Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ball, Bennett, Brennan, Kevin Cluskey, Dawson, Keith and Marianne Welsh.

In accordance with Paragraph 9 of the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declaration of personal interest was made and the Officer concerned left the room during the consideration of the item:

Minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2017

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2017 be approved as a correct record.

Mayoral Charity Cabaret Dinner – 1 April 2017

The Mayor reminded Members that the Mayoral Charity Dinner will be held on Saturday 1 April 2017 at the Floral Hall, Southport Theatre and Convention Centre and the proceeds from the event would be distributed to Mayoral Charities. Tickets and further details of the event were available from the Mayor’s office in Bootle Town Hall.

Extra-ordinary Council Meeting – 20 June 2017

The Mayor advised Members that an Extra-ordinary Council Meeting would be held on Tuesday, 20 June 2017 at 6.30pm in Bootle Town Hall to confer the Freedom of the Borough on the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which would be followed by a Freedom March by the Regiment and a Civic Reception for the Regiment.

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 46 of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules in Chapter 4 of the Council Constitution.

The Mayor reported that no matters had been raised by Members of the Public.

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 48 to 50 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:

·         Councillor David Barton  to the Cabinet Member – Locality Services (Councillor Fairclough)

·         Councillor Preece to the Cabinet Member – Regeneration and Skills (Councillor Atkinson)

·         Councillor Bradshaw to the Leader of the Council (Councillor Maher)

together with the responses given. A supplementary question was responded to by the Cabinet Member – Regeneration and Skills.

Report of the Head of Regeneration and Housing

The Council considered the report of the Head of Regeneration and Housing which provided details of the revised Capital Strategy for 2017-2020.

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

“That the Capital Strategy for 2017-2020 be approved.”

An amendment was moved by Councillor Daniel Lewis, seconded by Councillor Weavers that the Motion be amended by the addition of the following text:

“Subject to the addition of the words “relevant Area Committees for consultation and the” after the words “and presented to the” on agenda page 25 under the paragraph headed ‘Appraisal Process.”

On a show of hands, the Mayor declared that amendment was lost by 35 votes to 23.

A further amendment was moved by Councillor Dutton, seconded by Councillor Jamieson that the Motion be amended by the addition of the following text:

“Subject to the membership of the Strategic Capital Investment Group set out in Appendix A of the Strategy on agenda page 48 being amended to include Opposition Group Members.”

On a show of hands, the Mayor declared that amendment was lost by 36 votes to 23.

Thereafter, on a show of hands, the Mayor declared that Motion was carried by 36 votes to 23 and it was

RESOLVED:

That the Capital Strategy for 2017-2020 be approved

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

Further to Minute No. 85 of the Cabinet Meeting held on 16 February 2017, the Council considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources which provided details of the proposed procedures and strategy to be adopted in respect of the Council’s Treasury Management Function in 2017/18.

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

RESOLVED:

That approval be given to:

(1)       the Treasury Management Policy Document for 2017/18 as set out in Annex A of the report;

(2)       the Treasury Management Strategy Document for 2017/18 as set out in Annex B of the report; and

(3)       the basis to be used in the calculation of the Minimum Revenue Provision for Debt Repayment in 2016/17 as set out in Annex C of the report.

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

Further to Minute No. 86 of the Cabinet Meeting held on 16 February 2017, the Council considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources on proposals to establish the Prudential Indicators required under the Prudential Code of Capital Finance in Local Authorities. This would enable the Council to effectively manage its Capital Finance Activities and comply with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Prudential Code of Capital Finance in Local Authorities.

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

RESOLVED: That

(1)       the Prudential Indicators as detailed in the report, and summarised in Annex A of the report, be approved as the basis for compliance with The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities;

(2)       approval be given to the relevant Prudential Indicators being amended, should any changes to unsupported borrowing be approved as part of the 2017/18 Revenue Budget;

(3)       it be noted that estimates of capital expenditure may change as grant allocations are received, as indicated in paragraph 2.2 of the report; and

(4)       the Head of Corporate Resources be granted delegated authority in conjunction with the Cabinet Member – Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services to manage the Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary for external debt as detailed in Section 5 of the report.

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

The Council considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources which provided an assessment of the robustness of the estimates and the tax setting calculations, the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves and the production of longer term revenue and capital plans, based on the proposals set out in the report on the Budget 2017/18 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18 - 2019/20 (Minute No. 88 below refers).

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

RESOLVED:

That the matters raised in the report be noted and taken into account during the determination of the Budget for 2017/18.

Report of the Chief Executive and Head of Corporate Resources

Further to Minute No. 73 of the Cabinet Meeting held on 12 January 2017, the Council considered the report of the Chief Executive and Head of Corporate Resources which provided details of the development of a 3 year financial strategy for the period 2017/18 – 2019/20 (the budget plan period) which reflected the current financial challenges facing the Council during the period, the proposed approach to meeting those challenges and how they reflect the Council’s statutory requirement to remain financially sustainable and the desire to deliver the Sefton 2030 Vision and the Councils Core Purpose.

Given the scale of the financial and service challenges facing the Council, this was a complex and detailed report, which provided for a financial balanced budget, but this would require major and difficult decisions on how the council delivers it services, the level at which it continues to deliver them and Council Tax implications.

The report presented a financially balanced strategy and some areas of change were more specific than others. Where possible the change was explained at the detailed budget level and where this was not possible a budget planning assumption had been made based on the best available information. This was sufficiently robust to approve the budget and associated policy changes, whilst recognising that the details would continue to be refined over the period of the strategy.

This report set out the detailed approach to the strategy, which included:

·         The national and local financial context  within which the Council is operating;

·         The funding gap facing the Council for the three year period 2017/18 to 2019/20;

·         The approach to delivering both the aspirations of the Sefton 2030 Vision and a financially sustainable council;

·         The financial, service and community impact of the Budget including the reserves position of the Council; and,

·         The draft capital programme for the 3 year period.

The Cabinet on 12 January 2017 (Minute No. 73 refers) had considered these items, and the report provided additional information and updates on the specific Public Sector Reform Projects and Service Delivery Options, including some changes to the financial assumptions. In addition, there were some further revisions to the Medium Term Financial Plan. The report indicated that after these minor changes, a financially balanced budget strategy for the forthcoming 3 year period was presented for consideration by the Council.

The report requested the Council to consider and determine the following issues:

·         the Budget for 2017/18 and the three-year financial plan 2017/18 to 2019/20;

·         the Council Tax increase for Sefton Council for 2017/18; and,

·         the overall Council Tax resolution.

The Council also considered the draft Council Tax resolution for 2017/18 which had been prepared by the Head of Corporate Resources and circulated to Members of the Council in the supplementary agenda.

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

That:

(1)       the update of the Medium Term Financial Plan for the period 2017/18 to 2019/20, which included the implications of the provisional local government settlement be noted;

Delivery of the Framework for Change

(2)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance.

Further to Minute No. 33 of the meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 7 December 2016, the Council considered the report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance which provided details of a proposed policy and procedure for dealing with Vexatious or Unfocussed Complaints and Data Requests.

It was moved by Councillor Roche, seconded by Councillor McGinnity and following debate

RESOLVED:

That the policy and procedure for dealing with Vexatious or Unfocussed Complaints and Data Requests be approved.

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance.

Further to Minute No. 34 of the meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 7 December 2016, the Council considered the report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance which provided details of the draft CCTV Policy Statement.

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

RESOLVED:

That the CCTV Policy Statement as set out in Annex A to the report be approved.

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance

The Council considered the report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance which indicated that the Council was required to appoint a Local Returning Officer in respect of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Mayoral Election to take place on Thursday 4 May 2017, in accordance with the Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017 which provides that each constituent authority must appoint one of its officers to act as the Local Returning Officer for the combined authority mayoral election.

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

RESOLVED:

That Margaret Carney, Chief Executive, be appointed to act as the Local Returning Officer in respect of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Mayoral Election to take place on Thursday 4 May 2017.

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance

Further to Minute No. 45 of the meeting held on 22 September 2016, the Council considered the report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance which requested the Council to approve and authorise the absence of Councillor Ball from attendance at Council and Committee Meetings pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

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

RESOLVED:

That the current absence from all Council and Committee Meetings of

Councillor Ball due to ill-health be authorised and approved for a six month period until the Council meeting on 21 September 2017, pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Councillor Hands proposed the following change:

·         Councillor Keith to replace Councillor Jo Barton as the Substitute Member for Councillor Pullin on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills)

RESOLVED:

That the change to the membership of the Committee be approved.

To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor Maher:

Levy of a Financial Transactions Tax

“This Council notes the suffering forced upon local residents as a result of this Government’s cuts programme and asserts that there is an alternative to its ideologically driven attack on public services – namely the levy of a Financial Transactions Tax (FTT) on the speculative activities that have accelerated the recent enrichment of the few to the detriment of the many. 

The Council therefore calls upon Government to enact the FTT and use the revenues from this measure to reverse ongoing shrinkage in central grants to our Council.

This Council believes that:-

·         Revenues from the FTT could help repair the damage caused by cuts in public services since 2010;

·         Local government deserves to receive a significant proportion of FTT revenues, making an important contribution to both capital and revenue expenditure such as reversing cuts to council tax benefits; and that

·         Whilst an FTT might have a negligible effect on jobs in the City of London, investing FTT revenues in a smart and progressive way would see a significant increase in employment levels in other sectors.

This Council resolves that:-

·         The UK Government should extend the current FTT on shares to other asset classes, such as bonds and derivatives.

This Council further resolves to:-

·         Write to the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Chancellor and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government stating this Council’s support for extending FTTs; and

·         Write to all local MPs outlining the Council’s position.”

It was moved by Councillor Maher and seconded by Councillor Murphy:

Levy of a Financial Transactions Tax

“This Council notes the suffering forced upon local residents as a result of this Government’s cuts programme and asserts that there is an alternative to its ideologically driven attack on public services – namely the levy of a Financial Transactions Tax (FTT) on the speculative activities that have accelerated the recent enrichment of the few to the detriment of the many. 

The Council therefore calls upon Government to enact the FTT and use the revenues from this measure to reverse ongoing shrinkage in central grants to our Council.

This Council believes that:-

·         Revenues from the FTT could help repair the damage caused by cuts in public services since 2010;

·         Local government deserves to receive a significant proportion of FTT revenues, making an important contribution to both capital and revenue expenditure such as reversing cuts to council tax benefits; and

·         Whilst an FTT might have a negligible effect on jobs in the City of London, investing FTT revenues in a smart and progressive way would see a significant increase in employment levels in other sectors.

This Council resolves that:-

·         The UK Government should extend the current FTT on shares to other asset classes, such as bonds and derivatives.

This Council further resolves to:-

·         Write to the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Chancellor and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government stating this Council’s support for extending FTTs; and

·         Write to all local MPs outlining the Council’s position.”

An amendment was moved by Councillor Bill Welsh, seconded by Councillor Shaw that the Motion be amended as follows;

deletingall of the text in the 3rd bullet point which starts "Whilst an FTT might have a negligible effect on jobs in the City of London..." and substituting the following text:

·         “Investing FTT revenues in a smart and progressive way would see a significant increase in employment levels in other sectors apart from the financial sector.”

and insert a 4th bullet point after this, to read as follows:

·         “There are concerns that the unilateral extension of the FTT in the UK would have a negative impact on the UK financial sector resulting in its shrinkage and consequent reduction in other tax revenues which might outweigh the gain from the FTT by a significant margin.  Therefore to avoid trades moving from the City of London to other global financial centres it is proposed that a common FTT should be negotiated and introduced simultaneously across the main, global financial centres.”

Then following "This Council resolves that:-", changethe text of the bullet point starting "The UK Government should extend the current FTT..." to the following:-

“The UK Government should work with the main, global financial centres to introduce a common FTT which would come into operation at the same time in each centre. This FTT would include trades in shares, bonds and derivatives.

On a show of hands, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor Bradshaw:

Footbridge at the junction of Dunnings Bridge Road and Park Lane, Netherton

“This Council calls on Highways England to halt their plan to replace the footbridge at the junction of Dunnings Bridge Road and Park Lane, Netherton with a pedestrian crossing and ensure that either a refurbishment of the existing footbridge or a new footbridge is put in place.

This junction is on one of the busiest roads in the country and has on one side a primary school and the other side a Day centre and we believe that the safety of our local children, vulnerable people and other local residents is critical. It is vital that urgent action is taken to halt this plan with immediate effect.

As such, we request the Chief Executive of the Council to contact the Chief Executive of Highways England seeking intervention to halt this ill-conceived plan immediately and ensure that any replacement at this road junction is a footbridge.”

It was moved by Councillor Bradshaw, seconded by Councillor Maher and unanimously

RESOLVED:

Footbridge at the junction of Dunnings Bridge Road and Park Lane, Netherton

This Council calls on Highways England to halt their plan to replace the footbridge at the junction of Dunnings Bridge Road and Park Lane, Netherton with a pedestrian crossing and ensure that either a refurbishment of the existing footbridge or a new footbridge is put in place.

This junction is on one of the busiest roads in the country and has on one side a primary school and the other side a Day centre and we believe that the safety of our local children, vulnerable people and other local residents is critical. It is vital that urgent action is taken to halt this plan with immediate effect.

As such, we request the Chief Executive of the Council to contact the Chief Executive of Highways England seeking intervention to halt this ill-conceived plan immediately and ensure that any replacement at this road junction is a footbridge.