Agenda and minutes

The Mayor’s Chaplain for the evening, Deacon Des, led Members and officers in prayer.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Cairns, G Hodson and Mrs Stephenson.

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.)

The following declarations were received:

1. Councillors Aldridge, Hennessy, O’Toole and Pope declared a non pecuniary interest in relation to Agenda Item8 'Council Plan Annual Report 2017/18', Item 17 'Moor Street Gateway Redevelopment' and item 19 (f) ‘Community Transport – Motion' as Members of Lancashire County Council (LCC) as did Councillors Gagen as an employee of LCC, and indicated that they would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected LCC.

2.         Councillors Ashcroft, Mrs Blake, Blane, Dereli, Gordon, Kay, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Moran, Owen, Pope and Whittington declared a non pecuniary interest in relation to Agenda Item 8 'Council Plan Annual Report 2017/18' in relation to Parish Council matters in view of their membership of a Parish Counciland indicated they would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected the finances of those bodies specifically. 

3.               Councillor Hennessy declared a pecuniary interest in relation to Agenda Item 16. 'Leisure Facility and Contract Procurement' in respect of her appointment to West Lancashire Community Leisure.

4.         Councillors Delaney, Devine, Forshaw, Owen, Nixon and West (Tenant of a Council flat/house) Aldridge (Tenant of a Council garage) declared disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to item 9 ‘Housing Account – Revenue and Capital Outturn’ for the reasons indicated but were entitled to speak and vote by virtue of an exemption (nothing in these reports relates particularly to their respective interests arising from the tenancy or lease).

5.         Councillors Aldridge, Blaine, Mee, Pendleton and Wright declared non-pecuniary interests in relation to item 9 ‘Housing Account – Revenue and Capital Outturn’ as they have a connected person who is a tenant of rented Council accommodation. Insofar as that interest becomes a pecuniary interest (as it would affect the financial position of their relative and a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard this as so significant that it is likely to prejudice their judgement of the public interest) they declared that interest but considered that they were entitled to speak and vote by virtue of an exemption as nothing in these reports relates particularly to the relevant tenancy or lease.

6.         Councillor Wynn declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in relation to item 14 'Recycling Update' and agenda item 19(a) 'Collection of Recyclables from Blue Boxes and Blue Bins – Motion' as he is employed by Essential Fleet Services Ltd to maintain Council vehicles and works at the Robert Hodge Centre and indicated he would leave the room and would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected his employer or employment.

7.         Councillor Pendleton declared a personal interest in agenda item 19 (f) ' Community Transport in view of his appointment by the Council to West Lancs. Dial-A-Ride Association, as did Councillor Mee in view of his appointment to the Management Committee.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the previous meetings held on:

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 25 April and Wednesday 16 May 2018 (annual meeting), be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor announced that the Civic Sunday service would be held at 2.00pm on 9 September 2018 at St Anne's Church, Ormskirk.

The following questions were received:

a)     Grass Cutting - Question from Councillor Ian Davis

"We welcome back the control of the grass cutting back to the WLBC and hope that many more services will be returned from outside contractors and LCC and provide much needed work for the residents of our area. Being Councillor Leader and in charge of improving our economic regeneration and attracting new industries to the area can you please advise how you are going to improve the first impressions that outsiders see when approaching our area. Both Skelmersdale and Ormskirk roundabouts  need far more attention than they have been receiving. First impressions are always important and companies do look for this. Can you advise how many cuts per season will be made this year and next? Some residents have informed us that they have been advised that the planned cuts for this year will not be all done, is this correct?"

b)         Bulky Household Waste - Question from Councillor Ian Davis

"We have been advised that there are problems with the bulky household waste service. Not the council's fault that the social enterprise running this operation has ceased operating. Can you please advise how you intend to take this matter forward in the future and if another social enterprise operator will be monitored how you intend to control it. Can we also have some indications as to why it failed and what caused it to fold?"

The Leader advised that the responses would be circulated after the meeting.

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:

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.     Planning Committee held on Thursday, 19 April, 24 May and 21 June 2018.

B.     Audit and Governance Committee held on Tuesday, 29 May 2018.

C.    Licensing and Appeals Committee held on Tuesday, 5 June 2018.

D.    Licensing and Gambling Committee held on Tuesday, 5 June 2018.

To consider the report of the Director of Housing and Inclusion.

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing and Inclusion, as contained on pages 55 to 84 of the Book of Reports, which presented the Council Plan Annual Report 2017/18.

An addendum to the Appendix was circulated.

RESOLVED:     A.   That the Council Plan Annual Report 2017/18, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

B.   That authority be given to the Director of Housing and Inclusion, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to make any minor final amendments to the document, prior to publication.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Housing and Inclusion and the Borough Treasurer.

Consideration was given to the joint report of the Director of Housing and Inclusion and the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 85 to 92 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue and capital outturn position for the 2017-2018 financial year.

RESOLVED:   That the financial outturn position of the 2017-18 HRA and Capital Investment Programme be noted and that the budget allocations set out in paragraphs 4.3 and 5.4 of the report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 93 to 96 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the revenue and capital outturn position on the General Revenue Account (GRA) for the 2017/18 financial year.

RESOLVED:     That the outturn position be noted and the budget allocations set out in paragraph 4.5 of the report be approved.

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 97 to 104 of the Book of Reports, which set out details of Treasury Management performance and Prudential Indicators for the year ended 31 March 2018.

RESOLVED:     That the performance for the 2017-18 financial year be noted.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Leisure and Environment, as contained on pages 105 to 114 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on the progress made in relation to the 2017/20 Health and Safety Strategic Plan.

RESOLVED:   That progress against the Health and Safety Strategic Plan 2017/20 be noted.

To consider the report of the Director Leisure and Environment.

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Leisure and Environment, as contained on pages 115 to 132 of the Book of Reports, which advised on the contents of the Government's Clean Air Strategy 2018 Consultation and sought approval of an appropriate response.

A Motion to approve the recommendation at paragraph 2.1 of the report was moved and seconded.

An Amendment to add the following words was moved and seconded:

"That the Council write to Lancashire County Council to ask what measures they propose to bring in, to anticipate pollution problems, perhaps by monitoring roads at risk, and ensure that any new traffic measures do not add seriously to pollution."

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

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

RESOLVED:   A.   That the contents of the Government's Clean Air Strategy 2018 consultation be noted and the proposed response set out in Appendix 2 to the report be approved.

                      B.   That the Council write to Lancashire County Council to ask what measures they propose to bring in, to anticipate pollution problems, perhaps by monitoring roads at risk, and ensure that any new traffic measures do not add seriously to pollution.

To consider the report of the Director of Leisure & Environment.

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Leisure and Environment, as contained on pages 133 to 148 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on the changes to the recycling and garden waste service to improve the future efficiency of the service.

Councillor Wilkie, the Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, advised that Extraordinary Cabinet had agreed the recommendations at paragraph 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 (b), 2.5 and 2.6 of the report.

RESOLVED:     That funding for the changes to the service as agreed by Extraordinary Cabinet be approved on the following basis:

A.    That funding of £200,000 be approved from capital receipts to fund blue and green bins to those properties that are using boxes, other containers or previously had a box, until 31 October 2018, as outlined in paragraphs 5.15, 5.26 and 5.28 of the report.

B.    That residents who have purchased a blue bin since 12 March 2018 to replace the use of a blue box or other containers, as outlined in paragraph 5.22 of the report, be refunded.

It is recommended that members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (business/financial affairs) 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.

RESOLVED:    That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following 3 items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 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.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Leisure and Environment, as contained on pages 149 to 196 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on progress to date with implementing key actions contained within the 2015-2025 West Lancashire Leisure Strategy and sought the necessary authority to continue with its implementation.

Councillor Gagen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Human Resources advised that the Extraordinary Cabinet had approved the recommendations set out at paragraphs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 of the report.

RESOLVED:   A.   That the decision of Cabinet be noted.

B.   That the progress made on the key actions contained within the Leisure Strategy be noted.

C.   That funding from the Strategic Investment Reserve be allocated in line with financial requirements set out in Table 4, paragraph 9.1 of the report.

(Note: Councillor Hennessy had left the room whilst this item was under consideration.)

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Development and Regeneration, as contained on pages 197 to 224 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on progress of the Moor Street Gateway Project, incorporating the Ormskirk Bus Station site (the Project) and to determine matters to allow future progress.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, Councillor Moran, advised that Extraordinary Cabinet had approved the recommendations set out at paragraphs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of the report.

RESOLVED:   A.   That the decision of Cabinet be noted.

B.   That Scheme A, with the highest score achieved in the competitive tender process, be acknowledged as an appropriate redevelopment scheme for the site (subject to planning permission).

C.   That delegated authority be given to the Director of Development & Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Estates, to:

1)    Negotiate terms and enter into an agreement with Lancashire County Council in respect of its financial contribution to the Project.

2)    Negotiate terms and enter into all necessary agreements with the preferred developer and appropriate parties.

3)    Take all necessary steps to implement and complete the Project including, where necessary entering into legal agreements.

4)    Secure appropriate tenants for the ground floor space that will belong to the Council.

D.   That the Director of Development & Regeneration be authorised to pursue and accept any external grant funding that would benefit the Project.

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

Consideration was given to the joint report of the Director of Development and Regeneration and the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 225 to 300 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of an appropriate way of funding and delivering the development scheme in Skelmersdale Town Centre.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, Councillor Moran, advised that Extraordinary Cabinet has approved the recommendations at paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2 of the report.

A Motion to approve the recommendations set out in paragraph 3.1 and 3.2 of the report, was moved and seconded.

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

FOR:      Councillors Aldridge, Ashcroft, Mr Baybutt, Mrs Blake, Blane, Bullock, Cooper, Cotterill, Cummins, Curry, I Davis, Delaney, Dereli, Devine, Mrs C Evans, D Evans, S Evans, Forshaw, Furey, Gagen, Gordon, Hennessy, J Hodson, Kay, Lockie, C Marshall, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Mills, Moran, Nixon, O'Toole, Owen, Owens, Pendleton, Pope, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Savage, West, D Westley, Mrs Westley, Wilkie, Wright, Wynn and Yates. (FORTY SIX)

AGAINST:    NONE

ABSTENTIONS:      Councillor Whittington (ONE)

The Motion was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:   A.   That the decision of Cabinet be noted.

B.   That budgetary provision to deliver the scheme be provided as set out in Paragraph 9 of the report.

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

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

When the Conservatives introduced the Blue Wheelie Bin in 2013, it was offered free of charge to every property in the Borough, although residents were also given the option of continuing to use their Blue Box and Bag.

The Conservatives have always seen Refuse and Recycling Collections as essential frontline services, ones that should be funded from Council Tax and not by the imposition of additional charges.

Earlier this year the Conservative Group welcomed the introduction of the Brown Wheelie Bin for garden waste and the use of the Green Wheelie Bin for paper and cardboard collections. In line with Conservative Policy detailed above, the Brown Wheelie Bin and Green Wheelie Bins, for properties without one, were both provided free of charge.

The recent decision to stop the collection of recyclables from Blue Boxes and Blue Bins together with the imposition of a £25 charge for a Blue Wheelie Bins is contrary to the Council's previous policy and unfair. Labour have allowed the recent changes to be slipped in under delegated authority without any democratic debate on what was a clear change in policy.

In consideration of the above, this Council resolves:

(a)  To continue the collections from Blue Boxes and Bags until the end of October 2018

(b)  That residents can, on request, have a Blue Wheelie Bin free of charge

(c)  To Refund £25 to all residents who have purchased recently a Blue Wheelie Bin

(d)  That the cost of this decision to be met from Reserves

This item was dealt with at Minute 23 'Recycling Update'.

That this Council calls upon the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, to work with and encourage discussions between Northern (Arriva Rail North) and the RMT Union in order to find a solution to theongoing dispute over proposed changes to the role of the guards.

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"That this Council calls upon the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, to work with and encourage discussions between Northern (Arriva Rail North) and the RMT Union in order to find a solution to theongoing dispute over proposed changes to the role of the guards."

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

RESOLVED:   That this Council calls upon the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, to work with and encourage discussions between Northern (Arriva Rail North) and the RMT Union in order to find a solution to theongoing dispute over proposed changes to the role of the guards.

That this Council notes that there is currently a significant surplus of student HMOs in Ormskirk with 69 properties comprising 334 rooms currently available for the 2018/19 academic year on one website alone on 4 July 2018, with at least nine of these properties being currently advertised for sale on the same website.

That it be further noted that the Council has available £850,823 in so-called ‘one-for-one’ monies which must be used to provide additional council housing by 31 December 2019 or be returned to Government and that currently the Council has no plans to expend these funds and therefore they are at risk of being lost to the Borough.

That the Director of Housing and Inclusion be asked to submit a report to Cabinet on 11 September and Council on 17 October 2018 to allow councillors to consider establishing a £1 million fund using £300,000 of so called ‘one-for-one’ monies, with match funds being provided from the appropriate HRA reserve, to purchase empty student HMO properties in Ormskirk and establish them as council homes for families. 

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"That this Council notes that there is currently a significant surplus of student HMOs in Ormskirk with 69 properties comprising 334 rooms currently available for the 2018/19 academic year on one website alone on 4 July 2018, with at least nine of these properties being currently advertised for sale on the same website.

That it be further noted that the Council has available £850,823 in so-called ‘one-for-one’ monies which must be used to provide additional council housing by 31 December 2019 or be returned to Government and that currently the Council has no plans to expend these funds and therefore they are at risk of being lost to the Borough.

That the Director of Housing and Inclusion be asked to submit a report to Cabinet on 11 September and Council on 17 October 2018 to allow councillors to consider establishing a £1 million fund using £300,000 of so called ‘one-for-one’ monies, with match funds being provided from the appropriate HRA reserve, to purchase empty student HMO properties in Ormskirk and establish them as council homes for families. "

An Amendment was moved and seconded as follows:

"That this Council notes that there is currently a significant surplus of student HMOs in Ormskirk, with 69 properties, comprising 334 rooms, currently available for the 2018/19 academic year on one website alone on 4 July 2018, with at least nine of these properties being currently advertised for sale on the same website.

That it be further noted that the hard work of this Labour administration has contributed significantly to reducing the demand for student HMOs in Ormskirk, by supporting Edge Hill University to build on campus; and, since 2015, by rejecting far more applications for HMO conversions than have been approved. Over four hundred HMO applications were permitted prior to 2015 but under this administration, only four have been approve. Coupled with a national demographic fall in student numbers, this approach now means that many private landlords are left with vacant properties.

That the Director of Housing and Inclusion be asked to report to Cabinet, and Council if appropriate, to look into the viability of a scheme to offer guaranteed, short-term loans, along with other professional services and support, to landlords wishing to convert HMO properties back to a suitable state for sale as family occupation either through the council directly or via the new development company, as is deemed most appropriate.

A charge would be applied to such properties, which, when sold, would be reclaimed in full by the council. Upon sale, properties would have to be returned to private ownership and non-HMO status.  Such a scheme would create little risk for the council, as the loans would be repaid in full on sale of the property and it would not be required to take on ageing housing stock in order to bail out struggling private landlords.

The scheme would also generate increased council tax receipts and help increase the number of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

That this Council:

1. celebrates the fact that 70 years ago Parliament, under a Labour Government, created a National Health Service, free at the point of delivery
   
   
2. accordingly seeks to maintain those benefits for every resident in West Lancashire
   
   
3. resolves to write to the Secretary of State and to our local MP, Rosie Cooper,  asking that the Government:
   
   
   • works with those in all parties to find a way of resolving the NHS’s continuing cash crisis and securing a funding agreement for the long term
   • funds social care as identified by the Local Government Association
   • publishes a White Paper (by summer 2018) outlining the Government’s intentions for integrating and funding health and social care provision in the future
   • provides adequate funding for mental health care in West Lancashire
   • takes appropriate steps to protect community pharmacies in West Lancashire

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"That this Council:

1.     celebrates the fact that 70 years ago Parliament, under a Labour Government, created a National Health Service, free at the point of delivery

2.     accordingly seeks to maintain those benefits for every resident in West Lancashire

3.     resolves to write to the Secretary of State and to our local MP, Rosie Cooper,  asking that the Government:

·       works with those in all parties to find a way of resolving the NHS’s continuing cash crisis and securing a funding agreement for the long term

·       funds social care as identified by the Local Government Association

·       publishes a White Paper (by summer 2018) outlining the Government’s intentions for integrating and funding health and social care provision in the future

·       provides adequate funding for mental health care in West Lancashire

·       takes appropriate steps to protect community pharmacies in West Lancashire"

An Amendment to the Motion was moved and seconded, which sought to include Seema Kennedy MP also at paragraph 3 and remove the deadline "(by summer 2018)" in respect of the request that the Government publishes a White Paper at bullet point 3 of paragraph 3.

A vote was taken, the Amendment was CARRIED.

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

RESOLVED:   That this Council:

A.    Celebrates the fact that 70 years ago Parliament, under a Labour Government, created a National Health Service, free at the point of delivery.

B.    Accordingly seeks to maintain those benefits for every resident in West Lancashire.

C.    Resolves to write to the Secretary of State and to our local MPs, Rosie Cooper and Seema Kennedy, asking that the Government:

·        works with those in all parties to find a way of resolving the NHS’s continuing cash crisis and securing a funding agreement for the long term

·        funds social care as identified by the Local Government Association

·        publishes a White Paper outlining the Government’s intentions for integrating and funding health and social care provision in the future

·        provides adequate funding for mental health care in West Lancashire

·        takes appropriate steps to protect community pharmacies in West Lancashire

That this Council will support and sign the Cooperative Party Charter Against Modern Slavery and it will promote awareness of Modern Day Slavery amongst our residents and work with officers to support survivors, as follows:

"Charter Against Modern Slavery

West Lancs Borough Council will:

1.          Train its corporate procurement team to understand modern slavery
through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s (CIPS) online course on Ethical Procurement and Supply.

2.          Require its contractors to comply fully with the Modern Slavery Act
2015, wherever it applies, with contract termination as a potential
sanction for non-compliance.

3.          Challenge any abnormally low-cost tenders to ensure they do not rely
upon the potential contractor practising modern slavery.

4.          Highlight to its suppliers that contracted workers are free to join a
trade union and are not to be treated unfairly for belonging to one.

5.          Publicise its whistle-blowing system for staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

6.          Require its tendered contractors to adopt a whistle-blowing policy
which enables their staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

7.          Review its contractual spending regularly to identify any potential
issues with modern slavery.

8.          Highlight for its suppliers any risks identified concerning modern
slavery and refer them to the relevant agencies to be addressed.

9.          Refer for investigation via the National Crime Agency’s national referral mechanism any of its contractors identified as a cause for concern regarding modern slavery.

10.       Report publicly on the implementation of this policy annually."

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"That this Council will support and sign the Cooperative Party Charter Against Modern Slavery and it will promote awareness of Modern Day Slavery amongst our residents and work with officers to support survivors, as follows:

"Charter Against Modern Slavery

West Lancs Borough Council will:

1.          Train its corporate procurement team to understand modern slavery
through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s (CIPS) online course on Ethical Procurement and Supply.

2.          Require its contractors to comply fully with the Modern Slavery Act
2015, wherever it applies, with contract termination as a potential
sanction for non-compliance.

3.          Challenge any abnormally low-cost tenders to ensure they do not rely
upon the potential contractor practising modern slavery.

4.          Highlight to its suppliers that contracted workers are free to join a
trade union and are not to be treated unfairly for belonging to one.

5.          Publicise its whistle-blowing system for staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

6.          Require its tendered contractors to adopt a whistle-blowing policy
which enables their staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

7.          Review its contractual spending regularly to identify any potential
issues with modern slavery.

8.          Highlight for its suppliers any risks identified concerning modern
slavery and refer them to the relevant agencies to be addressed.

9.          Refer for investigation via the National Crime Agency’s national referral mechanism any of its contractors identified as a cause for concern regarding modern slavery.

10.       Report publicly on the implementation of this policy annually."

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

RESOLVED:   That this Council will support and sign the Cooperative Party Charter Against Modern Slavery and it will promote awareness of Modern Day Slavery amongst our residents and work with officers to support survivors, as follows:

"Charter Against Modern Slavery

West Lancs Borough Council will:

1.      Train its corporate procurement team to understand modern slavery through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s (CIPS) online course on Ethical Procurement and Supply.

2.      Require its contractors to comply fully with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, wherever it applies, with contract termination as a potential sanction for non-compliance.

3.      Challenge any abnormally low-cost tenders to ensure they do not rely upon the potential contractor practising modern slavery.

4.      Highlight to its suppliers that contracted workers are free to join a trade union and are not to be treated unfairly for belonging to one.

5.      Publicise its whistle-blowing system for staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

6.      Require its tendered contractors to adopt a whistle-blowing policy which enables their staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

7.      Review its contractual spending regularly to identify any potential issues with modern slavery.

8.      Highlight for its suppliers any risks identified concerning modern slavery and refer them to the relevant agencies to be addressed.

9.      Refer for investigation via the National Crime Agency’s national referral  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

That this Council calls upon Lancashire County Council's Conservative Administration to reverse the 50% cut of funding to the Community Transport Consortium, which includes our own Dial a Ride service in West Lancashire.

That Councillor Ian Moran, as the Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council writes to County Councillor Geoff Driver expressing this Council's shock and dismay and requesting a reverse to this cut to Community Transport including our Dial a Ride Service.

That this Council recognises the contribution that Community Transport services play in West Lancashire, having a major role in promoting good health and wellbeing, reducing loneliness and isolation and helps people to access important services. Noting that the recent public consultation resulted in over a thousand responses demanding that the services are not cut; that Dial-a-Ride services provide a door to door service for some of the most vulnerable in our communities; and that these are the elderly, disabled and people who suffer from long term illness, who cannot stand at the bus stop. 
 

That the Chief Executive and the Leader of Lancashire County Council be asked to write to the Minister for Transport, Mr Chris Grayling MP requesting that he gives councils control over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, a fuel duty rebate currently paid directly to bus operators. The effect of this would also enable councils to protect vital bus routes, and give them the funding they need to provide an effective and efficient bus service.

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"That this Council calls upon Lancashire County Council's Conservative Administration to reverse the 50% cut of funding to the Community Transport Consortium, which includes our own Dial a Ride service in West Lancashire.

That Councillor Ian Moran, as the Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council writes to County Councillor Geoff Driver expressing this Council's shock and dismay and requesting a reverse to this cut to Community Transport including our Dial a Ride Service.

That this Council recognises the contribution that Community Transport services play in West Lancashire, having a major role in promoting good health and wellbeing, reducing loneliness and isolation and helps people to access important services. Noting that the recent public consultation resulted in over a thousand responses demanding that the services are not cut; that Dial-a-Ride services provide a door to door service for some of the most vulnerable in our communities; and that these are the elderly, disabled and people who suffer from long term illness, who cannot stand at the bus stop. 
 

That the Chief Executive and the Leader of Lancashire County Council be asked to write to the Minister for Transport, Mr Chris Grayling MP requesting that he gives councils control over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, a fuel duty rebate currently paid directly to bus operators. The effect of this would also enable councils to protect vital bus routes, and give them the funding they need to provide an effective and efficient bus service."

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

RESOLVED:   A.   That this Council calls upon Lancashire County Council's Conservative Administration to reverse the 50% cut of funding to the Community Transport Consortium, which includes our own Dial a Ride service in West Lancashire.

B.   That Councillor Ian Moran, as the Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council writes to County Councillor Geoff Driver expressing this Council's shock and dismay and requesting a reverse to this cut to Community Transport including our Dial a Ride Service.

C.   That this Council recognises the contribution that Community Transport services play in West Lancashire, having a major role in promoting good health and wellbeing, reducing loneliness and isolation and helps people to access important services. Noting that the recent public consultation resulted in over a thousand responses demanding that the services are not cut; that Dial-a-Ride services provide a door to door service for some of the most vulnerable in our communities; and that these are the elderly, disabled and people who suffer from long term illness, who cannot stand at the bus stop.

D.   That the Chief Executive and the Leader of Lancashire County Council be asked to write to the Minister for Transport, Mr Chris Grayling MP requesting that he gives councils control over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, a fuel duty rebate currently paid directly to bus operators. The effect of this would also enable councils to protect vital bus routes, and give them the funding they need to provide an effective  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.