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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk L39 2DF. View directions

Contact: Jacky Denning  Email: jacky.denning@westlancs.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

34.

PRAYERS

Minutes:

The Mayor advised of the absence of his Chaplain, Father Michael of St Richard's Church and Paul Rowan, Parish MC, led Members and officers in prayer.

35.

APOLOGIES

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Mrs C Evans, F McKenna and M Nixon.

 

36.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST pdf icon PDF 299 KB

If a member requires advice on Declarations of Interest, he/she is advised to contact the Borough Solicitor in advance of the meeting.  (For the assistance of members a checklist for use in considering their position on any particular item is included at the end of this agenda sheet.)

Minutes:

The following declarations were received:

 

1.       Councillors Aldridge, Barron, Hennessy, O’Toole and Pope declared a pecuniary / non pecuniary interest in relation to, agenda item 8 ‘Policy Options 2018-2021'*, agenda item 11 'West Lancashire Tourism – the Visitor Economy- Final Report' and agenda item 18 (c) ‘Policing of Events at Orgreave – Motion' as Members of Lancashire County Council (LCC), as did Councillors Gagen and McKay as employees of LCC, and indicated that they would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected LCC*.

 

2.       Councillor Wynn declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in relation to item 8 ‘Policy Options 2018-2021’, in relation to OP17 review of grounds maintenance street cleansing’, as he is employed by Essential Fleet Services Ltd to maintain Council vehicles and works at the Robert Hodge Centre and indicated he would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected his employer or employment.*

 

* By virtue of a dispensation granted by the Standards Committee all Councillors who have disclosable pecuniary or pecuniary interests in relation to relevant lines in the budget may participate and vote in the budget debates but not engage in detailed discussions about matters which affect those interests.

 

3.       Councillors Furey and Delaney, declared a pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 8 ‘Policy Options 2018-2021' as Mayor and Deputy Mayor, but were entitled to speak and vote by virtue of an exemption.

 

4.       Councillors Blane, Bullock, G Hodson, J Hodson, C Marshall and Mrs Marshall declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in relation to agenda item 13 'Housing and Planning Act 2016: Civil Penalties & Rent Repayment Orders' as landlords.

 

5.       Councillor J Hodson, McKay and Whittington declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 18(f) 'WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) Motion' as their wives are within the age group to which the motion refers, as did Councillors Hennessy, G Hodson, Owen and Mills as a women within the age group.

 

6.       Councillors Aldridge, Cooper, Cotterill, Hennessy, J Hodson, G Hodson,  McKay, Mills, Owen, Pryce-Roberts and Savage declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 18(b) 'NJC Pay – Motion' as members of a trade union, as did Councillor Gagen as a public sector worker.

 

7.       Councillors Blane, Bullock, Cotterill, G Hodson, J Hodson, C Marshall, Owens, Savage, D Westley  declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 18(a) 'Small Business Tax Burden – Motion' as owners of a small business.

 

8.       Councillors Cotterill and Mee declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 14 'Discretionary Business Rate Reliefs' as they may be affected by the Scheme.

 

37.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 353 KB

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 19 July 2017, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

38.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND/OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Minutes:

The Mayor announced:

 

1.     That a Charity Evening with Rachael Russell, International Opera Star, would be held at the Stanley Institute, Burscough on Friday 24 November at 7.30 p.m. 

 

2.     That Ormskirk Remembrance Day Service on Saturday 11 November at 11.00 a.m. would be held at the Memorial in Coronation Park this year and future years (previously held at Ormskirk Clock Tower).

 

3.     That Shaun Walsh. Transformation Manager and Deputy Director Housing and Inclusion was leaving the Council on 3 November 2017 after over 31 years' service.  The Mayor and Members thanked Shaun for all his years of service and wished him well for the future. 

 

39.

TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 10.2

Minutes:

There were no items under this heading.

 

40.

MINUTES OF COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 190 KB

To receive the minutes of the following meetings, to confirm, if appropriate, such of the minutes as require confirmation and to pass such resolutions as the Council may deem necessary:

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the minutes of the undermentioned meetings of the Committees shown.

 

RESOLVED    That the minutes of the undermentioned meetings and any recommendations contained in them, be approved:

 

A.     Licensing & Appeals Committee held on Tuesday, 18 July 2017

 

B.     Planning Committee held on Thursday 27 July, 7 September and 5 October2017

 

C.    Audit & Governance Committee held on Tuesday 5 September 2017

 

D.    Standards Committee held on Tuesday 19 September 2017

 

41.

POLICY OPTIONS 2018-21 pdf icon PDF 159 KB

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Executive, as contained on pages 253 to 290 of the Book of Reports, which considered the financial performance in the current year, detailed the results of the Policy Options 2018/19 consultation and sought approval of the final set of Policy Options for implementation.

 

A Motion, which had been circulated, was moved and seconded.

 

An Amendment to the Motion was moved and seconded.

 

The meeting adjourned for 10 minutes.

 

The Amendment was withdrawn by the Mover and Seconder, with the agreement of the meeting.

 

A further Amendment was moved and seconded in the following terms:

 

A.       That the financial performance at the mid-year point be noted.

 

B.       That the results of the Policy Options consultation set out in Appendices 1 and 2 be noted.

 

C.       That Policy Options OP17 Cross service review of Grounds Maintenance and Street Cleansing Services' be approved, subject to its recommendations and savings value being considered at a future meeting of the Council and OP18 Senior Management Team Restructuring as set out in Appendix 3 be approved, and that the Chief Executive and Heads of Service be given authority to take all necessary action in connection with the implementation of these proposals.

 

D.       That consideration of the other Policy Options included in Appendix 3 be deferred for consideration at the Council meeting in December 2017.

 

A vote was taken on the further Amendment, which at the request of a Member was recorded as follows:

 

FOR:            Councillors Ashcroft, Barron, Mrs Baybutt, Mrs Blake, Blane, Cairns, Currie, I Davis, Gordon, Kay, C Marshall, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Ms Melling, Moon, O'Toole, Owens, Pope, Mrs Stephenson, D Westley, Mrs Westley and Whittington (TWENTY TWO)

 

AGAINST:    Councillors Aldridge, Bullock, Cooper, Cotterill, J Davis, Delaney, Devine, Dowlilng, D Evans, Forshaw, Furey, Gagen, Hennessy, G Hodson, J Hodson, Hudson, McKay, Mills, Moran, Owen, Pendleton, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Savage, West, Wilkie, Wright and Yates. (TWENTY EIGHT)

 

ABSTENTIONS:      NONE

The further Amendment was LOST.

 

A vote was taken on the Motion, which was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That the financial performance at the mid-year point be noted.

 

B.     That the results of the Policy Options consultation set out in Appendices 1 and 2 be noted.

 

C.     That Policy Options OP17 'Cross service review of Grounds Maintenance and Street Cleansing Services' and OP18 'Senior Management Team Restructuring', as set out in Appendix 3 be approved and that the Chief Executive and Heads of Service be given authority to take all necessary action in connection with the implementation of these proposals.

 

D.     That consideration of the other Policy Options included in Appendix 3 (i.e. not those at C above) be deferred for consideration at the Council meeting in December 2017.

 

(Note:(i)     Option OP18 Senior Management Restructuring is the subject of a more detailed report on the agenda at item 17.

 

          (ii)    Councillor Wynn declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

42.

TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND PRUDENTIAL INDICATORS MONITORING 2017-18 pdf icon PDF 144 KB

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 291 to 298 of the Book of Reports, which set out details of Treasury Management operations in the year to date and reported on the Prudential Indicators for 2017/18, where available.

 

RESOLVED:     That the Prudential Indicators and Treasury Management activity in the year to date be noted.

 

43.

BROWNFIELD LAND REGISTER AND PERMISSION IN PRINCIPLE pdf icon PDF 204 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Development and Regeneration, as contained on pages 299 to 338, which advised of new Regulations which impose a requirement on the Council to prepare and maintain a Brownfield Land Register, the consequences of placing land on Part 2 of that Register, the resulting implications for the Council and to make provision in the Council's constitution for effective decision making.

 

RESOLVED:   A.   That the following functions are delegated to the Planning Committee:

 

(i)     Power to approve sites for entry into Part 2 of the Brownfield Land Register and so grant Permission in Principle

 

(ii)    Power to decline to approve sites for entry into Part 2 of the Brownfield Land Register

 

(iii)    Power to determine applications for Permission in Principle

 

(iv)   Power to determine applications for Technical Details Consent

 

B.   That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration to determine applications for Technical Details Consent.

 

44.

WEST LANCASHIRE TOURISM - THE VISITOR ECONOMY - FINAL REPORT OF THE CORPORATE & ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 230 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Leisure and Wellbeing.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Leisure and Wellbeing, as contained on pages 339 to 368 of the Book of Reports, which set out the final report and recommendations of the Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee following a review conducted entitled ‘West Lancashire Tourism – The Visitor Economy.’

 

RESOLVED:   A.   That the Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee be complimented on their work.

 

B.   That the final report of the Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee on West Lancashire Tourism – The Visitor Economy (attached at Appendix A to the report) be noted and approved for formal publication, subject to resources.

 

C.   That the Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee review the recommendations contained in the report in March 2018.

 

45.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY ANNUAL REPORT 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 30 KB

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor, as contained on pages 369 to 390 of the Book of Reports, which presented the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2016/17 and considered how overview and scrutiny is working at West Lancashire.

 

RESOLVED:     A.   That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2016/17, appended to the report, be noted and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees be commended on their work.

 

                        B.   That special thanks be given to Mrs Cathryn Jackson, Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer, who is retiring at the end of December, for all the support she has given to Overview and Scrutiny at West Lancashire Borough Council.

 

46.

HOUSING AND PLANNING ACT 2016: CIVIL PENALTIES & RENT REPAYMENT ORDERS pdf icon PDF 475 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Leisure and Wellbeing.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Leisure and Wellbeing, as contained on pages 391 to 420 of the Book of Reports, which advised of new powers provided to Local Authorities under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, specifically, civil penalties and rent repayment orders (RROs).

 

RESOLVED:   A.   That the amendment to the constitution at 4.2D part viii, Private Sector Housing, paragraph 18; as outlined at Appendix 1 to the report, which authorises the Director of Leisure and Wellbeing and officers designated by him to implement the new powers, be approved.

 

B.   That the Director of Leisure and Wellbeing be authorised to consider written representations from landlords that have received a Notice of Intent to issue either a civil penalty or a RRO, and to determine whether to impose a civil penalty, the amount of the penalty, or apply for a RRO, in accordance with the Rent Repayment Orders Policy at Appendix 3 to the report.

 

C.   That the Housing Civil Penalties Policy outlined at Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

 

D.   That the Rent Repayment Order Policy outlined at Appendix 3 to the report, be approved.

 

E.   That the report be referred to Cabinet to consider an update to the current Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, originally approved by Cabinet, to include appropriate coverage of the civil penalties and rent repayment orders as outlined at Appendix 2 and 3 of the report.

 

(Note:     Councillors Blane, Bullock, G Hodson, J Hodson, C Marshall and Mrs Marshall declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and left the room whilst this item was under consideration.)

47.

DISCRETIONARY BUSINESS RATE RELIEFS pdf icon PDF 251 KB

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the joint report of the Director of Housing and Inclusion and the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 459 to 464 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on discretionary rate relief for local businesses using funding provided by Government as announced in the Spring 2017 Budget.

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That the discretionary relief schemes that have already been implemented this year under delegated authority be noted and endorsed.

 

B.     That the further local scheme of relief set out in the Appendix to the report be approved and delegated authority be provided to the Director of Housing and Inclusion in consultation with the Leader to finalise and implement the scheme.

 

(Note: Councillor Dowling was not present during consideration of this item.)

 

48.

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEE AND CHANGE TO THE CABINET pdf icon PDF 128 KB

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor, as contained on pages 421 to 422 of the Book of Reports, which sought to appoint the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee and the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee and to note the change to the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance.

 

A Motion was circulated, which was moved and seconded.

 

A vote was taken on the Motion, which was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:   A.   That Councillor Cotterill, who is a Member of the Audit and Governance Committee, be appointed Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee for the remainder of the 2017/18 Municipal Year.

 

B.   That Councillor Pendleton, who is a Member of the Audit and Governance Committee, be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee for the remainder of the 2017/18 Municipal Year.

 

C.   That Councillor Mills, who is a Member of the Planning Committee, be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee for the remainder of the 2017/18 Municipal Year.

 

D.   That it be noted that Councillor Yates has been appointed as the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance in place of Councillor Wynn.

 

 

49.

EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

It is recommended that members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s) of business in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 (Any Individual), 3 (Financial/Business Affairs) & 4  (Labour Relations) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act and as, in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption under Schedule 12A outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED:    That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act and as, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption under Schedule 12A outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

 

50.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Executive, as contained on pages 423 to 442 of the Book of Reports, the purpose of which being to establish a revised management structure, providing strategic leadership to deliver the Council's priorities in the current financial context.

 

RESOLVED:   A.   That the management structure attached at Appendix 3 to the report be approved, with effect from 1 February 2018. 

 

B.   That with effect from 1 February 2018 the post of Director of Leisure and Wellbeing be disestablished, and the post of Director of Street Scene be redesignated as Director of Leisure and Environment.

 

C.   That with effect from 1 February 2018 the following post holders assume the duties attributed to the respective revised roles as detailed in paragraphs 5.4-5.6 of the report, and updated job descriptions be issued, with the salary levels set out in paragraph 5.8 of the report (subject to Job Evaluation), on the basis of existing terms and conditions:

 

(i)   Director of Housing and Inclusion

(ii)  Director of Leisure and Environment

(iii)  Director of Development and Regeneration

 

D.   That the Proper Officer Provisions and Scheme of Delegation be updated from 1 February 2018, as set out in Appendix 5 to the report, and all other Policies and Procedures be similarly updated to reflect job titles/roles, where appropriate.

 

E.   That any comments from the Trade Union be noted.

 

F.   That the Chief Executive be given authority to take all action in connection with the implementation of A to D above.

 

51.

MOTIONS

To consider the following Motions included on the agenda at the request of the Members indicated:

Minutes:

The following Motions were considered at the request of the Members indicated:

52.

Small Business Tax Burden - Motion Included on the Agenda by Councillor Bullock on Behalf of the Labour Group

That this Council notes that Small Business, are spending more of their time delivering statutory tax obligations & compliance which can be absorbed easier by larger entities without impact to their bottom line. Small Business in West Lancashire are spending increasing time with red tape rather than productive time managing their businesses. Small businesses are experiencing more leakage in direct and indirect taxation than larger corporations and Multi Nationals, and this Council recognises the struggles and risks taken by Small Business here in West Lancashire.

That this Council believes that the tax burden placed on Small Business coupled with an increasing burden of red tape is stifling growth of fledgling business looking to grow here in West Lancashire.

That the Chief Executive writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask:

(i)       Why have Small Business (Self employed/life style businesses and/or Micro Entities), been targeted with unfair tax schemes and not large corporations?

(ii)      What consideration, if any, was given to making all the changes tax neutral? For example, offsetting one tax for another? For reducing red tape for businesses with less than 50 employees?

By way of example;

·       Auto enrolment 

·       SSP paid by the employer not government from the Employer NI paid 

·       Increase in the Flat Rate of Vat

·       Restriction on MIR

·       Reduction in Fees from government for FREE childcare 

(iii)      How do you think it will impact Small Business here in West Lancashire?

(iv)     Will the Chancellor/Treasury/Government consider redressing the balance of taxation & compliance for Small Business against that of their Multi National counterparts in its Autumn Statement?

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"That this Council notes that Small Business, are spending more of their time delivering statutory tax obligations & compliance which can be absorbed easier by larger entities without impact to their bottom line. Small Business in West Lancashire are spending increasing time with red tape rather than productive time managing their businesses. Small businesses are experiencing more leakage in direct and indirect taxation than larger corporations and Multi Nationals, and this Council recognises the struggles and risks taken by Small Business here in West Lancashire.

That this Council believes that the tax burden placed on Small Business coupled with an increasing burden of red tape is stifling growth of fledgling business looking to grow here in West Lancashire.

That the Chief Executive writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask:

(i)       Why have Small Business (Self employed/life style businesses and/or Micro Entities), been targeted with unfair tax schemes and not large corporations?

(ii)      What consideration, if any, was given to making all the changes tax neutral? For example, offsetting one tax for another? For reducing red tape for businesses with less than 50 employees?

By way of example;

·       Auto enrolment 

·       SSP paid by the employer not government from the Employer NI paid 

·       Increase in the Flat Rate of Vat

·       Restriction on MIR

·       Reduction in Fees from government for FREE childcare 

(iii)      How do you think it will impact Small Business here in West Lancashire?

(iv)     Will the Chancellor/Treasury/Government consider redressing the balance of taxation & compliance for Small Business against that of their Multi National counterparts in its Autumn Statement?"

RESOLVED:     A.   That this Council notes that Small Business, are spending more of their time delivering statutory tax obligations & compliance which can be absorbed easier by larger entities without impact to their bottom line. Small Business in West Lancashire are spending increasing time with red tape rather than productive time managing their businesses. Small businesses are experiencing more leakage in direct and indirect taxation than larger corporations and Multi Nationals, and this Council recognises the struggles and risks taken by Small Business here in West Lancashire.

B.   That this Council believes that the tax burden placed on Small Business coupled with an increasing burden of red tape is stifling growth of fledgling business looking to grow here in West Lancashire.

C.   That the Chief Executive writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask:

(i)     Why have Small Business (Self employed/life style businesses and/or Micro Entities), been targeted with unfair tax schemes and not large corporations?

(ii)    What consideration, if any, was given to making all the changes tax neutral? For example, offsetting one tax for another? For reducing red tape for businesses with less than 50 employees?

By way of example;

·       Auto enrolment 

·       SSP paid by the employer not government from the Employer NI paid 

·       Increase in the Flat Rate of Vat

·       Restriction on MIR

·       Reduction in Fees from government for FREE  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

53.

NJC Pay - Motion Included on the Agenda by Councillor Pryce-Roberts on Behalf of the Labour Group

That West Lancashire Borough Council notes that:

·       NJC basic pay has fallen by 21% since 2010 in real terms

·       NJC workers had a three-year pay freeze from 2010-2012

·       Local terms and conditions of many NJC employees have also been cut, impacting on their overall earnings

·       NJC pay is the lowest in the public sector

·       Job evaluated pay structures are being squeezed and distorted by bottom-loaded NJC pay settlements needed to reflect the increased National Living Wage and the Foundation Living Wage

·       There are growing equal and fair pay risks resulting from this situation

That this Council:

 

(i)              Supports the NJC pay claim for 2018, submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of council and school workers and calls for the immediate end of public sector pay restraint. NJC pay cannot be allowed to fall further behind other parts of the public sector.

 

(ii)             Welcomes the joint review of the NJC pay spine to remedy the turbulence caused by bottom-loaded pay settlements.

 

(iii)            Notes the drastic ongoing cuts to local government funding and calls on the Government to provide additional funding to fund a decent pay rise for NJC employees and the pay spine review.

 

That this Council:

·       Calls immediately on the LGA to make urgent representations to Government to fund the NJC claim and the pay spine review and notify us of their action in this regard

·       Writes to the Prime Minister and Chancellor supporting the NJC pay claim and seeking additional funding to fund a decent pay rise and the pay spine review

·       Meets with local NJC union representatives to convey support for thepay claim and the pay spine review

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"That West Lancashire Borough Council notes that:

·       NJC basic pay has fallen by 21% since 2010 in real terms

·       NJC workers had a three-year pay freeze from 2010-2012

·       Local terms and conditions of many NJC employees have also been cut, impacting on their overall earnings

·       NJC pay is the lowest in the public sector

·       Job evaluated pay structures are being squeezed and distorted by bottom-loaded NJC pay settlements needed to reflect the increased National Living Wage and the Foundation Living Wage

·       There are growing equal and fair pay risks resulting from this situation

That this Council:

 

(i)              Supports the NJC pay claim for 2018, submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of council and school workers and calls for the immediate end of public sector pay restraint. NJC pay cannot be allowed to fall further behind other parts of the public sector.

 

(ii)             Welcomes the joint review of the NJC pay spine to remedy the turbulence caused by bottom-loaded pay settlements.

 

(iii)            Notes the drastic ongoing cuts to local government funding and calls on the Government to provide additional funding to fund a decent pay rise for NJC employees and the pay spine review.

 

That this Council:

·       Calls immediately on the LGA to make urgent representations to Government to fund the NJC claim and the pay spine review and notify us of their action in this regard

·       Writes to the Prime Minister and Chancellor supporting the NJC pay claim and seeking additional funding to fund a decent pay rise and the pay spine review

·       Meets with local NJC union representatives to convey support for thepay claim and the pay spine review"

 

A vote was taken on the Motion, which at the request of a Member, was recorded as follows:

 

FOR:            Councillors Aldridge, Bullock, Cooper, Cotterill, J Davis, Delaney, Devine, Dowlilng, D Evans, Forshaw, Furey, Gagen, Hennessy, G Hodson, J Hodson, Hudson, McKay, Mills, Moran, Owen, Pendleton, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Savage, West, Wright, Wynn and Yates. (TWENTY EIGHT)

 

AGAINST:    NONE

 

ABSTENTIONS:      Councillors I Davis and Owens (TWO)

 

The Motion was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:   A.   That West Lancashire Borough Council notes that:

·       NJC basic pay has fallen by 21% since 2010 in real terms

·       NJC workers had a three-year pay freeze from 2010-2012

·       Local terms and conditions of many NJC employees have also been cut, impacting on their overall earnings

·       NJC pay is the lowest in the public sector

·       Job evaluated pay structures are being squeezed and distorted by bottom-loaded NJC pay settlements needed to reflect the increased National Living Wage and the Foundation Living Wage

·       There are growing equal and fair pay risks resulting from this situation

B.   That this Council:

 

(i)      Supports the NJC pay claim for 2018, submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of council and school workers and calls for the immediate end of public sector pay restraint. NJC pay cannot be allowed to fall further behind other parts of the public sector.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

54.

Policing of Events at Orgreave - Motion Included on the Agenda by Councillor Cooper on Behalf of the Labour Group

That this Council is disappointed by the Home Secretary’s rejection on the 31st October, 2016 of an Inquiry into the policing of events at Orgreave.

 

That the Council:

 

(i)              observes that the Independent Police Commission said in their redacted report released in June 2015 “that there was evidence of excessive violence by police officers, and a false narrative from police exaggerating violence by miners, perjury by officers giving evidence to prosecute the arrested men,and an apparent cover-up of that perjury by senior officers”.

 

(ii)             believes in the light of such statements that the Home Secretary needs to review her decision that there should be no enquiry into such events.

 

(iii)            notes that 95 miners were arrested and charged with riot offences, but were all later acquitted amid claims that police at the time had fabricated evidence.

 

(iv)           requests that the Chief Executive and the West Lancashire MP, Rosie Cooper, write to the Home Secretary and ask that she takes into account the opinion of this Council and accepts that there is widespread public concern about events at Orgreave and calls for her to order an inquiry into them.

 

(v)            calls on Lancashire County Council and the other local authorities across the North West to pass a similar motion.

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"That this Council is disappointed by the Home Secretary’s rejection on the 31st October, 2016 of an Inquiry into the policing of events at Orgreave.

 

That the Council:

 

(i)              observes that the Independent Police Commission said in their redacted report released in June 2015 “that there was evidence of excessive violence by police officers, and a false narrative from police exaggerating violence by miners, perjury by officers giving evidence to prosecute the arrested men,and an apparent cover-up of that perjury by senior officers”.

 

(ii)             believes in the light of such statements that the Home Secretary needs to review her decision that there should be no enquiry into such events.

 

(iii)            notes that 95 miners were arrested and charged with riot offences, but were all later acquitted amid claims that police at the time had fabricated evidence.

 

(iv)           requests that the Chief Executive and the West Lancashire MP, Rosie Cooper, write to the Home Secretary and ask that she takes into account the opinion of this Council and accepts that there is widespread public concern about events at Orgreave and calls for her to order an inquiry into them.

 

(v)            calls on Lancashire County Council and the other local authorities across the North West to pass a similar motion."

 

A vote was taken on the Motion, which at the request of a Member was recorded as follows:

 

FOR:            Councillors Aldridge, Bullock, Cooper, Cotterill, I Davis, J Davis, Delaney, Devine, Dowling, D Evans, Forshaw, Furey, Gagen, Hennessy, G Hodson, J Hodson, Hudson, McKay, Mills, Moran, Owen, Pendleton, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Savage, West, Wilkie, Wright, Wynn and Yates. (THIRTY)

 

AGAINST:    Owens (ONE)

 

ABSTENTIONS:      NONE

 

The Motion was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:   A.   That this Council is disappointed by the Home Secretary’s rejection on the 31st October, 2016 of an Inquiry into the policing of events at Orgreave.

 

B.   That the Council:

 

(i)      observes that the Independent Police Commission said in their redacted report released in June 2015 “that there was evidence of excessive violence by police officers, and a false narrative from police exaggerating violence by miners, perjury by officers giving evidence to prosecute the arrested men,and an apparent cover-up of that perjury by senior officers”.

 

(ii)     believes in the light of such statements that the Home Secretary needs to review her decision that there should be no enquiry into such events.

 

(iii)    notes that 95 miners were arrested and charged with riot offences, but were all later acquitted amid claims that police at the time had fabricated evidence.

 

(iv)   requests that the Chief Executive and the West Lancashire MP, Rosie Cooper, write to the Home Secretary and ask that she takes into account the opinion of this Council and accepts that there is widespread public concern about events at Orgreave and calls for her to order an inquiry into them.

 

(v)    calls on Lancashire County Council and the other local authorities across the North West to pass a similar motion."

 

 

55.

Ormskirk 'Night Market' - Motion Included on the Agenda by Councillor Dowling on Behalf of the Labour Group

That this Council recognises the initiative shown and efforts made by those local retailers and small businesses in Ormskirk Town Centre who have led on the town's series of 'Night Market' events. 

 

That a letter of thanks is sent to those businesses involved, for their efforts in promoting the town and the borough of West Lancashire, and instructs officers to continue to support the project in whatever way they can within available  resource levels through:

- professional and legal advice and guidance 

- event planning

- marketing and communications 

- supply of access to council materials and property 

- and any other help, where practical.

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"That this Council recognises the initiative shown and efforts made by those local retailers and small businesses in Ormskirk Town Centre who have led on the town's series of 'Night Market' events. 

 

That a letter of thanks is sent to those businesses involved, for their efforts in promoting the town and the borough of West Lancashire, and instructs officers to continue to support the project in whatever way they can within available  resource levels through:

- professional and legal advice and guidance 

- event planning

- marketing and communications 

- supply of access to council materials and property 

- and any other help, where practical."

 

An Amendment to the Motion was moved and seconded in the following terms:

 

"That this Council recognises the initiative shown and efforts made by those local retailers and small businesses in Ormskirk Town Centre who have led on the town's series of 'Night Market' events.

 

That a letter of thanks is sent to those businesses involved for their efforts in promoting the town and the Borough of West Lancashire.

 

That the Council make £15,000 available from the current year underspend or council reserves to promote additional specialist markets and events to attract visitors.  This funding to be managed by the most appropriate council officer and available for bids from the organisers of the Night Markets and from those considering other possible events.

 

That the Council publicise the availability of this new funding in local media, the Ormskirk Town Centre forum and to other town centre businesses.

 

That the Council continue to offer:

-        Professional and legal advice and guidance

-        Event planning

-        Marketing and Communications

-        Supply of access to suitable council materials and property

-        And any other help, where practical

Within available resource levels to such specialist markets and events."

 

A vote was taken, which at the request of a Member was recorded as follows:

 

FOR:            Councillors I Davis and Owens (TWO)

 

AGAINST:    Councillors Aldridge, Bullock, Cooper, Cotterill, J Davis, Delaney, Devine, Dowlilng, D Evans, Forshaw, Furey, Gagen, Hennessy, G Hodson, J Hodson, Hudson, McKay, Mills, Moran, Owen, Pendleton, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Savage, West, Wilkie, Wright, Wynn and Yates. (TWENTY NINE)

 

ABSTENTIONS:      NONE

 

The Amendment was LOST.

 

A vote was taken on the Motion, which was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:     A.   That this Council recognises the initiative shown and efforts made by those local retailers and small businesses in Ormskirk Town Centre who have led on the town's series of 'Night Market' events.

 

B.   That a letter of thanks is sent to those businesses involved, for their efforts in promoting the town and the borough of West Lancashire, and instructs officers to continue to support the project in whatever way they can within available  resource levels through:

- professional and legal advice and guidance 

- event planning

- marketing and communications

- supply of access to council materials and property 

- and any other help, where practical.

 

 

 

56.

Student Accommodation - Motion Included on the Agenda by Councillor Owens on Behalf of Our West Lancashire Group

Council notes that:

·       Student landlords do not pay for the local public services their tenants use as student accommodation is currently exempt from business rates and student households are exempt from council tax.

·       As at August 2017, there are 717 properties registered within the Borough that attract an exemption from Council Tax in accordance with the Regulation relating to student households (Exemption Class N) and a further 308 properties registered within the Borough that attract an exemption from Council Tax in accordance with the Regulation relating to student halls of residence (Exemption Class M). 

·       If these properties were not exempt from Council Tax, if a full Council Tax charge was levied in all these cases (assuming no Council Tax Support entitlement or other Council Tax Discounts/ Exemptions were eligible), it is estimated that an additional £1.3M Council Tax liability may be generated of which the Borough Council`s share of the additional liability income is estimated to be approximately £169K.

·       Student landlords have tenants who generate much need of local authority-funded public services, e.g. extra street cleansing, waste management, and environmental health demands (noise abatement and poor housing conditions).

·       Councils currently effectively receive funding to cover the cost of these services through the Revenue Support Grant (RSG), but the Government’s intention is to phase out the RSG by 2020.  After 2020 when the RSG is phased out, the income lost from council tax exemptions relating to student accommodation will effectively be borne by all other West Lancashire council tax payers.  

Council believes that:

·       Students are a very welcome part of our community and our local economy, but live in concentrated areas of the Borough in densely populated conditions.  This has a big impact on services in these parts of the Borough.

·       Student households should continue to be exempt from council tax, as students are on low (and loaned) incomes.

·       Student landlords are profit –making businesses, and should pay properly for the demands their tenants make on public services.

Council resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Local Government Association and the Members of Parliament serving West Lancashire Borough to request that councils should be given powers to bring student landlords within the scope of business rates in the same way that hotels, self-catering and holiday lets are within the scope of business rates.

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"Council notes that:

·       Student landlords do not pay for the local public services their tenants use as student accommodation is currently exempt from business rates and student households are exempt from council tax.

·       As at August 2017, there are 717 properties registered within the Borough that attract an exemption from Council Tax in accordance with the Regulation relating to student households (Exemption Class N) and a further 308 properties registered within the Borough that attract an exemption from Council Tax in accordance with the Regulation relating to student halls of residence (Exemption Class M). 

·       If these properties were not exempt from Council Tax, if a full Council Tax charge was levied in all these cases (assuming no Council Tax Support entitlement or other Council Tax Discounts/ Exemptions were eligible), it is estimated that an additional £1.3M Council Tax liability may be generated of which the Borough Council`s share of the additional liability income is estimated to be approximately £169K.

·       Student landlords have tenants who generate much need of local authority-funded public services, e.g. extra street cleansing, waste management, and environmental health demands (noise abatement and poor housing conditions).

·       Councils currently effectively receive funding to cover the cost of these services through the Revenue Support Grant (RSG), but the Government’s intention is to phase out the RSG by 2020.  After 2020 when the RSG is phased out, the income lost from council tax exemptions relating to student accommodation will effectively be borne by all other West Lancashire council tax payers.  

Council believes that:

·       Students are a very welcome part of our community and our local economy, but live in concentrated areas of the Borough in densely populated conditions.  This has a big impact on services in these parts of the Borough.

·       Student households should continue to be exempt from council tax, as students are on low (and loaned) incomes.

·       Student landlords are profit –making businesses, and should pay properly for the demands their tenants make on public services.

Council resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Local Government Association and the Members of Parliament serving West Lancashire Borough to request that councils should be given powers to bring student landlords within the scope of business rates in the same way that hotels, self-catering and holiday lets are within the scope of business rates."

 

A vote was taken on the Motion, which was LOST.

 

 

57.

WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) Motion submitted by Cllr Yvonne Gagen on Behalf of the Labour Group

This Council calls upon the Government to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.
Hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 with little/no personal notification of the changes. Some women had only two years notice of a six-year increase to their state pension age.
Many women born in the 1950s are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment. Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60. It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute – it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time. The issue is that the rise in the women’s state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving women with no time to make alternative arrangements.
The Council calls upon the Government to reconsider transitional arrangements for women born on or after 6 April 1951, so that women do not live in hardship due to pension changes they were not told about until it was too late to make alternative arrangements.

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"This Council calls upon the Government to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.


Hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 with little/no personal notification of the changes. Some women had only two years notice of a six-year increase to their state pension age.
Many women born in the 1950s are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment. Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60. It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute – it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time. The issue is that the rise in the women’s state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving women with no time to make alternative arrangements.


The Council calls upon the Government to reconsider transitional arrangements for women born on or after 6 April 1951, so that women do not live in hardship due to pension changes they were not told about until it was too late to make alternative arrangements."

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That this Council calls upon the Government to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.Hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 with little/no personal notification of the changes. Some women had only two years notice of a six-year increase to their state pension age.  Many women born in the 1950s are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment. Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60. It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute – it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time. The issue is that the rise in the women’s state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

58.

Minister for Older People - Motion by Cllr Aldridge on Behalf of the Labour Group

That this Council believes that the appointment of a Minister for Older People in Government is a real opportunity to commit to a coherent cross-governmental approach to age and ageing.

There are gaps between the remit of the Health and Pensions Ministers which needs to be addressed in order to effectively deal with the unprecedented demographic change that underpins the transformation of the economy, training, work and social care.

A similar model of that for the Minister for Disabled people should be considered.  They work successfully across all Government departments to ensure disabled people are not disadvantaged in any way.   The same approach needs to be considered for older people.

From a local authority perspective, we are working across a range of council services, as well as with our partner agencies, to plan for the needs of the projected ageing population.  The Government should attach the same priority and approach across their own Government departments to ensure that people over the age of 50 are skilled, empowered and enabled to contribute fully to society, whilst also taking into consideration their health and living needs, as well as tackling issues such as isolation.

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"That this Council believes that the appointment of a Minister for Older People in Government is a real opportunity to commit to a coherent cross-governmental approach to age and ageing.

There are gaps between the remit of the Health and Pensions Ministers which needs to be addressed in order to effectively deal with the unprecedented demographic change that underpins the transformation of the economy, training, work and social care.

A similar model of that for the Minister for Disabled people should be considered.  They work successfully across all Government departments to ensure disabled people are not disadvantaged in any way.   The same approach needs to be considered for older people.

From a local authority perspective, we are working across a range of council services, as well as with our partner agencies, to plan for the needs of the projected ageing population.  The Government should attach the same priority and approach across their own Government departments to ensure that people over the age of 50 are skilled, empowered and enabled to contribute fully to society, whilst also taking into consideration their health and living needs, as well as tackling issues such as isolation."

 

RESOLVED:     That this Council believes that the appointment of a Minister for Older People in Government is a real opportunity to commit to a coherent cross-governmental approach to age and ageing.

There are gaps between the remit of the Health and Pensions Ministers which needs to be addressed in order to effectively deal with the unprecedented demographic change that underpins the transformation of the economy, training, work and social care.

A similar model of that for the Minister for Disabled people should be considered.  They work successfully across all Government departments to ensure disabled people are not disadvantaged in any way.   The same approach needs to be considered for older people.

From a local authority perspective, we are working across a range of council services, as well as with our partner agencies, to plan for the needs of the projected ageing population.  The Government should attach the same priority and approach across their own Government departments to ensure that people over the age of 50 are skilled, empowered and enabled to contribute fully to society, whilst also taking into consideration their health and living needs, as well as tackling issues such as isolation.