Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To be apprised of any changes to the membership of the Committee in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4, Members noted the termination of membership of Councillors Blane, G Hodson, Nixon and Pryce-Roberts and the appointment of Councillors Mrs C Evans, McKenna, Devine and G Owen respectively, for this meeting only, thereby giving effect to the wishes of the political groups.

Note:  No other business is permitted unless, by reasons of special circumstances, which shall be specified at the meeting, the Chairman is of the opinion that the item(s) should be considered as a matter of urgency.

There were no items of urgent business.

(Note:  The Chairman varied the order the items were considered.  Item 12 Sustainability Transformation Plans (STPs) was dealt with after item 9 West Lancashire Community Leisure (WLSL) Annual Report 2017/18 and item 8 was dealt with following Item 12.  The minutes follow the order as set down in the agenda.)

If a member requires advice on Declarations of Interest, he/she is advised to contact the Borough Solicitor in advance of the meeting.  (For the assistance of members a checklist for use in considering their position any particular item is included at the end of this agenda sheet.) 

1.    Councillor Hennessy declared a pecuniary interest in item 9 West Lancashire Community Leisure (WLCL) Annual Report 2016/17 as the Council’s representative on the West Lancashire Community Leisure Trust Board and left the meeting during the consideration of this item.

2.   Councillor Cotterill declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 16 – Item from the Members’ Update (paragraph 3 of the submission) as Chair of the Board of Governors of a school (Lathom High School). 

In accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Committee Procedure Rule 16, Members must declare the existence of any Party Whip, and the nature of it, when considering any matter in the following categories:

-        The review of any decision of Cabinet or

-        The performance of any Member of the Cabinet

N.B. The Secretary of State believes whipping is incompatible with Overview and Scrutiny.

There were no declarations of a Party Whip.

Residents of West Lancashire, on giving notice, may address the meeting to make representations on any item on the agenda except where the public and press are to be excluded during consideration of the item.  The deadline for submissions is 5.00pm Thursday 5 October 2017.  A copy of the public speaking protocol and form to be completed is attached.

There were no items under this heading.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2017.

RESOLVED:   That the Minutes of the Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 13 July 2017 be received as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor on Public Involvement at Meetings – revised protocol, Appendix 1, at pages 137 to 141 and the circulated revised recommendations.

The Committee noted that the Public Participation in Meetings Working Group had now completed its work and considered its request that it continue to allow it to review the introduction of webcasting at meetings, as detailed within the report.  Members discussed the merits of the Working Group undertaking such a review but felt that the cost outweighed the benefits.

The Committee thanked the Working Group for all the work that had been undertaken by them and the recommendations that had been brought forward as a result of its work.

RESOLVED:   A.  That the revised ‘Public Speaking – Protocol’ for meetings of Cabinet, Overview & Scrutiny Committees, Audit & Governance Committee and Standards Committee, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be endorsed and submitted to Council on 13 December 2017 for approval.

                        B.  That it be noted that a regular press release will be produced highlighting public speaking timescales.

                          C.  That the current facilities/arrangements for people with disabilities accessing meetings of the Council, set out in paragraph 6 of the report, be noted.

                          D  That the Public Participation in Meetings Working Group be thanked for its work which is now concluded and a review on webcasting at meetings not be undertaken.

To consider a presentation from the Board Chairman (WLCL) and Contracts Manager (SERCO).

Consideration was given to the presentation by Mr Jason Grice, Chairman of West Lancashire Community Leisure Trust which was supported by a series of slides as contained on pages 203 to 28 of the Book of Reports. 

The Chairman of the Leisure Trust acknowledged the good work undertaken by the Trust Members throughout the year.  The presentation included reference to the:

·         Vision of WLCL to provide a range of healthy and recreational activities to the community of West Lancashire.

·         Trust’s Charitable Status – First report to Charities Commission completed.

·         Facilities – Burscough Sports and Fitness Centre; Park Pool (Ormskirk); Nye Bevan Pool (Skelmersdale); Banks Leisure Centre and Beacon Park Golf Course.

·         Community Engagement and Participation – Chairman’s Cup (football event); Schools Triathlon; service provision / activities on offer to all age groups.

·         Delivery and Partnership Working – Active West Lancs; Active Schools in Skelmersdale; School Sports Partnership; Beacon Play Area.

In relation to the operation over the previous 12 months, the Chairman made reference to:

·         Income generation in 2016 (Wetside; Dryside; Health & Fitness; F & B and operational)

·         Increased patronage (Wetside and Dryside Visits)

He then went on to provide details of the highlights in 2016 that included:

·         Recognition of a staff member by SERCO for their swift actions assisting two leisure users in a medical emergency.

·         The re-opening, following refurbishment, of Nye Bevan, Burscough and Park Pool Gyms.

·         Opening of 3G Pitch at Burscough.

In conclusion of the review, reference was made to the opportunities, challenges and the way forward for the coming year that included: reference to the challenge to increase patronage; growth of the business; diversification / further development of Beacon Park; continuous improvement of leisure facilities and development of staff and working with partners and community groups to offer more participation opportunities.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of the community based facilities and its economic value of the Leisure Trust in the local community.

Comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·         Competition from other sport facilities providers – Edge Hill University; gyms in neighbouring authorities (Southport)

·         Pricing bands of activities across the Centres.

·         Promotion and advertisement of the sporting facilities – targeting users (web-based advertisement; leaflet dropping)

·         Negative publicity – impact on facilities

·         Staffing at busy times – Park Pool

·         Charitable Status – benefit to users; impact on service delivery

·         Staffing levels – Park Pool; reductions.

·         Trust Board – governance and membership.

The Contracts Manager of WLCL contributed to the discussion and responded to questions.  He provided additional information in relation to investment in staff; percentage of employees who live and work locally and flexible working arrangements.

The Chairman provided further clarification on the vision of WLCL going forward and emphasised the strong core  membership of the Trust, who are volunteers, the skills they brought to the role and the education programme for trustees.

On behalf of the Committee, the Vice-Chairman thanked the representatives from the Leisure Trust for their attendance, the informative presentation and contribution to the discussion.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To consider the report of the Borough Transformation Manager & Deputy Director of Housing and Inclusion.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Transformation Manager and Deputy Director of Housing & Inclusion which detailed performance monitoring data for the quarter ended 30 June 2017, as contained on pages 143 to 159 of the Book of Reports.  The report had previously been considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 12 September 2017.

In discussion Members raised questions and comments in respect of the following performance indicators:

·         WL108 (Average answered waiting time for callers to the contact centre) / WL90% of Contact Centre calls answered – reasons for dip in performance;  impact of Green Waste Collection service; promotion of interactive voice response; impact of the promotion of the digital agenda on future performance targets.

The Partnership and Performance Officer attended the meeting provided clarification on the points raised and noted the concern in relation to the commentary reason related to the promotion of the digital agenda as an impact reason on future performance targets.

RESOLVED:   That the Council’s performance against the indicator set for the quarter ended 30 June 2017 be noted. 

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor that detailed the outcome of the scoring exercise held on 13 July 2017 including the recommendation that the priority topic ‘Community Involvement in Service Delivery’ be included in the Work Programme 2017/18 for in-depth review.

RESOLVED:A.  That the results of the scoring exercise (Appendix A) be

 noted and the recommendations therein be actioned and endorsed.

                        B.  That the topic selected for review in the 2017/18 Work

Programme of the Committee be:  ‘Community Involvement in Service Delivery’

                        C.  That a presentation on the selected topic be provided and

draft Project Plan for the review be prepared.

                        D.  That the Work Programme for the Corporate and

Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee as set out below be confirmed and included on the Council’s web site.

‘Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Committee conducts in-depth reviews/policy development as set out in its work programme.

The Committee considers, as part of its routine work:

·       Items referred from "Members Update" at the request of a Member

·        Members items/Councillor Call for Action (CCfA)

·        Performance management

·        Acts as the Council's Crime and Disorder Committee

·        Recommendations from previously conducted reviews

The Member Development Commission will continue its work during 2017/18.

E.  That a press release be prepared and issued to inform local residents of the chosen review topic to be included in the Committee’s Work Programme 207/18.

To consider a presentation by the Chief Operator of the West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (WLCCG)

Consideration was given to the presentation by the Chief Officer of the West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group, Mr Mike Maguire, accompanied by Mr Carl Ashworth, CSU Service Director, Commissioning Support Unit (Midland and Lancashire), on ‘Strategic Transformation Plans – The wider system; our partners and us’.  The presentation was supported by a series of slides as contained on pages 219 to 232 of the Book of Reports.

In his presentation the Chief Operator (WLCC) provided information on the emergence of STPs, the national picture and detail in relation to the local context, including the complexities in terms of the footprint of West Lancashire and the significant differences in neighbourhood composition across West Lancashire (Ormskirk conurbation to the west; the northern parishes to the north and Skelmersdale to the east).   

The CSU Service Director provided information on Lancashire health provision, from a West Lancashire perspective, and its health care partners.

The detail of the presentation included reference to the Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria STPs, citing the priorities and processes going forward to manage demand on health care in a more efficient and different way. 

Mr Maguire explained the impact of Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria provision for West Lancashire including standardisation of Accident and Emergency; Urgent Treatment Centres; national investments to progress the neighbourhood agenda and the alignment of Mental Health to bring a more collaborative approach.

The geographical position of West Lancashire meant that, as well as accessing Lancashire health provision West Lancashire residents also accessed health services in Merseyside and Greater Manchester.  The impact of the Cheshire & Merseyside STP in terms of provision was referenced, including the Care for Your programme, the aim of the programme and the health partners involved.

In conclusion reference was made to the CCG view to ensure that the focus continues to be what is right for the needs and requirements of the West Lancashire population.

In discussion comments and questions were raised in relation to:

·         Challenges going forward for the CCG – demand for its services; impact of funding gaps; statutory duty; pressure on the system.

·         Targets – efforts / initiatives to cut out inappropriate waste; surgical procedures (levels of treatment)

·         Protection of the health provision in West Lancashire

·         Social Care – changes in local provision

·         Devolution – impact on West Lancashire

·         Health Prevention – future initiatives (engaging with businesses; healthier workforce)

·         Initiatives associated with life expectancy (targeting specific diseases – lung; COPD; cancer)

·         Encouraging early intervention – early detection; early presentation; screening; community engagement

·         Recruitment – Impact on GPs; European and international.

The Chief Operator and CSU Service Director contributed to the discussion and provided clarification on the points raised. 

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the presenters for their attendance and contribution to this item.

RESOLVED: 1.        That the presentation be noted.

 2.       That health outcomes for local residents continues through the Health  and Wellbeing Partnership, Well Skelmersdale and other initiatives.

To consider the following two items on the selected review topic, if confirmed.

Following agreement by the Committee to undertake an in-depth study entitled ‘Community Involvement in Service Delivery’ the following two items were considered.

To consider a presentation by the Director of Leisure and Wellbeing.

Members considered an introduction to the review ‘Community Involvement in Service Delivery’ by the Director of Leisure and Wellbeing.  Mr Tilleray provided an overview of proposals for the review to look at how community groups could be involved in service delivery in their local communities.  It was anticipated that a Guidance /Information pack would be developed to provide support information for community groups wishing to get involved in the management of a local service.  The review is expected to last approximately 10 to 12 months, culminating with a final review report with recommendations coming forward at the end of the process.

RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted.

To agree the Project Plan.

Consideration was given to the draft Project Plan as set down at pages 173 to 117 of the Book of Reports.

Members agreed the Project Plan that would be reviewed at each meeting and the timescale to complete its work by July 2018.

RESOLVED: That the Project Plan be agreed.

To consider the minutes of the Member Development Commission meeting held on 21 September 2017.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the Member Development Commission meeting held on 21 September 2017.

RESOLVED:   That the Minutes of the Members Development Commission meeting held on 21 September 2017 be noted.

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor that advised the Committee of following three items submitted by Members, attached as appendices, as contained on pages 183 to 192 of the Book of Reports.

Included in the agenda at the request of Councillor P Cotterill.

Consideration was given to the Members’ Item, submitted by Councillor P Cotterill, entitled ‘Need for clarity on how planning committee considers precedence and comparability’, as set down at Appendix A.  Councillor Cotterill gave an overview of his request and the reasons why the Committee should consider the item further.

At the request of the Chairman, the Director of Development and Regeneration, who was in attendance, addressed the Committee and provided clarification in relation to consideration of planning matters, referring to the process, procedures and legislative duty and the pre-planning advice service.  He made an undertaking to place an Information Report on the Planning Committee agenda providing advice to Members in relation to “precedent” and “comparability” as it related to planning legislation.

RESOLVED: A.  That the Member Item, detailed at Appendix A, be noted.

                             B.  That the item not be considered further as the Director of

Development and Regeneration had made an undertaking to provide further information to Planning Committee Members in relation to “precedent” and “comparability” as it related to planning legislation. 

(Note:  During consideration of this item, Councillors Devine, D Evans and McKay declared a non-pecuniary interest as Members of the Planning Committee.  They were able to participate as they had taken no view on this matter.)

Included on the agenda at the request of Councillor P Cotterill.

Consideration was given to the Members’ Item, submitted by Councillor P Cotterill, entitled ‘Poor response from LCC on drainage, as set down at Appendix B.  Councillor Cotterill gave an overview of his request and the reasons why the Committee should consider the item further.

Following the discussion it was agreed to note the concern and refer the matter to Lancashire County Council.

RESOLVED: A.  That the concern be noted.

                         B.   That the matter be referred to Head of Flood Risk Management, Lancashire County Council as the issue raised is not within the remit of the Council.

Included on the agenda at the request of Councillor A Yates.

Consideration was given to the Member Item/Councillor Call for Action, submitted by Councillor A Yates, entitled ‘Hurlston Brook Flood Risk Study’, as set down at Appendix C.  Councillor Yates gave an overview of his request and the reasons why the Committee should consider the item further.

Following consideration it was agreed that in order to consider the Member Item /Councillor Call for Action, that a request be made for a representative of United Utilities to attend a future meeting of the Committee in relation to the matter raised.

RESOLVED: A  That the concern raised be noted.

B    That a request be made to United Utilities for a representative to attend a future meeting of the Committee to respond to matters raised within the Member /Councillor Call for Action request.

Item from the Members’ Update included on the agenda at the request of Councillor P Cotterill.

Consideration was given to the Members Update Request submitted by Councillor Cotterill raised in relation to One West Lancs Thematic Group Notes & Minutes.

The Director of Leisure and Wellbeing provided a response in relation to the process regarding the circulation of minutes, prepared by bodies external to the Council.

In respect of point 3 of the request, as set down at page 193 of the Book of Reports in relation to the prevention work planned/reviewed, an undertaking was made to circulate information to Members on the CSE Teacher Training Programme; Violence against Women and Girls, the successful Home Office Bid and the West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership, CSE Teacher Training Project Survey Results.

RESOLVED:  That the response be noted.

To note items coming forward to the next meeting.

Consideration was given to items on the work programme, as known, due to considered at the next meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on 4 January 2018.

RESOLVED:  That the work programme for the next meeting, scheduled to take place on 4 January 2018, be noted.