One decision was taken by the Director of Finance which was excluded from removal of delegation and are therefore reported to Council in accordance with Part 4, Section 4, paragraph 6(a)(ii) of the Constitution.

Appointment of Digital Transformation Partner

Director of Finance

26 June 2024

The minutes of all committees which have met since 28 February 2024, up until 9 July 2024 are attached below.

Minutes of Committees:

·  28.02.2024 Constitution and Standards Committee

·  05.03.2024 Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee

·  06.03.2024 Children, Young People and Education Committee

·  07.03.2024 Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee

·  12.03.2024 Environment, Climate Emergency & Transport Committee

·  14.03.2024 Health and Wellbeing Board

·  14.03.2024 Planning Committee

·  19.03.2024 Pensions Committee

·  20.03.2024 Policy and Resources Committee

·  26.03.2024 Audit and Risk Management Committee

·  27.03.2024 Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee

·  15.04.2024 Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee

·  18.04.2024 Planning Committee

·  13.06.2024 Regulatory and General Purposes Committee

The Civic Mayor invited members to ask questions in relation to the minutes of Committee meetings held since the last Council meeting. The Civic Mayor indicated that due to the Council Meeting being re-arranged due to the General Election, several Committee Chairs were absent due to pre-arranged leave.

Councillor Tony Murphy asked a question of Councillor Julie McManus as Chair of Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee in relation to the minute 85 regarding Tobacco Control including vapes as an important aspect of public health in Wirral, Councillor Murphy asked if the Chair would be willing to promote the lung health check to detect lung cancers in Wirral residents. In the Chair’s absence the question was referred for a written response.

Councillor Vida Wilson asked a question of Councillor Ian Lewis as Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee in relation to 7 March, agenda item 9) Summer Reading Challenge which is to read at least six books over the summer holidays. Cllr Wilson asked the Chair if he would help work to improve Morton Library and Youth Club.

Councillor Lewis confirmed that libraries provide a supporting role in the Communities noting that Moreton Library and Youth Club is supported in this. A sum of £900k and £300k had been spent as he has requested a breakdown of the spend. Councillor Lewis thanked Library Staff for their hard work and advised that Councillors would be undertaking a series of visits over the coming month. 

Councillor Mary Jordan also asked a question of Councillor Ian Lewis as Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee in relation to minute 75 which made no reference to the public toilets in Thornton Hough asking when the review would be considered by Committee and if they will agree to meet with ward Members.

Councillor Lewis responded that the issue had been raised and added to the work programme and a report would be submitted to the Committee in due course.

Councillor Gail Jenkinson referred to two sets of Minutes regarding public questions and the removal of cherry trees outside the Wallasey Town Hall Annexes and that it had been stated that it would not be possible for them to be moved and replanted. A Question was asked of both Councillor Stuart Kelly as chair of planning and Councillor Liz Grey as chair of Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee regarding any special training and understanding on the subject of tree removal during the summer.

Councillor Kelly responded to state that all Members of the planning Committee must undertake mandatory training. The tree and hedgerow strategy does not prevent the removal of trees but mandates a ration. Cllr Kelly reported that more trees would be planted in Birkenhead to meet the ration. A Written response would be provided by Councillor Liz Grey who had given apologies.

Councillor Mary Jordan asked a question of Councillor Liz Grey in regards to Minute 79 of the transport plan programme, junction improvements (check location). Cllr Jordan welcomed the 750K investment and queried when these works would commence. the Chair’s absence the question was referred for a written response.

Councillor Stuart Kelly asked a question of Councillor Paul Stuart as Leader of the Council in regard to the Policy and Resources Committee Minutes of 20 March 2024, Minute 124. Cllr Kelly quired the improvement project fund and how the additional investment had improved services.

Councillor Paul Stuart advised he would get a response from the service noting that the project fund was additional investment, not business as usual.

Councillor Phil Gilchrist asked a question of the Leader of the Council in relation to Policy and Resources Committee Minutes of 20 March 2024, Minute 180 about the allocation capitalisation of salariesquerying how Members could be informed better about the recruitment of resources into that service area and how this can assist with economy and regeneration in the borough minute 125. Councillor Paul Stuart would respond in writing.