Agenda and minutes

The Mayor’s Chaplain for the evening, Rev Pauline Bicknell, led Members and Officers in prayer.

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

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.         All Members present declared a pecuniary interest in item 9 ‘Members’ Allowances Scheme 2020/21 and in relation to item 12 ‘Determination of Council Tax 2020/21’, but were entitled to speak and vote by virtue of an exemption. 

2.         a)    Councillors Ashcroft, Mrs Blake, Blane, Blundell, Dereli, Gordon, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Moran, Owen, Pope, Ms Sutton and Whittington declared a pecuniary interest in relation to relevant lines in the budget in respect of item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2020/21’ and item 13 ‘Medium Term Capital Programme 2020-21’ in relation to Parish Council matters in view of their membership of a Parish Council and indicated they would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected the finances of those bodies specifically.* 

            b)     Councillors Aldridge, O’Toole and Pope declared a pecuniary interest in relation to relevant lines in the budget in respect of item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2020/21’ and item 13 ‘Medium Term Capital Programme 2020-21’, as Members of Lancashire County Council (LCC) as did Councillors Coughlan and Gagen as employees of LCC, and indicated that they would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected LCC.*

c)     Councillor Coughlan declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to relevant lines in the budget in respect of item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2020/21’ and item 13 ‘Medium Term Capital Programme 2020-21’in respect of his appointment to West Lancashire Community Leisure.*

d)      Councillor Whittington declared a pecuniary interest in relation item 11 ‘Budget Requirement 2020/21’ in respect of the ‘Community Grants’ as his wife is a trustee of Citizens Advice Lancashire and this body had been recommended to receive funding for 2020/21:*

* By virtue of a dispensation granted by the Standards Committee all Councillors who have disclosable pecuniary or pecuniary interests in relation to relevant lines in the budget may participate and vote in the budget debates but not engage in detailed discussions about matters which affect those interests.

3.         Councillors Ashcroft, Mrs Blake, Blane, Blundell, Dereli, Gordon, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Moran, Owen, Pope, Ms Sutton and Whittington declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 12 ‘Determination of Council Tax 2020/21’ in view of their membership of a Parish Council. 

4.         Councillors Aldridge, O’Toole and Pope declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 12 ‘Determination of Council Tax 2020/21’, item 24(a) 'Jacobs Report on Drainage Motion', as Members of Lancashire County Council, as did Councillors Coughlan and Gagen as an employee of Lancashire County Council.

5.         Councillors Delaney, Devine, Owen, Nixon, West J Wilkie and K Wilkie (Tenant of a Council flat/house) Aldridge, Gregson (Tenants of a Council garage) declared disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to item 13 ‘Medium Term Capital Programme and item 14 ‘Housing Account – Revenue and Capital Programme’ 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).

6.         Councillors Aldridge, Blane, R  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

To receive as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday, 11 December 2019.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday, 11 December 2019, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor invited Councillor D Westley to lead a tribute to Alderman Vincent who had sadly passed away which was echoed by the Deputy Mayor and Councillor Pope. The Deputy Mayor also led a tribute to ex Councillor Walter Carter who had also sadly passed away. A minute silence was observed.

The Mayor also took the opportunity to thank Councillor Nixon for baking some cakes which were being raffled in aid the Mayor's chosen charities. The Mayor also thanked all the Councillors for their continued support.

The Mayor invited Councillor A Owens to present a petition he wished to submit in relation to Ormskirk Market.

The Mayor announced the following Charity events, which were being held:

·         The Mayor's Charity Ball at Holland Hall Hotel, Up Holland – Friday 27 March 2020

·         The VE Day Celebration Parade on Sunday 10 May commencing at 10.00am.

The following Questions were received:

1.    Spencers Mews Estate – Question from Councillor Adrian Owens

"The Spencers Mews estate, off Spencers Lane in Skelmersdale, has a number of properties which, since their construction almost two years ago, have remained empty and become known as a ghost estate.

Over the past couple of weeks, storm damage, as well as possible theft and vandalism to the properties has been noted by nearby local residents.

What measures will the Council adopt to:

a.      ensure the site is secured

b.      ensure the occupancy of these empty properties in the near future."

2.    Councillor ICT Devices – Question from Councillor Adrian Owens

"How many of each of the following device types funded by the taxpayer are currently provided to Borough councillors?

a.    laptop computers,

b.    tablet devices,

c.    mobile phones

What is the total purchase cost of the following device types funded by the taxpayer and currently provided to Borough councillors?

a.    laptop computers,

b.    tablet devices,

c.    mobile phones "

3.    Deep clean of Ormskirk Town Centre – Question from Councillor Kate Mitchell

"At the Council meeting on 27^th February 2019, approval was given to spend £5000 on the purchase of a pressure washer and water bowser for use in deep cleaning in the borough.  By what date does the Council plan to give Ormskirk Town Centre a 'deep clean' with the pressure washer and bowser that was purchased last summer in July 2019?"

The Leader advised that the responses to the questions would be provided following the meeting and published on the Council's website.

To receive the minutes of the following meetings, to confirm, if appropriate, such of the minutes as require confirmation and to pass such resolutions as the Council may deem necessary:

Consideration was given to the minutes of the undermentioned meetings of the Committees shown.

RESOLVED   That the minutes of the undermentioned meetings and any recommendations contained in them, be approved:

A.    Licensing and Gambling Committee – Tuesday, 3 December 2019

B.    Licensing and Appeals Committee – Tuesday, 3 December 2019

C.   Chief Officers Committee – Monday, 23 December 2019

D.   Planning Committee – Thursday, 9 January 2020

E.    Audit and Governance Committee – Tuesday, 28 January 2020

F.    Licensing and Appeals Committee – Tuesday, 11 February 2020

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources, as contained on pages 1117 to 1140 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21 detailing the Authority's Policy on workforce remuneration, as required by the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED:  A.  That the Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21 attached at Appendix 1 of the report, be approved, published on the Council's website and included in the constitution.

                        B.    That with effect from 1 April 2020, the Council will include a percentage supplement of 7.69% on all overtime, Shift Allowance and Shift Pay, Call Out and Standby, Extra Duty and Additional Hours. Honoraria in recompense for holiday pay as noted in the report.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources, as contained on pages 1141 to 1154 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the Members ' Allowances Scheme for 2020/21 and detailed the Membership of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

A Motion to approve the recommendation at paragraphs 2.1 to 2.5 of the report was moved and seconded.

An Amendment was moved and seconded as follows:

"2.1  That the IRP's report for 2020/21, attached at Appendix 2, be received   and taken into account when considering the recommendation at 2.2 and 2.3 below.

2.2      That in accordance with paragraph 10 of the IRP’s report, a Members Allowance Scheme be made, effective from 1 April 2020 incorporating a Basic Allowance of £3,992, provision for SRA payments, as detailed on the Schedule attached as Appendix 1 (no change), including an increase to the Childcare and Dependent Carer’s Allowance to be set at the same level as the Living Wage (currently £9.30 per hour) and an allowance of £250 for the year for the two newly elected Parish Council representatives on the Standards Committee. 

2.3      That the Corporate Director of Transformation & Resources update and publish the Members’ Allowances Scheme for the period commencing 1 April 2020, such scheme to be incorporated into the Constitution and subsequently published.

2.4      That the Membership of the IRP for 2020/21 and the respective terms of office be noted and endorsed as follows:

                   Mrs G Stanley (Chairman) 1 May 2021

                   Mr J Boardman                     1 May 2023

                        Mr I Thompson                     1 May 2022

2.5      That the appointment of Parish Councillors Justin Stopford and Linda  Webster on the Standards Committee for a 3 year term of office ending in May 2023 be noted and endorsed."

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

FOR:                                 Councillors Davis, Johnson, Mitchell, Owens, Rigby and Thompson (SIX).

AGAINST:             Aldridge, Ashcroft, Mrs  Baybutt,  Mrs Blake, Blundell,  Cooper,  Coughlan,  Cummins,  Currie,  Delaney,  Dereli, Devine,  Dowling, Mrs C Evans, D Evans, S Evans,  Finch, Furey, Gagen,  Gordon, Gregson, Lockie, Mrs  Marshall, Mee, Mills, Monaghan, Moran,  Nixon,  O'Neill,  O'Toole,  Owen,  Pope,  Pritchard,  Pryce-Roberts,  Mrs Stephenson,  Sutton, West, D Westley, Mrs M Westley,  Whittington, J Wilkie,  K Wilkie,  Mrs J Witter, K Wright and A Yates (FORTY FIVE).

ABSTENTIONS:            NONE

The Amendment was LOST.

A vote taken on the Motion, which was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:   A.  That the IRP's report for 2020/21, attached at Appendix 2, be received and taken into account when considering the recommendation at A. and B. below.

B.   That in accordance with paragraph 10 of the IRP’s report, a Members Allowance Scheme be made, effective from 1 April 2020, incorporating a Basic Allowance of £4,842 (no increase), provision for SRA payments, as detailed on the Schedule attached as Appendix 1 to the report (no change), including an increase to the Childcare and Dependent Carer’s Allowance, to be set at the same level as the Living Wage (currently £9.30 per hour) and an allowance of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

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

RESOLVED:     That Council Procedure Rule 13.4 be suspended to enable the Portfolio Holder/Shadow Portfolio Holder/Spokersperson for OWL to present their budget statements, in respect of agenda items 11 (Budget Requirement 2020/21) and 14 (Housing Account – Review and Capital Programme).

To consider the report of Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial  Property.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Property, as contained on pages 1155 to 1181 of the Book of Reports, which set out information in order for the Council to set its budget for the next financial year, including the General Revenue Account (GRA), Reserves Policy and the Draft GRA Estimates.

Councillor Yates, Portfolio Holder for Transformation & Resources, moved a Motion that provided details of the Labour Budget Proposals (as circulated at the meeting and contained in the Book of Reports), which was seconded.

Councillor Whittington, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Resources & Transformation, moved an Amendment (as circulated at the meeting and contained in the Book of Reports), which was seconded.

The meeting was adjourned whilst Members considered the Labour Budget Proposals and the Amendment from the Conservative Group.

The meeting was resumed and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.5, voting on the Amendment was recorded as follows:

FOR:                     Councillors Ashcroft, Mrs Baybut, Mrs Blake, Blundell, Currie, Mrs C Evans, Gordon, Mrs J Marshall, Mee, O'Toole, Pope, Mrs  Stephenson, Sutton, D Westley, Mrs M Westley, Whittington and  Mrs Witter (SEVENTEEN)

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

ABSTENTIONS:    Davis, Johnson, Mitchell, Owens, Rigby and Thompson (SIX)

The Amendment was LOST.

An Amended Labour Motion was circulated, which was accepted by the Mover and Seconder of the Motion as an alteration, with the consent of the meeting.

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

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

AGAINST:             Councillors Ashcroft, Mrs Baybut, Mrs Blake, Blundell, Currie, Mrs C Evans, Gordon, Mrs J Marshall, Mee, O'Toole, Pope, Mrs  Stephenson, Sutton, D Westley, Mrs M Westley, Whittington and  Mrs Witter (SEVENTEEN)

ABSTENTIONS:    Davis, Johnson, Mitchell, Owens, Rigby and Thompson (SIX)

The Altered Motion was CARRIED.

Resolved:  A     That the General Revenue Account Estimates for 2020/21 set out in Appendix B of the Council report be approved, subject to the changes set out in the Amended Labour Budget Proposals circulated at the meeting and contained in the Book of Reports.

B      That the GRA Reserves Policy set out in Appendix A to the Council report be approved.

C.    That delegated authority be given to the Chief Operating Officer and the Corporate Directors to take all necessary action to implement the changes resulting from the budget proposals.

D.    That delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders to implement the new Business Rate Reliefs announced by Government in January 2020.

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

Consideration was given to the revised report of the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources, as circulated at the meeting and contained in the Book of Reports, which set out the proposed Council Tax rate for each property band for the whole of the Borough Council's area, including the Council Tax rate as set by the County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, and the local Parish Council in parished areas, in order to confirm the statutory resolutions that are required in order to set the Council Tax for 2020/21.

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

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.5 voting on the Motion was recorded as follows:-

FOR:       Councillors Aldridge, Ashcroft, Mrs Baybutt, Mrs Blake, Blundell, Cooper, Coughlan, Cummins, Currie, Davis, Delaney, Dereli, Devine, Dowling, Mrs  C Evans, D Evans, S Evans, Finch, Furey, Gagen, Gordon, Gregson, Johnson, Lockie, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Mills, Mitchell, Monaghan, Moran, Nixon, O'Neill, O'Toole, Owen, Owens, Pope, Pritchard, Pryce-Roberts, Rigby, Mrs Stephenson, Sutton, Thompson, West, D Westley, Mrs Westley, Whittington, J Wilkie, K Wilkie, Mrs Witter, Wright and Yates (FIFTY ONE).

AGAINST:    (NONE)

ABSTENTIONS:  (NONE)

RESOLVED:   A.    That it be noted that on the 13 January 2020, the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Property declared the Council Tax Base amounts set out in Appendix A for the financial year 2020/21 in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation Commercial Property declared the Council Tax Base amounts set out in of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012.

  B.      That the Budget for the Council’s own purposes for 2020/21 (excluding parish and town council precepts) be set at £13,419,020 in accordance with the earlier Budget Requirement report.

  C.   That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the financial year 2020/2021 in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (the Act):

a)  £86,411,075 being the aggregate of the amounts, which the Council estimates for the items, set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish and Town Councils.

b)  £78,289,349  being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

c)  £8,121,726 being the amount by which the aggregate at C(a) above exceeds the aggregate at C(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year.

d)  £225.74 being the amount at C(c) above divided by 35,978.93 (the Tax Base) calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31(B) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for 2020/2021.

e)  £624,077 being the aggregate amount of all special items (i.e. Parish and Town Council Precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act.

f)   £208.39 being the amount at C(d) above, less the result given by dividing the amount at C(e) above by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Property, as contained on pages 807 to 814 of the Book of Reports, which advised on the Council's Medium Term Capital Programme.

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

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

A vote was taken on the Amendment which was LOST.

An Amended Labour Motion was circulated, which was accepted by the Mover and Seconder of the Motion as an alteration, with the consent of the meeting.

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

RESOLVED:  A.    That the proposed new capital schemes set out in Appendix 2 of the report be approved, with the exception of the Robert Hodge Centre re-fresh programme and with the inclusion of an additional £20,000 over 3 years for the Free Trees Scheme.

                      B.  That delegated authority by given to the Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Directors to take all necessary action to implement the agreed capital programme.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community, as contained on pages 1191 – 1208 of the Book of Reports, which advised on the rent and service charges to be applied; and detailed the Public Sector Housing Capital Investment Programme and Housing Revenue Estimates for 2020/21. the purpose of which is to enable the Council to set its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and capital investment programme for the next financial year.

Councillor J Wilkie, Portfolio for Housing and Landlord Services, moved a Motion, as circulated at the meeting and contained in the Book of Reports, which set out Labour proposals in relation to the Draft Housing Revenue Account Estimates for 2020/21 and Public sector Housing Capital Investment Programme for 2020/21, which was seconded.

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

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

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

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

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

     E.   That delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director of Place & Community to take all necessary action to implement the decisions of Council.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Property, contained on pages 1209 – 1230 of the Book of Reports, which detailed the framework for capital financing and treasury management operations for the next financial year.

RESOLVED:     A.  That the projected position in respect of the Prudential Indicators, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, for 2019/20 be noted.

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

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

      D.   That the Treasury Management Strategy set out in section 7 of the report be approved, including the prepayment of pension contributions.

      E.  That authority to make the Investment Decisions set out in paragraph 7.8 of the report, be delegated to the Strategic Assets Purchasing Committee.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community, as contained on pages 1231 – 1398 of the Book of Reports, the purpose of which was to seek approval to renew the Councils' existing Public Space Protection Order which details numerous Dog Control provisions for locations across the Borough and include five additional locations.

RESOLVED:    A.  That due consideration be given to the results from the public consultation conducted between 4 November 2019 and 13 December 2019, and additional communication received regarding the PSPO renewal and expansion proposal.

                       B.    That the Public Space Protection Order detailed at Appendix 1 to the Report, be approved for renewal for a three year period commencing 1 April 2020 with the inclusion of the five additional locations as outlined in the public consultation

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Operating Officer, contained on pages 1399 – 1408 of the Book of Reports, the purpose of which is to enable the Council to comply with its obligations in facilitating the Local Government Boundary Commission for England's (LGBCE) Electoral Review of West Lancashire (the Review).

RESOLVED:        A.   That the outline timetable for the Review as set by the LGBCE (Appendix 1 of the report) be noted.

                            B.    That an Electoral Review Working Group of Council be established with the following Terms of Reference:

i)     To develop proposals for submission to the Local           Government Boundary Commission for England.

ii)     To make recommendations to Council.

C.         That the Working Group comprise of 3 Labour Members, 2 Conservative Members and 1 Our West Lancashire Member and that Councillor Moran to be Chairman of the Working Group.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources, as contained on pages 1409 – 1422 of the Book of Reports. The purpose of which is to review the current 'Public Speaking – Protocol' for meetings of Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny Committee's, Audit & Governance Committee and Standards Committee (Constitution 14.1 – the 'Protocol') and consider proposals for change, recommended by the Corporate and Environmental Overview & Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting held on 10 December 2019.

RESOLVED:      A.    That the number of requests to speak, listed in paragraph 5 of the report, under the current 'Public Speaking – Protocol' for meetings of Cabinet, Overview & Scrutiny Committees, Audit & Governance Committee and Standards Committee (Constitution 14.1 – the "Protocol"), be noted.

                          B.    That the following recommendations of the Corporate and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee, set out in paragraph 5 of the report, suggesting revisions to the 'Protocol' attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved:

1)         Include reference to Parish Councils.

2)        Provide for a resident to be represented by a Borough Councillor (without the need for that resident to attend).  The Councillor should not be a member of the body considering that item.

3)        Provide for written representations to be considered without the need for the resident to attend.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources, as contained on pages 1423-1426 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the timetable of meetings for the Municipal Year 2020/21.

RESOLVED:        That the timetable for the meetings for the 20/21 Municipal Year, attached as an appendix to the report be approved.

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

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation & Resources, as contained on pages 1427 – 1428 of the Book of Reports, which sought nominations for the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2020/21.

Nominations for Mayor-elect and Deputy Mayor-elect for the Municipal Year 2020/21 were not submitted.

RESOLVED:            That the report be noted.

It is recommended that members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (Financial/Business Affairs) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act and as, in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption under Schedule 12A outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED:    That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3  of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act and as, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption under Schedule 12A outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

To consider the report of the Chief Operating Officer.

Consideration was given to  the report of the Chief Operating Officer as contained on pages 1429-1460 of the Book of Reports, the purpose of which is to seek approval for the latest business plan of Tawd Valley Developments Limited ( TVDL), which is the Council's wholly owned development company.

RESOLVED:    A.       That the TVDL business plan for the next 5 years is approved.

                         B.      That the financial implications for the Council arising from the TVDL business plan, as set out in Section 5 of the report is approved.

(Note: The Press and Public were invited back into the meeting.)

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

The following Motion was considered at the request of the Member indicated:

Recognising how crucial the Jacob’s Report on drainage may be to the future of housing development inBurscough as well as to the future of agriculture in our area, this Council expresses its concern at the delay in publishing the Jacob’s report and agrees to write to LCC urging them to put the report findings into the public domain as a matter of urgency, to enable public scrutiny and debate as new applications for housing in the area are considered. 

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"Recognising how crucial the Jacob's Report on drainage may be to the future of housing development in Burscough as well as to the future of future housing development in Burscough as well as to the future agriculture in our area,  this Council expresses its concerns at the delay in publishing the Jacob's report and agrees to write to LCC urging them to put the report findings into the public domain as a matter of urgency, to enable public scrutiny and debate as new applications for housing in the area are considered".

Members were advised that the Jacob's Report had now been published.

An Amended Motion was considered, which was accepted by the Mover and Seconder of the Motion as an alteration, with the consent of the meeting.

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

RESOLVED:  That the Chief Operating Officer write to Lancashire County Council expressing concern at the delay in publishing the Jacob's Report.