It is proposed that for Wirral South’s future Constituency Committees this section of the agenda deals with pre-notified questions only. In the absence of an agreed process questions will be taken on the night via the Chair.

The members of the public in attendance raised the following questions/ comments.

Question 1

In relation to war memorials, does the Council have a designated officer dealing with these, as the War Memorial Trust had funding available for memorials in the Borough?

In response, Mr Adams indicated that the Council did have a designated Officer and agreed to forward the information to the member of the public

Question 2

In relation to the reduction of “Have Your Say” meetings why not have them 1 hour per week than attending the Area Committee every three months?

In response, Inspector Meredith indicated that the Police nationally had introduced this change, he was now looking at redesigning the “Have your say” meeting to meet the needs of the Community, he further commented that it was his intention to retain the informal “meet your local bobby” surgeries within the area.

Question 3

What is the role of the Community Representatives?

In response, Mr Adams indicated that the role descriptions were set out within the ABCD document appended to Item 4 of the agenda, which had yet to be formally launched. The Community Representatives would form part of the Committee but would also be expected to attend other meetings outside of the Committee cycle.

Question 4

In relation to the Wallasey-based Save Energy Advice Service, this was not an advice service as we are not able to contact them.

In response, Mr Adams indicated that this was a service used and recommended by the Housing Strategy team, but agreed to look into this issue and respond

Question 5

The “have your say” are important; if you have these as part of the Committee you will disengage the public who want to report their issues.

Question 6

In relation to the procedure for the member of the public raising questions, it was unacceptable to ask for these in writing prior to the meeting and urged Members to re-look at this.

In response, the Chair indicated that as well as questions in advance, public questions could be asked on the night, subject to the discretion of the Chair.

Question 7

We can’t really have an impact on fuel poverty, however, Lyndale Special School was under the threat of closure this was a more pressing health and wellbeing issue. Also, twenty minutes allocated for public questions was not long enough.

 In response, the Chair advised and encouraged members of the public to contact their Ward Councillors if they had any specific issues/questions they wished to raise prior the Constituency Committees meetings.

Question 8

Under the new format we feel we can’t engage or participate.

Ms L. Harland-Davies, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer (Wirral South) indicated that she was responsible for community engagement for Wirral South and suggested that residents may wish to form a community forum of their own, this was something which had been done in Eastham area with her help .

Question 9

Would there be a possibility of having a youth representative as part of the Committee?

 The Chair and the Members of the Committee welcomed the suggestion and directed the individual to upcoming (revamped) Community Representative application process (as per item 11 above).

Question 10

 Whilst this was not an ideal process, this was agreed by the Council as a way forward for engaging with the public, the Committee now needed to move forward.

Question 11

Instead of Childhood Obesity which was previously discussed could a priority be set to assist the local churches retaining food bank facilities which was a real issue for Wirral South?