Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Paul Gardner, Tracey Kennedy, David Kerr, Geoff Knight, Geoff Marsland, Terrie Metcalfe, Pam Pickles, Vikki Singleton, Emma Smith and Joyce Taylor.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on 22 October 2014 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 October 2014 were signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Mayor reported the sad deaths of former Councillor Roger Plumb, Phil Wilkins, Homelessness Officer, Honorary Alderman Sybil Rostron and Councillor Val Histed.

Former Councillor Roger Plumb died suddenly at his home at the end of October. Roger was elected as the City Councillor for Westgate in May 2007 for one term and was a Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and also was for a time the Chairman of Morecambe Town Council.

Phil Wilkins, the City Council’s Homelessness Prevention Officer passed away on 2 November after suffering a heart attack. Phil had worked for the City Council since 2006 and was well respected not only by work colleagues within the Council but also colleagues in other statutory and voluntary sector agencies. He would be greatly missed.

Hon Alderman Sybil Rostron passed away on 11 November 2014. Sybil represented the ward of Slyne-with-Hest for 21 years after being elected in 1982 and became Mayor in 1999 when she hosted a visit to Lancaster by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Councillor Val Histed passed away at home on Saturday 22^nd November after a long illness. Councillor Histed was elected to represent the Bolton-le-Sands Ward on the City Council in May 2007. She was a member of Cabinet in 2007 and most recently a member of the Licensing Act Committee.

Members stood in a minute’s silence in their memory.

The Mayor thanked everyone who had attended her recent Wine Tasting event to raise funds for the Mayor’s charities.

The Mayor informed Councillors that she intended to deal with item 20 on the agenda first, to allow the Members of the Independent Remuneration Panel to present their report without delay.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Governance).

Ms Janice Wilson and Mr Colin Everett of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) attended to present their report and recommendations to Council and respond to Members’ questions.

The IRP’s recommendations were as follows:

a)     That there should be an increase to the basic allowance of slightly over 1.5% to give a new basic allowance of £3350, to take effect following the local elections to the City Council in 2015.

b)     That the current levels and rates of Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) should continue for 2015/16.

c)     That the Council should continue to adhere to the established conventions that no Member should receive more than one SRA and that no more than 50% of Elected Members should receive an SRA.

d)     That detailed role profiles should be prepared for each role qualifying for an SRA to assist with future evaluation of responsibilities, complexity and time commitment.

e)     That the current levels of dependents’ carers allowances; travel and subsistence allowances and the current arrangements for costs of vehicle parking should continue.

Regarding ICT, the IRP did not wish to make any recommendations until decisions were made on further ICT provision for Councillors. The Panel made no recommendations regarding co-optees’ allowances or pensions.

Councillor Woodruff proposed, seconded by Councillor Sowden:-

“(1)      That the recommendations of the IRP and the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2015/16, as set out in the Panel’s report, be approved.”

There was no debate and the Mayor called for a vote on the proposition, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)        That the recommendations of the IRP and the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2015/16, as set out in the Panel’s report, be approved.

The Mayor advised that no questions had been received from members of the public in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 12.

The Mayor informed Members that no petitions or requests to address Council had been received from members of the public.

The Leader presented her report updating Members on various issues since her last report to Council.

Resolved:

That the report be noted. 

To consider the report of Cabinet providing updates on treasury management progress during the year, and on the 2015/16 budget process.

Councillor Bryning presented a referral report from Cabinet updating Council on treasury management progress during the year and on the 2015/16 budget process.

Councillor Bryning and the Chief Officer (Resources) responded to Members’ questions on the report.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

To consider the recommendations of the Council Business Committee from its meeting on 6 November 2014.

Councillor Hall, Chairman of Council Business Committee, presented a referral report from the Committee regarding attendance at outside bodies.

Councillor Hall responded to Members’ questions before proposing the recommendations in the report, seconded by Councillor Sherlock:

“(1)       That Councillors appointed to outside bodies inform Democratic Services of the meetings they have attended throughout the year.

(2)        That officers include details of attendance in each report to Annual Council to inform Members when appointments to outside bodies are reconfirmed.”

A vote was then taken on the motion, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)        That Councillors appointed to outside bodies inform Democratic Services of the meetings they have attended throughout the year.

(2)        That officers include details of attendance in each report to Annual Council to inform Members when appointments to outside bodies are reconfirmed.

To consider the recommendations of the Council Business Committee from its meeting on 6 November 2014.

Councillor Hall, Chairman of Council Business Committee, presented a referral report from the Committee regarding the Committee Timetable for 2015/2016.

Councillor Hall responded to Members’ questions before proposing the recommendations of the Council Business Committee, seconded by Councillor Ian Pattison:

“(1)       That the start times of Cabinet meetings and Cabinet briefings be changed to 6pm.

(2)        That the start time of full Council meetings be changed to 6pm.

(3)        That an extra Council meeting be scheduled to fall between 15 July and 21 October.”

A two part amendment was then moved by Councillor Barry, who asked for it to be considered as a friendly amendment:

“That the words ‘Cabinet briefings’ be removed from recommendation (1) and that a new recommendation (4) be added ‘That Special Council meetings be abandoned as formal Council meetings.’”

New recommendation (4) was accepted as friendly amendment by Councillors Hall and Ian Pattison immediately. Following advice from the Monitoring Officer pointing out the Cabinet briefings are informal meetings and not part of the Committee Timetable, the amendment to remove the words “Cabinet briefing” from recommendation (1) was also accepted as a friendly amendment.

After a lengthy debate, the Mayor agree to a request to take a vote on each proposition in turn. The motion that the start times of Cabinet meetings be changed to 6pm was carried with 23 Members voting for the motion, 20 against and 2 abstentions. The proposition that the start time of full Council meetings be changed to 6pm was carried with 30 Members voting for the proposition, 20 against and no abstentions. The motion that an extra Council meeting be scheduled to fall between 15 July and 21 October was carried with 23 Members voting for the motion, 21 against and 3 abstentions. A vote was then taken on the motion that Special Council meetings be abandoned as formal Council meetings, and that motion was clearly carried. Finally, a vote was taken on a proposal to accept the Committee timetable for 2015/16 subject to the changes requested, and that proposal was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)        That the start times of Cabinet meetings be changed to 6pm.

(2)        That the start time of full Council meetings be changed to 6pm.

(3)        That an extra Council meeting be scheduled to fall between 15 July and 21 October.

(4)        That Special Council meetings be abandoned as formal Council meetings.

(5)        That the Committee Timetable for 2015/16 be approved, subject to the above changes.

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Whitaker, Redfern, Newman-Thompson, Scott and Margaret Pattison.

This Council:

a)           Registers its opposition to the Northern and Transpennine Express franchise requirement for driver only trains and the Government’s plans to make driver only trains mandatory.

b)           Expresses its concern at the removal of on board conductors on The Northern and Transpennine routes as well as hundreds of essential rail jobs

c)           Believes that, if implemented, the plan would result in cuts to funding, fare rises, service and timetable cuts and the loss of local rail jobs. .

d)           Also believes that as a result of the loss of skilled jobs, passenger service and passenger safety will be worsened by this plan to remove guards and conductors from services and introduce driver only operated trains.

e)           Notes that these proposals come on top of rail fare hikes and the pre-existing understaffing of many rail stations and the closure of ticket offices, making guards and on board conductors even more essential to passenger safety.

f)            Believes that safeguarding and increasing staffing levels are the most effective way of improving security and passenger safety

g)           Notes that the driver is responsible for safe operation of the train and the on board conductor is responsible for the protection of the passengers.

h)           Notes that currently, guards and on board conductors are fully trained in the operational safety, route knowledge, including safely securing doors, protecting the train and acting in emergencies such as driver incapacity.

An officer briefing note is attached.

The following motion of which notice had been given to the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16 was moved by Councillor Whitaker and seconded by Councillor Margaret Pattison:-

“This Council:

a)           Registers its opposition to the Northern and Transpennine Express franchise requirement for driver only trains and the Government’s plans to make driver only trains mandatory.

b)           Expresses its concern at the removal of on board conductors on The Northern and Transpennine routes as well as hundreds of essential rail jobs

c)           Believes that, if implemented, the plan would result in cuts to funding, fare rises, service and timetable cuts and the loss of local rail jobs. .

d)           Also believes that as a result of the loss of skilled jobs, passenger service and passenger safety will be worsened by this plan to remove guards and conductors from services and introduce driver only operated trains.

e)           Notes that these proposals come on top of rail fare hikes and the pre-existing understaffing of many rail stations and the closure of ticket offices, making guards and on board conductors even more essential to passenger safety.

f)            Believes that safeguarding and increasing staffing levels are the most effective way of improving security and passenger safety

g)           Notes that the driver is responsible for safe operation of the train and the on board conductor is responsible for the protection of the passengers.

h)           Notes that currently, guards and on board conductors are fully trained in the operational safety, route knowledge, including safely securing doors, protecting the train and acting in emergencies such as driver incapacity.”

An officer briefing note about procedural matters accompanied the motion.

At the conclusion of a long debate a vote was taken and the motion was carried with 26 Members voting for, 22 against and 1 abstention.

Resolved:-

This Council:

a)           Registers its opposition to the Northern and Transpennine Express franchise requirement for driver only trains and the Government’s plans to make driver only trains mandatory.

b)           Expresses its concern at the removal of on board conductors on The Northern and Transpennine routes as well as hundreds of essential rail jobs

c)           Believes that, if implemented, the plan would result in cuts to funding, fare rises, service and timetable cuts and the loss of local rail jobs. .

d)           Also believes that as a result of the loss of skilled jobs, passenger service and passenger safety will be worsened by this plan to remove guards and conductors from services and introduce driver only operated trains.

e)           Notes that these proposals come on top of rail fare hikes and the pre-existing understaffing of many rail stations and the closure of ticket offices, making guards and on board conductors even more essential to passenger safety.

f)            Believes that safeguarding and increasing staffing levels are the most effective way of improving security and passenger safety

g)           Notes that the driver is responsible for safe operation of the train and the on board conductor is responsible for the protection  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Newman-Thompson, Gardner and Margaret Pattison:

This Council notes:

1.           That the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is currently being negotiated between the US and the EU supposedly to pursue the interest of free trade.

2.           TTIP negotiations are being conducted behind closed doors between representatives of the EU and US without transparency or democratic accountability.

3.           TTIP would open up access to government procurement markets and eliminate preferential treatment to local suppliers and introduce investment protection provisions that include investor state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms which allow investors to challenge state actions which they perceive as threatening to their investment.

4.           ISDS mechanisms allow for disputes between investors and governments to be heard by tribunals of "experts" rather that resolved by the host state's courts. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recently explained that "foreign investors have recently used ISDS claims to challenge measures adopted by states in the public interest (for example, policies to promote social equity, foster environmental protection or protect public health).

This Council believes that:

1.           The TTIP negotiations are potentially catastrophic for public services as the EU/US representatives are negotiating to hand over the right to regulate in the public interest without transparency or accountability to their electorates.

2.           IDSD mechanisms would make it hard for any government to reverse liberalisation and privatisation without being sued by foreign investors. So whatever voters actually wanted, the trade treaty would place major barriers in the way of government giving expression to their democratic will.

This Council resolves:

1.           To write to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills raising our serious concerns about the TTIP.

2.           To offer support to the campaign by Unite to defend the NHS which is drawing attention to the potential impact of the TTIP.

3.           To write to the Local Government Association to urge them to lobby on behalf of all Local Authorities on the potential impact of the TTIP.

4.           To do all we can to publicise the dangers arising from this trade agreement for our NHS and other public services and jobs.

An officer briefing note is attached.

Councillor Rollins asked to speak on a point of order, referring Councillors to Council Procedure Rules 16.3 and 16.4 in the Council’s Constitution, whereby under 16.3 a motion on the Council agenda would be accompanied by an officer drafted briefing note setting out any particular risks and financial or legal implications; and under 16.4 motions must be about matters for which the Council has a responsibility or which affect the district.

The Chief Executive advised Council that the motion was about a matter which would have an impact on the people of the district and the officer briefing note which accompanied the motion explained why it had been difficult to provide great detail on such a complex matter. To help inform the debate, officers had provided some Government produced documentation for Members.

Following this clarification, Councillor Newman-Thompson proposed the motion, having given the required notice to the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16:-

“This Council notes:

(1)          That the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is currently being negotiated between the US and the EU supposedly to pursue the interest of free trade.

(2)          TTIP negotiations are being conducted behind closed doors between representatives of the EU and US without transparency or democratic accountability.

(3)          TTIP would open up access to government procurement markets and eliminate preferential treatment to local suppliers and introduce investment protection provisions that include investor state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms which allow investors to challenge state actions which they perceive as threatening to their investment.

(4)          ISDS mechanisms allow for disputes between investors and governments to be heard by tribunals of "experts" rather that resolved by the host state's courts. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recently explained that "foreign investors have recently used ISDS claims to challenge measures adopted by states in the public interest (for example, policies to promote social equity, foster environmental protection or protect public health).

This Council believes that:

(1)          The TTIP negotiations are potentially catastrophic for public services as the EU/US representatives are negotiating to hand over the right to regulate in the public interest without transparency or accountability to their electorates.

(2)          IDSD mechanisms would make it hard for any government to reverse liberalisation and privatisation without being sued by foreign investors. So whatever voters actually wanted, the trade treaty would place major barriers in the way of government giving expression to their democratic will.

This Council resolves:

(1)          To write to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills raising our serious concerns about the TTIP.

(2)          To offer support to the campaign by Unite to defend the NHS which is drawing attention to the potential impact of the TTIP.

(3)          To write to the Local Government Association to urge them to lobby on behalf of all Local Authorities on the potential impact of the TTIP.

(4)          To do all we can to publicise the dangers arising from this trade agreement for our NHS and other  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To consider a motion submitted by Councillors Hamilton-Cox, Brookes and Barry as follows:

This council resolves:

'To ask officers to produce a public briefing note for councillors on the 5-year housing land supply statement focussed on how the calculation of the under-supply of 1695 homes is justified when set against the available data on growth of population, household formation and employment  between 2001 and 2011. Full council asks that the briefing note should be based on attributable data and should compare the data with the projections and forecasts for population, household formation and employment which presumably informed the target of 400 homes per year against which housing delivery is deemed to have fallen short to 2011.

 Full council further resolves that the briefing note be circulated to councillors not later than Wednesday 14th January 2015.

The proposers of the motion note the census data which shows that the district's population increased by 4461 between 2001 and 2011. The city council's Housing  Land Monitoring Reports show that the number of homes completed in the district between 2001-02 and 2010-11 was 3223. This is a ratio of 1.38 people per new household. The average household size at the 2011 census was 2.27 people.'

An officer briefing note is attached.

Notice of the following motion had been given to the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16 by Councillors Hamilton-Cox, Barry and Brookes:- 

“To ask officers to produce a public briefing note for councillors on the 5-year housing land supply statement focussed on how the calculation of the under-supply of 1695 homes is justified when set against the available data on growth of population, household formation and employment  between 2001 and 2011. Full council asks that the briefing note should be based on attributable data and should compare the data with the projections and forecasts for population, household formation and employment which presumably informed the target of 400 homes per year against which housing delivery is deemed to have fallen short to 2011.

Full council further resolves that the briefing note be circulated to councillors not later than Wednesday 14th January 2015.

The proposers of the motion note the census data which shows that the district's population increased by 4461 between 2001 and 2011. The city council's Housing  Land Monitoring Reports show that the number of homes completed in the district between 2001-02 and 2010-11 was 3223. This is a ratio of 1.38 people per new household. The average household size at the 2011 census was 2.27 people.”

Prior to the meeting, a revised motion had been circulated by the proposers and this wording was proposed by Councillor Hamilton-Cox and seconded by Councillor Barry:

“This council resolves:

To ask officers to produce a briefing note for councillors on the 5-year housing land supply statement focussed on how the calculation of the under-supply of 1695 homes is justified when set against the available data on growth of population, household formation and employment between 2001 and 2011. Full council asks that the briefing note should be based on attributable data and should compare the data with the projections and forecasts for population, household formation and employment which presumably informed the target of 400 homes per year against which housing delivery is deemed to have fallen short to 2011.

Full council resolves that the background briefing note be circulated to councillors not later than Wednesday 14th January 2015.

Full council further resolves that the Chief Executive should write to the district's two MPs and the planning minister to ask that calculation of previous housing under-supply, instead of being judged against the 400 homes target that was itself only based on forecasts and projections, should be re-based to take account of actual population, household formation and employment increases during the period 2001-2011.

The proposers of the motion note the census data which shows that the district's population increased by 4461 between 2001 and 2011. The city council's Housing Land Monitoring Reports show that the number of homes completed in the district between 2001-02 and 2010-11 was 3223. This is a ratio of 1.38 people per new household. The average household size at the 2011 census was 2.27 people.”

Officer advice was included in a briefing note accompanying the agenda.

The following amendment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Governance).

The Chief Officer (Governance) submitted a report providing information on the costs of recording Council meetings, as requested by Council at its meeting on 22 October 2014.

The Chief Officer (Governance) responded to a question from a Councillor.

Councillor Mace proposed, seconded by Councillor Williamson:

“That, on an experimental basis, sound recordings of Council meetings be prepared and made available to Members and Officers on request.”

There was no debate and vote was taken on the proposal which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

That, on an experimental basis, sound recordings of Council meetings be prepared and made available to Members and Officers on request.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Governance).

A report of the Chief Officer (Governance) was considered to enable Council to make arrangements for determining the outcome of the review of polling districts and polling places in the Parliamentary Constituencies of Morecambe and Lunesdale and Lancaster and Fleetwood.

The Chief Officer (Governance) responded to Members’ questions.

Councillor Williamson proposed, seconded by Councillor Joan Jackson:

“(1)       That consideration of the review of polling districts and polling places be delegated to a specially convened meeting of Council Business Committee in January, to comply with the legislative timetable.

(2)        That power be delegated to Council Business Committee to authorise publication of prescribed statutory information about the outcome of the review.

(3)        That the Returning Officer, in consultation with the relevant ward Councillors, be authorised to make any necessary changes to polling places that may arise other than as part of a review.”

There was no debate and a vote was then taken, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)        That consideration of the review of polling districts and polling places be delegated to a specially convened meeting of Council Business Committee in January, to comply with the legislative timetable.

(2)        That power be delegated to Council Business Committee to authorise publication of prescribed statutory information about the outcome of the review.

(3)        That the Returning Officer, in consultation with the relevant ward Councillors, be authorised to make any necessary changes to polling places that may arise other than as part of a review.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive submitted a report advising Council of the allocation of seats in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Council’s agreed protocol, following the death of Councillor Val Histed.

It was noted that the Labour Group would receive the place on the Licensing Act Committee formerly held by Councillor Histed.

Councillor Dixon proposed, seconded by Councillor Greenall (1) and Councillor Bevan (2):

“(1)      That in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act, 1989 and Part 4 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations, 1990, the City Council approves the calculations and allocation of seats set out in paragraph 2 of the report.

(2)             That Councillor Newman-Thompson be appointed to the Licensing Act Committee.”

A vote was then taken on the motion which the Mayor declared clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)        That in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act, 1989 and Part 4 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations, 1990, the City Council approves the calculations and allocation of seats set out in paragraph 2 of the report.

(2)       That Councillor Newman-Thompson be appointed to the Licensing Act Committee.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning).

NB: two large documents referred to in the report (The Development Management DPD and the Morecambe Area Action Plan) are available to view on the following link:

http://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=305&MId=6355

Alternatively, Councillors can request a paper copy by phoning 582170, or view one of the paper copies in the Members’ rooms.

Council considered a report of the Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning) to seek a resolution to formally adopt the Development Management Development Plan Document (DPD) [Planning Policies] and the Morecambe Area Action Plan DPD as part of the Local Plan for Lancaster District 2011-2031.

Councillor Hanson proposed the recommendations in the report, seconded by Councillor Helme:

“(1)         That both the Development Management Development Plan Document (DPD) [Planning Policies] and the Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP) DPD be adopted as part the Local Plan for Lancaster District 2011–2031.

(2)          That the necessary measures be undertaken to publicise their adoption in accordance with national legislation.

(3)          That, following the revision of National Planning Practice Guidance on Affordable Housing contributions that was published on Friday 28^th November, the council also publishes a clarification note on the implementation of Development Management Policy DM41, New Residential Dwellings, to the effect that the council acknowledges the revised guidance and the implications for the implementation of affordable housing policy, and accordingly will use an interim approach when negotiating for complements of Affordable Housing, as described within the clarification note.  The council is further committed to;

a)     Preparing an NPPG-compliant interim policy through an imminent revision of the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on Meeting Housing Needs, and,

b)     Formally revising Policy DM41 through a review of the Development Management DPD following a refresh of evidence on development viability which will accompany the preparation of the forthcoming Land Allocations Document.

c)  A draft edition of the proposed interim approach (as described in the first paragraph of this recommendation) is appended to these minutes. This interim approach described will be applicable immediately upon the adoption of the DPD and in advance of the further actions to which the council is committed in 3a and 3b above.”

There was no debate.

A vote was then taken and the proposition was carried.

Resolved:

(1)          That both the Development Management Development Plan Document (DPD) [Planning Policies] and the Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP) DPD be adopted as part the Local Plan for Lancaster District 2011–2031.

(2)          That the necessary measures be undertaken to publicise their adoption in accordance with national legislation.

(3)          That, following the revision of National Planning Practice Guidance on Affordable Housing contributions that was published on Friday 28^th November, the council also publishes a clarification note on the implementation of Development Management Policy DM41, New Residential Dwellings, to the effect that the council acknowledges the revised guidance and the implications for the implementation of affordable housing policy, and accordingly will use an interim approach when negotiating for complements of Affordable Housing, as described within the clarification note.  The council is further committed to;

a)     Preparing an NPPG-compliant interim policy through an imminent revision of the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on Meeting Housing Needs, and,

b)     Formally revising Policy DM41 through a review of the Development Management DPD following a refresh of evidence on development viability which will accompany the preparation of the forthcoming Land Allocations Document.

c)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Governance).

Council considered a report of the Chief Officer (Governance) giving notice of an amendment made by the Leader to the Scheme of Delegation to Officers to ensure that officers were able to exercise new powers contained in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

The Mayor advised that one question had been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rules. The question was from Councillor Dennison to Councillor Blamire.

Councillor Dennison asked:

“A number of years ago proposals were made to redevelop the area around Chatsworth Road, Morecambe.  As we approach 2015, the residents of the surrounding area face a depressing Christmas view.  Can the Cabinet Member give the residents any hope to local council tax payers that essential redevelopment work will commence before the next general election?”

Councillor Hanson responded:

“I want to begin by being absolutely clear that the length of time we have had to wait to see the development of the Chatsworth Gardens project is simply not acceptable and Members should be under no illusion as to the strength of my determination to resolve the issue as both the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning and as the local Ward Member for the West End.

Since the Council began this process a number of years ago, we have been beset by insecure government funding streams, and setbacks at a local level. We have faced significant challenges that have at times severely slowed progress and have led to unacceptable delays in moving forward with the scheme.

It is right to say that the legal process has slowed our development with the project but given the scale of public funding to be invested in this scheme it is absolutely right that extensive legal safeguards are put in place to ensure our investment is best protected. We owe that to the very tax payers that Councillor Dennison makes reference to in his question.

But, Mr Mayor, today marks a turning point for Chatsworth Gardens and our local community. I can now confirm that, after extensive consultation with the Chief Executive, I have received his written assurances that the legal process will be finalised within the month and that works will begin on site in the New Year.

I am sure Members will agree that, whilst this process has been unacceptably delayed, and I share Councillor Dennison’s concerns in this regard, we are taking the concerted steps necessary to ensure that Chatsworth Gardens is restored to the state it, and the local community we serve, deserves.”

Councillor Hanson further assured Councillor Dennison that she would be keeping a very close eye on progress over the next two months.

By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Dennison asked:

“Can a copy of your full reply be sent to Mr Swithin of Albert Road, Morecambe, who petitioned the Council a couple of years ago?”

Councillor Hanson replied ‘yes’, a copy would be sent and she would also like to extend an invitation to Mr Swithin to come and meet with her and her fellow Ward Councillor, the Chief Executive and the Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning).

To receive the minutes of meetings of Cabinet held on 4 November and 2 December 2014. 

Council considered the Cabinet minutes of the meetings held on 4 November and 2 December 2014. There were no questions.

Resolved:

That the minutes be noted.

The Mayor reminded Members that, since this was the last Council meeting before Christmas, she would like Councillors and Officers to join her in the Committee rooms upstairs for refreshments and a buffet.