Minutes for City Council Annual Meeting meeting, May 19 2009, 5.00PM official page

REQUEST TO PHOTOGRAPH AND FILM THE PROCEEDINGS

With the permission of the Council requests to photograph and film the proceedings were allowed.

__________

To elect the Lord Mayor for 2009/10.

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley,

seconded by Councillor Joe Anderson,

That Councillor Mike Storey CBE be elected Lord Mayor for the ensuing year 2009/10 and until the acceptance of office by his successor.

A vote was taken, Councillor Mike Storey CBE was elected.

Councillor Mike Storey CBE having subscribed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office, took upon himself the Office of the Lord Mayor.

__________

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Storey CBE then took the Chair.

__________

To appoint the Deputy Lord Mayor for 2009/10.

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley,

seconded by Councillor Joe Anderson,

That Councillor Hazel Williams be appointed as Deputy Lord Mayor for the ensuing year 2009/10.

A vote was taken, Councillor Hazel Williams was appointed.

Councillor Hazel Williams having subscribed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office, took upon herself the Office of Deputy Lord Mayor.

__________

Subject

Member/

Officer

Type of Interest

Nature of Interest

District Committees and Neighbourhood Governance

Jane Corbett

Personal

As a trustee of West Everton Community Council, As a Director of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Events Ltd and by virtue of spouse being an unpaid warden of Shrewsbury House Youth Club

Appointments to Joint Authorities and the Merseyside Police Authority

Warren Bradley

Peter Millea

Andrew Makinson

Personal

Personal

Personal

By virtue of employment

As a member of the Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

As a member of the Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

Question Time

Q9 – Cold Weather Council Question

Q20 – Bryanston Road Traffic Calming Area

Q24 – Bryanston Road Area

Q26 – 2009/10 WNF Road Safety Programme

John Coyne

Sarah Jennings

John Coyne

Sarah Jennings

John Coyne

Sarah Jennings

John Coyne

Sarah Jennings

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

As the Ward Councillor

As the Ward Councillor

As a local resident

As a local resident

As a local resident

As a local resident

As a local resident

As a local resident

Housing Strategy 2009-11

Beatrice Fraenkel

Richard McLinden

Ann O’Byrne

Alan Walker

Liam Robinson

Colin Strickland

Doreen Knight

Louise Baldock

Paul Brant

Richard Kemp

Steve Munby

Claire Wilner

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

As the Chair of Cosmopolitan Housing Association

By virtue of employment

By virtue of daughters’ employment

As a Member of Cobalt Housing Board

As a member of Liverpool Mutual Homes Area Board East

As a member of the South Liverpool Housing Board

As a member of the South Liverpool Housing Board

As a member of Venture Housing Board

As a member of Riverside Housing

As the Deputy Chair of PLUS Dane Housing

As a member of LMH Board

As a member of Lee Valley Housing Association

Children and Young People’s Plan

Beatrice Fraenkel

Richard McLinden

Jane Corbett

Lynnie Williams

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

As the Chairman of Mersey Care NHS Trust

By virtue of employment and disabled grandson is a service user

As a trustee of West Everton Community Council, As a Director of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Events Ltd and by virtue of spouse being an unpaid warden of Shrewsbury House Youth Club

By virtue of employment

Military Reservists

John Prince

Personal

By virtue of son being in the Territorial Army

Tackling Worklessness in Liverpool

Sarah Jennings

Personal

By virtue of employment

Objection to Planning Applications

Richard McLinden

Irene Rainey

Anna Rothery

Andrew Makinson

Alan Dean

Nadia Stewart

John McIntosh

Dave Irving

Pam Clein

Barbara Collinge

Vi Bebb

Lynnie Williams

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

As an alternate of Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Planning Committee

Hospital Chaplains

Beatrice Fraenkel

Personal

As the Chairman of Mersey Care NHS Trust

Liverpool Day

Richard McLinden

Personal

By virtue of employment

2011 Census – Undercounting of Minority and Other Groups

Richard McLinden

Personal

By virtue of employment

Equality Impact Assessments

Richard McLinden

Personal

As a disabled person

Openness, Transparency and Accountability in the Public Sector

Beatrice Fraenkel

Personal

As the Chairman of Mersey Care NHS Trust

Derelict Sites on the Waterfront

Nick Small

Personal

As a local resident

Ward Budgets

Jane Corbett

John Coyne

Sarah Jennings

Personal

Personal

Personal

As a trustee of West Everton Community Council, by virtue of spouse being an unpaid warden of Shrewsbury House Youth Club and as a Director of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Events Ltd

As a Ward Councillor

As a Ward Councillor

Truthful Political Campaigning

John Coyne

Sarah Jennings

Personal

Personal

As a Ward Councillor

As a Ward Councillor

To consider the minutes of the City Council Budget Meeting held on 4 March 2009.

The minutes of the City Council Budget meeting held on 4 March 2009 were approved and signed by the Lord Mayor.

To consider the election of the Leader of the Council and the appointment of the Deputy Leader of the Council.

Motion by Councillor Paul Twigger,

That Councillor Warren Bradley, be elected as Leader of the City Council for 2009/10.

A vote was taken, the Motion was carried and it was resolved accordingly.

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley,

That Councillor Flo Clucas OBE, be appointed as Deputy Leader of the City Council for 2009/10 with Executive Member responsibilities for Finance, Europe, Audit and Procurement.

A vote was taken, the Motion was carried and it was resolved accordingly.

To consider upon recommendation of the Leader of the Council the appointment of Executive Members and Assistant Executive Members.

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley:

That: -

a)     the names of the Executive Members (EM) and their responsibilities attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes and the Assistant Executive Members (AEM) as detailed below be approved subject to the AEM for Ethical Governance be confirmed and reported to the next Council Meeting; and

b)     the areas of responsibility for the AEMs be submitted to the relevant Select Committee.

PORTFOLIOS

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Leader of the Council

Warren Bradley

 Wavertree Ward

4 Olive Vale, Victoria Park, Liverpool, L15 8JH

Tina Gould

Paul Clark

Deputy Leader of the Council/ Executive Member

Finance, Europe, Audit, and Procurement

Flo Clucas

Allerton & Hunts Cross Ward

209 Hunts Cross Avenue

Liverpool L25 9NB

Jan Clein

Ethical Governance

Paula Keaveney

Cressington Ward

75 Canterbury Street

Liverpool L19 8LQ

to be appointed and confirmed at the next Council Meeting

Corporate Performance

Paul Twigger

Knotty Ash Ward

15 Guernsey Road

Liverpool, L13 6RN

Graham Hulme

Assets and Development

Peter Millea

Cressington Ward

41 Seddon Road

Liverpool L19 2LJ

Barbara Mace

Enterprise and Tourism

Gary Millar

Old Swan Ward

Apartment 18

26 Exchange Street East

Liverpool L2 3PH

Laurence Sidorczuk

Education, Skills and Employment

Keith Turner

Old Swan Ward

16 Orford Street

Liverpool L15 8HX

Andrew Tremarco

Health, Care and Safeguarding

Ron Gould

Mossley Hill Ward

9 Acrefield Park

Liverpool L25 6JX

John Clucas

Safer, Stronger Communities

Marilyn Fielding

County Ward

7 Bedford Road

Liverpool L4 5PS

Pam Clein

Environment

Berni Turner

Old Swan Ward

118 Anfield Road

Liverpool L4 0TF

Phil Moffatt

A vote was taken, the Motion was carried and it was resolved accordingly.

To consider the proposed amendments to the Constitution outlined within the report and the Responsibility of Functions.

Resolved that –

a)     the proposed amendments to the Constitution outlined within the report LS/22/09 and the appendices as submitted as follows be approved;

(i)                 Anti Fraud and Corruption Strategy

(ii)               Have Your Say Scheme

(iii)             Revised Contract Standing Orders

b)     the Responsibility of Functions as submitted be approved subject to the proposed terms of reference for the District Committees as set out in Appendix 1 to report LS/23/09 as submitted being approved;

c)      authority be granted for the City Solicitor to make any technical, detailed or minor amendments to the Constitution in accordance with and reflecting any decisions taken by the City Council and the Executive Board and any changes in the law;

d)     it be noted that the Liverpool Commission is due to report to the next City Council meeting;

e)     the work of the Joint Member and Officer Group as outlined within the report be noted; and

f)        the revised plans and strategies for approval by the Council as listed in Appendix 1A as submitted be approved.

To consider the neighbourhood governance arrangements for 2009/10.

Motion by Councillor Marilyn Fielding: -

That -

a)     The contents of the report LS/23/09 be noted;

b)     The five existing District Committees be reappointed with the terms of reference detailed in Appendix 1 as submitted;

c)      The existing Neighbourhood Partnership Working Groups be reappointed, based on the generic terms of reference detailed in Appendix 2 as submitted, and the membership of each Working Group be considered at the first meeting of the District Committee in the new municipal year;

d)     The recommendation of the District Committee Chairs that a separate Youth Sub-Group be formally established for each District Committee to consider Youth Service issues, rather than such issues being considered by the Children and Young Persons Neighbourhood Partnership Working Group, be confirmed and the terms of reference detailed in Appendix 3 as submitted be approved; 

e)     The revised format for ward based community engagement, as detailed in the report be endorsed and it be noted that a procurement exercise for the provision of this facility from October 2009, is being carried out by the Executive Director, Community Services as detailed in the report;

f)        The improvement plan detailed in Appendix 4 as submitted be approved and be monitored by the District Chairs Group; and

g)     It be noted that consideration of options for the devolution of services to the neighbourhood level will continue, and a further report will be submitted to a future meeting of the City Council taking account of any findings of the Liverpool Commission. 

__________

First Amendment by Councillor Paula Keaveney,

Seconded by Councillor Paul Twigger;

That the Motion be agreed and the following be inserted within the Terms of Reference for the District Committee detailed in Appendix 1 as submitted: -

“Each District Committee shall be attended by an Executive Member. Where there is no Executive Member qualifying as a relevant ward member, the Executive Board shall appoint a member to serve. The Executive Member, except when operating as a qualifying ward member, shall be non-voting.”

During the course of the debate the First Amendment was accepted and became the Substantive Motion.

__________

Second Amendment by Councillor John Coyne,

seconded by Councillor Sarah Jennings;

That the Substantive Motion be agreed and the following be inserted at the end of the recommendations as paragraph (h) within the submitted report LS/23/09: -

“Council welcomes the flexibility and the opportunity for community engagement provided by ward-level local budgets and requests the Executive Member for Safer ,Stronger Communities to ensure that there is no diminution in the local decision making by ward councillors in allocating area based grants.”

A vote was taken, the Second Amendment was carried and on being put as the Substantive Motion and carried it was resolved accordingly.

REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL MEETING

With the permission of the Council the following individuals were allowed to address the meeting: -

a)     Major Tony McFarlane -          of the 59 Signal Squad Aintree in relation to                                                   Item 26 Military Reservists: Essential to                                                                 Operations.

b)     Andrea Williams -                     Parent Governor in relation to the proposed                                                    school closure of Beaufort Park Primary                                                                School.

__________

To consider the number of Select Committees to be appointed for the Municipal Year 2009/10, together with their respective terms of reference.

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley: -

That –

a)     The following Select Committees be re-appointed for the Municipal Year 2009/10 –

§         Education and Skills Select Committee

§         Health Care and Safeguarding Select Committee

§         Regeneration Select Committee

§         Corporate Services Select Committee

§         Sustainable Communities Select Committee

§         Overview and Scrutiny Select Committee

b)     The terms of reference for each Select Committee as indicated in Appendix 1 as submitted of the report LS/25/09 be approved, subject to;

(i)     each Select Committee at its first meeting in the Municipal year agreeing the number and terms of reference for their scrutiny panels;

(ii)   the terms of reference for Overview & Scrutiny Select Committee being revised to include –

§         overseeing the work programmes of the other Select Committees and agree the programmes at the start of the Municipal Year;

§         scrutinising the strategic or troublesome issues referred by other Committees or directly by Executive Members or the Board;

§         to scrutinise Partnerships; and

§         dealing with Councillors Call for Action;

(iii)  the terms of reference for Sustainable Communities being revised to include –

§         the powers conferred on the local authority in relation to local authority scrutiny of crime and disorder matters in accordance with section 19 of the Police and Justice Act 2006;

§         the power to consider Councillors Call for Action in relation to crime and disorder matters; and

§         the committee to look at championing pre-decision scrutiny; and 

(iv)  the terms of reference for Corporate Services being revised to also include the scrutiny of the ethical governance portfolio.

Amendment by Councillor Steve Radford,

seconded by Councillor Chris Lenton;

That the Motion be agreed subject to Sustainable Communities Select Committee being replaced with a separate “Sustainable Environment Select Committee and Neighbourhoods and Housing Select Committee with terms of reference as follows: -

Sustainable Environment Select Committee

The remit of this Select Committee will incorporate the following areas -

sustainability, environmental enforcement and parks,  in order to meet  corporate Aim 3 -(so far as it relates to the activities of this Select Committee)  - To Develop our Communities by scrutinising activity to –

• Provide sustainable communities through best practice in environment management including, recycling, street cleansing and environmental enforcement against dereliction and environmental detractors.

by receiving and reviewing integrated management reports on performance against Aim 3 and by monitoring, scrutinising and making recommendations thereon including: -

• Promoting best practice in environmental management by monitoring the integrated waste strategy and recycling action plan;

• the provision of sustainable communities by promoting the Council’s Sustainability Plan;

§         air quality and pollution control strategies;

§         the Parks Strategy;

§         the performance of service providing partners e.g. city markets and grounds maintenance;

§         strategic emergency planning; and

• receiving and monitoring progress on improvement plans arising from external Inspection reports.

Neighbourhoods and Housing Select Committee

The remit of this Select Committee will incorporate the following areas -

neighborhood management,  housing strategy, citysafe, youth services, youth offending team (YOT) and community cohesion in order to meet  corporate Aim 3 -(so far as it relates to the activities of this Select Committee)  - To Develop our Communities by scrutinising activity to –

• Increase peoples’ sense of influence in decisions affecting their lives and communities through an open, fair and accountable neighbourhood driven processes;

• Challenge crime and ASB, safeguarding young people from becoming perpetrators or victims;

• Provide sustainable communities through access to decent homes

by receiving and reviewing integrated management reports on performance against Aim 3 and by monitoring, scrutinising and making recommendations thereon including: -

• the strategic housing role of Liverpool City Council the housing market renewal initiative (New Heartlands);

• the progress of initiatives to improve the city’s housing, such as the national Green Homes Agenda;

• Increasing peoples’ sense of influence in decisions affecting their lives and communities through an open, fair and accountable neighbourhood driven processes, including reviewing the development of neighbourhood services, delivery and maintenance of the street scene (including highways maintenance, street lighting and street cleansing);

• safeguarding young people from becoming perpetrators or victims of crime by monitoring  the Youth Service delivery plan, Play Service remodelling and strategic development, Integrated Youth Support and Services, Targeted Youth Support Strategy, the Annual Youth Offending Service(YOS) Self Assessment and Improvement Plan and the YOS Inspection Improvement Plan;

• Community Safety both City Wide and area based strategy and initiatives;

• The power conferred on the Local Authority in relation to the scrutiny of crime and disorder in accordance with sections 3-8 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007;

• the performance of the Citysafe partnership; and

• receiving and monitoring progress on improvement plans arising from external Inspection reports.

A vote was taken, the Amendment was lost, the Motion was carried and it was resolved accordingly.

To consider the political composition of Committees and the allocation of Committee seats to all groups.

Resolved that the political proportions on Committees as detailed below and the allocation of seats as outlined within report LS/24/09 be approved.

Committee/

Body

Liberal Democrat

Labour

Liberal

Green

Size

Education and Skills

13

6

1

20 + 5 co-opted

 Corporate Services

6

5

11

Health Care and Safeguarding

8

6

1

15

Regeneration

6

5

11

Sustainable Communities

6

4

1

11

Overview and Scrutiny

6

5

11

Audit and Accounts

6

4

1

11

Planning

6

4

10

Licensing

6

5

11

Street Trading

3

2

5

Environment Regulatory

6

4

1

11

Education Travel Appeals

3

2

5

Appointments & Disciplinary

4

3

7

Appeals

3

2

5

Disputes

3

2

5

Electoral

4

3

7

Total

89

62

4

1

156

Other Committees

Committee/

Body

Liberal Democrat

Labour

Liberal

Green

Size

Standards

1

1

1

3**

Port Health

5

4

9

Licensing and Gambling

8

6

1

15

Taxi Driver Licensing Sub-Committee

3

1

4

Sub-Committee of Licensing and Gambling

2

1

3*

Joint Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny

3

1

4

** this Committee also includes 6 Independent Members

* to be drawn from the membership of the Licensing and Gambling 

  Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 2009/2010

      EDUCATION AND SKILLS SELECT COMMITTEE

      CORPORATE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE

      HEALTH, CARE AND SAFEGUARDING SELECT COMMITTEE

     REGENERATION SELECT COMMITTEE

    SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES SELECT COMMITTEE

    OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY SELECT COMMITTEE

  AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

  PLANNING COMMITTEE

 LICENSING COMMITTEE

  LICENSING AND GAMBLING COMMITTEE

 STREET TRADING COMMITTEE

ENVIRONMENT REGULATORY COMMITTEE

 EDUCATION TRAVEL APPEALS COMMITTEE

APPEALS PANEL

DISPUTES PANEL

 ELECTORAL COMMITEE

  STANDARDS COMMITEE

  MERSEY PORT HEALTH COMMITTEE

 APPOINTMENTS AND DISCIPLINARY PANEL

JOINT HEALTH AND WELL BEING COMMITTEE

To consider the appointment of Chairs and Deputy Chairs of Committees.

Resolved that: -

a)     the following members be appointed to serve as Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the Committees indicated for 2009/10; and

b)     the appointment of the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sustainable Communities Select Committee be deferred until the next Council Meeting and at the first meeting of the Committee the members appoint a chair to Chair that meeting.

Committee

Chair

Deputy Chair

Corporate Services Select

Andrew Makinson

Frank Prendergast

Education and Skills Select

Jane Corbett

Pam Clein

 Health Care and Safeguarding

Roz Gladden

Richard Oglethorpe

Regeneration

Select

Eddie Clein

Beatrice Fraenkel

Sustainable Communities Select

_____

_____

Overview and Scrutiny Select

Erica Kemp

Dave Hanratty

Planning

Dave Irving

Pam Clein

Licensing

Malcolm Kelly

John Clucas

Licensing & Gambling Committee

Malcolm Kelly

John Clucas

Street Trading

Marilyn Fielding

_____

Standards

Howard Winik

(Independent Member)

_____

Electoral

Warren Bradley

Paula Keaveney

Environment Regulatory Committee

Flo Clucas OBE

Peter Millea

Appointments and Disciplinary

Warren Bradley

____

Appeals Panel

Marilyn Fielding

____

Disputes Panel

Marilyn Fielding

____

Audit and Accounts Committee

Karen Afford

_____

To consider the outcome of deliberations by the Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances following a review of certain elements of the Members’ Allowance Scheme.

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley;

That the following recommendations of the Independent Panel contained within report LS/20/09 be approved: -

That -

a)     a basic allowance in the sum of £10,077 be paid to all Council Members with effect from 1 June 2009;

b)     a special responsibility allowance be paid for the position of Deputy Leader of the City Council at the level £16,014 per annum with effect from 1 June 2009, compared with the allowance of £14,032 to all Executive Members;

c)      the special responsibility allowances set out in Schedule 1 of the Scheme be approved with effect from 1 June 2009;

d)     no change be made to the current car mileage allowance rates paid to Councillors but that the rates be reviewed on an annual basis.

e)     for an absence overnight in London or for an attendance at an annual conference of the Local Government Association the current allowance of £100 be increased to £130 subject to the production of receipts.  (Note – The rate shall be deemed to cover a continuous period of absence of 24 hours) and that no change be made to the rate outside London;

f)        with regard to the daily subsistence rate to members travelling abroad  the 2009/10 Scheme be amended to read as follows –

“A maximum 24 hour subsistence rate for meals etc of £50.00 is allowed subject to the production of receipts. This amount to be reduced as appropriate on those occasions when meals are already to be provided, the amount allowed on each occasion to be determined by the Head of Committee and Member Services in consultation with the officers involved in arranging the approved duty concerned; and

Transport costs (including taxis) will be reimbursed subject to the production of the receipts for travel between Airport and Hotel and Hotel and conference venue if transport is not already provided”.

g)     Schedule 2 of the Scheme be amended read as follows -

CERTAIN MEMBERS

LEADER AND DEPUTY LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE MEMBERS, MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER AND OPPOSITION SPOKESPERSONS, CHIEF WHIP AND MAIN OPPOSITION WHIP

In addition the above members may also claim travel and subsistence expenses on production of receipts for meetings with the Chief Executive or Executive Director (or representative) for the portfolio(s) relating to their area of responsibility.

CHAIRS OF SELECT COMMITTEES, DISTRICT COMMITTEES, REGULATORY COMMITTEES, NEIGHBOURHOOD PARTNERSHIP WORKING GROUPS AND SCRUTINY PANELS

In addition the above members may also claim travel and subsistence expenses on production of receipts for meetings with the Chief Executive or Executive Director (or representative) for the portfolio(s) relating to their area of responsibility.

SELECT COMMITTEE DEPUTY CHAIRS, DEPUTY CHAIR OF LICENSING COMMITTEE AND DEPUTY CHAIR OF PLANNING COMMITTEE,

In addition the above members may also claim travel and subsistence expenses on production of receipts for meetings with the Chief Executive or Executive Director (or representative) for the portfolio(s) relating to their area of responsibility.

h)      in order to reflect diversity and the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act the Scheme should include the following wording –

 “Effort will be made to ensure that every Councillor is provided with appropriate support and facilities to assist them in their duties as elected members”.

i)        in recognition of the number of Sub-Committees of the Standards Committee which are now required to be held to assess and review allegations, that the existing payment to independent members of that Committee of £20 per meeting attended also include attendance at Sub-Committees of the Standards Committee;

j)        the Members’ Allowance Scheme for 2009/10 submitted to the Council and set out at Appendix A, be approved and shall take affect from 1^st June 2009;

k)      the payment to each Councillor of £330 per annum for surgery costs be continued during the Municipal Year 2009/10;

l)        no change be made to the current arrangement for the issue of free car park passes but that the scheme be reviewed on an annual basis; and

m)   in accordance with the requirements of the School Appeals Regulations, it is recommended that members of School Appeals Panels should continue to be paid a flat rate of £20 per meeting attended.

(Note: With regard to recommendations k) and m) above, the Council be advised that this payment does not form part of the Members’ Allowance Scheme and the cost involved is not met from the budgetary allocation for the Scheme)

__________

First Amendment by Councillor Alan Dean,

seconded by Councillor Dave Hanratty;

That the Motion be agreed subject to the following amendments being made to the Members Allowances Scheme 2009/10, that: -

a)     Paragraph (k) of the recommendations be deleted and replaced with the following: -

“the payment of up to £330 per annum for surgery costs be continued during the municipal year 2009/10 and it be noted that this payment is paid directly to the venue where the surgery is held, once an invoice has been received and verified by Committee and Member Services.

b)     The third bullet point under “background information” be amended to reflect the above proposal.

__________

During the course of the debate the First Amendment was accepted and became the Substantive Motion.

__________

Second Amendment by Councillor Alan Dean,

seconded by Councillor Dave Hanratty;

That the Substantive Motion be agreed subject to the sentence “Receipts to be submitted” being inserted at the end of paragraph (ii) Subsistence Rate Paid to Councillors for Overnight Accommodation when attending conferences.

__________

During the course of the debate the Second Amendment was accepted and became the Substantive Motion.

__________

Third Amendment by Councillor Alan Dean,

seconded by Councillor Dave Hanratty;

That the Substantive Motion be agreed subject to the proposal to pay a Special Responsibility Allowance to Assistant Executive Members being not approved.

A vote was taken, the Third Amendment was lost.

__________

Fourth Amendment by Councillor John Coyne,

Seconded by Councillor Sarah Jennings;

That the Substantive Motion be agreed subject to the following being inserted at the end of paragraph (viii) Car Park Passes and Car Mileage Allowances.

“Council resolves to remove Councillors’ entitlement to free car park passes and to apply a ceiling of 25p per mile for mileage claims.”

__________

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley;

That in accordance with Standing Orders 17.1 (x) that the question be now put.

A vote was taken, the Motion was carried.

__________

A vote was taken, the Fourth Amendment was lost, the Substantive Motion was agreed and it was resolved accordingly.

__________

To consider the Schedule of Dates 2009/10.

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley;

That: -

a)     the Schedule of Dates for 2009/10 as attached to these minutes as Appendix 2 be approved subject to the Council Meeting dates being referred to the Whips Meeting for re-consideration; and

b)     any proposed changes to the Schedule of Dates 2009/10 be considered by the Whips following consultation with the relevant members.

Amendment by Councillor Richard Kemp,

seconded by Councillor Colin Eldridge;

That the Motion be agreed subject to the dates for the South Central Children & Young People’s Neighbourhood Partnership Working Group being referred to the first meeting of the South Central District Committee.

__________

During the course of the debate the Amendment was accepted and on being put as the Substantive Motion and agreed it was resolved accordingly.

That it be recommended to the City Council that appointments be made on the following basis: -

• Merseyside Fire and Civil Defence Authority – 4 Liberal Democrats and 2 Labour

• Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority – 4 Liberal Democrats and 2 Labour

• Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority – 2 Liberal Democrats and 1 Labour

• Merseyside Police Authority – 2 Liberal Democrats and 1 Labour

Resolved that the following members be appointed to the Joint Authorities indicated for 2009/10: -

Merseyside Fire and Civil Defence Authority – Councillors Eddie Clein, Vera Best, Jimmy Kendrick, Karen Afford, Sharon Sullivan and Dave Hanratty.

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority – Councillors Peter Millea, Peter Allen, Steve Hurst, Andrew Makinson, Jack Spriggs and Alan Dean.

Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority – Councillors Phil Moffatt, Norman Mills and Ann O’Byrne.

Merseyside Police Authority – Councillors Ian Jobling, Paul Clein and Rose Bailey.

That it be recommended to the City Council that appointments be made on the basis of 2 Liberal Democrats and 1 Labour.

Resolved that Councillors Warren Bradley, Flo Clucas OBE and Joe Anderson be appointed to serve on the Merseyside Co-ordinating Committee for 2009/10.

That it be recommended to the City Council that appointments be made on the basis of 2 Liberal Democrats and 1 Labour.

Resolved that Councillors Warren Bradley, Paul Twigger and Joe Anderson be appointed to serve on the Merseyside Police Authority Appointments Committee for 2009/10.

That it be recommended to the City Council that appointments be made on the basis of 3 Liberal Democrats and 1 Labour and a recommendation in relation to the apportionment of the Council’s 9 votes be submitted to the City Council.

Resolved that the following members be appointed to the Local Government Association – General Assembly to exercise the votes indicated: -

The Leader, Councillor Warren Bradley                 -           3 votes

Councillor Flo Clucas OBE                                      -           2 votes

Councillor Berni Turner                                             -           2 votes

Councillor Joe Anderson                                          -           2 votes

That it be recommended to the City Council that the Leader (or nominee) be appointed.

Resolved that the Leader of the Council, or his nominee (Councillor Flo Clucas OBE), be appointed to serve on the North West Regional Leaders Forum for 2009/10.

That it be recommended to the City Council that: -

a)     the recommendations contained in the report be approved in relation to the current appointments to Outside Bodies to continue and individual Executive Members be invited to submit appointments in respect of their portfolios to the City Council Meeting in July 2009; and

b)     the information in relation to those limited companies in which the City Council has an interest or to which has nominated directors, be noted (Appendix A).

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley;

That: -

a)     those limited companies in which the City Council has an interest or to which has nominated directors as submitted, be noted;  

b)     the current appointments in relation to the Annual Appointments in respect of Executive Member portfolios be deferred until the next meeting of the Council on 8 July 2009 and the current memberships as of 2008/09 continue until any proposed changes at the next Council Meeting in July; and

c)      Councillor Warren Bradley be appointed to the Board of Liverpool Direct Limited.

Amendment by Councillor Alan Dean,

seconded by Councillor Dave Hanratty;

That the Motion be agreed subject to the following amendments being made in relation to the following portfolios: -

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE PORTFOLIO

The annual appointment to the Rice Lane Community Association being amended to 2 Labour (Councillors Ann O’Byrne & Richard McLinden) and 1 Liberal Democrat.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT

The annual appointment to the following organisations being amended to 1 Labour:-

• Governing Body of the Belvedere Academy (Councillor Alan Dean); and
• Board of North Liverpool Academy (Councillor Brian Dowling)

HEALTH CARE AND SAFEGUARDING

The annual appointment to the following organisation being amended to 1 Labour:-

• Foundation of the Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust (Councillor Dave Hanratty)

SAFER STRONGER COMMUNITIES

The Annual appointment to the following organisations being amended to:-

• Cobalt Housing Company – 2 Labour (Councillors Alan Walker & Dave Hanratty);
• Enterprise Liverpool Strategic Advisory Group – 4 Liberal Democrat and 2 Labour (Councillors Steve Munby & Ann O’Byrne.)

A vote was taken, the Amendment was lost, the Motion was carried and it was resolved accordingly.

To report on the activities of the Committee during the 2008/09 municipal year.

Resolved that the Standards Committee Annual Report (LS/13/09) as submitted be noted.

Question Time was held for a period of 30 minutes.

Motion by Councillor Marilyn Fielding;

That the Housing Strategy Statement as submitted be approved for submission to Government Office with the aim of maintaining fit for purpose status.

First Amendment by Councillor Paul Clein,

Seconded by Councillor Marilyn Fielding;

That the Motion be agreed subject to

a)     the following paragraph being inserted at the end of the last bullet point of the HMRI Programme paragraph: -

“Given the Council’s commitment to tackling climate change, all future HMR proposals will be subject to a full environmental audit of all options as an integral part of the process for determining the best way forward. Officers will report to an early meeting of the Sustainable Communities select committee with a proposed template for fulfilling this aim. Thereafter, officers will report in detail to this select committee on the environmental sustainability of each HMR option which comes forward;” and

b)     the following paragraph being inserted after the bullet point 4 Empty Dwelling Management Orders: -

“ that a report is brought to an early meeting of the Executive Board with a proposed protocol which will enable the Council to use EDMO powers in a strategic and proactive manner, setting out the circumstances in which these measures can be applied for and the financial implications.  Subject to the Executive Board decision, officers will report to Sustainable Communities select committee on the level and manner of use of EDMOs.”

__________

During the course of the debate the First Amendment was accepted and became the Substantive Motion.

__________

Second Amendment by Councillor Steve Radford,

seconded by Councillor Chris Lenton;

That the Substantive Motion be agreed subject to the wording “Restructure the housing market in vulnerable areas, particularly the Inner Core” being deleted from the first bullet point of the recommendations within the report.

A vote was taken, the Second Amendment was lost, the Substantive Motion was agreed and it was resolved accordingly.

(Councillors John Coyne, Steve Radford and Chris Lenton dissenting).

Motion by Councillor Keith Turner;

That: -

a)     in connection with the Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-2011 the outcome of the consultation be noted; and

b)     the Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-2011 be approved as Council policy in respect of children and young people, noting that it will also serve as the Children’s Block documentation for the local strategic partnership.

Amendment by Councillor Paul Clein,

seconded by Councillor Jan Clein;

That the Motion be agreed subject to: -

a)     the wording “ make a concerted effort to identify young carers more readily” being inserted as part of Enjoy and Achieve, Priority C4, Key Priority Actions; and

b)     the wording “publish annual figures for numbers of young carers identified” being inserted as part of Enjoy and Achieve, Priority C4, Key Measures of Success/Outcomes for Children and Young People.

__________

During the course of the debate the Amendment was accepted and on being put as the Substantive Motion and agreed it was resolved accordingly.

Motion by Councillor Keith Turner;

That: -

a)     the following appointments in respect of Local Authority Representative Governor (LARG) vacancies be approved; and

b)     Veronica Manifold be appointed as a LARG to Childwall Valley Primary School.

Ward

School

Suggested Nominee

Allerton and Hunts Cross

Springwood Heath

New Heys

Mrs C Turpin

Mr E Murphy

Anfield

Anfield Infant

Anfield Junior

Pinehurst Primary

Mrs E Rutherford

Mr G Farrell

Mr J Parkinson

Belle Vale

Norman Pannell

Mrs E Nembhard

Clubmoor

Broad Square Primary

Leamington

Miss E Clarkson

Mr K Pilnick

County

St Frances De Sales Junior

Mr K Salkeld

Cressington

Gilmour Junior

Mr A Campbell

Everton

Breckfield Primary

Everton Early Childhood Centre

Whitefield

Mr J Ndebele

Cllr J Corbett

Miss V Bagaciovaite

Kensington and Fairfield

Phoenix Primary

Mr R Bryce

Knotty Ash

Dovecot Primary

East Prescot Road Nursery

Mrs P McGlade

Mrs H Middleman

Norris Green

Ranworth Square

Mr M Riley

Old Swan

Broadgreen Primary

Broadgreen Primary

Corinthian

Miss J Collister

Shirley Conway

Mrs M Eyers

Princes Park

Princes

Mr A Covell

Riverside

St Finbars

Mr A Crotty

Tuebrook and Stoneycroft

Lister Infant

Lister Juniors

Mr N Craig

Miss D Clarke

Speke–Garston

Garston CE Primary

Mr M Talbot

__________

Amendment by Councillor Dave Hanratty,

seconded by Councillor Alan Dean;

That the Motion be agreed subject to Councillor Janet Kent being appointed as the LARG to Childwall Valley Primary School instead of Veronica Manifold.

A vote was taken the Amendment was lost.

__________

Second Amendment by Councillor Dave Hanratty,

seconded by Councillor Nick Small;

That the Motion be agreed subject to the appointment to the Childwall Valley Primary School being deferred to the next Council Meeting and Ward Councillors being consulted about the vacancy.

A vote was taken, when there appeared –

For the Second Amendment – 41                           Against it – 45

Joe Anderson

Karen Afford

Rose Bailey

Peter Allen

Louise Baldock

Vera Best

Christine Banks

Warren Bradley

Vi Bebb

Linda Jane-Buckle

Paul Brant

Paul Clark

Frank Cooke

Eddie Clein

Jane Corbett

Jan Clein

John Coyne

Pam Clein

Alan Dean

Paul Clein

Brian Dowling

Flo Clucas OBE

Beatrice Fraenkel

John Clucas

Roz Gladden

Barbara Collinge

Dave Hanratty

Colin Eldridge

Joe Hanson

Marilyn Fielding

Sarah Jennings

Ron Gould

Malcolm Kennedy

Tina Gould

Janet Kent

Graham Hulme

Doreen Knight

Steve Hurst

John McIntosh

Dave Irving

Richard McLinden

Ian Jobling

Tim Moore

Roger Johnston

Steve Munby

Sir Trevor Jones

Barbara Murray

Paula Keaveney

Jim Noakes

Malcolm Kelly

Ann O’Byrne

Erica Kemp

Frank Prendergast

Richard Kemp

John Prince

Jimmy Kendrick

Steve Radford

Chris Lenton

Irene Rainey

Barbara Mace

Mary Rasmussen

Andrew Makinson

Liam Robinson

Gary Millar

Anna Rothery

Peter Millea

Wendy Simon

Norman Mills

Nick Small

Philip Moffatt

Jack Spriggs

Josie Mullen

Colin Strickland

Richard Oglethorpe

Alan Walker

Jean Seddon

Pauline Walton

Laurence Sidorczuk

Hazel Williams

Nadia Stewart

Claire Wilner

Andrew Tremarco

Berni Turner

Keith Turner

Paul Twigger

Lynnie Williams

The Second Amendment was lost.

_________

Third Amendment by Councillor Dave Hanratty,

seconded by Councillor Alan Dean;

That the Motion be agreed subject to all future LARG vacancies being presented to the Whips Meeting for consideration before approval.

__________

With the permission of the Council the Third Amendment was withdrawn.

__________

Fourth Amendment by Councillor Warren Bradley,

seconded by Councillor Paul Twigger;

That the Motion be agreed subject to the Executive Member and the Opposition Spokesperson for Education, Skills and Employment, Councillors Keith Turner and Nick Small respectively working together to review and revise the current policy in respect of LARG appointments and that it be presented to a future meeting of the Council.

__________

During the course of the debate the Fourth Amendment was accepted and on being put as the Substantive Motion and agreed it was resolved accordingly.

__________

Resolved that in accordance with Part 4, Access to Information, Section 18.3 (page 4/46) of the Constitution, the Leader of the City Council (Councillor Warren Bradley) submitted the following report for information that during the last cycle of meetings the Executive Board took the following key decision, which was urgent: -

1. Authority to revise the contract sums for the restoration of Stanley Park

Decision

The Board considered a recommendation that -

(i)           authority be granted to revise the contract sum with The Casey Group to £3,577,000 and with DCT Civil Engineering Ltd to £9,580,000 in respect of costs associated with the Stanley Park scheme of works; and

(ii)         the Divisional Manager for Development be appointed as the nominated officer for monitoring compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant. This includes maintaining a constant review of the risk of grant being clawed back under grant rules and regulations and making budgetary provision to cover any requirement to repay grant in the financial year in which the liability arises.

Resolved that –

(i)           the recommendation be approved; and

(ii)         the decision be referred to the Sustainable Communities Select Committee; and

(iii)       the best thanks of the Board be extended to all of the Project Team for their work in ensuring that this project will be completed on time.

Reason for Urgency

The reason for the urgency was to ensure that the revised contract sum was paid to contractors without delay in order for the scheme to be completed within the agreed timescales.

(Note: The Chair of the Regeneration Select Committee (Councillor Eddie Clein) has agreed that this item be dealt with as a matter of urgency on the basis that the decision cannot be reasonably deferred and that the call in procedure shall not apply.)

__________

Motion by Councillor Paul Twigger:-

That in accordance to Standing Order 13.3 the following items be considered for the three 30 minute debates: -

• Item 30 – Objection to Planning Applications by Councillors Paul Clein and Andrew Makinson;

• Item 40 – Former Executive Member for Corporate Services by Councillor Joe Anderson; and

• Item 33 – Sustainable Communities Act by Councillor Steve Radford.

A vote was taken, the Motion was carried.

__________

Motion by Councillor Paul Twigger: -

That the Order of Business be varied according to Standing Orders 17.1 (iii) to allow Item 40 – Former Executive Member for Corporate Services to be considered after Item 25 – Report of the Leader on Urgent Decisions.

A vote was taken, the Motion was carried.

__________

This Council notes the conviction of the former Executive Member for Corporate Services for election offences by two separate Courts.

This Council notes that the Judge found that he had 'no doubt' that Councillor Hurst was guilty of the offence.

This Council notes that Councillor Hurst was distributing an offensive and derogatory leaflet about a Labour Councillor and her family. The appeal Judge, after rehearing the evidence again found Councillor Hurst guilty as charged and condemned his actions as 'dirty tactics of the worst kind' and stated that  'this sort of conduct brings considerable discredit on his party and local politicians in general'.

This Council hereby declares that it has no confidence in Councillor Hurst and calls upon him to resign.

Motion by Councillor Joe Anderson:

This Council notes the conviction of the former Executive Member for Corporate Services for election offences by two separate Courts.

This Council notes that the Judge found that he had 'no doubt' that Councillor Hurst was guilty of the offence.

This Council notes that Councillor Hurst was distributing an offensive and derogatory leaflet about a Labour Councillor and her family. The appeal Judge, after rehearing the evidence again found Councillor Hurst guilty as charged and condemned his actions as 'dirty tactics of the worst kind' and stated that  'this sort of conduct brings considerable discredit on his party and local politicians in general'.

This Council hereby declares that it has no confidence in Councillor Hurst and calls upon him to resign.

A vote was taken, when there appeared –

For the Motion – 41                                                  Against it – 44

Joe Anderson

Karen Afford

Rose Bailey

Peter Allen

Louise Baldock

Vera Best

Christine Banks

Warren Bradley

Vi Bebb

Linda Jane-Buckle

Paul Brant

Paul Clark

Frank Cooke

Eddie Clein

Jane Corbett

Jan Clein

John Coyne

Pam Clein

Alan Dean

Paul Clein

Brian Dowling

Flo Clucas OBE

Beatrice Fraenkel

John Clucas

Roz Gladden

Barbara Collinge

Dave Hanratty

Colin Eldridge

Joe Hanson

Marilyn Fielding

Sarah Jennings

Ron Gould

Malcolm Kennedy

Tina Gould

Janet Kent

Graham Hulme

Doreen Knight

Steve Hurst

Chris Lenton

Dave Irving

John McIntosh

Ian Jobling

Richard McLinden

Roger Johnston

Tim Moore

Sir Trevor Jones

Steve Munby

Paula Keaveney

Barbara Murray

Malcolm Kelly

Jim Noakes

Erica Kemp

Ann O’Byrne

Richard Kemp

Frank Prendergast

Jimmy Kendrick

John Prince

Barbara Mace

Steve Radford

Andrew Makinson

Irene Rainey

Gary Millar

Mary Rasmussen

Peter Millea

Liam Robinson

Norman Mills

Anna Rothery

Philip Moffatt

Wendy Simon

Josie Mullen

Nick Small

Richard Oglethorpe

Jack Spriggs

Jean Seddon

Colin Strickland

Laurence Sidorczuk

Alan Walker

Nadia Stewart

Pauline Walton

Andrew Tremarco

Claire Wilner

Berni Turner

Keith Turner

Paul Twigger

Lynnie Williams

The Motion was lost.

__________

MOTION FOR DEBATE SUBMITTED BY THE

LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

This Council notes the honour and distinction of the personnel who serve with the Liverpool based 12 Signal Group's, 33rd (Cheshire and Lancashire) Signal Regiment, with the 59th (City of Liverpool) Signal Squadron, a unit which has been included in the recent Labour Government announcement to cut 2,500 Royal Signals Posts.

The Royal Signals regiment has been based in Liverpool since the formation of the Territorial Army (TA) on the 1st April 1908, and last year they celebrated 100 years of loyal service to the nation. Members of the Regiment have met the countries' call in two World Wars and continue to rise to that call with over 35 Operational Tours having been carried out by TA Soldiers, serving on operations in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and with the UN in Cyprus.

The unit is well recruited, well led and well attended. They have a wealth of experience on operations and have brought skills to Afghanistan and Iraq that our regular counterparts don't have - particularly in the key areas of ITC. 

Council is no doubt aware, information technology is vital in the modern battle field.

The Regular Army is overstretched to breaking point and the Squadron has eased this burden by consistently volunteering as individuals to serve on operational tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many members of the Squadron have risked their lives, putting their own regular jobs at stake because they must take 12 months leave from work to undertake a 6 month operational tour.

The argument has been made that the unit is ineffective because it has not been deployed as a formed body, if the Government ask the Royal Signals to deploy as a Squadron I am sure that every man and woman would volunteer. Last year the Regiment was asked to provide a Troop to support 16 Signal Regiment in Afghanistan - they answered this call. Members of the sister Regiments (34 and 35) are now serving in Afghanistan and they already have volunteers for the 2010 Op Herrick tour.

59 Squadron is the most strategically sighted Royal Signals unit within the City of Liverpool, being located within walking distance of the City Centre. It is vital that this presence is maintained for national emergencies. The nation is presently in its worst economic crisis since the great depression and if it continues there is a real danger of civil unrest within the country.

Council must not underestimate or lose the capability to take part in the nation's contingency plans for national disasters and emergencies.

The Ministry of Defence has used Reserves at unprecedented levels in the last ten years. Reserve Forces have once more become an integral and vital part of the United Kingdom’s defence capability. Regular officers who have commanded Reservists in the field emphasise the importance of their contribution. In some areas the Armed Forces would be hard pressed to operate without reserves.”1(NAO, 2006)

Figures published by the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA) show that the number of mobilised military reservists are significantly higher in this decade than at any point in the 1980’s and 1990s. Information provided by the National Audit Office in Reserve Forces show that the average deployment of reserve forces between 1995 and 2001 is 698, with a peak in 1996 of 1,166 (reflecting deployments in the Balkans). In contrast, the average between 2002 and 2009 is 1,753 mobilised military reservists – and this is excluding 2003 because of the irregular peak caused by the war in Iraq. This second average is more than double that of the period in the 1990s and is a clear sign of troop overstretch. Although the number of deployed reservists has decreased significantly since 2003, they have levelled out at over 1,800.

The present global economic crisis is hitting the North West hard and many members of the Regiment have lost their full time employment. The TA is more than just a part of the Army it is also a local employer and this part time employment has become an essential part of many soldier’s lives. The decision to cut the units will undoubtedly cause financial hardship for many, when you consider that the annual wage bill for 33 Signal Regiment is less than £1m per year this is a small price to pay.

In the announcement by the Ministry of Defence, it was declared that there would be no loss of posts as the soldiers will all be transferred to other units. Within 59 Squadron there are a large number of female soldiers, not all of the units in Liverpool or the Liverpool City Region are able to employ females, and those which are, such as the Field Hospital, are fully recruited. Many of the Royal Signals female personnel, a very large number of whom have completed multiple tours of duty, will be lost from the British Army due to the fact they have no other suitable unit to transfer to.

Council welcomes the recent vote in the House of Commons for the Ghurkas, proving that common sense still exists; and requests the Chief Executive to write to the Minister of Defence, urging the Government to rethink this decision regarding the TA-Royal Signals, and not to implement the current proposals, as the (Liverpool based) TA-Royal Signals will go the same way as the TA-Infantry Regiments, with the loss of valued and experienced men and women who can never be re-recruited again.

Motion by Councillor Warren Bradley:

This Council notes the honour and distinction of the personnel who serve with the Liverpool based 12 Signal Group's, 33rd (Cheshire and Lancashire) Signal Regiment, with the 59th (City of Liverpool) Signal Squadron, a unit which has been included in the recent Labour Government announcement to cut 2,500 Royal Signals Posts.

The Royal Signals regiment has been based in Liverpool since the formation of the Territorial Army (TA) on the 1st April 1908, and last year they celebrated 100 years of loyal service to the nation. Members of the Regiment have met the countries' call in two World Wars and continue to rise to that call with over 35 Operational Tours having been carried out by TA Soldiers, serving on operations in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and with the UN in Cyprus.

The unit is well recruited, well led and well attended. They have a wealth of experience on operations and have brought skills to Afghanistan and Iraq that our regular counterparts don't have - particularly in the key areas of ITC. 

Council is no doubt aware, information technology is vital in the modern battle field.

The Regular Army is overstretched to breaking point and the Squadron has eased this burden by consistently volunteering as individuals to serve on operational tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many members of the Squadron have risked their lives, putting their own regular jobs at stake because they must take 12 months leave from work to undertake a 6 month operational tour.

The argument has been made that the unit is ineffective because it has not been deployed as a formed body, if the Government ask the Royal Signals to deploy as a Squadron I am sure that every man and woman would volunteer. Last year the Regiment was asked to provide a Troop to support 16 Signal Regiment in Afghanistan - they answered this call. Members of the sister Regiments (34 and 35) are now serving in Afghanistan and they already have volunteers for the 2010 Op Herrick tour.

59 Squadron is the most strategically sighted Royal Signals unit within the City of Liverpool, being located within walking distance of the City Centre. It is vital that this presence is maintained for national emergencies. The nation is presently in its worst economic crisis since the great depression and if it continues there is a real danger of civil unrest within the country.

Council must not underestimate or lose the capability to take part in the nation's contingency plans for national disasters and emergencies.

The Ministry of Defence has used Reserves at unprecedented levels in the last ten years. Reserve Forces have once more become an integral and vital part of the United Kingdom’s defence capability. Regular officers who have commanded Reservists in the field emphasise the importance of their contribution. In some areas the Armed Forces would be hard pressed to operate without reserves.”1(NAO, 2006)

Figures published by the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA) show that the number of mobilised military reservists are significantly higher in this decade than at any point in the 1980’s and 1990s. Information provided by the National Audit Office in Reserve Forces show that the average deployment of reserve forces between 1995 and 2001 is 698, with a peak in 1996 of 1,166 (reflecting deployments in the Balkans). In contrast, the average between 2002 and 2009 is 1,753 mobilised military reservists – and this is excluding 2003 because of the irregular peak caused by the war in Iraq. This second average is more than double that of the period in the 1990s and is a clear sign of troop overstretch. Although the number of deployed reservists has decreased significantly since 2003, they have levelled out at over 1,800.

The present global economic crisis is hitting the North West hard and many members of the Regiment have lost their full time employment. The TA is more than just a part of the Army it is also a local employer and this part time employment has become an essential part of many soldier’s lives. The decision to cut the units will undoubtedly cause financial hardship for many, when you consider that the annual wage bill for 33 Signal Regiment is less than £1m per year this is a small price to pay.

In the announcement by the Ministry of Defence, it was declared that there would be no loss of posts as the soldiers will all be transferred to other units. Within 59 Squadron there are a large number of female soldiers, not all of the units in Liverpool or the Liverpool City Region are able to employ females, and those which are, such as the Field Hospital, are fully recruited. Many of the Royal Signals female personnel, a very large number of whom have completed multiple tours of duty, will be lost from the British Army due to the fact they have no other suitable unit to transfer to.

Council welcomes the recent vote in the House of Commons for the Ghurkas, proving that common sense still exists; and requests the Chief Executive to write to the Minister of Defence, urging the Government to rethink this decision regarding the TA-Royal Signals, and not to implement the current proposals, as the (Liverpool based) TA-Royal Signals will go the same way as the TA-Infantry Regiments, with the loss of valued and experienced men and women who can never be re-recruited again.

Amendment by Councillor Colin Eldridge,

Seconded by Councillor Paul Twigger;

That the Motion be agreed subject to the final paragraph being deleted and replaced with the following: -

“Council welcomes the recent vote in the House of Commons for the Ghurkas, but notes with alarm the confused messages the Government is sending regarding the issue of residency for Ghurkhas in the United Kingdom, having fought so bravely for our freedom; Council requests the Chief Executive to write to the Minister of Defence, urging the Government to rethink this decision regarding the TA –Royal Signals, and not to implement the current proposals, as the (Liverpool based) TA –Royal Signals will go the same way as the TA-Infantry Regiments, with the loss of valued and experienced men and women who can never be re-recruited again.”

__________

During the course of the debate the Amendment was accepted and on being put as the Substantive Motion and agreed it was resolved accordingly.

__________

__________

MOTION FOR DEBATE SUBMITTED BY THE

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

Council notes that:

1. The recent budget proposals from the Labour Government, which included a new £1 billion Future Jobs Fund.
2. The aim of this fund is to create 150,000 jobs for young people at risk of long term unemployment.

Council believes that:

1. Liverpool City Council has a duty to support and encourage local businesses in creating the employment which will help us beat the recession.
2. Resources such as the Future Jobs Fund present a tremendous opportunity to battle against unemployment.
3. Numerous organisations across Liverpool could benefit from a share of this funding.
4. Liverpool City Council needs to work with other authorities in the Liverpool City Region to maximise opportunities for taking advantage of this fund.

Council requests the appropriate Executive Member and Leader of the Council to report back on: -

1. Developing projects which will attract as much of this funding as possible to Liverpool.
2. Being proactive in encouraging local businesses to develop projects suitable for the fund, in particular major partners of the City e.g. Liverpool 1, Enterprise-Liverpool, Liverpool Direct Limited, the Primary Care Trust and Housing Associations.
3. Preparing and submitting a bid in conjunction with other local authorities in Liverpool City Region.

Motion by Councillor Joe Anderson:

Council notes that:

1. The recent budget proposals from the Labour Government, which included a new £1 billion Future Jobs Fund.
2. The aim of this fund is to create 150,000 jobs for young people at risk of long term unemployment.

Council believes that:

1. Liverpool City Council has a duty to support and encourage local businesses in creating the employment which will help us beat the recession.
2. Resources such as the Future Jobs Fund present a tremendous opportunity to battle against unemployment.
3. Numerous organisations across Liverpool could benefit from a share of this funding.
4. Liverpool City Council needs to work with other authorities in the Liverpool City Region to maximise opportunities for taking advantage of this fund.

Council requests the appropriate Executive Member and Leader of the Council to report back on: -

1. Developing projects which will attract as much of this funding as possible to Liverpool.
2. Being proactive in encouraging local businesses to develop projects suitable for the fund, in particular major partners of the City e.g. Liverpool 1, Enterprise-Liverpool, Liverpool Direct Limited, the Primary Care Trust and Housing Associations.
3. Preparing and submitting a bid in conjunction with other local authorities in Liverpool City Region.

First Amendment by Councillor Nick Small,

seconded by Councillor Paul Brant;

That the Motion be agreed subject to: -

a)     the following being inserted at the end of paragraph 2: -

5. Liverpool City Council should seek to identify additional funding  

     to augment investment from the Future Jobs Fund.

6. The, as a matter of principle, investment from the Future Jobs   

     Fund should be targeted at the City’s most deprived  

     communities.

b)     The following being inserted at the end of paragraph 3: -

4. To report back on the development of projects which will address

    worklessness in the City’s most deprived communities, and to     

    invest in the infrastructure in those communities.

__________

During the course of the debate the First Amendment was accepted and became the Substantive Motion.

__________

Second Amendment by Councillor Flo Clucas OBE,

seconded by Councillor Paul Twigger;

To delete all after “Council believes that” in the second paragraph and replace with the following: -:

1. Liverpool City Council has a duty to support and encourage local businesses in creating the employment which will help us beat the recession.

1. Any project to aid the pathway to work of the unemployed is welcome. This announcement is a short-term scheme that will not have the desired long-term impact that will engage the unemployed people in Liverpool or any other city.

1. The majority of employers across all sectors will not engage with such a scheme given the funding is only for 6 months; the guidance note (provided by DWP) recognises that at the end of the period there will be no permanence to the original offer.

1. The Youth Training Schemes and other similar political sweeteners established under the previous Conservative Government brought about the feeling of uncertainty across generations who were encouraged with false hope. We urge Government not to follow in the footsteps of that Conservative Government, who left a legacy that we are still dealing with some 15 years on.

Council therefore calls upon the Liverpool City Region Cabinet, through the Skills and Employment Board, to continue with the established joint bid, and in doing so, stipulate in the strongest possible terms that this scheme needs longevity and sustained growth (as identified by Councillor Steve Houghton – Leader of Barnsley, who Chaired the Governments Tackling Workless Review for DCLG); and therefore seeks assurance from the Labour Government that the funding will be for a longer period than the proposed 18 months, October 2009 – March 2011, which will allow for the desired results that would enable young people to access real sustainable employment with an identified career path.”

__________

During the course of the debate the Second Amendment was accepted and on being put as the Substantive Motion and agreed, it was resolved accordingly.

__________

THREE MOTIONS FOR DEBATE SUBMITTED BY

NON EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

That the Constitution of the Council be amended at this meeting of the Council so that where 2 or more ward Councillors object to a planning application within their own ward citing one or more legitimate planning grounds for objection, that planning application will not be determined by planning officers under delegated powers but will instead be determined by the Planning Committee.

Motion by Councillor Paul Clein:

That the Constitution of the Council be amended at this meeting of the Council so that where 2 or more ward Councillors object to a planning application within their own ward citing one or more legitimate planning grounds for objection, that planning application will not be determined by planning officers under delegated powers but will instead be determined by the Planning Committee.

A vote was taken, the Motion was carried.

This City Council welcomes the Sustainable Communities Act.

This City Council notes that the current Licensing Act does not recognise the Public Health Impact as legitimate grounds of refusal granting licenses.

Liverpool City Council notes with alarm the providence of alcohol related illnesses and mortality with 70% of hospital admissions being alcohol related.

Council also notes the recent estimates of adolescents being involved in binge drinking at 25.6% in the 16-25 age group.

Council therefore calls for the Executive Member for Ethical Governance to petition on the Council’s behalf for the Licensing Act to extend public health impact as grounds for objection and refusal for licensing applications.

Motion by Councillor Steve Radford:

This City Council welcomes the Sustainable Communities Act.

This City Council notes that the current Licensing Act does not recognise the Public Health Impact as legitimate grounds of refusal granting licenses.

Liverpool City Council notes with alarm the providence of alcohol related illnesses and mortality with 70% of hospital admissions being alcohol related.

Council also notes the recent estimates of adolescents being involved in binge drinking at 25.6% in the 16-25 age group.

Council therefore calls for the Executive Member for Ethical Governance to petition on the Council’s behalf for the Licensing Act to extend public health impact as grounds for objection and refusal for licensing applications.

A vote was taken, the Motion was carried.

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INFORMATION DOCUMENT

(The following remaining motions were not recommended for debate and were deemed as either withdrawn or to be referred to the Executive Member (relevant to his/her Executive Functions) for consideration and response within 1 cycle).

The importance of a Universal Postal Service is beyond question. Six day delivery is vital and the role of local post offices is key to community cohesion throughout Merseyside.

These will only be possible by having a wholly publicly owned Mail Service.

So as to support the above this Council: -

a)     Calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to stick to its election promise and

                                            i.            keep the Royal Mail in 100% public ownership; and

                                          ii.            return the ‘profitable’ parts of the service to the Royal Mail.

b)     Calls upon the Local Government Association to support this motion.

c)      Welcomes the motion being circulated by Ryedale Council to all other Local Authorities asking for their support.

d)     Writes to the MPs for Liverpool asking them to oppose the part privatisation of the Royal Mail.

The importance of a Universal Postal Service is beyond question. Six day delivery is vital and the role of local post offices is key to community cohesion throughout Merseyside.

These will only be possible by having a wholly publicly owned Mail Service.

So as to support the above this Council: -

a)     Calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to stick to its election promise and

                                            i.            keep the Royal Mail in 100% public ownership; and

                                          ii.            return the ‘profitable’ parts of the service to the Royal Mail.

b)     Calls upon the Local Government Association to support this motion.

c)      Welcomes the motion being circulated by Ryedale Council to all other Local Authorities asking for their support.

d)     Writes to the MPs for Liverpool asking them to oppose the part privatisation of the Royal Mail.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Safer, Stronger Communities for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

Council requests that the Executive Member for Environment reports back to the relevant Select Committee in relation to taking urgent steps to introduce a scheme for the collection of kitchen / food waste, learning from the environmental and financial benefits of such an opt in scheme rolled out in Sefton Council.

Council requests that the Executive Member for Environment reports back to the relevant Select Committee in relation to taking urgent steps to introduce a scheme for the collection of kitchen / food waste, learning from the environmental and financial benefits of such an opt in scheme rolled out in Sefton Council.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Environment for consideration and response with 1 cycle)

That this City Council is opposed to the idea put forward by the National Secular Society calling for an end to National Health Service (NHS) funding for hospital chaplains and arguing that the money could be better spent. 

Also this City Council recognises the invaluable twenty-four hour service they offer to the bereaved and inconsolable at the time of greatest need.

Further, this City Council recognises the work load the chaplains carry with dignity which encompasses all beliefs and religions. Their work is beyond price and  includes services such as carrying out ward rounds , offering compassion and hope and in some cases just provides a friendly face when patients have few friends and family who are able to visit.

This City Council recognises the work they do and will look to adding the Hospital Chaplaincy Services to those services already receiving an accolade from the City Council.

That this City Council is opposed to the idea put forward by the National Secular Society calling for an end to National Health Service (NHS) funding for hospital chaplains and arguing that the money could be better spent. 

Also this City Council recognises the invaluable twenty-four hour service they offer to the bereaved and inconsolable at the time of greatest need.

Further, this City Council recognises the work load the chaplains carry with dignity which encompasses all beliefs and religions. Their work is beyond price and  includes services such as carrying out ward rounds , offering compassion and hope and in some cases just provides a friendly face when patients have few friends and family who are able to visit.

This City Council recognises the work they do and will look to adding the Hospital Chaplaincy Services to those services already receiving an accolade from the City Council.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Health Care and Safeguarding for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

Council notes that the celebrations during Capital of Culture and the events in this year’s Year of the Environment gives Liverpool residents and visitors to Liverpool plenty of opportunities to celebrate the City.

Council believes the enthusiasm for this celebration should be harnessed by creating an annual day to celebrate and demonstrate pride in the City.

Council therefore calls for the establishment of an Annual Liverpool Day.

The day would complement and not replace existing events and could provide a focus for involvement from residents, communities, voluntary organisations, faith groups, businesses, the media and people who have an association both here and aboard.

Council believes that there should be a wide consultation and involvement in the decisions around the planning of the Liverpool Day.

Council therefore calls upon the Leader of the Council to look into establishing a group to begin work developing the initiative with a view to the first Day taking place in 2010.  

(Referred to the Regeneration Select Committee)

Council notes that the celebrations during Capital of Culture and the events in this year’s Year of the Environment gives Liverpool residents and visitors to Liverpool plenty of opportunities to celebrate the City.

Council believes the enthusiasm for this celebration should be harnessed by creating an annual day to celebrate and demonstrate pride in the City.

Council therefore calls for the establishment of an Annual Liverpool Day.

The day would complement and not replace existing events and could provide a focus for involvement from residents, communities, voluntary organisations, faith groups, businesses, the media and people who have an association both here and aboard.

Council believes that there should be a wide consultation and involvement in the decisions around the planning of the Liverpool Day.

Council therefore calls upon the Leader of the Council to look into establishing a group to begin work developing the initiative with a view to the first Day taking place in 2010.  

(Referred to the Leader of the Council for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

Council recognises the approaching Census 2011, and believes that it is important that the Census processes and procedures are understood by all Liverpool residents in order to ensure accurate data.

Council further recognises that the population dynamic right across the City has changed rapidly over the last decade, and this welcome diversity is set to continue.

However, Council recognises that some minority and immigrant communities have traditionally been under-represented in Census Data, and believes that in order for services, funding, and other public service functions to be appropriately and fairly secured, targeted, and delivered an accurate map of Liverpool's population is vital.

Council calls upon the Executive Member for Ethical Governance to work with Office for National Statistics, Councillors, Community Leaders, and other agencies as appropriate, to bring forward proposals to make sure that all Liverpool residents are accurately counted and represented in Census 2011.  

Council recognises the approaching Census 2011, and believes that it is important that the Census processes and procedures are understood by all Liverpool residents in order to ensure accurate data.

Council further recognises that the population dynamic right across the City has changed rapidly over the last decade, and this welcome diversity is set to continue.

However, Council recognises that some minority and immigrant communities have traditionally been under-represented in Census Data, and believes that in order for services, funding, and other public service functions to be appropriately and fairly secured, targeted, and delivered an accurate map of Liverpool's population is vital.

Council calls upon the Executive Member for Ethical Governance to work with Office for National Statistics, Councillors, Community Leaders, and other agencies as appropriate, to bring forward proposals to make sure that all Liverpool residents are accurately counted and represented in Census 2011.  

(Referred to the Executive Member for Ethical Governance for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

This Council supports whistle-blowing and deplores the decision of the Nursing & Midwifery Council to strike off Liverpool nurse, Margaret Howard following her involvement in the making of the Panorama programme on the treatment of patients in the Royal Sussex Hospital.

Following the public outrage at this decision, particularly here on Merseyside, this Council emphasizes its support for the campaign to get her re-instated.

This Council supports whistle-blowing and deplores the decision of the Nursing & Midwifery Council to strike off Liverpool nurse, Margaret Howard following her involvement in the making of the Panorama programme on the treatment of patients in the Royal Sussex Hospital.

Following the public outrage at this decision, particularly here on Merseyside, this Council emphasizes its support for the campaign to get her re-instated.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Health Care and Safeguarding for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

That this Council: -

1. Stresses the need for the Police Service to work closely with Local Councils and other agencies and commends the successful

relationships built up in many Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships.

1. Notes that a significant proportion of Council Tax is spent on Policing.
2. Welcomes steps taken to increase the responsiveness of the service and keep the public informed e.g. by crime mapping, policing pledge, etc.
3. Recognises that greater transparency and accountability are required at neighbourhood, basic command unit and force level but;
4. Rejects proposals for the direct election of police authority members or police commissioners and welcomes the Home Secretary’s decision not to proceed with such proposals.

This Council calls upon all the major political parties to enter into discussion with it and the Association of Police Authorities (APA) to seek to build a consensus on ways of achieving the objectives set out in paragraph 4 above without establishing competing mandates with local councils, but by means of, inter alia, greater support for all police authority members, training, peer review, closer scrutiny (involving independent members) to enhance the effectiveness of police authorities within the local democratic framework.

That this Council: -

1. Stresses the need for the Police Service to work closely with Local Councils and other agencies and commends the successful

relationships built up in many Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships.

1. Notes that a significant proportion of Council Tax is spent on Policing.
2. Welcomes steps taken to increase the responsiveness of the service and keep the public informed e.g. by crime mapping, policing pledge, etc.
3. Recognises that greater transparency and accountability are required at neighbourhood, basic command unit and force level but;
4. Rejects proposals for the direct election of police authority members or police commissioners and welcomes the Home Secretary’s decision not to proceed with such proposals.

This Council calls upon all the major political parties to enter into discussion with it and the Association of Police Authorities (APA) to seek to build a consensus on ways of achieving the objectives set out in paragraph 4 above without establishing competing mandates with local councils, but by means of, inter alia, greater support for all police authority members, training, peer review, closer scrutiny (involving independent members) to enhance the effectiveness of police authorities within the local democratic framework.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Safer, Stronger Communities for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

This City Council:

1. Recognises the importance of Equality Impact Assessments (EIA’s) and the need for EIA’s to be conducted in line with our legal obligations. 
2. Calls for Equality Impact Assessment Training to be made mandatory for all elected members to ensure that they are able to fully satisfy their scrutiny roles and legal responsibilities.

Therefore Council calls for a full report to be produced by the appropriate Executive Member and the Chief Executive outlining:

a)     The number EIA’s conducted thus far;

b)     Where an executive decision has been taken to defer the process of eliciting an EIA; and

c)      On the feasibility of making the EIA training mandatory for all elected members.

This City Council:

1. Recognises the importance of Equality Impact Assessments (EIA’s) and the need for EIA’s to be conducted in line with our legal obligations. 
2. Calls for Equality Impact Assessment Training to be made mandatory for all elected members to ensure that they are able to fully satisfy their scrutiny roles and legal responsibilities.

Therefore Council calls for a full report to be produced by the appropriate Executive Member and the Chief Executive outlining:

a)     The number EIA’s conducted thus far;

b)     Where an executive decision has been taken to defer the process of eliciting an EIA; and

c)      On the feasibility of making the EIA training mandatory for all elected members.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Corporate Services for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

Council notes that 29th December 2009 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of William Ewart Gladstone. Gladstone was born in Rodney Street.

Council notes that there is already some interest in, and some plans for, marking this special year, for example through lectures.

Council believes that Gladstone was one of the leading statesmen in Britain's history and agrees to ensure the anniversary is celebrated and that Gladstone's Liverpool links are communicated as widely as possible.

Council notes that 29th December 2009 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of William Ewart Gladstone. Gladstone was born in Rodney Street.

Council notes that there is already some interest in, and some plans for, marking this special year, for example through lectures.

Council believes that Gladstone was one of the leading statesmen in Britain's history and agrees to ensure the anniversary is celebrated and that Gladstone's Liverpool links are communicated as widely as possible.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Enterprise and Tourism for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

This Council notes:

1. That the 2007 Local Government Act:

1. The Sustainable Communities Act 2007 which gives partners the duty to report on budgets, outcomes and outputs to the local authority and local communities; and

1. The fact that the Comprehensive Area Assessment regime which will ‘monitor and judge’ the performance and partnership of all agencies within our area.

Council believes that a major block in implementing all three of these is the perceived closed door approach that some organisations operate under and the lack of understanding by the public as to what public sector bodies do.

Council urges all organisations in the public sector to comply with the spirit of the Sustainable Communities Act and operate in an open and transparent manner.

Accordingly the Council calls upon the Chief Executive to:

a)     Write to the Chairs and Chief Executives of all LSP partners with the exception of those partners such as the police authority who conform to local government standards of openness and suggest to them that they should:

§         Meet in public.

§         Make available the contact details of all executive and non executive directors or Board members.

§         Make agendas and minutes of meetings readily available to press and public subject to the same grounds for confidentiality as practised by the Council for commercial or personal reasons.

§         Have communications strategies which are clear and public which will show how they will reach out to users of their service and the wider community.

§         Make arrangements for non-Executive Directors or Board members to hold ‘meet the public and users’ sessions which are public and well advertised.

b)     Write to the Secretaries of State for Communities and Local Government; Health; Home Office, Environment, Universities Innovation and Skills Children, Schools and Families, Culture Media and Sport informing them of this resolution and inviting them to issues guidelines to quangos, departmental bodies and agencies under their control to ensure that they have the same high standards as local government.

(Referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Select Committee)

This Council notes:

1. That the 2007 Local Government Act:

1. The Sustainable Communities Act 2007 which gives partners the duty to report on budgets, outcomes and outputs to the local authority and local communities; and

1. The fact that the Comprehensive Area Assessment regime which will ‘monitor and judge’ the performance and partnership of all agencies within our area.

Council believes that a major block in implementing all three of these is the perceived closed door approach that some organisations operate under and the lack of understanding by the public as to what public sector bodies do.

Council urges all organisations in the public sector to comply with the spirit of the Sustainable Communities Act and operate in an open and transparent manner.

Accordingly the Council calls upon the Chief Executive to:

a)     Write to the Chairs and Chief Executives of all LSP partners with the exception of those partners such as the police authority who conform to local government standards of openness and suggest to them that they should:

§         Meet in public.

§         Make available the contact details of all executive and non executive directors or Board members.

§         Make agendas and minutes of meetings readily available to press and public subject to the same grounds for confidentiality as practised by the Council for commercial or personal reasons.

§         Have communications strategies which are clear and public which will show how they will reach out to users of their service and the wider community.

§         Make arrangements for non-Executive Directors or Board members to hold ‘meet the public and users’ sessions which are public and well advertised.

b)     Write to the Secretaries of State for Communities and Local Government; Health; Home Office, Environment, Universities Innovation and Skills Children, Schools and Families, Culture Media and Sport informing them of this resolution and inviting them to issues guidelines to quangos, departmental bodies and agencies under their control to ensure that they have the same high standards as local government.

(Withdrawn)

Council notes the derelict sites near the waterfront in Riverside ward, in particular at: -

• Columbus Quay;
• Kings Dock; and
• Hurst Street.

Council calls upon the Executive Member for Assets and Development to report to the relevant Select Committees on what their proposals are for the sites.

Council notes the derelict sites near the waterfront in Riverside ward, in particular at: -

• Columbus Quay;
• Kings Dock; and
• Hurst Street.

Council calls upon the Executive Member for Assets and Development to report to the relevant Select Committees on what their proposals are for the sites.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Assets and Development for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

This Council, whilst noting how important the Waste Development Plan document is to the strategic way forward for waste disposal in the Liverpool City Region, will not accept proposals that identify densely populated residential areas as possible sites for use.

Further the Council would fully expect that the residents in those locations that are identified as sites would be fully consulted prior to those sites becoming part of a strategic report.

It is apparent that this process hasn’t been followed with the Waste Development Plan for the Liverpool City Region, and this Council calls upon the Executive Members for Asset and Development and the Environment along with appropriate officers to ensure that any plans to create either a waste treatment plant, waste transfer station, reprocessing centre or recycling facility on the rail goods sidings on Picton Road or any other location within the City, within residential areas are opposed. 

This Council, whilst noting how important the Waste Development Plan document is to the strategic way forward for waste disposal in the Liverpool City Region, will not accept proposals that identify densely populated residential areas as possible sites for use.

Further the Council would fully expect that the residents in those locations that are identified as sites would be fully consulted prior to those sites becoming part of a strategic report.

It is apparent that this process hasn’t been followed with the Waste Development Plan for the Liverpool City Region, and this Council calls upon the Executive Members for Asset and Development and the Environment along with appropriate officers to ensure that any plans to create either a waste treatment plant, waste transfer station, reprocessing centre or recycling facility on the rail goods sidings on Picton Road or any other location within the City, within residential areas are opposed. 

(Referred to the Executive Members for Asset and Development and Environment for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

Council welcomes the flexibility and the opportunity for community engagement provided by ward-level local budgets and requests the Executive Member for Safer ,Stronger Communities to ensure that there is no diminution in the local decision making by ward councillors in allocating area based grants.

Council welcomes the flexibility and the opportunity for community engagement provided by ward-level local budgets and requests the Executive Member for Safer ,Stronger Communities to ensure that there is no diminution in the local decision making by ward councillors in allocating area based grants.

(Accepted as an Amendment to Item 8 – District Committees and Neighbourhood Governance)

Council notes the threat to democracy posed by extreme right-wing political parties. Council considers it is vital that the truth about such parties is presented to the electorate.

Council further considers that, in order to be believed by the electorate, the parties represented in this Council should commit to communicating truthfully about the policies and actions of all their opponents.

Council requests its members to commit to truthful political campaigning.

Council notes the threat to democracy posed by extreme right-wing political parties. Council considers it is vital that the truth about such parties is presented to the electorate.

Council further considers that, in order to be believed by the electorate, the parties represented in this Council should commit to communicating truthfully about the policies and actions of all their opponents.

Council requests its members to commit to truthful political campaigning.

(Referred to the Executive Member for Ethical Governance for consideration and response within 1 cycle)

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The Council rose at 9.20pm.

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