Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Meeting held on 10^th March 2021 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 10^th March, 2021 were agreed as a correct record and would be signed in due course.

There were no items of Urgent Business.

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. 

There were no Declarations of Interest.

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendations in relation to the following item:-

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item have been marked as exempt, it is for Committee itself to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public. In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

It was proposed by Councillor Reynolds, seconded by the Chair and unanimously agreed :

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Resolved:-

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

The ‘live’ Teams meeting concluded at 6.05pm and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened in a private Teams meeting to consider the exempt item.

Report will be circulated separately.

The Chairman presented the recommendations of the Morecambe Future High Street Bid Informal Task Group. It was reported that the informal group had studied the failed bid and had a number of positive suggestions to assist with future bids for funding for the district that the City Council made.

The Committee considered each recommendation individually and made comments.

Resolved unanimously :-

1.     That Officers ensure that consultants have a local based knowledge for future bids.

2.     That any future bids consult with a wider base of stakeholders with a broader scope of interests.

     That all ward Councillors are invited to participate from town, city and county.

3.     With regard to Destination Morecambe - restructuring and reimagining how people arrive and connect with the town :-

That full consultation takes place with County Highways, Network Rail, Eden North and other relevant interested parties to ensure a whole structured, environmentally friendly transport plan is conceived for the area.

4.     With regard to the New Contemporary Heart proposals within the bid :-

That more sustainable regeneration proposals are developed following wider consultation taking into account the 80+ Market traders.

5.     Regarding the Call for housing - new development of Telephone Exchange car park:-

That conversion of empty business premises and new build of housing is introduced throughout the town centre to bring back the community feel of the whole of the centre. 

6.     With regard to the Winter Gardens provision of essential new infrastructure to increase the capacities, opportunities and viability :-

That the Winter Gardens remain an essential part of Morecambe's future and should be included in any future bid.

7.     Regarding Hyperfast Broadband - installation of engineered servicing to facilitate hyper provision for Morecambe Town Centre :-

That Lancaster City Council tries to source other funding for Hyperfast Broadband provision in Morecambe Town Centre.

8.     That comparisons with other sites contained within the report should be like for like. There is no benefit comparing a seaside-based, seasonal tourist town with major city yields and operations.

9.     That, as a rule, the final bid (ultimately spending commitment) should be signed off by the Departmental Head, the Chief Executive, the Portfolio holder and Leader of Council.

10.  That for clarity, an Executive summary should be attached to the report, which also defines the original council brief, tasks undertaken, personnel involved and third party outsourcing responsibilities.

11.  That this bid is not re-used in the future as it is outdated and no longer fit for purpose, post COVID.

12.  That a new Morecambe Area Action Plan is drafted with full participation of all Morecambe councillors and business representatives.

13.  That a Capital Strategy policy be developed to include purchases specifically for the economic growth of Morecambe, for instance bringing redundant premises back to use.