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Agenda and minutes

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

Contact: Jacky Denning 

Items
No. Item

39.

APOLOGIES

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Mee, Nixon and Sutton.

 

The Mayor expressed the Council's sincere sadness at the death of Councillor Tom Blane and Members of the Council paid tributes.

 

A minute silence was held.

40.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST pdf icon PDF 299 KB

If a member requires advice on Declarations of Interest, he/she is advised to contact the Legal and Democratic Services Manager 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.)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The following declarations were received:

 

1.         Councillors Aldridge, O'Toole, Pope and D Westley declared a non pecuniary interest in relation to item13(c) 'Motion – Toucan Crossing Lordsgate Lane' as Members of Lancashire County Council, as did Councillors Coughlan, Cummins and Gagen as an employee of Lancashire County Council.

 

2.         Councillors Delaney, Devine, Owen, West and J Wilkie (Tenant of a Council flat/house) declared disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to item 13(g) ‘Motion - Reduction in Carbon Emissions’ 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).

 

3.         Councillors Aldridge declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 13(g) ‘Motion - Reduction in Carbon Emissions’ as they have a connected person who is a tenant of rented Council accommodation. Insofar as that interest becomes a pecuniary interest (as it could 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

41.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 421 KB

To receive as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 21 July 2021.

 

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 21 July 2021 were received as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

42.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND/OR THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Minutes:

The Mayor thanked all those that had supported the Civic Service and his first fund raising event and announced:

 

A.    In October 2011, the Duke of Lancaster Regiment were given the honour of Freedom of the Borough and that they had been in touch to parade through Ormskirk on Wednesday 25 May 2022.  He advised that a report would be submitted to the next Council meeting in December to formalise details.

 

B.    That a 5k charity fun run to coincide with the Christmas light switch on would be held on 21 November 2021.

 

C.   That a charity fund raiser event was planned with Skelmersdale United Football club on 27 March 2022.

 

D.   That the Mayor's Charity Dinner/Ball was being held on 22 April 2022 at Hurston Hall Golf and Spa Resort.

 

and asked Members for their support at these events.

 

 

43.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor announced that one question had been received under this heading in respect of the closure of Bobby Langton Wayand that the Leader had advised that this would be circulated to Members in due course, however the subject matter contained confidential information and would not be published.

44.

MINUTES OF COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 289 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.    Planning Committee – Thursday 22 July & 9 September 2021

 

B.    Licensing & Appeals Committee – Tuesday 27 July 2021

 

C.   Audit & Governance Committee – Wednesday 28 July 2021

 

D.   Standards Committee – Tuesday 21 September 2021

 

45.

OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY ANNUAL REPORT 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 31 KB

To consider the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation & Resources.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation & Resources, a contained on pages 353 to 370 of the Book of Reports, which presented the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2020/21 and how Overview and Scrutiny is working at West Lancashire.

 

RESOLVED:     That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2020/21, appended to the report, be noted and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees be commended on their work.

 

46.

REVIEW OF THE MEMBERS' CODE OF CONDUCT pdf icon PDF 141 KB

To consider the report of the Legal and Democratic Services Officer & Monitoring Officer.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Legal & Democratic Services Manager (& Monitoring Officer), as contained on pages 371 to 444 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the revised Members' Code of Conduct, following which the Code would be subject to public consultation.

 

RESOLVED:   A.      That the draft Members Code of Conduct be agreed.

 

                          B.      That the revised draft Members Code of Conduct be subject to a public consultation.

 

                          C.      That the Legal & Democratic Services Manager (and Monitoring Officer) be given authority to amend the draft Code of Conduct and supporting Guidance having considered any comments received as a result of the said consultation exercise (as outlined at paragraph 5.5 of the report) and prior to the revised Code of Conduct being reviewed at full Council on the 15 December 2021.

47.

APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN OF PLANNING COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 127 KB

To consider the report of the Corporate Director Transformation & Resources.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation & Resources, as contained on pages 445 to 446 of the Book of Reports, which sought to appoint a Vice-Chairman of Planning Committee.

 

RESOLVED:   That Councillor Finch be appointed Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee for the remainder of the 2021/22 Municipal Year.

48.

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 3 & 5 (Financial/Business Affairs & Legal Professional Privilege) 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 paragraph 3 (financial/business affairs) 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.

 

49.

TAWD VALLEY DEVELOPMENTS LTD - BUSINESS PLAN

To consider the report of the Corporate Director of Place & Community.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Operating Officer, as contained on pages 447 to 460 of the Book of Reports, which following approval of the latest business plan of Tawd Valley Developments Limited (TVDL), the Council's wholly owned development company, in February 2021, sought approval to invest in and progress the feasibility of projects in line with the governance arrangements agreed between the Council and TVDL.

 

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

 

An Amendment from Councillor Whittington (circulated prior to the meeting) was moved and seconded.

 

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

 

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

 

FOR:              Councillors Aldridge, Cooper, Coughlan, Cummins, Delaney, Dereli, Devine, Dowling, D Evans, S Evans, Fennell, Finch, Furey, Gagen, Gregson, Lockie, Monaghan, Moran, O'Neill. Owen, Pryce-Roberts, West, J Wilkie, K Wilkie and Yates (TWENTY FIVE)

 

AGAINST:     Councillors Mrs Baybutt, Mrs Blake, Blundell, Clandon, Daniels, Davis, Eccles, Gordon, Ms Hirrell, Johnson, Ms Jukes, Mrs Marshall, Mitchell, O'Toole, Owens, Pope, Rigby, Mrs Stephenson, Thompson, Turpin, D Westley, Mrs Westley, Whittington and Witter (TWENTY FOUR)

 

ABSENTIONS:         Councillor Upjohn

 

RESOLVED:   A.      That the new project at Heswall detailed within the body of the report is approved for inclusion in the TVDL business plan.

 

                          B.      That the disposal of two Council owned sites in Aughton and Ormskirk to TVDL at market price verified by an independent valuation, be noted.

 

                          C.      That the progression of TVDL feasibility work to provide the Council with additional industrial units in line with the Council's objectives for the company be noted as a potential addendum to the business plan.

 

                          D.      That financial adjustments to the current business plan in line with scheme progression to date and the financial implications for the Council arising from the above, as set out in section 4 of the report, be approved

50.

SKELMERSDALE TOWN CENTRE - FINANCIAL POSITION

To consider the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 461 to 474 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on progress with the Skelmersdale Town Centre redevelopment, following a request made at the previous Council meeting held in July 2021.

 

RESOLVED:   That the progress made in delivering the project be noted.

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.

Urgent post-Covid Review of Business Rates - Motion from Councillor Gareth Dowling on behalf of the Labour Group pdf icon PDF 186 KB

"This Council believes that healthy high streets are essential for employment, shopping and leisure but many shops and businesses were struggling even before the Covid pandemic: high street retail employment fell in more than three-quarters of local authorities between 2015 and 2018 according to the Office of National Statistics1 and more than half of all UK consumers were shopping online before the pandemic2

 

This Council notes retail is among the sectors most affected by the coronavirus pandemic; the almost complete shutdown of non-essential shops between March and June 2020 and subsequent local and national lockdowns and ongoing restrictions has hit businesses hard, and the need for social distancing has changed the way many businesses operate reducing footfall. The pandemic has accelerated what in many cases has been a longer trend of lower footfall and changing shopping habits: as the Portas Review a decade ago acknowledged, the form and function of many high streets needs to adapt if they are to survive. 

 

This Council welcomes the willingness of Government to acknowledge the problems and come forward with initiatives in response to these challenges such as the furlough scheme, the Covid support business loans, and grants and the High Street Taskforce. However, as the Treasury Select Committee stated in 2019, the current system of Business Rates places an unfair burden on “bricks and mortar” businesses compared to online ones, and the Business Rate system needs radical overhaul3

 

This Council resolves to write to the Chancellor to encourage him to undertake an urgent review of business rates with a view to further supporting shops and businesses in recovering from the pandemic."

 

1 https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/articles/highstreetsingreatbritain/march2020#:~:text=High%20street%20retail%20 employment%20fell,29%25%20in%20Great%20Britain%20overall 

2 https://www.retail-insight-network.com/features/uk-online-shopping-growth/ 

3 https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201919/cmselect/cmtreasy/222/22203.htm#_idTextAnchor00 

 

 

Minutes:

The following Altered Motion was moved and seconded, with the agreement of the meeting:

 

"This Council believes that healthy high streets are essential for employment,

shopping and leisure but many shops and businesses were struggling even

before the Covid pandemic: high street retail employment fell in more than

three-quarters of local authorities between 2015 and 2018 according to the

Office of National Statistics (1) and more than half of all UK consumers were

shopping online before the pandemic (2). 

 

This Council notes retail is among the sectors most affected by the coronavirus

pandemic; the almost complete shutdown of non-essential shops between March

and June 2020 and subsequent local and national lockdowns and ongoing

restrictions has hit businesses hard, and the need for social distancing has

changed the way many businesses operate reducing footfall. The pandemic has

accelerated what in many cases has been a longer trend of lower footfall and

changing shopping habits: as the Portas Review a decade ago acknowledged,

the form and function of many high streets needs to adapt if they are to survive. 

 

This Council welcomes the willingness of Government to acknowledge the

problems and come forward with initiatives in response to these challenges such

as the furlough scheme, the Covid support business loans, and grants and the

High Street Taskforce. However, as the Treasury Select Committee stated in 2019,

the current system of Business Rates places an unfair burden on “bricks and

mortar” businesses compared to online ones, and the Business Rate system

needs radical overhaul (3). 

 

This Council resolves to write to the Chancellor to encourage him to complete and

Publish the Government's review of business rates to provide business with long

term certainty in this area and further support shops and businesses in recovering

from the pandemic."

 

1 https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/articles/highstreetsingreatbritain/march2020#:~:text=High%20street%20retail%20 employment%20fell,29%25%20in%20Great%20Britain%20overall 

 

2 https://www.retail-insight-network.com/features/uk-online-shopping-growth/ 

3 https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201919/cmselect/cmtreasy/222/22203.htm#_idTextAnchor00 

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLVED:   A.      That this Council believes that healthy high streets are essential for employment, shopping and leisure but many shops and businesses were struggling even before the Covid pandemic: high street retail employment fell in more than three-quarters of local authorities between 2015 and 2018 according to the Office of National Statistics (1) and more than half of all UK consumers were shopping online before the pandemic (2). 

 

B.      That this Council notes retail is among the sectors most affected by the coronavirus pandemic; the almost complete shutdown of non-essential shops between March and June 2020 and subsequent local and national lockdowns and ongoing  restrictions has hit businesses hard, and the need for social distancing has changed the way many businesses operate reducing footfall. The pandemic has accelerated what in many cases has been a longer trend of lower footfall and changing shopping habits: as the Portas Review a decade ago acknowledged, the form and function of many high streets needs to adapt if they are to survive. 

 

C.      That this Council welcomes the willingness of Government to acknowledge the problems and come forward with initiatives in response to these challenges such as the furlough scheme, the Covid support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

53.

Planning Reforms - Motion from Councillor Nicola Pryce Roberts on behalf of the Labour Group

"This Council believes planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas. The Government’s planning proposals seek to bypass local democracy. This council writes to the Government asking them to protect local democracy and the right of communities, through a robust local planning system, to object to individual planning applications."

 

Minutes:

The following Altered Motion was moved and seconded with the agreement of the meeting:

"This Council believes planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas. The Government’s planning proposals seek to bypass local democracy. That this council writes to the Government asking them to protect local democracy and the right of communities, through a robust local planning system, to object to individual planning applications."

 

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

 

FOR:     Councillors Aldridge, Mrs Baybutt, Mrs Blake, Blundell, Clandon, Cooper, Coughlan, Cummins, Daniels, Davis, Delaney, Dereli, Devine, Dowling, Eccles, D Evans, S Evans, Fennell, Finch, Furey, Gagen, Gordon, Gregson, Hirrell, Johnson, l Juckes, Lockie, Mrs Marshall, Mitchell, Monaghan, Moran, O'Neill, O'Toole, Owen, Owens, Pope, Pryce-Roberts, Rigby, Mrs Stephenson, Thompson, Turpin, Upjohn, West, D Westley, Mrs Westley, Whittington, J Wilkie, K Wilkie, Witter and Yates.

 

RESOLVED:   A.      That Council believes planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas. The Government’s planning proposals seek to bypass local democracy.

 

                          B.      That this council writes to the Government asking them to protect local democracy and the right of communities, through a robust local planning system, to object to individual planning applications.

 

 

 

54.

Toucan Crossing at Lordsgate Lane - Motion from Councillor Cynthia Dereli on behalf of the Labour Group

"Recognising that a previous administration at  this council was responsible for the promotion of the Yew Tree Farm site as a strategic housing site and that as YTF development is well underway the impacts of increased traffic are already being felt including difficulties of crossing the A59 at Lordsgate Lane and the increase in standing traffic along the A59 increasing air pollution.

 

That the Council writes Lancashire County Council urging them as the Highway Authority to undertake as a priority, the delivery of the Toucan crossing at Lordsgate Lane on the A59 which, as well as providing the important link for WLBC's planned linear park, (ie a footpath/cycleway from Ormskirk through to Burscough town centre) is an urgently needed road safety measure for local residents."

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"Recognising that a previous administration at this council was responsible for the promotion of the Yew Tree Farm site as a strategic housing site and that as YTF development is well underway the impacts of increased traffic are already being felt including difficulties of crossing the A59 at Lordsgate Lane and the increase in standing traffic along the A59 increasing air pollution.

 

That the Council writes Lancashire County Council urging them as the Highway Authority to undertake as a priority, the delivery of the Toucan crossing at Lordsgate Lane on the A59 which, as well as providing the important link for WLBC's planned linear park, (ie a footpath/cycleway from Ormskirk through to Burscough town centre) is an urgently needed road safety measure for local residents."

 

RESOLVED:   That the Council writes Lancashire County Council urging them as the Highway Authority to undertake as a priority, the delivery of the Toucan crossing at Lordsgate Lane on the A59 which, as well as providing the important link for WLBC's planned linear park, (ie a footpath/cycleway from Ormskirk through to Burscough town centre) is an urgently needed road safety measure for local residents.

 

 

55.

A National Care Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS) - Motion from Councillor Julian Finch on behalf of the Labour Group

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"West Lancashire Borough Council writes to the Government calling them to establish a new National Care, Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS) which is:

 

1.    A National Care Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS)

The Government shall have responsibility for and duty to provide a National Care and Supported Living Service to provide care, independent and supported living, adopting into English Law Articles from the UN Convention on rights of disabled people that establish choice and control, dignity and respect, at the heart of person-centred planning.

 

2.    Fully funded through government investment and progressive taxation, free at the point of need and fully available to everyone living in this country.

 

3.    Publicly provided and publicly accountable:

The NaCSILS will have overall responsibility for publicly provided residential homes and service providers and, where appropriate, for the supervision of not-for-profit organisations and user-led cooperatives funded through grants allocated by the NaCSILS. A long-term strategy would place an emphasis on deinstitutionalisation and community-based independent and supported living. All provision will deliver to NaCSILS national standards. There will be no place for profiteering and the market in social care will be brought to an end.

 

4.    Mandated nationally, locally delivered:

The Government will be responsible for developing within the principles of co-production, a nationally mandated set of services that will be democratically run, designed, and delivered locally. Local partnerships would be led by stakeholders who are delivering, monitoring, referring to or receiving supported services or budgets, e.g. organisations representing disabled people (DPOs),older people, and people who use mental health and other services, in partnership with local authorities and the NHS.

 

5.    Identify and address needs of informal carers, family and friends providing personal support:

The NaCSILS will ensure a comprehensive level of support freeing up family members from personal and/or social support tasks so that the needs of those offering informal support, e.g.family and friends, are acknowledged in ways which value each person’s lifestyles, interests, and contributions.

 

6.    National NaCSILS employee strategy fit for purpose:

The NaCSLS standards for independent and supported living will be underpinned by care and support staff or personal assistants who have appropriate training, qualifications, career structure, pay and conditions to reflect the skills required to provide support services worthy of a decent society.

 

7.    Support the formation of a taskforce on independent and supported living with a meaningful influence, led by those who require independent living support, from all demographic backgrounds and regions. This would also make recommendations to address wider changes in public policy."

 

RESOLVED:   That West Lancashire Borough Council writes to the Government calling them to establish a new National Care, Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS) which is:

 

A.   A National Care Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS)

The Government shall have responsibility for and duty to provide a National Care and Supported Living Service to provide care, independent and supported living, adopting into English Law Articles from the UN Convention on rights of disabled people that establish choice  ...  view the full agenda text for item 55.

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"West Lancashire Borough Council writes to the Government calling them to establish a new National Care, Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS) which is:

 

1.    A National Care Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS)

The Government shall have responsibility for and duty to provide a National Care and Supported Living Service to provide care, independent and supported living, adopting into English Law Articles from the UN Convention on rights of disabled people that establish choice and control, dignity and respect, at the heart of person-centred planning.

 

2.    Fully funded through government investment and progressive taxation, free at the point of need and fully available to everyone living in this country.

 

3.    Publicly provided and publicly accountable:

The NaCSILS will have overall responsibility for publicly provided residential homes and service providers and, where appropriate, for the supervision of not-for-profit organisations and user-led cooperatives funded through grants allocated by the NaCSILS. A long-term strategy would place an emphasis on deinstitutionalisation and community-based independent and supported living. All provision will deliver to NaCSILS national standards. There will be no place for profiteering and the market in social care will be brought to an end.

 

4.    Mandated nationally, locally delivered:

The Government will be responsible for developing within the principles of co-production, a nationally mandated set of services that will be democratically run, designed, and delivered locally. Local partnerships would be led by stakeholders who are delivering, monitoring, referring to or receiving supported services or budgets, e.g. organisations representing disabled people (DPOs),older people, and people who use mental health and other services, in partnership with local authorities and the NHS.

 

5.    Identify and address needs of informal carers, family and friends providing personal support:

The NaCSILS will ensure a comprehensive level of support freeing up family members from personal and/or social support tasks so that the needs of those offering informal support, e.g.family and friends, are acknowledged in ways which value each person’s lifestyles, interests, and contributions.

 

6.    National NaCSILS employee strategy fit for purpose:

The NaCSLS standards for independent and supported living will be underpinned by care and support staff or personal assistants who have appropriate training, qualifications, career structure, pay and conditions to reflect the skills required to provide support services worthy of a decent society.

 

7.    Support the formation of a taskforce on independent and supported living with a meaningful influence, led by those who require independent living support, from all demographic backgrounds and regions. This would also make recommendations to address wider changes in public policy."

 

RESOLVED:   That West Lancashire Borough Council writes to the Government calling them to establish a new National Care, Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS) which is:

 

A.   A National Care Support and Independent Living Service (NaCSILS)

The Government shall have responsibility for and duty to provide a National Care and Supported Living Service to provide care, independent and supported living, adopting into English Law Articles  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

56.

In support of West Lancashire Pride - Motion from Councillor Adam Yates on behalf of the Labour Group

"This council, like all public sector bodies, has a duty under the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 to “consider all individuals when carrying out their day-to-day work – in shaping policy, delivering services and in relation to their own employees.”

 

We have a duty to promote and protect the rights of those in our communities and we have an obligation to “eliminate discrimination” and “advance equality of opportunity.”

 

The recent establishment of a West Lancashire Pride Group makes this a particularly significant time to show our support for our local LGBTQIA+ community, and to stand up to the vile and unwarranted homophobic and discriminatory attacks that unfortunately still occur in our society.

 

This council resolves to:

 

1)      Purchase and fly a Pride flag over the council offices during ‘Pride Month’ in June of each year.

 

2)      Ensure details of how to report hate crimes are promoted on the council website and social media channels.

 

3)      Promote and support National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs during October each year, via the council website and social media channels, and in its work with relevant partner agencies such as Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire County Council, and others.

 

4)      Allow West Lancashire Pride Group in line with other community groups the free use of council premises for meetings in order to help the group establish itself and promote its work on inclusiveness."

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"This council, like all public sector bodies, has a duty under the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 to “consider all individuals when carrying out their day-to-day work – in shaping policy, delivering services and in relation to their own employees.”

 

We have a duty to promote and protect the rights of those in our communities and we have an obligation to “eliminate discrimination” and “advance equality of opportunity.”

 

The recent establishment of a West Lancashire Pride Group makes this a particularly significant time to show our support for our local LGBTQIA+ community, and to stand up to the vile and unwarranted homophobic and discriminatory attacks that unfortunately still occur in our society.

 

This council resolves to:

 

1)      Purchase and fly a Pride flag over the council offices during ‘Pride Month’ in June of each year.

 

2)      Ensure details of how to report hate crimes are promoted on the council website and social media channels.

 

3)      Promote and support National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs during October each year, via the council website and social media channels, and in its work with relevant partner agencies such as Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire County Council, and others.

 

4)      Allow West Lancashire Pride Group in line with other community groups the free use of council premises for meetings in order to help the group establish itself and promote its work on inclusiveness."

 

RESOLVED: That this council resolves to:

 

A.      Purchase and fly a Pride flag over the council offices during ‘Pride Month’ in June of each year.

 

B.      Ensure details of how to report hate crimes are promoted on the council website and social media channels.

 

C.      Promote and support National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs during October each year, via the council website and social media channels, and in its work with relevant partner agencies such as Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire County Council, and others.

 

D.      Allow West Lancashire Pride Group in line with other community groups the free use of council premises for meetings in order to help the group establish itself and promote its work on inclusiveness.

 

 

 

57.

Appointment of Youth Champion - Motion from Councillor Ian Moran on behalf of the Labour Group

As local leaders who know their communities well, Councillors are ideally placed to understand the services and support needed and wanted for young people in the Borough.  

Councils may not be in a position to directly deliver or commission all youth provision but their ability to influence and support such provision is invaluable.

Consultation with young people and our partners is key and the Council recognises that we need the involvement and participation of children and young people in decisions that affect them or in matters which may have an impact on their lives. 

The Council recognises the excellent work being undertaken by the Education Authority Youth Service, particularly their work with the Youth Councils in this area.  The Youth Service sees the participation of young people as a key priority and their aim is to focus on the active participation of young people “… to support the development of a credible, democratic and accountable voice for young people.”

In support of this aim the Council has entered into a formal Partnership with the local Youth Councils and, among other things, this Partnership:

  • Recognises the local Youth Councils as a representative voice for young people in the West Lancashire  Borough Council area.
  • Commits the Council to include young people in Council consultations with regard to local services provision and Community Planning.
  • Provides opportunities for the Youth Council to pro-actively engage and participate in activities with the Mayor and Councillors.

In support of this excellent work, Councillor Carl Coughlan be appointed as the Council’s Youth Champion to:

·         "Assist the Leader and relevant Portfolio Holder to examine how all local provision (not just youth services) supports young people, identifying the outcomes that matter most to young people and working with partners to find ways to deliver these. 

·         Encourage Younger People to play a fuller role in shaping the policies of the Council and in designing its services.

·         Consult with young people and our partners, including the local voluntary and community sector, faith groups, schools and employers, to involve children and young people in decisions that affect them or in matters which may have an impact on their lives.

·         Act as spokesperson to promote the positive aspects of the Council's formal Partnership with the local Youth Service.

·         Work to promote positive images of Younger People as citizens."

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"As local leaders who know their communities well, Councillors are ideally placed to understand the services and support needed and wanted for young people in the Borough.  

Councils may not be in a position to directly deliver or commission all youth provision but their ability to influence and support such provision is invaluable.

Consultation with young people and our partners is key and the Council recognises that we need the involvement and participation of children and young people in decisions that affect them or in matters which may have an impact on their lives. 

The Council recognises the excellent work being undertaken by the Education Authority Youth Service, particularly their work with the Youth Councils in this area.  The Youth Service sees the participation of young people as a key priority and their aim is to focus on the active participation of young people “… to support the development of a credible, democratic and accountable voice for young people.”

In support of this aim the Council has entered into a formal Partnership with the local Youth Councils and, among other things, this Partnership:

  • Recognises the local Youth Councils as a representative voice for young people in the West Lancashire Borough Council area.
  • Commits the Council to include young people in Council consultations with regard to local services provision and Community Planning.
  • Provides opportunities for the Youth Council to pro-actively engage and participate in activities with the Mayor and Councillors.

In support of this excellent work, Councillor Carl Coughlan be appointed as the Council’s Youth Champion to:

·         "Assist the Leader and relevant Portfolio Holder to examine how all local provision (not just youth services) supports young people, identifying the outcomes that matter most to young people and working with partners to find ways to deliver these. 

·         Encourage Younger People to play a fuller role in shaping the policies of the Council and in designing its services.

·         Consult with young people and our partners, including the local voluntary and community sector, faith groups, schools and employers, to involve children and young people in decisions that affect them or in matters which may have an impact on their lives.

·         Act as spokesperson to promote the positive aspects of the Council's formal Partnership with the local Youth Service.

·         Work to promote positive images of Younger People as citizens."

 

RESOLVED:   A.      That consultation with young people and our partners is key and the Council recognises that we need the involvement and participation of children and young people in decisions that affect them or in matters which may have an impact on their lives. 

B.      That the Council recognises the excellent work being undertaken by the Education Authority Youth Service, particularly their work with the Youth Councils in this area.  The Youth Service sees the participation of young people as a key priority and their aim is to focus on the active participation of young people “… to support the development of a credible, democratic and accountable voice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

58.

Reduction in Carbon Emissions - Motion from Councillor Adrian Owens on behalf of the Our West Lancs Group pdf icon PDF 114 KB

"Recognising that the Council:

 

a.     Has declared a climate emergency;

b.     Has significant housing stock in need of improvements to their energy performance and;

c.     Has estates in Skelmersdale New Town requiring remodelling and regeneration

 

Council instructs council officers to develop costed options to also include estimates for reduction in carbon emissions for formal consideration at budget setting in February 2022 for:

 

a)      a retrofitting programme of energy efficiency on council housing stock and;

b)      an identified location for a third Revival project to follow the successes at Firbeck and Beechtrees"

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"Recognising that the Council:

 

a.     Has declared a climate emergency;

b.     Has significant housing stock in need of improvements to their energy performance and;

c.     Has estates in Skelmersdale New Town requiring remodelling and regeneration

 

Council instructs council officers to develop costed options to also include estimates for reduction in carbon emissions for formal consideration at budget setting in February 2022 for:

 

a)      a retrofitting programme of energy efficiency on council housing stock and;

b)      an identified location for a third Revival project to follow the successes at Firbeck and Beechtrees"

 

An Amendment to the Motion (circulated prior to the meeting) was moved and seconded, with the addition of:

"That the membership of the Estates Regeneration Cabinet Working Group be extended to include 1 Our West Lancashire member."

 

The mover and seconder of the Motion accepted the Amendment as an Altered Motion, with the agreement of the meeting.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:   A.      Recognising that the Council:

·         Has declared a climate emergency;

·         Has significant housing stock in need of improvements to their energy performance and;

·         Has estates in Skelmersdale New Town requiring remodelling and regeneration

this Council notes that:

a)    significant work has been done to our council homes such as

·    Loft and cavity wall insulation programmes

·    Annual A-rated gas boiler replacement programme

·    Window and external door replacement programmes – 100% stock has double glazing

·    External wall insulation projects-over £2.5m in the last 10 years

b)    there has also been investment in various renewable energy installations to benefit our tenants

c)    there has also been investment £1/2m in ground source heat pumps and nearly £2m in solar panels to benefit over 500 homes and that the extensive work already completed has put us in a strong position to meet our carbon targets

However, we recognise more needs to be done.  The Sector is stating that the costs could be in the region of around £20-£30k per home to retrofit which would mean the Council would need around £120-£180million to fund such a scheme.  We are working towards collating a true picture of our energy data across the stock, which will be required to help us to make an informed decision on how to meet our carbon neutral agenda.  Once the Survey results are obtained the matter will be brought back before Members to enable an informed decision on future investments.

 

B.      That the Council also recognises the work undertaken on the mini estate revival projects, such as in those in Tanhouse, and looks forward to this being rolled out further. Officers are still planning the next major estate revival and plan on bringing this forward next year, but this would still leave the bulk of our council estates in need of ‘revival’, with previous estimates of around £600-£800 million, we need government support.

 

C.      That the Council:

a)    instructs council officers to seek further government funding to support a retrofitting programme of energy efficiency on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.