be performing on the Saturday night and the conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic was very excited about this. The current economic impact of the events has not been determined. However, every pound that the council invests  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

Minutes of Constituency Committees pdf icon PDF 83 KB

Following the disbanding of the Constituency Committees, Council is requested to receive the minutes of the final meetings as follows:

 

·  Birkenhead Constituency – 28 February 2019

·  Wirral South Constituency – 6 March 2019

·  Wallasey Constituency – 12 March 2019

·  Wirral West Constituency – 14 March 2019

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following the disbanding of the Constituency Committees, the minutes of the final meetings were submitted for final sign-off, namely:

 

Birkenhead Constituency Committee – 28 February 2019;

Wirral South Constituency Committee – 6 March 2019;

Wallasey Constituency Committee – 12 March 2019; and

Wirral West Constituency Committee – 14 March 2019

 

On a motion moved by Councillor Pat Hackett, seconded by Councillor Anita Leech, it was –

 

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That the minutes of the Birkenhead Constituency Committee (28 February 2019); Wirral South Constituency Committee (6 March 2019); Wallasey Constituency Committee (12 March 2019); and Wirral West Constituency Committee (14 March 2019), be approved and adopted as a correct record.

 

35.

VACANCIES

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

 

OUTSIDE BODIES

 

Cheshire and Wirral NHS Partnership Trust: Appointed Governor

Councillor Phil Gilchrist’s term of office expires on 17 October 2019.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 25(6) the Council was requested to deal with the following matters in respect of the membership of committees and appointments to outside organisations.

 

Cheshire and Wirral NHS Partnership Trust.

It was moved by Councillor Gilchrist, seconded by Councillor Mitchell that Councillor Andy Corkhill be appointed the Council’s nominee as Cheshire and Wirral NHS Partnership Trust: Appointed Governor, replacing Councillor Phil Gilchrist, when his term of office expires on 17 October 2019.

 

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

It was moved by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Blakeley that Councillor Tom Anderson be appointed as Chair of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, replacing Councillor Chris Blakeley with immediate effect.

 

Resolved – That the above appointments and nominations be approved.

36.

MATTERS REQUIRING APPROVAL OR CONSIDERATION BY THE COUNCIL

To consider and determine recommendations of the Executive, Overview and Scrutiny Committees or Council Committees which require the approval or consideration of the Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 5(2) a number of matters had been submitted for approval or consideration by the Council (see Minutes 37 to 39 post).

 

37.

Recommendation of the Independent Panel on Members Allowances pdf icon PDF 87 KB

Members Remuneration. With reference to the Independent Panel on Members Allowances (the Panel), 4 June 2019 (Minute 3 refers).The Council be recommended to agree to the following.

 

That:

 

(1)  a Special Responsibility Allowance of £1,146 (5% of the SRA paid to the Leader of the Council) be paid to the Leaders of Minority Groups, i.e. Groups having fewer Members than the second largest Opposition Group, comprising of at least three Members;

 

(2)  no Special Responsibility Allowances be paid to the Deputy Leaders of Minority Groups; and

 

(3)  the Panel be requested to give further consideration to Special Responsibility Allowances for the Leaders and Deputy Leaders, as part of its periodic review of Members’ Allowances, when it meets again on 25 September 2019.

 

(Report attached)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The first matter requiring consideration by Council was in relation to a recommendation within minute 3 of the Panel on Members Allowances (4 June 2019) - 

 

That:

 

(1)  a Special Responsibility Allowance of £1,146 (5% of the SRA paid to the Leader of the Council) be paid to the Leaders of Minority Groups, i.e. Groups having fewer Members than the second largest Opposition Group, comprising of at least three Members;

 

(2)  no Special Responsibility Allowances be paid to the Deputy Leaders of Minority Groups; and

 

(3)  the Panel be requested to give further consideration to Special Responsibility Allowances for the Leaders and Deputy Leaders, as part of its periodic review of Members’ Allowances, when it meets again on 25 September 2019.

 

On a motion by Councillor Pat Hackett, seconded by Councillor Anita Leech, it was –

 

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within Minute 3 of thePanel on Members Allowances(4 June 2019), be approved.

 

38.

Recommendation of the Employment and Appointments Committee pdf icon PDF 76 KB

Appointment of Head of Paid Service. With reference to the Employment and Appointments Committee, 12 June 2019 (Minute 3(2) refers).The Council be recommended to agree to the following.

 

That:

 

Mr Paul Satoor be appointed to the post of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), to include the appointment as Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer, for a period of twelve months or until such time as a permanent appointment is made.

 

(Minute attached)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The second matter requiring consideration by Council was in relation to the appointment of an Interim Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), as recommended by the Employment and Appointments Committee, 12 June 2019 (Minute 3(2) refers).

 

That:

 

Mr Paul Satoor be appointed to the post of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), to include the appointment as Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer, for a period of twelve months or until such time as a permanent appointment is made.

 

On a motion by Councillor Pat Hackett, seconded by Councillor Anita Leech, it was –

 

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within Minute 3(2) of the Employment and Appointments Committee (12 June 2019), be approved.

 

39.

Recommendation of Cabinet - Executive Decision Making Process pdf icon PDF 70 KB

Executive Decision Making Process. With reference to the meeting of Cabinet, 24 June 2019 (Minute 7(2) refers).That Council be recommended to note the amended Leader’s Scheme of Delegation and Procedure.

 

(Report and Minute attached)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The final matter requiring consideration by Council was a recommendation to note the amended Leader’s Scheme of Delegation and Procedure as agreed at the meeting of Cabinet, 24 June 2019 (Minute 7(2) refers).  

 

Resolved – That the recommendations contained within Minute 7(2) of the Cabinet meeting held on 24 June 2019, be noted.

40.

NOTICES OF MOTION pdf icon PDF 145 KB

Notices of motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1), are attached. They are listed in accordance with Standing Order 7(2), and the full text of each motion is attached. The Mayor, having considered each motion, in accordance with Standing Order 7(4) has decided that they will be dealt with as follows:

 

1.   A Better Offer for Care Leavers.

2.   Relationships education, relationships and sex education and health education.

3.   Investing to change our Urban Scene.

4.   Glyphosate-free Wirral.

5.   Verges and Pollinators.

6.   Keep Free TV Licences for Over 75s.

7.   TV Licences.

8.   Inconsiderate parking around schools.

9.   The Tories’ national housing shortage, poverty incomes, unemployment and private-sector overcrowding.

10. Tyred.

11. Cutting pollution in the interests of all.

12. Borough of Culture.

13. Wirral View.

14. Protecting Wirral’s heritage sites of archaeological importance.

15. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services (MFRS).

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The following Notices of Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1) were reported to Council and determined as detailed in Minutes 42 to 56 (post).

 

  • A better offer for Care Leavers;
  • Relationships education, relationships and sex education and health education;
  • Investing to change our urban scene;
  • Glyphosate-free Wirral;
  • Verges and Pollinators;
  • Keep free TV licences for over 75s;
  • TV Licences;
  • Inconsiderate parking around schools;
  • The Tories’ national housing shortage, poverty incomes, unemployment and private sector overcrowding;
  • Tyred;
  • Cutting pollution in the interests of all;
  • Borough of Culture;
  • Wirral View;
  • Protecting Wirral’s heritage sites of archaeological importance; and
  • Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services (MFRS)

 

41.

Procedural Matter

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Chris Blakeleyand seconded by Councillor Adrian Jones that Standing Order 9(1) be suspended and Motions 1 and 2 at agenda item 11 be debated with the guillotine coming into effect after that.

 

Upon being put to the vote, it was -

 

Resolved (54:4) (One abstention) –

 

That Standing Order 9(1) be suspended and Motions 1 and 2 at agenda item 11 be debated with the guillotine coming into effect after that.

 

42.

Motion - A Better Offer for Care Leavers

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘A Better Offer for Care Leavers’ for which one motion and two amendments had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Tom Usher moved and Councillor Kate Cannon seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

 

“Council notes that the new Offer for Care Leavers reflects a commitment to do the right thing by the young people in our care. Those involved, both from the Council and our partner organisations should be thanked for their work and determination, especially those young people at the Care Leaver’s Council and beyond who helped shape this new offer.

 

Council also makes the assurance that it will continue to listen to children and young people in its efforts to improve the offer. We are resolute that one of the most important responsibilities of any government, local or national is to ensure children and young people get the best possible start to their life.  Council supports the decision to exempt care leavers from Council Tax and to write off any arrears owed.

 

The Council supports the £20m investment made in 2018/19 and is committed to continued investment in Children’s services.  However, our commitment and aspirations for our young people are made more difficult by the government’s refusal to act on the crisis in social care funding. If austerity is truly over, Council calls on the government to set children as their number one priority, provide adequate funding for local councils, and reverse some of the harmful cuts in services that have led to a record number of children in care.  In the sixth richest country in the world we should not have more than one in four children living in poverty in the UK.  This statistic shames us all.”

 

AMENDMENT 1

 

Proposed by Councillor Tom Anderson

Seconded by Councillor Wendy Clements

 

In paragraph 3 delete all from: ‘However, our commitment……’ to ‘truly over,’

 

In paragraph 3 delete all from ‘and reverse…….’ to ‘us all.’

 

Insert ‘and’ between ‘priority’ and ‘provide’

 

Insert new paragraphs:

 

Council welcomes the Government’s Care Leavers Strategy and is fully committed to ensuring that this guidance is implemented within the local authority. Council requests that a report goes to the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee detailing the progress in implementing this strategy.’

 

Council recognises the beneficial effect of employment on life chances. To give our care leavers the best start possible, Council requests Cabinet to ensure Officers continue their work to prioritise apprentice vacancies within the authority and working with our partners, for care leavers. Thereby ensuring they have a better start in life.

 

Therefore, the final three paragraphs read:

 

The Council supports the £20m investment made in 2018/19 and is committed to continued investment in Children’s services. Council calls on the government to set children as their number one priority and provide adequate funding for local councils.

 

Council welcomes the Government’s Care Leavers Strategy and is fully committed to ensuring that this guidance is implemented within the local authority. Council requests that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

43.

Motion - Relationships education, relationships and sex education and health education

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Relationships education, relationships and sex education and health education’ for which one motion (no amendments) had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Ian Lewis moved and Councillor Tom Anderson seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

Council believes that at the heart of preparing children for life in modern Britain is making sure that they understand the world they are growing up in.

 

Council welcomes the publication of guidance for schools on relationships, sex and health education by the Department for Education and agrees with the statement by Stonewall that it marks a ‘real, positive step forward for LGBT inclusion in England’s schools’ to help ensure all children have the knowledge they need to grow up healthy, happy and safe.

 

Council urges all schools in Wirral to take steps now to ensure compliance with the guidance ahead of the introduction of compulsory relationships education for primary-age pupils and compulsory relationships and sex education for secondary-age pupils, and compulsory health education for all pupils in state-funded schools from September 2020.

 

Council also looks forward to the work by the expert group convened by the Secretary of State to support the effective implementation of these new subjects in schools, which includes teaching unions such as the NAHT, sector experts, representatives of faith groups, parents and young people.”

 

Resolved: (57:0) (Two abstentions) – That the motion be approved.

44.

Motion - Investing to change our Urban Scene

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Investing to change our Urban Scene’ for which one motion and one amendment had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Dave Mitchell seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

Council believes that there is a need for a step change or programme of improvements to the quality of the urban scene in Wirral.  The footways leading to local shopping centres and the areas of dropped kerbs and crossings need upgrading in some areas to provide safe, convenient and attractive routes for pedestrians and the users of electric buggies.

 

Council notes that there has been a measurable decline in the condition of Wirral’s roads and that the recently announced maintenance programme is constrained by the financial pressures facing the Borough.  Some local shopping centres have areas of damaged footways and need investment to ensure these are not only safe but are even and attractive environments.

 

Council considers that the use of prudential borrowing may provide a way of investing in road surfaces, footways and cycling facilities.  The opportunity could be taken to look at modifications to improve safety, reduce speeds and improve facilities for parking, pedestrians and cyclists.  This might enable the creation of a more pleasant environment, especially in congested areas and around schools.

 

Council recommends that Cabinet invites Ward Members to submit reports on the areas that they believe need to be upgraded.  This would be over and above minor maintenance but should be a series of suggestions for turning the decline around.  A target date for submissions should be offered so that a planned programme of improvement can be drawn up.

 

Council also requests that Cabinet reports back on how long it would take to address the backlog of highway repairs at current spending levels and how the deterioration might be reversed and resourced through prudential borrowing.”

 

AMENDMENT

 

Proposed by Councillor Liz Grey

Seconded by Councillor Janette Williamson

 

Delete all after; “Council recommends that Cabinet invites Ward Members to submit reports on the areas that they believe need upgraded.”

 

Replace with:

 

This would be over and above minor maintenance but should be a series of suggestions for improving the environment and road safety. A target date for submissions should be offered so that a planned programme of improvement can be drawn up.

 

Council also requests that Cabinet reports back on how long it would take to improve the situation along our roads and pavements at current spending levels and if the deterioration might be reversed and resourced through prudential borrowing or capital investment”.

 

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

 

Councillor Gilchrist as mover of the motion, and duly supported by Councillor Mitchell as seconder, indicated acceptance of the amendment moved by Cllr Grey. 

 

The substantive motion was therefore put and carried.

 

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) – That

 

Council believes that there is a need for a step change or programme of improvements to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

45.

Motion - Glyphosate-free Wirral

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Glyphosate-free Wirral’ for which one motion and three amendments had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Steve Hayes moved and Councillor Chris Cooke seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

“Council notes:


The use of pesticides such as glyphosate in the UK has increased by 60% in real terms since 1990 [1]. Italy, Portugal and the Canadian city of Vancouver have all banned the use of glyphosate [or glyphosate based weed killers] and France is working towards this. Mosanto and German owner Bayer face 9,000 lawsuits in the USA from those that believe their illnesses are caused by their products, the first plaintiff won unanimously with many more to follow [2]. Recent studies published in ScienceDirect show a 41% increased risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma caused by exposure from glyphosate-based weed killers and products [3].


Council believes:

 

·  There is compelling evidence that glyphosate and a wide range of other herbicides and pesticides may be harmful to human health

 

·  The use of pesticides and weed killers reduces biodiversity, impacting negatively on insects, birds and bees, in a time when the world is losing 2.5% of its insect population per-year [4].

 

·  Harmful weed killer residues can creep into the food chain.

 

·  Pets and children should not be playing in parks, in our streets or any area treated with such chemicals.

 

Council recommends that cabinet resolves to:

 

·  Phase out the use of all pesticides and weed killers on council land.

 

·  Cut out all use of glyphosate based treatments in all council-owned parks within one year and across all council-owned land within two years.

 

·  Trial pesticide-free alternatives during this period. Particularly those adopted by the likes of Hammersmith and Fulham and Lewes Councils who use biodegradable foam or hot steam treatments on weeds.

 

·  Grant an exception to the above ban regarding the control of Japanese knotweed, or other invasive species, where there are currently no effective mechanical techniques available. However, in this case chemicals such as glyphosate will only be stem-injected, rather than sprayed, to reduce its spread in the environment.

 

·  Grant an exception on sprays only in relation to Giant Hogweed where it’s not safe to be dug out or safely removed by other means and then cordon off the surrounding area.

 

·  Write to the prime minister to inform the government of this Council’s opposition to glyphosate-based pesticides and to call for a UK-wide programme to phase out their use.

 

1. http://www.pan-uk.org/pesticides-agriculture-uk/ Link to external page/site
2.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/oct/07/monsanto-trial-cancer-appeal-glyphosate-chemical Link to external page/site
3.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1383574218300887 Link to external page/site
4.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/10/plummeting-insect-numbers-threaten-collapse-of-nature- Link to external page/site”

 

AMENDMENT 1

 

Councillor Liz Grey moved and Councillor Julie McManus seconded the following amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(9) such that the Motion be approved subject to –

 

Delete all after: “Pets and children should not be playing in parks, in our streets or any area treated with such chemicals.”

 

Replace with “Council recognises that WBC does not use glyphosate in Green Flag areas.

 

Council welcomes the fact  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

46.

Motion - Verges and Pollinators

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Verges and Pollinators’ for which one motion and one amendment had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Stuart Kelly moved and Councillor Chris Blakeley seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

Council notes the public interest in, and appreciation of, the scheme in Rotherham where the main Ring road has, for some years, had areas planted with native wildflowers.

 

As these have created an attractive visual environment and encouraged pollinators Council requests Cabinet to instruct officers to:

 

a)  report in detail on such a scheme, the cost of introduction and potential maintenance

b)  offer advice on suitable areas for similar planting in Wirral

c)  consider an area for an initial trial scheme in Wirral

d)  draw up proposals for consultation regarding further areas where this could be introduced; and

 

present this report for consideration by the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee with a timetable that might enable a trial scheme to commence in 2020.”

 

AMENDMENT

 

Proposed by Councillor Pat Cleary

Seconded by Councillor Steve Hayes

 

Add a new final paragraph:

 

“In the meantime, Council requests Cabinet to ensure that officers work proactively with residents who wish to create wildflower meadows on council-owned land in appropriate locations”.

 

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

 

Councillor Kelly as mover of the motion, and duly supported Councillor Blakeley as seconder, indicated acceptance of the amendment moved by Cllr Cleary. 

 

The substantive motion was therefore put and carried.

 

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) – That

 

Council notes the public interest in, and appreciation of, the scheme in Rotherham where the main Ring road has, for some years, had areas planted with native wildflowers.

 

As these have created an attractive visual environment and encouraged pollinators Council requests Cabinet to instruct officers to:

 

a)  report in detail on such a scheme, the cost of introduction and potential maintenance

b)  offer advice on suitable areas for similar planting in Wirral

c)  consider an area for an initial trial scheme in Wirral

d)  draw up proposals for consultation regarding further areas where this could be introduced; and

 

present this report for consideration by the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee with a timetable that might enable a trial scheme to commence in 2020.

 

In the meantime, Council requests Cabinet to ensure that officers work proactively with residents who wish to create wildflower meadows on council-owned land in appropriate locations.

 

47.

Motion - Keep Free TV Licences for Over 75s

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Keep Free TV Licences for Over 75s’ for which one motion (no amendments) had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Chris Jones moved and Councillor Sharon Jones seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

“Introduced by a Labour Government in 2000 the introduction of free TV licences helped alleviate hardship for many people over the age of 75, a high proportion of whom are in the lowest three income deciles.

 

However, the present government has outsourced to the BBC new ‘means testing’ whereby only older people who receive Pension Credit benefit will receive free TV licenses.  They are amongst the poorest in our society. Yet two fifths of those entitled to the benefit aren’t getting it.  Some simply don’t know they can claim; many may struggle even to discover how to claim, and many are embarrassed about needing help.  Many older people have struggled through their working lives to accumulate a little extra for retirement.  But that small ‘rainy day’ pot means they are excluded from means-tested benefits.  Many of that age are coping with the costs of diminished health or disability.  Many have outlived their life partners and are alone and lonely. Taking away their TV license is a cruel blow.

 

Council calls on this ‘Austerity Government’ to reverse a mean, means-testing measure, foisted by proxy onto the BBC, that contrasts so vividly with the wish of some politicians to give even greater tax reductions to the super-rich.” 

 

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

 

The motion moved by Councillor Chris Jones was put and carried.

 

Resolved (42:18) (One abstention) – That the motion be approved.

 

48.

Motion - TV Licences

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘TV Licences’ for which one motion and one amendment had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Chris Blakeley moved and Councillor Mary Jordan seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

“Council notes and condemns the decision made by the BBC to remove free TV licenses from over 75s except for those on pension credit.


Council believes that this decision could have a negative effect on the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.


Therefore, Council requests the Chief Executive to write to the Director General of the BBC to relay the Council’s views and opposition and calls on the BBC to think again and reinstate unconditionally free TV licenses for over 75s.”

 

AMENDMENT

 

Proposed by Councillor Janette Williamson

Seconded by Councillor Christine Spriggs

 

Delete paragraph 1, ‘Council notes and condemns…’

 

Replace with:

 

Council notes that in 2015 the Conservative government announced that the BBC would take over the cost of providing free licences for over 75s by 2020, at the cost of £745m, a fifth of their budget.

 

Council notes the decision made by the BBC to remove free TV licences from over 75s except for those on pension credit.

 

Delete paragraph 3, ‘Therefore…’

 

Replace with:

 

Therefore, Council requests the Chief Executive to write to the government to properly fund the BBC in order that it can reinstate unconditionally free TV licences for over 75s.

 

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

 

The amendment moved by Councillor Williamson was put and carried (41:19) (One abstention).

 

The substantive motion was then put and carried.

 

Resolved (41:19) (One abstention) – That

 

Council notes that in 2015 the Conservative government announced that the BBC would take over the cost of providing free licences for over 75s by 2020, at the cost of £745m, a fifth of their budget.

 

Council notes the decision made by the BBC to remove free TV licences from over 75s except for those on pension credit.


Council believes that this decision could have a negative effect on the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.


Therefore, Council requests the Chief Executive to write to the government to properly fund the BBC in order that it can reinstate unconditionally free TV licences for over 75s.

 

49.

Motion - Inconsiderate parking around schools

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Inconsiderate parking around schools’ for which one motion and two amendments had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Stuart Kelly moved and Councillor Allan Brame seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

Council notes that inconsiderate parking around schools has a detrimental impact on the local environment and has safety implications for children using the local road network to walk or cycle to school.

 

Council is aware that this is an issue that affects schools in Wirral and elsewhere in the country.  Council notes that initiatives have been introduced in other parts of the country to tackle the problem, notably...

 

in Solihull

http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/Parking-travel-roads/road-safety/Solihull-School-Streets-Pilot/How-will-it-work)

 

in Edinburgh

http://www.streetsaheadedinburgh.org.uk/streetsahead/info/35/school_travel/87/school_streets

 

in Hackney

https://www.hackney.gov.uk/school-streets

 

...who have each explored introducing Controlled Parking Zones around their worst effected schools.  Council believes that it is time that such schemes were introduced around targeted Wirral schools, especially primary schools.

 

Council recommends that Cabinet should introduce Controlled Parking Zones schemes at selected schools, with the residential areas around Townfield Primary School and Raeburn Primary School selected as suitable pilot areas.”

 

AMENDMENT 1

 

Proposed by Councillor Liz Grey

Seconded by Councillor Tom Usher

 

This amendment was withdrawn.

 

AMENDMENT 2

 

Proposed by Councillor Pat Cleary

Seconded by Councillor Chris Cooke

 

In final paragraph, delete all after "at selected schools" and replace with:


“with pilot schools to be determined following cross-party discussions and incorporating advice from relevant council officers with specific reference to schools adjacent to main roads where controlled parking is likely to have the most impact on air quality concerns”.

 

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

 

Councillor Kelly as mover of the motion, and duly supported by Councillor Brame as seconder, indicated acceptance of the amendment moved by Cllr Cleary. 

 

The substantive motion was therefore put and carried.

 

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) – That

 

Council notes that inconsiderate parking around schools has a detrimental impact on the local environment and has safety implications for children using the local road network to walk or cycle to school.

 

Council is aware that this is an issue that affects schools in Wirral and elsewhere in the country.  Council notes that initiatives have been introduced in other parts of the country to tackle the problem, notably...

 

in Solihull

http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/Parking-travel-roads/road-safety/Solihull-School-Streets-Pilot/How-will-it-work)

 

in Edinburgh

http://www.streetsaheadedinburgh.org.uk/streetsahead/info/35/school_travel/87/school_streets

 

in Hackney

https://www.hackney.gov.uk/school-streets

 

...who have each explored introducing Controlled Parking Zones around their worst effected schools.  Council believes that it is time that such schemes were introduced around targeted Wirral schools, especially primary schools.

 

Council recommends that Cabinet should introduce Controlled Parking Zones schemes at selected schools, with pilot schools to be determined following cross-party discussions and incorporating advice from relevant council officers with specific reference to schools adjacent to main roads where controlled parking is likely to have the most impact on air quality concerns.

 

50.

Motion - The Tories’ national housing shortage, poverty incomes, unemployment and private-sector overcrowding

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘The Tories’ national housing shortage, poverty incomes, unemployment and private-sector overcrowding’ for which one motion and one amendment had been submitted.

 

Councillors Steve Foulkes and Jeff Green, having previously declared a personal prejudicial interest in this item left the Chamber whilst the matter was decided upon.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Adrian Jones moved and Councillor Paul Stuart seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

Council notes government announcements claiming the highest statistical rates of employment in decades, implying that serious UK unemployment is virtually a thing of the past.

 

Council further notes that to effect a favourable presentation of this claim millions of adults are shown in government publicity as ‘employed’ who are in fact under-employed working only part-time in low paid jobs.

 

TUC research shows that accurately weighted accounting would add a further 1.3 million to the real unemployment total – demonstrating that analysis exposing the extent of austerity driven poverty-wages and uncovering statistically masked unemployment shows the true situation in a bleaker light.

 

Council further notes that: “More people are being pushed to the hard edge of the housing crisis by crippling private rents, frozen benefits and endless waiting lists for social homes that don’t exist.” (Liverpool Echo report, May 31st 2019.) 

 

Simultaneous analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals: “A poverty cloud is hanging over 42% of workers in the North West with almost a million earning below £20,000 a year.” (Liverpool Echo report, 8th June 2019.)

 

Council further notes that the government’s continuing  ‘austerity’ policy of wage depression, underscoring its low-wage, post-industrial poverty-economy, combined with the greatest dearth of house building since the decades after the First World War, encourages increasing conversion of former Wirral family homes and shops into multi occupancy dwellings which, through over-crowding and high rents, risks today’s creation of tomorrow’s slums.

 

Council believes everybody should have access to decent housing as a fundamental right and applauds Wirral’s Housing Standards Team, and Selective Licensing scheme, for significantly influencing the quality of Wirral’s private sector housing stock but believes the tendency to over-crowding can only practicably be reversed by large scale development of high-quality council housing at genuinely affordable rents. 

 

Council therefore calls upon the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning to:

 

·  Work closely with Homes England and other partners to tackle viability issues and maximise development on brown field land in Wirral;

·  examine options to increase the supply of genuinely affordable quality homes to meet housing need; and

·  develop a Policy approach via the planning system to respond to potential over-crowding by the creation of further Houses in Multiple Occupation

 

Council would therefore welcome measures by central government to alleviate the risk of multi-millions of pounds of HRE (Housing Revenue Account) clawback from previous stock transfers and notes that a Labour Government would remove that anomaly. 

 

Finally, Council recalls with immense pleasure the Wirral Conservative Leader’s recent declaration in favour of large-scale Wirral council housing, proposals that accord uncharacteristically  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

51.

Motion - Tyred

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Tyred’ for which one motion and one amendment had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Ian Lewis moved and Councillor Chris Blakeley seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

 

Council welcomes, finally, the decision by the Department for Transport to implement a limit on the age of tyres that can be used on buses, coaches, lorries and minibuses and thanks Frances Molloy and the team at Tyred for the relentless pursuit of a long overdue change in the law to improve road safety.”

 

AMENDMENT

 

Proposed by Councillor Janette Williamson

Seconded by Councillor Brian Kenny

 

Add additional sentence:

 

Council thanks Maria Eagle MP, Steve Rotheram Metro Mayor and our trade unions for their ongoing political support for the Tyred campaign, and for putting pressure on the Conservative Government to implement the new legislation.

 

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

 

Councillor Lewis as mover of the motion, and duly supported by Councillor Blakeley as seconder, indicated acceptance of the amendment moved by Cllr Williamson. 

 

The substantive motion was therefore put and carried.

 

Resolved (59:1) (One abstention) – That

 

Council welcomes, finally, the decision by the Department for Transport to implement a limit on the age of tyres that can be used on buses, coaches, lorries and minibuses and thanks Frances Molloy and the team at Tyred for the relentless pursuit of a long overdue change in the law to improve road safety.

 

Council thanks Maria Eagle MP, Steve Rotheram Metro Mayor and our trade unions for their ongoing political support for the Tyred campaign, and for putting pressure on the Conservative Government to implement the new legislation.

 

52.

Motion - Cutting pollution in the interests of all

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Cutting pollution in the interests of all’ for which one motion (no amendments) had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Dave Mitchell seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 Council recognises that in January 2019, the Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP launched the Clean Air Strategy 2019, describing air pollution as a ‘health emergency’:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/air-pollution-is-a-health-emergency

 

Council also notes that in March 2019, Public Health England published a substantial report on the relationship between air pollution and heath:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-outdoor-air-quality-and-health-review-of-interventions

 

In addition to this, the National Planning Policy Framework published in July 2018 states that:

 

102.  Transport issues should be considered from the earliest stages of plan-making and development proposals so that:

  d)  the environmental impacts of traffic and transport infrastructure can be identified, assessed and taken into account - including appropriate opportunities for avoiding and mitigating any adverse effects, and for net environmental gains....

 

Council also appreciates that the Air Quality Annual Status Report brings together findings relating to air pollution in Wirral and compares the findings at various monitoring sites through time:

https://www.wirral.gov.uk/sites/default/files/all/environmental%20problems/Pollution/Wirral%20ASR%202018.pdf

 

Council also welcomes all the publicity given in the build-up to, and following, Clean Air Day on 20 June 2019, involving local schools.

 

Council considers that:

 

a)  all these interventions and approaches need to be strengthened and coordinated;

b)  there is a need to reduce congestion and air pollution around our schools and build on wider public support for tackling environmental issues;

c)  the development of the Local Plan needs to take account of the latest initiatives on tackling pollution and environmental concerns.

 

To this end, Council requests that the Health and Wellbeing Board, at its meeting on 13 November 2019, should review these issues to ensure that these various projects and initiatives are considered, together with the aim of coordinating, building upon and extending them.

 

Council requests that this review and the outcome of the discussion on policy should be referred to the Cabinet so that the issues can be progressed.”

 

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

 

The motion moved by Councillor Gilchrist was put and carried.

 

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) – That the motion be approved.

 

53.

Motion - Borough of Culture

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Borough of Culture’ for which one motion (no amendments) had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Christine Spriggs moved and Councillor Janette Williamson seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

 

Council welcomes the Wirral-led partnership that has made the ‘Borough of Culture’ year so far such an overwhelming success. As part of our Wirral Plan we pledged to encourage more Wirral people to enjoy the wide range of culture and arts opportunities on offer across our Borough and so far, in the first half of the programme; an estimated 100,000 visitors have attended Borough of Culture events and it is anticipated some 500,000 residents and visitors will do so over the course of the year. Amazing high-quality events that have taken place so far include the spectacular Animated Square event, the Witching Hour event taking place in our wonderful and historic Birkenhead Park, the OVO Energy Tour Series andnow a season of Art Outdoors happening across the Borough.

 

Council notes that over £140k has already been secured through grant, sponsorship and commercial opportunities, including the largest ever successful grant of £130k secured from Arts Council England; that over 100 local Wirral residents have been trained to act as volunteers  and have supported the delivery of the Borough of Culture programme, equating to over 300 volunteering hours; that over 90% of visitors have rated the quality of all events so far this year, as either ‘good’, or ‘very good’ and welcomes the news that an anticipated overall economic impact of £7m over the course of the year will be achieved.

 

Council also agrees with Arts Council England that from providing jobs to making places better to live, arts and culture make a huge contribution to the economy.

 

Council therefore congratulates the Culture and Tourism team and the wider council staff teams and our partners who have worked so hard on every aspect of the programme and welcomes the second half of our highly successful Wirral Borough of Culture year.”

 

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

 

The motion moved by Councillor Spriggs was put and carried.

 

Resolved (59:0) (Two abstentions) – That the motion be approved.

 

54.

Motion - Wirral View

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Wirral View’ for which one motion and one amendment had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Tony Cox moved and Councillor Steve Williams seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

Council notes that Wirral View newspaper has, to date, cost £402,000 of taxpayers’ money but continues to fail to reach all parts of the Borough.

 

Council further notes that the Authority has, itself, chosen to advertise in the independent, free local media rather than its own publication.

 

Council therefore asks Cabinet to end its support for this publication.”

 

AMENDMENT

 

Proposed by Councillor Pat Hackett

Seconded by Councillor Janette Williamson

 

Delete all after: ‘free local media rather than its own publication.’

 

Replace with:

 

Council does however recognise the value community organisations, charities and other groups place on their ability to promote their work through Wirral View.

 

Council therefore requests officers to review how the publication is delivered, and present options back to the relevant scrutiny committee by the end of the calendar year in order for Members to fully debate the future direction of the publication.

 

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

 

The amendment moved by Councillor Hackett was put and lost (29:31) (One abstention).

 

The original motion moved by Councillor Cox was then put and carried.

 

Resolved (31:29) (One abstention) That the motion be approved.

 

55.

Motion - Protecting Wirral’s heritage sites of archaeological importance

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Protecting Wirral’s heritage sites of archaeological importance’ for which one motion (no amendments) had been submitted.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Chris Carubia moved and Councillor Stuart Kelly seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

 

“Council welcomes the work being undertaken by Wirral Archaeology to explore and publicise Wirral’s valuable Viking heritage.

 

Council looks forward to receiving information on their past, current and future findings that will enable Wirral to add to the understanding and appreciation of this heritage.

 

Council notes that the Unitary Development Plan has a detailed policy and justification relating to non-scheduled remains in Section CH25 which states that…

 

"Where archaeological remains are of significant importance and can only be appropriately preserved in-situ, the Local Planning Authority will assess the impact of the proposals, in terms of the potential disturbance to be caused to those remains and their setting.  Where those remains cannot be accommodated within the layout of a revised development scheme or where it is not appropriate to do so, planning permission will be refused."

 

In addition, Council notes that the National Planning Policy Framework places emphasis on sites of archaeological interest and such heritage assets (see section 16 Conserving and enhancing the historic environment) and states at paragraph 189 that….

 

“In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes, or has the potential to include, heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation.”

 

Council believes that these policies offer important protection to various sites throughout Wirral and asks Cabinet to report on how, as part of the current work on the Local Plan, sites of potential archaeological importance can be properly protected and recognised.”

 

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

 

The motion moved by Councillor Carubia was put and carried.

 

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) That the motion be approved.

 

56.

Motion - Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services (MFRS)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the item ‘Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services (MFRS)’ for which one motion (no amendments) had been submitted.

 

Prior to moving the motion, Councillor Brian Kenny declared a personal non-prejudicial interest, by virtue of his Council appointment to the MFRS, Councillor Bruce Berry similarly declared.

 

MOTION

 

Councillor Brain Kenny moved and Councillor Adrian Jones seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

 

This Wirral Council:

 

1.  Recognises and applauds Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) for enhancing the reputation of Merseyside following its very strong performance in the recent Inspection carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

 

The Inspectorate deemed Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority as GOOD when considering.

 

·  How effective they are in keeping people safe from fire and other risks

·  How efficient they are in keeping people safe from fire and other risks

·  How well they look after their people

 

but notably, OUTSTANDING in the areas of preventing fires and national resilience – the only Service in the Country to receive 2 Outstanding’s for its work.

 

2.  Notes that this is the highest ‘performance’ in the Country, from the first two rounds of inspection.

 

3.  Congratulates the Chief Fire Officer for his leadership and his team for their hard work and tenacity, notably his Fire Fighters; Fire Prevention teams; Protection Officers; Support Services and the representative bodies, who along with the members of the MFRA have achieved this recognition.

 

4.  Agrees that the political decision to - support an operational model which only utilises professional full time firefighters, to partner with the Home Office as lead authority for national resilience, to maintain a 10 minute response standard (5 min 40 sec average attendance time), to resource to demand,  to increase the number of fire engines, to improve the diversity of the workforce, to invest in up to date fit for purpose Community Fire and Rescue Stations, whilst giving home fire prevention very high priority;  has contributed to the result and findings of the inspectorate.

 

5.   Notes that the proposed changes to the Integrated Risk Management Plan will help to maintain night time cover at Wallasey Fire Station and for the Wirral in General, as part of a plan to improve staff availability, increase the numbers of fire engines and update the general staffing system within the Authority, further contributing to the safety of Merseyside.

 

6.  Believes that the results would have been even better if the Government had maintained the proper level of  funding for MFRA, who have suffered some of the largest cuts to Government grant in the country, but have tenaciously hung on to full time firefighters whilst maintaining an emphasis on community fire prevention, in order to help keep Merseyside safe.”

 

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

 

The motion moved by Councillor Kenny was put and carried.

 

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) That the motion be approved.