Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallasey Town Hall

Items
No. Item

24.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members of the Council are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or any other relevant interest, in connection with any matter to be debated or determined at this meeting and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.

 

Minutes:

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

 

Councillor Phil Davies declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item No 10 – Notice of Motion in relation to Securing Local Pharmacy Services - by virtue of his wife’s employment. He indicated that he would leave the meeting whilst this item of business was under consideration.

 

Councillor Tom Anderson declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item No 10 – Notice of Motion in relation to Securing Local Pharmacy Services - by virtue of his employment. He indicated that he would leave the meeting whilst this item of business was under consideration.

 

Councillors Jeff Green, Steve Foulkes and Stuart Whittingham declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item No 9b – Cabinet Minute. 143 - Revision of Governance Arrangements for Wirral Partnership Homes Trading as Magenta Living - by virtue of their position as a Board Members of Magenta Living. They indicated that they would leave the meeting whilst this item of business was under consideration.

 

 

25.

CIVIC MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

 

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor noted that apologies had been received from Councillors Ron Abbey, Phil Brightmore, John Hale, Paul Hayes, Andrew Hodson, Kathy Hodson, and Louise Reecejones

 

The Civic Mayor reminded Members of a procedural matter that, in line with recent modifications to the Council’s Standing Orders regarding speeches during debates, he would be adhering strictly to the agreed time limits for these during this and future meetings of Council.

 

The Civic Mayor indicated that Members will have seen on their seat, the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, ‘Domestic Abuse, Let’s Make a Difference’, He then invited the Cabinet Member for Public Health to address the Council on the report.

 

 

 

 

26.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 84 KB

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting(s) of the Council held on the 16 and 17 May 2016 (Annual Council), 20 May 2016 and 27 June 2016 (attached).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the Annual Council meetings held on 16 and 17 May, 2016 and the Extraordinary Meetings on 20 May and 27 June 2016 had been circulated to Members and, it was –

 

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

 

27.

PETITIONS pdf icon PDF 439 KB

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:

 

A petition of some 5,006 Wirral signatories requesting the Council to halt the closure of Girtrell Court.

 

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.

Minutes:

 

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

 

(i)  Councillor Tony Jones on behalf of 106 Wirral signatories objecting to the proposed planning application at Alexandra Road, New Brighton.

 

(ii)  Councillor Gerry Ellis on behalf of 2,150 signatories seeking the retention of the Busy Bee Car Wash, Carr Farm Garden Centre, Meols.

 

B.  The following petition was referred to the Council in accordance with Standing Order 34 (1), having exceeded the threshold of 3000 signatures to trigger a Council debate, in accordance with the Petition Scheme –

 

(i)  A petition of 5,006 signatures, submitted by Mr Halley requesting the Council to halt the closure of Girtrell Court Respite Home for People with Learning and/or Physical Disabilities.

 

Mr Halley addressed the Council on behalf of the petitioners.

 

On conclusion of the debate, a motion by Councillor P Davies, seconded by Councillor G Davies was put that the petition be noted.

 

An amendment was put by Councillor J Green, seconded by Councillor L Rennie that the petition be referred to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

 

A second amendment was put by Councillor P Gilchrist, seconded by Councillor D Mitchell that:

 

“Council accepts the work undertaken to provide the range of alternative  services but is anxious that officers continue to endeavour to meet any outstanding service needs brought to their attention, a progress report on outstanding concerns raised by the petitioners be circulated to ensure these needs are addressed by the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee”

 

Councillor Green indicated that he would be withdrawing his Motion and would be happy to support the Motion put by Councillor P Gilchrist.

 

The second amendment moved by Councillor P Gilchrist was put and lost (23:35) (One abstention).

 

A vote was then taken on the Substantive Motion moved by Councillor P Davies

 

 

 

Resolved (35:23) (One abstention) –

 

That the petitions be noted and referred to the appropriate Chief Officer (or relevant organisation) in accordance with Standing Order 34.

 

At 6:47pm the Council adjourned.

 

The Council reconvened at 7:00pm.

28.

Wirral Plan 2020:Progress Report

Minutes:

The Council considered the Wirral Plan 2020: Progress Report which was appended to the Leaders report (agenda item 5). The Mayor invited Councillor P Davies to address the Council.

 

Councillor P Gilchrist, seconded by Councillor D Mitchell, moved the following amendment;

 

“Council welcomes the format of the Wirral Plan 2020’ Progress Report’ as submitted but considers that the language used to describe some of the changes is less accurate than it might be, the use of some statistics is selective, and insufficient attention is given to recognising and encouraging the workforce. Council suggests that future editions should address these concerns”

 

The amendment was then put and lost (23:35) (One abstention).

29.

LEADER'S, EXECUTIVE MEMBERS' AND CHAIRS REPORTS pdf icon PDF 63 KB

To receive the written reports of the Leader and Cabinet Members, and to 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 Transformation and Resources’, Scrutiny Annual Report 15/16.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor introduced the summary reports from the Leader, Cabinet Members and Policy and Performance Committee Chairs and asked for questions on any of the reports.

 

Councillor Green asked a question of the Leader of the Council

 

Councillor Phil Davies stated in response:

·  He would avoid commenting on national political issues as he was focussed on delivering the Wirral Plan’s 20 Pledges for the people of Wirral

 

Councillor Blakeley asked questions of the Cabinet Members for Housing and Community Safety, for Environment, for Transport & Infrastructure, for Community Engagement and Communications and for Adult Social Care.

 

In response comments included:

 

Councillor George Davies

·  There would be 300 bed spaces with 6 or 7 Extra Care Homes.

 

Councillor Bernie Mooney

·  There would be two separate teams dealing with dog fouling enforcement.

·  Currently 25 fixed penalty notices had been issued in respect of dog fouling, whereas only 9 had been issued in the whole of last year

·  It was commented that Wirral was now one the cleanest Boroughs in relation to litter and dog fouling.

 

Councillor Stuart Whittingham

·  Merseytravel were currently undertaking a review of all proposed stations, of which Town Meadow Lane was one, and he would provide an update as more details emerged on its outcome.

 

Councillor Matthew Patrick

·  Details were available within his published Cabinet Report regarding the proposals for a Wirral Council publication.

 

Councillor Chris Jones

·  Gave her apologies to the carers involved with Girtrell Court if they thought that she had misinterpreted how they felt.

 

Councillor Adam Sykes, asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Communications

 

Councillor Matthew Patrick commented in response:

·  Each of the Constituency Committees would be given £50,000 budgets.

 

Councillor Lesley Rennie, asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure

 

Councillor Stuart Whittingham commented in response:

·  The Highway Survey results were above the national average for satisfaction and he was pleased with the outcome of the survey. Work would continue over the next five years to increase the levels of satisfaction

 

Councillor Geoffrey Watt, asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Environment

 

Councillor Bernie Mooney commented in response:

·  The Weed Spraying Plan had been made available on the Council’s Website for Members to view and  those issues Members felt were not being dealt with should be raised with their relevant Constituency Manager.

 

Councillor Ian Lewis, asked questions of the Cabinet Members for Transport and Infrastructure and for Adult Social Care.

 

Councillor Stuart Whittingham commented in response:

·  As there was no mention of street lighting within his report he would provide a response in writing.

 

Councillor Chris Jones commented in response:

·  Charlotte House was commissioned by the Health service and not the Council.

·  It was hoped that staff from Girtrell Court would move on to the new facility in Tollemache Road, but at this stage it was not known how many might choose to take early voluntary retirement or if there would be any, redundancies  but she would provide the information in writing

 

Councillor Tracy Pilgrim, asked a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

30.

MEMBERS' QUESTIONS

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

 

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 10(2) the Council had been advised of two questions.

 

Councillor P Gilchrist asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation in relation to school crossing patrols. Councillor S Whittingham replied accordingly.

 

Councillor S Kelly asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety in relation to housing, Councillor G Davies replied accordingly.

 

 

31.

MATTERS REFERRED FROM POLICY AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEES OR OTHER COUNCIL COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 64 KB

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

 

The Council is advised that the Notice of Motion, Seeking Fairness in Purchasing referred from Council at its meeting on 14 March, 2016 (minute 119 refers) was considered by the former Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee on 22 March, 2016.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council is asked to consider the recommendation of the former Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee:

 

“Resolved – That this Committee receive an update once the Procurement Strategy has been updated later in the year.”

Minutes:

A matter had been referred to the Council by the Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 7(5).

 

 

32.

Committee Referral - Seeking Fairness in Purchasing

Minutes:

At the meeting of the Council held on 14 March, 2016 (minute 119 refers) the Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Seeking Fairness in Purchasing’ to the Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee on 22 March, 2016 (minute 39 refers).

 

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee which had resolved (14:0) that –

 

“That this Committee receive an update once the Procurement Strategy has been updated later in the year.”

 

Moved by Councillor P Doughty as Vice –Chair of the former Transformation and Resources Policy and Performance Committee, seconded by Councillor P Davies it was:

 

Resolved (58:0) (One abstention) – That the resolution of the Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee be agreed.

 

 

33.

VACANCIES pdf icon PDF 56 KB

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.

 

Committees

 

Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee

 

Council will be requested to consider a recommendation from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee meeting of 6 July in respect of the appointment of Independent Members. (Minute to follow in the supplement).

 

Outside Bodies

 

Merseyside Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategic Partnership

 

Council is requested to appoint the Cabinet Member for Environment to this partnership and by default to the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Minutes:

A.  At the meeting of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee held on 6 July, 2016 (minute 12 refers) the Committee was requested to review the appointment of Independent Members to the Committee. The current three Independent Members’ period of office was due to expire on 16 July 2016.

 

The Committee resolved that –

 

That Council be recommended to appoint:

 

·  Mr B Cummings

·  Mr C Jones

·  Professor RS Jones

 

For a further four year term (until 15 July, 2020) as Independent Persons under section 28 Localism Act 2011.

 

B.  The Council was requested to deal with the following matters in relation to appointments to an outside body:

 

Cabinet Member – Environment (Councillor Bernie Mooney) to the Merseyside Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategic Partnership

 

 

Moved by the Civic Mayor and duly seconded it was:

 

Resolved (58:0) (One abstention) –

 

That the above appointments be approved.

 

34.

MATTERS REQUIRING APPROVAL OR CONSIDERATION BY THE COUNCIL pdf icon PDF 65 KB

APPROVAL: To consider any recommendations of the Executive or Council Committees which require the approval or consideration of the Council.

 

 

A.  Social Care Fee Setting Proposals 2016/17 Living - Cabinet 6 June 2016, Minute No. 142 refers (attached).

 

B.  Revision of Governance Arrangements for Wirral Partnership Homes Trading as Magenta Living - Cabinet 6 June 2016, Minute No. 143 refers (attached).

 

C.  Report of the Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances – 7 June 2016 (attached).

 

The follow Minutes of the last 4 Policy and Performance Committees and the Children Sub–Committee are attached for approval in light of the recent changes to the scrutiny arrangements and the need for final sign off. 

 

D.  Policy and Performance Co-ordinating Committee held on 15 June 2016 (attached).

 

E.  Policy and Performance Families and Wellbeing Committee held on 8 March 2016 (attached).

 

F.  Policy and Performance Regeneration and Environment Committee held on 2 March 2016 (attached).

 

G.  Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee held on 22 March 2016 (attached).

 

H.  Children Sub-Committee held on 30 March 2016 (attached).

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 5(2), four matters were submitted for approval by the Council (see minutes 35 to 38 post).

35.

Social Care Fee Setting Proposals 2016/17

Minutes:

The first matter requiring approval was in relation to the Social Care Fee Setting Proposals 2016/17 and the recommendations from Cabinet of 6 June 2016 (minute 142 refers)

 

It was moved by Councillor P Davies and seconded by Councillor G Davies that the recommendations of Cabinet of 6 June 2016 ( Minutes 142 refers) be approved.

 

The Head of Legal and Member Services indicated that a Recorded Vote would need to be taken on this item.

 

A ‘card vote’ was then taken and the Council voted as follows:

 

For the motion (58) Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult,  A Brighouse, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, Mrs W Clements   A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis,  S Foulkes, P Gilchrist, J Green, T Johnson, AER Jones, C Jones, Tony Jones, S Kelly, B Kenny, A Leech, I Lewis, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin,  J McManus, C Meaden, D Mitchell, B Mooney, C Muspratt, T Norbury,  M Patrick, T Pilgrim, C Povall, D Realey, L Rennie, D Roberts, L Rowlands, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, M Sullivan, A Sykes,  T Usher, J Walsh, W Ward, GCJ Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams,   KJ Williams, S Williams and J Williamson.

 

One abstention – Councillor P Hackett.

 

 

RESOLVED (58:0) (One abstention)

 

That the recommendations contained within minute 142 of Cabinet be agreed.

 

36.

Revision of Governance Arrangements for Wirral Partnership Homes Trading as Magenta Living

Minutes:

Prior to consideration of the item and having earlier declared a personal and prejudicial interest, Councillors Jeff Green, Steve Foulkes and Stuart Whittingham left the meeting whilst this item of business was being considered.

 

The Council went on to consider the second matter requiring approval in relation to Revision of Governance Arrangements for Wirral Partnership Homes Trading as Magenta Living and the recommendations from Cabinet of 6 June 2016 (minute 143 refers).

 

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

 

Resolved (55:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within minute 143 of Cabinet be approved.

37.

Report of the Independent Panel on Members' Allowances

Minutes:

The third matter requiring approval was in relation to the Report of the Independent Panel on Members' Allowances and the recommendations contained within the report.

 

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

 

Resolved (58:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within the report be approved with immediate effect.

 

38.

MINUTES OF THE FORMER POLICY AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEES

Minutes:

The fourth matter requiring approval was in relation to the Minutes of the former policy and Performance Committees, which in light of the recent changes to the scrutiny arrangements were in need of final sign-off.

 

The Minutes for approval were as follows;

 

·  Policy and Performance Co-ordinating Committee held on 15 June 2016

·  Policy and Performance Families and Wellbeing Committee held on 8 March 2016

·  Policy and Performance Regeneration and Environment Committee held on 2 March 2016

·  Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee held on 22 March 2016

·  Children Sub Committee held on 30 March 2016

 

 

On a motion by Councillor M McLaughlin, seconded by Councillor M Sullivan, it was -

 

Resolved:(58)(One abstention)- the Minutes of the former Policy and Performance Committees and the Children Sub Committee be approved.

39.

NOTICES OF MOTION pdf icon PDF 63 KB

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

 

(i).  Dealing with the Outcome of the EU Referendum

To be debated.

 

(ii).  Securing Local Pharmacy Services

To be debated.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

(i)  Dealing with the outcome of the EU Referendum – To be debated

 

(ii)  Securing Local Pharmacy Services – To be debated

 

 

 

40.

Motion - Dealing with the Outcome of the EU Referendum

Minutes:

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan

 

“This Council recognises the Referendum result to withdraw from the EU has important implications for Wirral and the wider City region.

 

Council is concerned that the Government appears to have no plan to deal with the potential impact on Wirral’s finances of this decision.

 

Council recognises that since the 1990s Wirral and Merseyside has been a beneficiary of significant amounts of European funding.

 

Council recalls the Conservative Government of the mid-eighties decision to allow Merseyside to descend into ‘managed decline’ and the financial support the EU offered which helped to fill this funding vacuum.

 

Council is concerned that more than £200m was scheduled to be invested by the EU in the Liverpool City Region in the next 5 years and that following the referendum this funding is now in doubt.

 

Council supports the Leader of the Council in demanding central government lives up to the promises made by ‘Brexiters’ during the Referendum campaign to match pound for pound any EU monies lost as a consequence of the Referendum outcome.”

 

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 Jeff Green

Seconded by Councillor Adam Sykes

 

Delete paragraphs 2, 4, 5, 6

 

Renumber remaining paragraphs 1 and 2

 

After paragraphs 1 and 2 add:

 

(3)  Council recognises that emotions are still running high within the community and welcomes the Chairman of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s suggestion for a period of data gathering and quiet reflection.

 

(4)  Council believes that the three areas of focus should be:

 

(a)  Economic – what are the threats and opportunities provided by the referendum result to leave the EU, particularly around our large employers and the knowledge economy?

(b)  Political – how can all parties avoid immature points scoring and work together to engage with the EU Commission and Her Majesty’s Government to press for no detriment in terms of devolution funding and the Northern Powerhouse?

(c)  Social – again Council believes that immature name-calling, artificial divisions and tribal behaviour is not an example we should seek to demonstrate to our residents.

 

(5)  Council further believes the evidence of acts of racism and casual bigotry demand a united response from police, public servants and all politicians, national and local.

 

(6)  Council would recommend to the Leader of the Council to avoid negative and stereotypical behaviour suggesting Wirral and Greater Merseyside cannot survive without European funding.

 

(7)  Finally Council requests that the Leader of the Council works in a cross-party fashion to reassure current and potential new investors to the area of our united will to do all we can to see new businesses start, thrive and grow for the benefit of all the people of Wirral.

 

Second amendment

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

 

Paragraph 4, delete:

 

“decision to allow Merseyside to descend into ‘managed decline’”

 

And replace with:

 

“came close  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

41.

Motion - Securing Local Pharmacy Services

Minutes:

Prior to consideration of the Motion and having earlier declared a personal and prejudicial interest Councillors P Davies and Tom Anderson left the meeting and took no part in the consideration of this item (Minute 24 refers)

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

 

“Council notes that the Department of Health undertook a consultation on the future of Community Pharmacies which concluded in May 2016.

 

Council recognises that this has created uncertainty about the range of accessible pharmacy services, with the delivery of a petition to 10 Downing Street bearing 1.8 million signatures raising concerns.

 

Council is concerned that the potential changes in the funding of pharmacy services may have an adverse impact on the availability of local services, with an impact on GP workload and pressures on hospital services. This would have an adverse impact on the Wirral Plan and undermine the objectives of Healthy Wirral.

 

Council therefore requests that the Cabinet:

 

1.  ensure that this Council and its partners work with health providers so  as to ensure that there is no reduction in the provision of services to Wirral’s residents;

 

2.  ensure that the Health and Wellbeing Board is kept informed of the emerging arrangements so that the impact of any efficiency savings can be monitored and assessed.

 

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 Janette Williamson

Seconded by Councillor Moira McLaughlin

 

Add the following:

 

Council notes that there are potential changes to the funding of pharmacy services following on from the completion of the consultation currently underway by the Department of Health and is uncertain how this will impact on the objectives of Healthy Wirral. We therefore request that this matter be referred to the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee for further scrutiny to ensure better informed decision making.

 

Having heard from the movers and seconders, Councillor P Gilchrist indicated that he was happy to accept the amendment proposed by Councillor Williamson.

 

A vote was then taken on the substantive motion as amended,

 

Resolved- (55:0) (One abstention) 

 

(1)  Council notes that the Department of Health undertook a consultation on the future of Community Pharmacies which concluded in May 2016.

 

(2)  Council recognises that this has created uncertainty about the range of accessible pharmacy services, with the delivery of a petition to 10 Downing Street bearing 1.8 million signatures raising concerns.

 

(3)  Council is concerned that the potential changes in the funding of pharmacy services may have an adverse impact on the availability of local services, with an impact on GP workload and pressures on hospital services. This would have an adverse impact on the Wirral Plan and undermine the objectives of Healthy Wirral.

 

(4)  Council therefore requests that the Cabinet:

 

a.  ensure that this Council and its partners work with health providers so as to ensure that there is no reduction in the provision of services to Wirral’s residents;

 

b.  ensure that the Health and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.