Decision details

It was moved by Councillor P. Dowd and seconded by Councillor Moncur:

          "That the Council agrees to review its consultation processes in relation to a number of issues of public concern.  This Council recognises that consultation on the imposition of charges for services, particular those affecting the most vulnerable in our community, should be undertaken as widely as possible.  In addition, the Council should produce its own consultation protocol in relation to such matters.  This Council also agrees that issues that have a significant bearing on the wider community should also be the subject of more comprehensive consultation.  The recent discussions in a Council meeting concerning the lifting of the moratorium in relation to the placing of mobile phone masts, is a case in question.

          Finally, in relation to the development of a protocol for consultation, Area Committees should be asked for their views with respect to this matter."

It was then moved by Councillor Brodie-Browne and seconded by Councillor Blackburn that the motion be amended by the addition of the following text at the end of the motion:

          "Notwithstanding the above, the Council endorses the principles in the 'Your Sefton Your Say' process.”

Following further debate, Councillor P. Dowd indicated that he accepted the amendment.

On a show of hands, the Mayor declared the Substantive Motion was carried by 36 votes to 14 with 2 abstentions and it was

RESOLVED:

That the Council agrees to review its consultation processes in relation to a number of issues of public concern.  This Council recognises that consultation on the imposition of charges for services, particularly those affecting the most vulnerable in our community, should be undertaken as widely as possible.  In addition, the Council should produce its own consultation protocol in relation to such matters.  This Council also agrees that issues that have a significant bearing on the wider community should also be the subject of more comprehensive consultation.  The recent discussions in a Council meeting concerning the lifting of the moratorium in relation to the placing of mobile phone masts, is a case in question.

Finally, in relation to the development of a protocol for consultation, Area Committees should be asked for their views with respect to this matter.

Notwithstanding the above, the Council endorses the principles in the 'Your Sefton Your Say' process.