Agenda and minutes

Councillor Pryce-Roberts submitted her apologies for not being in attendance in person, although she was present virtually and would present her report but would not move the recommendations or vote on any items included on the agenda.

If, by virtue of the date by which a decision must be taken, it has not been possible to follow Rule 15 (i.e. a matter which is likely to be the subject of a key decision has not been included on the Forward Plan) then the decision may still be taken if:

a)    The Chief Operating Officer, on behalf of the Leader, obtains the agreement of the Chairman of the Executive Overview and Scrutiny Committee that the making of the decision cannot be reasonably deferred,

b)    The Chief Operating Officer, on behalf of the Leader, makes available on the Council’s website and at the offices of the Council, a notice setting out the reasons that the decision is urgent and cannot reasonably be deferred.

There were no items of special urgency.

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 10.00am Friday 22 September 2023.

Cabinet was advised that a request to speak had been received in respect of item 7(b) 'Council Vision and Priorities 2023-2028'.

If a member requires advice on Declarations of Interest, he/she is advised to contact the Legal & 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.)

1.     Councillor Coughlan (Tenant of a Council garage) declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to item 7(j) 'Q1 HRA Revenue & Capital Monitoring 2023/24' for the reasons indicated (nothing in these reports relates particularly to his interests arising from the tenancy).

2.     Councillors Carl Coughlan, Vicki Cummins and Yvonne Gagen declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda items relating to Lancashire County Council (LCC) as employees of Lancashire County Council and did not enter into detailed discussions, which affected LCC.

To receive as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on Tuesday 27 June 2023.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 27 June 2023 be received as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

1.     To note the following change of Terms of Reference of the Estates Regeneration Cabinet Working Group:

From:

Functions

(a)    To oversee the Revival Projects.   

(b)    To oversee the development of key HRA estates improvement and regeneration schemes

(c)    To consider innovation options in development and construction in potential schemes.

(d)    To report recommendations to Cabinet and/or Council as appropriate.

(e)    To monitor the Cabinet approved Asset Management Strategy to ensure appropriate investment in the asset portfolio, including consideration of proposed capital programmes and initiatives to contribute to the commitment to be a carbon neutral Borough by 2030.

 Amended to:

 Functions

(a)   To oversee the Regeneration Projects.

(b)   To oversee the development of key HRA estates improvement and regeneration schemes.

(c)   To consider innovation options in development and construction in potential schemes. 

(d)    To report recommendations to Cabinet and/or Council as appropriate

2.     To note the Terms of Reference of the Budget Cabinet Working Group:

(a)     To review the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and make recommendations to Cabinet and Council, when required.

(b)    To consider annual budget setting matters, i.e., Council Tax, GRA (General Revenue Account) and HRA (Housing Revenue Account) requirements and the Capital Programme and make recommendations to Cabinet and Council.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the following change of Terms of Reference of the Estates Regeneration Cabinet Working Group be noted:

Functions

(a)   To oversee the Regeneration Projects.

(b)   To oversee the development of key HRA estates improvement and regeneration schemes.

(c)   To consider innovation options in development and construction in potential schemes. 

(d)   To report recommendations to Cabinet and/or Council as appropriate

B.    That the Terms of Reference of the Budget Cabinet Working Group be noted:

Functions

(a)    To review the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and make recommendations to Cabinet and Council, when required.

(b)    To consider annual budget setting matters, i.e., Council Tax, GRA (General Revenue Account) and HRA (Housing Revenue Account) requirements and the Capital Programme and make recommendations to Cabinet and Council.

Consideration was given to the reports relating to the following matters requiring decisions and contained on pages 1 to 350 of the Book of Reports.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Councillor Molloy introduced the report of the Corporate Director of Housing, Transformation & Resources, as contained on pages 1 to 22 of the Book of Reports, which presented performance monitoring data for the quarter ended 30 June 2023.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision, Cabinet considered the report and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED:

A.      That the Council’s performance against the Council Plan for the quarter ended 30 June 2023 be noted.

B.      That the call-in procedure is not appropriate for this item as the report was submitted to the meeting of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2023.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

A Member of the public attended the meeting to speak and make representations in respect of the matters contained within the request to speak form circulated prior to the meeting as follows:

"1. Create empowered, engaged creative communities

a) Build on and develop strengths within local communities - I don't see this happening. Can you give some examples please?

b) Use Councillors' existing reach and influence to provide community feedback to shape decision making - Is it possible for the council to provide a set of guidelines for Cllrs on what is expected of them and how to go about getting feedback on the issues?

c) I don't like the way residents and businesses have been separated in the Council Plan. Residents in Skelmersdale work in the businesses in Skelmersdale. So, the Council Plan should have more objectives that combine individuals with businesses.

2. Support businesses to adapt and prosper

a) Promote West Lancashire as a place to invest through the Skelmersdale Place Board & Ambassadors - Skelmersdale Business Ambassadors hasn't been meeting since 2020, before lockdown. So, how is this objective being achieved? Is the forum going to be reactivated

b) Develop a strong web presence which positively promotes West Lancashire- I've seen nothing of this.

c) Create enlivened town centres offering diverse leisure opportunities and night time economy- work on this seems to be happening with the Ormskirk Night Market. But, what is happening for Skelmersdale? I've seen nothing of a night time economy in Skelmersdale, so lots more work is needed to fulfil this objective.

3. Greener West Lancs

a) Reduce waste and improve recycling, implement a Waste strategy with a focus on sustainable solutions - but recycling targets are very low (far too low) and are still not being met. So, what remedial action is being taken to meet the objective set out in the Council Plan for this? And is there a plan to not only meet the current low targets, but also set higher targets to aim for in future?"

Councillor Molloy advised that the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources, as contained on pages 37 to 62 of the Book of Reports, sought approval of the Council Vision and Priorities 2023-2028, which underwent public consultation for 6 weeks over the summer and once approved an action plan would support delivery of those priorities.   Councillor Molloy advised that the comments raised related to the Council Plan 2020-2023 which was coming to the end of its period and that quarterly performance monitoring had been undertaken by Scrutiny and Cabinet during that period.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circualted prior to the meeting.

Councillor Molloy moved the recommendations contained at paragraph 3 of the report, which were seconded.

An Amendment, which was moved and seconded, was accepted by Councillor Molloy, which became the substantive Motion.

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

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the matters raised in the request to speak, the report before it and the recommendations contained therein, and the Amendment moved at the meeting.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the Council Vision and Priorities 2023-2028 attached at Appendix A be approved to take forward to Council for adoption, subject to the following wording in bold:

Prosperity

·       Attract investment, support businesses and direct wealth into the local economy and support co-operatives

Council

·       Attract, retain and develop an engaged, skilled and motivated workforce, including through an Employee Recognition Scheme

Communities

·       Support our Armed Forces and vulnerable residents

B.    That the results of the consultation set out at Appendix B be noted.

C.    That the proposed process for adopting a monitoring framework for the new Priorities, to be taken through Executive Scrutiny and Cabinet in February/March 2024, be approved.

D.    That the proposed interim reporting arrangements for the remaining quarter performance reporting for 2023/24 are approved.

E.    That Call In is not appropriate for this item as the report was submitted to the Executive Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2023.

(Note:

(i)              This item was considered prior to item 7(a) 'Council Performance Delivery Plan – Q1 2023/24'

(ii)             The Leader gave an undertaking to provide a response to the member of the public in respect of the issues raised in his request to speak form.)

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Councillor Molloy introduced the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Services, as contained on pages 63 to 72, which set out details of the proposed Social Value Policy.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the report before it and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED: That the content of the report be noted, and the Social Value Policy be passed to Council for consideration.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor G Dowling)

Councillor Dowling introduced the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation Housing & Resources, which sought approval to allocate and spend Section 106 (S106) and Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to deliver a phase of the Ormskirk – Burscough Linear Park.

The Minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, the Cabinet considered the report before it and the recommendation contained therein.

RESOLVED:That Cabinet approve 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.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor G Dowling)

Councillor Dowling introduced the report of the Corporate Director Transformation, Housing & Resources, which sought authority to conduct public consultation on the draft CIL Funding Programme for 2023/24-2025/26, including options regarding which infrastructure projects might be prioritised to receive CIL funding in 2023/24 -2025/26.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee was circulated prior to the meeting.

RESOLVED:

A.     That the public consultation on a Draft CIL Funding Programme for 2023 be approved, and the shortlist of infrastructure projects identified at paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of this report be included in that consultation:

·     Holmeswood Play Area Fence Replacement, Rufford and Holmeswood Parish Council - £3,000

·     Holmeswood MUGA (Phase 2), Rufford and Holmeswood Parish Council - £13,000

·     Replacement Bus Shelters Rufford Holmeswood, Rufford and Holmeswood Parish Council - £9,900

·     Rufford Park Play Area, Rufford and Holmeswood Parish Council - £4,500

·     Aughton Surgery, - increase capacity to deliver GP and primary care NHS provision, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) - £50,000

·     Hall Green Surgery, Skelmersdale - increase capacity to deliver GP and primary care NHS provision - £25,000

·     Hants Lane Clinic, Ormskirk - increase capacity for the provision of GP and primary care services, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB - £50,000

·     Fairy Glen Green Infrastructure Improvements, WLBC - £55,000

·     Environmental site enhancements at Kiln Lane and Tongbarn playing fields, Skelmersdale, WLBC - £62,700 

·     Halsall-Scarisbrick Canal Towpath Improvements, Canal and River Trust - £175,095.14 CIL requirement

·     UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Community Grant Scheme Match Funding, WLBC - £355,000 CIL requirement

·     Beacon Country Park Play Area Improvements, WLBC - £346,500

B.     That the public consultation on the spending of Neighbourhood CIL monies in Ormskirk be approved, and that the shortlist identified at paragraph 6.3 of this report be included in that consultation:

·       Whittle Drive Changing Facilities, WLBC - £40,000

·       West End Park Improvements, WLBC - £80,000

·       Halsall Lane Park Improvements, WLBC - £16,500

·       Green Lane Rugby Pitch Improvements, Ormskirk Rugby Club - £9,261.97

·       Whittle Drive Pitch Improvements, Ormskirk West End Football Club - £6,100

C.     That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning and Regulatory Services to carry out the public consultations set out in paragraphs A. and B. above.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor G Dowling)

Councillor Dowling introduced the report of the Corporate Director of Transformation, Housing & Resources, which sought approval of an updated Safeguarding Policy and Reporting Procedure and provided an update on the work currently being undertaken in relation to the Council's safeguarding arrangements.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Councillor Dowling moved the recommendations in the report, which were seconded.

An Amendment to change the abuse description from 'domestic violence' to 'domestic abuse', was accepted.

In reaching the following decision, the Cabinet considered the report before it, the recommendations contained therein, and the Amendment moved at the meeting.

RESOLVED:

A.     That the updated Safeguarding Policy and Reporting Procedure attached as Appendix 1 to this report, be approved, subject to the following change:  that the abuse description from 'domestic violence' to 'domestic abuse'.

B.     That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning and Regulatory Services in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder to make amendments to the Safeguarding Policy and Reporting Procedure Holder during the lifetime of the document.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Councillor Molloy introduced the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, which provided an update on the council's Risk Management Framework and set out details on the Key Risks facing the council and how they are being managed.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the report before it and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED:   That the progress made in relation to the management of the risks shown in the Key Risk Register (Appendix A) be endorsed.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Councillor Molloy introduced the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, which provided a summary of the General Revenue Account (GRA) position for the 2023/24 financial year at quarter 1.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, the Cabinet considered the report before it and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED:   That the 2023/24 GRA quarter 1 position be noted.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Councillor Molloy introduced the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement and Commercial Services, which set out the Revised General Revenue Account (GRA) Capital Programme for 2023/24 and provided an update on progress on capital schemes.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the report before it and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED:

A.     That the revised Capital Programme, including the re-profiling, virements and budget adjustments contained within Appendix A, be noted.

B.     That progress against the Revised Capital Programme at Quarter 1 be noted.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor N Pryce-Roberts)

Councillor Pryce-Roberts introduced the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, which provided a summary of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Housing capital programme positions for the 2023/24 financial year.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Councillor Downing moved the recommendations in the report, as Councillor Pryce-Roberts was in attendance virtually.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the report before it and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED:   That the 2023/24 HRA and Housing capital programme positions be noted.

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

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor R Molloy)

Councillor Molloy introduced the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services, which set out details of Treasury Management operations for the first quarter of 2023/24 and reported on the Prudential Indicators, where available.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, the Cabinet considered the report before it and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED:   That the Treasury Management activity and Prudential Indicator performance for the first quarter of 2023/24 be noted.