Agenda and minutes
PDF 114 KBVenue: Morecambe Town Hall
Contact: Liz Bateson, Democratic Support - email ebateson@lancaster.gov.uk
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Minutes To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 16 September 2025 (previously circulated). Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 16 September 2025 were approved as a correct record.
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Items of Urgent Business Authorised by the Leader To consider any such items authorised by the Leader and to consider where in the agenda the item(s) are to be considered. Minutes: |
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Declarations of Interest To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. Councillors 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, Councillors 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, Councillors 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.
Minutes:
The following declarations of interest were made with regard to Agenda Item 13: Letting of Community Asset (Ryelands House):
Councillors Bannon, Hamilton-Cox and Caroline Jackson all declared an interest in view of them being acquainted with the Director of the North Lancashire Community Land Trust through being on the council and ward work. The interest was not pecuniary.
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Public Speaking To consider any such requests received in accordance with the approved procedure.
Minutes: Members were advised that there had been no requests to speak at the meeting in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure.
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(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)
Report of Chief Executive Additional documents:
Minutes: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to enable Cabinet to review the appropriate risk appetite levels for the Council.
No options were provided. Cabinet was asked to refresh the recommended risk levels. Should any adjustments be proposed, officers would need to produce a further report providing more details on any implications of this.
Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Peter Jackson:-
“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously:
That having reviewed the risk appetite levels for risks across the Council, as set out in appendix A to the report, the proposals be endorsed by Cabinet.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Chief Executive
Reasons for making the decision:
The Council has a Risk Management Policy, which is written to provide guidance on the management of risk. Risk Management is identified in the Council Plan 2024-27. The Council has different risk appetites set, depending on the type of risk. The risk appetite was last reviewed by Cabinet in December 2023 and needed to be reviewed again, following the move from a 4x4 to a 5x5 risk scoring matrix. |
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Review of Council Housing Tenancy Agreement (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)
Report of Chief Officer Housing & Property Additional documents: Minutes: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property that sought approval from Cabinet to consult with tenants on proposed changes to the council housing Tenancy Agreement relating to secure and introductory tenants.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:
The Officer preferred option is Option 2 for the reasons set out above.
Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Bannon:-
“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously: (1) That the Community Housing Manager be authorised to consult with tenants regarding the proposed changes to the Tenancy Agreement and to serve the necessary preliminary notice of variation.
(2) That a further report be brought to Members following the completion of the consultation process seeking final approval.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Chief Officer Housing & Property
Reasons for making the decision:
The need has been identified for the Council to review its tenancy agreement to ensure that the agreement remains fit for purpose and can be used as an effective management tool. The agreement has also been updated to ensure that it meets tenant expectations in terms of clarity and understanding.
The decision is consistent with the Council Plan: – the proposal supports the Council’s objectives: to be a Co-operative, Kind and Responsible Council and links to the Councils ambitions of Openness and the Councils Standards – Transparency, Influence and Accountability.
The review is being undertaken in line with the Service Improvement Plan – 4.8 Council Housing tenancy agreement and license agreement updated to reflect current practices and in line with best practice and has been given a deadline date of completion of year 2. |
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Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028 (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Maddocks)
Report of Chief Officer Governance Additional documents: Minutes: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Maddocks)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Governance for Cabinet members to consider the revised Statement of Gambling Policy for 2025-2028 and refer to Full Council for adoption.
Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”) provides that each Licensing Authority shall, before each successive period of three years, prepare a statement of the principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Act during that period, and publish that statement. The Licensing Committee approved the draft policy, in line with the Councils constitution and it was now necessary for Cabinet to make recommendations to Full Council for approval.
It was agreed that the report to Council would highlight the changes to the Gambling Policy which would be useful for members. Following concern regarding safeguarding of children it was suggested that consideration should be given to raising public awareness of the rules in terms of children. It was also noted that the report to full Council would include a revised preface.
Councillor Maddocks proposed, seconded by Councillor Bannon:-
“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved with Cabinet’s comments reflected in the report to Full Council.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously:
That Cabinet endorse the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028 and refer the policy to full Council for adoption with the referral report reflecting Cabinet’s comments.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Chief Officer Governance
Reasons for making the decision:
The Statement of Licensing Policy forms part of the Council’s Policy Framework.
It is important to follow the correct process in implementing the updated policy, with Licensing Committee making recommendations to the Councils Cabinet prior to adoption by Full Council. The absence of a valid policy leaves the Council susceptible to legal challenge. |
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Whilst the following item was public it contained exempt appendices, and notice had been given that the press and public would need to be excluded from the meeting if reference needed to be made to the exempt appendices. During consideration of the item Cabinet voted unanimously to exclude the press and public in order to discuss one of the exempt appendices. The report and minute remain public for Skerton School Procurement remain public.
Resolved unanimously:
The press and public were excluded during the following item and Cabinet remained in private session for the duration of the meeting.
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Skerton School Procurement (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)
Report of Chief Officer Housing & Property (report published 16.10.25)
Please note that whilst the report is public the appendices are exempt. The press and public will be excluded from the meeting at this point if Cabinet are minded to refer to the exempt appendices. Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property that sought Cabinet approval for a twin-track procurement strategy and progress Preliminary Market Engagement to test partnership opportunities for the redevelopment of the Skerton School site and Mainway regeneration.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:
The officer preferred recommendation is to proceed with Option 3, with engagement on the broadest possible terms, providing a clear scope and definition of each site, and our priority to advance Skerton first in alignment with Homes England programmes.
The blended option will help shape the most viable ... view the full minutes text for item 62. |
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Industrial Style Roof Repairs
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)
Report of Chief Officer Housing & Property
Published 20 October 2025 Additional documents:
Minutes: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property that sought approval to undertake roof refurbishment works to key council buildings. The report was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.
Resolved unanimously:
The resolution is set out in a minute exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Chief Officer Housing & Property
Reasons for making the decision:
The decision is consistent with the Council’s priorities. Exactly how the decision fits with Council priorities is set out in the exempt minute.
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Letting of Community Asset (Ryelands House)
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)
Report of Chief Officer Housing & Property
Published 20 October 2025 Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property that sought approval to accept a proposal to enter a lease arrangement with North Lancashire Community Land Trust.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.
Resolved unanimously:
The resolution is set out in a minute exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Chief Officer Housing & Property
Reasons for making the decision:
The decision is consistent with the Council’s priorities. Exactly how the decision fits with Council priorities is set out in the exempt minute.
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