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.

Prior to the meeting formally commencing and at the invitation of the Civic Mayor, Rev David Chester led the Council in prayer.

The 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 the interest.

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

The Civic Mayor noted that apologies had been received from Councillors Tony Cox, Sam Frost, Liz Grey and Tony Norbury.

The Civic Mayor informed the Council that Steve Baker, Executive Head Teacher at Kilgarth School, had been invited to address the Council in respect of Notice of Motion No. 6, ‘Remembering Srebrenica’.

The Civic Mayor commented on the 77 engagements which he and the Mayoress had undertaken over the first seven weeks of his Mayoralty and referred to a number of highlights, including the reception at Birkenhead Town Hall for the Tranmere Rovers Football Club on their return to the Football League, the events for the Tall Ships on the River Mersey and the Wirral Coastal walk, which the Mayoress had undertaken with Councillor Ian Lewis and Councillors Cherry Povall and former Councillor Sheila Clarke for part of the walk.

The Civic Mayor also referred to the recent visit of children from Riverside Primary School, one of seven Wirral primary schools awarded School of Sanctuary status making a welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers. Some pupils from the Riverside school, with their teachers, then gave a short musical performance to the meeting in celebration of ethnic diversity and welcoming refugees.

The Civic Mayor then invited Councillor Warren Ward to read out a personal statement as follows:

“Mr Mayor - Thank you for the opportunity to address full council this evening.

I have had the honour and privilege to serve this borough over the past 2 years and it is with great regret that I announce that this evening’s full council will be my last duty as an elected member in this chamber.

I have always been a believer in dedicating 100% of time and effort into everything that I do. It is this reason why I have taken the decision to resign.

I have a new role at the Chamber of Commerce supporting the local economy and supporting the creation of more enterprises here in Wirral. This is an important and demanding role which requires my full attention.

Mr Mayor - I was elected to this council aged 18, the youngest elected councillor in this borough’s history and one of the youngest in the country. I knew that being a young councillor was always going to be difficult with many hurdles along the road, but I hope that I have been able to inspire other young people to get involved in local politics to make a difference and to change their communities. 

Though I am leaving politics for now, I will remain active in the local community and in particular, I will remain in post as Chairperson of the New Ferry Town Team. 

I am absolutely passionate about supporting the New Ferry community. It’s my home town, and I am so proud of what we have been able to achieve together over the past two years. Nobody could have ever imagined that the community would be at the centre of a major explosion we still continue the carry on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

It was moved by Councillor Ron Abbey, seconded by Councillor Phil Davies and –

Resolved (55:6) (One abstention) – That Standing Order 9(1) be suspended and the guillotine come into effect at 8.30pm or after motions (i), (ii) and (iii) have been debated.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting(s) of the Council held on 14 and 15 May, 2018 (Annual Council).

The minutes of the Annual Council meetings held on 14 and 15 May, 2018 had been circulated to Members and it was –

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

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

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

(i).  Councillor Bernie Mooney on behalf of 65 residents requesting the introduction of residential parking on Wright Street, Egremont.

(ii).  Councillor Jerry Williams on behalf of 160 residents requesting improvements to the traffic situation in Village Road, Bebington.

(iii).  Councillor Pat Cleary on behalf of 63 residents requesting effective calming measures be put in place to address the speed of traffic travelling along Elmswood, Tranmere.

(iv).  Councillor Adam Sykes on behalf of 320 residents requesting repairs to Brookhurst Children's Play Area.

(v).  Councillor Paul Hayes on behalf of 161 residents against the planning application APP/18/00694 for the erection of two dwellings on land to the rear of 240 – 240b Wallasey Village, Wallasey.

(vi).  Councillor Gerry Ellis on behalf of 463 residents against coastal car parking charges in West Kirby.

(vii).  Councillor Julie McManus on behalf of 50 residents requesting the replacement of the grass verge at the front of 1 Westpark Gardens to 45 Westpark Gardens, Beechwood with car parking spaces for residents’ cars.

(viii).  Councillor Chris Blakeley on behalf of 15,063 residents opposing the proposal for a dog control public space protection order.

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 – up to 30 minutes.

Ms K O’Rourke, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 11, submitted a question on the subject of the Hoylake Golf Resort.

Councillor Phil Davies, Leader of the Council, responded accordingly.

Ms O’Rourke asked a supplementary question in accordance with Standing Order 10, and Councillor Phil Davies responded accordingly.

To receive questions and answers on these reports in accordance with Standing Orders 10(2)(a) and 11.

The Mayor introduced the Wirral Plan Annual report and Overview and Scrutiny Annual report and invited questions to Cabinet Members on the report.

Councillor Mike Sullivan asked a question of Councillor Janette Williamson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, regarding a community wealth building strategy. Councillor Williamson responded that this was a new approach to regeneration framed around co-operative values, self-help, participation, social responsibility and democratic accountability. It was a place based approach enabling local people to create and retain wealth and help local anchor institutions spend within the local supply chain wherever possible, keeping wealth within the community. Members of the Cabinet had visited Preston City Council where it was in operation.

Councillor Chris Blakeley asked a question of Councillor Phil Davies, Leader of the Council, on the projected increase in income from fines from the proposed Dog Control Public Space Protection Orders. Councillor Davies agreed that he would supply an answer in writing to this question. Councillor Blakeley then asked a question of Councillor Janette Williamson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources on how the budget gap of £250,000 would be filled now that the Leader had decided to drop his plan for car parking charges at coastal locations. Councillor Williamson responded that the Cabinet were looking at alternatives to fill this gap in the budget.

Councillor Chris Carubia asked a question of Councillor George Davies, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, on new build homes and where new home owners originate from and if enough affordable homes and house types were being built for local residents. Councillor Davies responded that with regard to affordable housing schemes it was known from the housing register and allocations system that the majority of people who moved into new schemes were local people of Wirral. The Council had never commissioned a report to ascertain where people in new private developments had moved from as unfortunately there was no requirement for developers to provide this information to the authority. Keepmoat Homes had been able to advise the Council that houses had been bought by local people in the borough and also the local areas of Claughton, Birkenhead etc. In terms of local need and affordable housing, Councils had to undertake a Strategic Housing Market Assessment which set out the broad needs and objectives for new housing including the tenure and property types, including affordable homes.

Councillor Chris Carubia then asked a question of Councillor Angela Davies, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Growth, on the proposed Hoylake Golf Resort project. In response Councillor Davies commented that the Council was aware of the resignations from Branded Hotel Management but this did not create concerns as people resigned from Directorships for a number of reasons and the companies cited were continuing to perform their roles within the project. The Council would continue to do its due diligence at all stages of the Golf Resort Project.

Councillor Lesley Rennie asked a question of Councillor Phil Davies, Leader of the Council, regarding the proposed introduction of Public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

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

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

Councillor Phil Gilchrist asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Environment in relation to the proposed Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order. Councillor Matthew Patrick replied accordingly.

Councillor Lesley Rennie asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Law and Order in relation to the Authority’s response to the Government’s draft Domestic Abuse Bill and also whether the Council would submit a bid for a share of the £19m fund established by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to expand support for survivors of domestic abuse. Councillor Paul Stuart replied accordingly.

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.

STATUTORY COMMITTEES AND PANELS

Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education (SACRE)

Councillor Liz Grey to replace Brian Kenny

ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND WORKING PARTIES

Members’ Equipment Steering Group

Councillor Steve Williams to replace Lesley Rennie

OUTSIDE BODIES

Northern Housing Consortium / NW Housing Forum

Councillor George Davies

In accordance with Standing Order 25(6) the Council was requested to deal with the following matters in respect of the membership of committees and appointments to outside organisations.

COMMITTEES

Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Sharon Jones to replace Warren Ward and Councillor Tony Cottier to replace Sharon Jones as deputy.

Environment Overview and Scrutiny

Councillor Gillian Wood to replace Warren Ward and Councillor Adrian Jones to replace Gillian Wood as deputy.

Pensions Committee

Councillor Sharon Jones to replace Warren Ward as deputy.

Planning Committee

Councillor Liz Grey to replace Warren Ward as deputy.

STATUTORY AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES AND PANELS

Members’ Equipment Steering Group.

Councillor Steve Williams to replace Lesley Rennie and Councillor Janette Williamson to replace Warren Ward.

Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education

Councillor Liz Grey to replace Councillor Brian Kenny.

Young People’s Advisory Group

Councillor Liz Grey to replace Warren Ward.

OUTSIDE BODIES

North West Housing Consortium / NW Housing Forum

Councillor George Davies to be appointed

Resolved – That all the above appointments and nominations be approved.

To consider and determine recommendations of the Executive, Overview and Scrutiny Committees or Council Committees which require the approval or consideration of the Council.

In accordance with Standing Order 5(2) six matters had been submitted for approval or consideration by the Council (see minutes 24 to 27 post).

Council Constitution Update – with reference to Audit and Risk Management Committee, 12 March 2018 (Minute 68 refers) and Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, 12 June 2018 (Minute 6 refers)

The Council is recommended to confirm the inclusion of amended Contract Procedure Rules in the Council Constitution and note the intention to undertake a major review of the Constitution.

The first matter requiring consideration was in relation to the Council Constitution update for the inclusion of the amended Contract Procedure Rules, noting amendments to be made to the Council Constitution by the Monitoring Officer and the intention of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee to undertake a major review of the Constitution.

On a motion by Councillor Adrian Jones, seconded by Councillor Moira McLaughlin, it was –

Resolved (57:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within minute 68 of the Audit and Risk Management Committee (12 March, 2018) and minute 6 of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee (12 June, 2018), be approved.

Adoption of the Model Planning Code - Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, 12 June, 2018 (Minute 4 refers), supported by Planning Committee, 21 June, 2018 (Minute 24 refers)

The Council is asked to adopt the Model Planning Code and agree inclusion of the Code in the Council Constitution.

The second matter requiring consideration was in relation to the adoption of the Model Planning Code and to agree its inclusion in the Council Constitution, as recommended by the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 12 June, 2018 (minute 4 refers), supported by the Planning Committee of 21 June, 2018 (minute 24 refers).

On a motion by Councillor Moira McLaughlin, seconded by Councillor Anita Leech, it was –

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

The Council is recommended to approve the increased cost of £2.9m for fee rates for services provided for adults and older people in Wirral to be met by the Social Care Precept element of Council Tax.

The report and appendices can be viewed on the Council website here.

The third matter requiring consideration was in relation to Fee Setting 2018/19, as recommended by Cabinet of 26 March, 2018 (minute 99 refers).

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

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within minute 99 of Cabinet, be approved.

The Council is recommended to agree to the Wirral Employment Land and Premises Study 2017 being approved as a material consideration for use by the Planning Committee in the determination of planning applications.

The report and appendices can be viewed on the Council website here.

The fourth matter requiring consideration was in relation to the Wirral Core Strategy Local Plan - Wirral Employment Land and Premises Study 2017 and its approval as a material consideration for use by the Planning Committee in the determining of planning applications, as recommended by Cabinet of 26 March, 2018 (minute 102 refers).

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

Resolved (54:0) (Six abstentions) – That the recommendations contained within minute 102 of Cabinet, be approved.

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 each will be debated:

1.  Tackling Poverty among Women and Girls on Low Incomes

2.  Keeping Wirral Parks and Coastal Areas Available for the Many not the Few

3.  Better Access to Hospital

4.  Support for National Action to Tackle Obesity

5.  Campaign for a People’s Vote

6.  Remembering Srebrenica

7.  Our NHS at 70

Notices of Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1) were reported to Council. The Civic Mayor having considered each motion, in accordance with Standing Order 7(4) had decided that they would each be debated and they were determined as detailed in Minutes 29 to 35 below.

Councillor Moira McLaughlin moved and Councillor Anita Leech seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

“One of the hidden effects of living on a low income is the startling fact that 40% of teenage girls in that situation cannot afford to buy proper sanitary protection and have to use unsuitable and degrading alternatives.

Council recognises the excellent work being done by volunteers involved in the ‘Feeding Birkenhead’ project in initiating their Pink Box campaign to address this and we are pleased that it is now being rolled out to other parts of the country through Feeding Britain and that Women`s Aid and other charities are providing similar help.

However, this is only a small part of what is needed and we are looking to gather support from across all political parties and faith and community groups in Wirral and across the country that are working to tackle the impact of poverty, to ask the government to recognise the extent of this as a problem and develop the approach taken in Scotland to ensure all women and girls living on low incomes have the sanitary protection they need to maintain their self-respect and dignity. 

Council agrees that the Leader of the Council should write to the Prime Minister and ask that the government supports this campaign”.

Councillor David Burgess-Joyce moved and Councillor Wendy Clements seconded the following amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(9) such that the Motion be approved subject to –

The deletion of “.” In the final paragraph and the insertion of –

“and, as soon as practicable following our withdrawal from the European Union, applies a zero rating for Value Added Tax (VAT) to all sanitary products.

In the meantime, Council agrees to encourage all appropriate local organisations including ‘Feeding Birkenhead’ to apply for grants from the Tampon Tax Fund, established by the Government, which ring-fences VAT receipts from sanitary products to support projects working with women and girls.”

Following a debate conducted in accordance with Standing Order 12, and Councillor McLaughlin having replied, the amendment was put and carried (60:0) (One abstention).

The substantive motion, as amended, was put and carried (60:0) (One abstention).

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) –

One of the hidden effects of living on a low income is the startling fact that 40% of teenage girls in that situation cannot afford to buy proper sanitary protection and have to use unsuitable and degrading alternatives.

Council recognises the excellent work being done by volunteers involved in the ‘Feeding Birkenhead’ project in initiating their Pink Box campaign to address this and we are pleased that it is now being rolled out to other parts of the country through Feeding Britain and that Women`s Aid and other charities are providing similar help.

However, this is only a small part of what is needed and we are looking to gather support from across all political parties and faith and community groups in Wirral and across the country that are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

In standing to move a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7, Councillor David Elderton sought the agreement of the Council to the variation of the Motion. The Council gave its agreement to the variation of the Motion as required by Standing Order 12(1), such agreement being given by general consent.

Accordingly, Councillor David Elderton moved and Councillor Gerry Ellis seconded the following varied Motion –

“Council believes the introduction of car parking charges at Wirral’s coastal areas and promenades, following the introduction of charges in our country parks:

·  Will bring in relatively small amounts of money

·  Will have a health and happiness cost, by discouraging residents from using green spaces and the beaches

·  Will disproportionately impact on poorer residents, for whom access to the country parks and beaches is a relatively cheap activity, and for whom travel on public transport with children and associated equipment will be more expensive and inconvenient

Council also notes the views of Members in the Wards affected by the proposals for coastal parking charges (Wallasey, Hoylake & Meols and West Kirby & Thurstaston) who have highlighted the potential impact on small and medium sized businesses reliant on visitor and tourist trade.

Council therefore welcomes the rejection of coastal parking charges as proposed by the Cabinet Member for Highways following the rejection of similar proposals for our high streets and shopping areas in 2017 and urges the Leader of the Council to similarly remove parking charges in our country parks forthwith”.

Councillor Stuart Whittingham moved and Councillor Phil Davies seconded the following amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(9) such that the Motion be approved subject to –

The addition to bullet point one of “compared to the £250 million slashed from Wirral Council’s budget by Tory austerity policies”; and the deletion of the final paragraph and its replacement with “Council congratulates the Leader of the Council for having considered the results of the consultation on proposed parking charges and taking the sensible step of rejecting them, demonstrating his administration’s un-wavering support for Wirral’s visitor economy, and despite the enormous pressures Tory cuts are placing on the council, for his commitment to listen and act in the best interests of Wirral residents”.

Following a debate conducted in accordance with Standing Order 12, and Councillor Elderton having replied, a number of Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

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

For the amendment (36) R Abbey, P Brightmore, K Cannon, T Cottier, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, S Foulkes, P Hackett, AER Jones, C Jones, S Jones, T Jones, B Kenny, A Leech, M McLaughlin, J McManus, C Meaden, B Mooney, C Muspratt, M Patrick, PA Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, M Sullivan, T Usher, J Walsh, W Ward, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams, J Williamson and G Wood.

Against the amendment (24) T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley A Brame, D Burgess-Joyce,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

With the agreement of the mover and seconder of this motion and the whole Council, the guillotine, previously agreed as being after debate on the first three motions (see minute 16 ante), was brought forward as the whole Council was in agreement on this motion.

Councillor Dave Mitchell moved and Councillor Phil Gilchrist seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

“This Council recognises and appreciates the concerns expressed by the Wirral South Constituency Committee at its meeting on 21 June 2018 when the Motion, reproduced below, was proposed by Cllr Dave Mitchell, seconded jointly by Councillors Christina Muspratt and Mary Jordan, and agreed unanimously:

“This Constituency Committee is concerned at the inconvenient, lengthy and time-consuming bus journeys, affecting residents in southern Wirral when travelling to Arrowe Park Hospital and back.

The Committee recognises that, since the changes to bus services introduced in September 2017, patients and visitors have been faced not only with less frequent but also indirect services, part of a complex deal negotiated between Merseytravel and the bus companies.

We consider it totally unsatisfactory that residents face journeys that might involve changes in New Ferry or Birkenhead Bus Station, adding extra journey time, stress and the possibility of additional costs to their journeys.

Whilst some work has been started on ways to alleviate or tackle this situation, such as the meeting attended by Merseytravel, representatives of the Clinical Commissioning Group, this Council and Councillors Muspratt and Gilchrist, the issues have not yet been resolved.

In addition the Urgent Care Review also needs to take account of the need to access services.

This Committee, therefore, requests that the Leader of the Council and appropriate Cabinet members take this issue up with the LCR Transport Committee and the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region with a view to restoring a better and more direct service to Arrowe Park Hospital from those areas of southern Wirral most affected.”

Council requests that, in order to respond to the Motion, the Leader of the Council…

·  takes steps to look into and raise these concerns and

·  helps set up and progress meetings between Wirral South members, along with officers that serve the Liverpool City Region at a senior level

…with the aim of securing solutions to the problems experienced by people in southern Wirral and the needs of staff who require convenient and reliable services to enable them to travel to and from work”.

Having applied the guillotine, the Council did not debate this matter.

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) – That the motion be approved.

Having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, Councillor Paul Hayes vacated the Council Chamber and did not take part in the voting thereon (minute 14 refers).

Christine Jones moved and Councillor Bernie Mooney seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

(1)  The Council notes that obesity is a major public health concern with the majority of adults in England being overweight or obese and more than a third of our 10 to 11 years old being overweight or obese.

(2)  It is estimated that obesity is responsible for more than 30,000 deaths each year. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of a wide range of diseases including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and many cancers. It also negatively affects quality of life and mental wellbeing.

(3)  No one is ‘immune’ to obesity, but some people are more likely to become overweight or obese than others. Factors of income, social deprivation and ethnicity all have an important impact on the likelihood of person becoming obese. Data from the National Child Measurement Programme shows that obesity levels in the most deprived 10% of children is approximately double that of the least deprived 10%.

(4)  Obesity places a huge strain on health and social care as well has having a broader impact on economic development. The estimated annual cost of obesity in England is around £32.5billion and if no action is taken these costs will increase.

(5)  Council recognises that the causes of obesity are complex. Environmental, physiological and behavioural factors all interrelate and play their part in influencing the prevalence of obesity. This is why at a local level Wirral has a wide range of activities to tackle obesity. This includes providing a 0 to 19 service working with schools and 0-5s to be health promoting, a number of services providing weight management support and having health promoting planning policies.

(6)  However, Council feels more needs to be done by national government to support the efforts of local areas and we call upon the Government to lead on three areas of action:

(7)  Firstly Implement the Food Revolution actions.

(8)  This is a campaign led by the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation and its Australian partners at the Good Foundation. It is committed to inspiring real, meaningful, positive change in the way children access, consume and understand food. 

(9)  Working with medical experts and professionals Food Revolution has created a six-point plan for action which they believe governments across the world should be working towards as a priority.

(10)  Council welcomes that the UK government has implemented the first action, which is the introduction of a sugary drink tax, but strongly advocate that the government also acts upon the other 5 actions. These are; 

(11)  1. The introduction of sugar reformulation targets to reduce excessive sugar in all products and have penalties for non-compliance;

(12)  2. Introduce fair marketing which would include a ban on food advertising targeted at children and cutting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, Councillor Phill Brightmore vacated the Council Chamber and did not take part in the voting thereon (minute 14 refers).

Councillor Allan Brame moved and Councillor Dave Mitchell seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

“Council notes that two years have passed since the EU Referendum and little concrete progress has been made in negotiating the terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU.

Council:

(a)  recognises the significant support it has received through EU funding over many years;

(b)  recalls that a clear majority of Wirral residents voted to remain in the EU;

(c)  notes the stark warnings from companies such as Airbus, Vauxhall Motors, Jaguar Land Rover and BMW about the impact of Brexit on British manufacturing;

(d)  recognises the mounting popular concern at the prospect of leaving the EU with either a bad deal or no deal at all;

(e)  notes the participation of over 100,000 people in the march for a People’s Vote in London on 23 June;

(f)  shares the anxiety of EU citizens living in the Wirral who feel unwelcome in the land where they have made their homes, and uncertain about their future;

and accordingly supports the call for a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal with an option to remain in the EU, and urges Wirral’s MPs to join the campaign for a People’s Vote in the interests of the residents and businesses on Wirral”.

Councillor Stuart Whittingham moved and Councillor Steve Foulkes seconded the following amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(9) such that the Motion be approved subject to the deletion of the final paragraph and its replacement with –

“Council believes that it is of grave concern that, when challenged by business over the threat to jobs and investment, a Cabinet Minister should use a four letter expletive to describe his apparent approach towards this country's business interests. The Financial Times summed this up in that: "It may have been a casual aside but it was also a revealingly contemptuous one, not least in its indifference to the fate of Airbus's [and other industrial] UK staff. This is the strategic nihilism of a spoiled child lashing out."

Council is therefore of the view that an open joint letter should be sent from the leaders of the Wirral political parties to Theresa May, stressing the importance of employers such as Airbus, Vauxhall and Jaguar Land Rover to Wirral, the wider region and the potentially devastating effect on those businesses, the wider supply chain and our local economy in the event of the UK leaving the EU with a bad deal or no deal. The letter should also set out that any deal with the EU must encompass the following:

(a)  Put the national interest first

(b)  Prioritise jobs and living standards

(c)  Protect rights at work

(d)  Protect environmental standards

(e)  Provide certainty to EU nationals living here in the UK and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Councillor Phil Davies moved and Councillor Stuart Whittingham seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

“This Council:

·  Notes that 2018 is the twenty-third anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw over 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed by Serbian nationalist forces.

·  Notes that in 2009 the European Parliament passed a resolution that 11 July should be recognised as the day of commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide all over the EU; and in 2015 urged the development of educational and cultural programmes that promote an understanding of the causes of such atrocities and raise awareness about the need to nurture peace and to promote human rights and interreligious tolerance. All UK political parties have supported the work of Remembering Srebrenica in this regard. 

·  Applauds the work of those involved in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their surviving relatives, including the International Commission of Missing People (ICMP) and the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose courage and humility in the face of unthinkable horror is an inspiration to us all.

·  Commends the work of the charity, Remembering Srebrenica, in raising awareness of this tragic and preventable genocide and working in communities across Britain to help them learn the lessons of Srebrenica.

The Council resolves to:

·  Support Srebrenica memorial events in July each year throughout Wirral as part of the UK-wide Remembering Srebrenica Memorial Week.

·  Support the work of Remembering Srebrenica in communities across Wirral to learn the lessons from Srebrenica to tackle hatred and intolerance to help build a better, safer and more cohesive society for everyone.

·  Support the work of schools and education providers to bring the lessons of Srebrenica to young people across Wirral”.

Councillor Wendy Clements moved and Councillor Paul Hayes seconded the following amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(9) such that the motion be approved subject to the insertion after the final bullet point of a further bullet point followed by the words

“Thanks Wirral’s Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education (SACRE) and their colleagues for the work to mark Holocaust Memorial Day which includes the genocide in Srebrenica”.

Having applied the guillotine the Council did not debate this matter.

The mover of the motion accepted the amendment which was then put and carried (61:0).

The Motion, as amended, was put and carried.

Resolved (61:0) –

This Council:

·  Notes that 2018 is the twenty-third anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw over 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed by Serbian nationalist forces.

·  Notes that in 2009 the European Parliament passed a resolution that 11 July should be recognised as the day of commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide all over the EU; and in 2015 urged the development of educational and cultural programmes that promote an understanding of the causes of such atrocities and raise awareness about the need to nurture peace and to promote human rights and interreligious tolerance. All UK political parties have supported the work of Remembering Srebrenica in this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Dave Mitchell seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 - 

“This Council records its grateful thanks to all those who work within and for our National Health Service as its 70th Anniversary is reached.

Council recalls the vision and contribution of those who helped to plan for this during the Second World War and in the years leading up to 1948.

Council recognises the considerable pressures that staff have faced in recent years, along with their work to tackle what used to be called the ‘winter pressures’ that now exist throughout the year.

Council is determined, therefore, that the Prime Minister’s recent announcements should be backed by genuine increases in funding. The concerns expressed by The King’s Fund and the Institute for Fiscal Studies should be considered and addressed.

Council remains anxious that the crisis facing social care funding is addressed as repeatedly called for by the Local Government Association.

https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/nhs-funding-must-be-matched-social-care-funding-says-lga

‘The long-term funding for the NHS needs to be matched by a significant investment in adult social care and public health services otherwise it won’t be as effective or as sustainable.'

Council, therefore, supports the work of that Association in making the case for the funding of local services as the Government plans for the Autumn Budget and next Comprehensive Spending Review”.

Having applied the guillotine the Council did not debate this matter.

The Motion was put and carried (61:0).

Resolved (61:0) – That the motion be approved.