Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Contact: Shirley Hudspeth 0151 691 8559  Committee and Civic Services Manager

Media

Items
No. Item

60.

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council Members 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.

 

The following declarations were made:

 

Councillor Jo Bird

Item No. 9f – (Minute No. 73 refers). Personal – By virtue of her partner being in receipt of a Local Government Pension

Councillor Pat Cleary

Item No. 10 – Motion 10 (Minute No. 87 refers). Prejudicial – By virtue of his position on the Transport Committee of the regional government

Councillor

Tony Cox

Item No. 10, Motion 13 – (Minute No. 90 refers). Personal – By virtue of his employment

Councillor

Steve Foulkes

Item No. 10 – Motion 10 (Minute No. 87 refers). Prejudicial – By virtue of his position on the Transport Committee of the regional government

Councillor Liz Grey

 

Item No. 10 – Motion 9 (Minute No. 86 refers). Personal – By virtue of her employment

Councillor Paul Hayes

Item No. 10 – Motion 10 (Minute No. 87 refers). Prejudicial – By virtue of his position on the Transport Committee of the regional government

Councillor Tony Jones

Item No. 9f – (Minute No. 73 refers). Personal – By virtue of being a member of the Local Government Pension Fund

Councillor

Yvonne Nolan

Item No. 9f – (Minute No. 73 refers). Personal – By virtue of being in receipt of a pension from the Local Government Pension Fund

Councillor Tony Norbury

Item No. 9f – (Minute No. 73 refers). Personal – By virtue of being in receipt of a pension from the Local Government Pension Fund

Councillor

Stuart Whittingham

Item No. 10 – Motion 10 (Minute No. 87 refers). Prejudicial – By virtue of his employment

Councillor Jerry Williams

Item No. 10 – Motion 10 (Minute No. 87 refers). Prejudicial – By virtue of his position on the Transport Committee of the regional government

 

61.

CIVIC MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor informed Council that over the previous couple of months Wirral had received favourable coverage in worldwide news, notably with the naming of the Sir David Attenborough ship at Cammell Lairds and the OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycle tour. With the Mayoress he had been to many parts of Wirral including the food festival in Birkenhead Park; the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert; a pop concert and others. He wished to thank all of the officers and staff who facilitated these events.

 

The Civic Mayor noted that apologies had been received from Councillors: Sharon Jones, Mary Jordan, Sarah Spoor, Jean Stapleton and Irene Williams.

 

Councillor Blakeley then moved for suspension of Standing Order 9, to dispense with the guillotine which would end the meeting at 9.15 p.m., in order that all business on the agenda be heard. This was seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 18 (4), 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 (21): Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, D Burgess-Joyce, H Cameron, W Clements, M Collins, T Cox, A Gardner, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, J Johnson, I Lewis, C Povall, L Rennie, L Rowlands, GCJ Watt, S Williams and A Wright.

 

Against the motion (39): Councillors J Bird, A Brame, K Cannon, C Carubia, P Cleary, C Cooke, A Corkhill, T Cottier, G Davies, W Davies, S Foulkes, S Frost, P Gilchrist, K Greaney, E Grey, P Hackett, S Hayes, AER Jones, C Jones, T Jones, S Kelly, B Kenny, A Leech, M McLaughlin, J McManus, D Mitchell, C Muspratt, Y Nolan, T Norbury, J Robinson, C Spriggs, P Stuart, M Sullivan, T Usher, J Walsh, S Whittingham, KJ Williams, J Williamson and G Wood.

 

Abstentions (1): Councillor PA (Tony) Smith

 

The proposal was declared lost.

 

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved the Motion that under Standing Order 8K, prior to Item 10, Council adjourn to a date to be agreed. This was seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell.

 

This was voted on (39 for, 21 against, 1 abstention) and carried.

 

Under Standing Order 19 (5) it was requested that Conservative votes be recorded as follows:

Against the Motion: T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, H Cameron, W Clements, M Collins, T Cox, A Gardner, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, J Johnson, M Jordan, I Lewis, C Povall, L Rennie, L Rowlands, G Watt, S Williams, A Wright. 

 

RESOLVED (39:21 with 1 abstention): That under Standing Order 8K, prior to Item 10, Council adjourn to a date to be agreed.

62.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 140 KB

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 15 July 2019 and the ordinary meeting of Council held on 15 July 2019, attached.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of both the extraordinary and the ordinary Council meetings held on 15 July 2019 had been circulated to Members. On a motion by the Civic Mayor, seconded by Councillor Pat Hackett, it was –

 

Resolved (by assent) - that subject to

(1)  In Minute 20 paragraph 2, the title being amended from ‘Lady Mayoress’ to ‘Mayoress’; and

(2)  In Minute 33 paragraph 33, the word ‘inform’ be amended to ‘enforce’,

the minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on 15 July 2019 and the ordinary meeting held on 15 July 2019 be approved and adopted as correct records.

63.

PETITIONS

To receive petitions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 21.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 21, the Mayor received 10 petitions as follows–

 

Presented By

No of Signatures

Topic

Councillor Ian Lewis

105

Dog fouling around Sandbrook Primary School

Councillor Ian Lewis

268

Protect Ditton Local Nature Reserve

Councillor Anita Leach

312

To have Shackleton road widened on the bend

Councillor Christine Muspratt

42

Local residents of Claremont Way, Bebington, requesting that Wirral Council re-look at the road surface, with a view to agreeing that permanent and final repair work is carried out.

Councillor Christina Muspratt

114

Local residents requesting Wirral Council investigate the possibility of installing a pedestrian crossing in Kings Lane.

Councillor Christina Muspratt

821

Local residents who are protesting strongly against any plans to develop Brackenwood Golf Course and Poulton Recreational Ground.

Councillor Moira McLaughlin

35

Petition from residents in Albany Road, Rock Ferry asking for measures to be introduced to reduce speeding traffic in their road and enforcement measure to be taken about illegal parking across driveways and on pavements.

Councillor Andrew Gardener

844

Petition to maintain grass free beaches at Hoylake

Councillor Andrew Gardner

1546

Petition to allow 2 hours free parking for the council carparks in West Kirby.

Councillor Alison Wright

70

Petition to Wirral Council regarding the alley situation to the rear of Banks Road and running between Victoria Drive and Groveside, West Kirby.

 

Resolved (by assent) - that the petitions be noted and referred to the appropriate Chief Officers in accordance with Standing Order 34.

64.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Shirley Kay, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10, submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources on the subject of the health concerns around 5G wireless internet.

 

Councillor Janette Williamson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, responded accordingly.

 

Michael Smethurst, having given the appropriate notice in accordance with Standing Order 10, submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change on the subject of dog control

 

Councillor Elizabeth Grey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, responded accordingly.

65.

LEADER'S, EXECUTIVE MEMBERS' AND CHAIRS REPORTS pdf icon PDF 77 KB

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor introduced the reports from the Leader, Cabinet Members and Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs.

 

Resolved (by assent) - that the reports from the Leader, Cabinet Members and Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs be received.

66.

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor asked for questions on any of the reports in the previous item. The questions and answers were recorded as follows:

 

Councillor Chris Blakeley asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Pat Hackett, if he believed that the comments in the Wirral Globe regarding the Council’s response to the New Ferry Explosion to be fair and accurate.

Councillor Pat Hackett replied with details of the meetings that had taken place and the measures taken for demolition, remediation and Compulsory Purchase Orders. He also spoke about the cash to individual members of the community and applications for the Future Towns Fund from the Government, the Strategic Investment Fund from the City Region and funding from the City Region Metro Mayors fund.

Councillor Pat Cleary asked Councillor Tony Jones, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, if he felt there was a shortage of grade A office space locally as he had noticed such space available in Liverpool.

Councillor Tony Jones confirmed that businesses had informed him that there was such a shortage.

Councillor Steve Foulkes asked Councillor Liz Grey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, for an update on progress to improve the recycling on Wirral.

Councillor Liz Grey replied that the recycling campaign was launched in January 2019 and had improved recycling rates. A comprehensive list of environmental, re-use and volunteering groups in Wirral was being developed for recycling opportunities. Re-use will be promoted, and information was be issued.

Councillor Ian Lewis asked the Cabinet Member for the Local Plan, Councillor Anita Leech, about whether the Ditton Lane Nature Reserve will be included in their deliberations on the Local Plan?

Councillor Anita Leech replied that she was seeing whether any of the trees could be given Tree Preservation Orders before any applications came forward. She noted that Ditton Lane was not an official nature reserve but residents’ views would be taken into consideration.

Councillor Alison Wright asked the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Liz Grey, if she believed that the authority’s response to the incident at Hilbre Island had put the authority in good light.

Councillor Liz Grey replied that she believed the response was adequate and the response to the mistake had been very positive learning experience. There had been a restructure of officers with higher level of control of beaches and coastal areas.

Councillor Paul Stuart asked Councillor Liz Grey when he could expect the report on Hilbre Island to be published.

Councillor Liz Grey replied that the report was not finalised but would be issued and shared with the public when it was.

Councillor Stuart Kelly asked the Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Julie McManus, about repairs to the existing street lighting stock, whilst the roll-out of LED lights was taking place?

Councillor Julie McManus responded that lights were replaced as they were reported.

Councillor Sam Frost asked the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change for an update climate change training for members and officers.

Councillor Liz Grey replied that a program of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

67.

VACANCIES

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 AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES

 

Wirral Climate Change Group

Councillor Tom Anderson to replace Councillor Chris Blakeley.

 

 

COMMITTEES

 

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Lesley Rennie to replace Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

 

Licensing, Health & Safety and General Purposes Committee

Councillor Ian Lewis to replace Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

 

Licensing Act 2003 Committee

Councillor Ian Lewis to replace Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

 

 

OUTSIDE BODIES

 

Merseyside Police and Crime Panel

A Conservative nomination to replace Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

 

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust – Governors

Councillors Mike Collins (to be reappointed – term expires on 17 October)

Councillor Irene Williams (to be reappointed – term expires on 17 October)

 

Chrysalis Board

Councillor Pat Hackett to replace Councillor Anita Leech

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

Resolved (by assent) - that the following appointments and nominations be approved:

 

STATUTORY AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Wirral Climate Change Group (Cool Wirral)

Councillor Tom Anderson to replace Councillor Chris Blakeley.

 

COMMITTEES

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Lesley Rennie to replace Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

 

Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee

Councillor Pat Hackett to replace Councillor Janette Williamson

 

Licensing, Health & Safety and General Purposes Committee

Councillor Ian Lewis to replace Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

 

Licensing Act 2003 Committee

Councillor Ian Lewis to replace Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

 

OUTSIDE BODIES

Merseyside Police and Crime Panel

Councillor Les Rowlands to replace Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

A labour nominee (subsequently confirmed as Councillor Adrian Jones)

to replace Councillor Gill Wood

 

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust 

Governors Councillors Mike Collins reappointed

Councillor Irene Williams reappointed

 

Chrysalis Board

Councillor Pat Hackett to replace Councillor Anita Leech

68.

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2018/19 FOR WIRRAL COUNCIL AND MERSEYSIDE PENSION FUND pdf icon PDF 73 KB

A referral from Audit and Risk Management Committee, 23 September 2019 (Minute 11 refers).

 

It be recommended to Council that:

 

1)  The Audit Findings Report presented by the External Auditor, and the actions taken regarding the amendments to the Statement of Accounts for the Council and Mersey Pension Fund Accounts, be agreed;

 

2)  The Statement of Accounts for 2018/19 as presenting a true and fair view of the Council’s income and expenditure for the year and its overall financial position, be approved; and

 

3)  The Chair and Director of Finance and Investment (S151) to sign and date the Letter of Representation.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman announced that this item had been withdrawn as the Audit and Resource Management Committee had delegated authority to approve of the accounts and had done so at its meeting held on 23 September 2019.

69.

REVENUE AND CAPITAL COMBINED MONITORING 2019-20 QUARTER 1 pdf icon PDF 60 KB

A referral from the Cabinet, 2 September 2019 (Minute 26 refers).

 

The Council is recommended to approve: That,

 

Revenue

 

(1)  the Year-end forecast position at Quarter 1 of £4.327 million Adverse, be noted;

 

(2)  the level of achievement of savings proposed for 2019-20, be noted;

 

(3)  the revisions to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2020-2025, be noted;

 

Capital

 

(4)  the expenditure at Quarter 1 of £2.9 million, be noted;

 

(5)  Cabinet recommends to Council the approval of additional funding for the schemes referred to in paragraph 3.7 of the report, i.e. Eureka Project, Seacombe (£200,000) and Eastham Youth Hub (£442,000);

 

(6)  Cabinet recommends to Council the approval of the revised Capital Programme of £88.7 million (Table 2 of the report) for 2019-20.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered a report from the Cabinet meeting held on 2 September 2019 regarding the summary of the projected year-end revenue position as at Quarter 1, Month 3 (June 2019).

 

Resolved (57:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Revenue

(1) the Year-end forecast position at Quarter 1 of £4.327 million Adverse, be noted;

(2) the level of achievement of savings proposed for 201920, be noted;

(3) the revisions to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2020-2025, be noted;

 

Capital

(4) the expenditure at Quarter 1 of £2.9 million, be noted; 

(5) the additional funding be approved for the schemes referred to in paragraph 3.7 of the report, i.e. Eureka Project, Seacombe (£200,000) and Eastham Youth Hub (£442,000);

(6) the revised Capital Programme of £88.7 million (Table 2 of the report) for 2019-20 be approved.

70.

Wirral Council Plan 2025 pdf icon PDF 65 KB

With reference to the Cabinet, 30 September 2019 (Minute 30 refers).The Council be recommended to agree to the following:

 

That the Wirral Council Plan be referred to the Council for consideration at its ordinary meeting scheduled for 14 October 2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council introduced the report of the Chief Executive that presented the Wirral Council Plan for 2025, setting out ambitions for the year ahead and beyond based on what residents have said was important to them.

 

Resolved (unanimously) - that the Wirral Council Plan 2025 be approved.

71.

Public Health Annual Report 2019 – Creative Communities pdf icon PDF 62 KB

With reference to the Cabinet, 30 September 2019 (Minute 31 refers).The Council be recommended to agree to the following:

 

That the recommendations of the Public Health Annual Report 2019 be endorsed and its publication be supported.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered a report of the Cabinet from its meeting held on 30 September 2019 concerning the Public Health Annual Report (PHAR) 2019, an independent annual report of the Director of Public Health and a statutory requirement.

 

Resolved (unanimously) - that the recommendations of the Public Health Annual Report 2019 be endorsed and its publication be supported.

72.

Approval of Revised Local Development Scheme for Wirral – July 2019 pdf icon PDF 55 KB

With reference to the meeting of Cabinet, 30 September 2019, Minute 33 refers, Council is recommended to:

 

(1)  approve the adoption of the revised Local Development Scheme attached to the report; and

 

(2)  subject to the approval of (1) above, agree that the revised Local Development Scheme comes into effect on the day following the date that the Council resolution is passed.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered an item from the Cabinet meeting held on 30 September 2019 concerning the revised Local Development Scheme.

 

Resolved (60:0 with one abstention) - that

(1)   the revised Local Development Scheme attached to the report be adopted; and

(2)   the revised Local Development Scheme come into effect on 15 October 2019.

73.

NORTHERN LGPS OPERATING AGREEMENT pdf icon PDF 65 KB

With reference to the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, 26 September 2019 (Minute 12 refers). The Council be recommended to agree to the following:

 

That

 

(1)  the proposed principles of governance contained in the draft Operating Agreement approved by the Pensions Committee at its meeting on 16 July 2019 and in particular the establishment of a Joint Committee with Tameside and Bradford Councils to oversee the required arrangements for the pooling of investments by all three Pension Funds;

 

(2)  the Chair and Vice Chair of the Pensions Committee (or as otherwise determined by Pensions Committee) be the Council’s elected representatives on the Joint Committee; and

 

(3)  the Director of Pensions in consultation with the Director: Governance and Assurance be given delegated authority to negotiate and agree with Tameside and Bradford Councils the details of the final draft of the Operating Agreement within the parameters of the principles of governance approved by the Pensions Committee and the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered an item from the Pensions Committee meeting held on 16 July 2019 concerning the implementation of governance arrangements in relation to Merseyside Pension Fund’s participation in the Northern Local Government Pension Scheme pool (NLGPS).

 

Resolved (59:0 with two abstentions) - that

(1)   the proposed principles of governance contained in the draft Operating Agreement approved by the Pensions Committee at its meeting on 16 July 2019 and in particular the establishment of a Joint Committee with Tameside and Bradford Councils to oversee the required arrangements for the pooling of investments by all three Pension Funds be approved;

(2)   the Chair and Vice Chair of the Pensions Committee (or as otherwise determined by Pensions Committee) be the Council's elected representatives on the Joint Committee; and

(3)   the Director of Pensions in consultation with the Director: Governance and Assurance be given delegated authority to negotiate and agree with Tameside and Bradford Councils the details of the final draft of the Operating Agreement within the parameters of the principles of governance approved by the Pensions Committee and the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee.

74.

Review of Scrutiny Arrangements pdf icon PDF 69 KB

With reference to the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, 26 September 2019 (Minute 13 refers). The Council be recommended to agree to the following:

 

That

 

(1)  the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its very detailed report;

 

(2)   the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the review of its scrutiny arrangements as follows:

 

(a)  the findings of this review of scrutiny arrangements be taken into account as part any new governance model, with the six key principles of effective scrutiny formally included within the new model of decision-making;

 

(b)  the effectiveness of the Overview & Scrutiny arrangements of the new governance model at Wirral be reviewed after 12 months to ensure the good practice currently in operation is continued; and

 

(c)  the new governance model should ensure full consideration of Wirral’s involvement in the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny function.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered an item from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee meeting held on 26th September 2019 concerning the outcomes of the review of scrutiny arrangements undertaken by the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

Councillor Dave Mitchell, who had chaired the review, thanked all Members who had attended the workshop and participated in the review.

 

Resolved (59:0 with one abstention) - that

(1)   the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its very detailed report;

(2)   the recommendations of the review of its scrutiny arrangements as follows be approved:

(a)   the findings of this review of scrutiny arrangements be taken into account as part any new governance model, with the six key principles of effective scrutiny formally included within the new model of decision making;

(b)   the effectiveness of the Overview and Scrutiny arrangements of the new governance model at Wirral be reviewed after 12 months to ensure the good practice currently in operation is continued; and

(c)   the new governance model should ensure full consideration of Wirral’s involvement in the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny function.

75.

Governance Review pdf icon PDF 86 KB

With reference to the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, 26 September 2019 (Minute 14 refers). The Council be recommended to agree to the following:

 

Having considered:

 

(a)  the materials presented to the Governance Review Working Group; and

 

(b)  the discussions held at the Working Group’s meetings and subsequent Member sessions.

 

This Committee is of the view that Wirral’s residents will now be better served by the introduction of a more accountable and transparent way of conducting the Council’s business, policy formulation and decision-making. 

 

It is the opinion of this Committee that the Council should now move to a Committee based structure to be designed, finalised and in place for the next Municipal Year.

 

  The Committee notes that a range of costs have been put forward that apply to the revised arrangements.  It is recognised however, that revisions to the existing Constitution have been under discussion for some time and that costs would have been incurred in that process. 

 

The Committee considers that the operational costs of the new system of governance should be the subject of regular reports and that in practice these costs should be minimised.

 

The Committee:

 

(1)  recommends to the Council: That

 

(a)  there be a move from Leader and Cabinet Executive arrangements to a Committee System form of governance arrangements to take effect from the Annual Council Meeting in 2020; and

 

(b)  the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee accordingly prepare a draft revised Constitution to propose to the Council meeting of 16 March 2020.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered an item from the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee meeting held on 26th September 2019 concerning the review of the governance arrangements of the Council which had been requested by the meeting of Council held on 14 May 2019.

 

The Committee had established a Governance Review Working Group and, with the assistance of the Local Government Association (LGA), conducted interviews and hosted an all Member workshop. The findings of the Working Group, and its implications, were presented in the report.

 

Councillor Pat Hackett moved an amendment to delay implementation until 2021. This was seconded by Councillor Leech. After discussion this amendment was voted on (27 in favour, 33 against, 1 abstention) and declared lost.

 

Resolved (59:0 with one abstention) - that

(1)   having considered:

(a)   the materials presented to the Governance Review Working Group; and

(b)   the discussions held at the Working Group’s meetings and subsequent Member sessions.

Council is of the view that Wirral’s residents will now be better served by the introduction of a more accountable and transparent way of conducting the Council’s business, policy formulation and decision-making.  Council should now move to a Committee based structure to be designed, finalised and in place for the next Municipal Year.

Council notes that a range of costs have been put forward that apply to the revised arrangements.  It is recognised however, that revisions to the existing Constitution have been under discussion for some time and that costs would have been incurred in that process. Council considers that the operational costs of the new system of governance should be the subject of regular reports and that in practice these costs should be minimised.

(2)   there be a move from Leader and Cabinet Executive arrangements to a Committee System form of governance arrangements to take effect from the Annual Council Meeting in 2020; and

(3)   the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee accordingly prepare a draft revised Constitution to propose to the Council meeting of 16 March 2020.

At 9.50 pm, the meeting was adjourned as agreed earlier (Minute 61 refers) and reconvened on 22 October 2019 at 6 pm.

 

Tuesday 22, October, 2019

 

Present:

 

The Civic Mayor (Councillor Tony Smith) in the Chair

Deputy Civic Mayor (Councillor George Davies)

 

 

Councillors

B Berry

J Bird

C Blakeley

A Brame

D Burgess-Joyce

H Cameron

K Cannon

C Carubia

P Cleary

W Clements

C Cooke

A Corkhill

T Cottier

WJ Davies

S Foulkes

S Frost

A Gardner

 

P Gilchrist

K Greaney

JE Green

EA Grey

P Hackett

P Hayes

S Hayes

A Hodson

K Hodson

J Johnson

AER Jones

C Jones

S Jones

T Jones

S Kelly

B Kenny

I Lewis

M McLaughlin

D Mitchell

 

C Muspratt

Y Nolan

T Norbury

L Rennie

J Robinson

L Rowlands

C Spriggs

P Stuart

T Usher

J Walsh

G Watt

S Whittingham

KJ Williams

S Williams

J Williamson

G Wood

 

 

Apologies

Councillors

T Anderson

M Collins

T Cox

E Grey

M Jordan

A Leech

 

J McManus

C Povall

J Stapleton

M Sullivan

I Williams

A Wright

 

 

 

Additional documents:

76.

Declarations of interests

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council Members 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 Les Rowlands declared a personal interest in Motion 9 (Minute No. 86 refers) by virtue of his wife working in education.

77.

Civic Mayor's announcements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Civic Mayor noted that apologies had been received from Councillors: Tom Anderson, Mike Collins, Tony Cox, Liz Grey, Mary Jordan, Anita Leech, Julie McManus, Cherry Povall, Jean Stapleton, mike Sullivan, Irene Williams and Alison Wright.

 

Councillor Chris Blakeley moved to invoke the guillotine immediately which would cease all debate and move to the vote on all subsequent items. This was seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie.

 

This was voted on (for 18, against 29, abstentions 2) and declared lost.

 

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved that the first four Motions be debated with a review of the guillotine after that or at 8 pm. This was seconded by Councillor Pat Hackett.

 

This was voted on (for 32, against 16, abstention 1) and carried.

78.

Motion (1) DELAYED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL pdf icon PDF 58 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Janette Williamson moved and Councillor Paul Stuart seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

Members debated the Motion and related some personal experiences and then voted and it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Council notes that Wirral has seen 4,631 reported incidents of domestic abuse in 2018/19 and is particularly alarmed at rising levels of violence towards women and girls, especially with the knowledge that not all crime is getting reported.

Council is proud that Wirral has a zero tolerance to domestic abuse and of the support it offers victims of such abuse.  It currently funds a women’s refuge which offers a place of safety to local women and children at risk of the most extreme violence and possible death as well as exempting them from Council Tax. However, it is extremely alarmed that the Domestic Violence Bill was delayed after the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, prorogued Parliament, and welcomes the Supreme Court judgement that Boris Johnson’s acts were unlawful.  This Bill statutorily defines domestic abuse to include economic control – a devastating form of coercive control.  The Bill will also boost the powers available to courts to block perpetrators from contacting those they abused.  The Bill will help an estimated 1.2 million women and 713,000 men a year in England and Wales who are affected by domestic abuse. Any delay on this Bill will impact on our residents on Wirral who are living with domestic abuse on a daily basis. Council is hugely concerned that the tone and language of Boris Johnson in his response to Paula Sheriff’s comments about Jo Cox which he called “humbug”, were unacceptable on both a human and political level, and sought to trivialise violence towards women.  Council further condemns the language used by the Attorney General Geoffrey Cox who said “when did you stop beating your wife?” during a recent Commons debate. The crass and misogynistic language around violence towards women by the Conservative Party shames us all as a civilised society. Council instructs the Leader to write to Boris Johnson and seek an assurance that Wirral victims of domestic abuse will not suffer through further delays to the Domestic Violence Bill and that his and his colleagues’ language about violence towards women will be measured and befitting of enlightened and intelligent parliamentarians. Council invites all elected members to make appositive contribution locally by supporting the valuable work of Wirral Council, Wirral Women and Children’s Aid, Involve Northwest, RASA Merseyside, Tomorrow’s Women and the Freedom Programme, and to sign Women’s Aid - 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence campaign and asks all members to sign their pledge.

https://16daysofaction.co.uk/the-campaign/.

79.

Motion (2) CHILDREN IN CARE pdf icon PDF 47 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ian Lewis moved and Councillor Wendy Clements seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

Councillor Tom Usher moved and Councillor Liz Grey had seconded an amendment in accordance with Standing Order 12(9). The amendment was accepted by the Mover and seconder of the motion.

 

After a vote it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Council notes that six in every 10 looked after children are in care due to abuse or neglect, causing a lasting impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

On behalf of these children, Council demands that the care provided be of the highest quality, while ensuring every pound spent is used well and for the purpose intended.

Council believes that, while many care providers are meeting these obligations, some are not and that the inflationary increases imposed by some providers has not been met with a commensurate increase in quality.  The cost of care placements for local authorities in the northwest have in some cases reported a 33% increase over three years, whilst the largest care provider boasts a 26% return on its children’s services “investments”.

Council welcomes the ongoing development of an Authority-led strategy, to ensure Wirral children receive quality care at a reasonable cost and to report back to all members on progress. This strategy will explore:

·  Increasing our in-house capacity

·  Bolstering our foster care numbers

·  Working with respected non-profit organisations

·  Collaborating with the city region to consider commissioning arrangements

Council also asks that the government does its part. Children’s Services has not been allocated adequate funding by the government. It is also up to the government to provide central oversight and control of a market that is not, at present, working for children or for the public purse. Council requests that the leader and lead member write to government to express these concerns.

80.

Motion (3) PRIORITISING SAFETY AROUND SCHOOLS pdf icon PDF 79 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Stuart Kelly moved and Councillor Chris Carubia seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

After a debate where it was emphasised that the Motion could help encourage children to walk or cycle to school, it was

 

Resolved (48:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Council notes the current Parking Enforcement Policy adopted by Cabinet 15 March 2012.

https://www.wirral.gov.uk/sites/default/files/all/Parking,%20roads%20and%20travel/parking/Wirral%20Council%20parking%20enforcement%20policy.pdf 

Council considers that enhanced priority to safety around schools should be included within the Policy.  Council, therefore, requests that the Cabinet Member for Community Services reviews the Policy and suggests that she adopts the following suggested amendments to prioritise illegal parking enforcement around schools.

Amendment 1

To section 2.9.1 (Parking Enforcement is therefore undertaken to assist in), add additional bullet point:

·  Allowing pedestrians and cyclists on route to work, school or leisure safe travel unimpeded by illegally parked vehicles.

Amendment 2

To section 2.9.3 (outline enforcement regime), amend 9th bullet point. Currently reads:

·  School Keep Clear markings throughout the Borough will be enforced with a rolling programme and in response to specific demands.

Amend to read:

·  School Keep Clear markings, yellow lines and dropped kerbs around schools throughout the Borough will be enforced daily during term time.

Amendment 3

To section 2.9.4 (frequency and times of patrols), amend paragraph. Currently reads:

To ensure an efficient and effective operation the exact frequency and times of patrols are left to the Director of Technical Services and his appointed contractor to determine. These frequencies and times will be reviewed regularly.

Amend to read:

To ensure an efficient and effective operation the exact location, frequency and times of patrols are left to the Director of Technical Services and his appointed contractor to determine. Except that safety around schools shall be given daily priority during term time and at morning and afternoon peaks. These frequencies and times will be reviewed regularly.

81.

Motion (4) BOOSTING FUNDS FOR GREEN TRANSPORT pdf icon PDF 60 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Pat Cleary moved and Councillor Chris Cooke seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1):

 

“Council notes that, following the declaration of a Climate Emergency in Wirral, the draft climate strategy states that:

·  Transformation on an extraordinary scale is needed

·  To meet our fair share of the global pollution reduction challenge means cutting CO2 by an average of 13.4% each year compared to the present reduction of around 3.8 % per year

·  The transport sector accounts for 26% of Wirral’s carbon foot print

·  We must see a complete shift to fossil fuel free local travel by around 2030

Council is also aware that:

·  Wirral has again been excluded from the City Region’s plans for new train stations and there is no funding in place to boost the number of train stations in Wirral

·  The bus network in Wirral continues to be eroded by the withdrawal of some services and reductions in others, leaving more and more residents isolated and increasing car dependency

·  That the City Region’s Cycling Infrastructure Plan to 2029 falls well short of providing a comprehensive network of safe cycling routes in Wirral and, to date, funding has only been secured for a single scheme in Wirral (Leasowe to Seacombe)

·  That there is no plan in place for comprehensive public transport within the Wirral Waters area and the council has still to declare any alternative to the proposed streetcar scheme

Council therefore agrees that there is a huge amount of work to be done and funds to be raised if we are to honour our Climate Emergency declaration and also achieve zero-carbon transport by 2030.

Council also notes the Workplace Parking Levy introduced by Nottingham City Council in 2012. This applies a charge for all employers with 11 or more parking spaces with funds ring fenced for transport improvements. To date, this has helped deliver:

·  The highest bus and tram use per head in the country outside London.

·  Reduced congestion, improvements to local air quality and lower carbon emissions

·  Additional funding streams as every £1 generated by the levy has helped deliver an additional £2 in funding from external sources. This has helped finance a doubling in the local tram network, refurbished train and bus stations and the fully electric Link bus network

Council therefore requests cabinet to ask relevant officers to prepare a report on whether the development of the Workplace Parking Levy in Nottingham, a city with a congested road network and the benefit of a directly controlled bus service and advanced transport network and two established Air Quality Management Areas, has any lessons that can be transferred to the very different circumstances in Wirral.

This to include but not limited to:

·  The potential direct revenue generation to 2030 for Wirral Borough Council

·  An estimate of additional funding from external sources leveraging the funds secured from a local levy

The practical steps required in order to introduce a scheme with particular reference to the lengthy process of consultation undertaken in Nottingham, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

Guillotine

Councillor Chris Blakeley moved that the guillotine be invoked immediately and all subsequent items not be debated and be put to simple votes. This was seconded by Councillor Lesley Rennie.

 

This was agreed.

Additional documents:

82.

Motion (5) WIRRAL COUNCIL TO COMMIT TO KEEP IT LOCAL CAMPAIGN pdf icon PDF 50 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Janette Williamson moved and Councillor Tony Jones seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

Councillor Ian Lewis moved and Councillor Wendy Clements seconded an amendment in accordance with Standing Order 12(9).

 

Councillor Pat Cleary moved and Councillor Steve Hayes seconded an amendment in accordance with Standing Order 12(9).

 

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

 

The first amendment was put to the vote (for 24, against 25, one abstention) and declared lost.

 

The second amendment was put to the vote (for 49, none against, one abstention) and carried.

 

The substantive Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Wirral Council believes in the power of community. That’s why we understand the best way to tackle the challenges we face as an authority and create transformative local services for our residents is to Keep it Local.

Keeping it Local means, we will work to harness the local potential that exists in our authorities’ neighbourhoods and communities, by building strong local partnerships, sharing power and maximising local strengths.

In doing so, we can use public resources to invest in the local economy and support community capacity, Social Value and the opportunity to keep wealth in Wirral. We will provide services which intervene early to reduce long-term costs and drive down pressure on our public services.

Council notes that recent years have seen a trend towards outsourcing services at scale, which has crowded out local community organisations. Wirral Council aspire to adopt a different way: to Keep it Local.

Wirral Council calls upon Cabinet to join the Keep it Local Network – a coalition of forward-thinking councils like ours. To sign up to the network, Cabinet will commit to work towards seven ‘Keep it Local principles’:

1. Think about the whole system, not individual public service silos.

2. Co-ordinate services at the neighbourhood level.

3. Increase local spend through progressive procurement to invest in the local economy.

4. Focus on early intervention now to save costs tomorrow.

5. Commit to communities and proactively support local organisations.

6. Commission services simply and collaboratively so they are ‘local by default’

7. Promote a fully circular economy that designs out waste, keeps products and materials in use and maintains natural systems.

We call upon Cabinet to convene a discussion with the local community to co-design what it means to Keep it Local in the Wirral setting and continue to work with Locality and peer councils in the Keep it Local Network to assess and improve our current practice.

We also call on Cabinet to appoint a ‘Keep it Local Champion’ within the Cabinet and in the Senior Management Team to take ownership of this work and work with colleagues in pursuit of these aims.

83.

Motion (6) BETTER PROVISION FOR STRAY, ABANDONED AND NEGLECTED DOGS pdf icon PDF 43 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Lesley Rennie moved and Councillor Ian Lewis seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

Councillor Paul Stuart moved and Councillor Brian Kenny seconded an amendment in accordance with Standing Order 12(9).

 

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

 

The amendment was put to the vote (for 30, against 19, one abstention) and carried.

 

The substantive Motion was put to the voted and it was

 

Resolved (48:1 with one abstention) - that

 

Council congratulates the Friends of Birkenhead Kennels for their work, since 2010, to ensure that more stray, abandoned and neglected dogs are now cared for and rehomed.  Council wishes to thank those residents and businesses who support this important local facility.

Council welcomes the decision of the administration at that time to shelve a previous proposal to relocate the kennels to Halewood ensuring that the current premises on Corporation Road remained open. Those premises are no longer fit for purpose not only due to the acceleration of work at adjacent Wirral Waters, but do not provide the best conditions for the animals welfare.

Council therefore requests Cabinet to instruct officers to undertake work, in consultation with the Friends of Birkenhead Kennels, to achieve this.

84.

Motion (7) APPRAISAL OF PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN WIRRAL pdf icon PDF 72 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Stuart Kelly moved and Councillor Allan Brame seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

Councillor Tom Usher moved and Councillor Tony Jones seconded an amendment in accordance with Standing Order 12(9).

 

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

 

The amendment was put to the vote (for 42, against 6, one abstention) and carried.

 

The substantive Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) - that

 

1. Council notes that the provision of parking restrictions (e.g. yellow lines) throughout the Borough is inconsistent with restrictions present where they may no longer be required and no restrictions present on junctions which present a danger to road users.

2. Council notes the Secretary of State's Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities on the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions... https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attach ment_ data/file/609788/statutory-guidance-local-authorities-enforcementparkingcontraventions.pdf

3. Council notes para 6.1 which states: Enforcement authorities should monitor their parking policies, enforcement regimes and associated regulatory framework (including penalty charge levels). They should appraise them when reviewing their Local Transport Plans and make recommendations for improvements to members. Council welcomes the concerns that cabinet has expressed that there has not been a comprehensive appraisal of parking restrictions in Wirral and fully supports the administration’s moves to look at parking restrictions from a borough-wide perspective.

4. Council notes the guidance offered in para 6.4 which states: The appraisal should take account of:

·  existing and predicted levels of demand for parking;

·  the availability and pricing of on- and off-street parking places;

·  the impact on the local economy and the viability of local shops and high streets;

·  the justification for, and accuracy of, existing traffic orders;

·  the adequacy, accuracy and quality of traffic signing and road markings which restrict or permit parking;

·  the level of enforcement necessary for compliance;

·  the levels of penalty charges;

·  the need to resource the operation effectively and ensure that all parking staff are appropriately trained; and

·  impact on traffic flow, i.e. traffic or congestion outcomes.

5. Council notes that when carrying out an appraisal, the guidance states at para 6.3: The Secretary of State recommends that enforcement authorities consult locally on their parking policies when they appraise them. They should seek the views of people and businesses with a range of different parking needs as well as taking into account the views of the Police. Council considers that local Ward Members should also be consulted as the appraisal progresses.

6. Council welcomes the work that has already been done on a Wirral-wide review of its parking restrictions in line with statutory guidance and asks that it explores all of the aspects outlined above.

85.

Motion (8) BOROUGH OF CULTURE ACHIEVEMENTS pdf icon PDF 48 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Brian Kenny moved and Councillor George Davies seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

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

 

The Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) – that

 

Council notes the recent events held in Wirral and their success in bringing many thousands of visitors to the Borough, as well as providing unrivalled entertainment for local residents. The Wirral Food & Drink Festival was a huge success, attracting vendors from across the region and providing a platform for local producers – and seeing many thousands of visitors able to enjoy the best of our Borough. In addition, this took place alongside music events over two nights, which saw the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and popular Merseyside bands the Lightning Seeds, China Crisis and the Christians give memorable performances. This event was then followed, just days later, with the OVO Energy Tour of Britain stage five taking place in Wirral. The event started and ended in Birkenhead Park – our historic park which was showcased to the world by global live TV coverage.  Also, the launch of the “Sir David Attenborough” at Cammell Lairds, on 26th September, was a cause for great celebration and pride.

These events took place as part of Wirral’s year as the Borough of Culture, which has seen events ranging from the return of the Walker Cup golf tournament to the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, art exhibitions, Animated Square, the River Festival and many more.

Council congratulates the Cabinet member Christine Spriggs and all those Officers, staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to ensure the huge success of these events, showing this Borough in the best possible light.

Council agrees to congratulate and thank everyone involved, for their vision, hard work and commitment. Finally, Council wishes to thank all residents who have supported and/or participated in any of the recent events.

86.

Motion (9) EVERY CHILD MATTERS pdf icon PDF 41 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Wendy Clements moved and Councillor Chery Povall seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

Councillor Tom Usher moved and Councillor Christina Muspratt seconded an amendment in accordance with Standing Order 12(9).

 

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

 

The amendment was put to the vote (for 31, against 18, one abstention) and carried.

 

The substantive Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Council welcomes the increasing numbers of children attending ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ schools in the Borough and increasing levels of achievement and attainment at all stages.

Council believes that only a wide range of schools, catering for the needs of all Wirral’s children, can ensure that no child is left behind and that all children reach their full potential.

Council urges this Government to reverse the shameful decline in finances for the State Education Sector and adequately fund all State schools and in particular SEND education. This Council agrees that all educational opportunity should be equal. This is only possible if State Education is properly funded to match the provision in Independent Schools. 

87.

Motion (10) DELIVERING A NEW DEAL FOR TRANSPORT pdf icon PDF 70 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Dave Mitchell seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

Councillor Tony Norbury moved and Councillor Tony Jones seconded an amendment in accordance with Standing Order 12(9).

 

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

 

The amendment was put to the vote (for 21, against 23, one abstention) and declared lost.

 

The substantive Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (26:0 with 19 abstentions) - that

 

This Council

a)   welcomes the action of Members who raised the issue of changes and reductions to Wirral bus services at the Transport Committee of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on 18 July 2019

b)   remains frustrated that changes introduced in September 2019, with the removal of good connections and direct links, affect access to Arrowe Park Hospital and other communities

c)   recalls that a Motion put forward by Cllr Stuart Kelly and seconded by Cllr Allan Brame in December 2018 called on Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram to exercise powers devolved under the Bus Services Act 2017 and move towards a fully franchised bus network for LCR and Wirral (minute 90 refers) http://s03vs-intrcm.core.wcent.wirral.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=46436

Council notes that the Transport Committee of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority considered the Transport Plan on 13 June 2019… https://moderngov.merseytravel.gov.uk/documents/s37842/09b%20%20CA%20Transport%20Plan%20-%20Appendix%20Two.pdf and that there is, within it, ‘Priority Action 3.2' that is … " To consider the opportunities set out within the 2015 LCR Devolution Deal and Bus Services Act 2017 relating to new forms of ownership and control of local bus services.  An Outline Business Case will be developed by spring 2020"

Whilst Council understands that Merseytravel is currently evaluating two potential alternative models, enhanced partnerships and franchising, it has concerns over the length of time to achieve this whilst the Wirral’s residents suffer from gaps in services and services that do not meet local needs.

Council observes that in June 2019, the Mayor of Greater Manchester set out to progress the franchising model…  https://ilovemanchester.com/andy-burnham-announces-our-network-planintegrated-modern-accessible-public-transport-system/ though this has brought the predictable reaction from Stagecoach... https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/busfirms-legal-action-manchester-16481755

In view of the likely progress in Manchester, this Council considers it essential that Merseyside collects information from other areas, learns from their experience and speeds up the process of securing bus services that meet local needs, provide services that are reliable and efficient and, in this process, cuts carbon emissions to deal with the climate emergency.

Accordingly this Council requests that our Metro Mayor ensure that Merseytravel’s evaluation is brought forward, concluded speedily and effected as soon as practicable.

88.

Motion (11) THE PLACEMENT MARKET IS NOT WORKING FOR CHILDREN OR FOR THE PUBLIC PURSE pdf icon PDF 61 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members were informed that this item had been withdrawn following the vote on Motion 2, above (Minute 79 refers).

89.

Motion (12) BIOSOLAR ROOFING ON ALL SUITABLE FLAT ROOFS pdf icon PDF 55 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Andy Corkhill moved and Councillor Allan Brame seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

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

 

The Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Council notes:

1.   that a Climate Emergency, with the amendment that it contained practical policy, was passed on 15 July 2019;

2.  that climate change, as well as being a national and international issue, needs to be addressed effectively at local level;

3.  that the Council has a goal of reducing its CO2 emissions by 60% by 2025;

4.  that the Wirral Biodiversity Action Plan urges the integration of biodiversity conservation objectives into all policy formulation, decision making and service delivery.

Council recognises that:

a)   BioSolar roofing combines biodiverse green and solar photovoltaic technology, providing water attenuation, biodiversity and habitat enhancement, and clean, renewable energy (see https://livingroofs.org/introduction-types-greenroof/biosolar-green-roofs-solar-green-roofs/)

b)   Green roofs and solar are complementary technologies that will accelerate the biodiversity net gain requirement the UK must achieve;

c)   BioSolar roofing is an important element of urban design if we are to create buildings that are zero-carbon and energy positive and meet biodiversity gain requirements;

d)   BioSolar roofing will help achieve significant carbon reduction and show that the Council is serious about implementing solutions and taking practical steps to respond to the climate emergency motion.

Accordingly, Council

(i)  agrees with the principle of installing bio and solar roofing on all suitable flat roofing owned by the Council, and on all new builds with flat roofs and

(ii)  requests Cabinet urgently to investigate practical steps to implement this policy.

90.

Motion (13) SAFER ROADS pdf icon PDF 50 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Joe Walsh moved and Councillor Tom Usher seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

Councillor Pat Cleary moved and Councillor Chris Cooke seconded an amendment in accordance with Standing Order 12(9).

 

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

 

The amendment was put to the vote (for 44, against 5, one abstention) and carried.

 

The substantive Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Council notes that one of the main concerns raised by Wirral residents is that of speeding traffic.

Council also acknowledges that, on investigation, it is often the case that traffic is not breaking the speed limit of 30mph on most residential roads but is still causing a nuisance and preventing people from feeling that they are safe.

Council recognises that roads need to be safe and need to feel safe.

Council agrees that we should seek to calm and reduce traffic along our residential roads in order to reduce air pollution, noise pollution and dangerous greenhouse gas emissions and also to improve safety and people’s perception of safety, promoting walking and cycling and further enabling the model shift from car to active travel that is so important in the current environment and climate emergency.

Council therefore asks Cabinet to instruct officers to seek funding and to explore measures to calm and reduce traffic speeds on local residential roads, as soon as possible across the borough, working with the Police to ensure full effectiveness.

Specifically, Council agrees that our urban areas need more 20mph speed limits to create safer streets and more vibrant communities where people live, work and shop. Already more than 20 urban authorities in the UK have a policy of setting 20mph as the default for all their streets. Council therefore requests cabinet to identify a substantial pilot area within Wirral to trial a comprehensive 20 mph zone with a view to rolling out a Borough-wide programme. This should be based on the scheme already implemented by Edinburgh City Council: https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/media/3466/edinburgh-20mph.pdf

Council should note that it is the intention of the Cabinet portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change to write to the Secretaries of State for Transport and Environment to request adequate funding for the implementation of such schemes.

91.

Motion (14) KEEPING ALLEYWAYS CLEAR pdf icon PDF 41 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Allan Brame moved and Councillor Andy Corkhill seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

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

 

The substantive Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (49:0 with one abstention) - that

 

Council notes the Council’s obligation to keep alleyways and entries free from waste build-up in order to maintain free passage for residents who are expected to present their bins for collection at the ends of the alleys.

Council notes that if an alleyway becomes unpassable with a wheelie bin, it is impossible for residents to place their bins as required by the Council.

Council notes that Biffa is engaged to keep the alleyways clear of rubbish via a regular cleanse.

However, Council notes that rubbish is not the only impediment to residents seeking to present their bins as required and that overgrown vegetation/weeds, standing water due to blocked drains and fly tipping can also serve to make alleyways impassable.

Council therefore requests that the appropriate Cabinet Member puts in place arrangements to ensure that overgrown vegetation/weeds, standing water and fly tipping are included in the general maintenance of all adopted and unadopted alleyways that it has an obligation to keep clear for waste collection purposes.

92.

Motion (15) BLUE FLAG BEACHES pdf icon PDF 46 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Janette Williamson moved and Councillor Allan Brame seconded a Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(1).

 

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

 

The Motion was put to the vote and it was

 

Resolved (33:16 with one abstention) - that

 

Council acknowledges that Wirral’s coastline deserves the best protection possible. Council acknowledges that following mistakes in managing our coasts, investigations are still ongoing, but lessons are already being learned.

Council acknowledges that the Blue Flag* award is an internationally recognised sign of the very best quality beaches and that neighbouring authorities have achieved Blue Flag status, indicating to visitors that their beaches are safe, clean and very well looked after.

Council agrees that WBC set as a target the achievement of blue flag beaches along all of our beautiful coastline and takes steps to achieve this as soon as possible, consulting and working with stakeholders. This will help us to improve biodiversity and add to our attractiveness as a visitor destination.

Council requests Cabinet to work with the scrutiny committee, and United Utilities and Welsh Water to ensure that water standards along our coasts are always up to blue flag standards.

*The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, nongovernmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). The Blue Flag Programme started in France in 1985. It has been implemented in Europe since 1987 and in areas outside of Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined. Today, Blue Flag has become a truly global Programme, with an ever-increasing number of countries participating in it.  The Blue Flag Programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas. It challenges local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four categories of: water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. Over the years, the Blue Flag has become a highly respected and recognised eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional and national levels.