Venue: Town Hall, Bootle
Contact: Debbie Campbell Democratic Services Manager
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Welcome Minutes: The Mayor welcomed Members and members of the public to the Council meeting.
The Mayor reminded Members and visitors in the public gallery that if they wished to film or record proceedings, out of courtesy to those present, it would be appreciated if they would indicate.
The Mayor also reminded members of the public that although it was a public meeting and the Council welcomed members of the public attending the meeting to observe proceedings, they could not contribute to the meeting. The Mayor observed that elected Members of the Council and Council officers should be treated with respect, and disturbances would not be tolerated, and that any disturbances might result in the meeting being adjourned and the public gallery being cleared.
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Brodie-Browne, Byrom, Duerden, Johnson, Keith, McNabb, Myers, O’Brien, Richards, Robinson, Roche and Williams.
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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: In accordance with Paragraph 9 of the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations of personal interest were made and the Members concerned remained in the room during the consideration of the item:
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Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2024 Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 14 November be approved as a correct record.
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Mayor's Communications Minutes: Election of New Councillor
Following the recent by-election held in Litherland Ward, the Mayor extended a warm welcome to the new Councillor elected to office, namely Councillor Julia Garner.
Mayors Toy Appeal 2024
The Mayor thanked her fellow Members who contributed to the Annual Mayor’s Toy Appeal. Once again, the appeal was a fantastic success and it helped 1,297 children in Sefton to have a wonderful Christmas. The Mayor had even received a video from one family of their children opening their presents. This made the appeal all worthwhile, so the Mayor thanked contributors once again for their support.
Charity Burns Night
The Mayor reported that tickets were still available for the Charity Burns Night on Saturday, 25 January at Waterloo Rugby Club. The cost of tickets was £25.00 which included a two course Burns Night supper. The Mayor indicated that If Members would like to purchase a ticket, they should contact her office by 3.00 p.m. the following day, as final numbers were required for submission by 4.00 p.m. on 17th January.
Thank You from the Mayor
The Mayor thanked those Members who had attended her husband’s funeral and expressed her appreciation of the support offered to her.
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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 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). Minutes: The Mayor reported that no matters had been raised by members of the public.
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Questions Raised by Members of the Council 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. Minutes: The Council considered a schedule setting out the written questions submitted by:
together with responses given. ... view the full minutes text for item 79. |
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Making Space for Water Crossens SuDS Scheme Report of the Assistant Director - Operational In-House Services Minutes: Further to Minute No. 76 of the meeting of the Cabinet of 5 December 2024, the Council considered the report of the Assistant Director - Operational In-House Services that sought approval to authorise the pre-procurement contract award, as described within the report, for the Making Space for Water scheme to manage flooding in the Crossens area; and seeking approval by the Council to a supplementary capital estimate of £1.75m funded from £1.6m Environment Agency Grant funding, subject to a funding award, and £0.15m from the Highways capital programme.
It was moved by Councillor Doyle, seconded by Councillor Atkinson and
RESOLVED:
That a supplementary capital estimate of £1.75m, funded from an Environment Agency grant of £1.6m, be approved, subject to funding being allocated by the Environment Agency, and £0.15m from the Highways capital programme, as outlined in the report.
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Pay Policy 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026 Report of the Head of HR and Workforce Minutes: Further to Minute No. 16 of the meeting of the Pay and Grading Committee of 15 January 2025, the Council considered the report of the Head of HR and Workforce that recommended a Pay Policy for the Council, as required by the Localism Act 2011.
It was moved by Councillor Howard, seconded by Councillor Lappin and
RESOLVED: That
(1) the proposed Pay Policy in the report be approved; and
(2) any changes to the Pay Policy, as required because of legislation, be delegated to the Pay and Grading Committee.
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Financial Procedure Rules Report of the Executive Director – Corporate Services and Commercial Additional documents: Minutes: Further to Minute No. 38 of the meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee of 11 December 2024, the Council considered the report of the Executive Director – Corporate Services and Commercial which sought approval for revisions to the Financial Procedure Rules following the most recent review. It was a requirement of the Council’s Constitution that there should be a regular review of the Financial Procedure Rules.
The Appendix to the report set out the Revised Financial Procedure Rules.
It was moved by Councillor Howard, seconded by Councillor Atkinson and
RESOLVED:
That the amended Financial Procedure Rules, as set out at the Appendix to the report, be approved.
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Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Council Tax Base 2025/26 Report of the Executive Director – Corporate Services and Commercial Additional documents:
Minutes: Further to Minute No. 92 of the meeting of the Cabinet of 9 January 2025, the Council considered the report of the Executive Director – Corporate Services and Commercial that provided details of the review of the local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the current year 2024/25 and proposing that there be no change made to the scheme for 2025/26. The report also provided an updated Council Tax Base for Sefton Council and each Parish area for 2025/26.
The following Annexes were attached to the report:
· Annex A: Council Tax Base Report 2025/26 · Annex B: Equality Impact Assessment: Council Tax Reduction Scheme
It was moved by Councillor Howard, seconded by Councillor Atkinson and
RESOLVED:
That
(1) the outcome of the review of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the current year 2024/25, be noted;
(2) the current scheme for 2025/26 be approved; and
(3) the relevant Council Tax Base for Sefton Council and each Parish Area for 2025/26, as set out in Annex A of the report, be approved.
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DBS Checks for Elected Members Report of the Executive Director – Corporate Services and Commercial Additional documents:
Minutes: Further to Minute No. 37 of the meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee of 11 December 2024, the Council considered the report of the Executive Director – Corporate Services and Commercial which outlined proposals for Elected Members to be subject to voluntary DBS checks. It was proposed that all Elected Members and Co-Opted Members should obtain a Basic DBS Check and that those Members and Substitute Members sitting on Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services and Safeguarding) and Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Adult Social Care and Health) and Cabinet Members should obtain an Enhanced DBS Check.
The following appendices were attached to the report:
· Appendix 1 – Letter from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, dated 18th January 2024 · Appendix 2 - Risk Assessment of Unspent Convictions or Conditional Cautions
It was moved by Councillor Howard, seconded by Councillor Atkinson and
RESOLVED:
That the recommendations of the Audit and Governance Committee be endorsed and a scheme be introduced whereby:
(1) all elected Members are asked to agree to be subject to a Basic DBS check within one month of taking office;
(2) all elected Members who sit on or are Substitute Members on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services & Safeguarding) and Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Adult Social Care and Health) are asked to agree to be subject to an Enhanced DBS check within one month of being appointed to the committee;
(3) all Cabinet Members are asked to agree to be subject to an Enhanced DBS check within one month of being appointed to the Cabinet;
(4) all co-opted Members to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services and Safeguarding) and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Adult Social Care and Health) be asked to agree to be subject to an Enhanced DBS check;
(5) it be agreed that such checks outlined above be subject to renewal every 3 years;
(6) the content of the ‘Risk Assessment of Unspent Convictions or Conditional Cautions’, as attached as Appendix 2 to the report, be approved;
(7) the Council’s Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend Chapter 2 of the Council’s Constitution to reflect the above recommendations;
(8) authority be delegated to the Council’s Monitoring Officer to amend the scheme to reflect any subsequent changes to the committee titles; and
(9) further to the letter from the Minister for Local Government of 18 January 2024, the Leader of the Council be authorised to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting that legislation be introduced to make it mandatory for all elected Members (and co-opted members) to be subject to enhanced DBS checks.
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Programme of Meetings – 2025/26 Municipal Year Report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer Additional documents:
Minutes: Further to Minute No. 91 of the meeting of the Cabinet of 9 January 2025, the Council considered the report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer seeking approval of a Programme of Meetings for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.
The following Appendices were attached to the report:
· Annex A - Programme of Meetings for the Cabinet in 2025/26 · Annex B - Programme of Meetings for the Council, Members’ Briefing Sessions and Regulatory Committees in 2025/26 · Annex C - Programme of Meetings for the Overview and Scrutiny Committees in 2025/26 · Annex D - Programme of Meetings for the Public Engagement and Consultation Panel, Sefton Safer Communities Partnership and the Health and Wellbeing Board in 2025/26 · Calendar of meetings 2025/26
It was moved by Councillor Howard, seconded by Councillor Atkinson and
RESOLVED:
That
(1) the Programme of Meetings for the Council, Member Briefing Sessions; Regulatory Committees; and Overview and Scrutiny Committees for 2025/26, as set out in Annexes B and C of the report, be approved; and
(2) the Programme of Meetings for the Cabinet, Public Engagement and Consultation Panel, Safer Sefton Together and the Health and Wellbeing Board for 2025/26 as set out in Annexes A and D of the report be noted.
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Membership of Committees 2024/25 To consider any changes to the membership of any Committees etc. Minutes: The Mayor reported that the Labour Group wished to make changes to the membership of the following Committees:
Licensing and Regulatory Committee
Councillor Garner to replace Councillor Williams as a Member of the Committee.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services
Councillor Conalty to replace Councillor Porter as the Substitute Member for Councillor McNabb.
Planning Committee
Councillor Porter to replace Councillor Conalty as the Substitute Member for Councillor Desmond.
Councillor Garner to fill the vacancy as the Substitute Member for Councillor McGinnity.
The Mayor reported that the Liberal Democrat Group wished to make changes to the membership of the following Committees:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services
Councillor Evans to replace Councillor Brodie-Browne as a Member of the Committee
Councillor Pugh to replace Councillor Evans as the Substitute Member
RESOLVED:
That the changes as detailed above be approved.
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Motion Submitted by Councillor Sammon - The Future of Respite Care Copy attached Minutes: It was moved by Councillor Sammon, seconded by Councillor Evans:
The Future of Respite Care
The closure of Revitalise Sandpipers in Southport is a huge loss to the community and a devastating blow to people living with disabilities and their carers who relied on it. The highly skilled staff and dedicated volunteers who kept Sandpipers running for decades will be greatly missed. It was one of two such facilities in the UK run by Revitalise, the closure of the charity now puts into question the future of respite care in the UK.
The Council notes that:
Respite care is an essential service. It is vital that people living with disabilities and their carers can enjoy a holiday in a safe and relaxing environment to help take the pressure off everyday life.
Respite care cannot end with the closure of the Revitalise charity.
It is regrettable that the closure of Sandpipers and Revitalise happened so suddenly and was unable to be prevented.
The Council resolves to:
Write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care requesting that the Government preserves the future of respite care by looking to establish a new respite care holiday centre in Southport.
Publicly thank everyone who worked and volunteered at the Revitalise Sandpipers venue and offer them support to find new jobs and volunteering opportunities, if required.
An amendment was moved by Councillor Moncur, seconded by Councillor Lunn-Bates that the Motion be revised as follows:
The Future of Respite Care
The closure of Revitalise Sandpipers in Southport is a huge loss to the community and a devastating blow to people living with disabilities and their carers who relied on it. The highly skilled staff and dedicated volunteers who kept Sandpipers running for decades will be greatly missed.
The Council notes that:
Respite care is an essential service. It is vital that people living with disabilities and their carers can enjoy a holiday in a safe and relaxing environment to help take the pressure off everyday life.
It is regrettable that the closure of Sandpipers and Revitalise happened so suddenly and was unable to be prevented.
The Council resolves to:
Support the ongoing development of a Respite Strategy for Sefton Residents.
Publicly thank everyone who worked and volunteered at the Revitalise Sandpipers venue and offer them support to find new jobs and volunteering opportunities, if required.
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.
Thereafter, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote on the Substantive Motion and the Mayor declared that the Substantive Motion was carried unanimously and it was
RESOLVED: The Future of Respite Care
The closure of Revitalise Sandpipers in Southport is a huge loss to the community and a devastating blow to people living with disabilities and their carers who relied on it. The highly skilled staff and dedicated volunteers who kept Sandpipers running for decades will be greatly missed.
The Council notes ... view the full minutes text for item 87. |
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Copy attached Minutes: It was moved by Councillor Prendergast, seconded by Councillor Brough:
National Insurance Increases Will Damage Local Businesses & Vital Services
On taking office, the current Labour government inherited the fastest growing economy in the G7, inflation back at the Bank of England target of 2% and employment levels at record highs.
During the election campaign, the Labour Party repeatedly stated they would not increase taxes on working people. Despite this, in the Labour Budget, National Insurance contributions for employers will be increased from April 2025, increasing from 13.8% to 15%, this equates to a tax increase for employers of almost 9%.
The threshold which employers must contribute to National Insurance will also be reduced, from £9,100 to £5,000 per year.
The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) has stated that “policy changes leave nominal and real earnings growth lower of the remainder of the forecast as employers pass on the National Insurance contribution rise.”
The OBR further notes that “in 2025/26 firms will pass on 60% of the higher costs to workers and consumers, via lower wages and higher prices.”
Businesses, large and small, have criticised the plans confirming that job losses, price hikes and reduced wage increases will follow.
Many vital services, such as nurseries, hospices and charities will also be hit by the huge increases in National Insurance.
There are around 8,000 businesses across Sefton, large, medium and small, who will be directly affected by the changes.
It is untenable to suggest that all of this does not amount to a tax on working people.
Council believes:
· That raising revenue through excessive increases on employer’s National Insurance contributions is wrong and will lead to job losses, fewer jobs being created, increased prices and reduced wage increases.
· That increasing employer’s National Insurance contributions does amount to a tax on working people that will be detrimental to the people of Sefton.
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 11 votes for to 42 against.
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Copy attached Minutes: It was moved by Councillor Halsall, seconded by Councillor Evans:
In-Depth Neurodiversity Training for Staff and Contractors Working With Children In Care
This Council recognises the critical importance of understanding and supporting neurodiverse children in our care. We believe that a thorough foundation in neurodiversity awareness will enable our staff and contracted service providers to better meet the unique needs of each child, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
To this end, the Council commits to ensuring that all directly employed staff and contracted individuals who work with or interact with children in our care undertake in-depth neurodiversity training. This training must be delivered in person by qualified professionals with expertise in neurodiversity, ensuring a comprehensive, interactive learning experience. We further commit to involving neurodiverse individuals who have left care, as well as parents of neurodiverse children, in guiding and shaping the training content to ensure it reflects real-life experiences and needs.
Sefton Council will:
· Ensure that all directly employed staff and contracted personnel who work with children in care complete neurodiversity training. · Require that the training is delivered in person by qualified neurodiversity professionals, ensuring an in-depth and interactive experience. · Involve neurodiverse individuals who have left care and parents of neurodiverse children in the development of training content to reflect lived experiences and practical insights. · Include practical strategies and skills in the training for understanding and supporting neurodiverse children in care. · Conduct an annual review and update of training programs to reflect current best practices, research, and feedback from neurodiverse individuals and families.
An amendment was moved by Councillor Roscoe, seconded by Councillor Dowd that the Motion be revised as follows:
In-Depth Neurodiversity Training for Staff and Contractors Working With Children In Care
This Council recognises the critical importance of understanding and supporting neurodiverse children in our care.
We believe that a thorough foundation in neurodiversity awareness will enable our staff and contracted service providers to better meet the unique needs of each child, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment and recognise the requirement for different levels of training ranging from those who work intensively in this field to those who work anywhere in the council. In addition, every child or young person who enters care undergoes a thorough health assessment, including the identification and/or recognition of any neurodiverse needs.
To this end, the Council continues to commit to ensuring that all directly employed staff and contracted individuals who work with or interact with children in our care undertake the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism which is the government’s preferred and recommended training for health and social care staff.
Further, this Council commits to the delivery of a package of training that is currently being developed and co-produced with our partners in the Sefton Safeguarding Children Partnership, including Health, the Virtual School, Sefton Parent Carers Forum and Education Excellence, aimed at neurodiversity awareness to all those across the Multi Agency Safeguarding Partnership to support and strengthen confidence when carrying out their safeguarding responsibilities whilst considering ... view the full minutes text for item 89. |
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Copy attached Minutes: It was moved by Councillor Halsall, seconded by Councillor Carlin:
Call for Ceasefire in Gaza and Sanctions on Israel
This Council is deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Gaza and the immense suffering of civilians caught in the conflict. We recognise the importance of immediate action to protect human life and uphold international law.
This Council therefore resolves to write to the UK Government, urging it to:
· Call for an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid. · Impose sanctions on Israel if a ceasefire is not implemented and maintained, demonstrating a commitment to international law and accountability. · End all arms sales to states that are currently under investigation by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for war crimes and crimes against humanity, ensuring that the UK is not complicit in actions that violate human rights. · Offer support to residents affected by the conflict and work with groups already engaged in supporting those who its impacted.
Sefton Council stands firmly in support of peace, human rights, and justice, and calls on the UK Government to take decisive action toward ending the violence and holding all parties accountable.
An amendment was moved by Councillor Pugh, seconded by Councillor Lloyd-Johnson that the Motion be revised as follows:
Adding the following bullet point after the first bullet point:
· Call for the immediate release of all hostages taken during the atrocities of October 7th, 2023.
Deleting the following word from the third point after ‘Impose sanctions’:
Israel
Adding the following words at the end of the last paragraph:
for their actions.
Thereafter, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote on the Motion and the Mayor declared that the Motion was lost by 3 votes for to 41 against.
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Copy attached Minutes: It was moved by Councillor Halsall, seconded by Councillor Doolin:
Call for Government-Funded Pay Rise for Council Staff
This Council recognises the hard work and dedication of our council staff, who provide essential services that support our community every day. With rising living costs, it is crucial that these workers receive fair compensation to reflect their invaluable contributions.
This Council therefore calls on the UK Government to fund a 10% pay rise for all council staff. This increase should be funded with new government money, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall on local council tax-payers.
Sefton Council also commits to ensuring that any improvements in pay will not result in an erosion of working conditions or negatively impact staff work-life balance.
Sefton Council will:
· Write to the Government to request new funding for a 10% pay rise for all council staff. · Insist that this pay rise is fully funded by the Government, not through increased council tax or reallocation of existing council funds. · Ensure that any pay increase does not lead to a reduction in existing working conditions or a compromise of work-life balance for council staff. · Continue to support fair compensation, strong working conditions, and a healthy work-life balance for all employees.
An amendment was moved by Councillor Howard, seconded by Councillor Hart that the Motion be revised as follows:
Call for Government-Funded Pay Rise for Council Staff
This Council recognises the hard work and dedication of our council staff, who provide essential services that support our community every day. With rising living costs, it is crucial that these workers receive fair compensation to reflect their invaluable contributions.
Sefton Council will continue to commit to ensuring that any improvements in pay will not result in an erosion of working conditions or negatively impact staff work-life balance.
Sefton Council will:
· Continue to ensure that any pay increase does not lead to a reduction in existing working conditions or a compromise of work-life balance for council staff. · Continue to support fair compensation, strong working conditions, and a healthy work-life balance for all employees.
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 38 votes for to 14 against.
Thereafter, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote on the Substantive Motion and the Mayor declared that the Substantive Motion was carried by 39 votes for to 14 against and it was
RESOLVED:
Call for Government-Funded Pay Rise for Council Staff
This Council recognises the hard work and dedication of our council staff, who provide essential services that support our community every day. With rising living costs, it is crucial that these workers receive fair compensation to ... view the full minutes text for item 91. |
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Copy attached Minutes: It was moved by Councillor Doolin, seconded by Councillor Halsall:
Renewable Energy Generation on New Council Developments
In July 2019, Sefton Council passed a motion declaring a climate emergency and committed us to reducing carbon emissions in line with expert scientific understanding and for Sefton Council’s activities to be carbon neutral by 2030.
As part of the subsequent report (a), Sefton MBC committed to:
· Municipalisation of energy supply by utilising public sector sites to generate energy where appropriate · Ensure that all strategic decisions are in line with a shift to zero carbon by 2030. · Support and work with all other relevant agencies towards making the Sefton area Zero Carbon within the same timescale. · Achieve 100% clean energy across Sefton Council’s full range of functions by 2030.
We also note that, at the current time, Sefton has significant plans in relation to infrastructure developments at Bootle Strand and Southport Marine Lake Events Centre and for the total refurbishment of Southport Pier. We additionally note Sefton Council’s ownership of Sandway Homes Ltd.
Since the passing of the original motion, although some progress has been made in pursuit of the aims in that report, the damaging effects of climate breakdown have also become more frequent, more destructive and economically more expensive.
Council therefore commits to:
1) Ensuring the use of appropriate renewable energy solutions such as solar PV, air-source and wind technologies to help power all new Council developments including those at Bootle Strand and Southport Marine Lake Events Centre.
2) Incorporating similar fossil fuel-free technologies and live educational displays when Southport Pier is rebuilt - such that it might be marketed as not only the country’s first iron pleasure pier but also its first ‘eco-pier’.
3) All new Sandway Homes Ltd developments to be fitted with air source heat pumps in lieu of a domestic gas boiler along with solar PV generation capacity to provide clean, low-cost electricity to householders and to reduce demand on the local electricity distribution grid.
4) The setting up of a joint council/community-owned limited company with the aim of retrofitting appropriate renewable energy technologies to schools and other publicly-owned buildings.
Reference:
(a) https://modgov.sefton.gov.uk/documents/s97052/Climate%20Emergency-%20Strategy%20final.pdf
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 9 votes for to 40 against.
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Motion Submitted by Councillor Doolin - Government’s Betrayal of WASPI Women Copy attached Minutes: It was moved by Councillor Doolin, seconded by Councillor Halsall:
Government’s Betrayal of WASPI Women
This council deplores the decision of the Government to withdraw all proposed support, as recommended by the Parliamentary Ombudsman report on this topic, to the estimated 3.5 million affected women across the UK. This will directly impact up to 10,000 WASPI women across Sefton.
This council notes the WASPI campaign sought compensation for each affected woman and that the campaign has strongly condemned this decision.
This council condemns in the strongest possible terms the Government’s decision to refuse to implement the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman who proposed compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 be paid to affected women who missed out on pension entitlement.
This council agrees that it is time for the Labour party at all levels, local, national and in government to deliver on the promises they have been making to the WASPI campaign for so many years.
Council therefore commits to:
The Leader of the Council writing to the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall expressing our shock and opposition to the Government's decision to deny compensation in line with the Ombudsman’s recommendation and ask them to reconsider in the interest of fairness and justice.
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 12 votes for to 37 against.
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Motion Submitted by Councillor Pugh - Southport as a Seaside Resort Copy attached Minutes: It was moved by Councillor Pugh, seconded by Councillor Sammon:
Southport as a Seaside Resort
This Council:
(1) recognises that, notwithstanding important current commitments to regeneration and coastal management, Southport faces significant challenges to its traditional status as a seaside resort
(2) notes that there exists no financial provision within its current budget for the complete restoration and opening of the Pier and no strategy to ensure the preservation of a Leisure Beach
(3) calls upon the Sefton Cabinet to review its policy in this area and to clarify both its policy for the Southport shoreline and whether it remains council policy as agreed on 16th November 2023 to request "a firm commitment" from government “to cover the capital and maintenance costs” of the Pier.
An amendment was moved by Councillor Lappin, seconded by Councillor Atkinson that the Motion be revised as follows:
Southport as a Seaside Resort
This Council:
(1) recognises that, notwithstanding important current commitments to regeneration and coastal management, Southport faces significant challenges.
(2) notes the extensive financial provision in previous budgets and the committed £3 million for work on the pier.
(3) calls upon Sefton Cabinet to continue to work with stakeholders and investors to get the pier open.
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 37 votes for to 14 against.
Thereafter, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote on the Substantive Motion and the Mayor declared that the Substantive Motion was carried by 37 votes for to 14 against and it was
RESOLVED:
Southport as a Seaside Resort
This Council:
(1) recognises that, notwithstanding important current commitments to regeneration and coastal management, Southport faces significant challenges.
(2) notes the extensive financial provision in previous budgets and the committed £3 million for work on the pier.
(3) calls upon Sefton Cabinet to continue to work with stakeholders and investors to get the pier open.
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