To receive the written reports of the Leader, Cabinet Members and Chairs of the Policy and Performance Committees and receive questions and answers on any of those reports in accordance with Standing Orders 10(2)(a) and 11.

The Leader of the Council presented his summary report upon matters relevant to his portfolio. He responded to questions from Councillors Jeff Green, Chris Blakeley, Leah Fraser and made a number of comments including –

·  A sensible and pragmatic decision was made to halt the senior management structure until the new Chief executive was appointed. Proposals for the senior management structure would be included as part of the budget resolution to be presented to Cabinet.

·  He was not in principle in favour of a directly Elected Mayor for the City Region and believed that the Region currently had the best model with the Leaders of each Authority; if this was to change the people of Wirral should decide by holding a referendum. He was keen to meet with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to see what could be negotiated and had written to him but was yet to receive a reply.

·  He welcomed the money given by Secretary of State for the pilot project to improve health and employment opportunities, but stated that the Government had cut over £150m from the Council and introduced the Bedroom Tax.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Ann McLachlan on her Governance, Commissioning and Improvement Portfolio report. Her responses to a question from Councillor Jerry Williams included the following comment –

·  The Transparency code was introduced by Government to ensure that all Council’s were open and transparent in relation to the information they produced and the decision they made. Officers were currently working on this to ensure that all Council’s information was open to public as required by the Code.

At this point the Mayor reminded all Members that it was not polite to use electronic devices whilst Members were addressing the Council.

Questions were then invited for Councillor George Davies on the Neighbourhoods, Housing and Engagement Portfolio report. His response to a question from Councillor Phil Gilchrist included the following comment –

·  In respect of proposed plans for the Acre Lane site, a written response would be provided as to the plans to include social housing.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Pat Hackett on his Economy Portfolio report. His responses to questions from Councillors Rob Gregson and Dave Mitchell included the following comments –

·  There were a number of recent developments, including Wirral Waters; new college in Tower Road by September 2015; a Skills and Enterprise Centre; development in Tower Wharf and the Birkenhead Town Centre Plan which was a priority for this Council.

·  In respect of proposed plans for the regeneration of Birkenhead Town Centre, discussions were still ongoing with Neptune Developments. A full consultation would take place in due course, including exhibitions and surveys.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Adrian Jones on his Support Services Portfolio report. His responses to questions from Councillors Pat Cleary, Matt Daniel and Jeff Green included the following comments –

·  The roll-out of Office 10 had started and had been the preferred package as it was felt that this compared to other packages could be better supported and safeguarded, a further written  response would be provided.

·  In relation to the building collapse on King Street, Wallasey, investigations had indicated that the structures had been altered and the building had not been properly supported, discussions were now being held as to the future use of the empty land.

·  In respect of the national pay award a full written response would be provided.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Chris Jones on the Adult Social Care and Public Health Portfolio report. Her responses to questions from Councillors Jeff Green and Alan Brighouse included the following comments –

·  In relation to Day Services the business case , implementation and project plans and report in relation to the due diligence undertaken had all now been through an internal financial challenge, the project was now progressing.

·  She extended an invitation to any Member wishing to attend future spotlight sessions and yes she would encourage people to cycle and walk more.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Chris Meaden on her Leisure, Sport and Culture Portfolio report, questions were then invited for Councillor Chris Meaden. She responded to questions from Councillors Tom Anderson and Andrew Hodson and her response included the following comment:

·  She was unaware that Irby Library had been closed on numerous occasions but would investigate and provide a written response.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Bernie Mooney on her Environment and Sustainability Portfolio report. Her response to a question from Councillor Pat Cleary included the following comment –

·  There were proposals to look at food waste collections as part of the recycling contract.

Questions were then invited for Councillor Tony Smith on his Children and Families Services report. His response to a question from Councillor Treena Johnson included the following comments:

·  He gave an update on the progress of targeted services

Questions were then invited for Councillor Stuart Whittingham on his Highways and Transport Portfolio report. His responses to questions from Councillors Treena Johnston, Harry Smith, and Janette Williamson included the following comments:

·  The new Salt Storage Barn was part of the asset strategy and would be a modern facility.

·  BAM Nuttall have signed up to the fair payment charter.

Questions were then invited for the Policy and Performance Committee Chairs on their report. No questions were posed and it was then –

Resolved –

(1)  That each of the Cabinet Portfolio Summary reports be noted.

(2)  That the report of the Policy and Performance Committee Chairs be noted.