Agenda and minutes

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

An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor Donna West.

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.       All Members present declared a pecuniary interest in item 12 'Members’ Allowances Scheme 2025/26 and Appointment of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP)' and in relation to item 21 'Determination of Council Tax 2025/26', but were entitled to speak and vote by virtue of an exemption. 

2.       a)   Councillors Blundell, de Freitas, Eccles, Gordon, Howard, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Gaynar Owen, Webster, Whittington and Witter declared a pecuniary interest in relation to, item 17 ' GRA Revenue Budget Report and MTFS Update 25-28', item 18 'Capital Strategy and Programme 2025/26 to 2027/28' and item 20 Capital Finance and Treasury Management Strategy', 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, Bailey, Fillis, N Hennessy, Pope and D Westley declared a pecuniary interest in relation to item 17 ' GRA Revenue Budget Report and MTFS Update 25-28', in item 18 'Capital Strategy and Programme 2025/26 to 2027/28' item 19 'HRA Budget Setting Report 2025-26' as Members of Lancashire County Council (LCC) as did Councillors Coughlan, Cummins and Gagen as employees of LCC, and indicated that they would not participate in any detailed discussions which affected LCC.*

* 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 Blundell, de Freitas, Eccles, Gordon, Howard, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Gaynar Owen, Webster, Whittington and Witter declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 9 'Future Direction of the Wellbeing and Leisure Service' 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.*

4.               Councillors Aldridge, Bailey, Fillis, N Hennessy, Pope and D Westley declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 15 'Public Realm Agreement 2025 – 2029' and  item 26 'Look to the Future for Bobby Langton Way – Motion', as Members of Lancashire County Council, as did Councillors Coughlan and Gagen as an employee of Lancashire County Council.

5.       Councillor Gaynar Owen (Tenant of a Council flat/house) and Councillor Coughlan (Tenants of a Council garage) declared disclosable pecuniary interests in relation 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).

6.       Councillors 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 11 December 2024.

RESOLVED:That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, be received as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Acting Chief Executive, Chris Twomey, announced:

A.     That the Council had received a C1 rating from the Inspection undertaken by the Housing Regulator for Social Housing.  C1 is the highest rate and only given to 3 councils across the country and that a report would be submitted to a future meeting, setting out the details of the inspection.

B.     That the Assistant Director of Corporate & Customer Services, Lisa Windle, was leaving the Council.  Members and officers wished her well and gave thanks for her service to the Council.

The Mayor congratulated Moor Hall restaurant with rooms, based in Aughton, who were recently been awarded their 3^rd Michelin Star, which was a huge achievement for them and another positive for the Borough.

The Mayor advised that 2 Questions had been received and responses had been published as follows:

Q1. Ormskirk – Burscough Linear Park

Question from Cllr Adrian Owens, Our West Lancashire

"In September 2023, Cabinet approved the use of £164,000 of S106 funding from planning permissions 2012/1224/OUT Abbey Lane, Burscough and 2017/0416/FUL Briars Lane, Burscough and £200,200 of Strategic CIL funding to deliver a phase of the Ormskirk – Burscough Linear Park.

In March 2024 in a press release the council stated that although the project delivery had been delayed that environmental and habitat surveys would take place and the final technical details of the proposed route be developed. Construction work would then start in late summer 2024 following a competitive tender process to secure a contractor.

Can the Council Leader provide an update on the project and advise whether a tender process has taken place and what the estimated completion date is for this project?"

Response

The Ormskirk – Burscough Linear Park remains a priority for the Council and we are committed to ensuring its successful and timely delivery.

Since Cabinet approved funding in September 2023, significant progress has been made, including environmental and habitat surveys, technical assessments and engagement with key stakeholders. During these assessments, a number of engineering challenges have been identified, particularly in relation to level changes, the brook crossing and land constraints. The Council is working to address these challenges as part of the detailed design process to ensure the project remains deliverable and meets environmental requirements.

At the time of the last public update in March 2024, the intention was to commence construction in late summer 2024 following a competitive tender process. However, as work progressed and technical challenges were assessed in greater detail, specialist advice has confirmed that further design development, regulatory approvals and formal agreements with key stakeholders are essential before procurement can proceed. This final section presents more complex engineering constraints than earlier phases of the project, requiring detailed solutions for the brook crossing, level changes and integration with adjacent land uses.

While there is some seasonality to when certain aspects of the work can progress, we are working to ensure that finalising designs, contractor procurement and mobilisation happen at pace, so physical construction can begin at the earliest viable opportunity.

We will be finalising the designs, securing necessary permissions and agreements with stakeholders to move the project into construction later this year. Once a contractor is in place, we can finalise the completion date but we aim to complete the path in 2026.

The approved funding remains ringfenced and the Council is focused on delivering this project as efficiently as possible. We will continue to provide regular updates as key milestones are reached.

Q2. Flooding – Summer Street, Skelmersdale

Question from Cllr Neil Furey

"What action is being taken with partners to deal with repeated flooding incidents at Summer Street in Skelmersdale?"

Response

Lancashire County Council (LCC) is the lead flood authority for West Lancashire. The Borough Council does not have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

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 3 December 2024

B.     Planning Committee – Thursday, 5 December 2024 and 16 January 2025.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 35 to 40 of the Book of Reports, which  provide a summary of the budget and medium-term financial strategy to assist and support decision making and advised that the full Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Budget Setting report for 2025-26 was included later on the agenda following consideration of the following savings and efficiency proposals:

·       Future direction of the Wellbeing and Leisure Service

·       Review of the Ranger Service

·       Review of Human Resources and Organisational Development Team Structure

·       Community Safety Review

The Director of Finance & Corporate Resources addressed the meeting to stress the legal requirement to set a balanced budget, to reiterate that the council's reserves were at a critical level and the need to approve savings in 2025-26 and future years and that if those savings could not be achieved, a Section 114 Notice could be issued.

RESOLVED: That the current projected savings requirement be noted.

To consider the report of the Acting Chief Executive.

(Relevant Lead Members: Councillor Yvonne Gagen and Councillor Carl Coughlan) 

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Planning, Economy & Wellbeing, as contained on pages 41 to 62 of the Book of Reports, which provide an update on the work carried out to review Wellbeing and Leisure Services, including consideration of the comprehensive consultation process that took place between October and December 2024.

A Motion to approve the recommendations in the report was moved and seconded.

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

During the course of the debate the Amendment was altered by the mover and seconder of the Amendment, with the agreement of the meeting, which read as follows:

"A.    That the strong opposition to the closure of the facilities in the consultation responses at 88.5% be noted.

B.     That the Nye Bevan and Park Pool centres remain open and full financial provision be made for doing so when considering the GRA Revenue Budget Report and MTFS Update 25-26 later in the Agenda.

C.     That the Director of Planning, Economy & Wellbeing to bring a Report to the next Meeting of the Full Council setting out proposals for a programme of essential repairs for both Nye Bevan and Park Pool centres to ensure continued operation for the coming 5 years.

D.     That a Working Group of Full Council: Leisure Operations Working Group Membership – 8 members – 4 Labour, 2 Conservative, 1 Owl and 1 Independent be established:

Function: To first meet before 30 June 2025 to closely examine the income and expenditure of the leisure centres and investigate capital investments that would reduce operating costs and make recommendations to full Council that reduce the operating subsidy at the leisure centres."

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

FOR:                      Councillors: Bailey, Blundell, Eccles, de Freitas, Furey, Gordon, Hesketh, Hogan, Howard, Ingman, Jukes, Lloyd, Mrs 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, Owen, Parlour, Pryce-Roberts (TWENTY-ONE)

ABSTENTIONS:      NONE

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

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

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

ABSTENTIONS:      NONE

RESOLVED:

A.     That the strong opposition to the closure of the facilities in the consultation responses at 88.5% be noted.

B.     That the Nye Bevan and Park Pool centres remain open and full financial provision be made for doing so when considering the GRA Revenue Budget Report and MTFS Update 25-26 later in the Agenda.

C.     That the Director of Planning, Economy & Wellbeing to bring a Report to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Carl Coughlan) 

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director of Planning & Regulatory Services, as contained on pages 63 to 88 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of an operational model for the Council's Ranger Service following a review of the service.

RESOLVED:

A.       That the savings proposals outlined within the report be noted.

B.       That the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulatory Services be given delegatedauthority to apply, receive and thereafter administer the use of Government subsidies, Community Infrastructure Levy and relevant funding outlined in the report to provide revenue for greenspace management by the Ranger Service.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Yvonne Gagen) 

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 89 to 92 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval for the implementation of the savings proposals from the Human Resources and Organisational Development Team in support of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), savings and efficiency proposals and 2025/26 budgets.

RESOLVED:

A.       That the financial efficiencies and saving outlined in the report be approved.

B.       That the Assistant Director Corporate and Customer Services be given delegated authority to take all necessary steps to implement the approved financial and efficiency savings.

To consider the report of Acting Chief Executive.

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Y Gagen)

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.

(Note: During this item, a motion to allow the meeting to continue past 11pm, in order to consider the remaining items of business on the agenda, was moved, seconded and approved by the Members present.)

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Dowling) 

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director of Planning & Regulatory Services, as contained on pages 101 to 142 of the Book of Reports, which presented options for reducing operational costs of the Council's Community Safety service through a review of the Public Open Space CCTV system, ensuring continued compliance with statutory duties and alignment with community safety objectives.

A Motion to approve the recommendations in 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 original Motion, which was CARRIED.

RESOLVED

A.       To deliver the required savings to support the Council's budget position, and noting the risks and implications contained in the report and appendices, that Council approve to:

1.       Decommission the 41 named public space CCTV cameras stated in Appendix 4 to the report.

2.       Implement option 2C provided at Appendix 2 to the report.

3.       Annually recharge relevant costs of the twelve public space CCTV cameras located on Skelmersdale retail park to the relevant owners/occupiers on the site.

B.       That delegated authority is given to the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulatory Services to take all necessary steps to implement A.1 to 3 above, and to review CCTV operational cost models for any relevant locations in the Borough and charge such costs against appropriate owners/occupiers as deemed appropriate.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director of Environmental Services.

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor S Lawton)

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director of Environmental Services, as contained on pages 143 to 152 of the Book of Reports, which sought to establish a new Public Realm Agreement between Lancashire County Council and West Lancashire Borough Council and sought approval to enter into a new Partnership Arrangement with effect from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2029.

RESOLVED:

A.       That the Assistant Director of Environmental Services be given delegated authority to enter into a four-year Partnership Agreement between West Lancashire Borough Council and Lancashire County Council for the provision of a new Public Realm Agreement subject to:

·       an agreed Partnership Arrangement that benefits both West Lancashire Borough Council and Lancashire County Council

·       adequate funding provided by Lancashire County Council to cover all West Lancashire Borough Council's costs to deliver on a new Public Realm Agreement.

B.       That delegated authority be given to the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) to apply an annual inflationary RPI increase to cover the cost to deliver the service.

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

To enable the Lead Member / Conservative Shadow Lead Member / OWL Shadow Lead Member to present their budget statement it will be necessary to suspend Council Procedure Rule 13.4 for Agenda Items 17 and 19. (This Rule limits the length of a speech to 5 minutes.)

* In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote will be taken on these items.

RESOLVED:

That Council Procedure Rule 13.4  be suspended for items 17 'GRA Revenue Report and MTFS Update 2025-28' and 19 'Housing Revenue Account 2025/26', to enable the Lead Member / Conservative Shadow Lead Member / OWL Shadow Lead Member to present their budget statement.  The Rule limits the length of speech to 5 minutes.

(Note: The meeting was adjourned for 20 minutes)

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor M Anderson)

Consideration of this item was deferred.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor M Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 181 to 190 of the Book of Reports, which  set the framework for capital financing and treasury management operations for the next financial year.

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

A Motion to approve the recommendations in the report was moved and seconded.

A vote was taken, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, it was recorded as follows:

FOR:    Councillors: Abbott, Aldridge, Anderson, Bailey, Blundell, Burnside, Coughlan, Cummins, Devine, Dowling, Eccles, Fennell, Fillis, Finch, Fowler, de Freitas, Furey, Gagen, Gordon, N Hennessy, P Hennessy, Hesketh, Hogan, Howard, Ingman, Juckes, Lawton, Lloyd, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Molloy, Nixon, Owen, Owens, Parlour, Patel, Pope, Pryce-Roberts, Rigby, Webster, Mrs Westley, Whittington and Witter (FORTY-THREE)

AGAINST: NONE

ABSTENTIONS: NONE

The Motion was CARRIED

RESOLVED:That the Capital Strategy and recurring and continuing schemes set out in section 7.0 of the report and in Appendix A, included in the Programme for 2025/26, be agreed.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor N Pryce-Roberts)

Consideratin was given to the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 191 to 210 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval to set the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and capital investment programme for the next financial year 2025/26.

The minutes of the Landlord Services Working Group and Policy & Resources Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the rent and service charges set within delegated authority, as detailed in sections 6 and 7 of the report, be noted.

B.    That the 2025/26 HRA budget set out in Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

C.    That the 30-year capital programme detailed in paragraph 9.2 of the report be approved.

D.    That the budget proposals detailed in section 10 of the report be approved.

E.    That the reserves policy set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

F.    That the HRA 30 year business plan set out in Appendix 3 to the report, be noted.

G.   That delegated authority be given to the Director of Housing and Environment to take all necessary action to implement the decisions above.

To consider the report of the Director Finance & Corporate Resources

(Lead Member: Councillor M Anderson).

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 211 to 241 of the Book of Reports, which  set the framework for capital financing and treasury management operations for the next financial year.

The minute of Policy & Resources Committee had been previously circulated.

RESOLVED:

A.        That the projected position in respect of the Prudential Indicators for 2025-26, set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be noted.

B.        That the Treasury and Prudential Indicators for the next three years, set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be agreed.

C.        That the capital expenditure projections, in Appendix 1 to the report, be agreed.  

D.        That the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) projections, set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be agreed.

E.        That the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy, as set out in section 5.5 of the report, be agreed.

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

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor M Anderson)

Consideration was given to the revised report of the Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, as contained on pages 343 – 354 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval to set the 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, and to confirm the statutory resolutions that are required to set the Council Tax for 2025/26.

A Motion to approve the recommendations in the revised report circulated prior to the meeting, was moved and seconded.

A vote was taken, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, it was recorded as follows:

FOR:      Councillors: Abbott, Aldridge, Anderson, Bailey, Blundell, Burnside, Coughlan, Cummins, Devine, Dowling, Eccles, Fennell, Fillis, Finch, Fowler, de Freitas, Furey, Gagen, Gordon, N Hennessy, P Hennessy, Hesketh, Hogan, Howard, Ingman, Juckes, Lawton, Lloyd, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Molloy, Nixon, Owen, Owens, Patel, Parlour, Pope, Pryce-Roberts, Rigby, Webster, Mrs Westley, Whittington and Witter (FORTY-THREE)

AGAINST: NONE

ABSTENTIONS: NONE

The Motion was CARRIED

RESOLVED:

A.     That it be noted that on the 15 January 2025, the Borough Treasurer declared the Council Tax Base amounts set out in Appendix A for the financial year 2025/26 in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012.

B.     That the Budget for the Council’s own purposes for 2025/26 (excluding parish precepts) be set at £17,725,544 in accordance with the earlier Budget Requirement report.

C.     That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the financial year 2025/2026 in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (the Act):

a)     £64,781,386 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 Councils.

b)     £54,662,805 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act

c)     £10,118.582 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)     £259.20 being the amount at C(c) above divided by 39,037.56 (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 2025/2026.

e)     £805,001 being the aggregate amount of all special items (i.e. Parish Precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act.

f)      £238.58 being the amount at C(d) above, less the result given by dividing the amount at C(e) above by 39,037.56 (the Tax Base), calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for 2025/2026 for dwellings in those parts of its area to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor M Anderson)

Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Chief Executive, as contained on pages 247 to 288 of the Book of Reports, which proposed changes to National Non-Domestic Rates Relief for 2025-26 following recent Government announcements and set out the Policy to underpin these Schemes.

RESOLVED:

A.       That the Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief – Policy Document 2025/26, attached as an Appendix to the report, be noted.

B.       That delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant Lead Member, to implement the new Non-Domestic Discretionary Rate Relief and make any minor/inconsequential amendments to the scheme as and when directed by the Government.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director of Corporate & Customer Services

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Y Gagen) 

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director of Corporate & Customer Services, as contained on pages 289 to 312 of the Book of Reports, which sought approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 detailing the Authority’s policy on Workforce remuneration, as required by the Localism Act 2011 (the ‘Localism Act’).

RESOLVED:

A.       That the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 attached at Appendix (1) to the report, be approved, and thereafter published on the Council’s website.

B.       That the approval of any administrative updates following a pay award       implementation or changes to pension contributions banding requirements during any particular year be delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources in          consultation with the Lead Member for Human Resources.

To consider the report of the Acting Chief Executive.

(Relevant Lead Member: Councillor Y Gagen)

Consideration was given to the report of the Acting Chief Executive, as contained on pages 313 to 314 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To consider the following Motion included on the agenda at the request of the Member indicated:

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

Council notes:

-       West Lancashire Borough Council have had large bollards in place on Bobby Langton Way, Burscough for many years, initially arising from issues linked with planning permission for housing at the former Victoria Park and the new football ground

-       Burscough Football Club’s new ground has been operating with both Burscough FC and Skelmersdale United playing home games

-       The new housing development on the former Victoria Park is now completed (or nearing completion)

-      West Lancashire Borough Council’s recent £3.188million refurbishment of Burscough Wellbeing & Leisure Hub, formerly Burscough Sports & Racquet Centre, and its relaunch and reopening in early 2025

-       Community concerns raised about lawfulness of existing highways and access arrangements in the area

Council believes:

-       In light of the area bearing new housing, a new football ground, the new wellbeing and leisure hub, the general area around Bobby Langton Way is blighted by an increasingly derelict Barons Club and seemingly now wasteland of Bobby Langton Way

-      Traffic flow in and through Burscough village is exacerbated by the presence of the bollards and lack of access via Bobby Langton Way to local amenities including the football ground, wellbeing & leisure hub, Tesco and the train station

-      A mutually agreeable solution must be agreed between all parties, not least the inadvertently but evidently adversely affected owners of the Barons Club, and indeed the wider community of Burscough for whom the Barons Club is now no longer available to them

Council resolves:

-       That officers of the council, across all departments including, leisure, estates and planning, engage urgently and meaningfully with local partners to progress towards a solution to the current situation

-      Local partners could include, but not limited to, Burscough Wellbeing & Leisure Hub, Tesco Burscough, Lancashire County Council (Highways), Burscough Football Club and the Barons Club

-       That work towards a resolution be progressed immediately, with Members appraised of progress on a quarterly basis until such point as a resolution is agreed, which itself may be a decision for Members at a future Full Council meeting

-       That the owners of the Barons Club be communicated with on a monthly basis to ensure continued progress towards a resolution and a named senior officer be appointed as a central point of contact to ensure continuity

-       That any resolution must retain the commemoration of Bobby Langton, whatever the outcome

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"Council notes:

-       West Lancashire Borough Council have had large bollards in place on Bobby Langton Way, Burscough for many years, initially arising from issues linked with planning permission for housing at the former Victoria Park and the new football ground

-       Burscough Football Club’s new ground has been operating with both Burscough FC and Skelmersdale United playing home games

-       The new housing development on the former Victoria Park is now completed (or nearing completion)

-      West Lancashire Borough Council’s recent £3.188million refurbishment of Burscough Wellbeing & Leisure Hub, formerly Burscough Sports & Racquet Centre, and its relaunch and reopening in early 2025

-       Community concerns raised about lawfulness of existing highways and access arrangements in the area

Council believes:

-       In light of the area bearing new housing, a new football ground, the new wellbeing and leisure hub, the general area around Bobby Langton Way is blighted by an increasingly derelict Barons Club and seemingly now wasteland of Bobby Langton Way

-      Traffic flow in and through Burscough village is exacerbated by the presence of the bollards and lack of access via Bobby Langton Way to local amenities including the football ground, wellbeing & leisure hub, Tesco and the train station

-      A mutually agreeable solution must be agreed between all parties, not least the inadvertently but evidently adversely affected owners of the Barons Club, and indeed the wider community of Burscough for whom the Barons Club is now no longer available to them

Council resolves:

-       That officers of the council, across all departments including, leisure, estates and planning, engage urgently and meaningfully with local partners to progress towards a solution to the current situation

-      Local partners could include, but not limited to, Burscough Wellbeing & Leisure Hub, Tesco Burscough, Lancashire County Council (Highways), Burscough Football Club and the Barons Club

-       That work towards a resolution be progressed immediately, with Members appraised of progress on a quarterly basis until such point as a resolution is agreed, which itself may be a decision for Members at a future Full Council meeting

-       That the owners of the Barons Club be communicated with on a monthly basis to ensure continued progress towards a resolution and a named senior officer be appointed as a central point of contact to ensure continuity

-       That any resolution must retain the commemoration of Bobby Langton, whatever the outcome"

An Amendment to the Motion, 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 original Motion, which was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

A.       That Council notes:

1.     West Lancashire Borough Council have had large bollards in place on Bobby Langton Way, Burscough for many years, initially arising from issues linked with planning permission for housing at the former Victoria Park and the new football ground

2.     Burscough Football Club’s new ground has been operating with both Burscough FC and Skelmersdale United playing home games

3.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.