Members of the Council were asked to consider whether they had 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.

By virtue of their membership of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillors Denise Roberts, Steve Niblock and Jean Stapleton declared their personal interest in agenda item 5 – Minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Council, (see minute 84 post) insofar as they referred to the precept issued by the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service,

By virtue of his employment, Councillor Paul Doughty declared his disclosable pecuniary interest in agenda item 6D – Matters Requiring Approval by the Council, insofar as it related to recommendations from the Planning Committee held on 20 February 2014 (see minute 91 post), regarding changes to the Scheme of Delegation to officers for the determination of planning applications and planning related matters. He proposed to leave the room during consideration of that item.

By virtue of their employment, Councillors Jeff Green and Tony Norbury declared their interest in agenda item 6A – Matters Requiring Approval by the Council – Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Cabinet, insofar as they related to recommendations in relation to the Combined Authority.

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

The Mayor referred to the great success of the commemoration for HMS Birkenhead on 5 March 2014 and thanked all those who had attended, many visitors having travelled considerable distances to the event. He praised the officers for their contribution in making the commemoration such a success, in particular, Peter Lee, the Council’s Memorial’s Officer.

The Mayor also announced that the recipient of the Andy Day Memorial Cup for 2013/2014, an award which was presented annually in memory of a former councillor to confer recognition on a member of the Council who, in the Mayor’s opinion, had demonstrated the qualities of dedication and selflessness possessed by the late Councillor, was Councillor Phil Gilchrist.

He noted also that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Chris Blakeley, Leah Fraser and Lesley Rennie.

The Leader of the Council commented that this was the last ordinary meeting of the Council to be presided over by the Mayor. He thanked both the Mayor and Mayoress for all the work they had undertaken during the year, particularly with schools and volunteer groups and referred also to the fair manner in which meetings of the Council had been chaired.

The Leader of the Conservative Group and the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group associated themselves with the remarks made by the Leader of the Council

In response, the Mayor indicated that it had been a privilege to represent Wirral. He referred to the great pleasure he had taken during his year in office, in particular the visit of school groups and he thanked all those who had supported him during his year in office.

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21

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

Councillor Stuart Whittingham on behalf of 155 signatories, requesting the Council to stop the sale of two areas of land in Upton – to be added to the petition he had presented at the meeting held on 25 February 2014.

Councillor Andrew Hodson on behalf of 35 signatories objecting, on the grounds of increased traffic, to Planning Application APP/1400125 – New build adjacent to Riva Cottage, Telegraph Road, Heswall.

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

To deal with questions from members of the public, in accordance with Appendix 1 to Standing Orders

The Mayor advised that no questions had been received from members of the public.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Council held on 25 February 2014

To follow

The minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Council held on 25 February 2014 had been circulated to Members for approval as a correct record.

The Mayor advised that, pursuant to minute 77 (Council Tax 2014/2015), the Council was asked to note the precepts that had been issued and to note the total amount of Council Tax for 2014/2015 for each of the categories of dwellings.

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) –

(1)  That the minutes be approved and adopted as a correct record

(2)  That pursuant to minute 77, Council:

(i)  Notes that the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside and the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have issued precepts to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area, as indicated in the tables –

Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

(ii)  That having calculated the amounts at 2 (c) (minute 77) and (i) above, that the Council in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 notes the following amounts as the total amount of Council Tax for the year 2014/2015 for each of the categories of dwellings –

Total Council Tax for Wirral including Police and Fire

On a motion by Councillor Bill Davies and seconded by Councillor Brian Kenny, it was –

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That Standing Order 9 be applied at 8.30pm.

The first matter requiring approval was in relation to the Combined Authority and the recommendations of the Special Meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 March 2014 (minute 157 refers)

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan –

“That the recommendations contained within Cabinet minute 157 be approved”.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor John Hale and seconded by Councillor Jeff Green –

“That Council:

1.  Notes that the present powers and responsibilities of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council were created by Parliament Acts which took effect in 1974 and were further enhanced following the abolition of Merseyside County Council in 1986 and the proposals contained within the consultation documents before Council show an intention to surrender these powers from a Council which gives representation from every ward in Wirral across all parties as against 6 people, the Leaders of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral, 5 of whom neither reside in Wirral, represent any part of Wirral and have never been elected by anyone in Wirral and believes that this would be against the wishes of the residents of Wirral.

2.  Believes that the responsibilities and powers granted to the Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council by Acts of Parliament should not be transferred to an unelected body, most of whom are without any connection with Wirral.

Recommendation:

Add as the first paragraph “No transfer of powers and/or responsibilities as confirmed in the Cabinet recommendations shall proceed until a referendum of the electors of Wirral has been held to ascertain whether they support a transfer of powers and/or responsibilities to an unelected body, the wording of the referendum to be agreed by the political parties of Wirral”.

At the request of the Leader of the Council, the Mayor adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes at 6.40pm, to allow Members an opportunity to consider the proposed amendment.

The meeting reconvened at 6.55pm

Following a debate and Councillor Phil Davies having replied, the amendment proposed by Councillor Hale was put and lost (19:42) (One abstention).

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

Resolved (42:19) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within Cabinet minute 157 be approved:

(1)  Council confirms its previous decision that it should formally become a constituent member of the Combined Authority for the Liverpool City Region (as referred to in the report of the Chief Executive).

(2)  Council notes the position on the making of the Orders, as attached in Appendix One to the Chief Executive’s report, and the Parliamentary process in train.

(3)  Council endorses the Constitution for the Combined Authority for adoption, as attached to the Chief Executive’s report as Appendix Two.

(4)  Council approves the Operating Agreement for the Combined Authority for adoption as attached to the Chief Executive’s report as Appendix Three.

(5)  That Councillors Phil Davies and Ann McLachlan (as substitute) be appointed to the Combined Authority as set out in section 5.1 of the Chief Executive’s report (see minute 101 post).

(6)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

The second matter requiring approval was in relation to the Pay Policy Statement 2014/2015 and the recommendations of the Special Meeting of the Cabinet held on 10 March 2014 (minute 158 refers)

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within Cabinet minute 158 be approved.

The third matter requiring approval was in relation to the Members’ Survey Results and the recommendations of the Standards Working Group concerning proposed amendments to the Council’s Constitution, considered by the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee (minute 13 (24 February 2014) refers).

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee minute 13 be approved.

The fourth matter requiring approval was in relation to two Delegated Decisions taken by the Cabinet Member – Economy, which informed the content of the emerging Local Development Framework:

(i)  That the Council adopt the final revised Statement of Community Involvement.

(ii)  That the findings of the Water Cycle Study be approved as a material consideration for use by the Planning Committee in the determination of planning applications.

On a motion by Councillor Pat Hackett and seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, it was –

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations of the Cabinet Member – Economy be approved.

Councillor Paul Doughty, having declared his interest in this matter, left the Chamber during its consideration.

The fifth matter requiring approval was in relation to Changes to the Scheme of Delegation to officers for the Determination of Planning Applications and Planning Related Matters and to the recommendation of the Planning Committee (minute 229 (20 February 2014) refers).

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan –

“That the recommendation contained within Planning Committee minute 229 be approved”

Notice having been given under Standing Order 12(9), it was moved as an amendment by Councillor Andrew Hodson and seconded by Councillor Les Rowlands that –

“Council is concerned that the some of the proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegation to officers for the determination of planning applications and planning related matters will adversely affect the transparency of the Council’s planning processes.

Council believes that, in so far as is possible, any Elected Member activity which impacts on public processes should be open to public scrutiny in the widest available form, in this particular instance this would be the Planning Committee.

Council therefore requests that this matter be referred back to the Planning Committee for the Committee to ensure that when a Member of the Council is involved in a planning application, either professionally or privately, the matter is scrutinised by the Planning Committee.”

With the agreement of the Mayor, Councillor Phil Davies deferred the right of reply to Councillor Bernie Mooney, Chair of the Planning Committee.

Following a debate and Councillor Bernie Mooney having replied, the amendment proposed by Councillor Hodson was put and lost (18:41) (Two abstentions).

The motion was put and carried (41:18) (Two abstentions)

Resolved (41:18) (Two abstentions) – That the recommendation contained within Planning Committee minute 229 be approved.

The sixth matter requiring approval was in relation to the Proposed Designation of Lower Bebington Conservation Area and to the recommendation of the Planning Committee (minute 230 (20 February 2014) refers).

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within Planning Committee minute 230 be approved.

The seventh matter requiring approval was in relation to the recommendations of the Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee (minute 15 (13 November 2013) refers) concerning the proposed adoption of byelaws with respect to Acupuncture, Tattooing, Semi-Permanent Skin Colouring, Cosmetic Piercing and Electrolysis.

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations set out in Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee minute 15 be approved.

To receive the written reports of the Leader, Cabinet Members and Chairs of the Policy and Performance Committees and receive questions and answers on any of those reports in accordance with Standing Orders 10(2)(a) and 11

The Mayor referred to the reports of the Leader, Cabinet Members and Chairs of Policy and Performance Committees. The Council was invited to receive and note the reports and he commented that they would not be presented, being taken as read. The Mayor requested that questions be confined to the content of the reports.

The Leader of the Council responded to questions in relation to his portfolio report from Councillors Jeff Green, Stuart Kelly and Janette Williamson and made a number of comments including:

·  Contrary to recent reports, Shared Services had not been abandoned, but had been put on hold until October 2014, when proposals with regard to the Future Council project would be published. .This would allow further analysis of the Business Case to be undertaken and he commented that it was appropriate for matters to be put on hold to assess the costs/savings, prior to any binding agreement being signed. Nevertheless, considerable savings were still required as a result of Government cuts and he expressed disappointment that the Conservative Group had not wished to be involved in recent events to discuss the future shape of Council services in Wirral.

·  He indicated that there was an appetite in Schools to work with the Council to share costs associated with School Crossing Patrols and the Primary Heads Group had indicated their willingness to work with the Council. He re-affirmed that the safety of young people was paramount and that where a school was unwilling or unable to commit to share costs, funding would be made available.

·  He was pleased that Wirral was now a Living Wage Council and commented that this also included a commitment to ensuring that new contracts for social care providers would demonstrate that they would follow the Council’s ethical care charter. This asked providers, amongst other requirements, not to employ staff on zero hour contracts. He had attended on 7 March 2014 a meeting with other North West Council’s who were committed to paying the Living Wage, with a view to sharing best practice and he hoped that work being undertaken with major employers would lead to Wirral becoming a Living Wage Borough.

Resolved – That the report of the Leader of the Council be noted.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Ann McLachlan on her Governance and Improvement Portfolio Report and responses to a question from Councillor Tony Norbury included the following comments:

·  That the Cultural Change Programme was of significant value to the Council and all Members and officers had a duty to engage with it. Its importance had been identified by the Wirral/LGA Improvement Board and a recent Members’ Survey had highlighted the key role to be played by Group Leaders to promote good standards of conduct. With the support of the Members’ Training Steering Group, training would continue to be offered to develop the Cultural Change agenda. However, courses were more cost effective when fully attended and she hoped that all Members would engage with the training programme.

Resolved – That the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

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

A  Cabinet – 16 January 2014

Minute 131 – Financial Monitoring 2013/2014 (Month 8)

B  Cabinet – 12 February 2014

Minute 145 – Financial Monitoring 2013/2014 (Month 9)

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan, it was –

Resolved – That minute 131 (Cabinet – 16 January 2014) – Financial Monitoring 2013/2014 (Month 8) and minute 145 (Cabinet – 12 February 2014) – Financial Monitoring 2013/2014 (Month 9) be noted.

To consider Members’ general questions to the Mayor, Cabinet Member or Committee Chair in accordance with Standing Orders 10 (2)(b) and 11

In accordance with Standing Order 10 (2) (b), notice had been given of a question from Councillor Phil Gilchrist to Councillor Brian Kenny (Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability) in respect of the Refuse and Recycling Calendar December 2013 – January 2015.

Councillor Kenny advised that he would prepare a written response, which would be circulated to all Members of the Council.

To consider and determine any references from the Policy and Performance Committees.

A  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion, ‘Improving Wirral’s Sites for Jobs’, referred from Council at its meeting on 14 October 2013 (minute 37 refers) was considered by the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee at its meeting on 27 January 2014 (minute 31 is attached) at which the following resolution was passed:

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) The Council is asked to consider the following recommendation of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee.

“Resolved – That the Council be advised that in view of the lack of funding available to fully pursue the Notice of Motion, the response to it should be for the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment to present a brief update to an early meeting of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee upon the availability of land for employment opportunities”.

B  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion ‘Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control’, referred from the Council at its meeting on 16 December 2013 (minute 64 refers) was considered by the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee on 28 January 2014 (minute 43 is attached) at which the following resolution was passed.

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) The Council is asked to consider the following recommendation of the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee.

Resolved: That

(1)  the Council be advised that the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee fully supports the Notice of Motion in relation to the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control; and

(2)  the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and the Director of Public Health/Head of Policy and Resources be requested to submit an update report on smoking cessation to a future meeting.

A  At the meeting of the Council held on 14 October 2013 (minute 37 refers), the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Improving Wirral’s Sites for Jobs’ to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee held on 27 January 2014 (Regeneration and Environment – minute 31 refers).

In accordance with Standing Order 7(5), the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee, which advised that in view of the lack of funding available to fully pursue the Notice of Motion, the response to it should be for the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment to present a brief update to an early meeting of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee upon the availability of land for employment opportunities.

B  At the meeting of the Council held on 16 December 2013 (minute 64 refers), the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control’ to the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee held on 28 January 2014 (Families and Wellbeing – minute 43 refers)

In accordance with Standing Order 7(5), the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee, which advised that –

(1)  the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee fully supports the Notice of Motion in relation to the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control; and

(2)  the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and the Director of Public Health/Head of Policy and Resources be requested to submit an update report on smoking cessation to a future meeting.

Resolved –

(1)  That the recommendation of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee in relation to the Notice of Motion ‘Improving Wirral’s Sites for Jobs’ be approved.

(2)  That the recommendation of the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee in relation to the Notice of Motion ‘Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control’ be approved.

Notices of motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1), are attached. They are listed in the order received, 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:

(i)  ‘No’ to Nuisance Calls

[The Mayor to refer to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee]

(ii)  The European Union - #WhyIamIN

To be debated

(iii)  Mersey Tunnel Tolls

[The Mayor refer to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee]

(iv)  Labour’s Effective Stewardship

[The Mayor to refer to the Policy and Performance Coordinating Committee]

(v)  Storm Damage

To be debated

Notices of motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1) were reported to the Council. The Mayor, having considered each motion, in accordance with Standing Order 7(4) had decided that they would be dealt with as follows:

(i)  ‘No’ to Nuisance Calls

To be referred to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee

(ii)  The European Union - #WhyIamIN

To be debated

(iii)  Mersey Tunnel Tolls

To be referred to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee

(iv)  Labour’s Effective Stewardship

To be referred to the Policy and Performance Coordinating Committee

(v)  Storm Damage

To be debated

Proposed by Councillor Stuart Kelly

Seconded by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

That this Council notes:

·  the #WhyIamIN social media campaign supporting membership of the European Union which was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP;

·  that the campaign gained support from Sir Richard Branson, among others, who commented “It should go without saying that being a part of the European Union is better for all countries involved” http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/why-i-am-in

·  that Michael Sherwood, co-chief executive of Goldman Sachs International has said that, in the event Britain leaves the EU "In all likelihood we would transfer a substantial part of our European business from London to a eurozone location” and Stephen Odell, chief executive of Ford in Europe stated that withdrawal "would be devastating for the UK economy.”;

·  a recent CBI poll found that nearly 80% of UK businesses supported membership.http://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2013/09/8-out-of-10-firms-say-uk-must-stay-in-eu-cbi-yougov-survey/

Council believes that remaining part of the European Union is vital to the long term security of Wirral and LCR businesses and to building a strong local economy.

Council endorses the sentiment expressed by Frank Field MP that “Our aim should be to change the EU. And change it by staying in”.

Council, therefore, calls upon local businesses, public sector organisations and political parties represented on this Council to highlight the importance of remaining within the European Union in the run-up to the 2014 European Parliament elections.

Two amendments which had been circulated in advance of the meeting were submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

First Amendment –

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Pat Hackett

Add the following:

‘Council recognises that one of the key benefits of EU membership for regions such as Merseyside has been access to European structural funding which has contributed to a number of important regeneration projects in Wirral and Merseyside over several years.

Council believes that the Government’s decision to propose a cut of 65% in Merseyside’s EU funding allocation for the new programme (2014-20) to be unfair and unjustifiable given the level of economic and social need in this region.

Council notes that the Judicial Review brought by the Local Enterprise Partnerships representing South Yorkshire and Merseyside resulted in the High Court deciding on the 7^th February 2014 that the Government’s allocations of funding within the UK (particularly with reference to Merseyside and South Yorkshire) were unlawful. Council further notes that the Court therefore decided to quash the Government’s original decisions on the allocation of EU funds to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and LEPs within England and refer them back to the Secretary of State for reconsideration.

The High Court judgement requires the Government to take a fresh decision on EU funding allocations within the UK, having regard to the public sector equality duty. Council therefore urges the Government to use this opportunity to reverse the massive and clearly unjustified cut in its proposed allocation of EU funding to Merseyside for the new programme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

Proposed by Councillor Brian Kenny

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

Council is disappointed that despite a recent pledge from David Cameron that ‘money is no object’ in the repair of damage caused by the recent extreme weather, Wirral is only set to receive a measly £20,000 for our suffering businesses and not one penny for infrastructure damage or the North Wirral coastline.

Wirral will instead have to fund the cost of the damage, some £250,000, from an under-spend in the 2013/14 budget. This is money that could have been used to protect front-line services from further Tory-Lib Dem cuts. 

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the government seeking equal and fair treatment for Wirral.

An amendment, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Alan Brighouse

Add after paragraph 3

Council, whilst not objecting to a letter being sent, believes it should be more constructive.

Council believes that the terms of the proposed letter should recognise that the Government is reviewing and re-evaluating the scheme of emergency financial assistance introduced in 1983.

Generally known as the ‘Bellwin’ Scheme, it has always helped local authorities claim and meet exceptional and unexpected costs.

It should be acknowledged that the Scheme has been changed this year to include:

·  paying Bellwin Grant at 100% above threshold instead of the normal default 85%

·  allowing upper tier authorities with responsibility for fire to claim on a comparable basis to standalone fire authorities

·  reducing the Bellwin thresholds for all county councils and unitary authorities

·  extending the eligible spending period until the end of March 2014

These changes were followed by an announcement of an offer of a £5,000 “repair and renew” grant for homeowners and businesses, to support repairs which improve a property’s ability to withstand future flooding.

The letter should stress that both Government and local authorities now need to plan for the greater frequency of such events due to climate change and thus:

(a)  outline the steps Wirral has been taking to encourage its tourism potential and coastal economy

(b)  recognise that the wind direction, storm surges and low pressure affected many parts of the western coasts but, fortunately, did not have as serious an impact here.

(c)  fairly represent Wirral’s budgetary problems

(d)  offer to join a dialogue on the investment needed to make services more resilient for the future.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9 the Council did not debate this matter.

The amendment was put and lost (24:37)

The motion was put and carried (37:24) (One abstention)

Resolved (37:24) (One abstention) – That

Council is disappointed that despite a recent pledge from David Cameron that ‘money is no object’ in the repair of damage caused by the recent extreme weather, Wirral is only set to receive a measly £20,000 for our suffering businesses and not one penny for infrastructure damage or the North Wirral coastline.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

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

The Council was requested to deal with the following matters in respect of appointments to outside organisations –

Leasowe Community Homes Management Board

A vacancy to replace Mr C Hughes, Group Solicitor – Department of Transformation and Resources

Combined Authority

In accordance with the recommendations contained within Cabinet minute 157 (10 March 2014) (see minute 87 ante):

(i)  The appointment of a Member and substitute Member to the Combined Authority.

(ii)  The appointment of Members to the Transport Committee (known as the Merseytravel Committee) of the Combined Authority.

It was moved by Councillor George Davies and seconded by Councillor Brian Kenny –

(1)  That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the three Group Leaders, be authorised to nominate and fill the officer vacancy on the Management Board of Leasowe Community Homes.

(2)  That the Leader of the Council, Councillor Phil Davies, be appointed as the Council’s Member on the Combined Authority and Councillor Ann McLachlan be appointed as the substitute Member.

The motion was agreed (61:0) (One abstention)

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan –

That the following Members, currently appointed to the Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority (MITA) be appointed to the Transport Committee (known as the Merseytravel Committee) of the Combined Authority:

·  Councillor RL Abbey

·  Councillor S Foulkes

·  Councillor SL Rowlands

·  Councillor J Salter

The motion was agreed (61:0) (One abstention)

Resolved (61:0 (One abstention) –

(1)  That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the three Group Leaders, be authorised to nominate and fill the officer vacancy on the Management Board of Leasowe Community Homes.

(2)  That the Leader of the Council, Councillor Phil Davies, be appointed as the Council’s Member on the Combined Authority and Councillor Ann McLachlan be appointed as the substitute Member.

(3)  That the following Members, currently appointed to the Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority (MITA) be appointed to the Transport Committee (known as the Merseytravel Committee) of the Combined Authority:

·  Councillor RL Abbey

·  Councillor S Foulkes

·  Councillor SL Rowlands

·  Councillor J Salter

To consider any recommendations of the Leader, Cabinet, Cabinet Member and Committees which require the approval of the Council. The relevant minutes or reports are attached or will be circulated; copies of the related reports can be provided for Council members on request.

A  Cabinet (Special Meeting)

– 10 March 2014

·  The Cabinet recommendation in relation to the Combined Authority will be reported at the meeting.

The report is attached

·  The Cabinet recommendation in relation to the Council’s Pay Policy Statement 2014/2015 will be reported at the meeting.

The report is attached

B  Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee

– 24 February 2014

Minute 13 is attached, which recommends to the Council approval of recommended amendments to the Council’s Constitution.

C  Local Development Framework

– Adoption of Revised Statement of Community Involvement

The Council is requested to give consideration to the Delegated Decision (attached) of the Cabinet Member – Economy, published on 24 January 2014.

The Delegated Decision recommends that the Council formally adopt the final revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which is required to set out the Council’s policy for the involvement of the community in land-use planning decisions. The report of the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment advised that the Council’s SCI needed to be revised to take account of a series of changes to national legislation and regulations since it was adopted in December 2006. It recommended that the final revised SCI, which had been amended following public consultation, be recommended for adoption by a resolution of the full Council.

D  Planning Committee

– 20 February 2014

Minute 229

– Changes to the Scheme of Delegation to Officers for the Determination of Planning Applications and Planning Related Matters

Minute 230

– Proposed Designation of Lower Bebington Conservation Area

E  Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee

– 13 November 2013

Minute 15

– Proposed Adoption of Byelaws made by Wirral Borough Council with respect to Acupuncture, Tattooing, Semi-Permanent Skin-Colouring, Cosmetic Piercing and Electrolysis.

The Council is requested to approve the recommendations set out in minute 15. The proposed byelaw is attached.

The Mayor indicated that, in accordance with Standing Order 5(2), seven matters were submitted for approval by the Council (see minutes 87 to 93 post)