Agenda and minutes

Council - Thursday 19th July, 2018 6.30 pm

Venue: Town Hall, Southport

Contact: Ruth Harrison  Democratic Services Manager

Items
No. Item

13.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ashton, Blackburne, Brennan, Brodie-Browne, Hands, Jones, Keith, Daniel Lewis, Marshall, Murphy, Pitt, Spencer, Thomas and Tweed.

 

14.

Declarations of Interest

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.

 

Minutes:

No declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interest were received.

 

15.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 107 KB

Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2018

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

That the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 17 May 2018 be approved as a correct record.

 

16.

Presentation of Navajo Merseyside and Cheshire LGBTIQ Chartermark Certificate

Mr Mayor to present the award to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Councillor Hardy.

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that Sefton Council had received the Navajo Merseyside and Cheshire LGBTIQ Chartermark Certificate.  He stated that the Charter Mark recognised Sefton Council’s progress and on-going commitment towards Sefton’s LGBTIQ people.

 

Councillor Hardy, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing received the reward on behalf of the Council.

 

17.

Mayor's Communications

Minutes:

Death of Former Councillor Peter Papworth

 

The Mayor reported that former Councillor Peter Papworth had died on 20 May 2018.

 

Peter Papworth was elected from 10 May 1973 – 07 May 1992 and served Blundelsands Ward from 3 May 2007 – 11 May 2015.

 

The Council stood for a one minute silence as a mark of respect for Peter Papworth.

 

VC Commemorative Paving Stone for Arthur Walter Evans

 

The Mayor reported that on Friday 7th September at 11.00am, the VC laying of the Commemorative Paving Stone for Arthur Walter Evans would take place at Bowersdale Park, Seaforth and he invited all Members of the Council to attend.

 

150 Years of Bootle

 

The Mayor reported that starting Monday 22nd October until Friday 26th October, Sefton Council would be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the creation of Bootle, there would be a week-long Exhibition in the Assembly Hall that would have many historical artefacts on display relating to Bootle, one of which would be the recently restored and refurbished Charter of Incorporation.

 

There would also be a programme of events taking place in the Ballroom that week to coincide with the Exhibition, the running order of events was currently being put together and would be released in due course.

 

The week would draw to a close with a celebration evening of Bootle on Saturday 27th October at the Town Hall, which would be a ticketed event; this would include live entertainment from singers Rachael Russell and George Gallagher along with a buffet and a bar.  Final details on how to purchase tickets would be released in due course.

 

Jill Coule – Former Head of Regulation and Compliance

 

The Mayor referred to the recent leaving of Jill Coule, Head of Regulation and Compliance. Jill left the Authority at the end of June to take up the position of Chief Legal Officer to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

 

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor placed on record its appreciation for all the help and guidance Jill had given to Members and wished her every success for the future.

 

18.

Matters Raised by the Public

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.

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that no matters had been raised by members of the public.

 

19.

Questions Raised by Members of the Council pdf icon PDF 186 KB

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.

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that questions were dealt with in the order that they were received by the Democratic Services Manager; and that as set out in the Council’s Constitution, the period set aside for questions should not exceed 30 Minutes.

 

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

 

1.               Question submitted by Councillor Morris to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills (Councillor Atkinson);

 

2.               Question submitted by Councillor Watson to the Leader of the Council (Councillor Maher);

 

3.               Question submitted by Councillor Watson to the Leader of the Council (Councillor Maher);

 

4.               Question submitted by Councillor Watson to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services (Councillor Fairclough);

 

5.               Question submitted by Councillor Jones to the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services (Councillor Lappin);

 

6.               Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

7.               Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

8.               Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

9.               Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

10.           Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

11.           Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

12.           Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

13.           Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

14.           Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services (Councillor Fairclough);

 

15.           Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services (Councillor Fairclough);

 

16.           Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services (Councillor Fairclough);

 

17.           Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Cummins);

 

18.           Question submitted by Councillor Pugh to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services (Councillor Fairclough);

 

19.           Question submitted by Councillor Pugh to the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services (Councillor Lappin);

 

20.           Question submitted by Councillor Shaw to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services (Councillor Fairclough);

 

21.           Question submitted by Councillor Bliss to the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services (Councillor Lappin)

 

together with the responses given.  Supplementary questions 2, 3, 4, 12, 16, 19 and 20 were responded to by the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members for Locality Services, Adult Social Care and Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services.

 

20.

Revenue and Capital Budget Update - Treasury Management Outurn 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 144 KB

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 20 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 June 2018, the Council considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources that provided Members with details of the Treasury Management activities undertaken to 31 March 2018. The Council received the report to enable it to review against the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy and Prudential Indicators. This report was also considered by the Audit and Governance Committee, whose role was to carry out scrutiny of treasury management policies and practices.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Treasury Management Outturn to 31 March 2018 be noted.

 

21.

Revenue and Capital Budget Plan 2017/18 – 2019/20 - Locally Administered Business Rates Relief Scheme pdf icon PDF 109 KB

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 19 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 June 2018, the Council considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources in relation to the Locally Administered Discretionary Revaluation Relief Scheme for 2018/19 for businesses in Sefton that have had a significant increase in their Business rate liability as a result of the Government’s 2017 revaluation.

 

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

 

RESOLVED: That:

 

(1)            the parameters of the discretionary revaluation relief scheme for 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 as set out in Annex A to the report be agreed subject to consideration of any consultation responses received from major preceptors and the combined authority;

 

(2)            the Head of Corporate Resources be granted delegated authority to determine the detailed application and administration of the local discretionary revaluation relief for 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 subject to the parameters set out in Annex A to the report; and

 

(3)            a review of the discretionary rate relief scheme for 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 be agreed and reported to Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services following the end of each year.

 

22.

Revenue and Capital Budget Plan 2017/18 – 2019/20 - June 2018 pdf icon PDF 102 KB

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 21 of the meeting of the Cabinet on 21 June 2018, the Council considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources in relation to the Capital Outturn Position in relation to the 2017/18 financial year and of further additions to the 2018/19 capital programme.

 

It moved by Councillor Lappin, seconded by Councillor Maher and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the inclusion of additional schemes into the 2018/19 Capital Programme be approved, as set out in the report.

 

23.

Financial Procedure Rules and Contract Procedure Rules pdf icon PDF 104 KB

Joint Report of the Head of Corporate Resources and the Head of Commissioning Support and Business Intelligence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 6 of the meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 27 June 2018, the Council considered the joint report of the Head of Corporate Resources and the Head of Commissioning Support and Business Intelligence that sought approval for revisions to the Financial Procedure Rules and Contract Procedure Rules.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the amended Financial Procedure Rules and Contract Procedure Rules be approved, as set out in Appendices 1 and 3 to the report.

 

24.

Final Draft Revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy – Gambling Act 2005 pdf icon PDF 96 KB

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 16 of the meeting of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee held on 25 June 2018, the Council considered the report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance in relation to the Final Draft revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003.

 

It was moved by Councillor John Kelly, seconded by Councillor Bradshaw and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy, attached at Annex 2, be approved.

 

25.

Final Draft Revised Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003 pdf icon PDF 106 KB

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 15 of the meeting of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee held on 25 June 2018, the Council considered the report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance in relation to the Final Draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003.

 

It was moved by Councillor John Kelly, seconded by Councillor Bradshaw and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the revised Statement of Licensing Policy, attached at Annex 2, be approved.

 

26.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 60 KB

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2017/18 and Councillors Page, Carragher, John Sayers and Byrom highlighted the key areas of work undertaken by the respective Committees and thanked Members and Officers for their support and assistance during 2017/18.

 

It was moved by Councillor John Sayers, seconded by Councillor Maher and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2017/18 be noted.

 

27.

Changing of Parish Council’s name pdf icon PDF 65 KB

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance

Minutes:

The Council considered the report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance that sought approval for Sefton Parish Council to change its name to the Parish Council of Sefton and Lunt Villages.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:

 

That in accordance with Section 75 of the Local Government Act, 1972 the change of name of Sefton Parish Council to the Parish Council of Sefton and Lunt Villages be approved and the change be formalised by writing to the relevant Bodies, as detailed in paragraph 2.1 to the report.

 

28.

Public Health Annual Report 2017 pdf icon PDF 100 KB

Report of the Director of Public Health

Minutes:

The Council considered the report of the Director of Public Health regarding the Public Heath Annual Report which had been produced as a short film to explore the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people and the services and resources which are available to support them.

 

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

 

RESOLVED: That:

 

(1)            the annual report of the Director of Public Health be received; and

 

(2)            it be noted that the report will be published.

 

29.

Membership of Committees 2018/19

To consider any changes to the Membership of any committees etc.

Minutes:

Councillor Grace proposed that Councillor Burns replace Councillor Thomas as the representative on the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Scrutiny Committee.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the change to the representative on the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Scrutiny Committee be approved.

 

30.

Motion from Councillor Roscoe - Reducing Single Use Plastic in Sefton pdf icon PDF 50 KB

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Roscoe and seconded by Councillor Moncur and unanimously:

 

RESOLVED:

 

This Council notes that the borough of Sefton has approximately 22 miles of coastline, which is enjoyed by residents and visitors and plays host to some of the most rare plants and animals in the country.

 

Around 70 per cent of all the litter in the oceans is made of plastic. Plastic pollution in the sea is a symptom of a more systemic issue originating on land and related to the design, the use and the disposal of plastic items, particularly single-use plastic. To reduce it, a key priority is to focus on interventions and stewardship to help reduce the quantity of plastic waste generated by society and the associated release of litter to the ocean.

 

It is estimated that about 275 million tons of plastic waste are being generated each year in 192 countries around the world, with between 4.8 million and 12.7 million tons being washed or dumped into the sea. If we do not change our behaviour, a threefold increase is predicted in the amount of plastics in the ocean between 2015 and 2025 (1)

 

Council believes that the reduction of single-use plastic would benefit health in Sefton, reduce waste and ultimately help protect our coast.

 

Council therefore directs Officers to report to Cabinet on:

 

1.          Development of a robust strategy to ensure Sefton Council works towards phasing out single-use plastics (SUP) in its activities and buildings within the next two years;

 

2.     Work with partners and other large institutions to encourage them in developing similar strategies to reduce SUP: and

 

3.     An ongoing Communications plan to inform the public of Sefton of the reasons for phasing out SUP and encourage them to switch to alternatives.

 

 

(1)    Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., Narayan, R. & Law, K. L. 2015 Plastic Waste Inputs from Land into the Ocean. Science 347, 768-771. Law, K. L. & Thompson, R. C. (2014) Microplastics in the seas. Science 345, 144–145.

 

31.

Motion from Councillor Watson - Annual Delivery of Council Tax Demand pdf icon PDF 25 KB

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Sir Ron Watson and seconded by Councillor Bliss:

 

Annual Delivery of Council Tax Demand

Sefton Council recognises that the annual delivery of the Council Tax Demand plays a very significant part in household budgets and in many cases - particularly for the elderly - represents the single largest financial burden that many face on a monthly basis.

 

Sefton Council now considers that the use of the word "Demand" is somewhat aggressive and intimidating and as such is very rarely used in business and commerce.

 

As a consequence the Council believes that it should now be referred to in the future as an "Invoice" or "Statement of Account", the Council further believes that it may be necessary for a change in regulation by HM Government for this to happen and therefore requests the LGA to take up this issue on behalf of Sefton in particular and Local Government in general.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Lappin, seconded by Councillor Hardy that the Motion be amended as follows:

 

After the words “and therefore requests” and before the words “the LGA” include the words “Sefton Council’s Legal Department to investigate the Legal regulations in relation to this matter and respond to the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services before requesting” and take out the word “the” before the word “LGA”.

 

In accordance with Paragraph 71 in Chapter 4 of the Councils Constitution, Councillor Watson indicated that he accepted the amendment as a “friendly amendment” to his Motion.

 

Following debate on the Substantive Motion, it was unanimously

 

RESOLVED:

 

Sefton Council recognises that the annual delivery of the Council Tax Demand plays a very significant part in household budgets and in many cases - particularly for the elderly - represents the single largest financial burden that many face on a monthly basis.

 

Sefton Council now considers that the use of the word "Demand" is somewhat aggressive and intimidating and as such is very rarely used in business and commerce

 

As a consequence the Council believes that it should now be referred to in the future as an "Invoice" or "Statement of Account", the Council further believes that it may be necessary for a change in regulation by HM Government for this to happen and therefore requests Sefton Council’s Legal Department to investigate the Legal regulations in relation to this matter and respond to the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services before requesting LGA to take up this issue on behalf of Sefton in particular and Local Government in general.

 

32.

Motion from Councillor Brodie-Browne - NHS pdf icon PDF 24 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Shaw moved that, in the absence of Councillor Brodie-Browne the Motion in relation to NHS be withdrawn from the Agenda.

 

33.

Motion from Councillor Pugh - LGA Peer Review pdf icon PDF 20 KB

Minutes:

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

 

LGA Peer Review

 

That this Council welcomes the LGA Peer Review.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Moncur, seconded by Councillor Fairclough that the Motion be amended to include the following words at the end of its sentence:

 

“and congratulates the Leader and Chief Executive on initiating the process”.

 

In accordance with paragraph 71 in Chapter 4 of the Council’s Constitution Councillor Pugh indicated that he accepted the amendment as a “friendly amendment” to his Motion.

 

Following debate on the Substantive Motion, it was unanimously

 

RESOLVED:

 

That this Council welcomes the LGA Peer Review and congratulates the Leader and Chief Executive on initiating the process.