Decision details

It was moved by Councillor Pugh, seconded by Councillor Sathiy:

This Council:

(1)    is seriously disturbed by reports of raw sewage entering Sefton water courses and the potential impacts on health and tourism

(2)    recognises its legal responsibilities in relation to public health

(3)    calls on the relevant Water Utility companies to provide for the Council monthly data on these incidents and details of progress made to prevent and mitigate such episodes

(4)    believes that councils should have powers to fine water utility companies for preventable sewage dumping

An amendment was moved by Councillor Prendergast, seconded by Councillor Brough that:

The following text be added at the end of Paragraph (1) in the Motion:

“and recognises the efforts being made following the enactment of the Environment Act to improve the situation.”

The deletion of all the text in Paragraphs (3) and (4) of the Motion and the addition of the following text:

“(3) calls on the Chief Executive of Sefton Council to write to the Chief Executive of United Utilities to:

(3.1) request a quarterly meeting (or other frequency of meetings as agreed between the parties) with representatives from each organisation to provide data from United Utilities on instances of sewage discharge along the Sefton coast (or which impact the Sefton coast but occur elsewhere) and enable Sefton Council officers with responsibility for coastal management to voice their concerns/suggestions

(3.2) request an action plan from the Chief Executive of United Utilities on the steps they will be taking to mitigate such instances of sewage discharge with such plan to be reviewed on a 6 monthly basis (or other frequency as agreed between the parties) and setting out how they are complying with their legal obligations on this issue as laid down in primary legislation.”

Following a debate on the amendment, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the amendment was lost by 4 votes to 47.

Following a debate on the Original Motion the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the Original Motion was lost by 4 abstentions to 47 votes against.