Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Denwood, Devey, Mace, Parkinson, Sykes and Wild

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on 2 March 2016 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2016 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 10 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. 

There were no declarations of interest made at this stage.

The Mayor asked that members stand in silence to remember the victims of the attacks in Brussels on 22^nd March.

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

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.

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

Report of the Chief Executive Recruitment Committee.

A report had been submitted to enable Council to approve the appointment of the Chief Executive in order that a formal offer of employment, subject to pre-placement screening, could be made to the recommended candidate. 

In response to questions from Members the HR Services Manager confirmed that the

position of Chief Executive was subject to a 6 month appointment review period, which was distinct from probation, as appointment review applied to those individuals who had continuous Local Government service on appointment and who therefore normally had full employment rights having had more than 2 years continuous service in a local authority.  The 6 month appointment review period would be linked to the Chief Executive’s performance appraisal process.

Councillor Blamire, as Chairman of the Chief Executive Recruitment Committee summarised the recruitment procedure and advised the meeting that Susan Parsonage was the Committee’s preferred candidate.

It was moved by Councillor Blamire and seconded by Councillor Phillippa Williamson:

“That Council approve the appointment of the Chief Executive in order that a formal offer of employment be made to the preferred candidate, Susan Parsonage, subject to pre-placement screening.”

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

Resolved:

(1)          That Council approve the appointment of the Chief Executive in order that a formal offer of employment be made to the preferred candidate, Susan Parsonage, subject to pre-placement screening.

Having an interest in the following item, the Chief Executive and Democratic Services Manager left the meeting at this point.

Council is recommended to pass the following recommendation 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 of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for Council itself to decide whether or not to consider it 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. 

The Mayor reminded Council that it had been recommended to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information.

Councillor Ashworth moved, seconded by Councillor Gardiner:

“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 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

A vote was taken and the motion was carried.

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 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

(Members of the public left the Council Chamber at this point.)

Report of the HR and OD Manager.

A report was submitted to enable Council to make a decision in relation to the contractual notice submitted by the Chief Executive.  The HR Services Manager responded to questions from Members and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services at Preston City Council confirmed that the Returning Officer’s fee for the European Union referendum would be paid by the Cabinet Office and not paid by Lancaster City Council.

Councillor Blamire proposed, seconded by Councillor Peter Williamson:

“That the contractual notice by the Chief Executive be noted and that option (1) of the contingency arrangements be approved.”

There was no debate and the proposition was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)          That the Council accept the Chief Executive’s offer to work on in an effort to assist the Council, subject to the arrangements not compromising his role as non-executive Director with Blackpool Hospital Trust.