Members are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecunairy or non pacuniary interests in connection with any item(s) on the agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

Members were asked to consider whether they had any disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests in connection with any item(s) on the agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

No such declarations were made

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Hodson, L Rowlands and A Sykes, Community Rep Mark Craig and David Armstrong, Assistant Chief Executive.

The Chair advised the Committee that this committee’s Community Representatives were co-opted for a 12 month period at committee on 4th of October 2017. She advised that in order for them to remain and take part on the Committee their term of office must be extended.

The Chair proposed that the current Community Representatives continue to be co-opted until the next committee on the 6th of March 2019. Members were advised that by taking this approach, they could be informed in due course of the outcomes of the ongoing Neighbourhood Review. It was explained that, one of the potential outcomes of this approach is that the application process for community representatives be reopened, which will be a delegated decision taken by elected members.

In response to a question by a Member, the Community Representatives advised that they wished to remain as Members and queried timetabling elements.

The Constituency Manager reminded Community Representatives that the Neighbourhood Review Report regarding the future of Constituency Committees remains on the forward plan for Cabinet to consider, however, he did not have any further details as to when this decision would be taken.

It was moved by Councillor C Muspratt and seconded by Councillor J Williams and:

Resolved (12:0) – That the current Community Representatives be appointed until 6 March 2019.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the Constituency Committee meeting held on 20 June 2018.

The Legal Advisor to the Constituency Committee advised that a typographical error had been made in respect of the Community Representatives being referred to as Councillors in the attendance list in the minutes for the previous meeting. This error had been rectified in the minute record the Chair was asked to sign.  

Resolved – That subject to the amendment, the minutes be approved as a correct record.

Action arising – Councillor P Gilchrist referred to minute 105 and explained that he had circulated a letter to Members in response to his query regarding public transport to Arrowe Park Hospital. He further advised that he had now received an additional letter from Frank Rodgers at Merseytravel that he would also circulate to Members.

Delivered by Constituency Manager (Fergus Adams) on behalf of Ritchie Clarke - Station Manager.

The Constituency Manager provided an update on behalf of Ritchie Clarke, Station Manager,  Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service for the period 1 May 2018 – 31 Aug 18.

Members heard how there had been 54 deliberate secondary fires ( rubbish, bins, grass etc), 8 deliberate vehicle fires and 9 accidental dwelling fires.

Councillor D Mitchell requested a map pinpointing locations of where incidents had taken place.

Councillor T Cottier requested details of trends from previous years.

The Constituency Manager advised that he would request this information and provide to Members in due course.

Resolved – That members note the verbal update

Neighbourhood Inspector Georgina Minnery

Sergeant A McKeown provided Members with a verbal update on behalf of Neighbourhood Inspector, Georgina Minnery.

It was reported that domestic burglaries had been a particular issue right across the Merseyside Police Force area and that properties had been targeted particularly to steal high powered vehicles. Members heard how the past month had seen a reduction in domestic burglaries due to a successful operation whereby a prolific burglar had been arrested. The use of AMPR facilities and increased patrols had also been utilised effectively.

Members were advised that a common ‘Modus Operandi’ of burglars had been to snap locks of domestic properties in order to obtain vehicle keys. This had been prominent in June/ July but had now decreased. It was reported that the A41 corridor had been particularly affected.

The Committee were then informed that there had been an increase in shed/ garage burglaries over the Summer, although, Wirral South Constituency had not been particularly affected by this. It was then reported that there had been a series of car burglaries due to vehicles being left unlocked and that only rarely had vehicles been damaged in order to gain entry.

With regards to anti social behaviour (ASB), the Committee were informed that some outreach work had been undertaken, and had proven to be successful in reducing ASB rates. He explained that there are plans to include similar schemes in Eastham Ward. The Committee heard that levels of ASB in Mayer Park had fallen in recent months.

Sergeant McKeown then responded to questions by Members.

Questions and Answers

Councillor J Walsh requested an update on the question raised by Mark Craig at the previous Committee regarding the number of incidents of speeding down New Chester Road as a result of the implementation of average speed cameras down the New Ferry Bypass. Sergeant McKeown informed that he did not have the information at this time, but would provide it.

Councillor J Williams enquired into number of burglaries in Bebington Ward and was informed that figures remain the same as last year, Eastham had 3 fewer, Clatterbridge had 2 fewer and Heswall had 3 fewer.

Community Representative, Ray Squire enquired as to when the new Police Station in Heswall Ward would be commissioned. In response, the Committee heard how the library was up and running at the moment and outside, there is a TV screen with details of surgeries. Mr Squire then asked a supplemental question regarding whether residents could make appointments to speak to PCSOs and he was informed that this would be taken back as a suggestion.

Councillor C Carubia requested vehicle theft data and it was reported that Bebington had 3 fewer, Bromborough had 6 fewer, Eastham had 1 fewer, Clatterbridge had 2 fewer and Heswall had 2 more.

A question was raised by a member of the public who enquired about Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and whether any coordination or liaison was conducted by Merseyside Police. In response, the Committee were informed that there is no longer a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

David Hammond – Wirral NHS Community Trust

A verbal report was presented by Julian Eyre, Healthy Wirral Programme Manager regarding Place based Care. Apologies were received from David Hammond, Wirral NHS Community Trust.

Members heard how integrated care teams, including general practice serve 9 neighbourhoods of 25,000 – 50,000 people each. It was explained that the needs of the population we are serving is changing due to people living longer, resulting in complex care needed. Members were informed that Place Based Care is around providing health and social care more suited to needs. Other key elements and explanations of Place Based Care were as follows:

·  More focused on Neighbourhood teams than organisations, better sharing of information, planning and care coordination.

·  Greater understanding of people’s needs through risk stratification.

·  More proactive care in primary and community settings, strong links to secondary expertise.

·  Helping people improve their lives with less reliance on statutory services

·  A renewed focus on how we engage and listen.

An explanation was provided regarding Neighbourhood Teams and Members heard how the NHS is made up of many organisations that often do not join up as well as they should do. Members heard how there is evidence to prove that Neighbourhood Teams have been nationally proven to help to identify needs of people. It was explained that Multi – Agency and Multi – Disciplinary teams are made up of: GP’s, Community Nurses and Matrons, Social Workers, Care Coordinators, Therapists, Voluntary/ Community Support workers.

The Healthy Wirral Programme Manager responded to questions by Members

Questions and Answers

Councillor C Muspratt enquired into the IT systems, in particular, two systems software that are not integrated.

In response, Members heard how significant work is being undertaken to integrate IT systems and that systems are being developed to pull together key pieces of information.

In response to a question asked by Councillor D Mitchell, Members heard that the NHS are very conscious in terms of working with all community services, including Age UK in order to combat isolation and loneliness.

In response to a further question by Councillor D Mitchell. Members were informed that GP Surgeries are beginning to work much more closely and are much more integrated.

Councillor C Carubia enquired into support for frail people who need A & E and he was informed that the NHS are currently in a consultation period regarding Urgent Care so he could not comment at this time.

Councillor M Jordan enquired into new vacancies to the position of Care Co-ordinator and it was reported that people with the right set of skills are required in order to take some pressure from the GPs.

Resolved – That the verbal report be noted

Constituency Manager – Fergus Adams

Councillor K Hodson left the meeting at this point

A Report by the Director for Health and Wellbeing provided Members with an update on the Constituency Committee’s priorities for 2018/19. Members heard how the work of Wirral South Constituency Committee contributes to a range of Wirral Plan 2020 pledges and neighbourhood working is key to delivery of the plan.

A table was provided to Members outlining the current budget picture for the Wirral South Constituency Committee and Members were informed that progress is being made to spend against all budget lines

The Constituency Manager drew Members attention to paragraphs 3.2 – 3.6 of the report set out into the following headings:

·  Social Isolation

·  Gaps in Youth Provision

·  Improved Open Spaces

·  Wirral South Clean up Funding

·  Remaining Anti-Social Behaviour Funding

The recommendations to the report were set out on page 17 of the agenda pack and were resolved as follows:

Recommendation One

Resolved (11:0) That the Committee Allocates £15,000 to the ‘Connecting Wirral South – Social Isolation Fund’

Recommendation Two

Resolved (11:0) – That the process begins to re-commission the Wirral South Youth Counselling Service to ensure the service continues at the end of the current service level agreement period, ending on 30 April 2019.

Recommendation Three

Resolved (11:0) That the Committee agrees to allocate the Improved Open Spaces funding of £15,000 to the ward, of Clatterbridge for 2018/19, specifically supporting the recreation area known locally as “ The Chase”

Recommendation Four

Resolved (11:0) – That the Committee allocate the indicative amounts of £6,000 towards six Environmental Action Days across the Constituency and £12,800 towards the Wirral South Love Where you Live small grants fund.

Recommendation Five

Resolved (11:0) That the Committee allocated £5,000 to complete the Love Where you Live Dog Fouling initiative.

Recommendation Six

Resolved (11:0) That the Committee spends the remaining £1, 100 anti-social behaviour funding on diversionary activities during “ Mischief/ Bonfire” period at the end of October/ beginning of November 2018 and the funding should be administered via the longstanding, multi – agency Operation Banger meetings, led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police.

Following the approval of recommendations, Councillor Gilchrist moved a recommendation, seconded by Councillor C Muspratt and it was:

Resolved - That Cabinet be requested to ensure that this and other Constituency Committees are given an operational budget for the next financial year to continue work at this level.”

Councillor C Carubia then made a suggestion that the order of the agenda be amended for future meetings so that public questions appear at the beginning of the agenda so that members of the public do not have to wait any longer than necessary.

On a motion by Councillor C Carubia and seconded by Councillor J Bird it was:

Resolved – That the order of the agenda be amended in future meetings so that public questions are at the beginning of the meeting

Report detailing the issues experienced by communities throughout Wirral South on a ward by ward basis The aforementioned issues have been collated by the Wirral South Community Representatives and compiled by the Engagement Officer in this report to be tabled as a standing item on the Wirral South Constituency Committee agenda.

A report by the Director for Health and Wellbeing detailed progress to date following the co-opting of five Community Representatives (Com Reps) to the Wirral South Constituency Committee (WSCC). The report also highlighted particular issues experienced by the communities within the five wards and sought to bring them formally to the attention of the Committee

The recommendations were set out on page 29 of the agenda.

Mr Kevin Sutton, Com Rep expressed his dissatisfaction and frustration with the lack of progress in developing a Wirral wide strategic Neighbourhood Development Plan which was approved by Cabinet in October 2015. He outlined the Community of Practice ( COP) proposal synopsis that had been drawn up by Com Reps.

Before moving to the recommendations a discussion was had over the possibility of postponing consideration of the report and accompanying recommendations to a future meeting so that Members and Com Reps could have a discussion over the proposals. Further discussions were had and it was agreed that Members would continue to vote and consider the recommendations as follows:

Recommendation One –

“This Committee support the community proposal as detailed in 3.2 and appendix one”

An amendment to the recommendation was proposed as follows:

“That Consideration of recommendation one be deferred to such time that Members of this Committee and Com Reps meet to discuss the community proposal as detailed in paragraph 3.2 and appendix one of the Wirral South Community Representatives Report”

On a motion by Councillor J Williams , seconded by Councillor J  Walsh it was:

Resolved ( 6:5) “That Consideration of recommendation one be deferred to such time that Members of this Committee and Com Reps meet to discuss the community proposal as detailed in paragraph 3.2 and appendix one of the Wirral South Community Representatives Report”

Recommendation Two –

The Chair of this Committee request a meeting ( on behalf of the community representatives) with the Leader of the Council to discuss the proposal details in paragraph 3.2 and appendix one

The recommendation was put and lost ( 5:6)

Recommendation Three

Resolved (11:0) -  That the Constituency Manager arranges a meeting with the relevant Council Officers/ Cabinet Member and Eastham Community Forum to consider the removal of parking charges in Eastham Country Park.

Recommendation Four

Resolved ( 11:0) That the Constituency Manager arranges representation from the relevant Council Officers/ Cabinet Member at an appropriate Eastham Community Forum meeting to discuss how the local community can become more engaged in any planning proposals, including a formal consultation.

Recommendation Five

Resolved (11:0) – That the Constituency Manager arranges representation from the relevant Council Officer/ Elected Member at an appropriate Eastham Community Forum meeting to discuss the proposal to ban dogs at Plymyard Playing Fields

Verbal update from Constituency Manager – Fergus Adams.

Members had reference to Wirral Plan Overview Update 2018 – 19 Quarter one as below:

https://www.wirral.gov.uk/about-council/wirral-plan-performance

Although it is possible to forward pre-notified questions to the Constituency Manager questions will also be taken on the night via the Chair. Questions must be received at least ten working days prior to committee.

The Committee and members of the public in attendance at the meeting raised the following questions, issues, concerns and requests:

Approximately 50 members of the public were in attendance

Question One – Prof D P Gregg, Spital

Prof D P Gregg addressed the Committee addressed the Committee to outline his concerns and explained how the new government household projections for Wirral give a basic 15 year housing requirement of 5,923 houses. If this is scaled up by the forecast 2025 (mid plan) affordability factor of 1.07 we obtain 6,332 houses. He expressed how the committee will see that little or NO building on green belt land is needed at all. 

He also stated that the Council green belt release plan covers ~4,900 acres, nearly 8 square miles. Under average densities, that could support in principle, 71,000 houses. Even under the worst basic case scenario only 1% of the release plan land would be needed. 

What is the Council's objective justification for threatening to remove from the green belt the other 99% of the land or ~4,800 acres?

In response, Councillor C Muspratt also shared concerns and agreed that green belt/ green space must be protected.

Question Two – Mr Lowsby

With regards to the Local Plan, the latest figures are out of date as the Council too readily accepted figures were correct. What is being done to rectify this?

Councillor T Cottier responded by informing the resident that Councillors had put pressure on the Leadership to challenge the figures initially provided and circulated to residents. A letter has now been sent to the Govt Minister to further challenge figures.

Question Three – Angela Mounsey , Heswall

If the figures are incorrect, why are you proceeding?

It was explained by Councillor C Muspratt that it is a legal requirement to hold a public consultation on the local plan and this question would be referred to David Ball, AD Major Growth Projects & Hsg Delivery

Question/ comment Four – Elizabeth Carberry, Heswall

Concerns were expressed over current overcrowding, particularly in Heswall where recent housing developments had added to increased traffic.

Councillor J Williams explained that central government planning laws are beyond any local plan discussions.

Question/ comment Five – P Gill, Clatterbridge

The Council Leader circulated a letter to residents demonstrating the figures and producing net results of housing requirements. The figures have now been challenged and residents don’t have any concept of real figures. Is it possible for the Council Leader to send out a revised letter so that residents have a full understanding of figures. A suggestion was then made by the resident that the consultation period be extended by at least three weeks so that the appropriate figures can be considered.

It was moved by Councillor T Cottier and seconded by Councillor C Carubia and:

Resolved (11:0) –

(1)  That in light of the new figures obtained in regards to housing requirements in Wirral, the period of consultation be extended by a period of at least three weeks; and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Wednesday 6^th March 2019.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Committee has been advertised as taking place at 6pm, Wednesday 6 March 2019 (Venue TBC)