To inform Members of the appointment of Redington as Strategic Investment Advisors to Merseyside Pension Fund and for a verbal introduction from Redington to be made.

That In connection with the provision of strategic investment advisory services to Merseyside Pension Fund, the Director of Merseyside Pension Fund has agreed to appoint Redington Limited (Company No. 06660006). Following a procurement exercise the value of the contract tender was established as £348,400. The appointment was made from the National LGPS Framework – Investment Consultancy. This was the overall highest scoring compliant tender with the highest scores for quality and service fit and second highest score on price. 

This report updates the Committee on the partnership work undertaken to develop a Wirral Health Protection Strategy. The pandemic has heightened the profile of health protection, and whilst a challenging period it has provided us with significant learning, and important lessons that Wirral’s Health Protection Board need to build on moving forward. As we recover and learn to live with COVID-19 now is the right time to refresh our local strategic and collaborative approach to health protection in Wirral.

An effective local approach to health protection is vital to improve health and wellbeing, protect the local economy, and reduce health inequalities. The Strategy sets out our collective approach to ensuring we have a resilient health protection system in Wirral.

Resolved - That the Wirral Health Protection Strategy 2023-2027 and Delivery Plan be approved and the Director of Public Health be requested to report back after six months of implementation and six months prior to completion as well as annually to monitor progress.

This report considers objections and comments of support submitted during the statutory consultation period for Phase 1 of the 20mph speed limit implementation project, which consists of 15 zones. The proposed 20mph speed limits apply to areas that are predominantly residential, retail, or educational. The zone boundaries for the relevant areas included in Phase 1 are included within Appendix A to this report. The list of individual roads and parts of roads affected are included within Appendix B. Consultation summary results and key themes with officers’ responses are illustrated within Appendix E of this report.

One of the key themes in the Wirral 2021-26 Plan is to provide safe and pleasant communities. By generally making roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians and other road users, this scheme will contribute to the key priorities set out within the current plan.

On a motion by Councillor Liz Grey, seconded by Councillor Steve Foulkes it was-

Resolved – That the proposal to introduce 20mph speed limits on all of the roads listed in Appendix B to this report be approved and officers be thanked for their hard work that went into the planning of this and future phases.

As detailed in the report

Resolved – That the recommendations as detailed in the report be agreed

This report seeks members’ approval to delegate authorisation to the Director of Regeneration and Place to utilise the Procure Partnerships Framework to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced main contractor to develop the design and carry out the construction works in relation to the highways, public realm and active travel schemes across the Birkenhead Waterfront Programme (at Appendix 1) and in Birkenhead Town Centre via the Conway Street / Europa Boulevard (at Appendix 2) and Grange Road / Charing Cross / Grange Road West (at Appendix 3) Movement Projects.

Town centre regeneration, transport improvements and the creation of high-quality places is a long-standing priority for the Council and is reflected in the Wirral Council Plan 2021-2026 and the Birkenhead 2040 Framework.

The proposals contained in this report directly support the following key themes within the Wirral Plan:

· A thriving and inclusive economy, creating jobs and opportunities for all;

· A clean-energy, sustainable borough, leading the way in tackling the environment crisis;

· Safe and pleasant communities that our residents are proud of; and

· Healthy and active lives for all, with the right care, at the right time.

The project’s aim to create an environment that is safe and attractive for both pedestrians and cyclists in order to support modal shift and address the environment and climate emergency. These infrastructure improvements will be a critical pump priming element to the ongoing regeneration plans for Birkenhead and will contribute significantly to creating a platform for further investment.

Resolved - that

(1) The director of Regeneration and Place be authorised to commence a procurement exercise by way of a mini tendering process via the Procure Partnerships Framework for the appointment of a main contractor to develop the design and carry out the construction works in relation to the highways, public realm and active travel schemes across the Birkenhead Waterfront Programme and in Birkenhead Town Centre via the Conway Street / Europa Boulevard and Grange Road / Charing Cross / Grange Road West Movement Projects; and

(2) the appointment of a main contractor under a pre-construction services agreement following completion of a tender submission be approved

As detailed in the report

This report requests that the Director of Regeneration and Place agrees to award a construction contract to H20 Servicing Limited. The contract allows for the supply and installation of swimming pool covers at Guinea Gap Baths, Leasowe Leisure Centre, Europa Pools, West Kirby Concourse and The Oval.

The decision supports the delivery of the Wirral Plan 2025 by providing a Sustainable Environment and will allow leisure services to make financial savings as well as energy reductions which contribute to Wirral Councils commitment to environmental responsibilities in supporting the “Cool Wirral” strategy.

Resolved – That the Director of Regeneration and Place has approved that H20 Servicing Limited be awarded the contract for the installation of swimming pool covers at Guinea Gap Baths, Leasowe Leisure Centre, Europa Pools, West Kirby Concourse and The Oval within approved budget and as the highest scoring tenderer in accordance with the lowest fixed price criteria. 

As detailed in the report

Resolved – That the recommendations as detailed in the report be agreed

The report invites the Children, Young People and Education Committee to determine the Council’s admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled primary and secondary schools and the co-ordinated schemes for 2024-2025. The Wirral Fair Access Protocol has also been amended to reflect feedback from Wirral schools and the 2021 Fair Access Guidance.

Resolved – That

(1)  The admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools and the Wirral co-ordinated scheme for 2024/2025 be approved.

(2)  The revised Wirral Fair Access Protocol be approved.

This report seeks approval for the appointment of Deloitte LLP (Company number – OC303675) to develop the Council’s business case for the creation of a Regeneration Delivery vehicle. Furthermore, this report details the procurement route and justification for the award to the chosen supplier. This report seeks authorisation to proceed to contract. The value of the contract is £200,000 for up to two years to be delivered in 4 phases.

The Wirral Plan 2021-2026 sets out a vision for a prosperous, inclusive economy where local people can get good jobs and achieve their aspirations. It states that we will support inclusive economic growth and increase community wealth. Furthermore, the Wirral Plan sets out a vision working towards a clean-energy, sustainable borough that leads the way in its response to the climate emergency and is environmentally friendly. The recommendations in this report will support businesses in the delivery of these aspects of the Wirral plan.

The proposals within this report will primarily affect Birkenhead and Tranmere as the delivery vehicle will primarily affect this area. 

This is not a Key Decision.

Approved the appointment of Deloitte LLP (Company number OC303675) following a direct award procurement route via CCS Management Consultancy 3 Framework for a 24-month term to provide consultancy services for the development of a business case for a regeneration delivery vehicle.