To consider any recommendations of the Leader, Cabinet, Cabinet Member and Committees which require the approval of the Council, including:

·  Any document falling within the Policy Framework as defined by Article 4, paragraph 4.1(1) of the Constitution; and/or

·  Medium Term Financial Strategy; and/or

·  Any other strategy, policy or plan referred by the Leader, Cabinet, Cabinet Portfolio and/or Council Committee.

Wirral Council Plan 2016-20

The report is attached and the Recommendation from Cabinet (9 July, 2015) (to follow).

The Council was requested to consider the report of the Chief Executive, a Cabinet referral on the following matter – Wirral Council Plan: A 2020 Vision, and the Cabinet’s recommendation of 9 July 2015 (minute 22 refers).

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan –

“That the recommendations as contained within Cabinet minute 22 be approved”.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Phil Gilchrist and seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell –

“That the Wirral Council Plan as proposed be approved, subject to the following comments and observations which require additional work so that Council can be clear on how the Plan can be put into practice:

a. how the document is to be channelled into plans for the departments and operational units of the Council;

b. how the target of new house building is to be progressed and how this fits in with brownfield sites and land not yet allocated for housing;

c. the developing financial situation identified in the context of the Tory Government’s recent budget and forthcoming spending review;

d. the practical use of the substantial capital receipts expected to be secured this year.

Council welcomes the emphasis on the importance of public sector partners working closely together, removing duplication and working with the private and third sector, along with the emphasis on tackling health, educational achievement and other inequalities.

Council also recognises the emphasis on stating key priorities since the Peer Challenge in May 2013 told Wirral that it needed:

…A fully owned, clear vision of what the organisation looks like in 3-4 years’ time, including key service delivery methods, levels of service provided, and ways of working that will help inform the transformation activity required…

Council notes the references to ‘radical changes’ in the document bearing in mind that the Peer Challenge of November 2012 called upon the Council to:

‘….Accelerate ground work on radical options for service delivery’ and to 'Use learning from others in the sector’

Council is anxious to receive further detail on the ‘new models’ referred to in the ‘Foreword’.

Council looks forward to the work being undertaken to inform and involve communities. Council suggests that the section ‘Go local’ (page 35) requires early identification of the additional funding to the Constituency Committees.

Council also notes that this is a more user-friendly and better set out document, especially when compared to that of December 2011 when the then Leader used his driving test analogy.”

Following speeches by the movers and seconders and Councillor Phil Davies having replied, the Liberal Democrat amendment was then put to the vote.

The amendment was lost (18:36) (One abstention).

One abstention – Councillor L Rowlands (Civic Mayor).

At the request of several Members, a ‘card vote’ was then taken on Councillor Davies’ motion and the Council divided as follows:

For the motion (54) Councillors R Abbey, B Berry, E Boult, Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, W Clements, M Daniel, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, L Fraser, P Gilchrist, R Gregson, P Hackett, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, T Johnson, AER Jones, C Jones, B Kenny, A Leech, A McLaughlin, C Meaden, D Mitchell, B Mooney, C Muspratt, S Niblock, T Norbury, M Patrick, T Pilgrim, D Realey, L ReeceJones, L Rennie, D Roberts, J Salter, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, JV Stapleton, A Sykes, J Walsh, GCJ Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams, S Williams, J Williamson.

Against the motion (Nil).

One abstention – Councillor L Rowlands (Civic Mayor).

The motion was carried.

Resolved (54:0) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within Cabinet minute 22, be approved.