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 Lesley Rennie, Steve Niblock, Denise Roberts and Jean Stapleton declared their personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item 11 – Notices of Motion (iii), ‘Proposal for a Fire Station on Green Belt Land in Saughall Massie’, and (v), ‘Merseyside Fire and Rescue Funding’ (see minute 32 post).

By virtue of their being Board Members of Magenta Living, Councillors Bill Davies, Steve Foulkes, Jeff Green and Stuart Whittingham declared their personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item 7C – ‘Matters requiring approval by the Council’ (see minute 25 post) in respect of Cabinet minute 19, ‘Approval for Council Nominated Officer to Vote at AGM on Proposal for Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association To Merge with Liverpool Housing Trust’.

By virtue of their being Board Members of Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association, Councillors Brian Kenny and Paul Doughty declared their personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item 7C – ‘Matters requiring approval by the Council’ (see minute 25 post) in respect of Cabinet minute 19, ‘Approval for Council Nominated Officer to Vote at AGM on Proposal for Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association To Merge with Liverpool Housing Trust’.

Councillor Denise Realey declared a personal interest in agenda item 7C – ‘Matters requiring approval by the Council’ (see minute 25 post) in respect of Cabinet minute 19, ‘Approval for Council Nominated Officer to Vote at AGM on Proposal for Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association To Merge with Liverpool Housing Trust’, by virtue of her former membership of the Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association Board.

Councillors Adrian Jones and Christine Spriggs declared a personal interest in agenda item 7C – ‘Matters requiring approval by the Council’ (see minute 25 post) in respect of Cabinet minute 19, ‘Approval for Council Nominated Officer to Vote at AGM on Proposal for Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association To Merge with Liverpool Housing Trust’, by virtue of their membership of the Leasowe Community Homes Management Board.

Councillors Ron Abbey and Treena Johnson declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 7A – ‘Matters requiring approval by the Council’ (see minute 23 post) in respect of the Revised Local Development Scheme by virtue of their membership of ‘Unity in the Community’.

In response to a comment from the Leader of the Conservative Group, the Head of Legal and Member Services confirmed that all other Members of Housing Associations did not have to declare personal or personal and prejudicial interests.

The Mayor noted that apologies were received from Councillors Jim Crabtree, Leah Fraser, Anita Leech, Bernie Mooney and Pat Williams.

The Mayor then reiterated that during his Mayoral year he would be abstaining on all votes throughout the year and that this should be confirmed on all future Council decisions, he would request that Members’ speeches did not overrun the allocated time and that all Members acted in a respectful manner in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

A.  To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

B.  The following petition is referred to the Council for consideration in accordance with Standing Order 34 –

At the time of publication a petition of some 2,740 signatories had been submitted by Rob Oliver of the Friends of Wirral Library Forum calling upon the Leader and the Chief Executive of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council to maintain a viable library service, staffed by suitably qualified employees for all the people of the Wirral. This matter will be taken subject to achieving the required number of signatures as designated in the Constitution.

The front sheet of the petition is attached and, in accordance with the Petition Scheme, the petition organiser has been invited to address the Council for up to five minutes. The Council should debate the matter for a maximum of 15 minutes before deciding how to respond to the petition.

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

Councillor Moira McLaughlin on behalf of:

(i)  91 signatories requesting action on speeding, volume of traffic and neglect of the road surface, pavement and trees on Cavendish Drive, Rock Ferry.

(ii)  138 signatories requesting that measures be taken to reduce the speed at which vehicles travel when using Highfield Road, Rock Ferry

Councillor Jean Stapleton on behalf of 21 signatories requesting a one way system on Circular Road, Birkenhead.

Councillor Mike Sullivan on behalf of 20 signatories requesting the Pensby Hotel to be saved.

Councillor Christine Spriggs on behalf of 93 signatories requesting that zig-zag lines be kept on Mount Pleasant, Wallasey.

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

B.  In accordance with the Petition Scheme (when petitions with a threshold of 3000 signatures triggered a Council debate) the Council received a petition of some 3040 signatures, submitted by Mr R Oliver of the Friends of Wirral Library Forum, calling upon Leader and the Chief Executive of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council to maintain a viable library service, staffed by suitably qualified employees for all the people of the Wirral.

The petition organiser, Mr Oliver, addressed the Council on behalf of the petitioners.

Following a debate, it was moved by Councillor Jeff Green and seconded by Councillor Phil Davies and –

Resolved – That the Leader and the Chief Executive of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council maintain a viable library service, staffed by suitably qualified employees for all the people of the Wirral.

No public questions had been received.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 18 May and reconvened on 19 May, 2015.

The minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 18 and 19 May, 2015 had been circulated to Members.

A Member referred to the situation of the suspension of two Labour Party Members and asked how this affected the proportionality of committee places.

In response, the Head of Legal and Member Services informed the Council that under The Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, he had received notification from the Labour Group of their 39 members of the Labour Group. The suspended members had been suspended from the Labour Party nationally but not locally. Unless the Notice was varied, political proportionality was determined having regard to the current Notices of all the political groups.

On a motion by the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, it was -

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

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

Also attached is the Strategic Director of Transformation and Resources’ Scrutiny Annual Report 2014/15.

The Leader of the Council presented his summary report upon matters relevant to his portfolio. He responded to a question from Councillor Green and made a number of comments including –

·  With regard to the suspension from the national Labour Party of two Members of his group, he had nothing to add to the comments of the Head of Legal and Member Services.

·  The Labour Party on Wirral had had a resounding victory at the local elections with 79,000 votes as opposed to 40,000 votes for the Conservatives. With the largest majority on the Council for many years they now had a clear mandate to deliver their 5 year plan for Wirral. The Conservatives should reflect on what had happened in Wirral West, with the last remaining Conservative MP on Merseyside having been removed from office.

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

·  The Council had received a number of awards recently including the Municipal Journal Trading Standards and Environmental Health Team Award and the Council’s Senior Risk and Insurance Officer receiving the ‘Professional of the Year’ Award from the Association of Local Authority Risk Managers.

·  These, the LGC ‘Most Improved Council of the Year’ Award and being shortlisted in a number of other award categories demonstrated that the Council was going from strength to strength and was indeed now a normal council.

Questions were then invited for Councillor George Davies on the Neighbourhoods, Housing and Engagement Portfolio Report and his responses to questions from Councillors Phil Gilchrist, Pat Cleary and Andrew Hodson included the following comments:

·  The Government had recently revised the approach to internal space and accessibility standards through the Building Regulations and local planning policies, with effect from 1 October 2015. The emerging Core Strategy Local Plan for Wirral already made provision for the future flexibility and accessibility of new housing in internal and external design through various policies. From October 2015 the new housing standards for England and the policy that surrounded them would govern the design and supply of accessible and adaptable homes. Where possible however, as part of any partnership working with Registered Providers or private developers partners such as Keepmoat the Council had tried to maximise standards above mandatory requirements regarding accessibility and design quality subject to individual site appraisals regarding viability.

·  He would ensure that with regard to the City Region Collective Energy Switch Scheme an ethical and green component were put into the equation.

Questions were invited for Councillor Adrian Jones on the Support Services Portfolio Report and his responses to questions from Councillors Adam Sykes, Dave Mitchell, Brian Kenny and Matthew Patrick included the following comments:

·  He suggested that Councillor Sykes put his question in writing so that he could provide a detailed written response.

·  In respect of the Coroner Service, lengthy consultation had taken place between the two services on Wirral and in Liverpool and he believed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

To consider any recommendations of the Leader, Cabinet, Cabinet Member and Committees which require the approval of the Council. The relevant minutes are attached; copies of the related reports (where not attached) can be provided for Council members on request.

A.  Revised Local Development Scheme

Delegated decision of Cabinet Member – Economy 17/12/14 (attached) – the report and the revised Local Development Scheme are also attached and the Council is recommended to approve the adoption of the revised Local Development Scheme (part (3) of the resolution). (Pages 77 – 102)

B.  The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015

The report is attached (Pages 103 – 112) and the Recommendation from Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee (1 July, 2015) (to follow)

C.  Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association Transfer of Engagements to Liverpool Housing Trust

The report is attached (Pages 113 - 135) and the Recommendation from the Cabinet meeting (29 June, 2015) (to follow)

D.  Policy and Performance Committee Remits and Statutory Scrutiny Responsibilities

The minute from the Policy and Performance Coordinating Committee meeting (23 June, 2015) is attached.

In accordance with Standing Order 5(2), four matters were submitted for approval by the Council (see minutes 23 to 26 post).

The first matter requiring approval was in relation to the Revised Local Development Scheme and the recommendation made by the Cabinet Member for Economy on 17 December, 2014 regarding adoption of the scheme.

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

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation to approve the adoption of the revised Local Development Scheme, be agreed.

The second matter requiring approval was in relation to the recommendations of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee at its meeting on 1 July, 2015 (minute 4 refers). This recommendation related to changes to the Constitution which had to be made relating to disciplinary action / arrangements in respect of the Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer in accordance with The Local Authorities (Standing Order) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.

On a motion by Councillor Bill Davies, seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, it was –

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within minute 4 of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, be approved.

Councillors Bill Davies, Paul Doughty, Steve Foulkes, Jeff Green, Adrian Jones, Brian Kenny, Denise Realey, Chris Spriggs and Stuart Whittingham, having declared an interest in this matter, left the Chamber during its consideration.

The third matter requiring approval was in relation to the proposed Transfer of Engagements from Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association to the Liverpool Housing Trust and the recommendations from Cabinet at its meeting on 29 June, 2015 (minute 19 refers).

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies, seconded by Councillor George Davies, it was –

Resolved (49:0) (Two abstentions) - That the recommendations contained within Cabinet minute 19 be approved and the Head of Legal and Member Services or his nominee be authorised to vote on the proposal (and associated matters) proposed and detailed in the report at the forthcoming Beechwood and Ballantyne Housing Association Special General Meeting.

The fourth matter requiring approval was in relation to the recommendations of the Policy and Performance Coordinating Committee at its meeting on 23 June, 2015 (minute 6 refers) in relation to statutory scrutiny responsibilities.

On a motion by Councillor Moira McLaughlin, seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, it was –

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) - That the recommendations contained within minute 6 of the Policy and Performance Coordinating Committee, be approved.

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).

Cabinet – 12 March, 2015

Minute 153 – Financial Monitoring 2014/15 (Month 10)

Minute 154 – Capital Monitoring 2014/15 (Month 10)

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

Resolved – That the following matters be noted -

Minute 153 (Cabinet – 12 March 2015) – Financial Monitoring 2014/15 (Month 10).

Minute 154 (Cabinet – 12 March 2015) – Financial Monitoring 2014/15 (Month 10).

Councillor Phil Gilchrist, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10(2) (b), submitted a question addressed to Councillor Phil Davies (Leader of the Council), in respect of PFI contracts and school modernisation / rebuilding.

Councillor Phil Davies responded accordingly.

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

A.  The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion, ‘Consultation That Counts’ referred from Council at its meeting on 15 December, 2014 (minute 103 refers) was considered by the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee on 3 March 2015 (minute 11 is attached).

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council is asked to consider the following recommendation of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee:

“RESOLVED (unanimously): That

(1)  each of the three Strategic Directors be invited to provide commentary on their practices and procedures for recording views expressed during consultations; and

(2)  if any clarification is required in respect of (1) above, the Head of Legal and Member Services be authorised to obtain it following consultation with the Chair and Group Spokespersons.”

A matter had been referred to the Council by the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 7(5) (see minute 30 post).

At the meeting of the Council held on 15 December, 2014 (minute 103 refers) the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Consultation that Counts’ to the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee on 3 March 2015 (minute 11 refers).

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee which had resolved (unanimously), that –

“(1) Each of the three Strategic Directors be invited to provide commentary on their practices and procedures for recording views expressed during consultations; and

(2) If any clarification is required in respect of (1) above, the Head of Legal and Member Services be authorised to obtain it following consultation with the Chair and Group Spokespersons.”

On a motion by Councillor Bill Davies, seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, it was –

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) – That the resolution of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee be agreed.

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)  The Northern Powerhouse

To be debated.

ii)  Wirral’s Economic Success

The Civic Mayor to refer to the Policy and Performance - Regeneration and Environment Committee.

iii)  Proposal for a fire station on green belt land in Saughall Massie

The Civic Mayor to refer to the Policy and Performance - Regeneration and Environment Committee.

iv)  Mental Health Challenge

The Civic Mayor to refer to the Policy and Performance - Families and Wellbeing Committee.

v)  Merseyside Fire and Rescue funding

To be debated.

vi)  Implementation of Notice of Motion ‘Becoming a Dementia Friendly Council’

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).  The Northern Powerhouse - To be debated.

(ii).  Wirral’s Economic Success - To be referred to the Policy and Performance - Regeneration and Environment Committee.

(iii).  Proposal for a fire station on green belt land in Saughall Massie – To be referred to the Policy and Performance - Regeneration and Environment Committee.

(iv).  Mental Health Challenge - To be referred to the Policy and Performance - Families and Wellbeing Committee.

(v).  Merseyside Fire and Rescue funding - To be debated.

(vi).  Implementation of Notice of Motion ‘Becoming a Dementia Friendly Council’ - To be debated.

Prior to the first motion being debated, it was moved by Councillor Bill Davies and seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, that –

“Standing Order 5(4) be suspended and the motions be dealt with in the following order, the Labour motion (v) be debated first, followed by the Conservative Motions, (i) and (vi).

This motion was agreed unanimously.

Councillors Steve Niblock, Lesley Rennie, Denise Roberts and Jean Stapleton, having declared a prejudicial interest in this motion, left the Chamber whilst the matter was considered.

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Matt Patrick

Council notes the Conservative Government's announcement of a Summer budget on July 8th.

Council recognises the unprecedented challenge before Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, who due to continued cuts to their funding are faced with the closure of West Kirby and Upton Fire Stations, both of the emergency facilities in Wirral West Constituency. 

Council requests Wirral MPs, as a matter of urgency, to raise this matter with the appropriate minister with a view to revisiting the grant allocation to stop these closures.

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 Chris Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor Bruce Berry

Leave all and add after the final paragraph:

Council notes that at its meeting on 30th June Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority approved the merger of Upton and West Kirby fire stations at a new station on green belt land on Saughall Massie Road.

However Council also acknowledges the overwhelming public opposition to the proposal by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority for a fire station on green belt land in Saughall Massie, as demonstrated by:

·  The 200 people who attended a public meeting arranged by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and a further 270 who were unable to gain admission to the venue.

·  The opposition of the Saughall Massie Village Area Conservation Society and the Wirral Society.

·  The 1,030 people who have, so far, signed a petition against the proposal.

Therefore Council impresses upon Cabinet:

(1)  To maintain protection of Wirral’s Green Belt, as set by agreed policies and stop inappropriate development.

(2)  To ask officers to continue to work co-operatively with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in identifying and facilitating a more suitable brown field site for operational purposes and to maintain the amenity of the local people.

Following a debate and Councillor Phil Davies having replied, and prior to the vote on the amendment, Councillor Jeff Green and five Conservative Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

A ‘card vote’ was then taken on Councillor Blakeley’s amendment and the Council divided as follows:

For the amendment (21) Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, A Brighouse, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, Mrs W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, P Gilchrist, J Green, J Hale, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, D Mitchell, T Pilgrim, A Sykes, G Watt and S Williams.

Against the amendment (33) Councillors R Abbey, P Brightmore, M Daniel, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, S Foulkes, R Gregson, P Hackett, T Johnson, A Jones, C Jones, B Kenny, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, C Muspratt, T Norbury, M Patrick, D Realey, L Reecejones, J Salter, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, M Sullivan, J Walsh, S Whittingham,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Proposed by Councillor Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie

Council will be aware of the Cities and Devolution Bill designed to provide for the devolution of powers to cities with elected metro mayors to build a Northern Powerhouse.

Council understands that the Chancellor, the key architect of the country’s economic recovery, has made it clear that he wants to harness the individual successes of the north into a combined Northern Powerhouse able to challenge the South providing jobs and opportunities for individuals and economic security for their families.

Council recognises that this is a once in a generation opportunity for the hardworking families of Wirral; a Chancellor who represents a seat in North West England and one that is prepared to devolve significant powers and budgets to our region in order to improve the lives of hardworking families.

Council believes that the opportunity provided by the Government must not be squandered.

Council further believes that any devolution of power and budget to the City Region must be balanced by providing a direct opportunity to hold those with authority accountable.

Therefore Council recommends that the Leader of the Council advises the next meeting of the Combined Authority to engage enthusiastically in the development of the Northern Powerhouse; provide clarity to this Council about the details of any devolution of power and budget it is seeking from the Government and confirm its support for a directly elected Metro Mayor.

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 Dave Mitchell

In paragraph 2 delete:

 “the key architect of the country’s economic recovery”

Replace with:

 “recognising long-standing concerns about rebalancing the economy”.

In paragraph 4 delete:

 “must not be squandered.”

Replace with:

 “must be thoroughly explored and its opportunities quantified and tested.”

In paragraph 5 insert at end:

“In the event of a regional Mayor emerging as the chosen option, a democratically elected Assembly should be established with members drawn from each local authority, on lines similar to those operating in London.”

In paragraph 6 delete:

“confirm its support for a directly elected Metro Mayor”

Replace with:

“continue to press the Government to develop democratic arrangements that meet local concerns and aspirations”

Following a debate and Councillor Jeff Green having replied, and prior to the vote on the amendment, Councillor Jeff Green and five Conservative Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

A ‘card vote’ was then taken on Councillor Phil Gilchrist’s amendment and the Council divided as follows:

For the amendment (5) Councillors A Brighouse, C Carubia, P Cleary, P Gilchrist and D Mitchell.

Against the amendment (54) Councillors R Abbey, T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, P Brightmore, D Burgess-Joyce, Mrs W Clements, M Daniel, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, J Green, R Gregson, P Hackett, J Hale, P  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Councillor Bill Davies suggested that with Standing Order 9 (Conclusion of Council meeting) due to come into force during the next item, only movers and seconders be heard for the third matter to be debated.

Proposed by Councillor Tom Anderson

Seconded by Councillor Tracey Pilgrim

Council:

(1)  notes that the Notice of Motion ‘Becoming a Dementia Friendly Council’ was brought to Council on 14th July 2014 and was subsequently referred to the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee at its meeting on 9 September 2014 where it was unanimously endorsed.

(2)  expresses disappointment in the delay in bringing this back to Council, finally being resolved and endorsed at Council on 8th December 2014.

(3)  acknowledges that it’s been 12 months since this Motion was first introduced and concludes that it is unacceptable that little has been done to promote and implement the sentiments contained within the original Motion.

Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to:

(a)  fully implement the will of Elected Members as set out in the original Notice of Motion ‘Becoming a Dementia Friendly Council,’ without delay.

(b)  conduct an investigation into why this Notice of Motion has not been driven forward by Chief Officers and report his findings to the Policy and Performance Co-ordinating Committee.

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 Moira McLaughlin

Seconded by Councillor Denise Roberts

Delete all after paragraph 1 and add the following sentence to paragraph 1:

“And from there it was referred back to Full Council recommending approval, which took place at Policy Council on December 8th”

Paragraph 2

Council notes that, in line with good practice for scrutiny, a progress report on the implementation of the 5 recommendations was requested by the committee and it appears on the current work programme for the committee, with the plan to bring that report back at the 12 month stage.

Council therefore requests that the Strategic Director for Families and Wellbeing:

Produce the progress report and submit it as requested to the September 2015 meeting of the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee. That all elected members respond to the recommendation to become Dementia Friends by completing the necessary training when it is offered.

Second amendment

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Chris Carubia

Add new clause(c) at end…

(c)  establish a mechanism for tracking Notices of Motion so that those Members who take the time to develop and research issues can be assured these are being followed up. This will necessitate Officers being nominated to check on the steps being taken to implement agreed action and will require that timescales or milestones for progress are developed in consultation with Members, it being noted that, in the case of this particular subject, various initiatives are in hand, including a reference in the relevant work programme.

Council agreed that Standing Order 12(10) be suspended for this item, so that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

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.

·  Replace Councillor Bernie Mooney with Councillor Pat Hackett on Mersey Maritime Group Ltd.

The Council was requested to deal with the following matter in respect of appointments to outside organisations.

Councillor Pat Hackett to replace Councillor Bernie Mooney on the Mersey Maritime Group Ltd.

Resolved – That the amendment to the membership of the Mersey Maritime Group Ltd. be approved.