Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors June Ashworth, Jon Barry, Rob Devey, Mel Guilding, Colin Hartley, Helen Helme, Ronnie Kershaw, Geoff Knight, John Wild, Peter Williamson and Paul Woodruff.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on 12th May and 15^th May 2017 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 and 15 May 2017 were signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

Members advised of the following interests at this stage:

Councillors Susie Charles, Charlie Edwards, Andrew Gardiner, Margaret Pattison and Phillippa Williamson declared non-prejudicial interests in Item 4 – the Urgent Business report on Carnforth Swimming Pool in view of them being members of Lancashire County Council.

The Mayor informed Members that he had accepted an item of urgent business with regard to Carnforth Swimming Pool in accordance with Section100(B)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as a decision was required prior to the next Council meeting on 27th September 2017.

The Chief Officer (Health & Housing) submitted a report in order for Members to consider whether to continue to operate Carnforth pool for a further 3 months to 31^st December 2017, to allow time for Carnforth Town Council to lead on developing a community interest company to take over the pool. 

The Mayor agreed to adjourn the meeting at this point for 5 minutes to enable members the opportunity to read the report.  The meeting adjourned at 6.08pm and reconvened at 6.13pm.

The Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility for Leisure responded to questions.

Councillor Clifford proposed, seconded by Councillor Yates:

“That the City Council continues to operate Carnforth pool for a further 3 months to 31^st December 2017, with the extension funded from the Budget Support Reserve.”

After a short debate Members voted unanimously in support of the proposition.

Resolved:

(1)          That the City Council continues to operate Carnforth pool for a further 3 months to 31^st December 2017, with the extension funded from the Budget Support Reserve.

The Mayor reported the sad death of Betty Spencer Ford.  Betty had represented Heysham Central between 1983 and 1991.

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

The Mayor announced that a Notice of Casual Vacancy had been published in respect of Skerton West Ward following the resignation of Councillor Karen Leytham. The date of any by-election was yet to be determined.

The Mayor thanked all those who had attended the recent wine tasting fundraiser and those who had supported the Freedom March on 17^th July 2017.

To receive questions in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rules 11.1 and 11.3 which require members of the public to give at least 3 days’ notice in writing of questions to a Member of Cabinet or Committee Chairman. 

The Mayor advised that no questions had been received from members of the public in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11.

To receive an Address from Mr Barry Lloyd, notification of which has been received by theChief Executive in accordance with the Council’s Constitution. A copy of Mr Lloyds’saddress was not available at the time of agenda publication but will be circulated to Members as soon as possible by email. Paper copies will be distributed at the meeting.

The Mayor called Mr Barry Lloyd forward to address Council about democratising the electorate. A copy of Mr Lloyd’s address had been previously circulated.

The Mayor thanked Mr Lloyd, who returned to the public gallery.

The Leader presented her report updating Members on various issues since her last report to Council. Councillor Hanson responded to a question regarding combined authorities, having attended a recent meeting on this subject on behalf of the Leader.

Resolved:

That the report be noted. 

Referral from Cabinet.

Council considered various matters in connection with the Treasury Management outturn for 2016/17 which were referred to them in a report from Cabinet.

The report was for noting.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  

Councillor Edwards, as the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny task group which had scrutinised the Lancaster Night Economy in the Lancaster District, presented the task group’s report and recommendations to Council.

It was noted that recommendations (1)-(4) of the Task Group’s report had been considered by Cabinet and Council was being asked to consider recommendations (5) and (6).

Members asked a number of questions, which Councillor Edwards and the Chief Officer (Environment) responded to.

Councillor Edwards, seconded by Councillor Cooper, proposed:

“(1)    That all Members of the Licensing Act Committee take part in an annual early hours visit with the Licensing Team as part of their mandatory training.

(2)     That the City Council’s policy on the training of staff in licensed premises be reviewed.”

By way of an amendment, which was accepted as a friendly amendment by Councillors

Edward and Cooper, Councillor Warriner proposed that all members be invited to attend the early hours visit.

There was a short debate before a vote was taken on the proposition as amended, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)     That all Members of the Licensing Act Committee take part in an annual early hours visit with the Licensing Team as part of their mandatory training and any other interested member would be welcome to attend.

(2)     That the City Council’s policy on the training of staff in licensed premises be reviewed.

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Tim Hamilton-Cox and Caroline Jackson:-

This council applauds the work of Preston city council in promoting local procurement by '12 of Preston’s key employers who were helped to reorganise their supply chains and identify where they could buy goods and services locally, stopping 61% of their procurement budget being spent outside the Lancashire economy.'

This council notes:

1)            That several members of cabinet, other city councillors and a senior officer attended a meeting in the Gregson centre in May at which Cllr Matthew Brown, the responsible cabinet member on Preston city council, spoke about how far procurement has been localised and the benefits which have ensued for local businesses;

2)            The key role of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) in facilitating the work to localise procurement amongst the key employers (including the city council) in Preston;

3)            The availability of the 2017-18 £500k economic development budget to fund a commission from CLES.

4)            This council resolves to request that cabinet commission a report from the economic development team in the city council on replicating the 'Preston model' in Lancaster district, to be presented to October cabinet.

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 15 was moved by Councillor Hamilton-Cox and seconded by Councillor Caroline Jackson:-

“This Council applauds the work of Preston City Council in promoting local procurement by 12 of Preston’s key employers who were helped to reorganise their supply chains and identify where they could buy goods and services locally, stopping 61% of their procurement budget being spent outside the Lancashire economy.

This Council notes:

1)            That several members of Cabinet, other City Councillors and a senior officer attended a meeting in the Gregson Centre in May at which Cllr Matthew Brown, the responsible Cabinet Member on Preston City Council, spoke about how far procurement has been localised and the benefits which have ensued for local businesses;

2)            The key role of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) in facilitating the work to localise procurement amongst the key employers (including the City Council) in Preston;

3)            The availability of the 2017-18 £500k economic development budget to fund a commission from CLES.

This Council resolves to request that Cabinet commission a report from the economic development team in the City Council on replicating the 'Preston model' in Lancaster district, to be presented to October Cabinet.”

An officer briefing note was included with the agenda, to inform and assist Councillors’ debate.

An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor Whitehead and seconded by Councillor Burns:

“That point 3 and the resolution be replaced with:

3.         Officers from Lancaster City Council have had discussions with officers from Preston City Council to explore the potential for taking a similar approach here.

This council resolves to request that as part of the development of its own economic strategy, the economic development team investigate the ‘Preston model’ alongside other potential models for implementation in the Lancaster district.”

(The meeting adjourned at 6.40pm and reconvened at 6.45pm)

With the agreement of the meeting and his seconder, Councillor Hamilton-Cox accepted this as a friendly amendment, with the following addition; ‘An interim report will be made available by January 2018.”

At the conclusion of the debate a vote was taken and the motion was clearly carried.

Resolved:-

This Council applauds the work of Preston City Council in promoting local procurement by 12 of Preston’s key employers who were helped to reorganise their supply chains and identify where they could buy goods and services locally, stopping 61% of their procurement budget being spent outside the Lancashire economy.

This council notes:

1)            That several members of Cabinet, other City Councillors and a senior officer attended a meeting in the Gregson Centre in May at which Cllr Matthew Brown, the responsible Cabinet Member on Preston City Council, spoke about how far procurement has been localised and the benefits which have ensued for local businesses;

2)            The key role of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) in facilitating the work to localise procurement amongst the key employers (including the city council) in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive submitted a report providing Council with further information on potential collaborative arrangements with South Lakeland District Council and Barrow Borough Council and presented a Joint Statement of Intent for Council’s consideration. 

Members asked a number of questions, which the Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning) and Councillor Blamire responded to.

Councillor Blamire, seconded by Councillor Hanson, proposed:

“(1)    That the Council explores collaborate opportunities with South Lakeland District Council and Barrow Borough Council in order to take a strategic approach to delivering economic and other benefits for the Morecambe Bay area and the Lancashire and Cumbria sub regions.

(2)     That the Joint Statement of Intent between the three Councils be agreed.”

There was a short debate before Members voted unanimously in support of the proposition.

Resolved:

(1)     That the Council explores collaborate opportunities with South Lakeland District Council and Barrow Borough Council in order to take a strategic approach to delivering economic and other benefits for the Morecambe Bay area and the Lancashire and Cumbria sub regions.

(2)     That the Joint Statement of Intent between the three Councils be agreed.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive presented a report which set out the calculation in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Part 4 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, which had been carried out following notification of a change to the political groupings.

The Mayor confirmed that in accordance with a decision previously agreed at Council the report did not take into account the resignation of Councillor Leytham, as this would be considered after the by-election.

A proposition to approve the calculations and allocations of seats, as set out in Appendices B and C of the report, was moved by Councillor Brookes and seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox.

A vote was taken and the Mayor declared the proposition clearly carried.

The Mayor then asked the Green Group administrator which seat they wished to pass to the Conservative Group in the Overview and Scrutiny grouping.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox asked for Councillor Brookes’ seat on the Budget and Performance Panel to be passed to the Conservative Group.

The Conservative group nominated Councillor Phillippa Williamson for that place.

The Mayor asked the Green Group administrator which place on the Regulatory and Standing Committees grouping they wished to pass to the Labour Group.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox asked for Councillor Mills’ seat on the Licensing Act Committee to be passed to the Labour Group and the Labour Group nominated Councillor Denwood for that place.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox, seconded by Councillor Brookes proposed that the adjustments detailed above be approved.

The Mayor called for a vote on the proposition to approve the adjustments.  Members voted unanimously in support of the proposition.

Resolved:-

(1)     That the calculations and allocations of seats, as set out in Appendices B and C of the report, be approved.

(2)     That Councillor Brookes be removed from the Budget and Performance Panel and Councillor Phillippa Williamson be appointed.

(3)     That Councillor Mills be removed from the Licensing Act Committee and Councillor Denwood be appointed.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

Council considered a report submitted by the Chief Executive. The report noted that a vacancy had arisen on the George Fox School Educational Charity.  Members were asked to consider the basis for the appointment, which had previously been made by way of nominations and voting at full Council, and to receive nominations at the meeting should the basis remain the same.

Councillor Brookes, seconded by Councillor Caroline Jackson, proposed that the basis of appointment should remain by way of nominations and voting at full Council.

There was no debate and the proposition was clearly carried when put to the vote.

The Mayor called for nominations for the vacancy. Councillor Clifford nominated Councillor Leyshon, seconded by Councillor Brown and Councillor Phillippa Williamson nominated Councillor Joan Jackson, seconded by Councillor Parkinson.

The Mayor called for a vote. There were 35 votes for Councillor Leyshon, 13 votes for Councillor Joan Jackson with 1 abstention whereupon the Mayor declared Councillor Leyshon appointed to the George Fox School Educational Charity.

Resolved:

That Councillor Leyshon be appointed to the George Fox School Educational Charity.

Group Administrators to report any changes to Committee Membership.

The Mayor asked Group Administrators if they wished to make any appointments or changes to Committee Memberships.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox nominated Councillor Barry for appointment to the Planning and Highways Regulatory Committee and confirmed that Councillor Brookes would be a substitute on the Budget and Performance Panel.

Councillor Clifford nominated Councillor Kay for appointment to the Planning and Highways Regulatory Committee and advised that the Labour replacement to the Licensing Act Committee would be confirmed.

The Mayor called for a vote and the appointments and changes set out above were approved.

Resolved:

(1)          That Councillor Councillor Barry be appointed to the Planning and Highways Regulatory Committee.

(2)          That Councillor Kay be appointed to the Planning and Highways Regulatory Committee.

(3)          That Councillor Brookes be appointed as substitute to the Budget and Performance Panel

(4)          That it be noted that the Labour vacancy to the Licensing Act Committee would be confirmed.

To receive questions in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rules 12.2 and 12.4 which require a Member to give at least 3 working days’ notice, in writing, of the question to the Chief Executive. 

The Mayor advised that seven questions had been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rules.

(1)          Councillor Edwards to Councillor Warriner regarding Council Housing and Housing Association properties and safety.

(2)&(3) Councillor Reynolds to Councillor Clifford regarding Carnforth Community  Swimming Pool.

(4)          Councillor Hamilton-Cox to Councillor Whitehead regarding the budget support reserve

(5)          Councillor Hamilton-Cox to Councillor Hanson regarding road infrastructure costs

(6)           Councillor Brookes to Councillor Clifford regarding Beyond the Castle project

(7)          Councillor Caroline Jackson to Councillor Clifford regarding Castle Fields

Details of the questions and answers together with any supplementary questions and responses are appended to the minutes.

To receive the Minutes of Meeting of Cabinet held on 26^th June 2017. 

Council considered the Cabinet minutes of the meeting held on 26 June 2017.

Resolved:

That the minutes be noted.