Agenda and minutes

Before starting the meeting the Mayor welcomed Councillor Amara Betts-Patel, Councillor Oliver Robinson and Councillor Peter Rivet to their first Council meeting since being elected as a result of two by-elections held on 17 May 2018. Councillor Rivet was elected to represent Skerton West ward; Councillors Betts-Patel and Robinson were elected to represent University and Scotforth Rural Ward.

The Mayor then reminded Members of the need to show respect for each other during debate and to comply with the procedure rules and code of conduct to make the meeting as productive as possible.

Apologies were received from Councillors Susie Charles, Nigel Goodrich, Jane Parkinson, Susan Sykes and Oscar Thynne.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meetings of the City Council held on 11^th May and 14^th May 2018 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meetings held on 11 and 14 May 2018 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 Cooper and Gardiner declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 22, Appointment to the Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) as they each had a business in the Morecambe area. (Minute No. 40 refers.)

Councillor Edwards declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 18, the motion on notice regarding Children’s Centres as a Member of the County Council.  (Minute No. 36 refers.) The Mayor advised him that this motion had been withdrawn.

Councillor Hughes declared a declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to item 22, Appointment to the Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) as the Chairman of the Morecambe BID. (Minute No. 40 refers.)

Councillor Peter Williamson expressed concern at the number of items on the agenda. He asked the Mayor if he would try and ensure that each full council agenda had a reasonable prospect of finishing before 10.00pm.

The Mayor replied that there was a lot of business to get through and this had been considered at his briefing session. He would explain how he intended to re-order the agenda under the next item.

The Mayor invited Councillors to attend his charity BBQ on Saturday 4 August 2018. Tickets, priced £7, to include food and live music, could be purchased from the Mayor’s Office.

Councillors were informed that the Mayor wished to re-order the agenda. The first item would be to hear two public speakers who had registered to speak about the Canal Quarter, followed by an adjournment to attend a briefing for Members in the upstairs Committee rooms. Following the Canal Quarter briefing, Members would consider the exemption issue before taking the Canal Quarter Progress Update report.

The Mayor announced that the motion on notice regarding Children’s Centres (Item 18) would not be heard. It had been withdrawn by the Members who submitted it.

The Mayor was asked whether the briefing on the Canal Quarter would be open to the public. The advice was that this was not part of the Council meeting, therefore it would not be a public meeting.

Councillor Barry proposed:

“That the briefing session on the Canal Quarter be opened up to allow the members of the public present to attend.”

Councillor Hamilton-Cox seconded the motion, which was clearly carried when put to the vote.

Resolved:

That the briefing session on the Canal Quarter be opened up to allow the members of the public present to attend.

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 Ms Desna Mackenzie, notification of which has been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.  Copy of Ms Mackenzie’s address is attached.

Ms Desna MacKenzie addressed Council in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 13. A copy of her address, which related to consultation about the plans for the Canal Quarter, had been published with the agenda.

Mr. Barry Callaghan then addressed Council, also about consultation regarding the Canal Quarter.  A copy of his address had been previously circulated.

The Leader thanked both speakers and asked Councillor Hanson, Portfolio holder for Planning and Regeneration, to make a response.

Councillor Hanson thanked Ms MacKenzie and Mr Callaghan for their views. She advised that the project was still in its very early stages and she would expect public participation to take place. She invited Ms MacKenzie and Mr Callaghan to meet with her and the relevant Council officers in the near future to see how they could play a part going forward.

The Mayor then called for an adjournment of the public meeting for approximately 45 minutes to allow Councillors to receive a presentation relating to the Canal Quarter in the Committee rooms upstairs.

The meeting adjourned at 6.30pm and reconvened at 7.15pm.

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 3 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 pointed out that the next item was a recommendation to exclude the press and public. However, the report had been prepared as a public report, and it would only be necessary to exclude the press and public if Councillors felt it necessary to refer to the contemplated financial and business affairs relating to the development contained in Appendix C of the report. He suggested that the majority of the report – those parts relating to recommendations 1 to 6 and 8 – be debated in public first; then that an exclusion resolution be proposed to allow questions and debate relating to the financial information in Appendix C of the report, relating to recommendation 7.

The Mayor asked Councillors whether there were any objections to dealing with the report in the manner he had just suggested.

Councillor Peter Williamson objected. He proposed that no exclusion resolution be passed, as he could see no reason for any exemption.

Advice was sought and received from the Monitoring Officer, who explained that information was contained within the exempt appendix which could adversely affect the position of the Council in future business negotiations. In view of this, Councillor Blamire proposed:

“That the majority of the report – those parts relating to recommendations 1-6 and 8 – be debated in public first; then that an exclusion resolution be proposed to allow questions and debate relating to the financial information in Appendix C of the report, relating to recommendation 7.”

Councillor Hanson seconded the proposition and, after a short debate, the Mayor called for a vote. The proposition was clearly carried.

Resolved:

That the majority of the report – those parts relating to recommendations 1-6 and 8 – be debated in public first; then that an exclusion resolution be proposed to allow questions and debate relating to the financial information in Appendix C of the report, relating to recommendation 7.

To consider the report of the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning.

Report to follow.

Councillor Janice Hanson presented her report updating Council on progress with the Canal Quarter. The report was public, however Appendix C was exempt under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

She responded to a number of questions from Councillors, assisted by the Regeneration Manager and the Planning Manager.

Councillor Hanson proposed:

“That recommendations 1 to 6 and recommendation 8, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillor Hughes seconded the proposition.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed an amendment, to remove recommendations 6 and 8 from the proposition.

Councillor Barry seconded the amendment.

A lengthy debate on the amendment followed before a vote was taken and the amendment was clearly lost.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Peter Williamson regarding recommendations 5 and 6:

“To refer decisions on recommendations 5 and 6 back to full council.”

This was not accepted as a friendly amendment by Councillor Hanson or her seconder. Councillor Edwards seconded Councillor Williamson’s amendment, which was put straight to the vote. The amendment was lost.

The Mayor called for a vote on the original proposition, which was clearly carried.

At this point Councillor Hanson proposed the exclusion of the press and public for discussion regarding recommendation 7 of the report. Councillor Pattison seconded the proposition. A vote was taken and the proposition was clearly 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 remaining business on this item, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 Schedule 12A of that Act.”

The Chief Officer (Resources), the Regeneration Manager and the Assistant Chief Executive responded to a number of Members’ questions on Appendix C of the report.

Councillor Hanson proposed:

“That recommendation 7, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillor Hughes seconded the proposition.

Councillor Peter Williamson proposed an amendment, to delete bullet point four, which read:  “Cabinet being granted delegated authority to acquire any land which is part of the Canal Quarter development, and to authorise any associated works.”

Councillor Cooper seconded the amendment. There was a short debate before a vote was taken and the amendment was lost.

Councillor Brookes then proposed an amendment, which was accepted as a friendly amendment by Councillor Hanson and Councillor Hughes. The amendment was to replace the words “any land” in bullet point 4 with the words “the two land holdings identified in Appendix C”.

A vote was then taken on the proposition to accept recommendation 7, complete with the friendly amendment, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

That Council

Development Proposals

(1)     Notes progress on the emerging draft Development Framework and the draft Consultation / Engagement Plan including the work undertaken to date by Planit;

(2)     Authorises the necessary changes to the Local Development Scheme to produce a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) with responsibility delegated to Planning Policy Cabinet Liaison Group;

Legal

(3)     Notes the proposal that Cabinet agrees  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Council please note that while the following report is public some of the appendices are exempt under Paragraph 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. Should it be necessary to refer to those appendices it is recommended that Council resolves to exclude the press and public be excluded from the meeting.

It is for Council itself to decide whether or not to consider the matter 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 informed Councillors that it was likely to be necessary to refer to information in the exempt appendices to the Executive Team Structure report and, because of this, Council was recommended to exclude the press and public from the meeting.

Councillor Clifford proposed, seconded by Councillor Rivet:

“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 paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

The Mayor took a vote and the proposition was clearly 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 paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

Referral from Cabinet.

Councillor Blamire presented a report of Cabinet seeking decisions regarding proposals developed by the Chief Executive in relation to changes to the structure of the Executive Team. The report was public, however some of the appendices were exempt under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Members asked a number of questions, which Councillor Blamire, the Chief Executive and the Interim HR Manager responded to.

Councillor Blamire, seconded by Councillor Clifford, proposed:

That Council agrees

“(1)      The implementation of the new structure as set out in the report and the Cabinet report of 3 July and to agree this includes the creation of a Legal Services Manager post.

(2)       The funding of the future operating model for the senior management team.

(3)       To authorise the Deputy Section 151 Officer to update the General Fund Revenue Budget accordingly, with upfront costs being met from the Restructuring Reserve and any continued engagement of the Interim Human Resources Manager beyond 31 July 2018 and up to 31 March 2019 be met from a combination of turnover savings and the Budget Support Reserve.”

Councillor Barry proposed an amendment, however the Mayor accepted the advice of the Monitoring Officer that the amendment negated the motion. Therefore, in accordance with Council procedure rule 17.6 (a) it could not be accepted or debated. The wording of the proposed amendment was:

Having considered the proposed restructure, council believes that the costs of directors are too high and has concerns that the Section 151 officer would not be in the management executive team (which would contradict CIPFA advice). Instead, Council instructs the chief executive to work up the details of the following proposal, bring back to Full Council and then conduct a further consultation. The new structure would be along the following lines:

Delete the legal Chief Officer post and replace with legal services manager (as proposed in original restructure)

Two Chief Officers (strategic and operational) of Communities and the Environment;

A Chief Officer of Sustainable Growth and Regeneration;

A Chief Officer of Resources and Governance. This would be the s151 officer;

The Deputy Chief Executive post to run until April 2019;

A further post to be considered if the Council decides to operate a Trading Company.

Financial implications

On 2019/20 figures, three of the Chief Officer posts above would result in savings of (£39k = £13k per post);

The discontinuation of the Deputy Chief Executive post in April 2019 would result in a saving of £100k on the proposed restructure.

The legal services manager post would cost the same as in the proposed restructure (£13k).

The new structure is less likely to result in redundancy payments.

There was a long debate on Councillor Blamire’s proposition before a vote was taken and it was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)       The implementation of the new structure as set out in the report and the Cabinet report of 3 July and to agree this includes the creation of a Legal Services Manager post.

(2)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Frea and Clifford:-

“This Council acknowledges;

·                the historic commitments made at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris toward the future of renewable energy;

·                our responsibility to help secure an environmentally sustainable future for our residents and in relation to the global effects of anthropogenic climate change.

 This Council subsequently notes that;

·                despite the Paris Agreement placing no binding commitments upon Local Government institutions, we as a Council can still play our part in the global movement towards a sustainable energy future;

·                additional benefits of the development of green industries include the potential for create well-paid, high-skilled employment locally, regionally and nationally;

·                the UK100 Agreement pledge outlines the ambition for the UK regions to exceed the Paris Climate targets through achieving 100% ‘clean energy’ usage by 2050.

 In light of this, this Council, therefore, resolves to;

·                match the ambitions of the UK100 Agreement by pledging to achieve 100% clean energy across Lancaster City Council’s Council’s full range of functions by 2050.

·                work in partnership with our residents and business community to deliver against the commitments made nationally and internationally at the 2015 Paris Summit;

·                turn these commitments into reality through developing a ‘route map’ to a sustainable future, working together with the business, educational and residential communities of Lancaster and Morecambe as part of an integrated approach to a shared sustainable future”.

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 Frea and seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

“This Council acknowledges;

·                the historic commitments made at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris toward the future of renewable energy;

·                our responsibility to help secure an environmentally sustainable future for our residents and in relation to the global effects of anthropogenic climate change.

 This Council subsequently notes that;

·                despite the Paris Agreement placing no binding commitments upon Local Government institutions, we as a Council can still play our part in the global movement towards a sustainable energy future;

·                additional benefits of the development of green industries include the potential for create well-paid, high-skilled employment locally, regionally and nationally;

·                the UK100 Agreement pledge outlines the ambition for the UK regions to exceed the Paris Climate targets through achieving 100% ‘clean energy’ usage by 2050.

 In light of this, this Council, therefore, resolves to;

·                match the ambitions of the UK100 Agreement by pledging to achieve 100% clean energy across Lancaster City Council’s Council’s full range of functions by 2050.

·                work in partnership with our residents and business community to deliver against the commitments made nationally and internationally at the 2015 Paris Summit;

·                turn these commitments into reality through developing a ‘route map’ to a sustainable future, working together with the business, educational and residential communities of Lancaster and Morecambe as part of an integrated approach to a shared sustainable future”.

An officer briefing note had been prepared to accompany the motion.

After a short debate, an amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor Hamilton-Cox, to change the date of 2050 to 2030. He asked that this be considered as a friendly amendment. Councillor Frea was happy to accept this as a friendly amendment, however Councillor Clifford, his seconder, was not.

A vote was taken on the motion, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:-

This Council acknowledges;

·                the historic commitments made at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris toward the future of renewable energy;

·                our responsibility to help secure an environmentally sustainable future for our residents and in relation to the global effects of anthropogenic climate change.

 This Council subsequently notes that;

·                despite the Paris Agreement placing no binding commitments upon Local Government institutions, we as a Council can still play our part in the global movement towards a sustainable energy future;

·                additional benefits of the development of green industries include the potential for create well-paid, high-skilled employment locally, regionally and nationally;

·                the UK100 Agreement pledge outlines the ambition for the UK regions to exceed the Paris Climate targets through achieving 100% ‘clean energy’ usage by 2050.

 In light of this, this Council, therefore, resolves to;

·                match the ambitions of the UK100 Agreement by pledging to achieve 100% clean energy across Lancaster City Council’s Council’s full range of functions by 2050.

·                work in partnership with our residents and business community to deliver against the commitments made nationally  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

To receive the Executive Annual Report from the Portfolio Holder for Property Services, Car Parking, ICT, Digital Strategy, Customer Services in accordance with Article 7.06 (j). The report was deferred from the April meeting of Council.

In accordance with Article 7.06(k), Councillor Leyshon, former Cabinet Member and portfolio holder with responsibility for Property Services, Car Parking, ICT, digital strategy and Customer Services had produced a written progress report for 2016/17 and submitted it to the April meeting of Council. The report had been deferred from that meeting, as Councillor Leyshon was unable to attend. 

Councillor Leyshon presented his annual report and answered a number of questions.

Resolved:

That the annual report of former Cabinet Member Councillor Leyshon be received.

To receive the Minutes of the Meeting of Cabinet held on 20^th March 2018.

Council considered the Cabinet minutes of the meeting held on 20 March 2018. The Leader responded to Members’ questions.

Councillor Edwards asked what efforts would be made to help tenants in receipt of Universal Credit make direct payments to their landlords to avoid rent arrears. The Chief Executive said she would provide a written answer.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox asked Councillor Hanson about the effect of the amendment she had proposed regarding the review of housing allocation policy (Cabinet Minute 86 refers). Councillor Hanson said she would provide an answer in writing.

Resolved:

That the minutes be noted.

The Leader presented her report updating Members on various issues since her last report to Council. She then responded to a number of questions from Councillors, assisted by relevant portfolio holders.

Resolved:

That the report be noted. 

Referral from Cabinet.

Council considered a report of Cabinet seeking approval from Council for “Ambitions: Our Council Plan 2018-22”.

After presenting the report, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance Management, Councillor Whitehead, responded to Members’ questions.

Councillor Whitehead, seconded by Councillor Clifford, proposed:

“(1)    That the Council Plan 2018-22 be approved, subject to the following amendments:

a)    That the word “key” be inserted before the word “parks” on page 4 of the plan under the heading “Clean, Green and Safe Neighbourhoods” in the second bullet point (to read ‘Work towards key parks and public spaces…’).

b)    That, on the same page under the same heading, the word “beaches” be inserted in the first bullet point after the word “parks” (to read ‘…neighbourhoods, parks, beaches and open space…’) and that the same amendment be made on page 9 on the first bullet point under the first heading “Our Priorites|We want to”.

c)    That on page 8 under “What success will look like by 2022”, under “Regeneration”, the bullet point “Regenerated Lancaster City and Morecambe Town Centre” be amended to read “Regenerated Lancaster City, Carnforth and Morecambe Town Centres.”

Councillor Barry proposed an amendment, which was accepted as a friendly amendment by Councillors Whitehead and Clifford:

“That, on page 11, under the heading “Clean and Green” a fifth bullet point be added to read: “A detailed plan for achieving the aims of the Climate Change motion adopted in July 2018 will be in place and initial action will have been taken to progress it.”

After a short debate, a vote was then taken on the proposition, complete with friendly amendment, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

“(1)    That the Council Plan 2018-22 be approved, subject to the following amendments:

a)    That the word “key” be inserted before the word “parks” on page 4 of the plan under the heading “Clean, Green and Safe Neighbourhoods” in the second bullet point (to read ‘Work towards key parks and public spaces…’).

b)    That, on the same page under the same heading, the word “beaches” be inserted in the first bullet point after the word “parks” (to read ‘…neighbourhoods, parks, beaches and open space…’) and that the same amendment be made on page 9 on the first bullet point under the first heading “Our Priorites|We want to”.

c)    That on page 8 under “What success will look like by 2022”, under “Regeneration”, the bullet point “Regenerated Lancaster City and Morecambe Town Centre” be amended to read “Regenerated Lancaster City, Carnforth and Morecambe Town Centres.”

d)    “That, on page 11, under the heading “Clean and Green” a fifth bullet point be added to read: “A detailed plan for achieving the aims of the Climate Change motion adopted in July 2018 will be in place and initial action will have been taken to progress it.”

Referral from Cabinet.

Cabinet submitted a report presenting the treasury management outturn for 2017/18, for Council’s information. Councillor Whitehead, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance Management presented the report.

Councillor Whitehead and the Chief Officer (Resources) responded to questions from Members.

Resolved:

That the report be noted. 

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Kevin Frea, Robert Redfern, David Whitaker and Nathan Burns.

“1) Lancaster City Council acknowledges the fantastic work carried out by children’s centres in the Lancaster district by dedicated local people and the importance of this service.  Examples include midwife sessions, parenting programmes, language development and safeguarding.  A recent Oxford University study found that by supporting parents and families, children’s centres help to mitigate the effects of disadvantage on life chances – and that by offering open-access, walk-in activities they encourage vulnerable families to take part because they do not feel there is a stigma attached to using the centres. The research, based upon interviews with parents and staff, found that preventative work with families could head off more serious problems that could otherwise lead to them needing support from social services, the NHS and other agencies.

2)  Lancaster City Council expresses its concern at the proposals by Lancashire County Council to close the Appletree Children’s Centre in Lancaster and Halton Children’s Centre in Halton as part of plans to save £1.2m as a result of Conservative Government cuts.  The council believes there is a clear risk support for and therefore also outcomes for local families will suffer if these closures go ahead.  Comments by a county council director in the local press suggest support will be delivered in other community locations and in the home.  However, this council expresses scepticism that the same level of support can be provided, notes the lack of signposting to more detailed information about this as part of the online consultation and fears these proposals appear to be underpinned more by the need to save money than the best interests of families.

3)  Lancaster City Council asks our chief executive to write to Lancashire County Council as part of the ongoing consultation, which runs until Friday 3 August, to make clear this council’s opposition to closure of children’s centres in the Lancaster district for the reasons set out in 1) and 2) and to urge the county council to reconsider these proposals.

4)  Lancaster City Council acknowledges that damaging cuts like those proposed to children’s centres are not only a result of local party political decisions, but also impossible choices being forced upon local councils of all political persuasions by the Conservative Government.  The council notes concerns raised by the Local Government Association that council children’s services departments will face a £2bn funding shortfall by 2020, putting more children and families at risk of reaching crisis point as early intervention services like children’s centres are cut.  Children’s centres were set up by a Labour Government and in 2009, there were around 3,600 centres across the country.  Since then, and coinciding with the arrival of a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition Government in 2010, an estimated 1,000 children’s centres have closed.  Accordingly, Lancaster City Council asks our chief executive to write the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, highlighting this council’s concern about the proposed children’s centre  ...  view the full agenda text for item 36.

The Deputy Mayor reminded Members that this motion had been withdrawn from the agenda by the Councillors who had submitted it.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive submitted a report advising of progress revising the Pay Policy Statement 2018-2019. 

Councillor Clifford, seconded by Councillor Pattison, proposed that the report be noted.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

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 by-elections in the Skerton West and University and Scotforth Rural wards in May 2018. The calculation did not require any changes to be made to the composition of the council’s committees.

Councillor Clifford, seconded by Councillor Peter Williamson, proposed that the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.

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

Resolved:-

 (1)    That in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act, 1989, and Part 4 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations, 1990, the City Council approves the calculations and allocation of seats set out in Appendices B and C of the report. 

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report seeking approval for an amendment to the scheme of delegation for non-executive functions recommended by the Licensing Act Committee. 

Councillor Metcalfe, seconded by Councillor Clift, proposed:

“(1)    That power to revoke a personal licence under Section 132A of the Licensing Act 2003 be delegated to the Licensing Manager where no representations have been made by the licence holder within the 28-day statutory period.

(2)     That the Monitoring Officer be asked to amend the Constitution by adding this to the scheme of delegations from the Licensing Act Committee, as set out on Appendix 1 of the report.”

A vote was then taken on the proposition, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)     That power to revoke a personal licence under Section 132A of the Licensing Act 2003 be delegated to the Licensing Manager where no representations have been made by the licence holder within the 28-day statutory period.

(2)     That the Monitoring Officer be asked to amend the Constitution by adding this to the scheme of delegations from the Licensing Act Committee, as set out on Appendix 1 of the report.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

Council was asked to consider a report of the Chief Executive regarding the appointment of Councillor Hanson, the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration to the Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID). The report noted that Councillor Hanson had taken a seat on the BID from its inception. Due to an oversight, however, the appointment had never been formally approved by Council.

Councillor Clifford, seconded by Councillor Pattison, proposed that the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.

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

Resolved:

(1)          That Members note that the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration has been unofficially appointed the Morecambe BID since the time it was established.

(2)          That Council ratifies Councillor Hanson’s appointment to the Board of the Morecambe BID, as the appropriate Cabinet Portfolio Holder, until the date of the next elections in May 2019.

Group Administrators to report any changes to Committee Membership.

The Deputy Mayor asked Group Administrators to propose any changes to Committee Memberships. It was noted that the changes proposed by Administrators had already been dealt with on Thursday 19July at the meeting of Council Business Committee.

The Deputy Mayor advised that 4 questions had been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rules.

The first, from Councillor Barry to Councillor Blamire concerned a matter relating to an ex-employee of the Council and the Monitoring Officer advised that the question and answer be taken in private as they might disclose exempt information under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

In view of the advice given, Councillor Clifford, seconded by Councillor Brayshaw, proposed that the press and public be excluded from the meeting whilst the question was dealt with. There was a short debate about the exclusion.

When the proposition was put to the vote it was clearly 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 first question on notice, on the grounds that it might involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

Members of the public left the public gallery at this point.

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 first question was from Councillor Barry to Councillor Blamire:

Given cuts in services and increases in charges for green waste and Council Tax, please can you tell me why the recently retired head of regeneration and planning was paid severance pay of £35,000 and, according to the statement of accounts, paid 2 months’ salary beyond his retirement date?

Councillor Blamire responded:

Arrangements made with the former officer concerned were cost neutral to the Council. For garden waste, we expect the income in 2018/19 to be £960,000, an increase of £214,000 on 2017/18.

Councillor Barry was not satisfied with the answer to his question. He asked whether the Monitoring Officer felt it was remotely justifiable to give £35k in this manner?

The Monitoring Officer informed Council that he was not in post at the time this payment was made.

Councillor Barry asked for the opinion of the Monitoring Officer and the Section 151 officer in post at the time to be provided to council. At this point, Councillor Edwards also expressed dissatisfaction with the answer provided.

The second question was from Councillor Caroline Jackson to Councillor Blamire:

“Could you explain why it takes 8 weeks to recruit new staff including casual staff for jobs such as serving in our cafes?”

Councillor Blamire replied:

Recruitment is a key process for the Council, which needs to be carried out appropriately to ensure that the Council selects the right people for roles. Regardless of whether the Council is appointing into an established post or a casual vacancy, a number of steps need to be completed prior to the new appointee commencing work.

These include:

·         Vacancies normally being advertised for a period of two weeks, to ensure a good number of applicants;

·         Applicants being short listed and invited to attend an interview;

·         Relevant pre-placement checks being completed prior to start date, to ensure that the selected applicant is able to carry out the role;

·         The appointee serving notice with their existing employer (as applicable).

Councillor Jackson’s supplementary question was about two ice-cream vans belonging to the Council which were not being used during the current heatwave, because the council could not manage to recruit casual staff. She asked when Cabinet were going to set priorities.

Councillor Blamire told Councillor Jackson that she was a member of the Personnel Committee and could ask the question there. She then said Councillor Jackson should ask the questions of the HR department, not her.

At this point, Councillor Hughes asserted that the ice-cream vans had been in use, staffed by existing employees of the Council and had been in operation at both Regent Park and Williamson Park.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox asked a question of Councillor Whitehead:

As things stand, will the Ridge Community Centre be funded from either the general fund or housing revenue accounts in 2019/20?

Councillor Whitehead replied:

In terms of base budget projections for 2019/20, the Housing Revenue Account currently has provision for £29,700 regarding the Ridge Community Centre. It is worth remembering that this projection  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

To receive the Minutes of Meetings of Cabinet held on 24^th April, 15^th May, 26^th June and the 3^rd July 2018. 

Council considered the Cabinet minutes of the meetings 24 April, 15 May, 26 June and 3 July 2018. Cabinet Members responded to Members’ questions.

Resolved:

That the minutes be noted.