Agenda and minutes

The Mayor’s Chaplain for the evening, Reverend Phil Jump, led Members and officers in prayer.

There were no apologies for absence.

If a member requires advice on Declarations of Interest he/she is advised to contact the Chief Legal and Democratic Services Officer, 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, Eccles, Gordon, Howard, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Gaynar Owen, Patel, Webster, Whittington and Witter declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 9 Capital Monitoring For Quarter 2, Item 19 ' Approval of Revised Statement of Licensing Policy Required By The Licensing Act 2003 and Item 20 'Approval of Statement of Licensing Policy and Authorisations Required by the Gambling Act 2005' and Item 22 'Public Conveniences Review' in view of their membership of a Parish Council.

2.       Councillors Aldridge, Bailey, Fillis, N Hennessy and D Westley declared a non pecuniary interest in relation to Item 10 HRA 2024/25 Q2 Monitoring - Revenue and Capital, Item 24 ' Maryvale Conditional Land Purchase' and Item 26 ' Proposed sale of land - New Court Way Ormskirk' as Members of Lancashire County Council, as did Councillors Coughlan and Gagen as an employee of Lancashire County Council.

3.       Councillors Gaynar Owen, Nixon and West (Tenant of a Council flat/house) Coughlan (Tenants of a Council garage) declared disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to item 10 ‘HRA Q2 - Revenue and Capital’ 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).

4.       Councillor Aldridge, Burnside, de Freitas, Nixon and Rigby declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 10 ‘HRA Q2 - Revenue and Capital’ ' as they have a connected person who is a tenant of rented Council accommodation. Insofar as that interest becomes a pecuniary interest (as it would affect the financial position of their relative and a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard this as so significant that it is likely to prejudice their judgement of the public interest) they declared that interest but considered that they were entitled to speak and vote by virtue of an exemption as nothing in these reports relates particularly to the relevant tenancy or lease.

5.       Councillors Burnside and Webster declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 27c Family Farm Tax – Motion, as a connected person is affected.

6.       All Conservative Councillors declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 26 'Sale of Land at New Court Way' as the Conservative Party own one of the neighbouring buildings, as did Cllr Bailey who is also a Director of a company in the area.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 16 October 2024.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday 16 October 2024, be received as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor announced:

1. That on Thursday 19 December 2024, a Christmas Carolaire would be held at 5.30pm in the Ecumenical Centre, Skelmersdale

2. That he would be attending a meeting with Barnardo's on the morning of 14^th January to discuss their project to support 16–25 year-olds in supported lodgings and invited Members to be involved.

C.    That an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council would be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 6 February 2025 and that notification had been circulated to all Councillors earlier in the day.

4. That all staff had been invited for a festive drink in the Mayor's Room on Friday 13 December at 2pm and extended the invite to any Councillors that were able to attend.

(Note: During this item a petition was submitted in relation to Park Pool and Nye Bevan leisure facilities.  The Mayor accepted the petition and advised that it would be acknowledged by officers and considered as part of the formal consultation.)

There were no items under this heading.

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 – Tuesday 1 October 2024.

B.     Planning Committee – Thursday 3 October and 21 November 2024.

C.    Audit & Governance Committee – Wednesday, 30 October 2024, subject to minute 39 being amended in the first and third paragraphs to amend reference to '2023-24 financial year' to '2022-23 financial year'.

D.    Policy & Resources Committee – Tuesday 19 November 2024.

To consider the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources (Section 151 Officer).

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Mark Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 49 to 54 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the General Revenue Account (GRA) position for the 2024/25 financial year based upon Quarter 2 monitoring (Q2).

The Minute of the Policy & Resources Committee had been circulated.

RESOLVED: That the GRA Q2 revenue position be noted.

To consider the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources (Section 151 Officer).

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Mark Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 55 to 64 of the Book of Reports, which detailed the Revised General Revenue Account (GRA) Capital Programme for 2024/25 and provide an update on progress on capital schemes.

The Minute of Policy & Resources had been circulated.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the revised Capital Programme, including the budget adjustments contained within Appendix A, be agreed.

B.    That progress against the Revised Capital Programme at Quarter 2 be agreed.

To consider the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources (Section 151 Officer).

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Nicola Pryce-Roberts)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 65 to 74 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Housing capital programme positions for the 2024/25 financial year, based upon quarter 2 monitoring (Q2).

The Minute of Policy & Resources Committee had been circulated.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the HRA Q2 position for revenue and capital be noted.

B.    That the capital budget adjustments in table 6.1 be approved.

C.    That the HRA budgets relating to expenditure with Tawd Valley Development be amended to reflect the HRA share of the next updated TVD business plan.

To consider the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources (Section 151 Officer).

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Mark Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 75 to 82 of the Book of Report, which set out details of Treasury Management operations for the first six months of 2024/25 and reported on the Prudential Indicators, where available.

The Minute of Policy & Resources Committee had been circulated.

RESOLVED: That the Treasury Management activity and Prudential Indicator performance for the first six months of 2024/25, be noted.

To consider the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer.

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Yvonne Gagen)

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer, as contained on pages 83 to 88 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval for the new Mayoral Function and proposed savings proposals in support of the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy, (MTFS), savings proposals and 2025/26 budgets.

A Motion to approved the recommendation at paragraph 2 of the report, was moved and seconded.

An Amendment, circulated prior to the meeting, 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 revised Mayoral Function be approved and implemented from Annual Council 21 May 2025.

B.    That the financial efficiencies and savings outlined in the report be approved.

C.    That the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer (Monitoring Officer) be given delegated authority to take all necessary steps to implement the approved financial and efficiency savings outlined in the report.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Mark Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 89 to 94 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy, (MTFS), savings proposals and 2025/26 budgets.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the contents of the report be noted.

B.    That it be noted, that Table One of the report details the savings that have been implemented by officers under delegated authority so far, leaving a MTFS balance still to be agreed of around £1,234k in 2025/26 and £807k in 2026/27.

C.    That it be noted, that in Table One, there are two separate reports on the agenda for this meeting, seeking member approval and if approved they will deliver a further combined saving of £83k per annum from 2026/27.

D.    That it be noted, that in Table One, there remains an existing MTFS gap of £1,181k in 2025/26 and £724k in 2026/27 to implement savings against.

E.    That it be noted, that in paragraph 3.3 of the report, the 2024/25 in-year Q2 there is a budget pressure of £1.45m and that much of this will carry through into 2025/26, thus requiring a further round of savings.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Mark Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 95 to 168 of the Book of Reports, which advised on the new requirements of the Procurement Act 2023 and sought approval to agree and implement the new Contract Procedure Rules.

The Minute of the Policy & Resources Committee had been circulated.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the Contract Procedure Rules attached at Appendix (1) be approved.

B.    That following the commencement of the Procurement Act 2023 the Director of Finance and Resources be given delegated authority to amend the Constitution as follows:

a.      To replace the Contract Procedure Rules with those set out at Appendix 1

b.   To insert the following delegation:

"Part 2.3C Delegations to the Deputy Chief Executive; Director of Finance & Corporate Resources; and Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer -

5. To take all necessary steps to ensure lawful delivery of contract and procurement practices by the Council including but not limited to administering the relevant provisions, giving authorisations, directions, serving notices, taking enforcement action, raise and recover charges and any other steps deemed appropriate."  

C.    That delegated authority be granted to Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to make any further amendments to the Constitution, including the Contract Procedure Rules and associated guidance arising from changes in legislation, regulation and/or the National Procurement Policy Statement.

To consider the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer (Monitoring Officer).

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Yvonne Gagen)

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer (Monitoring Officer), as contained on pages 169 to 170 of the Book of Reports, which sought to appoint the Lead Members for the Clean & Green and Health & Wellbeing Portfolios.

RESOLVED:

A.    That Councillor Sarah Lawton, who is a Member of the Policy & Resources Committee, be appointed Lead Member for Clean & Green for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year.

B.    That Councillor Vicki Cummins, who is currently Lead Member for Communities, and a Member of the Policy & Resources Committee, be appointed Lead Member for Health & Wellbeing for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year.

C.    That the Lead Member role for Communities be removed and the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer, be given delegated authority to amalgamate that portfolio area into other Lead Member role/s, following consultation with the Leader of the Council.

To consider the report of the Acting Chief Executive.

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Yvonne Gagen)

Consideration was given to the report of the Acting Chief Executive, as contained on pages 171 to 174 of the Book of Reports, which reviewed the allocation of seats on Committees to Political Groups, following a reduction in the number of Labour Members.

A Motion to move the recommendations at paragraph 2, were moved and seconded.

An Amendment, previously circulated, 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, for the period ending with the next Annual Meeting of the Council, or such lesser period should the political balance or allocation to political groups change during the year requiring a review under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the allocation of seats to the political groups be as agreed at the Annual Meeting of the Council on 15 May 2024, subject to:

(i)     Policy & Resources Committee – reduce 1 Labour member, appoint 1 Independent    (Councillor N Furey)

(ii)    Planning Committee – reduce 1 Labour member, appoint 1 Independent (Councillor P Hogan)

(iii)    Audit & Governance Committee – reduce 1 Labour member, appoint 1 independent (Councillor K Lloyd)

(iv)   Licensing & Gambling Committee, reduce 1 labour member, appoint 1 Independent (Councillor K Lloyd)

(v)    Licensing & Appeals Committee, reduce 1 labour member, appoint 1 Independent (Councillor N Furey)

(vi)   Standards Committee, reduce 1 labour member, appoint 1 Independent (Councillor P Hogan)

To consider the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer (Monitoring Officer).

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Yvonne Gagen)

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer, as contained on pages 175 to 178 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the timetable of meetings for the Municipal Year 2025/26.

RESOLVED: That the timetable for the meetings for the 2025/26 Municipal Year, attached as an appendix to the report, be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer (Monitoring Officer)

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Yvonne Gagen)

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer, as contained on pages 179 to 208 of the Book of Reports, which set out the draft Council's response to the Government's consultation 'Enabling Remote Attendance and Proxy Voting at Local Authority Meetings'.

A Motion to move the recommendation at paragraph 2 was moved and seconded.

An Amendment, circulated prior to the meeting, 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 the response to the consultation document, attached at Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.         

To consider the report of the Assistant Director of Planning & Regulatory Services.

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Gareth Dowling)

Consideration was given to the revised report of the Assistant Director of Planning & Regulatory Services, as contained on pages 377 to 450 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the revised Statement of Licensing Policy as required by the Licensing Act 2003.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the Statement of Licensing Policy attached as Appendix 3 to the revised report be approved.

B.    That the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulatory Services be given delegated authority to publish and administer the Statement of Licensing Policy attached as Appendix 3 to the revised report.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director of Planning & Regulatory Services.

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Gareth Dowling)

Consideration was given to the revised report of the Assistant Director of Planning & Regulatory Services, as contained on pages 451 to 510 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the revised Statement of Licensing Policy required by the Gambling Act 2005.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the Statement of Licensing Policy attached at Appendix 3 to the revised report, be approved.

B.    That the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulatory Services be given delegated authority to publish and administer the Statement of Licensing Policy attached as Appendix 3 to the revised report.

It is recommended that members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve 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 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.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Nicola Pryce-Roberts)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing & Environment, as contained on pages 301 to 314 of the Book of Reports, which considered options for the future operation of Public Conveniences across the Borough. 

Members were advised that there was reference in the report at paragraph 4 to 2023, when it should read 2025.

A Motion to move the recommendations at paragraph 2, was moved and seconded.

An Amendment, previously circulated, was moved and seconded.

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

FOR:          Councillors: Bailey, Blundell, Eccles, de Freitas, Furey, Gordon, Hesketh, Hogan, Howard, Ingman, Juckes, Lloyd, Marshall, Mee, Owens, Pope, Rigby, Webster, D Westley, Mrs Westley, Whittington and Witter. (TWENTY TWO)

AGAINST:  Councillors: Abbott, Aldridge, Anderson, Burnside, Coughlan, Cummins, Devine, Dowling, Fennell, Fillis, Finch, Fowler, Gagen, N Hennessy, P Hennessy, Lawton, Molloy, Nixon, G Owen, Parlour, Patel, Pryce-Roberts and West. (TWENTY THREE)

The Amendment was LOST.

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

RESOLVED:

A.    That the recommendation detailed in Option 4, to consider each site on an individual basis and decide the next steps per site, which may potentially include demolition, be approved.

B.    That the Director of Housing & Environment be given delegated authority to take all necessary steps to implement the agreed recommendation.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Nicola Pryce-Roberts)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing & Environment, as contained on pages 315 to 332 of the Book of Reports, which set out details of a proposed land purchase to facilitate a new housing scheme.

A Motion to approve the recommendations at paragraph 2 of the report, was moved and seconded.

An Amendment, circulated prior to the meeting, was moved and seconded.

RESOLVED: That a site at Fleetwood Farm, Banks be purchased for the purpose of delivering a new affordable housing scheme subject to the conditions at paragraph 4.12 being met.

(Note:

(i)              Councillor Pope was not present during consideration of this item and did not vote.

(ii)             Councillor Whittington left the meeting during consideration of this item.)

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Nicola Pryce-Roberts)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing & Environment, as contained on pages 331 to 346 of the Book of Reports, which set out details of a proposed land purchase to facilitate a new housing scheme.

RESOLVED: That a site at Maryvale, Skelmersdale be purchased for the purpose of delivering a new affordable housing scheme subject to the conditions at paragraph 4.5 being met.

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

(Relevant Lead Members: Councillor Mark Anderson & Melissa Parlour)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing & Environment, as contained on pages 347 to 358 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval for the sale of 4-6 Wheatsheaf Walk Ormskirk.

RESOLVED: That the Director of Housing & Environment be authorised to take all necessary steps to dispose of Wetherspoons for the best value possible in line with the terms and conditions identified in the report, this will enable a capital receipt within this financial year and the Council will retain the remainder of the site and continue to receive an income from this.  

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Mark Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing & Environment, as contained on pages 359 to 376 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval for the disposal of a freehold plot of land, in the

Ormskirk Ward, currently under West Lancashire Borough Council ownership.

RESOLVED: That the Director of Housing & Environment be authorised to take all necessary steps to dispose of the land at New Court Way for the best value available, in line with the terms and conditions identified in the report.

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THE MAYOR ADJOURNED THE MEETING FOR 5 MINUTES AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS ITEM.

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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:

Council notes that among the Council’s Priorities are to: 

• Foster inclusive and healthy communities
• Reduce health and wellbeing inequalities.
• Design services around residents and communities

Council notes with deep concern:

• The proposals to close the council’s swimming pools at Nye Bevan and Park Pools
• The failure to work with Lancashire County Council to bring any community sports back to the Glenburn site
• The poor condition of many of the council’s grassed football pitches and facilities
• The failure of the council to complete the Ormskirk-Burscough linear park for walking and cycling

Council believes that its priorities in the area of health, wellbeing and leisure are not being effectively advanced under the current political leadership impacting severely on the health, wellbeing and opportunities of the residents of West Lancashire,

Therefore, Council resolves that it has no confidence in the Leader of the Council, Councillor Gagen nor in the Lead Member for Leisure,  Councillor Coughlan, and calls on them to resign their positions with immediate effect.

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"Council notes that among the Council’s Priorities are to: 

• Foster inclusive and healthy communities
• Reduce health and wellbeing inequalities.
• Design services around residents and communities

Council notes with deep concern:

• The proposals to close the council’s swimming pools at Nye Bevan and Park Pools
• The failure to work with Lancashire County Council to bring any community sports back to the Glenburn site
• The poor condition of many of the council’s grassed football pitches and facilities
• The failure of the council to complete the Ormskirk-Burscough linear park for walking and cycling

Council believes that its priorities in the area of health, wellbeing and leisure are not being effectively advanced under the current political leadership impacting severely on the health, wellbeing and opportunities of the residents of West Lancashire,

Therefore, Council resolves that it has no confidence in the Leader of the Council, Councillor Gagen nor in the Lead Member for Leisure,  Councillor Coughlan, and calls on them to resign their positions with immediate effect."

A vote was taken the Motion was LOST.

Council notes that:  

The recent budget announced by the Labour Government increases the current bus fare pricing cap with effect from the 1^st January 2025. 

Due to the Labour Government increasing the cap by 50%, from £2 to £3, a commuter commuting on a bus five days a week will suffer a yearly fare increase of several hundred pounds.

Council believes that:  

The increase in the bus fare cap will

Result in declining passenger numbers.

Will have a catastrophic impact on the essential bus services, particularly those in our rural areas, which so many residents in West Lancashire rely on.

Will have a negative impact on young people travelling to access education, and those reliant on buses to reach their place of employment.

Will have a negative impact on elderly people who do not drive but need to access services, healthcare and visit family.

At a time when many residents in West Lancashire are struggling with soaring costs and expenses, this sudden increase in fares will punish some of the most vulnerable in our community.

Increasing the fare cap will discourage sustainable travel and remove an incentive to use public transport to access our town centres, increasing the number of cars on the road.

Council resolves: 

To request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Transport Secretary to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and ask the Government to reconsider.

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"Council notes that:  

·       The recent budget announced by the Labour Government increases the current bus fare pricing cap with effect from the 1^st January 2025. 

·       Due to the Labour Government increasing the cap by 50%, from £2 to £3, a commuter commuting on a bus five days a week will suffer a yearly fare increase of several hundred pounds.

Council believes that:  

·       The increase in the bus fare cap will result in declining passenger numbers.

·       Will have a catastrophic impact on the essential bus services, particularly those in our rural areas, which so many residents in West Lancashire rely on.

·       Will have a negative impact on young people travelling to access education, and those reliant on buses to reach their place of employment.

·       Will have a negative impact on elderly people who do not drive but need to access services, healthcare and visit family.

·       At a time when many residents in West Lancashire are struggling with soaring costs and expenses, this sudden increase in fares will punish some of the most vulnerable in our community.

·       Increasing the fare cap will discourage sustainable travel and remove an incentive to use public transport to access our town centres, increasing the number of cars on the road.

Council resolves: 

To request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Transport Secretary to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and ask the Government to reconsider."

An Amendment, which was displayed on the screens, was moved and seconded in the following terms:

"Council notes that:

The recent budget announced by the Labour Government increases the current bus fare pricing cap with effect from the 1st January 2025. Due to the Labour Government increasing the cap by 50%, from £2 to £3, a commuter commuting on a bus five days a week could suffer a yearly fare increase of several hundred pounds.

Due to the Conservative-run Lancashire County Council increasing the fare in West Lancashire by 50%, from £2 to £3, a commuter commuting on a bus five days a week will suffer a yearly fare increase of several hundred pounds.

Meanwhile, Labour-run Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region have both opted to retain the £2 fare.

Council believes that:

The increase in the bus fare by the Conservative-run Lancashire County Council could

·       Result in declining passenger numbers.

·       have a catastrophic impact on the essential bus services, particularly those in our rural areas, which so many residents in West Lancashire rely on.

·       have a negative impact on young people travelling to access education, and those reliant on buses to reach their place of employment.

·       have a negative impact on elderly people who do not drive but need to access services, healthcare and visit family.

At a time when many residents in West Lancashire are struggling with soaring costs and expenses, this sudden increase in fares by the Conservative-run Lancashire County Council will punish some of the most vulnerable in our community.

Increasing the fare will discourage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

Council notes:

• That according to the National Farmers' Union, there are around 400 farm holdings in West Lancashire, which represent 10% of the business in the borough. In 2021, there were 2,387 people working directly in the borough's agricultural sector.
• That the 2024 Autumn Budget introduced a change to Agriculture Property Relief and Business Property Relief.
• That because of the price of land, farms may be worth a lot on paper, but this is often not reflected in a farmer's income.
• That analysis by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers suggests 75,000 farms are likely to be affected nationally by these changes over the coming generation.
• That farming families could see bills in the hundreds of thousands of pounds – or even millions - when the land is passed on, and that this may result in farms having to be sold to raise the funds.

Council believes:

• These changes could damage the ability of farmers to pass on their farms to their children, and for the next generation to continue to farm that land.
• This will threaten food security by forcing the sale of family farms and make British food production harder, at a time when international supply chains are becoming less dependable.
• Numerous rural and farming organisations such as the National Farmers Union and Country Land and Business Association have warned that countless farms will be harmed, threatening food security and rural areas.
• Tenant farmers will be particularly vulnerable to these changes, as less land may be available to rent as owners seek to use their land for other purposes – or sell entirely.
• It is regrettable that these changes come at a time when many farmers in West Lancashire are struggling with soaring costs and energy prices.

Council resolves:

• To request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to outline the Council’s concern at this decision and calls upon the Government to reconsider the plans.
• To request that a copy of this motion is sent to the two Members of Parliament representing our borough – Ashley Dalton MP and Patrick Hurley MP.
• To continue to work with local farmers and rural community representatives to ensure that our agricultural sector is supported.

The Motion was withdrawn and not considered.