Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Corporate Director (Regeneration).

(Councillor Ashworth declared a personal interest as a Director of Morecambe Bay Partnership during questions on the following item which referred to that organisation.)

Members considered a proposal that the Council should become a member of the Irish Sea Regions Platform as a basis for future partnership working with the regions around the Irish Sea on common issues and projects.

It was reported that the Platform, or partnership, is intended to provide the regions around the Irish Sea with a collective voice which could be used to influence policy development and assist the ‘region’ to be recognised throughout Europe and globally as a recognised entity for economic activity.  The Leader of the Council represents Lancashire on the North West Regional European Partnership (NWREP), which steers European policy for the North West region, is currently supporting the development of the Irish Sea Region Platform and had requested that North West coastal authorities consider signing a Declaration of Intent, which sets the scene for future collaborative working. The request was also being considered by other Lancashire coastal authorities via the Lancashire European Advisory Group.

It was noted that if the Council signed the Declaration of Intent, it would not imply support for any specific projects generated within the Irish Sea Region and these would need to be considered separately as part of normal Council decision making processes.  However, some limited officer time would be required to monitor developments and to attend approximately six meetings a year.

The recommendation to sign the declaration of intent was moved by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Langhorn.

On being put to the vote, the Mayor declared the proposition clearly carried.

Resolved:

That the Council signs the Declaration of Intent to become a member of the Irish Sea Region Platform.