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

The Mayor advised the Council that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Ann Bridson and Simon Mountney. She referred also to the recent death of Mrs Iris Davies, former Labour Councillor for South Seacombe Ward 1972-75.

The Mayor referred also to Wirral’s success in the Sefton/Wirral Golf Tournament and praised Councillors Kenny and J Williams who had recently undertaken the Liverpool Marathon.

In accordance with Standing Order 5(3), the Mayor announced her intention to exercise her discretion to vary the order of business. She proposed that item 9 (Questions) would be dealt with immediately following item 4 (Minutes), and the remainder of the business would be called in the order set out in the Council Summons.

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

Councillors R Abbey, J Crabtree, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, D Dodd, P Doughty, S Foulkes, P Glasman, J Green, P Hackett, T Harney, A Jones, C Jones, B Kenny, A McArdle, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, B Mooney, S Niblock, D Realey, J Salter, H Smith, T Smith, J Stapleton, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I Williams, and J Williams, declared their personal interest in Motion 5 (We Are All in This Together) (see minute 55 post) by virtue of their membership of a trade union.

Councillor D Roberts declared her personal interest in Motion 5 (We Are All in This Together) (see minute 55 post) by virtue of her being a member of the Merseyside Pension Fund.

Councillor P Davies declared his personal interest in the amendment to Motion 8 (Cancer Drugs Fund) (see minute 58 post) by virtue of him being a non-executive member of Wirral PCT.

Councillor M Johnston declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 7(c) (Local Pay Award 2011/2012) (see minute 46 post) by virtue of his wife’s employment, and left the chamber whilst the matter was considered.

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

Two petitions with a combined total number of signatories of 1503 have been received (Council minute 17 (18/7/11) refers) requesting improved security at Central Park, Wallasey. In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, whereby petitions have exceeded the threshold of 1500 signatures, a Council debate should be triggered. However, the Director of Technical Services has confirmed that his staff are working with the Friends group at the park and the lead petitioner, to resolve the issues raised and the lead petitioner has confirmed that she is happy for the petition not to be debated in light of this ongoing work.

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

Councillor D Dodd, on behalf of 12 signatories requesting action to address anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of Poole Road, Seabank Avenue, Edenhurst Avenue and the surrounding area, Wallasey.

Councillor P Doughty, on behalf of 42 signatories objecting to a planning application for the development of Ingleborough Playing Fields.

Councillor P Glasman, on behalf of 175 signatories objecting to the introduction of commercial cockling in New Brighton.

Councillor B Mooney, on behalf of 87 signatories requesting for a zebra crossing to be installed between St Albans Church, Liscard and the Cherry Tree Centre Car Park.

Councillor Mrs L Rennie, on behalf of 77 signatories, requesting an investigation into problems caused by parking at the junction of Beaufort Drive/Folly Lane/Buxton Road, Wallasey and to investigate appropriate road safety measures to reduce traffic speed in the area.

Councillor J Williams, on behalf of 63 signatories requesting road resurfacing works at Oakleigh Grove, Bebington.

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

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 18 July, 2011.

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 18 July 2011 had been circulated to Members and, it was –

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

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

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management advised that a question, having been received in accordance with Standing Order 11, from Mr J Birch, had subsequently been withdrawn, following correspondence with officers.

Councillor Mrs P Williams, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted a question to Councillor B Kenny (Cabinet Member – Environment), with regard to Urban Foxes.

With the agreement of Councillor Mrs Williams, Councillor Kenny agreed to provide a detailed written response.

In accordance with Article 7.3 (iii) (d) of the Council’s Constitution, the Council is requested to consider the attached motion.

Motion moved in accordance with Article 7.3 (iii) (d)

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Council notes

(1)  That under Councillor Foulkes’ leadership Wirral residents have had to endure:

Two Public Information Disclosure Act Reports

A Secretary of State intervention leading to the Sue Charteris Library Report

Audit Commission Red Flag

A damning Care Quality Commission Report

A number of issues raised by the Director of Finance in the Council’s own Corporate Governance Statements

District Audit qualification of the Council’s ability to secure Value for Money from a contract let under his leadership

That under Councillor Foulkes’ leadership extraordinary failings have become ordinary

The overt politicisation of the Council’s administration, starting with the break up of the all party approach to Council governance and the dismissal of Conservative members from an all party Cabinet. Council believes this excluding tendency was compounded by his dismissal of Conservative members from the all party ‘HESPE Council members working party’.

The erroneous claim by Councillor Foulkes himself that “the Martin Morton affair had proved that anyone within the council with a complaint - 'or a whistleblower, as the term has been used in this case' - would have their grievances properly investigated and acted upon." Leading Martin Morton himself to give the withering response that “This reinforced the experience repeated over the last few years of living in a parallel universe where wrong is right, bad is good and lies are truth”.

The warnings from Council members following the SAR Libraries debacle of the damage his macho approach to leadership was doing to Wirral and that and that its culture, under his leadership, had become one of secrecy, fear and intimidation.

That in Councillor Foulkes’ current role as Cabinet Member for Finance and Best Value he has refused to share any ideas or plans to meet the Council’s reported £25m budget shortfall with the public or the Council’s Scrutiny Committees

(2)  Council believes the published elements of the AKA report highlight:

The leadership failings of Councillor Foulkes who by refusing members calls to order an independent inquiry himself into the Martin Morton affair attempted to sweep aside Council members genuine concerns.

Councillor Foulkes’ assertion that Mr Morton’s grievance (generated from his concerns for some of the most the most vulnerable people in Wirral) had been properly investigated and acted upon were nothing short of appalling and have now been shown to be, as members said at the time, breathtaking in their complacency, cruelty and incompetence.

He presided over a corrosive culture leading to back covering, secrecy, intimidation and machination

(3)  Council further believes:

·  A one party Labour Party Cabinet Committee to refresh and renew the Council’s Governance is an inadequate response to what are extraordinary failings.

·  The AKA report is shaming and means we cannot go on as we are and an extraordinary response is required from the Council to respond to the failings highlighted.

·  The lack of action on the Council Notice of Motion recommendations calling for the reintroduction  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor S Foulkes, addressed the Council on the following matters –

·  The Leader referred to a number of issues which had been highlighted by Members of the Council and, in particular to matters identified in the published elements of the AKA report. He thanked the Council for its vote of confidence and, as a commitment to change, proposed to adopt a more inclusive approach to corporate governance, by way of the co-option of the Leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups as non-voting members to the Cabinet Committee on Corporate Governance.

·  The Leader referred also to the announcement of a multi-million pound contract awarded by RWE Npower Renewables (RWE NRL) to Cammell Laird to support the construction of Gwynt y Môr, one of the largest offshore wind farms under construction in Europe. He commented that the contract represented an exciting step forward in Wirral’s ambitions to become a global leader in the renewable energy industry, which had the potential to create and secure significant numbers of jobs locally.

·  The Leader referred to the official opening by His Royal Highness, The Prince Andrew, Duke of York of a new manufacturing facility at Teledyne CML in Bromborough, which will make wing and fuselage coverings for military and non-military aircraft. He offered the congratulations of the Council to all involved and commented that the presence of HRH Duke of York at the official opening was recognition of the company’s excellence in advanced composite manufacturing and their commitment to Wirral.

·  The Leader referred to the second anniversary of the hugely successful Apprenticeship Programme and was pleased to announce that Wirral had won a prestigious Equality and Diversity Award at last week’s Northwest Employers Awards 2011.

·  The Leader referred also to sweeping cuts that had been announced at Radio Merseyside as part of the BBC’s plans to save 20% from its overall budget. He referred to the significant value of local radio and hoped to be able to agree a form of words with the Leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Groups in order for a letter of concern to be sent to Chris Patten, Chairman of the BBC Trust.

·  The Leader congratulated Councillor Phil Davies who, on behalf of the Council, had recently signed a friendship agreement on the establishment of a sister-city relationship with Taicang City, Municipality of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province in the People’s Republic of China. He outlined the terms of the agreement and commented particularly upon its importance in relation to the local economy. He praised Council Officers, and the former Leader of the Council, Councillor Jeff Green, for their diligence in working towards reaching the agreement.

To consider matters referred to the Council for determination.

In accordance with Standing Order 7(1) a number of matters were submitted for approval by the Council. The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported upon a correction to minute 10 (Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee – 21 September 2011) in relation to the Appointment of an Inspector to hold a Public Inquiry in relation to The Warrens Demonstration Area Village Green Application. The draft minute had erroneously referred to Upton Woods, Moreton and had now been corrected.

On a motion by Councillor S Foulkes and seconded by Councillor P Davies, it was –

Resolved – That the following matters be approved:

(i)  Minute 67 (Cabinet – 21/7/11) – Appointment of a Proper Officer (and others) for the Purposes of the National Assistance Act 1948 and 1951

(ii)  Minute 76 (Cabinet – 21/7/11) – Local Development Framework – Liverpool City Region Overview Study

(iii)  Minute 96 (Cabinet – 1/9/11) – Local Development Framework – Local Geological Sites Update

(iv)  Minute 123 (Cabinet – 22/9/11) – Revision of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules

(v)  Minute 125 (Cabinet – 22/9/11) – Local Development Framework – Joint Merseyside Waste Development Plan Document

(vi)  Minute 132 (Cabinet – 22/9/11) – Cockling off the Leasowe to New Brighton Coast

(vii)  Minute 152 (Cabinet – 13/10/11) – Capitalisation of Statutory Redundancy Payments

(viii)  Minute 9 (Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee – 21/9/11) – Upton Woods Village Green Application – Appointment of Inspector to Hold a Public Inquiry

(ix)  Minute 10 (Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee – 21/9/11) – The Warrens Demonstration Area Village Green Application – Appointment of Inspector to Hold a Public Inquiry

(x)  The report and recommendations of the Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances held on 27 September 2011

(xi)  The report and recommendations of the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management in relation to the Local Pay Award 2011-12 – Update, in response to the Cabinet decision of 21 July 2011 (minute 58 refers) –

1.  That Council agrees the arrangements that have been put in place for the payment of a non-consolidated Local Pay Award of £250 to Council employees earning below £21,000 per year.

2.  That this payment will be made to eligible employees in accordance with the key principles set out at Appendix One to this report.

3.  That Council agrees that a sum of £190,000 is transferred from the General Budget to the Schools Budget to assist in funding this payment.

The following matter, determined by the Cabinet, is drawn to the Council’s attention in accordance with the Constitution (copies of the related report can be provided for Council members on request):

Minute 80 (Cabinet – 21/7/11) – Local Development Framework for Wirral – Core Strategy Development Plan Document (compliance with Contract Procedure Rule 1.2.4)

Resolved – That, in compliance with Contract Procedure Rule 1.2.4, the following matter be noted:

Minute 80 (Cabinet – 21/7/11) – Local Development Framework for Wirral – Core Strategy Development Plan Document

To consider and determine any references from overview and scrutiny committees, in particular:

Minute 12 (Scrutiny Programme Board – 8/9/11) – Options for Streamlining Scrutiny Call-In Process

The Council is invited to consider amending the Constitution to streamline the call-in process as outlined in parts (2) and (3) of the Board’s resolution.

The Council was invited to consider amending to the Constitution to streamline the call-in process, as outlined in parts (2) and (3) of the resolution of the Scrutiny Programme Board held on 8 September 2011 (minute 12 refers).

Resolved – That the following recommendations of the Scrutiny Programme Board in relation to the call-in process be approved –

(i)  That the Council’s Constitution and processes be amended to allow the Chief Executive or the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, in consultation with the Chair and spokespersons of the Scrutiny Programme Board to allocate Call-In notices to the appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, or to the Board, for consideration.

(ii)  That, if it is not possible for agreement to be reached by the group spokespersons, Call-In notices be referred to the Scrutiny Programme Board for a decision on allocation.

Pursuant to Standing Order 5(2)(n), and in accordance with Standing Order 5(4), to consider written comments, objections or amendments to minutes submitted under Standing Order 7(2), together with those motions, submitted under item 9 above, that the Council agrees to debate at this meeting and any minority reports submitted in accordance with Standing Order 35(4).

The matters listed for debate in accordance with Standing Order 5(2) (n) were dealt with as indicated in minutes 51 to 63 below.

Resolved (unanimously) – That Standing Order 7(8) be applied from 9.00pm

Proposed by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

(1)  This Council recognises the seriousness of the criticisms contained within the Supplementary Report on Corporate Governance.

(2)  Council further recognises that these criticisms relate to a culture which is insular and inward looking and which has failed to realise the level of its failings, either through denial of the truth, or though a lack of understanding of best practice elsewhere in Corporate Governance and Wirral’s shortcomings in relation to that best practice.

(3)  Council believes that this culture has grown up over a long period of time, covering many different political administrations, and the responsibility for a failure to change it lies jointly with all of us – with politicians of all parties, with Senior Officers and with our own staff.

(4)  Council also believes that the ability to change this culture transcends political differences and that it is essential that everyone works together to revitalise the Council’s Corporate Governance Arrangements to ensure that Wirral has the opportunity to become the excellent council we know it can be.

(5)  Council also believes that it is the hard work and good will of many of its staff that has allowed good services to be delivered in many cases for the people of Wirral even where the structures and processes have been less than adequate, and believes that this hard work and goodwill will carry us forward to a much better position when the appropriate rigorous measures have been carried out and a sturdy framework created to underpin any future service delivery.

(6)  Council therefore welcomes this Corporate Governance Report as a necessary Wake Up call to us all, and agrees to implement its recommendations in full.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Steve Foulkes

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

After final paragraph add:

In order to facilitate a new political culture which allows for consensus on key issues and joint working as appropriate for the common good of Wirral, Council recommends to the Leader of the Council that the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Leaders should be co-opted contributors to the Cabinet Committee on Corporate Governance with the right to speak but not vote.

Council further asks, in line with the Notice of Motion previously passed by all parties, and in line with pending legislation, that an all party working party comprising two members of each party be set up to seek to achieve consensus on the most appropriate form of democracy within the Council, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses both of the old Committee system and the current Cabinet system, and of any legislation and subsequent regulations as these become known.

Council asks that any new system meeting all party approval be prepared ready for adoption at the Council’s AGM, in May 2012 or as soon thereafter that the enactment of the Localism Bill and any subsequent regulations allow.

Council recognises that this is a separate issue from the need to strengthen Corporate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

Proposed by Councillor Sheila Clarke

Seconded by Councillor Wendy Clements

(1)  Council believes that the creation of Sure Start Centres was one of the outstanding successes of the previous Government and that all parties support the principle of targeted, early intervention to ensure that no child is left behind.

(2)  Council welcomes the action taken by the previous Administration to protect the budget for Wirral’s Children’s Centres and the provision of a new grant, direct to each centre, to be invested as local circumstances required.

(3)  Council welcomes the commitment of the Coalition Government to recruit 4,200 qualified Health Visitors to work with Children’s Centres to further enhance the service provided to the most vulnerable parents in our communities.

(4)  Council, however, notes with concern the intention of the administration to reduce the Children’s Centres budget by £1.2m without consultation.

(5)  Council therefore requests that parents, staff and partner organisations, and the wider public, are consulted on the proposed changes and a report be brought to a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee with the results of that consultation before any changes are implemented.

An amendment submitted by Councillor McLachlan in accordance with Standing Order 7(2) was withdrawn

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Alan Brighouse

Delete paragraph (4) and insert:

Council recognises that Children's Centre surplus income has been carried forward over a number of years where there has been slippage in Centre budgets, or where income targets have exceeded estimates. There is an accumulated £1.2m 'one off' balance, dating back to when the Centres first opened, which has no impact on service delivery or budgets in the current year. Council considers that the accrued surplus can be used to support the current budgets covered by the Children's and Young People's Department, without detriment to the Centres. However, for the avoidance of doubt, the detail of this surplus and its proposed use should be reported to the relevant overview and scrutiny committee.

Delete paragraph (5)

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

The amendment was put and carried (37:26) (One abstention)

The substantive motion was then put and carried (37:26) (One abstention)

Resolved (37:26) (One abstention) Councillors T Anderson, C Blakeley, E Boult, Mrs SL Clarke, W Clements, T Cox, DM Elderton, GJ Ellis, J Green, J Hale, P Hayes, AC Hodson, M Hornby, PSC Johnson, P Kearney, J Keeley, I Lewis, D McCubbin, Mrs C Povall, Mrs L Rennie, SL Rowlands, A Sykes, S Taylor, GCJ Watt, S Williams and Mrs K Wood voting against –

(1)  Council believes that the creation of Sure Start Centres was one of the outstanding successes of the previous Government and that all parties support the principle of targeted, early intervention to ensure that no child is left behind.

(2)  Council welcomes the action taken by the previous Administration to protect the budget for Wirral’s Children’s Centres and the provision of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

Proposed by Councillor Pat Williams

Seconded by Councillor Mark Johnston

(1)  This Council:

(i)  Is delighted that the Peel International Trade Centre is to be opened in the Borough and recognises that there is widespread support for the project in Wirral.

(ii)  Places on record its appreciation of the co-ordinated action to get people into work

(iii)  Believes that the opening of the Centre will give an opportunity to get many more people into work.

(iv)  Views this project as the first step in the development of the areas of derelict docklands.

(v)  Recognises the need for the council to act as the community leader so that the public, private and voluntary sectors work together to ensure we are ready to welcome new businesses into Wirral.

(2)  Council considers that the economic benefit of this and subsequent developments will only be maximised if the community of Wirral work together to prepare the ground during the next three years.

(3)  Therefore, having regard to the need to involve the communities in the area around the new development and working closely with Peel, Council resolves to recommend that the Leader:

(a)  Instructs officers to identify the groups which should be involved and to draw up an initial action plan designed to prepare unemployed and the young to work in the development and businesses which will service it.

(b)  Instructs officers to ensure that contact is made with business and other organisations to co-ordinate the work that is being planned.

(c)  Instructs officers to discuss with head teachers the ways in which schools can be involved.

(d)  Instructs officers to work with local communities to ensure that the new businesses are welcomed. Council recognises the importance of local councillors in this, and in particular the Area Forum system.

(e)  Works with the other party leaders to lobby the government for financial and other support as the various projects develop. In addition, the importance of local MPs is recognised therefore, it is essential that they be kept informed.

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

Resolved (unanimously) – That the Motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Brian Kenny

Seconded by Councillor George Davies

(1)  This Council expresses its real concern that the Coalition Government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework, as it currently stands, could create a major threat to Wirral’s highly valued Green Belt and countryside.

(2)  Council recognises that Wirral residents are fiercely protective of these areas and believes that the Government’s decision to advocate a “presumption in favour of sustainable development” fails totally to strike the right balance between growth and the protection of our natural environment, and ensuring the rights of local people to have a real say in what happens where they live.

(3)  Council further expresses its real concern about the apparent removal of the priority to build on Brown Field sites first, which will add further pressure on Green Belt land which is more attractive to builders and developers.

(4)  Council believes that this policy is fundamentally flawed and, if it is not addressed, could lead to a wrecking of Britain’s countryside and heritage in the interests of big businesses and property developers, without leading to an increase in affordable housing which is badly needed.

(5)  Council therefore urges this Government to think again, before it is too late.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor David Elderton

Seconded by Councillor James Keeley

Delete all and insert:

(1)  Council notes the Coalition Government’s Draft proposals for the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which is currently out for consultation.

(2)  Council supports the intention of simplifying the Planning system and recognises the importance of a Planning system that encourages economic development and job creation to the country.

(3)  Council notes that the new planning guidance safeguards valued national protection such as Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, as well as ensuring measures which protect wildlife, biodiversity and cultural heritage.   By contrast, the previous Government’s Regional Strategies were planning to delete the Green Belt, which would have meant more urban sprawl and less protection for the countryside

(4)  Council also notes that as well as protecting the Green Belt, the Framework provides a new designation for councils to protect valued green space which is outside nationally protected areas.  The Government’s proposals directly state that local plans should minimise adverse effects on the natural environment, meaning there will be no free reign for developers to build wherever they like.

(5)  Therefore Council welcomes the fact that ultimately, local communities will be the driving seat by being able to influence the shape of their local communities, supported by the innovation of neighbourhood planning and increasing the involvement of local residents across our local areas

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

The amendment was put and carried (34:29) (One abstention)

The substantive motion was then put and carried (34:29) (One abstention)

Resolved (34:29) (One abstention) –

(1)  Council notes the Coalition Government’s Draft proposals for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

Proposed by Councillor Geoffrey Watt

Seconded by Councillor Cherry Povall

(1)  Council believes trade unions play a vital part in a functioning democracy and believes they have an important role in a market economy.

(2)  Council notes that some trade union leaders are calling for further industrial action in response to the Coalition Government’s reform of public services and the pensions provided to public sector workers.

(3)  Council urges trade union leaders to recognise that:

·  Following the debts left by the previous Government, all parties would have been forced to make cuts to public spending, as recognised by the Labour  Leader during his Party’s Conference.

·  The independent review into the future of public sector pensions, by Labour’s former Work and Pensions Secretary, concluded that change was unavoidable.

·  The Coalition Government is working constructively with public sector unions on taking forward future reforms and ministers are meeting unions regularly as part of ongoing engagement on the Government‘s plans to increase employee pension contributions.

·  The Leader of the Labour Party has refused to back the strikes and has welcomed the trade union reforms introduced by previous Governments.

(4)  Council therefore believes that it is premature to strike while the discussions - set up at the request of the TUC - are ongoing and believes that, in the absence of support from any of the three Party leaders, the union leaders should remain at the negotiating table to seek the best possible deal for their members and the taxpayer.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Brian Kenny

Seconded by Councillor George Davies

Delete all after (1)

Insert:

(2)  Council notes the analysis published by the TUC on 5 September 2011 which found that women’s unemployment is set to rise as a result of the Conservative-led Government’s public sector jobs cuts.

(3)  Council further notes the TUC resolution on 14 September to defend public sector pensions and campaign for decent pensions for all, recognising everyone deserves dignity in retirement.

(4)  Public sector workers have suffered an on-going pay freeze and cuts to public services and closures of many vital services our communities rely on.

(5)  Now the Government has launched an unprecedented attack on public service pensions.  This is not only an injustice but could undermine the viability of some pension schemes.

(6)  Council expresses concern at the Conservative-led Government’s mishandling of changes to public sector pensions and the provocative manner of ministers during negotiations.

(7)  Council recognises that the Labour Government took tough decisions on public sector pensions to cap the taxpayers’ liability and introduce reformed pensions schemes. Council acknowledges that these decisions were taken in consultation with public sector unions.

(8)  Council agrees that the UK’s ageing population means that some public sector pensions will need to change.  However Council believes that the approach taken by the government so far has been unfair, is not a genuine attempt to make the schemes more sustainable and is a cash grab by the Treasury imposing an additional tax  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

In accordance with Standing Order 8(3) a Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor T Harney was withdrawn.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Jean Stapleton

(1)  This Council welcomes the recent report from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) which shows that Birkenhead has the highest number of fast growing companies in England, as measured by businesses that have increased by over 20% in each year for the previous three years.

(2)  Council also thanks all Officers who have assisted companies in Wirral to continue trading and in many cases expand their activities.

(3)  Council recognises that the results of the NESTA report are a remarkable achievement in the context of the current difficult economic climate.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Mark Johnston

Seconded by Councillor Stuart Kelly

Add additional paragraph

(4)  Council requests that the Interim Director of Corporate Services present a report to the Economy and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee exploring the detail of the NESTA report and the reasons for the success of these businesses, with a view to applying these lessons more widely to support job creation and growth in the private sector and the re-balancing of the local economy.

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

The amendment was put and carried unanimously.

The substantive motion was put and carried unanimously.

Resolved (unanimously) –

(1)  This Council welcomes the recent report from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) which shows that Birkenhead has the highest number of fast growing companies in England, as measured by businesses that have increased by over 20% in each year for the previous three years.

(2)  Council also thanks all Officers who have assisted companies in Wirral to continue trading and in many cases expand their activities.

(3)  Council recognises that the results of the NESTA report are a remarkable achievement in the context of the current difficult economic climate.

(4)  Council requests that the Interim Director of Corporate Services present a report to the Economy and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee exploring the detail of the NESTA report and the reasons for the success of these businesses, with a view to applying these lessons more widely to support job creation and growth in the private sector and the re-balancing of the local economy.

Proposed by Councillor Cherry Povall

Seconded by Councillor James Keeley

(1)  Council has long been concerned with health inequalities in Wirral and has previously debated survival rates for prostate cancer sufferers in Wirral.

(2)  Council therefore welcomes:

·  The creation by the Coalition Government of a new £200m Cancer Drugs Fund to enable patients to be given the treatment they need.

·  Reform of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the introduction of value-based pricing to enable all patients to access the drugs and treatments their doctors think they need.

·  The decision by the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology and Primary Care Trust to make available to patients a new drug to extend the life of those suffering from skin cancer.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Anne McArdle

Seconded by Councillor Pat Glasman

Delete all after paragraph (1) and replace with the following:

(2)  Council welcomes the £200m Cancer Drugs Fund to enable patients to be given the treatment they need.

(3)  Council notes that symptom awareness, early referral, diagnosis and early treatment for cancer are essential in improving survival rates and to reduce health inequalities across the Wirral.

Therefore:

·  Council expresses concern that the reform of the National Council for Clinical Excellence is a smokescreen for cuts to waiting and treatment time directives which were introduced under the previous Labour Government.

·  That any decisions by CCO, the PCT and the newly established GP Consortia to fund new cancer treatment drugs are made in an open and equal way that does not allow for age discrimination and other undisclosed factors.

(4)  That Wirral Council resists any move to relocate Cancer Services from the present Clatterbridge site to Liverpool.

Amendment moved without notice in accordance with Standing Order 9

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

That the amendment moved by Councillor McArdle be amended by the deletion of the first bullet point of paragraph (3).

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

The amendment proposed by Councillor Green was put and lost (26:29) (Nine abstentions)

The amendment proposed by Councillor McArdle was put and carried (37:26) (One abstention)

The substantive motion was put and carried (37:26) (One abstention)

Resolved (37:26) (One abstention) –

(1)  Council has long been concerned with health inequalities in Wirral and has previously debated survival rates for prostate cancer sufferers in Wirral.

(2)  Council welcomes the £200m Cancer Drugs Fund to enable patients to be given the treatment they need.

(3)  Council notes that symptom awareness, early referral, diagnosis and early treatment for cancer are essential in improving survival rates and to reduce health inequalities across the Wirral.

Therefore:

·  Council expresses concern that the reform of the National Council for Clinical Excellence is a smokescreen for cuts to waiting and treatment time directives which were introduced under the previous Labour Government.

·  That any decisions by CCO, the PCT and the newly established GP Consortia to fund new cancer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

Proposed by Councillor Mark Johnston

Seconded by Councillor Pat Williams

(1)  Council notes with concern and distress the disturbances that took place in Birkenhead on 9 August 2011 and across the country during the same week.

(2)  Council condemns and deplores the behaviour of all those who participated in disorder and other illegal activity, bringing disruption, fear and violence to our streets. The criminal behaviour of a tiny minority of our citizens cannot be excused or tolerated.

(3)  Council congratulates and expresses its sincere thanks to Merseyside Police, Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency services who dealt with matters in a highly professional and dedicated manner. Council also thanks the Courts for their swift response and robust approach to dealing with those found guilty of criminal acts.

(4)  Council praises the resilience, restraint and community spirit demonstrated by the overwhelming majority of residents of the Borough.

(5)  Council believes that the community response to the disorder more accurately reflects the state of our communities than the disturbances themselves, but further believes that it is important that the causes of the disorder are identified, understood and dealt with through long term measures and thoughtful consideration of the issues.

(6)  Whilst there can be no excuses for the behaviour of those involved in the disorder, Council recognises the damaging affects of poverty and worklessness and its role in creating social exclusion and therefore welcomes the draft child poverty strategy report to Cabinet. Council welcomes the contribution to its development from the Wirral Child and Family Poverty Working Group and thanks the voluntary and faith sector representatives, officers and councillors who have served on it.

(7)  In particular, Council believes the following issues identified in the draft strategy are crucial to ensuring that that no young people are left behind or excluded from our society and that action in these areas should help contribute to ensuring the August disturbances are never repeated:

·  Targeting efforts to make work the best route out of poverty

·  Improving life chances for children through early interventions such as: support for effective parenting, promoting social and emotional development through greater emphasis on the early years and closing the gap in educational attainment

·  Supporting neighbourhoods by building on community assets

(8)  Council requests the Leader to ensure that the recommendations in the report form the basis of a robust and properly resourced action plan that is embedded into the work programme of the authority. The cycle of child and family poverty is a generational blight on some of our communities and breaking into this damaging pattern must be a priority of this Council. Council requests that regular updates of progress in implementing the recommendations are provided to the Children and Young People and Economy & Regeneration Scrutiny Committees.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Pat Hackett

Seconded by Councillor Tony Smith

Insert after paragraph (5) and renumber accordingly:

Council notes the report just published by the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies which shows that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes

(1)  This Council recognises the significant potential of investment by Chinese businesses to contribute to the future economic prosperity of Wirral, including the creation of substantial numbers of new employment opportunities for local residents.

(2)  Council acknowledges the importance of the recent visit to China by a joint delegation from Wirral Council and Peel Holdings to discuss the proposed International Trade Centre at Wirral Waters with representatives of businesses and government from the cities of Suzhou, Taicang and Jiang Yin. These discussions indicated a high level of interest by Chinese businesses in investing in the Trade Centre and will be followed up with more detailed conversations with a view to securing contracts.

(3)  Council also recognises the importance of the Sister City Agreement signed by the Mayor of Taicang and the Deputy Leader of the Council on the 29th of September.

(4)  This will facilitate the development of important links between Wirral and Taicang on a range of issues including economic development, port related activities, tourism, education, culture and heritage. These links will be further developed during 2012 when a delegation from Taicang will visit Wirral.

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

Resolved (unanimously) – That the Motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Ian Lewis

Seconded by Councillor Chris Blakeley

(1)  Council welcomes the commitment by the Coalition Government to reduce electoral fraud by the introduction of Individual Voter Registration.

(2)  Council therefore requests a report on how this will be implemented by the Council to be brought to a meeting of the Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Stuart Whittingham

Seconded by Councillor Darren Dodd

Replace all text with the following:

(1)  Council notes with concern the view of the Chair of The Electoral Commission that up to 10 million voters could fall off the register if voluntary Individual Voter Registration is introduced.

(2)  Council is also concerned that the proposal to remove the compulsion to register will result in further disenfranchisement from the political process for many people.

(3)  Council therefore calls upon the Coalition Government to rethink the proposals to introduce voluntary Individual Voter Registration and ensure that everyone that is eligible to vote is on the electoral register.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Seconded by Councillor Bob Wilkins

Add to the end of paragraph (2):

This report to include recommendations on ways to increase voter registration and ensure that everyone who is entitled to vote is registered to vote.

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

The amendment proposed by Councillor Whittingham was put and lost (29:34) (One abstention)

The amendment proposed by Councillor Mitchell was put and carried (34:29) (One abstention)

The motion, as amended, was put and carried (34:29) (One abstention)

Resolved (34:29) (One abstention) –

(1)  Council welcomes the commitment by the Coalition Government to reduce electoral fraud by the introduction of Individual Voter Registration.

(2)  Council therefore requests a report on how this will be implemented by the Council to be brought to a meeting of the Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee. This report to include recommendations on ways to increase voter registration and ensure that everyone who is entitled to vote is registered to vote.

Proposed by Councillor Pat Williams

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

This Council:

A.  Notes that other local authorities within the UK, such as Inverclyde and Pendle, have or are in the process of implementing smoking bans in children’s play areas and that many other areas are considering it.

B.  Notes that Cheshire and Merseyside Tobacco Control Alliance, in partnership with Heart of Mersey are campaigning to implement a voluntary smoke-free code within playground areas on council owned land across the North West sub-region.

C.  Notes that research suggests public support for smoke-free play areas is high: A YouGov survey undertaken by ASH in March 2010 found that 73% of the general population backed a smoking ban in children’s play areas.

D.  Believes that, in the long term, smoke-free play areas will assist in decreasing the number of young people who start smoking and will also help to reduce levels of unsightly cigarette litter such as cigarette butts, matches, empty packets and wrappers in children’s play areas.

Therefore, Council:

(1)  States support for the principle of a voluntary smoking ban in children’s play areas within Wirral.

(2)  Welcomes preparatory work undertaken to date to gauge local support for smoking bans in play areas and in parks and urges consultation with playground users to assess support for this initiative.

(3)  Requests the Leader to instruct officers to continue work, in partnership with the Cheshire and Merseyside Tobacco Control Alliance, to bring forward implementation plans for a voluntary smoke-free code for play areas in Wirral, with a view to introduction from early 2012 (subject to the outcome of consultations). Plans to include a smoke-free policy statement, training and enforcement programme, public awareness raising and a timetable for evaluation of the effectiveness of the smoke-free code.

(4)  Instructs the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to prepare a report for the Health and Wellbeing, Children and Young People and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committees as to how powers contained in the Localism Bill may facilitate the introduction of legally enforceable bans.

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

Resolved (unanimously) – That the motion be approved.

Proposed by Councillor Bob Wilkins

Seconded by Councillor Stuart Kelly

This Council congratulates former Merseyside Police chief Bernard Hogan-Howe on his recent appointment as Metropolitan Police Commissioner and instructs the Chief Executive to write him a letter of congratulations and thanks on behalf of the Council.

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

Resolved (unanimously) – That the motion be approved.

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

The Council was requested to deal with the following appointments:

COUNCIL COMMITTEES

Health and Well Being O&S Committee

Councillor Mrs P M Williams to replace Councillor Dave Mitchell

OUTSIDE BODIES

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY

Leasowe Community Homes Management Board

Vacancy to replace Councillor Ian Lewis

SOCIAL CARE AND INCLUSION

Joint Scrutiny Committee for Cheshire & Wirral NHS Partnership Trust

Councillor Darren Dodd to replace Councillor Tony Smith

(Deputy Councillor Bernie Mooney)

Resolved – That the appointments be approved.