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.

At the invitation of the Civic Mayor, Councillor Tony Norbury addressed the Council on the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ initiative which was currently touring primary schools to educate children about eradicating racism and hate crime.

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.

In relation to agenda item 10, and specifically Motion 3 (Future Pensions Fit for Purpose), the following Members declared a personal interest by virtue of either themselves or a close family member being a member of or being in receipt of a pension from the Merseyside Pension Fund: -

The Mayor and Councillors Ron Abbey, Jo Bird, Chris Blakeley, Angela Davies, George Davies, Phil Davies, Sam Frost, Tony Jones, Stuart Kelly, Anita Leech, Chris Meaden, Moira McLaughlin, Christina Muspratt, Tony Norbury, Cherry Povall, Les Rowlands and Steve Williams.

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

The Mayor advised of an event “Into the Light” taking place on 25 March 2019 marking the second anniversary of the New Ferry explosion.

The Mayor announced that the Andy Day Memorial Cup, awarded to the backbench member of the Council who had shown dedication and selflessness during the Municipal Year in memory of the late Councillor Andy Day, was to be awarded to Councillor David Elderton.

By virtue of Standing Order 5, the Mayor advised that agenda item 9B (Council Procedure Rules - Standing Order Concerning Voting and Electronic Voting) would be taken immediately following the consideration of submitted minutes.  Council was further advised that all votes taken up to the conclusion of agenda item 9B would be taken by general assent or a show of hands.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting of the Budget Council held on 4 March, 2019. (Minutes to follow in supplement).

The minutes of the meeting of the Budget Council held on 4 March 2019 had been circulated to Members. On a motion by the Civic Mayor, seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, it was –

Resolved (unanimously) – That the minutes of the meeting be approved and adopted as a correct record.

The Council is recommended to adopt a revised Standing Order 18 of the Council Procedure Rules (Part 4(A) of the Constitution). (Report attached, minute to follow in supplement)

The Council gave consideration to a request to approve the recommendation of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 26 February 2019 that a revised Standing Order 18 of the Council Procedure Rules (Part 4(A) of the Constitution) be adopted (Minute 27 refers).

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

Resolved (unanimously) – That the recommendation contained within Minute 27 of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, 26 February 2019, be approved.

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

Councillor Pat Hackett on behalf of 200 residents objecting to the location of a BT pole on the corner of Carlton Road and Field Road, Wallasey.

Councillor Allan Brame on behalf of 303 residents seeking improved bus services in the Townfield Lane area of Oxton.

Councillor Gerry Ellis on behalf of 95 residents objecting to a planning application concerning proposed lighting on Grange Hill, West Kirby.

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

In accordance with Standing Order 34, the Council received a petition of 3,053 signatures submitted by Mr Phil Spencer, on behalf of Bromborough Village Community Association, to stop re-development plans for Bromborough Car Park.  Mr Spencer addressed the Council in respect of the petition.

Following a debate on the presented petition it was moved by Councillor Chris Blakeley and seconded by Councillor Phil Gilchrist that –

“To protect the amenity and the financial stability of Bromborough Shopping Area, Council requests that Cabinet and Council Officers remove the car park from the Local Plan.

Furthermore, Council wishes to reassure the petitioners that Bromborough is a highly valued district centre.

Council recognises the strength of feeling and concerns expressed by local people. Council believes that proper consultation should take place on any changes to the facilities valued by the community”.

The Motion was put and carried and it was therefore -

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

To deal with questions from members of the public, in accordance with Appendix 1 to Standing Orders – up to 30 minutes.

Mr Mark Farmer, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10, submitted a question on the subject of Labour Councillors at the Extraordinary Council meeting on 25 February, 2019, not being able to cast their votes freely.

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

Mr Farmer asked a supplementary question in accordance with Standing Order 10, and Councillor Davies responded accordingly.

Mr Neil Scott, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10, submitted a question on the subject of Council run golf courses.

Councillor Phill Brightmore, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Recreation, responded accordingly.

Mr Scott asked a supplementary question in accordance with Standing Order 10, and Councillor Brightmore responded accordingly.

Mr Barry Davies, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10, submitted a question on the subject of Brackenwood Golf Course and the open spaces review.

Councillor George Davies, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, responded accordingly.

Mr Keith Marsh, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10, submitted a question on the subject of the Council’s open space review.

Councillor George Davies, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, responded accordingly.

To receive the written reports of the Executive and Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs, and to receive questions and answers on any of those reports in accordance with Standing Orders 10(2)(a) and 11.

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

Councillor Chris Blakeley asked a question of Councillor Angela Davies, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Growth, on whether she had had any concerns, when consulted by the Chief Executive, over the appointment of Stewart Halliday as an Interim Director. Councillor Davies responded that at the time she was consulted she had no concerns.

Councillor Steve Williams asked a question of Councillor Angela Davies, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Growth, regarding her report and that Moreton was mentioned only once with regard to the regeneration by the Wirral Growth Company compared to Birkenhead which was mentioned numerous times. Councillor Davies responded that the Wirral Growth Company would be involved in regeneration across the whole borough but that Birkenhead would form the first phase of this. Moreton was included in the plans with a whole series of work to be undertaken.

Councillor Dave Mitchell asked a question of Councillor Stuart Whittingham, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, regarding additional funding for highways and repairs to the A41. Councillor Whittingham responded that the extra £500,000 would be spent on improving the condition of the borough’s unclassified roads and a Cabinet report would be published in due course on the roads to be repaired. The Cabinet report for 25 March meeting did include a report on the highway structural maintenance programme which included a list of roads to benefit from this programme and parts of the A41 were included on this list.

Councillor Pat Hackett asked a question of Councillor Angela Davies, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Growth, regarding the consultation process for the Wirral Growth Company / Muse proposed developments. Councillor Davies responded that residents, community groups and elected Members would all have an opportunity to take part in a consultation process and it was vital as many people as possible had their say. Consultation would start after the elections for 6 months with a series of drop-in events, workshops, postal survey and a consultation website.

The Director of Governance and Assurance intervened when Councillor Tom Anderson started to ask a question of Councillor Chris Jones, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health in respect of another Member and advised that the competence or otherwise of Members once elected, to sit on a committee was down to the group and not a matter that should be for discussion in the Chamber without having first gone through the Standards Committee or some other process. He reminded Members that this was a Chamber for debate of policy and for holding Cabinet Members to account for their formulation and implementation of that policy, not the personal character of a Member.

Councillor Lesley Rennie asked a question of Councillor Stuart Whittingham, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, regarding how many street lights remained unlit across the borough. Councillor Whittingham replied that he would respond in writing. 

Councillor Moira McLaughlin asked a question  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

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

Councillor Stuart Kelly asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Recreation concerning the Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy. Councillor Phill Brightmore responded accordingly.

Councillor Phil Gilchrist asked a question of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport in relation to faulty street lights. Councillor Stuart Whittingham responded accordingly and agreed that the response would be circulated.

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 Advisory Panels

Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances – to re-appoint Mr Ray Allan as a Member of the Panel.

Outside Bodies

West Kirby Charities – nomination(s) required following the recent resignations of Councillors David Elderton and Geoffrey Watt.

The Council was invited to consider making appointments to a number of vacancies.

Resolved:  That

(1)  Mr Ray Allan be re-appointed as a member of the Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances; and

(2)  nominations be forwarded to the Director of Governance and Assurance in respect of two vacancies on West Kirby Charities, and the Director be authorised to confirm the appointments.

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

In accordance with Standing Order 5(2) a number of matters had been submitted for approval or consideration by the Council (see minutes 118 to 120 post).

The Council is recommended to adopt the calendar of meetings for the 2019/20 Municipal Year. (Report attached, minute to follow in supplement)

The first matter requiring consideration was in relation to adoption of the calendar of meetings for the 2019/20 Municipal Year, as recommended by the Cabinet at its meeting on 25 February 2019 (minute 59 refers).

Councillor Phil Davies moved and Councillor George Davies seconded the adoption of the calendar of meetings for the 2019/20 Municipal Year, as recommended by the Cabinet at its meeting on 25 February 2019.

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Chris Carubia seconded an amendment such that –

“Council believes that the ‘Portfolio Summary Reports’ presented by Cabinet Members should contain far more than references and links and references to press reports.

Council considers it essential that an additional opportunity is taken to hold the new Cabinet to account.

Accordingly, an additional Council meeting should be added to the Calendar on Monday 9 September 2019 for which Cabinet Members will be expected to provide meaningful details and accounts of their activities.”

The amendment was put and lost (26:34) (One abstention).

The motion was put and it was -

Resolved (34:28) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within minute 59 of Cabinet, 25 February 2019 be approved.

The Council is recommended to approve the Members’ Information and ICT Acceptable Use Policy. (Report attached, minute to follow in supplement)

The second matter requiring consideration was in relation to a request to approve the recommendation of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee of 26 February 2019 that the Members’ Information and ICT Acceptable Use Policy be approved (minute 26 refers).

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

Resolved (62:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within minute 26 of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, 26 February 2019, be approved.

The Council is recommended to approve the Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2019/20. (Report attached, minute to follow in supplement)

The third matter requiring consideration was in relation to a request to approve the recommendation of the Employment and Appointments Committee of 5 March 2019 that the Pay Policy Statement 2019/20 be approved. (Minute 25 refers).

Councillor Lesley Rennie sought clarification on the issue of pay multiples, which had been discussed at the meeting. The Director of Governance and Assurance referred to the final paragraph of minute 25, which stated that the Head of Human Resources would be bringing a report back to the Employment and Appointments Committee at the earliest opportunity on the subject of pay multiples and benchmarking with other local authorities.

On a motion by Councillor Adrian Jones, seconded by Councillor Angela Davies, it was –

Resolved (61:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendation contained within minute 25 of the Employment and Appointments Committee, 26 February 2019, be approved.

Call-in on this decision was waived as the decision was treated as a matter of urgency due to the timescales for submissions for applications and is reported to Council in accordance with the Council’s Standing Order Procedure Rules.

The Executive Member Decision Form is attached, the report can be viewed here.

The fourth matter requiring consideration was in relation to a request to note that call-in had been waived in respect of an Executive Member Decision relating to the European Structural and Investment Fund Programme for England 2014-2020: Wirral Ways to Work Programme on the grounds of urgency.

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

Resolved (unanimously) – That the waiving of call-in on grounds of urgency relating to an Executive Member Decision in relation to the European Structural and Investment Fund Programme for England 2014-2020: Wirral Ways to Work Programme be noted.

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.  No Place for Anti-Semitism in Wirral’s Politics

2.  Time to Invest in Green Energy

3.  Future Pensions Fit for Purpose

Notices of Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1) were reported to Council and determined as detailed in Minutes 123 to 125 below.

Councillor Jeff Green moved and Councillor Wendy Clements seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1)

“Council reaffirms its adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism IN FULL and without AMENDMENT, as agreed in October 2017.

Furthermore, Council believes that there is no place in Wirral’s politics for anti-Semitism and believes that any Member, when acting in their role as a Member of the Council, found to have made anti-Semitic remarks should be referred to the Council’s Standards Committee, as well as any internal processes undertaken by their respective party”.

Amendment

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Allan Brame seconded the following amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(9) such that the Motion be approved subject to the insertion after the second paragraph of the Motion –

“Council is aware that the January 2019 report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life entitled ‘Local Government Ethical Standards’ was placed before the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee on 26 February. The report

http://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/documents/s50055485/Local_Government_Ethical_Standards__Web_.pdf

provides advice on the current interpretation of the circumstances within which any Member acts in their capacity as a Councillor and makes a recommendation that Section 27 (2) of the Localism Act 2011 should be amended to permit local authorities to presume councillors to be acting in an official capacity in their public conduct, including statements on publicly-accessible social media, when deciding upon code of conduct breaches.

Council is also aware that the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee only recently adopted a revised procedure for dealing with complaints against Members set out in the document ‘Protocol – Arrangements for investigating and making decisions in relation to allegations made under the Members’ Code of Conduct’ and believes that any complaints made to the Monitoring Officer about Members’ conduct should be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and the protocol”.

Following a debate, the amendment to the Motion was accepted by Councillor Jeff Green as mover of the Motion with the agreement of Council being given by general assent.

In accordance with Standing Order 12, a number of Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

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

For the motion (62): Councillors R Abbey, T Anderson, B Berry, J Bird, C Blakeley, A Brame, P Brightmore, D Burgess-Joyce, K Cannon, C Carubia, W Clements, T Cottier, T Cox, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, S Frost, A Gardner, P Gilchrist, J Green, E Grey, P Hackett, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, AER Jones, C Jones, S Jones, T Jones, M Jordan, S Kelly, B Kenny, A Leech, I Lewis, M McLaughlin, J McManus, C Meaden, D Mitchell, B Mooney, C Muspratt, T Norbury, C Povall, L Rennie, J Robinson, L Rowlands, PA (Tony) Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, A Sykes, T Usher, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

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

“Council welcomes the Liverpool City Region’s Year of the Environment initiative and the launch of the Borough’s environment plan in New Brighton last month.

Council notes that the Year of the Environment will also help raise awareness of issues and areas that demand action and attention, including the need to shift towards more sustainable use of energy and welcomes the plans for a new £10 million Green Investment Fund announced by the Metro Mayor.

Council also notes the decision by Warrington Borough Council to invest in a solar farm in Yorkshire, which will meet 100% of its energy demands, reducing its annual energy bills by up to £2m in the process, and, once fully operational, will generate enough clean power to supply more than 18,000 homes and mitigate the emission of 25,000 tonnes of carbon every year.

This initiative follows moves by other local authorities in England and Wales to build solar farms.

Council believes that development of such a supply of clean energy would be a significant contribution to the battle against global warming and calls on Cabinet to:

1.  explore the possibility of building its own solar farm, either in the Borough or elsewhere.

2.  undertake investigations into the viability of such a scheme, the investment costs and potential returns and to identify potential locations”.

Amendment

Councillor Anita Leech moved and Councillor Stuart Whittingham seconded an amendment submitted in accordance with Standing order 12(1) such that the Motion be approved subject to the addition of the following words -

“Council reaffirms its commitment to Green Energy which is supported in our Climate Change Strategy and the authority’s history of investing in green energy.

Council notes the work which is being undertaken through the ‘Cool Wirral’ partnership.

Council also notes that the authority has installed solar panels on Council buildings under a spend to save initiative and that there are currently 25 Council buildings that have the panels installed. An example can be seen at Guinea Gap leisure centre.

Council further notes that:

·  Local schools have been engaged in looking at solar opportunities and at least three schools have signed up to the ‘Solar for Schools’ initiative which, if their applications are successful, will see the installation of solar panels on their buildings. A number of other schools are also considering taking up this opportunity. 

·  Discussions have commenced with regard to replacing the authority’s current energy supply with solar energy.

·  Cabinet is also tackling fuel poverty, an issue that affects a large number of Wirral residents, by considering an energy supply service which will enable residents to obtain cheaper gas and electricity.

·  Work is ongoing on a range of other green energy initiatives which will be brought to members during the next municipal year.

On a procedural motion by Councillor Ron Abbey, seconded by Councillor Phil Davies, it was –

Resolved – That only the movers and seconders be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 124.

Councillor Jeff Green moved and Councillor Ron Abbey seconded a motion such that this item move straight to the vote without debate.

Upon being put to the vote this motion was carried (54:7) (Two abstentions).

Councillor Pat Cleary moved and Councillor Paul Doughty seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 -

“Council welcomes the success of the Merseyside Pension Fund (MPF) in expanding its membership to over 137,000 and raising its fund value to £8.6 billion.

Council believes,

·  the MPF has an important role to play in securing the future success and quality of life of our region by providing a reliable source of income to our ageing population and through its ability to invest funds wisely in the local economy.

·  that climate change represents a systemic threat to the future value of financial assets and, as the Governor of the Bank of England has warned, a carbon budget consistent with the 2°C target laid down in the Paris Climate Accord “would render the vast majority of {fossil fuel} reserves stranded”.

Council therefore welcomes,

·  the mandate from the Pensions Committee that MPF’s investment strategy be brought into line with the goals of the 2015 Paris Accord

·  the recent launch on the London Stock Exchange by MPF of the All World Climate Balanced Comprehensive Factor Index with an initial funding of £400 million

·  and the goals of the Index to achieve reductions in risk to future pensions via substantial cuts in exposure to companies with high fossil fuel reserves and high carbon emissions and increased exposure to companies with high exposure to “green” revenues

Council congratulates MPF officers on their efforts to protect its members from climate-related financial risk and looks forward to further, sustained work to fully align its investments with the goals of the Paris Accord.”

Amendment

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Allan Brame seconded the following amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) such that the Motion be amended by the insertion of the following words after the final paragraph –

“Council observes that this initiative, along with the Liverpool City Region Year of the Environment, presents opportunities for this Council to refresh and update its policies. It should also provide the trigger for actions which have not been taken for some time or are now due for updating. These need reviewing in the light of the current environmental crisis affecting many species.

Council notes that the last Carbon Budget report was presented to Cabinet by Councillor Mooney on 10 February 2015:

http://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/documents/s50023323/Carbon%20Budget%20Report%202014-15.pdf

The Agenda for Budget Cabinet on 22 February 2016 stated that the Carbon Budget was to be presented at the Council Meeting in July 2016. It did not appear and, since then, that reporting appears to have ceased.

Wirral’s Climate Change Strategy was developed for the period 2014-19 and is due for updating and renewal:

https://www.wirral.gov.uk/sites/default/files/all/About%20the%20council/climate%20change/Wirral%20Climate%20Change%20Strategy%202014-2019.pdf

and that the most recent progress report was the 4th Annual Progress Report of 'Cool Wirral', published in July 2018:

https://www.wirral.gov.uk/sites/default/files/all/About%20the%20council/climate%20change/Cool%20Steps%20Wirral%20Climate%20Change%20Strategy%204th%20Annual%20Progress%20Report%20July%202018.pdf

In  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.

The Civic Mayor thanked all those Members who would not be standing at the forthcoming local elections including Councillors Ron Abbey, David Elderton, Gerry Ellis, Paul Doughty, Bernie Mooney, Adam Sykes and Phil Davies.

Many Members joined in paying tribute to retiring Councillors and those Members standing down also thanked all their colleagues for their kind words.

Councillor Phil Davies thanked everyone for their warm wishes expressed to him as Leader of the Council. He then paid tribute to the Civic Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Geoffrey Watt and Mrs Watt for their exemplary service as first citizens of the Borough over the past year.

The Leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Groups joined with the Leader of the Council in paying tribute to the Civic Mayor and Mayoress.