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.

Members were asked 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.

No such declarations were made.

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

The Civic Mayor announced that he would be hosting a Charity Ball on 15^th October at Thornton Hall and that all Members of the Council were invited.

The Civic Mayor announced that apologies had been received from Councillor Andy Corkhill, Councillor Jenny Johnson, Councillor Harry Gorman, Councillor Sharon Jones, Councillor Cherry Povall and Councillor Tony Cottier.

Members were also reminded that a supplementary agenda pack had been published and was available to Members to refer to during discussion of any amendments or motions to be discussed

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 19 and 26 May, 2021 (Annual Council) and the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 11 August, 2021.

The minutes of the meetings held on 19 and 26 May 2021 (Annual Meetings) and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 11 August, 2021 had been circulated to Members.

On a motion by the Civic Mayor seconded by Councillor Janette Williamson it was –

Resolved – That the minutes of the meetings be approved and adopted as correct records.

Notice of question to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer (committeeservices@wirral.gov.uk) and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 10.

The Civic Mayor announced that no questions had been received

Notice of statements to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer (commmitteeservices@wirral.gov.uk) and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 11.1.

Petitions may be presented to the Council. The person presenting the petition will be allowed to address the meeting briefly (not exceeding one minute) to outline the aims of the petition. The Mayor will refer the matter to another appropriate body of the Council within whose terms of reference it falls without discussion, unless a relevant item appears elsewhere on the Agenda. Please give notice of petitions to committeeservices@wirral.gov.uk in advance of the meeting.

The Civic Mayor reported that no statements were to be received but that notice had been given of petitions to be presented.

Phil Spencer then introduced a petition from Bromborough Village Community Association regarding Car Parking Charges. Mr Spencer advised that 2,000 signatures had been collected online and 500 from shoppers and residents.

Councillor Mary Jordan then presented a petition regarding Car Parking Charges in Bebington.

Resolved – That the petitions be noted and referred to the appropriate Chief Officers in accordance with Standing Order 11.2.

To consider Members’ questions to the Leader or Deputy Leader of the Council, Committee Chair or a Leader of a Political Group, in accordance with Standing Orders 12.

Councillor Phil Gilchrist asked a question of the Chair of Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee regarding the combined effect of sweeping every three months, the timing of weed treatment and the build-up of dirt and grit leading led to poor conditions on and around traffic islands and kerbsides in various parts of Wirral. Councillor Gilchrist asked if officers and contractors could be brought together to tackle this issue.

Councillor Liz Grey responded accordingly and confirmed she would speak to officers and that she would wish to convene a working group on this.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Gilchrist asked for assurance on timescales and was advised by Councillor Liz Grey that this would be convened as soon as possible

Councillor Stuart Kelly asked a question of the Leader of the Council commending her on her swift response to the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and asked if the Afghans who would be settling in Wirral under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy were, in fact, classed as ex-service personnel and would be covered by the United Kingdom Armed Forces Covenant and Wirral’s own local Armed Forces Community Covenant.

Councillor Janette Williamson responded accordingly and confirmed that Wirral had committed to support through the placement of Afghans through this policy

Councillor Kelly then asked a supplementary question of the Leader asking for assurance that Wirral would continue to be a welcoming place for people escaping tyranny. Councillor Williamson confirmed that this would be the case.

Cllr Alan Brame asked a question of the Chair of the Partnerships Committee regarding the waiting times for GP appointments in the Wirral and further asked that the Chair of Partnerships agree to make representations to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Councillor Robinson responded accordingly and confirmed that the Partnerships Committee would be looking at integrated care services as part of the work programme and also suggested that the Partnerships Committee could invite the Merseyside Consortium of GPs prior to writing to the Health Secretary

To consider any recommendations and receive reports from the Council’s Committees which require the approval or consideration of the Council, and to receive questions and answers on any of those reports.

In accordance with Standing Order 2 (x) ten matters had been submitted for approval by the Council (see minutes 24 to 33 post)

The Council is requested to approve the Wirral Plan 2021-26 as referred from the Policy and Resources Committee.

Policy and Resources Committee minute 34 (28/7/21) attached, together with the report.

The first item requiring approval was in relation to the Wirral Plan. This had previously been to Council in October 2019, but had been refreshed to reflect the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of this in the borough.

Several Councillors spoke to this item with Councillor Liz Grey wanting to thank the officers who produced it.

On the motion moved by Cllr Janette Williamson it was then,

Resolved – The recommendation contained within minute extract 34 of the Policy and Resources Committee of 28 July 2021 be agreed as follows:

(1) further engagement and discussion with relevant Committees takes place to shape the underpinning delivery plans and work programmes required to implement the Wirral Plan; and

(2) the approach for the development of delivery planning and corporate change programme to support implementation, be approved.

The first item requiring approval was in relation to the Wirral Plan as recommended by the Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting of 28 July, 2021.

On a motion moved by Councillor Janette Williamson it was -

Resolved – That the Wirral Plan 2021-26 be approved.

The second item requiring approval was in relation to a report of the Chief Executive, which presented The Wirral Plan 2021-26 Draft Delivery Plans. These had been developed during the summer, with Group Leaders considering the draft Plans on Friday 20 August 2021.

The motion was formally moved by Councillor Janette Williamson and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Nolan

Before moving to debate the Civic Mayor made Council aware of an amendment moved by Councillor Cleary and seconded by Councillor Grey,

‘Delivering a robust Active Travel strategy and Road Safety plan at pace for all of Wirral is fundamental to achieving our policy objectives on climate, air quality and health. These issues cut across various aspects of council activities. Successful outcomes will rely on active engagement across several committees. However, it is the view of council, taking on board the amount of work done to date in advancing our net zero carbon and road safety ambitions, that these areas sit best within the Sustainable Environment brief.

Council notes that at its meeting of 30 June the Policy and Resources Committee asked “that the Constitution and Standards Committee consider whether existing provision within the Council’s Constitution with respect to the planning for and implementation of active travel schemes are sufficiently clear and appropriate and if necessary to make recommendations to Council on any necessary changes to the Constitution.”

Moreover, given the work already undertaken by members of the Environment Climate Emergency & Transport committee on the development of the Environment and Climate Emergency Action Plan, the Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy and the promotion of carbon literacy, Council believes that section 2 from the Safe and Pleasant Communities section of the draft Wirral Plan should be moved and placed within the Sustainable Environment section.

Accordingly, Council agrees to:

Add an additional category 3 – Safer, Sustainable Transport – to the Sustainable Environment section

Amend the Summary for item 5 in Inclusive Economy to read “Embedding active travel solutions and local cycling and walking infrastructure across all of Wirral”. Move this item to the new section 3 under Sustainable Environment

Move “Deliver new Road Safety Action Plan” from section 4 in Safe and Pleasant Communities to the new section 3 under Sustainable Environment.

Remove section 2 from Safe and Pleasant Communities and place the items clearly within the Sustainable Environment part of the Delivery Plan.’

After a debate Councillor Janette Williamson spoke to the amendment to confirm she had no particular issue with it, however was concerned around some of the language used by Councillor Cleary when speaking to the amendment about it being outdated.

The amendment was then put and carried (42:18).

The Civic Major then asked members to debate the substantive motion. After a lengthy debate the motion, as amended was then put and it was –

Resolved (39:21) -

Having considered the additional contents within the draft Delivery Plans set out in Appendix 1 to the report, Council agrees that further engagement and discussion with relevant Committees takes place to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

The Council is requested to agree the following recommendation of the Policy and Resources Committee:

(1)  the 2020/21 budget of £46.574m in relation to Covid-19 funding for Council use and note the additional £22.963m of funds that is to be made available to the Council for onward relay to other organisations as passported funding. This recommendation follows on from the recommendation made by Policy & Resources Committee on 17th February 2021, following the recent notification of additional funding; 

(2)  that the debts in excess of £10,000 included within Appendix 2 be approved for write off against the Provision for Bad Debts.

Policy and Resources Committee minute 23 (30/6/21) attached.

The report can be viewed here.

The third item requiring approval was in relation to the Revenue Outturn Report 2020/21.

On a motion by Councillor Janette Williamson, seconded by Councillor Yvonne Nolan it was -

Resolved – That the recommendations contained within minute 23 of the Policy and Resources Committee of 30 June 2021 be agreed in that:

1.  Council approve the 2020/21 budget of £46.574m in relation to Covid-19 funding for Council use and note the additional £22.963m of funds that is to be made available to the Council for onward relay to other organisations as passported funding. This recommendation follows on from the recommendation made by Policy & Resources Committee on 17th February 2021, following the recent notification of additional funding; and 

2.  the debts in excess of £10,000 included within Appendix 2 be approved for write off against the Provision for Bad Debts.

The Council is requested to agree the following recommendation of the Policy and Resources Committee:

(1)  that the additional year end re-profiling of £27.4m from 2020/21 to 2021/22 be noted;

(2)  that the financing of the Programme for 2020/21 be noted;

(3)  the approval of the virements referred to in Appendix 3 of the report;

(4)  that the Programme for 2021/22 and beyond be kept under review to ensure it is realistic, deliverable and affordable.

Policy and Resources Committee minute 24 (30/6/21) attached.

The report can be viewed here.

The fourth item requiring approval was in relation to the Capital Outturn Report 2020/21

On a motion by Councillor Janette Williamson, seconded by Councillor Yvonne Nolan it was,

Resolved – That the recommendations contained within minute 24 of the Policy and Resources Committee of 30 June 2021 be agreed in that:

(1) the additional year end re-profiling of £27.4m from 2020/21 to 2021/22 be noted;

(2) the financing of the Programme for 2020/21 be noted;

(3) the approval of the virements referred to in Appendix 3 of the report;

(4)  the Programme for 2021/22 and beyond be kept under review to ensure it is realistic, deliverable and affordable.

The Council is requested to agree the following recommendation of the Policy and Resources Committee:

That the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2020/21 be agreed.

Policy and Resources Committee minute 36 (28/7/21) attached.

The report can be viewed here.

The fifth item requiring approval was in relation to the Treasury Management Annual Report 2020/21 as recommended by the Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting of 28 July, 2021.

On a motion by Councillor Janette Williamson, seconded by Councillor Yvonne Nolan it was,

Resolved - That the Treasury Management Annual Report 2020/21 be approved.

The Council is requested to approve the Community Safety Strategy as endorsed by the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee:

Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee minute 18 (27/7/21) and the report attached.

The sixth item requiring approval was in relation to the Community Safety Strategy as endorsed by the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 27 July, 2021.

Councillor Helen Cameron was asked by the Civic Mayor to move this item and she chose to speak to this confirming she was happy to work alongside other committees regarding cross cutting themes. This was seconded by Councillor Chris Spriggs.

After a debate, Councillor Liz Grey moved an amendment, seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes:

‘That the Road Safety section includes explicit reference to the adoption of a “Vision Zero” approach.’

This was in addition to the 2 recommendations on the original report.

A further debate took place, during which Councillor Tom Anderson moved a procedural motion which was seconded by Councillor Leslie Rennie asking that the matter be referred back to the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee for further consideration.

The Monitoring officer, Mr Philip McCourt spoke to advise Council that a procedural motion was voted on without debate. Mr McCourt reminded Council that if passed the whole matter would be referred to the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee.

Council then voted on this and it was then -

Resolved – 31:28 (1 abstention) that the matter would continue to be discussed by Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Janette Williamson then requested an adjournment. At 18:30pm pm, the Civic Mayor then adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes.

The meeting resumed at 18:45pm.

The Civic Mayor then opened a debate on the amendment. On the amendment moved by Councillor Liz Grey and seconded by Councillor Steve

Foulkes it was then -

Resolved – 53:3 (4 abstentions)

That the Road Safety section includes explicit reference to the adoption of a “Vision Zero” approach.

The Civic Mayor then opened a debate on the substantive motion. Councillor Janette Williamson spoke to commend the report, especially the inclusion of domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, transphobia and the ‘prevent strategy’ tackling extremism. Councillor Helen Cameron then spoke to commend the contents of the report after which the Civic Mayor asked Members to vote.

Resolved – 59:0 (1 abstention) that – The Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy (Community Safety Strategy) be approved, with the addition, that the Road Safety section includes explicit reference to the adoption of a “Vision Zero” approach.

The Council is requested to agree the following recommendation of the Constitution and Standards Committee:

That Council be recommended to adopt the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Constitution and Standards Committee minute 6 (23/6/21) attached, together with the report and appendices, which includes the revised Code of Conduct for Members.

The seventh item requiring approval was in relation to an amendment to the Councillor’s Code of Conduct, as recommended by the Constitution and Standards Committee at its meeting on 23 June, 2021.

On a motion by Councillor Phil Gilchrist, seconded by Councillor Paul Stuart it was -

Resolved - That the revised Members’ Code of Conduct, be adopted

The eighth item requiring approval was in relation to a report of the Director of Law and Governance and the appointment of a Member to a vacant Committee place following the decision of the Independent Group to forgo that place on the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee and to disapply the requirement for political proportionality of Regulatory Licensing Panels.

On a motion by Councillor Andrew Hodson, seconded by Councillor Chris Jones it was,

Resolved - That:

(1) The vacant position on the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee be:

(a) allocated to the Conservative Group; and

(b) the monitoring officer as proper officer be authorised to carry out the wishes of the Leader of that Group in allocating a Member to membership of the Committee with effect from the date at which the proper officer is advised of the name of that Member

(2) The terms of reference of the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee be amended so as to provide that the sub-committees forming Licensing Panels (Regulatory) will be:

(a) exempt from political balance requirements; but

(b) not formed solely by members of one Group, so as to read at Part 3(b) of the Constitution: 11.4 Licensing Panels (Regulatory) Page 141 Agenda Item 5h Sub-Committees of between three (3) and five (5) members of the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee, which shall consist of members of more than one political group but shall otherwise not be subject to political balance (Council minute [30] 2021/22 refers), with responsibility for the Council’s functions to deal with applications, determinations and reviews of licences or registrations, and any related matter, in respect of any licensed activity that is the responsibility of the Authority (other than under the Licensing Act 2003 or the Gambling Act 2005).

In respect of the ninth item requiring approval, the Civic Mayor advised Council that Councillor Liz Grey wished to step down from this body and the Council was required to appoint another Member. Councillor Anderson spoke to move that this appointment be considered at the Regulatory and General Purpose Committee.

On a motion by Councillor Tom Anderson, seconded by Councillor Janette Williamson it was,

Resolved – This appointment be referred to the next Regulatory and General Purpose Committee.

With regard to the tenth item requiring approval, the Council considered a report of the Director of Law and governance which requested Council to agree that Councillor Andrew Corkhill was granted permission to be absent from Council meetings for the remainder of the 2021/22 municipal year.

On a motion by Councillor Phil Gilchrist, seconded by Councillor Chris Carubia it was,

Resolved - That the absence of Councillor Andy Corkhill from all Council and Committee Meetings, be authorised and approved for the remainder of the 2021/22 municipal year, pursuant to Section 85 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972

To receive reports about and receive questions and answers on decisions made by Committees since the week of the publication of the last ordinary Council agenda.

The minutes of all committees which have met since 8 March, 2021 are attached, as below.

Members’ attention is drawn to one minute, in accordance with Part 4, Section 4, paragraph 9 of the Constitution, in that a decision was taken, which was regarded as urgent by the Committee, as follows:

·  Minute 109 (Policy and Resources Committee (24/3/21)) – Proposed Grant Agreement with LCR Combined Authority for the Costs of the Acquisition of 92 Grange Road, Birkenhead, as formal acceptance of the offer was required by 31 March, 2021.

Two urgent officer decisions have also been taken, and are also reported to the Council in accordance with part 4 of the Constitution, as referred to above. One on 8 July, 2021 by the Director of Neighbourhood Services, ‘Covid Local Support Grant – Extension No.2’ (Decision notice attached atpages 153 – 154); and a decision on 5 August, 2021 by the Director of Regeneration and Place, ‘A Town Deal for Birkenhead – Acceptance of Head of Terms’ (Report attached at pages 155 – 160).

Minutes of Committees:

·  Policy and Resources Committee – 17 and 24 March, 2021, 9 June and 30 June, and 28 July, 2021 (Pages 161 - 224)

·  Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee – 7 June and 29 July,2021 (Pages 225 – 250)

·  Children, Young People and Education Committee – 11 March and 15 June, 2021 (Pages 251 - 270)

·  Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee – 8 June and 26 July, 2021 (Pages 271 - 280)

·  Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee – 16 March and 14 June, 2021 (Pages 281 - 304)

·  Housing Committee – 10 March, 2021 (Pages 305 - 308)

·  Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee – 16 June and 27 July, 2021 (Pages 309 - 318)

·  Audit and Risk Management Committee – 9 March and 5 July, 2021

(Pages 319 - 336)

·  Constitution and Standards Committee – 23 June, 2021

(Pages 337 - 342)

·  Licensing Act Committee – 17 June, 2021 (Pages 343 – 344)

·  Partnerships Committee – 29 June, 2021 (Pages 345 – 352)

·  Pensions Committee – 29 March and 22 June, 2021 (Pages 353 - 366)

·  Planning Committee – 18 March, 15 April, 10 June, 15 July and 12 August, 2021 (Pages 367 - 408)

·  Regulatory and General Purposes Committee – 23 March and 17 June, 2021 (Pages 409 - 418)

The Civic Mayor introduced the minutes of the various Committees which had met since 8 March, 2021. He drew Members’ attention to one minute in particular, in accordance with Part 4, Section 4, paragraph 9 of the Constitution, in that a decision was taken, which was regarded as urgent by the Committee, as follows:

Minute 109 of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 24 March, 2021 – Proposed Grant Agreement with LCR Combined Authority for the Costs of the Acquisition of 92 Grange Road, Birkenhead, as formal acceptance of the offer was required by 31 March, 2021.

Two urgent officer decisions had also been taken and were also reported to the Council in accordance with part 4 of the Constitution, as referred to above. One on 8 July, 2021 by the Director of Neighbourhood Services, ‘Covid Local Support Grant – Extension No.2’; and a decision on 5 August, 2021 by the Director of Regeneration and Place, ‘A Town Deal for Birkenhead – Acceptance of Head of Terms’.

He then asked for questions to Committee Chairs on any of the minutes being received.

Councillor Andrew Gardner asked a question of Councillor Julie McManus in respect of minute 6 of the Housing Committee,10 March 2021 referencing government plans for affordable housing and whether the housing needs of the most deprived people in the Borough were being met. Councillor McManus agreed that some of the housing needs were not being met and agreed that the matter would be on the agenda for the next Housing Committee. 

Councillor David Burgess–Joyce asked a question of Councillor Janette Williamson in respect of Minute 84 of the Policy and Resource Committee, 17 March 2021 and in light of the capitalisation directive issued by MHGLC and whether the use of up to £5m on a community bank was a good use of Council resources. Councillor Janette Williamson responded to say that the money had been set aside as part of the capital programme and she still thought it was.

Councillor Tony Cox asked a question of Councillor Liz Grey in respect of minute 8 of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee 14 June 2021 in relation to car parking charges and if she was aware that a traffic regulation order process could take up to 9 months, putting at risk the budget saving options, and was it discussed with the officers. Councillor Liz Grey responded to confirm that she was aware of this and had discussed it with officers and had been assured that it was part of the initial budget proposal.

Councillor Leslie Rennie asked a question of Councillor Liz Grey in respect of minute 34 of the Policy and Resource Committee 28 July 2021 where it laid out the remit for her committees to include unauthorised encampments and how many had the council dealt with this municipal year and how much it had cost the authority.

Councillor Rennie also referred to comments from members of the public on social media whereby it had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.1, are attached. They are listed in accordance with Standing Order 13.2, and the full text of each motion is attached.

1.   Planning System Reform

2.   Schools Need Adequate Funding to Ensure Our Children Catch Up

3.  Inquiry into the Nicklaus Joint Venture Group (NJVG) Development Agreement

4.  Creating Low Traffic Streets and Neighbourhoods Across Wirral

Motions had been submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.1 and were determined as below in minutes 36 to 39 below.

Councillor Steve Foulkes moved and Councillor Brian Kenny seconded a motion submitted in accordance with standing order 13:

‘Wirral Council notes that the Government has published highly controversial proposals to reform the Planning system. One aspect that has raised particular concern is the proposal to remove local residents’ right to object to individual planning applications in their own neighbourhood if the area is zoned for growth or renewal.

Council believes that the Planning system works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes. Wirral Council therefore calls on the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications.’

Councillor Stuart Kelly moved and Councillor Alan Brame Seconded the following amendment in accordance with Standing order 13.3

‘Insert after second paragraph: Council notes that paragraph 132 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF July 2021) states: ‘Applicants should work closely with those affected by their proposals to evolve designs that take account of the views of the community. Applications that can demonstrate early, proactive and effective engagement with the community should be looked on more favourably than those that cannot.’ Council therefore urges developers to engage with local residents and amenity groups at the earliest possible opportunity as their plans develop and preferably before any formal planning application is submitted. Council requests that Planning Committee gives consideration to amending the Terms of Reference of the Strategic Applications Sub-Committee for it to act as a forum to enable informal pre-application discussion between community groups, Ward Councillors, developers and officers to take place as plans are developed. Council further considers that the Council’s planning website pages should be made more user-friendly and requests the Director of Regeneration and Place to further develop the web pages and, as a start, to ensure that uploaded plans, drawings and documents are given readily understandable titles and that comments submitted by local residents are readily visible for interested parties to view’

Following a debate in accordance with standing order 15, the amendment was put and carried (34:26).

The substantive motion was then put, and it was –

Resolved (60:0) - That -

Wirral Council notes that the Government has published highly controversial proposals to reform the Planning system. One aspect that has raised particular concern is the proposal to remove local residents’ right to object to individual planning applications in their own neighbourhood if the area is zoned for growth or renewal.

Council believes that the Planning system works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes. Wirral Council therefore calls on the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications.

Council notes that paragraph 132 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF July 2021) states: ‘Applicants should work closely with those affected by their proposals to evolve designs that take account of the views of the community. Applications that can demonstrate early, proactive and effective engagement with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Councillor Tom Anderson moved and Councillor Kathy Hodson seconded a motion submitted in accordance with standing order 13:

‘Council seeks confirmation of the full extent of the agreement with Nicklaus Joint Venture Group to develop a ‘Hoylake Golf Resort’, including risks and associated costs to date. Council therefore requests the Audit and Risk Management Committee to investigate the governance and financial arrangements associated with this project, including evidence from those involved in the original decision; a timeline of key points; a full breakdown of costs and who authorised those costs. Further, Council seeks assurances that any other similar agreements which may have been entered into are assessed for risk exposure.’

Councillor Janette Williamson moved and Councillor Paul Stuart seconded an amendment in accordance with standing order 13.3:

‘Insert at end of second paragraph: and scrutiny of relevant and significant events, both political and financial, up to, and including the date of settlement’

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9.1, the Council did not debate this matter.

The amendment was then put and carried (60:0)

The substantive motion was then put, and it was –

Resolved (60:0) - That,

Council seeks confirmation of the full extent of the agreement with Nicklaus Joint Venture Group to develop a ‘Hoylake Golf Resort’, including risks and associated costs to date.

Council therefore requests the Audit and Risk Management Committee to investigate the governance and financial arrangements associated with this project, including evidence from those involved in the original decision; a timeline of key points; a full breakdown of costs and who authorised those costs and scrutiny of relevant and significant events, both political and financial, up to, and including the date of settlement.

Further, Council seeks assurances that any other similar agreements which may have been entered into are assessed for risk exposure.

Councillor Chris Carubia moved and Councillor Phil Gilchrist seconded a motion in accordance with standingorder 13.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9.1, the Council did not debate this matter and it was -

Resolved – 39:21 (no abstentions) – That,

Council congratulates Wirral’s young people on their GCSE and A level results. Council recognises, respects and appreciates that these results reflect the hard work put in by students, supported by their teachers, teaching assistants and parents, despite the considerable disruption to their education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council looks forward to better understanding how well Wirral’s young people have been able to come through such difficult times and remains concerned that the crisis has had a severe impact on the mental health of young people.

Council recalls, in February 2021, that Sir Kevan Collins was appointed as Education Recovery Commissioner. It is noted that, at the time, the Prime Minister stated:- "his experience and expertise will help ensure every young person is supported to catch up on their education and gain the skills and knowledge they need to be able to seize opportunities in future." (Press release, 03.02.21)

Council considers the fact that Sir Kevan felt he had little alternative but to resign in June 2021 is a warning sign that the clear long-term recovery programme he proposed is not likely to be forthcoming from the Government in the way he recommended or at the scale needed to undo the disruption caused by COVID-19.

Council strongly supports the view expressed by Sir Kevan in his resignation letter to the Prime Minister in which he stated:- “I hope that you are able to allocate the additional resources that are likely to be needed for a successful recovery through the forthcoming Spending Review." Council, therefore, asks that the Group Leaders and Spokespersons for Children, Young People & Education sign a letter to the Secretary of State for Education endorsing Sir Kevan’s views and calling for adequate resources for catch-up programmes, designed for all age groups, that will enable Wirral’s young people to recover this lost ground.

Councillor Pat Cleary moved and Councillor Chris Cooke seconded a motion submitted in accordance with standing order 13:

‘Council notes: the negative effects of air pollution on public health and the widespread problems associated with ‘rat-running’ on minor roads.

The benefits of active travel both in reducing carbon emissions and improving health.

The effectiveness of modal filters, chicanes and other traffic calming measures in creating low traffic neighbourhoods by removing through traffic from residential areas and from outside schools. This enables local people to take more and safer journeys on foot, bike or by other active modes.

That there are successful modal filters already installed in Wirral (e.g. Highcroft Avenue, Bebington and Lansdowne Road, Birkenhead).

The greater affordability and versatility of wooden planters compared with other modal filter and chicane designs and the benefits that more plants can bring to a street scene. These can be upgraded with more permanent structures when funding allows.

Best practice case studies that have created high-quality public spaces that prioritise people over cars using design features such as modal filters, school streets, footway improvements, seating, tree planting, pocket parks, cycle parking and signage and waymarking.

Low traffic neighbourhoods deter traffic from cutting through residential side streets to avoid main roads whilst still allowing vehicle access for residents. Scheme outcomes can be a reduction in travel speeds and the creation of safer environments for those walking, cycling or using mobility scooters.

The council’s commitment to addressing the climate emergency and safer streets and support by all parties for a residential 20mph speed limit.

That 20mph limits are often ignored without physical traffic calming measures being in place.

That speed enforcement is dependent on police resource and can’t be present on all streets, all the time.

Council instructs: The Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee as part of its work programme:

· To undertake an assessment of the suitability of streets for planter-based traffic calming solutions to help quickly create low traffic neighbourhoods throughout Wirral.

· To work with stakeholders to identify issues and co-develop effective solutions in order to assess the feasibility of delivering a low traffic neighbourhood.

· To seek to ensure traffic calming measures are always considered whenever a road is up for resurfacing’

Councillor Alan Brame moved and Councillor Stuart Kelly seconded an amendment in accordance with standing order 13.3,

‘Insert after third bullet point:

 · To consider the wider use of environmental weight restrictions where appropriate to deter Heavy Goods Vehicles from using residential roads as short cuts’

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9.1, the Council did not debate this matter.

The amendment was put and carried (39:21)

The substantive motion was then put, and it was –

Resolved 39:21 (no abstentions) – That

‘Council notes: the negative effects of air pollution on public health and the widespread problems associated with ‘rat-running’ on minor roads.

The benefits of active travel both in reducing carbon emissions and improving health.

The effectiveness of modal filters, chicanes and other traffic calming measures in creating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.