Agenda and minutes

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Items
No. Item

40.

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 Civic Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and informed the Council that the Constitution and Standards Committee had at its meeting on 30 September, 2021, granted a dispensation to all Members so that any interests Members might hold, relating to the National Health Service and the reorganisation into Integrated Care Systems (NHS and ICS) did not need to be declared.

 

Having then asked for any declarations of interest, no such declarations were made.

41.

CIVIC MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

One apology for absence was received from Councillor Sharon Jones.

 

The Civic Mayor then invited the Council to stand and observe a minute’s silence following the sad passing of Councillor Andy Corkhill and former Mayor and Councillor, Alderman Gerry Ellis and also for Sir David Amess, MP, recently murdered whilst undertaking his constituency work.

 

The Council stood in silent tribute to their memories.

 

Councillor Allan Brame then, at the invitation of the Civic Mayor, addressed the Council and paid a moving tribute to Councillor Andy Corkhill.

 

Councillor Tom Anderson also paid tribute to Councillor Andy Corkhill and also to Alderman Gerry Ellis.

 

Having first suggested changing the order of business, to enable Motion No. 2 to be considered as the next agenda item, which the Civic Mayor declined to do, Councillor Andrew Hodson then moved that Standing Order 9 be suspended, so that no guillotine was imposed during the course of the meeting. Having been duly seconded, the motion was put to the vote and lost (27:34).

 

Councillor Janette Williamson, at the invitation of the Civic Mayor, then made a statement to the Council in light of the recent horrific murder of Sir David Amess, and spoke of the need for civility, decency and compassion in public life and for the need for Members to respect each other and Council officers. She thanked all MPs and particularly the four local Wirral MPs for their service to the Borough.

42.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 184 KB

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 6 September, 2021 (to follow in supplement).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 6 September, 2021 had been circulated to Members.

 

Councillor Pat Cleary requested an amendment to minute 39, ‘Motion – Creating Low Traffic Streets and Neighbourhoods Across Wirral’, as it was he, not Councillor Harry Gorman who had moved the motion.

 

On a motion by the Mayor, duly seconded it was –

 

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting be approved and adopted as a correct record, subject to the above amendment.

43.

Public Questions

Notice of questions to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, Wednesday, 13 October, 2021 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer (committeeservices@wirral.gov.uk) and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 10.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor informed the Council that five questions had been received from members of the public, in relation to Hoylake beach with one member of the public present to ask their question.

 

The first question was from Sam Coleman to the Leader of the Council, and the Director of Law and Governance read out the question. Councillor Janette Williamson agreed to supply a written response to Mr Coleman.

 

Three further questions were then put to the Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, which were read out by the Director of Law and Governance from Wayne Verkade, Nicola Verkade and Keith Randles.

 

Councillor Elizabeth Grey agreed to supply written responses to each question.

 

The Civic Mayor then invited Charlotte Smith to put her question to the Leader of the Council. Councillor Janette Williamson responded accordingly.

 

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Williamson stated that it was for individual Councillors to respond as to actions they may be taking to help the environment.

 

44.

Statements and Petitions

Notice of statements to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon,  Wednesday, 13 October, 2021 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer (commmitteeservices@wirral.gov.uk) and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 11.1.

 

Petitions may be presented to the Council. The person presenting the petition will be allowed to address the meeting briefly (not exceeding one minute) to outline the aims of the petition. The Mayor will refer the matter to another appropriate body of the Council within whose terms of reference it falls without discussion, unless a relevant item appears elsewhere on the Agenda. Please give notice of petitions to committeeservices@wirral.gov.uk in advance of the meeting.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor reported that no statements were to be received.

 

Councillors Alison Wright, Tony Cox and Andrew Gardner presented a petition regarding Hoylake Beach.

 

Councillor Allan Brame presented a petition regarding flooding at Nursery Close, Oxton.

 

Resolved – That the petitions be noted and referred to the appropriate Chief Officers in accordance with Standing Order 11.2.

45.

Members' Questions

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Chris Cooke asked a question of the Chairs of the Economy, Regeneration and Development and Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committees regarding the Active Travel Forum. Councillor Tony Jones, responded on both his and Councillor Liz Grey’s behalf accordingly and assured Councillor Cooke that the Members’ Active Travel Working Group would be holding its first meeting in November.

 

Councillor Stuart Kelly asked a question of the Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee regarding the removal of a street bench in Oxton ward. Councillor Grey responded accordingly, stating that limited resources were available for maintaining the council’s benches and wherever possible they were repaired and repainted in their location. A bench would unfortunately be removed if it was damaged beyond repair. In those cases, benches would be replaced with a new bench in the original location as soon as resources allowed and no benches should be removed and not replaced at all.

46.

MATTERS REQUIRING APPROVAL OR CONSIDERATION BY THE COUNCIL

To consider any recommendations and receive reports from the Council’s Committees which require the approval or consideration of the Council, and to receive questions and answers on any of those reports.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 2(x) three matters had been submitted for approval by the Council (see minutes 47 to 49 post).

47.

Members' Allowance Scheme pdf icon PDF 50 KB

The Council is requested to consider the following referral from the Constitution and Standards Committee:

 

The Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendation to amend the Members’ Allowance Scheme to include a Special Responsibility Allowance for the Independent Member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

 

Constitution and Standards Committee minute 16 (30/9/21) attached, together with the Director of Law and Governance’s report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The first item requiring approval was in relation to a referral from the Constitution and Standards Committee at its meeting of 30 September, 2021 and the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendation to amend the Members’ Allowance Scheme for the Independent Member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

 

On a motion by Councillor Phil Gilchrist, seconded by Councillor Paul Stuart, it was –

 

Resolved  – That the Members’ Allowance Scheme be amended to include a Special Responsibility Allowance for the Independent Member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

48.

Capital Monitoring Quarter 1 2021/22 pdf icon PDF 57 KB

The Council is requested to agree the following recommendation of the Policy and Resources Committee:

 

(1)  additional funding for the schemes referred to in section 3.5 in the report.

(2)  the revised Capital Programme of £79.7 million for 2021-22, including the virements referred to in Appendix 3 in the report.

 

Policy and Resources Committee minute 51 (1/9/21) and report attached.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The second item requiring approval was in relation to a revised capital programme.

 

Councillor Janette Williamson moved and Councillor Yvonne Nolan seconded the recommendation of the Policy and Resources Committee of 1 September, 2021 with regard to the Capital Programme.

 

Councillor Tom Anderson moved and Councillor Lesley Rennie seconded an amendment as an addition to the recommendation, as follows:

 

‘(3) While Council notes the Community Bank has not yet launched and no expenditure has been incurred, given the anticipated external assurance reviews for the capitalisation directive, Council believes it is no longer appropriate to allocate £5,000,000 to the Community Bank in the Capital Programme. 

Council therefore resolves to remove the following allocations from the Programme: £185,000 in 2021/2022, £575,000 in 2022/2023 and £4,240,000 in 2023/ 2024.’

 

At 7.12pm the Civic Mayor adjourned the meeting to enable copies of the amendment to be circulated to all Members.

 

The meeting resumed at 7.27pm.

 

Following a debate on the amendment, the amendment was put and lost (23:41).

 

After a short debate on the motion, and Councillor Janette Williamson having replied, the motion was put and it was -

 

Resolved (64:0) – That the recommendations contained within minute 51 of the Policy and Resources Committee of 1 September, 2021, be agreed and that the following be approved:

 

(1)  additional funding for the schemes referred to in section 3.5 of the report;

(2)  a revised Capital Programme of £79.7 million for 2021-22, including the virements referred to in Appendix 3 of the report.

49.

Wirral Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan 2021/22 pdf icon PDF 51 KB

The Council is requested to approve the Wirral Youth Justice Service’s Strategic Plan 2021/22 as referred from the Children, Young People and Education Committee.

 

Children, Young People and Education Committee minute 23 (13/9/21) and report attached.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The third item requiring approval was in relation to the Wirral Youth Justice’s Service Strategic Plan 2021/22, as recommended by the Children, Young  People and Education Committee at its meeting of 13 September, 2021.

 

On a motion by Councillor Wendy Clements, seconded by Councillor Kate Cannon, it was –

 

Resolved – That the Wirral Youth Justice Service’s Strategic Plan 2021/22, be approved.

50.

DECISIONS TAKEN SINCE THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Minutes of Committees

·  Policy and Resources Committee – 1 September, 2021 (Pages 107 - 110)

·  Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee – 8 and 23 September, 2021 (Pages 111 – 123)

·  Children, Young People and Education Committee – 13 September, 2021 (to follow in supplement)

·  Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee – 7 September, 2021 (Pages 125 - 143)

·  Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee – 2 September, 2021 (Pages 145 - 147)

·  Decision Review Committee – 29 July and 10 August, 2021

(to follow in supplement)

·  Health and Wellbeing Board – 31 March, 16 June and 20 July, 2021

(Pages 149 - 164)

·  Pensions Committee – 20 September, 2021 (Pages 165 - 168)

·  Planning Committee – 16 September, 2021 (Pages 169 - 171)

·  Regulatory and General Purposes Committee – 15 September, 2021 (Pages 173 - 175)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor introduced the minutes of the various Committees which had met from 1 to 23 September, together with the minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board meetings from 31 March, 2021 and the Decision Review Committee meetings of July and August. He then asked for questions to Committee Chairs on any of the minutes being received.

 

Councillor Stuart Kelly asked a question of Councillor Helen Cameron, in respect of minute 27 of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, regarding the ongoing closure of the Williamson Gallery on Sundays. In response Councillor Cameron commented that the Williamson was still in need of further work regarding Covid health and safety measures and there had been staffing issues, she would ask officers to look again at re-opening on Sundays and try and get a response on this.

 

Councillor Lesley Rennie asked a question of Councillor Yvonne Nolan, in respect of minute 16 of the Health and Wellbeing Board, regarding the proposed Integrated Care Systems and the need for commissioning of services at place level. Councillor Nolan responded that she did agree that the Health and Wellbeing Board needed to maximise its involvement as this was the main route for retaining local democratic accountability and would hope the Board would play a very significant role as part of the local partnership with health partners and voluntary sector. It was the intention to meet the requirements of the Cheshire and Merseyside integrated care board but that it was considered that Wirral would receive full control of the local budget at place to enable Wirral’s provider collaborative to determine what services would be offered on Wirral.

 

Councillor Chris Cooke asked a question of Councillor Wendy Clements, in respect of minute 23 of the Children, Young People and Education Committee, regarding the data on youth offending. In response Councillor Clements commented that the data which had been used in the report to the Committee was drawn from national data of the Youth Justice Board and Ministry of Justice and was the most recent available. The next set of data would be published in December, 2021 giving data for December 2020. Future performance reports to the Committee would include the most up to date available figures.

 

Councillor Ivan Camphor asked a question of Councillor Yvonne Nolan, in respect of minute 16 of the Health and Wellbeing Board and the critical role the Board would play in driving local arrangements. Councillor Nolan responded that she did agree that the Board would play a critical role in driving local arrangements. With regard to the Motion to be debated later in the meeting that did refer to the Health and Social Care Act and the overarching national changes proposed.

 

With the consent of the Civic Mayor, Councillor Harry Gorman asked a question of the Councillor Julie McManus, Chair of the Housing Committee in respect of the Afghan resettlement programme and assistance provided to refugees. Councillor McManus responded and welcomed the acknowledgement of the importance of Wirral’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

51.

MOTIONS ON NOTICE pdf icon PDF 100 KB

Motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.1, are attached. They are listed in accordance with Standing Order 13.2, and the full text of each motion is attached.

 

1.  Oppose Integrated Care Systems in the English NHS

2.  Spartina Anglica Risks to the North Wirral Foreshore

3.  Protecting Residents from Flood Risks

4.  Equal Pavements Pledge

5.  Funding Caring Services to Meet Wirral’s Needs

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Five motions had been submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.1 and were determined as detailed in minutes 52 to 56 below.

52.

Motion - Oppose Integrated Care Systems in the English NHS

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Brian Kenny moved and Councillor Kate Cannon seconded a motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.

 

In moving the motion, Councillor Kenny confirmed that he was happy to accept the Liberal Democrat Group amendment, which was moved by Councillor Phil Gilchrist, and seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell as follows:

 

‘Insert after point 7 (under 'Council notes -')...

 

8.  the Health and Care Bill received its second reading in the House of Commons with a substantial Conservative Majority on 14July 2021 despite widespread concern over its contents.

9.  the contents of the proposals have been under critical examination at sittings of the Commons Health and Care Committee in order to understand its full impact, with sittings planned through to 2November 2021.

 

Insert after point 5 (under 'Council believes -')...

 

6.  That in August and September Councils, the Clinical Commissioning Groups and many bodies were sent guidance on ‘the development of place based partnerships as part of statutory integrated care systems’.

 

The latter specifically states that, ‘where decision making affects communities, groups or specific services, these arrangements…should fully engage those affected, including populations, people who use services and carers across health and social care’

 

This Council pledges to make sure that will be the case.

 

Insert after 'mean...' on the penultimate line in point (1) (under Council therefore resolves to)...

 

(2)  request that  the guidance ‘‘working together at scale’ issued in August which states that NHS Trusts, when seeking  to ‘reduce unwarranted variation' and ‘inequality in health outcomes’  is accompanied by clarity over the movement of resources;

(3)  request that Wirral is given a clear explanation of the implications of the plans to ‘ensure that specialisation and consolidation occur where this will provide better outcomes and value’ 

(4) request a financial forecast of the full context that Wirral will face as Edward Argar MP has stated ‘local systems will be informed of their resource envelope at the start of the year and will be required to agree a plan that matches, or is within, that envelope’

 

Following a debate, and Councillor Kenny having replied, six Members rose to request a recorded vote.

 

A recorded vote was then taken and the Council divided as follows:

 

For the motion (41) - Councillors J Bird, A Brame, D Brennan, K Cannon, C Carubia, P Cleary, H Collinson, C Cooke, T Cottier, G Davies, S Foulkes, S Frost, P Gilchrist, E Gleaves, H Gorman, K Greaney, E Grey, S Hayes, AER Jones, C Jones, T Jones, S Kelly, B Kenny, D Kenny, P Martin, M McLaughlin, J McManus, D Mitchell, Y Nolan, C O’Hagan, J Robinson, T Smith, C Spriggs, P Stuart, Jason Walsh, Joe Walsh, S Whittingham, I Williams, J Williams, J Williamson and G Wood. 

 

Against the motion (23) – Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, M Booth, D Burgess-Joyce, H Cameron, I Camphor, W Clements, M Collins, T Cox, A Gardner, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, J Johnson, M Jordan,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

53.

Motion - Spartina Anglica Risks to the North Wirral Foreshore

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Tony Cox moved and Councillor Andrew Gardner seconded the following motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.1.

 

‘Council recognises the current condition of Hoylake beach, but also recognises that the Spartina anglica, once isolated from the rest of the North Wirral Foreshore, has now spread to Meols beach.

Council is concerned that with the current speed of the spread of this invasive species, it is soon likely to be seen in Moreton and then Leasowe.

Further to correspondence with Natural England, Council understands that there has never been a moratorium on raking at the Hoylake beach location, rather that raking of ALL North Wirral Foreshore would not be supported, which is wholly different.

 

Furthermore, page 60 of Natural England’s publication: Spartina anglica and its management in estuarine Natura 2000 sites: an update of its status and monitoring future change in England (IPENS041) contains a Spartina angelica management flowchart which should be followed when dealing with this species. Council is concerned that this guidance is not being adhered to.
 

Therefore, Council requests the Director of Neighbourhoods to engage with Natural England, as a matter of urgency, to ascertain whether the continued spread of Spartina grasses could jeopardise the SSSI status of the North Wirral Foreshore and to determine whether the spread of these invasive grasses could be detrimental to the wellbeing of migratory wading birds (as described in section 2.1 of Spartina anglica and its management in estuarine Natura 2000 sites: an update of its status and monitoring future change in England (IPENS041)).

 

Council instructs the Environment, Climate Emergency & Transport Committee, as part of its work programme, to consider the findings from the discussions with Natural England regarding the impact of the spread of Spartina grasses as soon as practicably possible and certainly no later than the Committee’s first meeting in 2022 (17th January 2022).’

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9.1, the Council did not debate this matter.

 

The motion was put and lost (23:41).

 

54.

Motion - Protecting Residents from Flood Risk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Allan Brame moved and Councillor Jason Walsh seconded a motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.

 

In moving the motion, Councillor Brame confirmed that he was happy to accept the Labour Group amendment, which was moved by Councillor Elizabeth Grey, and seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes as follows:

 

‘In paragraph 2, delete last four words, and insert, ‘….improve flood risk management.’

 

In first bullet point, amend wording to read, ‘….2015 and subsequent Flood Investigation reports have been acted upon.

 

In second bullet point delete the words, ‘(Council and United Utilities maintained)’ and delete, ‘…prone to…’ and replace with ‘…. at greater risk of…’

 

Delete the third bullet point.

 

In fifth bullet point, delete ‘…. necessary….’ and replace with ‘….Government grants are available….’

 

In fourth paragraph, first line, delete ‘…flood defences….’ and ‘…. should be’ and insert before ‘…designed…’ insert, ‘…was not….’

 

At the end of fourth paragraph, insert:

 

‘Council notes that all new infrastructure should be as resilient as necessary to cope with expected future increased rainfall caused by climate change and that existing infrastructure should be improved wherever there is the means to do so, and that property owners should be reminded of their duties in this regard.’

 

In the fifth paragraph, first line, insert after ‘…..programme…’, ‘… and any sources of outside funding available….’

 

In the fifth paragraph, delete all after, ‘…aimed at…’ and insert, ‘….reducing flood risk and adapting to climate change.’

 

After fifth paragraph, insert new paragraph:

 

‘Council further requests that Planning and Communications officers review the need for greater levels of communication with and education of residents regarding the dangers of flooding and the precise requirements and recommendations regarding removal of front garden green spaces and extension/creation of driveways with a view to reducing the “urban creep” associated with this and the serious flood risk posed.’

 

In the sixth paragraph, insert after ‘…risk…’, the word ‘…management…’ and after the word, ‘...therefore…’ insert, ‘… commits to following current Government guidance on nature-based solutions to flood defenceand…’

 

Insert new paragraph after penultimate paragraph:

 

Accordingly, Council asks Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee to set up a working group to look at how Wirral can better implement the Tree Strategy pledges on tree protection, working with the Tree Strategy Advisory Board and Wirral Initiative on Trees before the end of this calendar year and also to urge the Government to undertake a review of the whole TPO system to better protect all trees with a new system that assumes protection for all mature trees unless permission is granted for works or removal.’

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9.1, the Council did not debate this matter, and having agreed to the Labour amendment, the substantive motion, as amended, was put and it was –

 

Resolved (64:0) –

 

Council places on record its thanks to everyone involved in the response to 9September 2021 flooding incident, including the emergency services, local businesses, Council officers and members of the community.

 

Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

55.

Motion - Equal Pavements Pledge

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Harry Gorman moved and Councillor Pat Cleary seconded a motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.

 

In moving the motion, Councillor Gorman confirmed that he was happy to accept the Labour Group amendment, which was moved by Councillor Elizabeth Grey, and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Nolan as follows:

 

‘Add at end of the second bullet point, ‘…..and outline what is already happening in Wirral, for example, working with disability campaigners such as Ellis Palmer, to make real improvements to access for disabled residents and visitors to footpaths and cycle-paths across the borough.’

 

Add at end of the third bullet point, ‘…as part of a wider, co-produced programme to improve disabled access to all Council resources and servicesand how the Council could reduce pavement clutter and make them accessible.’

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9.1, the Council did not debate this matter, and having agreed to the Labour amendment, the substantive motion, as amended, was put and it was –

 

Resolved (64:0) -

 

This Council notes:

·  the campaign of Transport for All calling on councils and transport authorities to sign an Equal Pavements Pledge.

·  the majority of disabled people polled recently by Transport for All are worried that streets remain inaccessible with many lacking dropped kerbs to enable level access along pavements or to cross the street.

·  disabled people are concerned at the risk of further barriers being presented – either from the way in which changes to streets are delivered, or from al-fresco dining being delivered without consideration for the need for clear access on pavements.

·  Wirral continues to need investment and progress in making pavements fully accessible

 

that the Transport for All Equal Pavements Pledge outlines a need to:

·  listen to disabled people, and act

·  keep pavements clear

·  reduce pavement clutter

·  acknowledge and act to reduce the impact of waste removal on pavements

·  audit pavements and install dropped kerbs where they are missing

·  protect blue badge parking, with relocation kept to a minimum

·  work with disabled experts, committing to co-production of schemes

 

Council therefore resolves to:

·  support the Transport for All Equal Pavements Pledge.

·  request the Leader of the Council writes to Transport for All to convey the Council’s support and outline what is already happening in Wirral, for example, working with disability campaigners such as Ellis Palmer, to make real improvements to access for disabled residents and visitors to footpaths and cycle-paths across the borough.

·  ask the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee to add this matter to its work programme to help determine how the Council can deliver on the Equal Pavements Pledge as part of a wider, co-produced programme to improve disabled access to all Council resources and services and how the Council could reduce pavement clutter and make them accessible.

·  engage directly with organisations representing people with accessibility requirements.

·  call on Central Government to better fund our efforts to make Wirral’s pavements people friendly.

56.

Motion - Funding Caring Services to Meet Wirral's Needs

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Dave Mitchell seconded a motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9.1, the Council did not debate this matter, and it was –

 

Resolved (64:0) -

 

Council notes that the Government has published ‘Build Back Better: Our Plan for Health and Social Care’ and has also committed to publishing a new Adult Social Care white paper by the end of the year.

 

Council observes that funding is expected to come from a new 1.25% Health and Social Care levy based on National Insurance contributions. This will be paid by Wirral’s residents and businesses who earn above the various thresholds.

 

The Local Government Association (LGA) has questioned the adequacy of the Levy to fund all of the Plan’s Adult Social Care commitments. It is anxious to know what proportion of the Levy will reach Adult Social Care beyond the three-year period covered in the Plan.

 

The briefing issued by the LGA on 17September 2021 says:

·  it is ‘alarmed’ that the Government’s solution for tackling social care’s core pressures appears to be the use of council tax, the social care precept and long-term efficiencies; later considering this ‘deeply troubling ‘ and ‘wholly unrealistic’

·  it is ‘concerned’ that ‘while the NHS is receiving funding to sort out the challenges it has here and now as well as in the future, ‘there is no funding from the Levy to address the current issues facing social care.

·  it has ‘serious concerns’ about what will happen to the funding beyond the three-year period’ and asks how ‘likely and realistic’ it is that funding for the NHS will be diverted to social care in future years.

 

Council, seeking the best long term solution for Wirral, endorses these concerns, observing that the Government’s plan states:

The Government will ensure local authorities have access to sustainable funding for core budgets at the Spending Review. We expect demographic and unit cost pressures will be met through council tax, social care precept, and long-term efficiencies; the overall level of local government funding, including council tax and social care precept, will be determined in the round at the Spending Review in the normal way.” (paragraph 36)

 

Council tax (and therefore the precept) raises different amounts in different parts of the country and the banding of properties for Council Tax in Wirral limits the resources that can be raised by the social care precept.

 

Council recognises and appreciates that the LGA has concluded that:

 

'The Spending Review must inject genuinely new funding, direct to local government, to both stabilise the system in the short-term and enable progress to be made in tackling unmet and under-met need, investing more in prevention, improving care worker pay and better supporting unpaid carers'.

 

In full recognition of all these issues, Council requests that the Group Leaders write to the Chairman of the Local Government Association to support the concerns expressed and that Wirral’s Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.