Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor and Councillors Matt Black, Phil Black, Martin Bottoms, Andrew Gardiner and Grace Russell.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on 26 February 2025 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2025 were signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

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. 

No declarations of interest were made.

The Deputy Mayor reminded Councillors of the recent death of former Lancaster City Councillor Peter Williamson, who had passed away suddenly on 25 February 2024.

Peter had been a City Councillor for the Upper Lune Valley ward for twelve years from 2007 to 2019. He was also leader of the Conservative group on the City Council for eight years.

Councillors’ thoughts were with Peter’s wife, County Councillor Phillippa Willamson, and the rest of his family. 

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

The Deputy Mayor made a second announcement to inform Councillors that the Labour Group Leader was now Councillor Jason Wood, the Deputy Leader was still Councillor Jean Parr.

He then reminded Councillors of an ICT training day taking place on Wednesday 19^th March. Information had been circulated to all members. 

Finally, the Deputy Mayor made a personal announcement to express his thanks to Councillors and Officers for their support whilst he had been chairing Council meetings during the Mayor’s absence due to illness. He hoped that the Mayor would be back in the Chair for her last full Council meeting in April.

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 Deputy Mayor advised that no questions had been received from members of the public in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11.

The Deputy Mayor informed Councillors that no petitions and addresses had been received.

The Leader presented her report updating Members on various issues since her last report to Council. She then responded to numerous questions from Councillors, with Councillor Wilkinson also responding on matters to do with progress on Transport and Parking for the Eden Project. Councillor Dowding responded to a question regarding battery run trains.

In response to a request from Councillor Belcher, it was agreed that Councillors would receive information from officers on progress with Eden.

Resolved:

That the report be noted. 

Report of People and Organisational Development Committee.

Published 7 March 2025.

The Deputy Mayor informed Councillors that, since they all had an interest in the Pay Policy, Officers would leave the Chamber for the duration of the following item of business.

Councillor Professor Harris, Chair of the People and Organisational Development Committee, presented a report of the Committee seeking approval for the Pay Policy Statement 2025/26 before dealing with questions and proposing:

“That the Pay Policy Statement for 2025-2026 be approved.”

The proposition was seconded by Councillor Wood.

Following a short debate a vote was taken on the proposition.

Resolved unanimously:

That the Pay Policy Statement for 2025-2026 be approved.

Report of Local Government Reorganisation Working Group

Published 7 March 2025.

Councillor Caroline Jackson, as Chair of the Local Government Reorganisation Working Group provided Council with an update report from the Group. She then responded to questions from Councillors, with the Chief Executive responding to questions on technical issues.

Councillor Caroline Jackson agreed to circulate the interim response letter to all Councillors.

The report was for noting.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Group Administrators to report any changes to Committee Membership.  

One change to committee memberships was reported by the Green group. Councillor Maddocks had been replaced on the Planning Regulatory Committee by Councillor Fish.

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 Deputy Mayor advised Councillors that no questions had been submitted.