Proposed by Councillor Janette Williamson

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

“The outcome of the general election on the 8th June has left the country in a position of even greater uncertainty than before it was called. The Prime Minister is scrabbling around to create deals and cooperation agreements with a political party on the far fringes of UK politics which has taken regressive stances on issues such as climate change, evolution, abortion and homosexuality. This is being done in a desperate bid to cling on to power, while residents in Wirral and elsewhere are unsure if vital services - NHS, police, fire, education and local authority services such as support for the elderly, the vulnerable and the young - will survive another dose of Tory austerity. And in the chaos created by the Conservatives, it is now unclear what funding will replace the withdrawal of the revenue support grant in 2020.

The outcome of the general election should send a clear message to the Conservatives that the overwhelming majority of residents of Wirral reject the austerity policies which have decimated local services over the past seven years. This Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister to urge her to abandon her government’s failed austerity agenda and commit to providing a fair funding formula that supports local authorities such as Wirral to deliver the vital public services local residents expect.”

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

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

Add after paragraph two:

“Council believes that the letter should also highlight the need for the end of the pay cap on public sector workers. Council recognises that Wirral’s workforce, along with others providing public services, has made substantial contributions and personal sacrifices in recent years.

Council welcomes the end of the Government’s silence on the issue of pay, observing the recent opinions given by some Ministers. Council, however, is concerned at that hasty riposte from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.  Council believes that pay rises being funded by alleged efficiencies and savings will place further pressure on committed and hard working staff.

Council, therefore, asks that the Government should fully fund any pay deal in the settlement.”

Following a debate and Councillor Janette Williamson having replied, the amendment was put and carried (40:18) (One abstention).

The substantive motion, as amended, was then put and carried (40:18) (One abstention).

Resolved (40:18) (One abstention) –

The outcome of the general election on the 8th June has left the country in a position of even greater uncertainty than before it was called. The Prime Minister is scrabbling around to create deals and cooperation agreements with a political party on the far fringes of UK politics which has taken regressive stances on issues such as climate change, evolution, abortion and homosexuality. This is being done in a desperate bid to cling on to power, while residents in Wirral and elsewhere are unsure if vital services - NHS, police, fire, education and local authority services such as support for the elderly, the vulnerable and the young - will survive another dose of Tory austerity. And in the chaos created by the Conservatives, it is now unclear what funding will replace the withdrawal of the revenue support grant in 2020.

The outcome of the general election should send a clear message to the Conservatives that the overwhelming majority of residents of Wirral reject the austerity policies which have decimated local services over the past seven years. This Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister to urge her to abandon her government’s failed austerity agenda and commit to providing a fair funding formula that supports local authorities such as Wirral to deliver the vital public services local residents expect.

Council believes that the letter should also highlight the need for the end of the pay cap on public sector workers. Council recognises that Wirral’s workforce, along with others providing public services, has made substantial contributions and personal sacrifices in recent years.

Council welcomes the end of the Government’s silence on the issue of pay, observing the recent opinions given by some Ministers. Council, however, is concerned at that hasty riposte from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.  Council believes that pay rises being funded by alleged efficiencies and savings will place further pressure on committed and hard working staff.

Council, therefore, asks that the Government should fully fund any pay deal in the settlement.