Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Darren Clifford and Cary Matthews. It was noted that Councillor Lucie Carrington was taking parental leave.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on 30 September, 5 November and 8 December 2020 (previously circulated). 

It was proposed by Councillor Redfern, seconded by Councillor Wood and agreed unanimously that the minutes of the meetings held on 30 September, 5 November and 8 December 2020 be accepted as a correct record.

It was noted that the minutes would be signed by the Mayor when the minute book was available.

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 made at this stage of the meeting.

Report of the Director of Corporate Services on Executive Arrangements. (This report was published on 14 December 2020).

The Mayor informed Council that he had accepted one item of urgent business regarding changes to executive arrangements, which was simply for noting. The urgent business item would be taken immediately before the Leaders’ report, as it was directly related to the content of her report.

The Mayor announced the winner of the recent competition to design a poster to promote public health related to Covid-19. The winner was Florence Stephenson from Arkholme Primary School.  

He also announced that the annual “design the Mayor’s Christmas card” competition had been won by Krystal Graham from Skerton St Lukes Primary School. He gave his congratulations to both worthy winners.

The Mayor informed Councillors that he would be re-ordering the agenda slightly to allow a public speaker, in attendance for item 14, to make her speech and hear the item promptly. Item 14 would therefore be moved up the agenda and taken before the urgent business item.

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.

There was a five minute adjournment at this point, due to technical difficulties. The meeting resumed when the public speaker was able to be heard.

Ms Meg Lounds, local resident and member of the Peoples’ Jury on Climate Change addressed Council over the telephone. A copy of her address had been published with the agenda.

Councillor Frea, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, thanked Ms Lounds and all the members of the Peoples’ Jury for the time they had contributed and the enthusiasm they shown. He responded to Ms Lounds’ address.

Report of Director for Communities and Environment.

Councillor Frea, Cabinet member for Climate Action, introduced a report of the Director for Communities and Environment presenting the outcomes of the Peoples’ Jury and recommending further steps.

The report was for noting. There were supportive comments from Councillors before the Mayor asked that the report and recommendations be noted.

Resolved:

(1)     That Council notes the outcomes of the People’s Jury.

(2)     That Council thanks the residents of our District who were members of the People’s Jury for their contribution.

(3)     That Council notes that Cabinet will engage with our communities and local organisations to develop a response and action plans to address the recommendations from the People’s Jury.

(4)     That the response and action plans are reported back to Council for noting.

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report informing Council of changes made by the Leader to Cabinet membership and portfolios.

The report set out the new portfolio areas as follows:

Cllr Dr Erica Lewis – Leader

Cllr Janice Hanson – Deputy Leader/Economic Regeneration & Planning

Cllr Anne Whitehead – Finance & Resources

Cllr Janice Hanson – Economic Regeneration & Planning

Cllr Tim Hamilton-Cox – Sustainable Economic Prosperity

Cllr Merv Evans – Economic Recovery & Resilience

Cllr Jean Parr – Arts, Culture, Leisure & Wellbeing

Cllr Caroline Jackson – Housing

Cllr Dave Brookes – Natural Environment

Cllr Gina Dowding – Sustainable Neighbourhoods

Cllr Kevin Frea – Climate Action

The reason for urgency was that these new arrangements would be referred to in the Leader’s report which followed this item.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

To receive the Cabinet Leader’s report on proceedings since the last meeting of Council.  (This report was published on 15 December 2020.)

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.

Resolved:

That the report be noted. 

Report of Cabinet.

Councillor Whitehead, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented a Cabinet report seeking Council’s decision on whether to retain the existing Localised Council Tax Support (LCTS) Scheme in its present format for application in 2021/22.

Councillor Whitehead, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox, proposed:

“(1)    That Option (1) in the report, the retention of the existing Localised Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme for 2021/22, subject to minor consequential amendments to match changes in Housing Benefit rules, be approved.

(2)     That the S151 Officer be authorised to finalise and publish the Council’s approved Scheme for 2021/22 and make all other necessary arrangements for its implementation in the next financial year.”

After some indications that the proposition would not be unanimous, a roll-call vote was taken on the proposition, which was clearly carried with 40 votes ‘for’, 8 votes ‘against’ and 7 abstentions.

Resolved:

(1)     That Option (1) in the report, the retention of the existing Localised Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme for 2021/22, subject to minor consequential amendments to match changes in Housing Benefit rules, be approved.

(2)     That the S151 Officer be authorised to finalise and publish the Council’s approved Scheme for 2021/22 and make all other necessary arrangements for its implementation in the next financial year.

Report of Cabinet (to follow). This report was published on 11 December 2020.

Councillor Whitehead presented a Cabinet report updating Members on the Council’s financial position to help inform the development of corporate planning and budget proposals.

There were no questions and the report was simply for noting.

Resolved:

That Council notes:

(1)               The revised budgetary position 2020/21 which is fixed for future monitoring purposes.

(2)          The draft future years estimates as set out in the report as the latest information available, accepting that this is an interim position.

Report of Cabinet.

Councillor Whitehead introduced a Cabinet report seeking Council’s approval of a Procurement Strategy for 2020-2024.

Councillor Whitehead responded to a question from a Councillor before proposing:

“That the Procurement Strategy for 2020-2024 be adopted.”

The proposition was seconded by Councillor Reynolds and debate followed.  As a number of members indicated that they wished to abstain, a roll-call vote was required. The proposition was clearly carried with 39 Councillors voting ‘for’, no Councillors voting ‘against’ and 16 abstentions.

Resolved:

That the Procurement Strategy for 2020-2024 be adopted.

The required notice has been given to the Chief Executive of the following motion, to be proposed by Councillor Dowding and seconded by Councillor Bannon:-

Lancaster City Council

(i) acknowledges the efforts that this council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote and install renewable energy as part of its intention to become net -zero carbon,  particularly since its Declaration of a Climate Emergency in January 2019.

(ii) further recognises  

·       that very large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being nearly impossible for local renewable electricity generators to do so, 

·       that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of a renewable electricity supplier’s operation would enable and empower new local businesses in Lancaster and Lancashire, or councils such as the existing Lancaster City Council or any successors, to more easily be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local customers, and

·       that revenues received by new local renewable electricity providers could be used to help improve the local economy, local services and facilities and to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions;

(iii) accordingly resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, supported by 187 MPs which, if made law, would establish a Right to Local Supply which would promote local renewable electricity supply companies and co-operatives by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply operation; and

(iv) further resolves to  

·       inform the local media of this decision,

·       write to local MPs, asking them to support the Bill, and write to the organisers of the campaign for the Bill, Power for People, (at 8 Delancey Passage, Camden, London NW1 7NN or info@powerforpeole.org.uk) expressing its support.

An officer briefing note is enclosed.

During this item, a number of declarations of interest were made. Councillor Caroline Jackson declared an ‘other’ interest as  a director of MORE renewables; Councillor Frea declared a non-prejudicial ‘other’ interest as a director of Halton Lune Hydro; Councillor Brookes declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) as a shareholder in Morecambe Bay Community Renewables, and Councillor Greenall declared that he would not take part in the vote, due to being in receipt of a pension from an electricity company.

The following motion of which notice had been given to the Chief Executive in accordance with the Constitution was moved by Councillor Dowding and seconded by Councillor Bannon:-

“Lancaster City Council

(i)             acknowledges the efforts that this council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote and install renewable energy as part of its intention to become net -zero carbon, particularly since its Declaration of a Climate Emergency in January 2019.

(ii)            further recognises

·       that very large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being nearly impossible for local renewable electricity generators to do so,

·       that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of a renewable electricity supplier’s operation would enable and empower new local businesses in Lancaster and Lancashire, or councils such as the existing Lancaster City Council or any successors, to more easily be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local customers, and

·       that revenues received by new local renewable electricity providers could be used to help improve the local economy, local services and facilities and to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions;

(iii)           accordingly resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, supported by 187 MPs which, if made law, would establish a Right to Local Supply which would promote local renewable electricity supply companies and co-operatives by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply operation; and

(iv)           further resolves to

·       inform the local media of this decision,

·       write to local MPs, asking them to support the Bill, and write to the organisers of the campaign for the Bill, Power for People, (at 8 Delancey Passage, Camden, London NW1 7NN or info@powerforpeole.org.uk) expressing its support.”

An officer briefing note was included with the agenda.

As the Mayor was about to move the meeting into debate, he lost connection for a few minutes. Councillor Joan Jackson, Deputy Mayor was invited to take the Chair, however Councillor Joan Jackson also lost connection. The Mayor then rejoined the meeting and continued in the Chair.

During debate, there were indications that at least one Member wished to abstain from voting, therefore the Mayor called for a roll-call vote to be taken at the conclusion of the debate.

The motion was clearly carried with 40 Members in favour and 11 abstentions.

Resolved:-

Lancaster City Council

(i)             acknowledges the efforts that this council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote and install renewable energy as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

The required notice has been given to the Chief Executive of a motion set out in full on the agenda papers enclosed, to be proposed by Councillor Dant and seconded by Councillors Wood and Young.

A briefing note is included at the end the motion.

Councillor Dant proposed the following motion having given the required notice to the Chief Executive in accordance with the Council’s Constitution:-

“This Council believes that everyone in society should be able to afford the basics. No one should be left in destitution or forced to use a foodbank and so, this Council resolves:

(1)   To join the network of UBI Labs and seek Government support for a UBI pilot study in the District.

(2)   That the Chief Executive write on behalf of Lancaster City Council to: the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Prime Minister, and the leaders of all political parties in parliament, all Lancaster MPs, and to Lancashire County Council saying the following:

a)    That the current benefit system, in particular Universal Credit, is failing Lancaster District citizens and causing serious financial hardship and debt;

b)    The Covid-19 crisis has increased the numbers of people facing poverty4 which, without adequate government support for local communities, will continue to increase.

c)     Given its history of social innovation, wealth of expertise, and active networks across community, business and public services, Lancaster is ideally placed to pilot a UBI.

d)    The success of a UBI pilot should not be measured only by impact upon take-up of paid work, but also the impact upon communities and what the people within them do, how they feel, and how they relate to others and the environment around them.”

Councillor Wood seconded the motion, which had been accompanied by a briefing note on the agenda.

Councillor Dant responded to questions and debate followed.

At the conclusion of the debate it was necessary to take a roll-call vote. With 37 Members voting ‘for’, 13 voting ‘against’ and 4 abstentions, the motion was clearly carried.

Resolved:-

This Council believes that everyone in society should be able to afford the basics. No one should be left in destitution or forced to use a foodbank and so, this Council resolves:

(1)    To join the network of UBI Labs and seek Government support for a UBI pilot study in the District.

(2)   That the Chief Executive write on behalf of Lancaster City Council to: the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Prime Minister, and the leaders of all political parties in parliament, all Lancaster MPs, and to Lancashire County Council saying the following:

a)    That the current benefit system, in particular Universal Credit, is failing Lancaster District citizens and causing serious financial hardship and debt;

b)    The Covid-19 crisis has increased the numbers of people facing poverty4 which, without adequate government support for local communities, will continue to increase.

c)     Given its history of social innovation, wealth of expertise, and active networks across community, business and public services, Lancaster is ideally placed to pilot a UBI.

d)    The success of a UBI pilot should not be measured only by impact upon take-up of paid work, but also the impact upon communities and what the people  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

Report of the Chief Finance Officer.

Councillor Whitehead presented a report submitted by the Chief Finance Officer regarding the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review 2020/21. The report sought Council’s consideration of various matters in connection with the review.

The report was for noting.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

A report had been submitted by the Head of Democratic Services providing a recalculation of political balance on the Council, following a change to the Council’s political make-up. The necessary adjustments to committee seats had been circulated and informally agreed prior to the meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Wood and seconded by Councillor Dant:-

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

There was no debate or dissent and the proposal was carried unanimously.

Resolved unanimously:

(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 the report.

(2)   That the necessary adjustments to effect the new calculation, as circulated, be agreed.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

The Head of Democratic Services had submitted a report to enable Council to consider appointing the City Council’s Director, Communities and Environment, Mr Mark Davies, as the Council’s Returning Officer with immediate effect.

The Returning Officer, currently the Council’s Chief Executive, would not be available for the date of the scheduled elections in 2020, therefore Council was asked to appoint another senior officer to the position.

Councillor Whitehead, whose portfolio included Democratic Services, introduced the report and responded to questions. The Head of Democratic Services clarified that this appointment would cover the major elections scheduled for May 2021, however there were currently no scheduled elections for May 2022.

Councillor Whitehead, seconded by Councillor Barber, proposed:

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

There was no debate or dissent and the proposition was carried unanimously.

Resolved unanimously:

(1)   That Council appoints Mr Mark Davies, Director, Communities and the Environment to the role of Returning Officer with immediate effect.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

The Leader of the Council introduced a report seeking a nomination for the seat on Lancashire’s Police and Crime Panel formerly held by Councillor Sinclair. She proposed Councillor Parr, since Councillor Parr’s portfolio now included Community Safety.

Councillor Hartley seconded the nomination and there was no dissent, therefore no requirement for a roll-call vote.

The Mayor declared Councillor Parr appointed. 

Resolved unanimously:

(1)   That Council appoints Councillor Parr, Cabinet Member Arts, Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, to the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel.

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 Mayor advised that one question had been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rules. The question was from Councillor Dant to Councillor Whitehead, the portfolio holder for Finance and Resources, as follows:

In the light of the November statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will the Portfolio Holder for Finance suspend the current Property Investment Strategy and revise the Capital Investment Strategy to remove investment in commercial property for yield?

Councillor Whitehead responded:

The City Council is focussed on a short, mid and long term approach aiming to:

-          Bring forward initiatives and activities that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits for Lancaster City Council’s community

-          Ensure we have a secure, short, mid and long term strategy for funding valuable and valued council services and amenities for that community

-          Reflect an appropriate balance of risk and opportunity, given the national pressures on local finances and our community, to ensure we have a diversified income, investment and funding approach which is fit for a context of fluctuating, diminishing central government allocations.

Regarding the Capital Programme and broader investment strategy, it is vital that we continue agreed strategic activities to achieve the three outcomes above. Otherwise we are unlikely to have the stable income necessary to deliver the range of quality local services and amenities that make Lancaster City Council’s area a great place to live. The Capital Programme also contains a range of works which are vital to addressing deep rooted challenges in local housing and communities, futureproofing and addressing blight in the local economy and delivering our climate change commitments. These plans  will, of course, be iterative, with officers and portfolio holders working together to align investment and action with the Cabinet and Council’s identified priorities, and accessing opportunities presented by partners. The most recent work in moving towards an Outcomes-based resourcing approach (OBR), and ongoing work to translate the SDGs into a local decision tool is also enabling us to align this work with our 2020 thematic priorities of the climate emergency, community wealth building and community engagement.  

On the specific point of PWLB borrowing, we have established three urgent work items regarding this:

1)      A technical clarification of the announcements made by government, and we will be working with other authorities and experts on securing it;

2)      An assessment of impacts on short and mid-term schemes, where PWLB was a core part of their financing, looking at alternative sources where the benefits of  a scheme in achieving the three thematic priorities are clear; and

3)      An update to our regularly reviewed capital programme and investment strategies and plans, to reflect any changes and to put in place a more comprehensive, risk-based approach to accessing and utilising diversified income, investment and funding sources

A task and finish group of officers from Economic Development, Property and Finance sponsored by our Directors of Economy and Corporate Services has been set up to do this.

To halt work due to Covid, beyond  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

To receive the minutes of four meetings of Cabinet held on 15 September, 6 and 27 of October and 5 November. 

Council noted the Cabinet minutes of the meetings held on 15 September, 6 and 27 October and 5 November 2020. 

Resolved:

That the minutes be noted.

Group Administrators to report any changes to Committee Membership.  

The Mayor noted that changes had been made to the composition of Committees due to the recalculation of political balance (minute 84 refers). The new memberships had all been circulated by Democratic Services prior to the meeting and the full list would be appended to the minutes for clarity.