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Agenda and minutes

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

Contact: Jacky Denning 

Items
No. Item

11.

PRAYERS

Minutes:

The Mayor’s Chaplain for the year, Venerable David Garnett, from St Cuthberts, Halsall, led Members and officers in prayer.

 

12.

APOLOGIES

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Daniels, Fowler, Gresty and Molloy.

13.

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 Mrs Blake, Gordon, Howard, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Gaynar Owen, Patel, Pope, Sutton, Whittington and Witter declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 10 Capital Programme Out-Turn 2021-22 and item 13 'Council Plan Annual Report 2021/22 in view of their membership of a Parish Council.

 

2.         Councillors Aldridge, Bailey, O'Toole, Pope and D Westley declared a non pecuniary interest in relation to item 10 Capital Programme Out-Turn 2020-2 and 12 'Council Plan Annual Report 2021/22' and Item 19(e) 'Skelmersdale Railway Motion – Motion', as Members of Lancashire County Council, as did Councillors Coughlan, Cummins and Gagen as an employee of Lancashire County Council.

 

3.         Councillors Gaynar Owen, Nixon, West and J Wilkie (Tenant of a Council flat/house) Coughlan and Gregson (Tenants of a Council garage) declared disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to item 11 ‘Housing Account – Revenue and Capital Outturn’ and item 19(a) 'Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 – Motion' 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.         Councillors Aldridge, Gregson, Mee, Nixon, Sutton and K Wilkie declared non-pecuniary interests in relation to item 11 ‘Housing Account – Revenue and Capital Outturn’ and item 19(a) 'Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 – Motion' 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.

 

 

 

 

 

14.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 335 KB

To receive as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday, 18 May 2022.

Minutes:

The minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 18 May 2022 were received as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

15.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND/OR THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Minutes:

The Mayor announced:

 

1.     That her theme for the year would be 'Youth Empowerment'.

 

2.     That fund-raising activities for the year would be in aid of the Evermoor Hub, Divine Days and Noah's Ark.

 

3.     That the Civic Service would be held on Sunday 11 September 2022 at St Cuthberts Church, Halsall.

 

4.     That the Mayor's Charity dinner/ball was provisionally booked for 17 March 2023 at Lancashire Manor Hotel.

 

5.     That a Charity lunch was being held at Briars Hall on 29 July 2022 at 12 noon, tickets £20 for a buffet lunch and humorous guest speaker.

16.

TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 10.2 pdf icon PDF 12 KB

Minutes:

The following 2 Questions were received:

 

1.     Council Properties in Flimby, Skelmersdale

 

"Could the Council Leader please advise when council properties in Flimby in Skelmersdale will be re-rendered and have additional insulation installed.  (Submitted on behalf of a Flimby resident)"

 

Response

 

" The Council spend around £9.5m per year on maintaining and improving the housing stock.   We have properties across Skelmersdale that have the same external insulation, maintenance requirements and energy performance certificate category as the properties on Flimby. Given this, we are aware that there will be other properties that display the same or similar thermal comfort/efficiency characteristics as those at Flimby.

 

The Council is currently in the process of undertaking a full stock condition survey and zero carbon study of all our housing stock. This is so the authority can understand where its investment priorities are and develop an evidence based approach to future investment.

 

We anticipate that the data from the stock condition survey will be validated and uploaded into our Asset Management software between September and December of this year.  Once this is complete, the Asset Management Team will commence programme planning for the short, medium and long term.  This plan will set out the timetable for the improvement programme including thermal efficiency and link in to the Councils Climate Change Strategy and business plan.  It is at this stage we will be able to provide a clear timescale to our resident at Flimby"

 

2.     Building Site at Bobby Langton Way, Burscough

 

"Could the Council Leader please advise when something is going to be done about the now semi-derelict building site at Bobby Langton Way, Burscough.  The development company went bust last winter and the half-finished houses are now slowly decaying and becoming an eye-sore.  (Submitted on behalf of a Burscough resident)"

 

Response

 

The Council has been in regular contact with Torus Homes, the Registered Provider who own the site in question.  Torus have provided the following response: 

 

"It is unfortunate that the Burscough FC site has been so substantially disrupted through the problems experienced by the former Contractor Crossfield Living and we fully appreciate the concern this will cause the local community.  As the Developer and Landowner Torus sought to support Crossfield and we hoped that the issues affecting the Company would subside, allowing them to successfully complete the project.  Unfortunately, this was not possible.  Torus are committed to completing the development and bringing the new homes forward in due course.  At this stage we are procuring a new Contractor to complete the works.  We anticipate formally returning to site by the Autumn.  In the meantime, we are taking steps to ensure that the site remains secure.  Should local residents or stakeholders have concerns during the interim period we would encourage you to report these via e-mail to consultations@torus.co.uk and a response will be forthcoming."

 

Representatives from Torus would be happy to meet with Councillors or any concerned stakeholders should they have specific concerns they wish to discuss.

 

 

 

 

 


17.

MINUTES OF COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 303 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.     Tawd Valley Developments Shareholders Committee held on Monday 28 March, subject to Minute 8 being amended to read debenture (not debarture), Wednesday 27 April and Tuesday 28 June 2022, subject to Minute 16 to remove items 9, 10 & 12 being removed from those being requested to be held in public.

 

B.     Planning Committee held on Thursday 21 April and Wednesday 25 May 2022.

 

C.    Audit & Governance Committee held on Tuesday 31 May 2022.

 

D.    Licensing & Appeals Committee held on Wednesday 8 June 2022.

 

E.     Polling Districts & Polling Places Review Committee held on Wednesday 15 June 2022.

18.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, CRIME AND POLICING ACT 2014: PUBLIC SPACE PROTECTION ORDER IN RESPECT OF PIMBO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE pdf icon PDF 373 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place & Community, as contained on pages 95 to 126 of the Book of Reports, which following public consultation, sought approval of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to deter organised car meets / car cruising on Pimbo Industrial Estate, Up Holland, West Lancashire.

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That the Public Space Protection Order be made, as shown at Appendix 1 of the report, for a period of three years.

 

B.     That a fixed penalty level of £100.00 be approved, for failing to comply with a PSPO, which is payable to the Council within a stipulated period of the fixed penalty notice being served, with no reduction for early payment of the penalty.

 

19.

GRA Revenue Outturn Position 2021-22 pdf icon PDF 76 KB

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

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 127 to 130 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the revenue outturn position on the General Revenue Account (GRA) for the 2021/22 financial year, noting movements in the Council's reserves and balances and to approve the transfer of the underspend.

 

RESOLVED:   That the balanced revenue outturn position be noted.

 

20.

GRA CAPITAL PROGRAMME OUTURN pdf icon PDF 412 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 131 to 140 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the capital outturn position on the General Revenue Account (GRA) for the 2021/2022 financial year.

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That the Capital outturn position be noted and the proposed Capital allocation set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

 

B.     That the Capital programme and Re-profiling in Appendix 1 be noted and approved.

 

21.

HOUSING ACCOUNT - REVENUE & CAPITAL OUTURN pdf icon PDF 324 KB

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

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 141 to 148 of the Book of Reports, which provided a summary of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue and capital outturn positions for the 2021/22 financial year and highlight budget pressure identified in 2022/23.

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That the draft financial outturn position of the 2021/22 HRA and Capital Investment Programme be noted and that the allocation of 2021/22 HRA outturn to reserves, as noted in paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5 of the report, be endorsed.

 

B.     That the switching of funding from HRA borrowing to HRA revenue contributions in paragraphs 5.3 and 5.5, be noted.

 

C.     That the amendments to the Housing capital budget identified in appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

 

22.

TREASURY MANAGEMENT & PRUDENTIAL INDICATOR PERFORMANCE 2021-22 pdf icon PDF 501 KB

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

 

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, as contained on pages 149 to 156 of the Book of Reports, which detailed the Treasury Management performance and Prudential Indicators for the year ended 31 March 2022.

 

RESOLVED:   That the performance for the 2021-22 financial year be noted.

 

23.

Council Plan Annual Report 2021/22 pdf icon PDF 128 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources, as contained on pages 157 to 174 of the Book of Reports, which presented the Council Plan Annual Report 2021/22

 

RESOLVED:   That the Council Plan Annual Report 2021/22 (Appendix 1) be noted.

24.

Future Direction for Tawd Valley Developments Ltd pdf icon PDF 331 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Services, as contained on pages 175 to 194 of the Book of Reports, which set out a series of proposals to reset and refocus the aims, objectives and activities of Tawd Valley Developments Ltd (TVDL), the Council's wholly owned development company.

 

RESOLVED:   That the proposals set out in section 8 of the report be approved and that a new Business Plan be drawn up on this basis for consideration by Council.

 

25.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULE 15C OF THE CONSTITUTION REGARDING THE REQUIREMENTS TO EXERCISE CALL IN pdf icon PDF 224 KB

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

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Legal & Democratic Services Manager (Monitoring Officer) as contained on pages 195 to 198 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval to amend the provisions contained in Constitution 9.1 at Part 4, 9a - Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules -  Rule 15 (c) in respect of the requirements to exercise Call In.

 

RESOLVED:   That Constitution 9.1 at Part 4, 9a - Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 15 (c) in the Constitution be amended to read as follows:

 

"The Chief Operating Officer shall include an item on an agenda for scrutiny by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee, at its next meeting, if so requested by notice in writing by any five members of the Council no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week following publication of the decision. The notice shall specify the reasons for the call in and specify the decision the five members would put in place if the call-in were successful. For the avoidance of doubt, that decision cannot be a deferral for more information. The Chief Operating Officer shall then (a) validate the "call-in" and notify the decision-taker of it (in the case of Cabinet by putting it on the next Agenda) or (b) in consultation with the Chairman of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee, determine that the "call-in" is not valid and notify the 5 members accordingly. Further for the avoidance of doubt, the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee must take place within 15 working days of the request for call in."

26.

Timetable of Meetings - Change of date for Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee

To agree a change of date of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee from Thursday 1st September to Tuesday 6th September 2022.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:   That the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting, scheduled on Thursday 1st September be changed to Tuesday 6th September 2022.

27.

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 1 & 2 (An Individual) 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 paragraphs 1, 2 & 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.

 

28.

Voluntary Redundancy - Revenues & Benefits Service

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

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director Transformation, Housing & Resources, as contained on pages 199 to 204 of the Book of Reports, which outlined the wider context and implications of the voluntary redundancy of the Exchequer Services Manager. 

 

RESOLVED:     That the Exchequer Services Manager post be deleted from the establishment and the payment of redundancy on a voluntary basis be approved.

 

(Note:  Members of the public and the press were invited back into the meeting.)

29.

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:

30.

SOCIAL HOUSING DECARBONISATION FUND WAVE 2 - MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR ADRIAN OWENS ON BEHALF OF THE OUR WEST LANCASHIRE GROUP

Council notes that in February in Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 1, 69 councils received a total of £179 million at an average of £2.6million per council to upgrade around 20,000 council house homes which are currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating, helping to cut fuel bills for social housing tenants as well as delivering warm homes and reducing carbon emissions while supporting around 9,000 jobs in the green energy sector.

 

Council further notes that the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 is scheduled to open for bids in late August/early September 2022 with around £700 million available for distribution.  Furthermore, council notes that the current stock condition survey of West Lancashire Borough Council housing stock is well advanced and that this will provide the information necessary relating to WLBC properties which are currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating to make a detailed bid possible.

 

Council therefore instructs officers to prepare and submit an ambitious bid to the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 so that council tenants in West Lancashire in poorly insulated homes can benefit from upgrades to their properties in the same way as 20,000 tenants in other parts of England are already benefiting.

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"Council notes that in February in Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 1, 69 councils received a total of £179 million at an average of £2.6million per council to upgrade around 20,000 council house homes which are currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating, helping to cut fuel bills for social housing tenants as well as delivering warm homes and reducing carbon emissions while supporting around 9,000 jobs in the green energy sector.

 

Council further notes that the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 is scheduled to open for bids in late August/early September 2022 with around £700 million available for distribution.  Furthermore, council notes that the current stock condition survey of West Lancashire Borough Council housing stock is well advanced and that this will provide the information necessary relating to WLBC properties which are currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating to make a detailed bid possible.

 

Council therefore instructs officers to prepare and submit an ambitious bid to the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 so that council tenants in West Lancashire in poorly insulated homes can benefit from upgrades to their properties in the same way as 20,000 tenants in other parts of England are already benefiting."

 

An Amendment to the Motion, which was presented on the screens, was moved and seconded in the following terms:

 

"That the following be inserted after the first paragraph of the Motion:

 

Council also notes that the launch of the government’s Review of Electricity Markets on Monday 18 July seeks to address the imbalance in costs of gas and electricity which is deterring conversion to heat pumps and other green household energy initiatives as the economic gain is currently marginal. 

 

In addition, Council notes that work has already commenced with regards to including such initiatives as part of any future improvements in WLBC housing stock and commercial property assets."

 

With the agreement of the meeting, the mover and seconder of the Motion accepted the amendment.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That it be noted that in February in Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 1, 69 councils received a total of £179 million at an average of £2.6million per council to upgrade around 20,000 council house homes which are currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating, helping to cut fuel bills for social housing tenants as well as delivering warm homes and reducing carbon emissions while supporting around 9,000 jobs in the green energy sector.

 

B.     That it be noted that the launch of the government’s Review of Electricity Markets on Monday 18 July seeks to address the imbalance in costs of gas and electricity which is deterring conversion to heat pumps and other green household energy initiatives as the economic gain is currently marginal and that work has already commenced with regards to including such initiatives as part of any future improvements in WLBC housing stock and commercial property assets.

 

C.     That it be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

31.

TO INTRODUCE AN INCENTIVE TO ATTRACT NEW TRADERS TO ORMSKIRK MARKET - MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR ADRIAN OWENS ON BEHALF OF THE OUR WEST LANCASHIRE GROUP pdf icon PDF 97 KB

Council strongly supports a thriving market in Ormskirk.

 

Council therefore agrees to the introduction of an incentive scheme to attract new traders to Ormskirk market as follows: 

 

1.1 A new trader incentive scheme should be developed and introduced as soon as practicable that offers the following to new market traders:

 

a)    Free loan of a council gazebo for up to 6 weeks if required

b)    A rebate of the first 6 weeks’ rent for new traders, the rebate being made at the point the trader commits to taking a permanent market stall for a minimum 12-month period

 

1.2 Delegation to be given to the Corporate Director of Place & Community, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to amend the Market Regulations to give effect to this motion.

 

1.3 The new market trader incentive scheme to be promoted through all Council promotional channels once the scheme is launched.

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"Council strongly supports a thriving market in Ormskirk.

 

Council therefore agrees to the introduction of an incentive scheme to attract new traders to Ormskirk market as follows: 

 

1.1 A new trader incentive scheme should be developed and introduced as soon as practicable that offers the following to new market traders:

 

a)    Free loan of a council gazebo for up to 6 weeks if required

b)    A rebate of the first 6 weeks’ rent for new traders, the rebate being made at the point the trader commits to taking a permanent market stall for a minimum 12-month period

 

1.2 Delegation to be given to the Corporate Director of Place & Community, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to amend the Market Regulations to give effect to this motion.

 

1.3 The new market trader incentive scheme to be promoted through all Council promotional channels once the scheme is launched.

 

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

 

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

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That this Council strongly supports a thriving market in Ormskirk.

 

B.     That the Council therefore wishes to consider the introduction of new incentive schemes to attract new traders to Ormskirk market such as: 

 

A new trader incentive that offers the following to new market traders:

 

a)   Free loan of a council gazebo for up to 6 weeks if required

b)   A rebate of the first 6 weeks’ rent for new traders, the rebate being made at the point the trader commits to taking a permanent market stall for a minimum 12-month period

 

C.     That to take matters forward, a Scrutiny Task and Finish Group be established to undertake a review of market operation across the borough, which will include potential rent incentives for new market traders to ensure markets continue to be the best possible offer and service within Wellbeing and Place. This would provide an overarching review which would result in a way forward for the markets by the end of 2022 with potential implementation to commence 1st April 2023 following discussion.

 

 

32.

FURTHER REDUCTION OF FUEL DUTY - MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR ADRIAN OWENS ON BEHALF OF THE OUR WEST LANCASHIRE GROUP

Council notes that the Chancellor of the Exchequer reduced fuel duty by 5 pence per litre to 52.95 pence per litre in March 2022 to help address in a small way concerns about the cost of living.

 

Council further notes that since that reduction in March 2022 from figures provided by the RAC Foundation the average forecourt price of unleaded petrol has risen from 163.59 pence per litre in the week to 28 March 2022 to 191.05 pence per litre in the week to 27 June 2022 – a further rise of more than 16%.  Council notes that the cost of diesel has risen by a similar amount. 

 

Given that this most recent increase in forecourt petrol and diesel prices since March 2022 has resulted in the Chancellor of the Exchequer receiving in additional VAT receipts almost an additional 5 pence per litre and given that almost wipes out the previous reduction in fuel duty, this council instructs the Chief Operating Officer to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling on him to introduce a further reduction in fuel duty of at least 5 pence per litre to give some small relief to motorists and businesses including haulage companies.

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

 

"Council notes that the Chancellor of the Exchequer reduced fuel duty by 5 pence per litre to 52.95 pence per litre in March 2022 to help address in a small way concerns about the cost of living.

 

Council further notes that since that reduction in March 2022 from figures provided by the RAC Foundation the average forecourt price of unleaded petrol has risen from 163.59 pence per litre in the week to 28 March 2022 to 191.05 pence per litre in the week to 27 June 2022 – a further rise of more than 16%.  Council notes that the cost of diesel has risen by a similar amount. 

 

Given that this most recent increase in forecourt petrol and diesel prices since March 2022 has resulted in the Chancellor of the Exchequer receiving in additional VAT receipts almost an additional 5 pence per litre and given that almost wipes out the previous reduction in fuel duty, this council instructs the Chief Operating Officer to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling on him to introduce a further reduction in fuel duty of at least 5 pence per litre to give some small relief to motorists and businesses including haulage companies."

 

A vote was taken, the Motion was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:   A.     That it be noted that the Chancellor of the Exchequer reduced fuel duty by 5 pence per litre to 52.95 pence per litre in March 2022 to help address in a small way concerns about the cost of living.

 

B.     That it be noted that since that reduction in March 2022 from figures provided by the RAC Foundation the average forecourt price of unleaded petrol has risen from 163.59 pence per litre in the week to 28 March 2022 to 191.05 pence per litre in the week to 27 June 2022 – a further rise of more than 16% and that the cost of diesel has risen by a similar amount. 

 

C.     That given this most recent increase in forecourt petrol and diesel prices since March 2022 has resulted in the Chancellor of the Exchequer receiving additional VAT receipts, almost an additional 5 pence per litre and given that almost wipes out the previous reduction in fuel duty, this council instructs the Chief Operating Officer to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling on him to introduce a further reduction in fuel duty of at least 5 pence per litre to give some small relief to motorists and businesses including haulage companies.

 

 

33.

RIGHT TO FOOD - MOTION FROM COUNCILLOR GARETH DOWLING ON BEHALF OF THE LABOUR GROUP

This council notes: 

That we are seeing a crisis of food poverty born out of the political choices and systemic failings created over the past four decades, which have now reached a tipping point for so many in our communities. The figures are devastating for one of the richest nations in the world and highlight the inequality of the UK in 2022.

Need for food banks is already at a record high. Food banks in the Trussell Trust network gave out 2.1 million emergency food parcels between April 2021 and March 2022, a 14% rise on the year 2019/20. This comes on top of year-on-year increases in need.

This council’s own commissioned study into Food Insecurity in West Lancashire (paid for by WLBC and carried out by Iconic Consultancy) found that 4,580 households in West Lancashire experience food insecurity, with over 2,000 children (under 16) living in food insecure households. 

We also note the Government’s National Food Strategy; which reported in July 2021 and was the first independent review of England’s entire food system for 75 years, and its subsequent response. The ‘Right to Food’ campaign believes that the 11 million people currently living in food poverty must be central to the response from Government.

This council further notes the cross-party commitment in supporting action on food insecurity, appointing a Food Security Champion, setting up of a Food Insecurity Forum, councillors’ and officers’ continued work in this area and engagement with our partners across the borough including Trussell Trust Foodbanks, LCC, ICS, WLBC Financial Inclusion and Money Advice, The Larder Lancashire, The Birchwood, and many other statutory and VCFS organisations. 

This council believes: 

Enshrining the ‘Right to Food’ into law would clarify Government obligations on food poverty and would introduce legal avenues to hold Government bodies accountable for violations.

This council resolves: 

To call for the Right to Food to be incorporated in the Government’s White Paper in response to the National Food Strategy. We ask the Chief Operating Officer to write to the Prime Minister to further this request.

To formally declare as a Right to Food Council and join with other councils across the country to continue to push for a Right to Food enshrined in law. 

 

Minutes:

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"This council notes: 

That we are seeing a crisis of food poverty born out of the political choices and systemic failings created over the past four decades, which have now reached a tipping point for so many in our communities. The figures are devastating for one of the richest nations in the world and highlight the inequality of the UK in 2022.

Need for food banks is already at a record high. Food banks in the Trussell Trust network gave out 2.1 million emergency food parcels between April 2021 and March 2022, a 14% rise on the year 2019/20. This comes on top of year-on-year increases in need.

This council’s own commissioned study into Food Insecurity in West Lancashire (paid for by WLBC and carried out by Iconic Consultancy) found that 4,580 households in West Lancashire experience food insecurity, with over 2,000 children (under 16) living in food insecure households. 

We also note the Government’s National Food Strategy; which reported in July 2021 and was the first independent review of England’s entire food system for 75 years, and its subsequent response. The ‘Right to Food’ campaign believes that the 11 million people currently living in food poverty must be central to the response from Government.

This council further notes the cross-party commitment in supporting action on food insecurity, appointing a Food Security Champion, setting up of a Food Insecurity Forum, councillors’ and officers’ continued work in this area and engagement with our partners across the borough including Trussell Trust Foodbanks, LCC, ICS, WLBC Financial Inclusion and Money Advice, The Larder Lancashire, The Birchwood, and many other statutory and VCFS organisations. 

This council believes: 

Enshrining the ‘Right to Food’ into law would clarify Government obligations on food poverty and would introduce legal avenues to hold Government bodies accountable for violations.

This council resolves: 

To call for the Right to Food to be incorporated in the Government’s White Paper in response to the National Food Strategy. We ask the Chief Operating Officer to write to the Prime Minister to further this request.

To formally declare as a Right to Food Council and join with other councils across the country to continue to push for a Right to Food enshrined in law."

A vote was taken, the Motion was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:   A.     That it be noted: 

(i)   That we are seeing a crisis of food poverty born out of the political choices and systemic failings created over the past four decades, which have now reached a tipping point for so many in our communities. The figures are devastating for one of the richest nations in the world and highlight the inequality of the UK in 2022.

(ii)  That the need for food banks is already at a record high. Food banks in the Trussell Trust network gave out 2.1 million emergency food parcels between April 2021 and March 2022, a 14% rise on the year 2019/20. This comes on top of year-on-year increases in need.

(iii)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

Skelmersdale Railway Motion - Motion From Councillor Gareth Dowling on Behalf of the Labour Group pdf icon PDF 94 KB

This council notes the recent decision of the Department for Transport to reject the latest bid for infrastructure funding for Skelmersdale railway station.

 

This council further notes the long-term cross-party support for this project alongside Lancashire County Council and the West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper.

 

This council believes that a new railway station in the heart of Skelmersdale linking with both Liverpool and Manchester would open up a world of opportunities for Skelmersdale residents to access wider education, training, employment and social opportunities, and that inward investment and custom would be drawn to the new town centre.

 

This council also believes that government support for the Skelmersdale Railway project would be a significant indicator of the government's 'levelling up' agenda, that the campaign for a station must continue, and rejects the Department for Transport's statement that this project is "poor value for money," - a direct contradiction to the principle of levelling up.

 

This council resolves for the Chief Operating Officer to write on behalf of the council to the Secretary of State for Transport, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Prime Minister to honour their 2019 commitment to funding Skelmersdale Railway Station.

 

This council further resolves that land at the former Glenburn/Westbank site earmarked as location for the proposed station continue to be ringfenced by LCC and partners for the station and not be released for any other potential development.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.