Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Brennan, Carling, D’Albuquerque, Dowd, Jones, John Kelly, McGinnity, Robinson and Wilson.

Members are requested at a meeting where a disclosable pecuniary interest or personal interest arises, which is not already included in their Register of Members' Interests, todeclare any interests that relate to an item on the agenda.

Where a Member discloses a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, he/she must withdraw from the meeting room, including from the public gallery, during the whole consideration of any item of business in which he/she has an interest, except where he/she is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of a dispensation.

Where a Member discloses a personal interest he/she must seek advice from the Monitoring Officer or staff member representing the Monitoring Officer to determine whether the Member should withdraw from the meeting room, including from the public gallery, during the whole consideration of any item of business in which he/she has an interest or whether the Member can remain in the meeting or remain in the meeting and vote on the relevant decision.

No declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests or personal interests were received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2022

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 14 July 2022 be approved as a correct record.

The Mayor will pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her sad death on 8 September 2022 and then invite tributes from Leaders of the Political Groups (or their representatives) and other Members of the Council, followed by a one-minute silence.  

The Mayor reported that she wished to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her sad death on 8 September 2022.Her Late Majesty served our nation and the Commonwealth magnificently for 70 years and we celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in June this year. Now we thank her, for her great service and mourn her sad loss. 

The Mayor indicated that immediately following the death of Her Late Majesty, she had sent a letter of condolence to His Majesty King Charles III on behalf of the Council.

The Mayor stated that she had been deeply proud and privileged to attend the Merseyside Proclamation by the High Sheriff of Merseyside at the Liverpool Parish Church on 11 September 2022 and that she had read out the Proclamation herself at Bootle Town Hall and Southport Town Hall on the same day, and it had been deeply moving to see all of the public who attended the Proclamations and to read some of their messages in the Books of Condolences and on the floral tributes at Bootle Town Hall and at The Atkinson, Southport.” 

The Mayor also stated that along with representatives of all the local authorities in Merseyside, other local organisations, and members of the public, she had attended the Requiem Mass for Her Late Majesty at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool on 13 September 2022 and the Service of Celebration for Her Late Majesty at the Liverpool Cathedral on 18 September 2022,which were organised by the Merseyside LieutenancyOffice. The Mayor had also attended the ‘Memorial on the Mersey’ event on 14 September 2022 with the Mayors of all the Merseyside local authorities, when 20 ships on the River Mersey sounded their hornsin sync, in honour of Her Late Majesty, and indicated that she was immensely proud to have attended allthose events as the Mayor of Sefton.

 The Mayor indicated that she wanted to thank all the Council Staff across the various Departments for the amazing work they did in arranging all the activities undertaken under Operation London Bridge in liaison with the Merseyside Lieutenancy Office.

The Mayor also indicated that she wanted personally to thank Shaun Pimblett, Debbie Campbell and Steve Pearce in the Democratic and Mayoral Services Team for their support and words of encouragement given the enormity of the task that she had to undertake during that time; Steve Williams, Mayoral Attendant, who carried out his duties with pride, professionalism and care and Members of the Council for their words of support.

Councillors Maher, Pugh, Prendergast, Sayers, Irving and Sir Ron Watson then paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Council then observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect for the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Mayor of Sefton’s Charity Quiz

The Mayor reported that on 3November 2022 at 7.00pm, she would be holding a Mayoral Charity Quiz Night in the Albion Pub, Bootle, which would be exclusive to Sefton Councillors and Officers. The entry cost was £5 per team, with a maximum of 5 people per team and a minimum of 3 people.There would also be a raffle, forfeit wheel and ‘play your cards right.’ All the proceeds on the night would go to the Mayor’s Charity Fund. The Mayor invited Councillors and Officers to submit their team's name and entry fee to the Mayor’s Office by 21 October 2022. 

Southport Flower Show

The Mayor reported that on 18August 2022, she attended the opening day of the Southport Flower Show which was a wonderful event and a real highlight for our Borough. The Mayor indicated that she especially enjoyed her ‘rent’ payment for the event which was a beautiful bouquet of roses. 

Twitter

The Mayor reported that she was pleased to announce that she had reached over 2,000 followers on Twitter and that it had raised the profile of what the Mayor and the Mayor’s Office does.

Visit to Natural Alternatives

The Mayor reported that on 6 September 2022, she had been privileged to visit Natural Alternatives, which was an organisation based at the Botanic Gardens in Southport. The Mayor indicated that they are a small group, but they do wonderful work at the Gardens, and she urged her fellow Councillors to have a look at the work they do, which was really inspiring.

Aintree Circuit Club

The Mayor reported that on 10 September 2022, she had attended the Classic and Speed Revival event in Southport, organised by the Aintree Circuit Club and that the sum of £22,000 had been raised to be shared between the Mayor’s Charity, the Queenscourt Hospice, Southport and the Jim Clark Trust. The event celebrated over a century of motor sport in the Borough of Sefton.

The Mayor also reported that Kate Walker, a 21 year old female member of the Aintree Circuit Club was the current leader of National Steelsport Championship in the mixed sex class and on behalf of the Council, expressed the hope that Kate will be confirmed as the National Superbike Champion in the near future.

To deal with matters raised by members of the public resident within the Borough, of which notice has been given in accordance with the procedures relating to public questions, motions or petitions set out in Paragraph 36 to 47 of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules in Chapter 4 of the Council Constitution.

(Details of any further petitions notified or questions submitted by members of the public will be circulated at the meeting).

The Council considered a schedule setting out the question submitted by a member of the public, Mr M. Brennan of Bootle to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing (Councillor Hardy), together with her response which had been circulated around the Council Chamber prior to the start of the meeting.

The note indicated that Mr Brennan had indicated that he was unable to attend this Council meeting and that a copy of the response from the Cabinet Member would be sent to him.

RESOLVED:

That the question and response as set out in the schedule be noted.

To receive and consider questions to Cabinet Members, Chairs of Committees or Spokespersons for any of the Joint Authorities upon any matter within their portfolio/area of responsibility, of which notice has been given by Members of the Council in accordance with Paragraph 49 to 51 of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules, set out in Chapter 4 of the Council Constitution.

The Council considered a schedule setting out the written questions submitted by:

(1)      Councillor Morris to the Cabinet Member - Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services (Councillor Lappin)

(2)      Councillor Prendergast to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing (Councillor Hardy)

(3)      Councillor Brough to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care(Councillor Cummins)

(4)     Councillor Prendergast to the Leader of the Council (Councillor Maher) 

(5)      Councillor Prendergast to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services (Councillor Fairclough) 

(6)      Councillor Myers to the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing (Councillor Moncur)       

(7)      Councillor Pugh to the Cabinet Member for Education (Councillor Roscoe)            

(8)      Councillor Shaw to the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services (Councillor Lappin) 

together with responses given. A supplementary question to question 6 was responded to by the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and the Cabinet Member for Education indicated that she would send a written response to the supplementary question to question 7.

Report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer

Further to Minute No. 28 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 28 July 2022, the Council considered the report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer in relation to Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services and Safeguarding) Impact of Covid 19 on the Primary Curriculum Working Group Final Report.

Councillor Spencer, the Lead Member of the Primary Curriculum Working Group spoke in support of the recommendations set out in the report.

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:

That the following recommendations be approved:

(1)      that, once data is available, the Assistant Director of Children’s Services (Education) be requested to submit a monitoring report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services and Safeguarding), on primary school performance, to include school attendance and any available information on SATs results, and other performance indicators, in order to draw comparisons with 2019 performance and also with regional and national performance;

(2)      that the Assistant Director of Children’s Services(Education) be requested to agree in writing to all Headteachers of schools throughout the Borough, to thank teaching staff for their on-going input throughout the pandemic and to raise the following matters:

(a)      to remind schools of the continued support available from the Council;

(b)      to remind schools of the various options available for securing additional teaching staff, such as:

·       the graduate teaching apprenticeship scheme

·       School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

·       Teach First

·       Degree course in Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and

·       a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE);

(c)      to remind schools of the availability of mental health support, including the Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing Toolkit that can be accessed via the following link:

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing (sefton.gov.uk)

(d)      to encourage schools to try to re-engage with families as a source of support in schools where possible and where practical, particularly given covid concerns;

(3)      that the Mayor of Sefton be requested to consider hosting an event for representatives of all schools throughout the Borough, to thank them for their on-going input throughout the pandemic;

(4)      that the Assistant Director of Children’s Services(Education) be requested to agree to writing to the Department for Education in the strongest terms, to request additional resources for Sefton schools, particularly in view of forthcoming literacy and numeracy expectations on primary schools by 2030; and

(5)      that the Senior Democratic Services Officer be requested to liaise with relevant officers in order to ensure that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services and Safeguarding) receives a six-monthly monitoring report, setting out progress made against each of the recommendations outlined above.

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

Further to Minute No, 50 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 1 September 2022, the Council considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services that informed of:

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED: That

Revenue Budget

1)    the current position relating to the 2022/23 revenue budget be noted;

2)    the actions included in the Remedial Action Plan to offset the budget pressures being faced in 2022/23 including the use of £2.9m of General Balances and the release of £1.666m from the Business Rates Income Reserve be approved;

3)    the financial risks associated with the delivery of the 2022/23 revenue budget be recognised and it be acknowledged that the forecast outturn position will continue to be reviewed to ensure a balanced forecast outturn position and financial sustainability can be achieved; and

4)    the potential implications on the Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2023/24 and 2024/25 be noted.

Capital Programme

5)    a supplementary capital estimate for £2.000m for Core Disabled Facilities Grants (paragraph 57.11) be approved;

6)    a supplementary revenue estimate of £1.064m for the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement support grant (paragraph 7.13.1) be approved;

7)    a supplementary capital estimate of £1.620m for Tranche 3 of the Active travel Fund (paragraph 7.13.5) be approved;

8)    a supplementary capital estimate of £4.789m for the Highways Maintenance budget 2022/23 (paragraph 7.13.7) be approved;

9)    a supplementary capital estimate of £0.680m for Phase 1 of the Strand Repurposing project funded from the Economic Recovery Earmarked Reserve as recommended by Cabinet in July 2022 (paragraph 7.18) be approved;

10) a supplementary capital estimate of £0.171m for the completion of the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre improvements, funded from the Economic Recovery Earmarked Reserve as recommended by Cabinet in July 2022 (paragraph 7.22) be approved;

11) a supplementary capital estimate of £3.782m for the Summerhill Primary School Expansion – Phase 1 scheme funded by Section 106 contributions be (paragraph 7.25) be approved;

12) a Supplementary Capital Estimate of £69.1m for the Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC) to be funded by: £31.7m from the Town Deal; £17.7m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; and £19.7m to be funded by the Council as recommended by a separate report to Cabinet in September 2022 (paragraph 7.29) be approved;

13) It be noted that, in addition to the £69.1m identified above in resolution (12), £1.6m and £2.3m of pre-development funding, from the Town Deal and the Liverpool City Region Combined  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

Further to Minute No, 35 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 28 July 2022, the Council considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services that provided a review of the Treasury Management activities undertaken during 2021/22; and advised that the Cabinet and Council received the outturn report to allow monitoring against the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy and Prudential Indicators approved by Cabinet and Council in March 2021.

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:

That the Treasury Management position during 2021/22 and the update to 31 May 2022; the effects of decisions taken in pursuit of the Treasury Management Strategy and the implications of changes resulting from regulatory, economic and market factors affecting the Council’s treasury management activities be noted.

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

Further to Minute No, 24 of the meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 7 September 2022, the Council considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services which formally presented the Annual Report of the Audit and Governance Committee 2021-2022

It was moved by Councillor Roche, seconded by Councillor Spencer and

RESOLVED:

That the annual report of the Audit and Governance Committee 2021/22 be approved.

Report of the Director of Public Health

Further to Minute No. 48 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 1 September 2022, the Council considered the report of the Director of Public Health seeking authority to accept the Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant and allocate it accordingly. The report indicated that in February 2022, the Office of Health Inequalities and Disparities (OHID) Department of Health and Social Care announced additional supplemental drugs funding which all Local Authorities were eligible to receive through a Section 31 Grant to support the delivery of the December 2021 national drug strategy. In April 2022, the Council received notification of the 3 years funding from 2022/23 to 2024/25 subject to the submission of a OHID approved plan. The Sefton high level plan and 2022/23 detailed plan has now been approved. Detailed plans outlining the interventions for 2023/24 and 2024/25 will be required to be submitted for approval before the start of each of those years.

Sefton Council will receive this enhanced funding for 3yrs starting from 2022/23. See allocation table below:

* Indicative Figures

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:

The Council considered the report of the Leader of the Council in relation to a matter that was dealt with in accordance with Rule 46 (waiving call-In) of the Access to Information Procedure Rules of the Council Constitution, whereby “call in” was waived.

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To consider any changes to the membership of any Committees etc.

(1)      The Mayor reported on the following changes to the representatives on the Health and Wellbeing Board:

·       Dr Rob Caudwellto attend the Board in his new role as the Place Clinical Director of the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (Sefton Place) and there will no longer be any representatives from the two Primary Care Networks. 

·       Adrian Hughes to replace Louise Shepherd as a representative of the Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust on the Board. 

·       John Turner to be the representative of Healthwatch, Sefton on the Board. 

·       Janine Hyland to replace Sue Potts as the representative fromthe Every Child Matters Forum. 

·       Mark Thomas to replace Ged Sheridan as the representative from the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.” 

·       Sara Alldis, Assistant Director of Adult Social Care to be the representative of the Councils Adult Social Care Service.

(2)      The Mayor also reported that the following changes had be submitted by the Labour Group:

Licensing and Regulatory (Urgent Referrals) Committee

Councillor Burns to be the Substitute Member for Councillor Waterfield on the Committee.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Adult Social Care and Health)

Councillor Sonya Kelly to be the Substitute Member for Councillor John Joseph Kelly on the Committee.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children's Services and Safeguarding)

Councillor Robinson to be the Substitute Member for Councillor Hardman on the Committee. 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services) 

Councillor Christine Maher to be the Substitute Member for Councillor Killen on the Committee.

Planning Committee

Councillor Lunn-Bates to be the Substitute Member for Councillor Sonya Kelly and Councillor Bradshaw to be the Substitute Member for Councillor McGinnity on the Committee.

Local Joint Consultative Committee 

Councillor Waterfield to be the Substitute Member for Councillor O’Brien on the Committee. 

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Howard to be the Council’s Scrutiny Link on the Committee in place of Councillor Waterfield.

(3)      The Leader of the Council, Councillor Maher proposed the following change:

Armed Forces Member Champion

Councillor Carragher to be the Armed Forces Member Champion in place of Councillor Brennan

RESOLVED:

That the changes as detailed above be approved.

It was moved by Councillor Pugh, seconded by Councillor Lloyd-Johnson:

This Council has considered the Public Health Outcomes Framework Report (as submitted to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Adult Social Care and Health on 21 June 2022, link attached: Sefton Home ) in conjunction with recent reports from Sefton Healthwatch and is seriously concerned by the growing pattern of health inequalities in the borough.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Moncur, seconded by Councillor Cummins that the following text be added at the end of the motion:

“following the introduction of austerity policies by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition and continued by successive Conservative Governments.”

Following a debate on the amendment the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the amendment was carried by 42 votes to 13.

Following a debate on the Substantive Motion the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the Substantive Motion was carried by 42 votes to 12 and it was:

RESOLVED:

This Council has considered the Public Health Outcomes Framework Report (as submitted to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Adult Social Care and Health on 21 June 2022, link attached: Sefton Home) in conjunction with recent reports from Sefton Healthwatch and is seriously concerned by the growing pattern of health inequalities in the borough following the introduction of austerity policies by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition and continued by successive Conservative Governments.

The meeting was adjourned by the Mayor at 8.20 p.m. for a period of 10 minutes.

It was moved by Councillor Irving, seconded by Councillor Sayers:

That Part 5 of Section 6.7 of Sefton Council’s Statement of Community Involvement which currently states:

“5. Other minor development / changes of use other than (2) and (3) above

No notification - site notice at front of the property with other notices displayed dependent on-site characteristics”

be amended to read:

“5. Other minor development / changes of use other than (2) and (3) above

Notification - require consultation with Parish Councils and Ward Members and site notice at front of the property with other notices displayed dependent on-site characteristics”.

Background:

Support is sought to amend part 5 of Section 6.7 of Sefton Council’s Statement of Community Involvement in order to remove the unnecessary ill feeling that it has or could cause as on this occasion to Formby Residents with alleged threats of violence and damage resulting in Police involvement. It also brought Sefton Council’s Planning Department into disrepute even though they used the correct procedure in this matter. Amending this section would give clarity to the present planning system in Sefton M.B.C. and stop similar situations arising in future.

Following a debate on the Motion, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the Motion was lost by 4 votes to 42 with 8 abstentions.

It was moved by Councillor Irving, seconded by Councillor Bennett:

I ask that this Council support this motion in writing to the Government in the hope that they take the initiative in bringing legislation forward for a national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues throughout England.

Background

Disposable barbecues have been cited as the main cause of many fires by Senior Fire Officers in England this year, in which over 500 areas of outstanding natural beauty have been severely damaged by fire. Urgent action is needed now to see a national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues which can be bought for as little as £5.00 and cause untold damage, especially when the grass is as dry as it has been over the last few months. Sefton Council in their wisdom banned the use of Barbecues in our area in 2021 and continued their ban on them this year. Large brightly painted banners have been displayed at the entrances to Formby’s Special Area of Conservation which is the jewel in the crown for Sefton’s Environment attraction. The signs which state No Barbecues or Fires have been ignored repeatedly by visitors and the area has suffered a serious grass fire. You only have to walk around the Dunes to see the remnants of the used barbecues left behind. Should this situation be ignored I fear that we could suffer a serious environmental disaster to our area.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Byrom, seconded by Grace that:

The first paragraph of the motion be retained; the remaining text in the motion be deleted and the following text be added:

“This Council?supports national Fire Service and LGA campaigns seeking primary legislation to ban disposable BBQ’s.

Limited restrictions will not stop them being used or brought into these spaces. This also does nothing to counter the damage they do outside these areas. We are calling for an outright ban on their use and sale in the UK.

Whether it is massive environmental damage, life changing injuries & deaths, food poisoning or single use waste that comes with disposable BBQ’s, there are simply too many issues, risks and dangers when buying and using them.

It’s not enough to stop their sale ‘near’ beaches or moorland.?

It’s not enough to dismiss the countless problems and blame people for being ‘irresponsible’.?

Disposable BBQ’s themselves carry too many risks and our call is for them to be banned completely.?

With growing fuel poverty, these dangerous products could be used by people desperate to heat their homes and these products should be banned from retail, wholesale, and online sales with an accompanying information campaign to help people understand how dangerous they can be.”

Following a debate on the amendment the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the amendment was carried unanimously.

Following a debate on the Substantive Motion the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the Substantive Motion was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

It was moved by Councillor Prendergast, seconded by Councillor Brough:

In addition to complying with the provisions of The Local Government (Disqualification) Act 2022, this Council recognises that due to the roles and responsibilities of being a councillor, it would be in the best interests of this Council, councillors and members of the public that all elected members are subject to a Basic DBS Check on taking office.

This would give the public confidence that the members who represent them are held to high standards (in line with many professions), in keeping with what one would expect from those who hold public office.

It is resolved that:

1.    Within 28 days of this meeting all current Sefton MBC councillors or within 28 days of becoming elected in the future, all councillors of Sefton MBC should apply for a Basic DBS Check (which they should pay for themselves) and make the results known to the Council’s Monitoring Officer.

2.    It will be recorded on the Council’s website that a basic DBS Check has been undertaken and the results are such that the councillor is not barred from being a councillor of Sefton MBC.

Councillor Shaw indicated that if the Motion was approved, he intended to move the following Procedural Motion in accordance with Paragraph 61 (d) of Chapter 4 in the Council Constitution:

“That the matter be referred to the Audit and Governance Committee for further consideration.”

Following debate on the Motion, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the Motion was lost by 4 votes to 51.

It was moved by Councillor Sir Ron Watson, seconded by Councillor Prendergast and

RESOLVED Unanimously:

On 15July 2021, the Council agreed to grant the Freedom of the Borough to Aintree and Liverpool NHS Foundation Trust, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust and Mersey Care NHS Trust and for representatives of those bodies to be invited to an Extra-ordinary Council meeting and civic reception in due course, in recognition of their hard work and dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Council would like to put on record that whilst the honour is to be bestowed on the organisations named above, the Council extends its gratitude to all NHS institutions who have provided services within Sefton and to Sefton residents during the pandemic and no discourtesy is intended by naming the four organisations as representatives of the wider NHS community.

It was moved by Councillor Moncur, seconded by Councillor Lappin and

RESOLVED Unanimously: That:

Sefton Council notes that:

·       Preventable disease continues to have a massive impact on the public’s health, the NHS and the economy.

·       Tobacco is the biggest preventable cause of cancer and premature death in the UK.

·       Decades of comprehensive policy action have meant adult smoking prevalence in the UK in 2019 was at a record low at 14.1%, but this masks significant inequality.

·       Differences in smoking rates make it one of the leading drivers of health inequalities, responsible for half the difference in life expectancy between the lowest and highest income groups in England.

Further notes:

·       That through their public health duties, local authorities are responsible for improving the health of their population and do this through services such as stop smoking services and wider tobacco control activities.

·       Believes that Sefton must be adequately resourced to fulfil their public health duties.

·       Supports Cancer Research UK’s calls for a Smokefree Fund (a fixed annual charge on the tobacco industry, making the tobacco industry pay for the damage their products cause, without being able to influence how the funds are spent) to fund local tobacco control work, and urges this Conservative Government to consider implementing a Smokefree Fund as part of its efforts to tackle health inequalities.

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.

It was moved by Councillor Roscoe, seconded by Councillor Lappin:

This Council notes:

Poor air quality affects people’s health and damages the environment. In Sefton, there are two main pollutants of concern: nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. The main source of these pollutants is road traffic, in particular diesel engines.

Sefton Council is committed to improving Air Quality in the Borough and is working on a number of initiatives to ensure that Sefton will be a place where improved health and wellbeing is experienced by all. This includes, but is not limited to, junction improvement works, measures to reduce congestion, a DEFRA funded Schools behaviour change project and Development of an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the consideration of a Sefton Based Clean Air Zone (CAZ), initiating a “school streets” scheme for some schools in Southport and plans to extend this programme into Bootle. This work directly supports Sefton’s 2030 vision of a cleaner, greener, and healthier Borough

Poor air quality has a negative impact on public health, with potentially serious consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Identifying problem areas, prioritising vulnerable residents, and ensuring that actions are taken to improve air quality forms an important element in protecting the health and wellbeing of Sefton’s residents.

Studies have shown that children’s lungs are disproportionally vulnerable to air pollution as their lungs are still growing and that children who are exposed to severe air pollution are up to four times more likely to have poor lung development. Children are also more susceptible to respiratory infections and daily exposure to pollution has been shown to contribute to increased inflammation of the airways in healthy children and children with asthma. Children’s height means they tend to be exposed to more roadside pollution than adults^{. (1)}

Asthma + Lung UK have commissioned research that found that more than 25% of all British schools and colleges are surrounded by ‘dangerously high’ levels of air pollution. This is impacted by idling vehicles and unnecessary car trips to school instead of walking or cycling. ⁽²⁾

Recent national research by Living Streets ⁽³⁾ found the following: -

1.   Over a third (36%) are scared about walking to school because of speeding traffic.

2.   One in five children and young people are concerned about the lack of safe crossing points on their journey to school.

3.   Over a third of primary school children surveyed reported being scared about walking to school because of speeding traffic. COVID Risk management restrictions have meant that classroom windows have to be left open increasing the risk of pollution to children, particularly in those buildings close to roads. Children and their families have to wait outside schools, making them more exposed to air pollution.

Recently, in a landmark decision, a nine-year-old girl Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who died in 2013 following an asthma attack has become the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death and that air pollution “made a material contribution” to her death after  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.