Proposed by Councillor Chris Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor Bruce Berry

Council notes that the Leader of the Council has previously stated that he wants his Administration to be open, transparent and fair with the people of Wirral. Council welcomes this approach.

Council therefore believes that the future of Girtrell Court must be decided in public and not under delegation to the portfolio holder, in conjunction with the Director of Adult Social Services.

Council further believes that the families of those using Girtrell Court, the staff, trade unions and residents and users must be given every opportunity to influence the future of Girtrell Court through a clear and transparent decision making process.

Two amendments which had been circulated in advance of the meeting were submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

First amendment

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Chris Jones

Insert new paragraph at start of motion:

‘Council believes that it is important to offer service users and their families a choice of respite care provision. People want the ability to choose the type of care and support which is right for them. At present they are unable to do this. This is not about a building or provider, it’s about the person.’

Delete paragraph 2 and replace with the following:

‘Council notes that a detailed debate on Girtrell Court took place at Budget Council on the 3rd March and a clear way forward was agreed. This involves statutory consultation with service users and their families followed by a clear new service offer and events for carers and cared for people to meet potential new providers. Services will be commissioned to meet all of the identified needs at that stage. Authority will be delegated to the Director, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member, to make decisions in order to avoid undue delays which would prolong uncertainty. We are not imposing deadlines on when this process will be complete and, in the meantime, Girtrell Court will remain open.’

Second amendment

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Alan Brighouse

Add new paragraphs after paragraph 3:

‘Notwithstanding the decision of Council of 3rd March, Council believes that the rights of Members to scrutinise the decision remain available for their exercise under Part 3, Schedule 4A and 4B of the Constitution.

In view of the concerns of the families and users of Girtrell Court, any ‘decision’ of the Council Officer/Cabinet Member shall be set out, together with all background and supporting material and published for such examination and scrutiny.’

During the course of the debate the Mayor, in accordance with Standing Order 16(1), asked a member of the public to leave the gallery due to him causing a disturbance, the Mayor then adjourned the meeting for 5 minutes whilst the person left, at 7.20pm.

The Council reconvened at 7.25pm.

Following a debate and Councillor Chris Blakeley having replied, and prior to the vote on the first amendment, Councillor Jeff Green and five Conservative Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

A ‘card vote’ was then taken on Councillor Phil Davies’ amendment and the Council divided as follows:

For the amendment (36) Councillors R Abbey, P Brightmore, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, S Foulkes, R Gregson, P Hackett, T Johnson, A Jones, C Jones, B Kenny, A Leech, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, B Mooney, C Muspratt, T Norbury, M Patrick, D Realey, L Reecejones, D Roberts, J Salter, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, M Sullivan, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams and J Williamson.

Against the amendment (24) Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, A Brighouse, D Burgess-Joyce, P Cleary, Mrs W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, L Fraser, P Gilchrist, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, D Mitchell, T Pilgrim, C Povall, L Rennie, A Sykes, G Watt, Mrs P Williams and S Williams.

One abstention – Councillor L Rowlands.

The first amendment was therefore carried (36:24) (One abstention).

The second amendment was then put and lost (4:56) (One abstention).

Prior to the vote on the substantive motion, as amended, Councillor Jeff Green and five Conservative Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

A ‘card vote’ was then taken on the substantive motion and the Council divided as follows:

For the motion (36) Councillors R Abbey, P Brightmore, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, S Foulkes, R Gregson, P Hackett, T Johnson, A Jones, C Jones, B Kenny, A Leech, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, B Mooney, C Muspratt, T Norbury, M Patrick, D Realey, L Reecejones, D Roberts, J Salter, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, M Sullivan, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams and J Williamson.

Against the motion (24) Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, A Brighouse, D Burgess-Joyce, P Cleary, Mrs W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, L Fraser, P Gilchrist, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, D Mitchell, T Pilgrim, C Povall, L Rennie, A Sykes, G Watt, Mrs P Williams and S Williams.

One abstention – Councillor L Rowlands.

Resolved (36:24) (One abstention) –

(1)  Council believes that it is important to offer service users and their families a choice of respite care provision. People want the ability to choose the type of care and support which is right for them. At present they are unable to do this. This is not about a building or provider, it’s about the person.

(2)  Council notes that the Leader of the Council has previously stated that he wants his Administration to be open, transparent and fair with the people of Wirral. Council welcomes this approach.

(3)  Council notes that a detailed debate on Girtrell Court took place at Budget Council on the 3rd March and a clear way forward was agreed. This involves statutory consultation with service users and their families followed by a clear new service offer and events for carers and cared for people to meet potential new providers. Services will be commissioned to meet all of the identified needs at that stage. Authority will be delegated to the Director, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member, to make decisions in order to avoid undue delays which would prolong uncertainty. We are not imposing deadlines on when this process will be complete and, in the meantime, Girtrell Court will remain open.

(4)  Council further believes that the families of those using Girtrell Court, the staff, trade unions and residents and users must be given every opportunity to influence the future of Girtrell Court through a clear and transparent decision making process.