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 Yvonne Gagen, Phill Hudson, James Kay and David Westley.

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.       All Members present declared a pecuniary interest in item 9 ‘Members’ Allowances Scheme 2019/20 and Appointment of Independent Remuneration Panel and in relation to item 12 ‘Determination of Council Tax 2019/20’, but were entitled to speak and vote by virtue of an exemption. 

2.       a)   Councillors Ashcroft, Mrs Blake, Blane, Dereli, Gordon, Lockie, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Moran, Owen, Pope and Whittington declared a pecuniary interest in relation to relevant lines in the budget in respect of item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2019/20’ and item 13 ‘Medium Term Capital Programme 2019-20’ in relation to Parish Council matters in view of their membership of a Parish Council and indicated they would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected the finances of those bodies specifically.* 

          b)    Councillors Aldridge, Hennessy, O’Toole and Pope declared a pecuniary interest in relation to relevant lines in the budget in respect of item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2019/20’ and item 13 ‘Medium Term Capital Programme 2019-20’, as Members of Lancashire County Council (LCC) as did Councillors Cummins and Gagen as employees of LCC, and indicated that they would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected LCC.*

c)    Councillor Hennessy declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to relevant lines in the budget in respect of item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2019/20’ and item 13 ‘Medium Term Capital Programme 2019-20’in respect of her appointment to West Lancashire Community Leisure.*

d)     The following Councillors, appointed by the Council to the bodies listed, declared a pecuniary interest in relation to relevant lines in the budget in respect of item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2019/20’ regarding the ‘Grant to Voluntary Organisations’*.

        Councillors                          Voluntary Body

·       Moran                           Citizens Advice Bureau Lancashire

·       G Hodson                     West Lancs CVS

Cotterill

Nixon

        Pryce Roberts

·       Aldridge                        Homestart Central Lancashire

Mrs Stephenson

e)     Councillor Whittington declared a pecuniary interest in relation item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2019/20’ in respect of the ‘Community Grants’ as his wife is a trustee of Citizens Advice Bureau Lancashire and this body had been recommended to receive funding for 2019/20:*

f)      Councillor Mee declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to item 11 'Budget Requirement 2019/20' in respect of 'Community Grants' as a member of the Dial A Ride Board and a volunteer driver 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 Ashcroft, Mrs Blake, Blane, Dereli, Gordon, Lockie, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Moran, Owen, Pope and Whittington declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 12 ‘Determination of Council Tax 2019/20’ in view of their membership of a Parish Council. 

4.       Councillors Aldridge, Hennessy, O’Toole and Pope declared a non pecuniary interest in relation to item 12 ‘Determination  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

To receive as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 December 2018.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 12 December 2018, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor announced the following Charity events:

·       The Mayor's Charity Ball - 15 March at Lancashire Manor

·       Scouts Bingo – 8 March at St. Annes

·       An 80's Night – 27 April at St. Annes

The following question was received:

Review of the West Lancashire Local Plan - Question raised by Councillor A Owens on behalf of Our West Lancashire Group

"In relation to the current review of the West Lancashire Local Plan would the Leader:

a)    Confirm that the preparation of the local plan continues to cover the time period up to 2050?

b)    Quantify the “significant reduction in housing numbers, and a reduced impact on the green belt” as announced last week?"

Members were advised that a copy of the response to the question would be included on the Council's website.

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.        Licensing & Gambling Committee held on Tuesday 4 December 2018

B.        Licensing & Appeals Committee held on Tuesday 4 December 2018 and 12 February 2019

C.        Planning Committee held on Thursday 10 January 2019

D.         Audit and Governance Committee held on Tuesday 29 January 2019

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 745 to 768 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2019/20 detailing the Authority’s policy on workforce remuneration, as required by the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED:   That the Pay Policy Statement for 2019/20 attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved, published on the Council’s website and included in the Constitution.

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor, as contained on pages 769 to 774 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2019/20 and detailed the Membership of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

A Motion to approve the recommendations at paragraphs 2.1 to 2.4 of the report was moved and seconded.

An Amendment was moved and seconded as follows:

"2.1    That it be noted that the IRP has not recommended any changes to the Members Allowances Scheme for 2019/20 and consequently a report from the IRP has not been submitted for consideration.

2.2     That the Borough Solicitor update the Members Allowance Scheme, effective from 1 April 2019, incorporating a Basic Allowance of £3,924.20 (the Lancashire average) with the current multipliers used in the calculation for SRA payments remaining unchanged, such scheme to be incorporated into the Constitution and subsequently published.

2.3     That the Membership of the IRP for 2019/20 and the respective terms of office be noted and endorsed as follows:

Mrs G Stanley (Chairman) 1 May 2021

Mr J Boardman 1 May 2020

Mr I Thompson 1 May 2022"

At the request of a Member, voting on the Amendment was recorded as follows:

FOR:                      Councillors Davis and Owens (TWO)

AGAINST:               Councillors Aldridge, Ashcroft, Mrs Baybutt, Mrs Blake, Blane, Bullock, Cairns, C Cooper, R Cooper, Cotterill, Cummins, Currie, Delaney, Dereli, Devine, Mrs C Evans, D Evans, S Evans, Forshaw, Furey, Gordon, Hennessy, G Hodson, J Hodson, Lockie, McKenna, C Marshall, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Mills, Moran, Nixon, O'Toole, Owen, Pope, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Savage, Mrs Stephenson, West, Mrs Westley, Whittington, Wilkie, Witter, Wright and Yates (FORTY SIX)

ABSTENTIONS:      Councillor Dowling (ONE)

The Amendment was LOST.

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

RESOLVED:   A.     That it be noted that the IRP has not recommended any changes to the Members Allowances Scheme for 2019/20 and consequently a report from the IRP has not been submitted for consideration.

B.     That it be noted that the Basic Allowance of £4,842 has been fixed for a 4 year period until 31 March 2020, the Council being able to ask the IRP to consider an increase in any year and to give specific reasons for the request.

C.     That the Borough Solicitor update the Members Allowance Scheme, effective from 1 April 2019, incorporating a Basic Allowance of £4,842 (no increase) and provision for SRA payments (no change), such scheme to be incorporated into the Constitution and subsequently published.

D.     That the Membership of the IRP for 2019/20 and the respective terms of office be noted and endorsed as follows:

      Mrs G Stanley (Chairman)1 May 2021

      Mr J Boardman                 1 May 2020

      Mr I Thompson                 1 May 2022

To enable the Portfolio Holder / Shadow Portfolio Holder to present their budget statement it will be necessary to suspend Council Procedure Rule 13.4 for Agenda Items 11 and 14. (This Rule limits the length of a speech to 5 minutes.)

RESOLVED:    That Council Procedure rule 13.4 be suspended to enable the Portfolio Holder / Shadow Portfolio Holder / Spokesperson for OWL to present their budget statements, in respect of agenda items 11 (Budget Requirement 2019/20) and 14 (Housing Account – Revenue and Capital Programme).

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer.

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

Consideration was given to the revised report of the Director of Housing and Inclusion, as circulated at the meeting and contained in the Book of Reports, which set out the proposed Council Tax rate for each property band for the whole of the Borough Council’s area, including the Council Tax rate as set by the County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, and the local Parish Council in parished areas, in order to confirm the statutory resolutions that are required in order to set the Council Tax for 2019/2020.

Councillor Yates moved a Motion to approve the recommendations in the revised report, which was seconded.

In accordance with Council Procedure rule 16.5, voting on the Motion was recorded as follows:

FOR:    Councillors: Aldridge, Ashcroft, Mr Baybutt, MrsBlake, Blane,Bullock, Cairns, C Cooper, R Cooper, Cotterill, Cummins, Currie, I Davis, Delaney, Dereli, Devine, Dowling, Mrs C Evans, D Evans, S Evans, Forshaw, Furey, Gordon, Hennessy, G Hodson, J Hodson, Lockie, McKenna, C Marshall, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Mills, Moran, Nixon, O'Toole, Owen, Owens, Pope, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Savage, Mrs Stephenson, West, Mrs Westley, Whittington, Wilkie, Witter, Wright and Yates (FORTY NINE)

AGAINST: (NONE)

ABSTENTIONS: (NONE)

The Motion was CARRIED.

RESOLVED: A.   That it be noted that on the 14 January 2019, the Borough Treasurer declared the Council Tax Base amounts set out in Appendix A to the revised report, for the financial year 2019/20 in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012.

B.   That the Budget for the Council’s own purposes for 2019/20 (excluding parish precepts) be set at £12,854,800 in accordance with the earlier Budget Requirement report.

C.   That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the financial year 2019/2020 in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (the Act):

a)     £91,202,862 being the aggregate of the amounts, which the Council estimates for the items, set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils.

b)     £83,420,867 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

c)     £7,781,995 being the amount by which the aggregate at C(a) above exceeds the aggregate at C(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year.

d)     £220.73 being the amount at C(c) above divided by 35,256.32 (the Tax Base) calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31(B) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for 2019/2020.

e)     £611,212 being the aggregate amount of all special items (i.e. Parish Precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act.

f)      £203.39 being the amount at C(d) above, less the result given by dividing the amount at C(e) above by 35,256.32 (the Tax Base), calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 807 to 814 of the Book of Reports, which advised on the Council’s Medium Term Capital Programme.

Councillor Yates, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Transformation, moved a Motion, which set out the Labour Capital Programme proposals, as circulated at the meeting and contained within the Book of Reports, which was seconded.

An Amendment from the Conservative Group, as circulated at the meeting and contained within the Book of Reports, was moved and seconded.

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

An Amendment from the Our West Lancashire Group, was moved and seconded.

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

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

RESOLVED:   A.   That the following budget items be approved, based on the Capital Programme proposals presented:

B.   That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive and Heads of Service to take all necessary action to implement the agreed Capital Programme.

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 Housing and Inclusion and the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 815 to 830 of the Book of Reports, which advised on the rent and service charges to be applied; and detailed the Public Sector Housing Capital Investment Programme and Housing Revenue Estimates for 2019/20.

Councillor Forshaw, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Landlord Services, moved a Motion, as circulated at the meeting and contained in the Book of Reports, which set out Labour proposals in relation to the Draft Housing Revenue Account Estimates for 2019/20 and Public Sector Housing Capital Investment Programme 2019/20, which was seconded.

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

RESOLVED:   A.   That the Rent and Service charges set within delegated authority, as detailed in Section 4 and 5 of the report be noted and endorsed.

B.   That the comments of the Tenants and Residents, as set out in Appendix E to the report be noted.

C.   That the Housing Revenue Account Budget and Capital  Investment Plan, set out in Appendices A and B to the report be approved, subject to the changes set out in the Labour proposals circulated at the meeting and contained in the Book of Reports.

D.   That delegated authority be given to the Director of Housing & Inclusion, in consultation with the Housing and Landlord Services Portfolio Holder, to utilise one for one capital receipt funding together with HRA borrowing to acquire new properties, subject to there being a satisfactory business case.

E.   That the Housing Revenue Account Reserves Policy set out in Appendix C to the report be approved.

F.   That delegated authority be given to the Director of Housing and Inclusion to take all necessary action to implement the decisions of Council.

To consider the report of the Borough Treasurer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Treasurer, as contained on pages 831 to 860 of the Book of Reports, which detailed the framework for capital financing and treasury management operations for the next financial year.

RESOLVED:   A.   That the projected position in respect of the Prudential Indicators, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, for 2018-19 be noted.

B.   That the Prudential Indicators for the next three years be agreed, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

C.   That the minimum revenue provision (MRP) policy as set out in Appendix 3 to the report, be approved for the next financial year.

D.   That the Capital Strategy as set out in Appendix 4 to the report, be approved for the next financial year.

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor, as contained on pages 861 to 862 of the Book of Reports, which sought nominations for the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2019/20.

Nominations for Mayor-elect and Deputy Mayor-elect for the Municipal Year 2019/20 were not submitted.

RESOLVED:     That the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor, as contained on pages 863 to 866 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the timetable of meetings for the Municipal Year 2019/20.

RESOLVED:    That the timetable for the meetings for the 2019/20 Municipal Year, attached as an Appendix to the report, be approved.

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 Paragraph 3 (Financial/Business 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 item 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 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 867 to 948 of the Book of Reports, which provided members with a progress update since the decisions of Extraordinary Cabinet and Council on 17 October 2018 and sought approval to proceed with forming a Development Company, with the appointment of the Board of Directors and for the Company to become operational; and to approve the Development Company's Business Plan for implementation, together with its funding arrangements.

A Motion to approve the recommendation at paragraph 4 of the report was moved and seconded.

An Amendment to the Motion was moved and seconded.

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

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

RESOLVED:   A.   That the creation of the Development Company, named Tawd Valley Developments Limited beapproved.

B.      That the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Landlord Services and Portfolio Holder for Resources and Transformation be authorised to determine all matters, as the shareholder for the Development Company, on behalf of theCouncil.

C.     That the appointment of the Director of Housing and Inclusion and the Borough Treasurer as Directors of the Development Company be approved.

D.     That the governance and financial arrangements required for the Development Companyto operatewith theCouncil assole shareholder,as setout inthis report at section 4 and section 8 be approved.

E.      That the Director of Housing and Inclusion, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Landlord Services and Portfolio Holder for Resources and Transformation, be authorised to take all necessary steps to enable the Development Company to be set up including making arrangements for the appointment of the two independent directors to the Development CompanyBoard.

F.      That the Development Company's annual Business Plan set out at Appendix 1 to the report attached at Appendix A, be approved.

G.     That the financial and resource implications at section 8 of the report be noted and approved.

H.     That authority be given to sell the Council owned land referred to in the Business Plan to the Development Company at market value, including the ability to licence the occupation of this land subject to the obtaining of all necessary licences, permissions and consents and the making of any arrangements to appropriate any suitable Housing Revenue Account (HRA) land for General Revenue Account use.

I.        That theCouncil beauthorised topurchase orprocure theaffordable housingunits on behalf of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) as set out in paragraphs 8.5 and 8.6 of the report attached at Appendix A.

J.       That the Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Transformation, be authorised to manage the loan arrangements set out in accordance with paragraph 8.2 of thereport attached at Appendix A.

K.      That the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

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:

In declaring itself a supporter of the Fairtrade movement, recognising the value of the Fairtrade scheme to producers in developing countries who would otherwise not receive a living wage for their work, and recognising that these Fairtrade farmers are often working as cooperatives (an approach we would want to support in pursuit of our anti-slavery commitment) this Council resolves to:

•        reaffirms its support in principle for Fairtrade

•        follow the examples such as Edge Hill University, and serve Fairtrade teas and coffees

•        encourage the use of Fairtrade products wherever it can

•        encourage/support the formation of a West Lancashire Steering Group to promote Fairtrade access across the Borough with a view to becoming a Fairtrade Borough, following the example of Burscough as a Fairtrade Town.

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"In declaring itself a supporter of the Fairtrade movement, recognising the value of the Fairtrade scheme to producers in developing countries who would otherwise not receive a living wage for their work, and recognising that these Fairtrade farmers are often working as cooperatives (an approach we would want to support in pursuit of our anti-slavery commitment) this Council resolves to:

•        reaffirms its support in principle for Fairtrade

•        follow the examples such as Edge Hill University, and serve Fairtrade teas and coffees

•        encourage the use of Fairtrade products wherever it can

•        encourage/support the formation of a West Lancashire Steering Group to promote Fairtrade access across the Borough with a view to becoming a Fairtrade Borough, following the example of Burscough as a Fairtrade Town."

An Amendment to the Motion was moved and seconded.

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

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

RESOLVED:   That this Council:

                      A.   Reaffirms its support in principle for Fairtrade.

B.      Will follow the examples such as Edge Hill University, and serve Fairtrade teas and coffees.

C.     Will encourage the use of Fairtrade products wherever it can.

D.     Will encourage/support the formation of a West Lancashire Steering Group to promote Fairtrade access across the Borough with a view to becoming a Fairtrade Borough, following the example of Burscough as a Fairtrade Town.

This Council resolves that:
While being totally opposed to shale gas extraction (Fracking) and the damage it threatens to our health, safety, environment and countryside, the Leader and Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, asking them to reaffirm their position that there will be no weakening of the existing traffic light system, as proposed by Cuadrilla, to allow fracking to continue where it causes seismic activity in excess of 0.5 magnitude

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"This Council resolves that:
While being totally opposed to shale gas extraction (Fracking) and the damage it threatens to our health, safety, environment and countryside, the Leader and Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, asking them to reaffirm their position that there will be no weakening of the existing traffic light system, as proposed by Cuadrilla, to allow fracking to continue where it causes seismic activity in excess of 0.5 magnitude."

At the request of a Member, voting on the Motion was recorded as follows:

FOR:                      Councillors Aldridge, C Cooper, R Cooper, Cotterill, Cummins, Delaney, Dereli, Devine, Dowling, D Evans, S Evans, Forshaw, Furey, Hennessy, G Hodson, J Hodson, Lockie, Mills, Moran, Nixon, Owen, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Savage, West, Wilkie, Wright and Yates (TWENTY EIGHT)

AGAINST:               (NONE)

ABSTENTIONS:     Councillors Ashcroft, Mrs Baybutt, Mrs Blake, Blane, Currie, Davis, Mrs C Evans, C Marshall, Mrs Marshall, Mee, O'Toole, Owens, Pope, Mrs Westley, Whittington and Witter (SIXTEEN)

RESOLVED:     That while being totally opposed to shale gas extraction (Fracking) and the damage it threatens to our health, safety, environment and countryside, the Leader and Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, asking them to reaffirm their position that there will be no weakening of the existing traffic light system, as proposed by Cuadrilla, to allow fracking to continue where it causes seismic activity in excess of 0.5 magnitude.

(Note:   In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9, a Motion to continue the meeting past 11.00pm until 11.30pm or until business was concluded (if earlier), was moved, seconded and agreed by the meeting.)

Council notes:
The publication of the Hurlston Brook Flood Risk Study, and its recommendation.

Council believes:
Appropriate action must be taken to protect residents devastated by flooding previously and at risk again, and also residents who are now at risk of flooding.

Council resolves:
That the Leader and Chief Executive write to the Leader and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council (as the Local Lead Flood Authority) and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to request the consideration of some element of large scale investment to protect our residents from further flooding in West Lancashire, and invest to enable the implementation of the recommendations of the Jacobs Flood Report. Further, LCC and DEFRA should lead a multi-agency partnership response with the private sector to access any financial opportunities that may be available to fund the protection of residents’ homes and local businesses.

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"Council notes:
The publication of the Hurlston Brook Flood Risk Study, and its recommendation.

Council believes:
Appropriate action must be taken to protect residents devastated by flooding previously and at risk again, and also residents who are now at risk of flooding.

Council resolves:
That the Leader and Chief Executive write to the Leader and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council (as the Local Lead Flood Authority) and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to request the consideration of some element of large scale investment to protect our residents from further flooding in West Lancashire, and invest to enable the implementation of the recommendations of the Jacobs Flood Report. Further, LCC and DEFRA should lead a multi-agency partnership response with the private sector to access any financial opportunities that may be available to fund the protection of residents’ homes and local businesses."

An Amendment to the Motion was moved and seconded, as contained within the Book of Reports.

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

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

RESOLVED:   A.   That the publication of the Hurlston Brook Flood Risk Study, and its recommendation be noted.

                      B.   That the Leader and Chief Executive write to the Leader and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council (as the Local Lead Flood Authority) and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to request the consideration of some element of large scale investment to protect our residents from further flooding in West Lancashire, and invest to enable the implementation of the recommendations of the Jacobs Flood Report and that LCC and DEFRA should lead a multi-agency partnership response with the private sector to access any financial opportunities that may be available to fund the protection of residents’ homes and local businesses.

Council notes:
The announcement by the Department for Transport to invest in a Major Road Network (MRN).
Regional Evidence Bases (REBs) should be worked up by the Sub-national Transport Body (STB) or regional grouping and partners; and list of top ten priority MRN schemes submitted by Summer 2019
West Lancashire suffers from heavy congestion, roads operating over capacity, a high contribution to poor air quality, and serious and fatal road traffic accidents.

Council believes:
Lancashire needs to take a proactive approach and pull partners together to work up the REB and other such appropriate paperwork so as to submit a scheme for consideration that would benefit the people and the area of West Lancashire.
We need a more suitable road network locally that can help contribute to the increase of use of public transport, through enhanced cycling routes, bus lanes or high-speed commuter bus scheme.

Council resolves:
That the Leader and Chief Executive write to the Leader and Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council (as the Local Highways Authority) and the Chairman of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to call for urgent meetings to be arranged with relevant senior officers, including West Lancashire Borough Council Director of Development and Regeneration and Lancashire County Council Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport and Community Services, to engage in a conversation and drafting of the REB and other such appropriate paperwork for submission by summer 2019.

The meeting finished at 11.32pm, and it was agreed that this item would not be considered.