Agenda and minutes

In the absence of the Mayor & Deputy Mayor, Councillor Nikki Hennessy was appointed Chairman for the meeting.

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

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Daniels, Fennell, Finch, Nixon and Mrs Westley.

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.)

The following declarations were received:

1.         Councillors Blundell, de Freitas, Gordon, Howard, Mrs Marshall, Gaynar Owen,  Pope, Webster, Whittington and Witter declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 10 'Revised Capital Programme'in view of their membership of a Parish Council.

2.         Councillors Aldridge, Bailey, Fillis, Pope, N Hennessy, Rear and D Westley declared a non pecuniary interest in relation to item 10 ' Revised Capital Programme', as Members of Lancashire County Council, as did Councillors Coughlan, Cummins and Gagen as an employee of Lancashire County Council.

To receive as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting held on

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Alderman and Ordinary Council meetings held on 18 October 2023 be received as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor announced that agenda item 15(c) 'WASPI Motion' had been withdrawn.

All Member Briefing – New Political Governance Arrangements 

Question from Councillor David Whittington

The following Question had been received and circulated prior to the meeting:

All Member Briefing – New Political Governance Arrangements 

Question from Councillor David Whittington

“At October Council it was agreed that an all member briefing would be arranged on the new political governance arrangements agreed at that Council meeting, with the briefing being led by a suitable independent person. Can the Leader please confirm when this briefing will take place & the name of the person who will present the briefing?”

The Member was advised that the response would be provided following 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.     Polling Districts and Polling Places Review Committee - Wednesday, 11 October and Tuesday, 14 November 2023

B.     Audit & Governance Committee - Tuesday, 24 October 2023

C.    Planning Committee - Thursday 23 November 2023

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources, as contained on pages 23 to 40 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of a revision to the appeal arrangements for employment-related appeals matters.

RESOLVED: That the revised appeal process as detailed in the attached Appendix (i) be approved, published on the Council’s website, and amended in the Constitution.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 41 to 48 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the General Revenue Account (GRA) position for the 2023/24 financial year at quarter 2.

Members were advised that the minutes of Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet had been circulated.

RESOLVED: That the 2023/24 GRA position be noted.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 49 to 70 of the Book of Reports, which sought to agree a Revised General Revenue Account (GRA) Capital Programme for 2023/24 and provided an update on progress of capital schemes.

Members were advised that the Minutes of Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet had been circulated.

RESOLVED:   A.     That the revised Capital Programme, including budget adjustments and re-profiling contained within Appendix A and B to the report, be approved, subject to the Portfolio Holder for Finance considering further the removal from re-profiling 'Litter Bin Policy £17,000'.

B.     That progress against the Revised Capital Programme at the mid-year point be noted.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 71 to 82 of the Book of Reports, which detailed the Treasury Management operations for the first half of 2023/24 and reported on the Prudential Indicators, where available.

Members were advised that the Minutes of Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet had been circulated.

RESOLVED:   A.     That the Treasury Management activity and Prudential Indicator performance for the first quarter of 2023/24 be noted.

B.     That the changes to the Prudential Indicators highlighted in section 9.3 of the report, be approved.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor N Pryce-Roberts)

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 83 to 96 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Housing capital programme positions for the 2023/24 financial year.

Members were advised that the Minutes of Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Landlord Services Committee (Cabinet Working Group) and Cabinet had been circulated.

RESOLVED:   A.     That the 2023/24 HRA and Housing capital programme positions be noted.

B.     That the virements set out in tables 5.3 and 7.1 of the report, be approved.

C.     That expenditure and funding slippage in table 7.1 of the report, be approved.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources, as contained on pages 97 to 100 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the timetable of meetings for the Municipal Year 2024/25.

RESOLVED: That the timetable of the meetings for the 2024/25 Municipal Year, attached as an appendix to the report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Operating Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources, as contained on pages 101 to 102 of the Book of Reports, which advised that, for the period 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023, there were no decisions taken under Access to Information Procedure Rule 16 (Special Urgency).

RESOLVED: That it be noted that Access to Information Rule 16 (Special Urgency) was not exercised during the period 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.

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:

This Council commits to being a Diverse Council. We agree to:

1. Provide a clear public commitment to improving diversity in democracy.

2. Demonstrate an open and welcoming culture to all, promoting the highest standards of behaviour and conduct.

3. Set out a local Diverse Council Action Plan ahead of the next local elections. Including:

• Appoint Diversity Ambassadors for each political group on the council to work with each other and local party associations to encourage recruitment of candidates from under-represented groups.
• Encourage and enable people from under-represented groups to stand for office through the provision of activities such as mentoring and shadowing programmes and information and learning events for people interested in standing as official candidates.
• Proactive engagement and involvement with local community groups and partner organisations supporting and representing under-represented groups
• Ensure that all members and candidates complete a candidates’ and councillors’ survey distributed at election time.
• Set ambitious targets for candidates from under-represented groups at the next local elections

4. Work towards the standards for member support and development as set out in the LGA Councillor Development Charter and/or Charter Plus.

5. Demonstrate a commitment to a duty of care for councillors by:

• providing access to counselling services for all councillors having regard for the safety and wellbeing of councillors whenever they are performing their role as councillors.
• taking a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment of members including through social networks.

6. Provide flexibility in council business by:

• regularly reviewing and staggering meeting times
• encouraging and supporting remote attendance at meetings
• agreeing recess periods to support councillors with caring or work commitments.

7. Ensure that all members take up the allowances and salaries to which they are entitled, particularly any reimbursement for costs of care, so that all members receive fair remuneration for their work and that the role of member is not limited to those who can afford it.

8. Ensure that the council adopts a parental leave policy setting out members’ entitlement to maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave and relevant allowances.

9. Ensure that councillors from under-represented groups are represented whenever possible in high profile, high influence roles.

The following Motion included on the agenda by Councillor Gareth Dowling, was moved and seconded:

"This Council commits to being a Diverse Council. We agree to:

1. Provide a clear public commitment to improving diversity in democracy.

2. Demonstrate an open and welcoming culture to all, promoting the highest standards of behaviour and conduct.

3. Set out a local Diverse Council Action Plan ahead of the next local elections. Including:

• Appoint Diversity Ambassadors for each political group on the council to work with each other and local party associations to encourage recruitment of candidates from under-represented groups.
• Encourage and enable people from under-represented groups to stand for office through the provision of activities such as mentoring and shadowing programmes and information and learning events for people interested in standing as official candidates.
• Proactive engagement and involvement with local community groups and partner organisations supporting and representing under-represented groups
• Ensure that all members and candidates complete a candidates’ and councillors’ survey distributed at election time.
• Set ambitious targets for candidates from under-represented groups at the next local elections

4. Work towards the standards for member support and development as set out in the LGA Councillor Development Charter and/or Charter Plus.

5. Demonstrate a commitment to a duty of care for councillors by:

• providing access to counselling services for all councillors having regard for the safety and wellbeing of councillors whenever they are performing their role as councillors.
• taking a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment of members including through social networks.

6. Provide flexibility in council business by:

• regularly reviewing and staggering meeting times
• encouraging and supporting remote attendance at meetings
• agreeing recess periods to support councillors with caring or work commitments.

7. Ensure that all members take up the allowances and salaries to which they are entitled, particularly any reimbursement for costs of care, so that all members receive fair remuneration for their work and that the role of member is not limited to those who can afford it.

8. Ensure that the council adopts a parental leave policy setting out members’ entitlement to maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave and relevant allowances.

9. Ensure that councillors from under-represented groups are represented whenever possible in high profile, high influence roles.

During the debate the Mover and Seconder of the Motion incorporated the following words in paragraph 7 "Ensure that all members feel they are able to take up the allowances and salaries to which they are entitled," with the agreement of the meeting and advised that the Motion would be considered by the Member Development Commission.

A vote was taken, the Motion was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:   That this Council commits to being a Diverse Council. We agree to:

A.          Provide a clear public commitment to improving diversity in democracy.

B.          Demonstrate an open and welcoming culture to all, promoting the highest standards of behaviour and conduct.

C.         Set out a local Diverse Council Action Plan ahead of the next local elections. Including:

(i)    Appoint Diversity Ambassadors for each political  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

The Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy was written by the former Bishop of Liverpool to ensure the suffering endured by families bereaved following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster is not repeated after future disastrous events.

Liverpool City is one of our great neighbours, we have had many families directly and indirectly affected by the Hillsborough Tragedy itself. I believe West Lancashire Borough Council should stand shoulder to shoulder with all bereaved families who have suffered loss and that we ensure that West Lancashire Borough Council do not make the same mistakes in the aftermath of any future disasters.

West Lancashire Borough council therefore resolves to

Adopt The Charter for Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy

In adopting this charter, West Lancashire Borough Council commit to ensuring that West Lancashire Borough Council learns the lessons of the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath, so that the perspective of the bereaved families is not lost.

We commit to West Lancashire Borough Council becoming an organisation which strives to:

1. In the event of a public tragedy, activate its emergency plan and deploy its resources to rescue victims, to support the bereaved and to protect the vulnerable.

2. Place the public interest above our own reputation.

3. Approach forms of public scrutiny – including public inquiries and inquests – with candour, in an open, honest and transparent way, making full disclosure of relevant documents, material and facts. Our objective is to assist the search for the truth. We accept that we should learn from the findings of external scrutiny and from past mistakes.

 4. Avoid seeking to defend the indefensible or to dismiss or disparage those who may have suffered where we have fallen short.

5. Ensure all members of staff treat members of the public and each other with mutual respect and with courtesy. Where we fall short, we should apologise straightforwardly and genuinely.

6. Recognise that we are accountable and open to challenge. We will ensure that processes are in place to allow the public to hold us to account for the work we do and for the way in which we do it. We do not knowingly mislead the public or the media.

The following Motion included on the agenda by Councillor Ann Fennell, was moved and seconded:

"The Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy was written by the former Bishop of Liverpool to ensure the suffering endured by families bereaved following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster is not repeated after future disastrous events.

Liverpool City is one of our great neighbours, we have had many families directly and indirectly affected by the Hillsborough Tragedy itself. I believe West Lancashire Borough Council should stand shoulder to shoulder with all bereaved families who have suffered loss and that we ensure that West Lancashire Borough Council do not make the same mistakes in the aftermath of any future disasters.

West Lancashire Borough council therefore resolves to

Adopt The Charter for Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy

In adopting this charter, West Lancashire Borough Council commit to ensuring that West Lancashire Borough Council learns the lessons of the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath, so that the perspective of the bereaved families is not lost.

We commit to West Lancashire Borough Council becoming an organisation which strives to:

1. In the event of a public tragedy, activate its emergency plan and deploy its resources to rescue victims, to support the bereaved and to protect the vulnerable.

2. Place the public interest above our own reputation.

3. Approach forms of public scrutiny – including public inquiries and inquests – with candour, in an open, honest and transparent way, making full disclosure of relevant documents, material and facts. Our objective is to assist the search for the truth. We accept that we should learn from the findings of external scrutiny and from past mistakes.

4.Avoid seeking to defend the indefensible or to dismiss or disparage those who may have suffered where we have fallen short.

5. Ensure all members of staff treat members of the public and each other with mutual respect and with courtesy. Where we fall short, we should apologise straightforwardly and genuinely.

6. Recognise that we are accountable and open to challenge. We will ensure that processes are in place to allow the public to hold us to account for the work we do and for the way in which we do it. We do not knowingly mislead the public or the media."

A vote was taken, the Motion was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:   That West Lancashire Borough Council adopts 'The Charter for Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy' as set out above.

WITHDRAWN

This item was withdrawn.